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Mildew or Toxic Mold: What’s Hiding in Your Bathroom

A woman scrubs a bathtub with a sponge to prevent mildew or mold.
Mold and mildew, two types of fungus, thrive in warm and moist areas like Cartersville rental properties. Keeping these properties clean and safe is crucial to prevent health issues and costly damage. Understanding how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew can prevent a little problem from becoming a bigger one.

 

There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. And chances are that your renter doesn’t know much about mold or mildew, what it looks like, or what to do if they find it. Mildew, for example, is a common surface fungus that usually looks gray or white. It is typically flat and powdery, often collecting in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. It can smell bad, especially if allowed to grow long. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily by the tenant with a bleach solution and a scrub brush.

Identifying and Addressing Toxic Mold in Rental Properties

Mold is more invasive than mildew and far harder to get rid of. Mold tends to grow in walls and ceilings, especially in areas with high humidity or water damage, making it hard to spot. The first sign of a mold problem is usually its odor, as mold smells musty. It can also appear fuzzy or sometimes slimy, in colors like black, green, or red.

 

The most dangerous form of mold is toxic mold, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as Stachybotrys atra. This greenish-black mold develops after significant water damage, condensation, or water leaks, and it needs constant moisture to grow, the  Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that some people may experience physical symptoms after exposure to this strain of mold, including respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, infections, and even asthma.

Preventing Mold Growth Through Regular Maintenance and Tenant Education

Once mold becomes established, it can be difficult and expensive to remove. While some surfaces can be cleaned with bleach, porous items like carpets and cabinets usually need to be completely replaced.

 

The best strategy is to catch any potential problems early. Inform tenants about mold problems and how they can mitigate mildew and mold growth in their living areas.

 

Include checks for evidence of water damage and mold in your rental home’s routine maintenance. Any signs of water leaks, condensation, or excessive moisture should be addressed immediately to minimize the growth of mold. If mold is found in your rental home, it often signals a deeper problem with water or moisture that requires immediate attention, beyond just cleaning the property.

 

With the help of Real Property Management NC East, you can protect your New Bern rental property from mold and mildew. Contact us or call 252-298-5151 for more information.

 

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