Mold and mildew are like fungus siblings: they can look alike, and both thrive in warm and moist areas. However, there are significant differences between the two, and it’s crucial for you and your tenants to understand these differences to keep your Odessa rental properties clean and safe. By learning how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew, you can prevent a little problem from becoming a costly issue.
There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, and most are not considered toxic or poisonous. However, renters often do not know much about them or how to identify them. Mildew, for example, is a common surface fungus that often appears flat and powdery, typically gray, or white. It is frequently found in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. Mildew can smell bad, especially if allowed to grow over time. Fortunately, mildew can usually be removed quite easily with a bleach solution and a scrub brush.
Identifying and Addressing Toxic Mold in Rental Properties
Mold on the other hand, is usually more invasive and significantly harder to eradicate. Mold tends to hide in walls and ceilings, particularly in areas with high humidity or water damage, making mold hard to spot. A mold problem is often first noticed by its musty smell, a persistent foul odor. Another telltale sign is the color—mold can be found in blacks, greens, and even reds and may appear fuzzy or slimy.
The most concerning type of mold is toxic mold, especially Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra), a greenish-black mold that tends to grow on materials like fiberboard, gypsum board, and paper. This type of mold requires constant moisture to grow, which means it usually appears after significant water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding.
While not everyone experiences negative effects from toxic mold, 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 takes hold, getting rid of it can be extremely difficult and expensive. While hard surfaces can often be cleaned with bleach, items like carpets, wallboards, and furniture with mold will likely need to be completely replaced.
That’s why it’s critical to catch any potential problems early. When it comes to mold problems, your first line of defense is tenant education. It’s essential to help your tenants understand how to prevent mildew and mold growth in their homes.
Unfortunately, mold can be tricky to detect early on. That’s why every rental home’s routine maintenance should include regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold. If water leaks, condensation, or signs of flooding are found, these issues must be addressed immediately to minimize the growth of mold. If mold is found in your rental home, it indicates a problem with water or moisture that goes beyond just cleaning—those conditions must be resolved to prevent mold from returning.
When you hire Real Property Management Tampa St Pete, you gain access to a wide range of services, including regular inspections and comprehensive checks designed to catch issues before they escalate into larger problems. Our team of experts will help you identify and prevent the spread of mold and mildew in your Odessa rental properties and ensure you’re aware of any risks and remedies. Contact us online or call us at813-445-46000 to keep your property clean and safe.
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