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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, both types of fungus, thrive in warm and moist areas like rental properties. To keep your property clean and safe, you need to know how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew and prevent a little problem from becoming a major issue.

 

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 on the other hand, is more invasive and much harder to get rid of. It often hides in walls and ceilings, especially in places affected by high humidity or water damage, which can make mold hard to spot. The first sign of a mold problem is usually a musty smell. Mold may look fuzzy or sometimes slimy and come in various colors, such as black, green, or red.

 

The most dangerous type of mold is toxic mold, specifically Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as Stachybotrys atra, a greenish-black mold. This type of mold thrives in constantly damp areas, often following significant water damage, water leaks, or condensation, 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, it can be difficult and expensive to eliminate. While some surfaces can be cleaned with bleach, other materials, like carpets and drywall, will often need to be completely replaced.

 

Preventing mold growth begins with early detection. It’s essential to educate tenants about mold problems and teach them how to mitigate mildew and mold growth in their units.

Additionally, regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold should be part of your rental home’s routine maintenance. Any signs of water leaks, condensation, or flooding should be addressed immediately to minimize the growth of mold. If mold is found in your rental home, it usually indicates a larger problem with water or moisture that needs immediate attention in addition to cleaning the property.

 

When you hire Real Property Management Reimagined, you’ll take advantage of our many services, including regular evaluations and comprehensive checks designed to catch and identify problem areas before they become catastrophic. Our team of experts can help you prevent the spread of mold and mildew in your Dunwoody rental homes and ensure that you are informed of the risks and remedies involved. Contact us online or call us directly at 470-945-4686.

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