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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 are two types of fungus that thrive in warm and moist areas, making rental properties particularly vulnerable. Keeping your Dahlonega properties clean and safe from these issues is essential. Learning how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew can help you prevent a little problem from turning into a significant expense.

 

There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. But mildew is a common surface fungus that typically appears flat and powdery. It often grows in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily using a bleach solution and a scrub brush.

Identifying and Addressing Toxic Mold in Rental Properties

On the other hand, mold tends to be more invasive and much harder to get rid of. It frequently grows in walls and ceilings, particularly in areas with high humidity or water damage, which makes mold hard to spot. The first sign of a mold problem is usually its smell—mold smells musty. Mold may appear fuzzy or sometimes slimy, with colors ranging from black to green or even red.

 

Toxic mold or Stachybotrys chartarum (also called Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold that often grows on materials like fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, and lint. It requires constant moisture to grow. This type of mold usually occurs after significant water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding. While not everyone will get sick 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 has established itself, it can be difficult and expensive to remove. While some surfaces can be cleaned with bleach, others, like carpets or wallboards, must often be completely replaced.

 

To avoid high repair costs, it’s crucial to catch any potential problems early. Educating tenants on how to recognize mold problems and how to mitigate mildew and mold growth can make a significant difference.

 

Routine inspections are also vital. Regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold should be part of your rental home’s routine maintenance. Any water leaks or condensation should be fixed promptly to minimize the growth of mold. If mold is found in your rental home, it likely indicates a serious problem with water or moisture that must be addressed beyond simply cleaning the property.

 

When you hire Real Property Management Stellar, 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 Dahlonega rental homes and ensure that you are informed of the risks and remedies involved. Contact us online or call us directly at 404-375-4639.

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