Mold and mildew are both types of fungus that thrive in warm and moist areas, often mistaken for one another. However, there are important distinctions between the two that both you and your tenants must understand to keep your Idaho Falls rental properties clean and safe. Learning how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew can help you prevent a little problem from escalating into a costly disaster.
There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. Your renter may not be familiar with the differences, what these substances look like, or what actions to take if they encounter them. Mildew, for instance, is a common surface fungus that is typically flat and powdery, often appearing gray or white. It frequently develops in bathrooms and other areas that are consistently damp. Mildew can smell unpleasant, especially if allowed to grow unchecked, but it 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, tends to be more invasive and significantly harder to get rid of. It often hides in walls and ceilings, particularly in areas with high humidity or water damage, making it difficult to spot. Typically, the first sign of a mold problem is the smell—mold smells musty, emitting a persistent, foul odor. Visual clues can also reveal mold, which may appear in various colors, including blacks, greens, and reds. It may look fuzzy or even slimy at times.
Toxic mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra), is a greenish-black mold that grows on materials such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, and lint. It requires constant moisture to develop, typically following significant water damage, high humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding. While not everyone gets 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 takes hold in your property, removing it can be both difficult and expensive. Hard surfaces can often be cleaned with bleach, but items such as carpets, wallboards, cabinets, and furniture that have mold will usually need to be replaced entirely. This makes catching any potential mold problems early on crucial.
The first line of defense against mold problems is your renter. Educating tenants on how to mitigate mildew and mold growth is one of the most effective ways to prevent mold issues. However, because mold can be difficult to detect, you may not always notice the early warning signs. That’s why routine maintenance of every rental home should include regular checks for water damage and mold. If water leaks, condensation, or flooding are discovered, they should be addressed immediately to minimize the risk of mold growth.
If mold is found in your rental home, it indicates a significant problem with water or moisture that must be rectified. Simply cleaning the property will not be sufficient if the underlying conditions that encouraged mold growth remain unaddressed.
When you hire Real Property Management Southeast Idaho, you’ll gain access to our wide range of services, including regular property evaluations and comprehensive checks that can identify problem areas before they become serious. Our expert team can help prevent the spread of mold and mildew in your Idaho Falls rental properties, ensuring you’re fully informed about the risks and solutions available. Contact us online or call us directly at 208-522-2400.
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