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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 being types of fungus, often thrive in warm and moist areas, especially in rental homes. Keeping your Columbia rental properties clean and safe is crucial to prevent mold and mildew from spreading. Knowing how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew can help you prevent a little problem from turning into a major issue.

There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. However, tenants may not recognize mold or mildew, how they appear, or what actions to take when they find it. Mildew, a common surface fungus, is usually gray or white in color, typically flat and powdery. It tends to develop in bathrooms and other areas that are frequently damp. It can also emit a bad odor if left to grow. Thankfully, 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 often much more invasive and harder to get rid of. It can grow undetected in walls and ceilings, especially in places with high humidity or water damage, making mold hard to spot. The first sign of a mold problem is typically a musty smell. Mold smells musty and is persistent. The color of mold can also vary, appearing in blacks, greens, or even reds. Mold may also look fuzzy or sometimes slimy.

Toxic mold, particularly Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra), is a greenish-black mold that thrives on materials like fiberboard and paper. This type of mold requires constant moisture to grow, often occurring after significant water damage or water leaks, and can even result from 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

Addressing mold once it has spread can be difficult and expensive. While hard surfaces can be cleaned with bleach, items like carpets, wallboards, or cabinets with mold will need to be completely replaced.

For this reason, catching any potential problems early is critical. Tenants are key in preventing mold problems; educating them on how to mitigate mildew and mold growth is the best first step.

Because mold can grow unnoticed, it’s vital that every rental home’s routine maintenance includes regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold. If issues like water leaks, condensation, or flooding are discovered, they must be resolved to minimize the growth of mold. If mold is found in your rental home, there is likely an underlying problem with water or moisture that needs to be fixed. Simply cleaning the property won’t be enough if the root cause is not addressed.

When you work with Real Property Management Midlands, we offer services like routine inspections and thorough assessments that can detect mold and mildew issues before they escalate. Our team of professionals ensures that your Columbia rental homes are protected and free from these risks. Contact us online or call 803-403-8838 to learn more.

 

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