Signs Of Mold In Apartment
This may surprise you: there are mold spores in your apartment already! The tiny spores float through the air both indoors and out. They can get into your apartment through open windows or by hitching a ride on your or your pet.
Fortunately, mold spores only grow indoors when they land on surfaces that provide the right environment for them.
The symptoms of mold in your apartment can be subtle if the affected area is small or dramatic if the mold has spread. Here are a few telltale signs to look for:
- Your apartment smells like mildew or has an earthy, musty odor.
- You notice signs of water damage like stains or bulging drywall.
- You have physical symptoms of sensitivity to mold like a stuffy nose, watery eyes, coughing or trouble breathing.
- Your apartment has visible signs of mold growing on surfaces.
Where Does Mold Grow
Mold can grow on any surface that is kept wet or damp, such as a drywall, wood, tiles, or rugs.
In New York City, common sources of a mold problem are:
- leaky pipes or radiators
- broken or poorly sealed windows
- a damaged roof
- a damaged or deteriorated section of brickwork or the buildings facade
- water coming from a neighboring apartment
- air ducts
- poor ventilation, especially in a bathroom
- standing water
- flooding
When mold develops on a consistently wet surface, it will grow into a musty, mildewy-smelling orange or black yuck that will likely be recognizable as mold. However, the mold may be coming from an area that is covered or hidden, such as a vent underneath a refrigerator, radiator, or sink or behind a wall that is tiled.
Typesof Mold Youll Find In Apartments
There are many varieties of mold and its important to know about them so that you can protect yourself.
Here are some common types of mold and where youll find them in your home.
- Alternaria. This is a common type of allergenic mold. Its a bit like velvet in texture with brown and green hairs, and youll find it in damp spots in the home, such as in bathtubs and showers. It spreads quickly and exposure to it can cause asthma-like symptoms.
- Aureobasidium is allergenic mold thats found on painted surfaces, wooden surfaces, and behind wallpaper. It can be brown, black, or pink, but it tends to become a dark brown when its been present for a while. It can cause skin rashes, as well as infections of the nails, skin, and eyes.
- Cladosporium can grow in cold and warm conditions, and youre likely to find it in indoor materials like fabrics and carpets, or even inside cupboards. Its green or brown in color, and looks like suede. It can cause infections such as those related to the lungs, skin, and sinuses.
- Stachybotrys, otherwise known as black mold, is black or dark green in color and looks slimy. Its found in wet areas that have high humidity, so you might find it in bathrooms. It can also be found on materials such as paper, wicker, and wood. It can cause fatigue, depression, sinusitis and difficulty breathing. Its especially dangerous to children. Black mold is one of the most serious kinds of mold.
In addition, always protect your eyes, noise, and mouth from mold spores.
Read Also: Mold Ceiling Bathroom
What Causes Black Mold In Air Vents And Ducts
Mold in air ducts most commonly occurs when there is moisture inside the ductwork. As cool air flows through the vents on hot days, the moisture in the air can condense inside the air vent. You can see the same principle at work when you drink an icy beverage, and water beads up on the outside of the glass. When moisture is present, mold can flourish inside vents. The mildew can be introduced into the vents in several ways.
Mold spores are generally air borne, or spread through air. Spores can enter the duct work by simply blowing in from another area of the home, or from outside. The conditions need to be right for the spores to develop, however. A single mould spore can blow inside your home and begin to develop into a colony if the conditions are right. Warmer, moist environments are ideal for mildew spores to grow.
Act Now and Remove Mold from your HomeCall a Professional Mold Remediation Specialist or Get Up to 4 Quotes Now.
Moisture: Investigating And Solving Problems
Mould will grow indoors if moisture is present. Moisture problems in homes may result from:
- daily activities such as showering or bathing, washing clothes or cooking, if exhaust fans are not working properly or are not used
- infiltration of water from the outside when there are cracks or leaks in the foundation, floor, walls or roof
- plumbing leaks
- moisture condensation on cold surfaces
- flooding due to weather conditions
- inadequate ventilation.
Moisture indoors accumulates when it cannot be vented outside and becomes a problem when building materials become damp or wet.
Moisture problems are preventable.
Unless the cause of the moisture problem has been identified and solved, mould will reappear. Once the moisture problem and its causes have been identified, they must be fixed. To prevent future problems, measures should be put in place to control sources of moisture in your home, for example:
- Ensure rain, irrigation water and snowmelt drain away from the house by sloping the grade away from the building.
- Keep eavestroughs and downspouts clean of debris and ensure that the outflow runs away from the house and not into neighbouring foundations.
- Repair plumbing leaks promptly.
- Use exhaust fans, ventilation and air conditioning systems to vent moisture outdoors.
- Use moisture tolerant materials in areas likely to get wet .
Run a dehumidifier in damp areas such as basements or if you observe that moisture is condensing on cold surfaces such as window panes.
Also Check: What Kills Mold On Leather
Where To Check For Mold In Your Apartment
When you lease an apartment, you need to know where to look for black mold growing inside of it. By recognizing what areas of your apartment can be most susceptible to moisture, humidity and wetness, you can look for signs of mold growing in them.
Technically, however, black mold can grow anywhere in the place. During the time that you live there, you should examine every part of it to find out if it is growing anywhere in it. If you find it, you should report it immediately to your landlord so it can be treated and eliminated promptly.
Recommended article: How to identify black mold
What If Mold Keeps Coming Back In The Same Areas After It Is Cleaned Up
Mold grows in areas that are kept wet or moist, so simply cleaning up mold is insufficient if there continues to be a water leak, water build-up , moisture build-up, or standing water . If mold regrows in an area where it has already been cleaned, that is an indication that the source of the problem has not been addressed.
Also Check: Rashes From Mold
Symptoms Of Mold In Air Ducts
Black mold can cause negative health effects if its in your home. It can affect the respiratory system and cause uncomfortable irritation. If you have a black mold infestation in your air vents, you and other residents will likely experience some physical symptoms. Some physical signs to watch for in you and your family include:
- Irritated feelings in eyes, nose, and/or throat. Symptoms may get worse when AC is turned on.
- Persistent headache whenever you are home, but goes away when you go outside. If anyone in your household is experiencing this symptom, you could have black mold in your HVAC.
- Allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, or rashes.
- Nausea, fatigue, or dizziness whenever you are inside the home.
If you, your family, or anyone that frequents your home is experiencing these symptoms you could have mold in your HVAC system. Please contact a professional to check the vents.
Also read our in-depth article on: Black mold symptoms.
How To Prevent Mold Build Up Growth On Windows
When you are done cleaning the mold on your windowsill, its best to take your time in fixing the cause else, the mold will return in no time. Here are some ways you can prevent mold from reoccurring on your windowsills
- Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners during hot and humid climates, and humidifiers to reduce condensation during winter.
- Ensure that the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom are working. If you do not have exhaust fans, you should consider installing them to help with ventilation.
- Occasionally open your curtains and windows to allow fresh air in and support ventilation across the house. You can do this every day for about five to fifteen minutes to aid airflow.
- If you are using air conditioners, keep the drip pan clean, and ensure that the outflow drain pipes are free from any blockage.
Recommended Reading: Mold On Leather
Why Should You Consider Donotpay When It Comes To Account Deletion
When it comes to account deletion, DoNotPay is your best option. DoNotPay can assist you with your task due to its years of experience. Because DoNotPay is an online platform, it makes it easier to connect. You do not need to schedule visits to the office to terminate your account. All you need to do is follow the steps above. Additionally, our software enables you to remove accounts swiftly.
How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your Rental: Remediation For Landlords
- How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Rental: Remediation for Landlords
Mold can be a serious problemits difficult to detect, expensive to remove, and can cause health issues for your renters. Per landlord-tenant laws, however, the implied warranty of habitability requires landlords to keep their rental properties free of health hazards. Thats why its important to spot mold issues and remediate them immediately.
Read Also: Can You Sue Landlord For Black Mold
What Should You Do If You Discover Apartment Mold
If you find mold in your apartment, inform your landlord right away. Dealing with mold promptly limits the damage to your apartment and reduces the risk to your health. Let your landlord know where in the apartment youve seen mold and encourage him or her to come inspect the situation in person.
If your landlord doesnt address the mold problem in a timely manner, we suggest putting your request in writing. You can see a sample letter to a landlord requesting mold removal. If your landlord has not visited your apartment to view the mold, it may help to enclose a few photos.
Contact the nearest office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or your local health department to learn about the laws regarding mold and landlord/tenant responsibilities in your area. The local health department may be able to assist you in dealing with your landlord, as well.
The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development may be able to assist you, as well, particularly if you live in rent-subsidized housing or if you are a senior citizen or disabled. Here is a list of Local HUD Offices.
Alcohol And Methylated Spirit As Mold Killer
> Alcohols with 70% alcohol content or methylated spirit also work very well as mould removers. Just as with vinegar, simply rub it on the affected area. In contrast to vinegar, however, alcohol does not have a direct harmful effect on the mould, but merely removes the moisture and thus the food basis from it. Therefore it is necessary to repeat this treatment more often. The alcohol content should also not be too high, otherwise it will evaporate too quickly. 70% is a good compromise here.
Dispose the cloth or sponge with household waste afterwards. It is essential to ensure adequate ventilation of the rooms, as alcohol/spirit should not be inhaled for long periods of time.
There are two other ways to remove mould. Both variants are associated with substances that should not be touched or inhaled directly on no case.
Also Check: How To Clean Bathroom Mold On Ceiling
Other Tips For Mold Prevention
Here are some other tips that can help you reduce moisture and inhibit mold growth:
- When cooking, make sure you use a lid to keep the steam under control.
- Wipe up any spills right away.
- Shop for mold-resistant products and décor to use in your apartment.
- Buy a moisture meter to check humidity levels in each part of your unit.
Some of these tips can also help you conserve energy in your apartment. Want to learn more?
Possible Liabilities With Apartment Mold
If you fail to notify your apartment buildings management team and/or person of the mold problem and, as a result, it continues to spread or damage the interior, you may lose your security deposit in order to cover the cost of repairs.
Depending on the terms of your rental agreement, you may even be held you liable for additional damages. Thus, its important that you take care of any mold problems immediately and the best way to do this is to call a mold testing and mold removal expert.
Dont live in the presence of mildew and dont live in the presence of mold. Protect your apartment and protect yourself.
Also Check: Cleaning Mold From Bathroom Ceiling
Testing For Black Mold
You can have your mold tested to find out exactly what kind it is. Cost varies, but you can expect to pay hundreds of dollars to determine the type of mold.
There are also black mold testing kits, available at the hardware store or on , that you can purchase for around $35-50. With this DIY route, you take samples from a suspected affected surface, then send off to be tested in a lab.
What Effects Does Mold Have On My Health
CDC has done research on mold and has come to the conclusion that mold can result in a number of different health issues. In general, the most common symptoms of mold exposure are:
- Eye, nose, lung, and throat irritation
- Coughing
- Stuffy feeling in the nose
- Skin irritation
If you have asthma and are exposed, the exposure could potentially trigger an attack. People who have compromised immune systems such as the elderly and young children can end up with more serious issues like lung infections.
You May Like: How To Treat Mold On Bathroom Ceiling
How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your Apartment
- 2:39 pm
Your home is your sanctuary. When you discover mold in your newly-renovated or brand-new apartment, it can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you dont know how to deal with it. Apartment bathrooms and kitchens often develop mold. If you recently discovered mold in your apartment, a mold removal and remediation company can help. Find out how below.
Mold In Your Apartment Problems Solutions And Prevention
If you suspect you have mold in your apartment, you may worry that your home sweet home has become a hazard to your health. What can you do, and whose responsibility is it to solve the problem?
Mold that concentrates on surfaces indoors can cause health problems, especially if you have a sensitivity like allergies or asthma. That’s why it’s smart to be alert for signs of mold, address mold problems quickly if you find them and take steps to prevent mold growth in the first place.
Also Check: How To Stop Mold On Bathroom Ceiling
How To Remove Mould From A Washing Machine
Getting Rid Of Mold In Your Apartment
Mold will grow on almost any surface as long as it remains wet. This makes kitchens, bathrooms and laundry areas the most common places youll find it. Mold is also common along window sills or even on the glass itself any time condensation forms on the windows. Here are some of the most common places youll find mold in your apartment and how to remove them.
Read Also: Cleaning Mold In Basement
Get The Air Circulating
If your bathroom has a window, leave it open or cracked as often as you can to allow air to circulate through the space. Youll also want to use an exhaust fan to keep air moving and your bathroom dry when you shower or bathe.
Leave your ventilation fan on for at least 30 minutes after you shower or take a bath, too. If you dont have an exhaust fan in your restroom, consider getting one installed.
How To Clean Bathroom Mold
There are a few different ways to clean bathroom mold. The important thing is to remove the black mold and clean your bathroom. However, you need to approach it correctly. Otherwise, you could end up ruining your walls.
Before you get started, take a few photos of the issue. Remember to snap a few photos of the mold on the ceiling. This way, you can easily monitor the black mold and have documentation for your landlord.
Cleaning Mold Off of Tiled Walls
Throw open the windows, turn on the ventilation fan, and wear a face mask. It’s time to break out the bleach.
Add one part bleach and two parts water. Next, scrub down any tiled walls that do not have colored grout. You could cause the grout pigment to fade.
Use a hard brush to work your bleach solution into the tile. Then, rinse it thoroughly after 30 minutes.
You can skip the bleach solution and opt for a bathroom cleaner with mold and mildew remover. Just don’t flush bleach down the toilet. That could cause a dangerous chemical reaction.
Bleach can produce an overwhelming odor and be challenging to manage. Instead, you can also use a one-part vinegar, two-part water solution.
Spray that directly onto the mold. Then, let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a hard brush.
Cleaning Mold Off of Wallpaper or Painted Walls
Attacking wallpaper and painted walls or ceilings with bleach could ruin your surfaces. Instead, mix up a solution that includes:
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Mold On Bathroom Ceiling
