According to the World Health Organization, mold affects around 20-50% of houses in the U.S. It’s a far more widespread problem than you might think.
And mold in apartment buildings is even more common. Even though you might do everything you can to prevent it, your neighbors might not be so considerate!
It’s crucial to know exactly what to do if (or when) it affects your home because the sooner you act, the better. Not only for the state of your house and your belongings but to protect your health, too.
Not sure how to handle a moldy apartment? Follow this guide to learn how to clean mold and all the mold removal tips you need.
Step 1: Identify the Mold and the Scale
Mold is different from other problems caused by dampness, like mildew.
Mildew is far less dangerous to the integrity of your building and health. It is often yellow or white and has a powdery appearance. Most of the time, you find it on shower curtains and bathroom walls.
Mold is most likely green or black. It has a fuzzy appearance and can manifest anywhere. Once you find a patch, check your floors, ceilings, closets, and underneath your furniture so you know exactly how much mold you are dealing with.
Step 2: Tell Your Landlord or Check Your Home Insurance Policy
If you own your apartment or live in a condo, check to see if your home insurance policy covers professional mold removal.
But if you are a tenant with a landlord, tell them about it ASAP. They should check the extent of the mold in apartment buildings they run and do whatever it takes to fix the problem for you.
Step 3: Tackle Small Problems Yourself
Are you certain you only have a small patch of mold on your walls? If it’s less than 3ft by 3ft, you could try removing it yourself. Wear gloves and old clothes when you clean and use specific mold-removing cleaning solutions.
If you have a piece of furniture that has mold, consider throwing away the affected item so the problem doesn’t spread.
Step 4: Organize the Removal of the Mold
Since it’s so common, you might be wondering, how dangerous is mold? If it’s black mold, it can be quite dangerous to your health. Mold releases harmful allergens and can affect your breathing or cause an allergic reaction.
In most cases, expert mold remediation is the best course of action to remove it.
Step 5: Prevent the Mold Returning
Once you are 100% certain you don’t have any mold in your apartment, take steps to ensure it doesn’t return. Always open your bathroom window when you shower. Use air conditioning when it is warm and central heating when it is cold.
Invest in a dehumidifier if you live in an old and draughty building where mold is even more likely.
Crack Down on Mold in Apartment Buildings Before It’s Too Late
Mold in apartment buildings can soon become out of control and difficult to remove. But as long as you take these steps as soon as you find the problem, you will be in a far better position to get rid of it for good.
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