Tag Archives: Home Mold Information

Take Moldy Smells Seriously – It’s Your First Sign Something Is Wrong

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Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

Don’t assume that dank, musty odor is from damp towels. Even if there are no visible signs, moldy smells can send an alarm that your home is in need of NYC mold removal.

Why Mold Smells Funny

Mold emits mVOCs, or microbial volatile organic compounds, that produce a distinctly unpleasant odor. Think of a locker room or a waterfront cottage that’s been closed up for a lengthy period. Airborne spores may also cause mild irritation in your nostrils.

Those mVOCs causing that rank smell can also trigger upper-respiratory symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes and coughing. People with pre-existing lung conditions or weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

Tracking Down Moldy Odors

Once you identify the room where the moldy smell is strongest, the next step is to zero in on the specific culprit. Areas with excess moisture, such as leaky pipes, are likely candidates. Other possible sources include:

• Clothes washers and dishwashers

• Towels, shower curtains and bathmats

• Secondhand purchases, such as furniture or clothing

• Soil in potted plants

• Garbage cans and wastebaskets

• Pet bedding

Professional NYC mold removal will eliminate the infestation, but you can take steps to get rid of the smell:

• Open windows and turn on a fan.

• Put out open containers of white vinegar or baking soda.

• Wash fabrics in hot water.

Stern Mold: Experienced and Professional NYC Mold Removal

Don’t struggle with mold removal on your own. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection by our cheerful and knowledgeable technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Tips, News

Is There Mold In Your Washer? Here’s How To Identify And Get Rid of It

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Is There Mold In Your Washer? Here's How To Identify And Get Rid of It

Is There Mold In Your Washer? Here’s How To Identify And Get Rid of It

Mold problems can lurk in places that you might not expect, like inside your washing machine. Water, laundry detergent and fabric softeners can all contribute to the growth of mold.

If you’ve never cleaned the inside of your washing machine, you could have a mold problem without realizing it. Your Manhattan mold removal experts want to help you identify it, get rid of it, and keep mold away for good.

Identifying a Mold Problem in Your Washer

The most obvious sign of a mold problem in your washer might be the smell. Your washer may take on the smell of rotten eggs, and eventually, that odor can make its way into your clothes as well. If you only use the cold water setting on your machine, you have an even greater chance of having mold.

Getting Rid of Mold in Your Washing Machine

If you think you have a mold problem, follow these steps to remove it.

• You’ll need rubber gloves, an old towel and either bleach and hot water or vinegar and hot water (never mix vinegar and bleach).

• Use the old towel to clean the entire inside of the machine.

• Run a wash cycle on the hottest setting using either vinegar or bleach.

• Wipe down the inside of the machine and leave it open to finish air-drying.

Preventing Mold Growth in Your Washer

A quick wipe-down is all that you need to keep your washer mold-free. For any other mold problems, contact your Manhattan mold removal specialists for assistance.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Tips, News

What Should You Do To Prevent Mold From Growing In Your Home

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What Should You Do To Prevent Mold From Growing In Your Home

What Should You Do To Prevent Mold From Growing In Your Home

Having mold growing in your home can cause a wide range of health problems, including respiratory issues and headaches. When you have mold growth, you’ll need professional NYC mold removal services to eliminate it from your home. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent mold from growing inside walls and other areas of your home.

Control Moisture

Mold spores are likely to be in your home already, so it’s a matter of making sure they don’t have a damp or moist surface to grow on. This involves controlling the amount of humidity or moisture you have in your home. You can do this in many ways, such as fixing leaks as soon as possible and correcting problems with drainage in your yard.

Other ways to lower moisture levels in your home include using a dehumidifier in basements or other areas that are likely to be more humid. You can also reduce moisture levels by using exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom and drying your clothes in the dryer instead of hanging them inside your home or using a drying rack.

Prompt Mold Removal

It’s important to watch for signs of mold problems, so you can have them dealt with immediately. These include water stains, moldy odors and visible signs of mold growing on surfaces in your home. Keep in mind that bathrooms, window mouldings and refrigerator doors are common places for mold growth.

If you need NYC mold removal services, contact Stern Mold to learn more about our mold treatment.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News, NJ Mold Removal

Sorry, Freezing Weather Does Not Kill Mold Spores

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Sorry, Freezing Weather Does Not Kill Mold Spores

Sorry, Freezing Weather Does Not Kill Mold Spores

People often wrongly assume that when the weather is colder, their mold problems will go away. Unfortunately, that’s not correct. While freezing temperatures may help you salvage some of the items you thought you lost to mold, they are not an overall solution to the problem. Let’s review this in more detail.

Can Freezing Moldy Items Save Them?

Once something you own is damaged by mold, it can be difficult to stop the mold colony from growing. But freezing is one option you have available to you. If this is something you decide to do because mold has developed on items you love, please take the following steps:

• Make sure to wear protective gloves and clothing. Mold can cause serious health and breathing problems, so you want to make sure you don’t touch it.

• Place the items on top of trash bags in a space with a lot of open air. This will allow them to dry out, which is very important.

• Freeze the items at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Please note that this will not kill the mold, but it will deactivate it.

• Remove the items after 24 hours. Use a fungicide and rags to remove the mold from the items. Also, run an air dehumidifier to reduce the chance of mold re-growth.

Talk With Your NYC Mold Removal Professionals

Moldy possessions are often a sign of a more serious problem. Your NYC mold removal professionals can help. We offer free inspections to help us determine what you need. Contact us!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Tips, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

Interior Mold is a Winter Problem

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Interior Mold is a Winter Problem

Interior Mold is a Winter Problem

A lot of people falsely believe that mold isn’t a problem they need to worry about during the winter. They think that because the atmosphere is naturally colder, conditions aren’t as good for it to grow. Unfortunately, your Manhattan mold removal experts have seen more than their fair share of mold problems during this time of year. When it comes to mold in your home, staying vigilant during the winter months is very important.

Where is Mold More Likely to Occur During Winter?

A lot of people complain about mold in their homes during the winter months. The air is dryer, but that doesn’t mean your home isn’t at risk. You’re most likely to see mold growing in your attic and your basement during this time of year. It can also grow inside your home’s walls.

Any humidity in your home is likely to rise to the attic, which is where mold is most likely to form. It can affect the wooden rafters as well as your attic’s insulation.

Your Manhattan Mold Removal Experts Stop Mold in its Tracks

There are several things you can do prior to calling a professional to deal with your mold problem. You can:

• Attempt to clean the mold using either bleach or vinegar.

• Fix any leaks in your kitchen or basement, and keep these areas dry.

• Check and fix any ventilation problems in your attic.

If you need Manhattan mold removal services, please contact us for a free inspection!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Tips, News
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