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Dehumidifiers and Mold Control – What to Know

Posted on July 29, 2019 by back_up

What Does Humidity Have to Do With Mold?

Mold is plentiful and common. One-in-three residential and commercial buildings offer an ideal environment for mold growth, making mold control measures such as dehumidifiers a popular addition. How much do dehumidifiers help in the mold prevention battle? The Manhattan mold removal experts offer this advice.

Low Relative Humidity Thwarts Mold Growth

Dehumidifiers work by pulling moisture from surrounding air. To prevent mold from growing and spreading, a RH humidity level at or below 50% is essential. However, a low RH won’t kill mold that has already grown.

What Happens to Existing Mold at Low RH?

Below 50% RH, mold remains dormant and does not spread. To get rid of it permanently, however, you must remove or destroy mold in addition to using a dehumidifier to keep RH low.

Once mold has been treated, adding a dehumidifier after treatment will prevent future growth in susceptible environments.

Buyer Beware: Dehumidifiers Can Foster Mold Growth without Proper Care

Dehumidifiers are a great tool for preventing mold growth. However, they require regular cleaning, particularly portable models. The reservoir of portable models, which collects moisture pulled from the air, must be regularly emptied and cleaned per the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent mold and mildew growth in the tank. For this reason, some prefer whole house dehumidifying systems. Though higher in cost, this style of dehumidifier requires less maintenance, incorporating into your HVAC system and including a drainage system.

Don’t let mold problems grow on you. Contact the Manhattan mold removal services of Stern Mold today.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Remediation, News

Three Warning Signs You May Have a Mold Problem

Posted on June 24, 2019 by back_up

Call Stern Mold for Mold Identification and Removal Needs

How do you know when your home or building is in need of NYC mold removal? Here are three specific warning signs of a mold problem that require immediate attention.

1. Visible Mold Colonies

Mold spores are undetectable to the naked eye, but indoors or outdoors, they’re always present in the air. The spores themselves are generally not a problem until they land on a surface and begin multiplying. Regularly inspect your home or building for visible mold, paying special attention to attics, bathrooms, kitchens and basements.

2. Musty Odors

Absence of visible mold doesn’t mean you’re home-free. Mold can easily develop behind walls, under cabinets and in other out-of-the-way places. As mold feeds on organic materials, it releases chemicals that have an unpleasant earthy or musty smell. The distinctive odor is often a tell-tale clue of a hidden mold infestation.

3. Allergic Symptoms

Have you noticed a tendency to begin sneezing not long after returning home? As you inhale mold spores, they irritate the linings of the nose and sinuses. Even if you don’t usually suffer from allergies, the result can be chronic upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. People with existing respiratory illnesses and compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

Trust Stern Mold for Effective NYC Mold Removal

It’s virtually impossible to completely eliminate mold on your own, and traditional remediation methods are costly and inconvenient. If you notice any signs of mold, contact us to schedule a free inspection from our friendly and professional NYC mold removal technicians.

Visit our website to learn more about our safe, cost-effective and non-intrusive MoldExterm program.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Treatment

How Can You Prevent Mold Growing Moisture in Your Indoor Environment?

Posted on June 12, 2019 by back_up

Keep Your Indoor Environment Safe

Mold needs several things to survive, but there’s only one that you can feasibly get rid of: moisture. After conducting Manhattan mold removal, we recommend taking ongoing action to prevent indoor moisture.

You don’t need a plumbing leak or standing water in the basement for a mold problem to grow. Excess humidity and condensation can also feed the mold spores.

EPA Recommends Moisture Prevention for Mold

According to the EPA, you can avoid mold growth by keeping relative humidity below 50% and ensuring proper ventilation and drainage.

Look out for any source of moisture that could be contributing to mold, such as:

• HVAC drainage: Check the condensate drain lines. Remove any blockage and ensure the line can drain properly.

• Bathroom ventilation: Use exhaust fans that vent outdoors or open windows when showering.

• Water around pipes: Repair plumbing leaks and insulate cold water lines to stop condensation from dripping.

• Windows and gutters: Keep window sills dry and open windows when weather permits. Inspect and clean rain gutters and drainage systems regularly.

Will a Dehumidifier Help with Mold?

Yes, a dehumidifier can keep humidity levels below the typical threshold for mold growth. Our Manhattan mold removal team can install a dehumidifier for an ongoing solution.

Even with a dehumidifier, leaks and other significant moisture sources still need to be addressed. And the dehumidifier will not kill mold spores already present. An indoor mold assessment can help identify all problem areas.

If you’re tackling a mold problem at an NYC building or want to keep mold from coming back, talk to Stern Mold about our non-invasive and highly affordable Manhattan mold removal service.

Posted in Mold Information, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

Mold Cleanup Tips from Our Professionals

Posted on June 5, 2019 by back_up

DIY Mold Clean-Up Tips

Have you discovered a small patch of mold growing in your home or building? If the area covers less than 10 square feet, you may be able to clean it yourself. Our Manhattan mold removal professionals offer some helpful DIY mold cleanup tips.

How to Clean Up Mold

-If mold was caused by leaks, repair them as soon as possible and completely dry all affected areas.

-Use a mixture of detergent and water to scrub mold from hard surfaces. Bleach and other chemicals are not recommended for mold cleanup.

-Don’t attempt to cover mold with paint or caulk. Clean and dry surfaces thoroughly before applying any substances.

-Disposal is the best treatment for infested carpets, ceiling tiles and other porous items. Mold penetrates the spaces of porous items, making cleanup virtually impossible.

-Avoid direct contact with mold. Wear gloves, goggles and a respirator during cleanup. Keep others away from the infested areas unless they are also wearing protective equipment.

-Even if mold is successfully removed, it may result in staining and cosmetic damage.

-Once mold is cleaned up, improve ventilation and clean more often to prevent it from returning.

-If mold is caused by contaminated water or it’s infested the HVAC system, don’t attempt to clean it yourself. You should also consult a professional if an infested item is expensive or has sentimental value.

Turn to the Top Manhattan Mold Removal Experts

When it comes to mold cleanup, you can’t afford to guess. Our Manhattan mold removal team has extensive experience with mold cleanup in any situation, no matter how big or small. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection.

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