Monthly Archives: March 2020

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

When Should Tenants Withold Rent? Does Mold Count?

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Should Tenants Pay Rent for Mold-Infested Apartments?

Should Tenants Pay Rent for Mold-Infested Apartments?

When you rent a house or apartment, you have a legal obligation to pay the agreed-upon amount each month. What happens if the landlord doesn’t uphold their end? If your rental home requires Manhattan mold removal, it could impact your responsibilities.

Is Your Home “Livable?”

Each state has laws governing landlord-tenant interactions. All rules incorporate the Warrant of Habitability, which requires landlords to provide housing that meets basic standards of health, safety and other living conditions.

One of the reasons rental properties appeal to tenants is freedom from responsibility for most maintenance and repair issues. If a pipe is leaking or the hot water heater breaks down, it’s up to the landlord to take care of it.

When the Warrant of Habitability Is Broken

Mold infestation, which creates a health risk, may fall under the landlord’s purview. If you need to seek Manhattan mold removal, follow these steps to protect your rights:

• Notify the landlord in writing, text or email.

• Take pictures.

• Allow a reasonable amount of time for resolution, which can vary based on the severity of the problem. The landlord should demonstrate a good-faith effort to correct the situation.

• If the situation reaches a point where withholding a portion of the rent is justified, notify the landlord in writing. Deposit the withheld funds into an escrow account pending legal disposition.

Effective Manhattan Mold Removal for Landlords and Homeowners

Whether you have one property or several, Stern Mold can handle your remediation needs. Contact us for more information.

Posted in Mold Information, News

The Black Menace: What To Know About Black Mold In Buildings

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The Black Menace: What To Know About Black Mold In Buildings

The Black Menace: What To Know About Black Mold In Buildings

Preventing a problem is preferable to solving one. Can architects and builders take a proactive approach to NYC mold removal through careful planning? Here’s a look at how mold affects buildings and ways to prevent it.

Health Dangers of Mold

Mold spores are constantly floating in the air. When a spore lands on a surface with a sufficient source of moisture, it begins reproducing and spreading. Once mold gets to a point where the infestation is clearly visible, it’s difficult to remove.

Stachybotrys chartarum, often referred to as black mold, emits mycotoxins that pose a serious health risk. Alternia and other common indoor molds are not considered toxic, but extended exposure can cause allergic reactions and respiratory ailments, especially with children and people with preexisting conditions.

Limiting Moisture: The Key to Mold Prevention

Since moisture is the crucial element for mold development, roofs and walls should be designed to be as waterproof as possible. Buildings should also have plentiful sources of sunshine and natural ventilation to help control humidity levels.

Prevention requires ongoing vigilance. Inspect homes frequently for cracks, leaks, holes and other signs of damage that could result in excess moisture. If mold reaches the advanced stage of infestation, it’s best to seek professional NYC mold removal.

Don’t Let Mold Get You Down!

Mold is no match for our non-intrusive, eco-friendly MoldExterm program. Infestations are removed usually within one day with minimum disruption to you and your family. Contact Stern Mold for a free inspection from our experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

Bronx Family Diagnosed with Mold Poisoning after Battle with Landlord

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Mold Poisoning Is Life Threatening! Keep Your Loved Ones Safe

Mold Poisoning Is Life Threatening! Keep Your Loved Ones Safe

Mold inside the walls and other areas of apartments is a serious problem that can put residents’ health at risk. This is why it’s so important to have professional Manhattan mold removal services done as quickly as possible when there are any signs of mold. One family in the Bronx is currently facing health issues due to mold in their apartment.

Mold Toxicity

A Bronx family with young children has been dealing with mold toxicity after being exposed to mold in their apartment. The family has been battling their landlord in order to have the mold removed, but the process has been a slow one.

The landlord claimed that there was no mold inside, while an independent investigation showed mold inside the air ducts. The children in this family had symptoms of mold toxicity, including itchy skin and even green mold growing out of one child’s ear. The family is still trying to get the landlord to have their mold problem treated.

How to Handle a Mold Problem

Mold problems need to be professionally handled for effective results. Having this done sooner instead of later helps lower the risk of having mold toxicity and other health problems. Keep in mind that mold can easily grow in out-of-reach areas, such as inside walls or air ducts.

If you need Manhattan mold removal services for your building, please contact Stern Mold right away. We offer reliable, safe and effective treatment to eliminate mold from residential and commercial buildings.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

Fast Food: Mold Finds Home In Soda Dispenser and Soda Lids At a Fast Food Eatery

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Get a Bottle of Water Instead of Soda the Next Time You Order Drive-Through.

Get a Bottle of Water Instead of Soda the Next Time You Order Drive-Through.

Mold isn’t just something you have to worry about inside your walls. This kind of fungus can make its way into more unusual places as long as there’s enough humidity for it to thrive. In fact, some restaurants have been found to have mold growing inside equipment, which could put customers and employees at risk.

Mold in Restaurants

Where might mold be growing inside dining establishments? Investigators in Columbia, MO found mold growing inside soda dispensers and soda lids at a Wendy’s. This happened due to a fluid line leak, which set up the right conditions for mold to grow.

When dining areas aren’t cleaned and checked regularly, mold colonies can establish to grow. This particular Wendy’s also had mold behind wallpaper in the front area. So, whether mold is inside equipment or in the walls, its presence in restaurants can quickly turn into a serious public health issue that needs to be dealt with right away.

What to Do About Mold

Mold can lead to health issues for some people if it’s left unchecked. Professional NYC mold removal services will eliminate it from residential and commercial buildings, so it can’t grow and thrive. Having professionals treat your home or business for mold is important, since this requires having the right kind of equipment and technique. Otherwise, mold can keep growing and cause a more widespread problem.

If you need NYC mold removal services for your home or business, contact Stern Mold as soon as you can.

Posted in Mold Information, MoldExterm, News
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