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Can Mold Grow on Clothes and Fabrics?

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If Mold Does Grow on Clothing and Fabric, Beware of Those Old Bus Seats or Airplanes.

If Mold Does Grow on Clothing and Fabric, Beware of Those Old Bus Seats or Airplanes.

When was the last time you cleaned out the closet? That musty odor could be a sign of mold growing on laundry. In fact, mold can grow on fabrics of all kinds. Over the years of handling Manhattan mold removal, we have seen infestations under mattresses, on curtains, and inside of sofas.

Why Does Mold Grow on Clothes?

Life exposes us to mold indoors and out, so it’s not surprising that mold spores can end up on our clothing. Combine that with sweat or rain, and your dirty clothes begin smelling because the moisture feeds the mold.

Mold simply needs water, food, air, and a comfortable temperature to grow. Natural fibers like cotton and wool are the most likely to host mold, but it can grow on synthetics, too.

Washing and drying clothes works very well to get rid of mold on clothing. Make sure that your detergent kills mold—if not, use bleach or vinegar. Dry on high heat or line dry thoroughly before putting the items away.

If you notice any signs of mold inside of a closet or in your laundry room, contact us for Manhattan mold removal immediately.

More Places to Look for Mold: Upholstery & Linens

Mold also affects fabric items that don’t get laundered very often. This includes curtains, sofa cushions, slipcovers, box spring covers, and mattresses.

Take a close look under and around these items and notice any spots or smells. Perhaps water leaked through a window onto the curtain, or a spilled drink on the couch never really dried.

Feel Clean Again with Manhattan Mold Removal

Besides the embarrassing odor, household mold can lead to health problems ranging from difficulty breathing to severe allergic and respiratory illnesses.

Stern Mold can break the cycle with Manhattan mold removal that is guaranteed to work for years—call 888.887.8376 to arrange a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Information, News

The CDC Says You Can Control Mold!

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You Can Effectively Control Mold

You Can Effectively Control Mold

Think of mold like a household pest. It inevitably invades your home like ants or roaches, but the problem gets worse if you aren’t doing anything for prevention or control. Don’t let a plumbing leak or high moisture levels contribute to indoor mold.

The CDC has tips for controlling mold to help prevent another breakout after you get NYC mold removal to clean up the current mess.

How to Clean Mold Spots

When mold has infested wood, drywall, or other porous surfaces, ask an NYC mold removal specialist for help. The typical mold spots on bathroom tile are much easier to clean.

To clean mold from hard surfaces:

– Use spray cleaners that kill mold, such as bleach products

– Make a DIY mold killing solution with soapy water or bleach

– Do not mix different cleaners, especially bleach and ammonia

– Ventilate windows, use rubber gloves

– Bring in professional mold removal for more than 10 square feet

Dehumidify to Control Mold

The CDC also warns that moisture creates a breeding ground for mold. That’s why you often find mold after a flood or leak and in places like bathrooms and basements.

Be sure to remediate flood damage immediately and get rid of old carpets and rugs in bathrooms or anywhere near moisture. Check that your air conditioner, laundry machines, and cooking equipment are well ventilated.

Get Control with NYC Mold Removal

The sooner you get rid of mold and dehumidify the building, the better your chances of avoiding respiratory disease and other health problems.

Stern Mold offers a free inspection for our low-cost, guaranteed NYC mold removal service. Call 888.887.8376 to schedule a visit.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

Mold Exposure: How Much is Too Much?

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Mold Exposure: How Much is Too Much?

Mold Exposure: How Much is Too Much?

Mold can be found everywhere, just like bacteria and other microorganisms. The problem with mold exposure is when there are certain species present, the quantity gets out of control, or spores get agitated and enter the air we breathe. Our Manhattan mold removal team has found entire walls and ceilings infested with mold inside and out.

The CDC warns that mold and dampness go hand-in-hand. Control humidity and repair leaks immediately for the best chances of stopping mold exposure in your building.

How Does Mold Affect Health?

Breathing in mold is a lot like getting stung by a bee. Nobody enjoys it, some people are very bothered by it, and a few people are allergic.

Mold has been conclusively linked to health problems including:

– Upper respiratory problems

– Coughing, wheezing, and sneezing

– Constant or recurring colds

– Pneumonitis

– Asthma aggravation

– Development of asthma

Additionally, research suggests that mold can cause memory loss, lung hemorrhages, and other serious illnesses.

Mold in Damp Homes and Buildings

The health problems from mold exposure have also been connected to damp indoor environments. That’s no surprise because mold needs moisture to grow and spread.

For the best results, use Manhattan mold removal services that take a multi-pronged approach. Remember, mold spores are everywhere. You need to seal surfaces and fix leaks and moisture sources or else the problem could come back.

Stern Mold uses a polymer sealant so spores cannot regrow months or even years after we leave. We also use dehumidifiers and ventilation systems. Our mold removal experts can provide further advice for preventing mold exposure in the future.

For a free quote for Manhattan mold removal, call 888-887-8376.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

Is Mildew Toxic and Dangerous Like Mold?

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Is Mildew Toxic and Dangerous Like Mold?

Is Mildew Toxic and Dangerous Like Mold?

Mildew and mold are both types of fungus. Of course, so are the mushrooms we eat. How can you tell if a mildewy spot needs to be dealt with like toxic mold? When in doubt, call your NYC mold removal company.

To cut to the chase, no – mildew does not cause the same health problems as toxic mold. Asthma problems, running noses, perpetual cold symptoms, or even bleeding lungs can be caused by mold. Mold is especially harmful to the young and the elderly, as well as to immune-compromised people.

Mildew looks powdery and ranges in color from white to gray to brown. Toxic mold will typically be larger and fuzzier, and either red, green, or black.

Mildew or Mold? You Might Have Both

Mildew found on tile or painted surfaces can be removed easily with an appropriate spray cleaner. However, if conditions are right for mildew to grow, your building might be at risk of mold contamination, too.

Humidity determines mold growth to a large extent. All mold needs to survive:

– Moisture

– Moderate temperature

– Oxygen

– Food (paper, wood, drywall, etc.)

Damp bathrooms, dank basements, dripping plumbing under the sink or in the walls – these are all situations that promote both mildew and mold growth.

Suspect Mold? There’s an Easy Solution

Whether or not you have toxic mold, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Our NYC mold removal service is faster, cheaper, and longer lasting than traditional remediation. We kill the spores, clean the area, and seal the surfaces so that we can offer up to a 5-year guarantee.

Call Stern Mold at 888-887-8376 for a free inspection and quote for NYC mold removal.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification

A Doctor’s Perspective on Mold from the National Institute of Health and the American Society of Microbiology

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Medical Review of Mold

Medical Review of Mold

Nobody wants to breathe, consume, or otherwise be exposed to mold. When mold has contaminated the home or workplace, people are more likely to become ill from respiratory disease. Scientists agree that mold causes many of the health problems that our NYC mold removal clients report, such as wheezing, coughing, sinus infections, asthma attacks, or worse.

The Science of Toxic Mold & Health Problems

Since the 1700s, doctors have noted a link between mold and illness. In 1989, a large study looked at thousands of sick children and found mold exposure to be a common thread. More recently, scientists have proved the link between certain mold species and diseases, including Aspergillosis.

According to an NIH report on toxic mold, there’s some confusion about whether mold causes very serious illnesses for two reasons: a lack of formal studies and the fact that the humidity that fuels mold growth also exacerbates other problems.

More research should be conducted on the link between mold and infectious diseases. In the meantime, the best action is mold remediation.

NYC Mold Removal to Put Concerns to Rest

You might be suffering from chronic breathing problems—or perhaps you’re a landlord fearful of a mold lawsuit. Stern Mold performs NYC mold removal to alleviate the many concerns.

The bottom line is that when mold is present, people get sick. Courtrooms can decide the fate of a lawsuit, but then it’s too late. You can prevent respiratory problems and get a clean slate with NYC mold removal that kills spores, cleans surfaces, and stops the mold from coming back!

Afraid that mold is causing health problems? Get a free inspection for NYC mold removal services.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News
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