Category Archives: Mold Tips

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

Winter Mold Prevention Tips

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Are Mold Allergies More Prevalent in the Winter?

Are Mold Allergies More Prevalent in the Winter?

When it comes to NYC mold removal, there’s no off-season. Winter dampness plus less ventilation equals prime conditions for mold spores to grow and multiply. Use these helpful tips to keep indoor mold infestations at bay during the winter months.

Tips to Prevent Winter Mold Growth

• Keep air circulating, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where mold growth is common. Install and use ventilation fans and open a window briefly as needed.

• Inspect the basement for cracked or damaged mortar that can allow water to seep in.

• If your home has a crawlspace, spread heavy roofing paper or polyethylene plastic film over the soil to create a moisture barrier.

• Add insulation to pipes to prevent cracking or bursting. If a pipe does break, turn off the water flow and have it repaired immediately.

• Double-check door and window seals to make sure they’re in good condition.

• Condensation on doors, windows and walls is a red flag indicating excess moisture. Dry the area thoroughly and address the source of the dampness, whether it’s broken pipes or high humidity levels.

• If your home experiences flooding, disconnect all electronic equipment and remove as much standing water as possible.

• Dispose of moldy items in a sealed bag to prevent mold spores from dispersing.

Effective NYC Mold Removal for All Seasons

Cleaning mold is only part of the solution. Stern Mold uses MoldExterm, a unique two-step program that removes mold and prevents it from returning. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and learn more about MoldExterm.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Tips, News

How Do Mold Spores Get in the Air?

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How Do Mold Spores Get in the Air?

How Do Mold Spores Get in the Air?

Mold spores pose a double threat to homes and businesses. Spores are the vehicles by which mold grows and colonizes as well as the trigger for allergic reactions. Here’s a look at how mold spores get in the air and why controlling spores is important for Manhattan mold removal.

Mold Spores Are Everywhere

While mold spores aren’t visible to the naked eye, they constantly surround us indoors and out. Outdoor spores aren’t generally a cause for concern except during summer months, but prolonged exposure to indoor spores can pose a health risk any  time of year.

Controlling Mold Spore Levels

It’s not possible to eliminate all indoor mold spores. Since mold growth generates more spores, preventing infestations will keep spores at a manageable level.

Moisture is key to mold growth. Once a spore lands on a spot of moisture, it begins reproducing immediately. Be proactive by repairing leaks, cleaning up floods and spills and reducing the amount of humidity.

If you do find mold in your home or business, cleaning it up is only part of the solution. Determine what created the conditions for mold development, such as a leaky pipe or poor ventilation, and take appropriate steps to correct the problem.

Turn to Stern Mold for Safe and Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Put an end to mold with our two-step MoldExterm program which removes infestations and leaves a barrier to prevent reoccurrences. Contact Stern Mold today for a free inspection by our cheerful and experienced Manhattan mold removal experts.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, Mold Tips, News

Bathroom Mold? When Can You Clean and When Do You Need a Professional

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Bathroom Mold? When Can You Clean and When Do You Need a Professional

Bathroom Mold? When Can You Clean and When Do You Need a Professional

Moisture is vital to mold development, making bathrooms a prime spot for infestations. When is DIY cleaning sufficient and when is professional NYC mold removal required? Here’s a guide to prevention and control of bathroom mold.

Preventing Bathroom Mold

Mold is a common problem in bathrooms, but it doesn’t require leaky pipes or other damage. Everyday bathing and showering creates a moisture level sufficient to promote mold growth.

• Install and use a ventilation fan. Keep it running for 30 minutes after a shower or bath.

• Purchase a mildew-resistant shower curtain.

• Avoid storing toys, loofahs and other items in the shower.

• Wash towels and bathroom rugs frequently.

• Periodically check hidden spaces such as underneath sinks and inside cabinets.

Cleaning Mold Growth

Take action as soon as you discover signs of mold to prevent further spread throughout the bathroom or into other rooms.

• Use cleaning products containing bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or other mold-killing ingredients. Apply separately, as mixing products can result in toxic reactions.

• Keep doors and windows open while cleaning so fresh air will help remove moisture.

• Remove and replace mold-infested caulking or sealant.

• Seek professional NYC mold removal if the affected area is larger than 10 square feet or if mold has penetrated walls and insulation.

Stern Mold: Effective NYC Mold Removal for Homes and Businesses

Our proprietary MoldExterm program is a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for the toughest mold problems. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and consultation with our experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, News
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