Tag Archives: Finding Mold

Even Celebrities Are Plagued by Mold Problems

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Even Expensive Homes Get Mold

Mold has no preference to whose home it infects, just ask any one of a number of celebrities who’ve had to deal with mold-infested homes.

What Causes Mold?

Mold can be caused by any number of problems a home is subjected to, from a leaking roof that damages ceiling tiles and drywall, or a broken water heater flooding the floor, to broken water pipes that leave walls saturated. A leaking chimney, improper connection of a water line, botched repairs of water pipes or lines, and poor insulation are also areas that promote mold growth. In each situation, moisture is the culprit that becomes a magnet for the mold to feed on and spread.

Mold and Health

Being exposed to mold for any length of time can lead to health issues such as respiratory illness, sinus problems, headaches, fatigue, cough, runny eyes and nose, neurological problems, and lung damage.

Often times, a mold problem is not discovered until the home is inspected, which could be long after someone has been exposed to black mold.

If you smell a musty odor in your home or see evidence of mold on walls, ceilings, or floors, it’s time to have a professional NJ mold removal company inspect your home. They’ll find the source of the problem so that it can be addressed and then take care of the mold remediation process using up-to-date technology and treatments designed for mold.

When mold is making its presence known, you need the expert service of one of our NJ mold removal specialists. At Stern Mold, we’re ready to make mold a thing of the past. Contact us today for a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, NYC Mold Removal

How to Get Mold Out of Your Kids’ Stuffed Animals

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Mold Isn't Just In Old Buildings, Find Out if You're Safe Before It's Too Late.

Kill Mold Spores

While mold can be bad for anyone’s health, it’s particularly dangerous for young children. Stuffed toys made with organic materials such as cotton and wool can form a breeding ground for mold, especially if your child chews on them.

Don’t take chances with your child’s health. Use these mold tips to sanitize any stuffed toys that may be harboring fungal growth.

Removing Mold from Stuffed Animals

1. Wash the stuffed animal in the machine or by hand, using the hottest water possible along with a detergent containing color-safe bleach. The combination of heat and bleach helps to kill mold spores.

2. Vinegar is another substance that kills mold spores and also removes the musty odor. Try:

• Adding one-half to one cup of vinegar to the wash cycle.

• If you prefer, pour one cup of vinegar directly into the wash water before adding the stuffed animal. The water will dilute the vinegar, allowing it to lighten the fabric evenly instead of leaving bleached areas.

3. Moisture is the key ingredient for mold growth, so wring out the stuffed animal thoroughly and use a towel to blot.

4. Hang the stuffed animal outdoors in the sunlight, which will serve to destroy any remaining mold. If there are still signs of mold after a full day in the sun, spray the animal with a mix of one part water to one part vinegar and hang it out for a second day.

Stern Mold: Serving NYC and Northern NJ

We have been providing effective mold removal service for more than 20 years. Visit our website for more helpful mold tips and schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News

How is Mold Different Than Fungus?

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Not The Fungus You Want

The Difference

When it comes to mold and fungus, it’s common to hear these terms used interchangeably. Although mold and fungus do have similarities, they’re not quite the same. It’s important to understand the differences between these two, so you can make sure your property is effectively treated for a mold or fungus problem.

Classification and Appearance

Mold is classified as a fungus, and fungus belongs to a separate classification group that does not include bacteria, animals or plants. Fungus comes in a wide range of colors and appearances, and the same applies to mold. Mold spores are too small to see on their own, but they take on a visible appearance when they grow in clumps or groups. These spores can end up having a black, slimy appearance or a fuzzy orange or brown appearance. Mold can also be white, yellow or several other colors.

Types of Mold and Fungus

More than 200,000 species of fungus exist, including mold and lichen. Fungus can change appearance and even develop features associated with different types when it is exposed to certain moisture levels and weather conditions. There are more than 100,000 species of mold in our environment. Some of these can cause allergic reactions, while others can make people with weakened immune systems ill. Certain types of mold can cause serious illness.

Whether you have mold or another type of fungus, it’s crucial to have it take care of as soon as possible to reduce health risks.

If you think you have mold, contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection. We can determine if you have a mold problem and take steps to get rid of it.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News

Does Black Mold Smell?

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The Nose Knows.

The Nose Knows.

When it comes to mold and fungus, out of sight is not out of mind. Sometimes an infestation develops in a hidden or out-of-the-way space, and the first clue comes through your nose rather than your eyes. What causes the odor, and what steps should you take to remove it?

The Nose Knows

Mold and fungus produce several gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC. Many of them are odorless, but some of these gasses emit that stale, musty odor that’s commonly associated with mold.

While the smell of mold is unpleasant on its own, it’s indicative of a more serious health threat. If you can smell mold, chances are high that you’re inhaling both MVOC and mold spores themselves. Some of these compounds are mycotoxins that can cause physical and mental ailments ranging from sinus infections to depression.

How Do You Remove Mold Odor?

Scented candles, sprays and other conventional air fresheners are only temporary solutions because they simply mask the smell. The only way to truly rid your home or office of mold odor is to remove the source.

If you smell that tell-tale musty odor, don’t rely on an over-the-counter mold test. Professionally trained technicians such as the ones at Stern Mold have the know-how to get accurate results and the experience to determine where to look for mold and fungus.

MoldExterm: A Non-Toxic, Non-Invasive Solution

Traditional mold remediation will remove the smell along with a good chunk of building materials. Contact us for a free mold inspection in NYC or northern NJ and learn why MoldExterm is the most effective way to remove and prevent mold and fungus.

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

Common Mold Types Found in Buildings and Condos

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Common Molds

Common Molds

Mold is generic term that covers more than just one type of mold found in buildings and condos. Each mold shares characteristics but the main types have certain identifiable features, all of which require NYC mold treatment.

Alternia

This is the most common type of mold and one of the biggest causes of allergic reactions. Alternia concentrations are highest in the summer when their spores come inside through dry winds.

Aspergillus

This mold is often found as the culprit of mold infestations in buildings. The spores of aspergillus are toxic and exist in higher quantities inside. This toxic mold can cause health issues in humans and animals.

Cladosporium

This mold thrives at nearly all temperatures, including extreme cold. It can be a major cause of asthma attacks.

Penicillium

This toxic mold has a colorful appearance that can be green, blue or yellow. This type of mold contains mycotoxins that humans developed into the beneficial antibiotic of penicillin.

Stachybotrys

Commonly called “black mold,” this type of mold is highly toxic and thrives on cotton, paper and wood. It dominates other types of mold that already have established colonies.

Many forms of mold are impossible to detect without professional assistance. Mold can live in the walls, floors and ceilings of a building without being seen. Even when you can’t see mold, it can cause health issues that require help from NYC mold treatment. Sometimes it can spread unseen for such a long period that it requires intensive treatment and removal. Protecting health and preserving building structures should be the top priority of every property owner.

NYC mold treatment from Stern Mold provides safe, effective mold removal solutions.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News
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