Tag Archives: Mold Tips

Tips on Filing a Mold Complaint with Your Property Manager

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Keep an Eye Out (and Nose Even) for Mold!

Keep an Eye Out (and Nose Even) for Mold!

When living in a rental unit, virtually any type of issue with the unit’s structure must be called to attention by way of your property manager. That also includes a mold infestation, which may or may not be directly related to personal property in your household.

Here are some tips on filing a mold complaint:

• Notification — Notify your property manager of mold. Orally notifying them is good, but always take it one step further by writing a letter and making a duplicate, then putting it in the property managers mailbox. Make sure it’s dated, too.

• Pictures — Take pictures of the mold problem; you can even use your cell phone if it has a camera. Make sure you get several angles, and offload the pictures to a computer. If needed for evidence, you’ll know where to find them and they won’t be inadvertently deleted from your phone.

• File a Written Complaint — If the property manager or owner of the building won’t act quickly for mold treatment, you can file a written complaint with the housing department in your city, town or jurisdiction. Check online or go down to City Hall and ask questions about filing a legal complaint.

In most situations your property manager will be willing to help cure any mold problem that you may find. It’s in their best interest to take care of the problem as quickly and effectively as possible, to prevent health issues or legal actions from affecting their bottom line.

If you have questions about mold treatment in your rental, please contact Stern Mold. We will work with you and your property manager to rid your home of mold.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Law, Mold Tips

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

Celebrities and Mold – Who’s Had a Problem?

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Mold Goes After Everyone

Mold Goes After Everyone

Mold and fungus, like bedbugs, are often presumed to be a consequence of poor housekeeping and lack of cleanliness. In fact, mold is an equal opportunity problem that has no respect for age, income, or personal habits.

Celebrities are just as vulnerable as anyone. Here’s a look at some well-known names who have fought battles against mold and fungus in their own homes.

Suzanne Somers

Actress Suzanne Somers and her husband suffered a terrible loss when their Malibu home burned down in a wildfire, but they had no idea of the problems waiting in their rental house. After both became chronically ill, they discovered an unfinished room full of mold underneath the house. The experience inspired Somers to write her book, Tox-Sick: From Toxic to Not Sick.

Ed McMahon

After contractors failed to adequately clean up water damage from a leaky pipe, McMahon’s six-bedroom home began to fill with mold that sickened him and his wife along with their staff, and eventually leading to the death of their beloved family dog. After a year, McMahon was awarded a multi-million dollar judgment for negligence and breach of contract.

Bianca Jagger

Mick Jagger’s glamorous ex-wife was living in a luxurious NYC apartment rented for $4,000 a month. After three independent tests revealed that the apartment was full of Aspergillus, Jagger began staying in hotel rooms or with friends. Her landlord then evicted her on the basis of violating the terms of her rent-controlled apartment by not actually living there.

NYC and Northern NJ Leaders in Mold Removal

Don’t fall victim to the insidious effects of mold and fungus. Contact Stern Mold today for a free mold inspection.

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

Mold Puts a Damper on Holiday Cheer

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Even holiday cheer is no match for a mold infestation. In mid-February, the Consumer Product and Safety Commission issued a recall of certain seasonal products under the Ashland label when they were found to have Aspergillus mold.

National chain reacts to moldy products

The affected products included artificial poinsettias, cardboard holiday boxes and holiday wreaths. They were all found at Michaels, a national chain that sells craft and art supplies. According to a statement from Michaels’ corporate office, the company discovered the mold through their own testing and reported the problem to the CPSC. A full refund was offered to purchasers, with or without a receipt.

Possible risks of mold-affected products

Aspergillus is one of the more common forms of mold. Its presence can be a serious health risk for people with allergies or compromised immune systems. Mold is found everywhere, and it’s harmless in small quantities. However, since mold can multiply rapidly, it’s best to dispose of affected products immediately to avoid cross-contamination.

While there are thousands of types of mold, one thing they all have in common is the need for moisture. Environmental health specialist Todd Seib says regardless of the species, it’s important to limit exposure by venting your bathroom and keeping humidity below 60 percent. Without proper ventilation, mold can appear within 72 hours.

A specialist interviewed about the Michaels situation stated that mold treatment through remediation can take one week to several months. Our proprietary mold treatment process is usually completed within one day, resulting in little to no disruption in your daily activities. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule your free mold inspection.

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

Wet Spring and Summer Brings Increase in Mold Problems

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Our wet weather has led to more mold problems.

Our wet weather has led to more mold problems.

If it seems like it has been an unusually wet spring and summer, it isn’t just your imagination. Above average rainfall levels, especially on the East Coast, have created the perfect conditions for mold to take over basements, crawl spaces and other dark areas. For homeowners, mold can cause a variety of health and safety problems, but with NJ mold treatment services, you can protect your family and restore your home.

Dangers of Mold

While mold may seem like a harmless inconvenience, black mold releases spores that can cause symptoms that range from eye irritations to vomiting and bleeding lungs. That is why it is important to invest in professional help when eradicating mold from your home. Mold treatment experts have the tools and experience to limit the spread of spores and clean your home in as little as one day.

Treatment Options

In the past, removing mold has often meant ripping down walls or completely demolishing homes. Today, with the advent of new technology, NJ mold treatment services can actually remove mold without causing further damage to your home. At Stern Mold, our popular two-step removal process works to kill and deodorize any bacteria and then seal off affected areas with a powerful polymer sealant so that you don’t have to worry about follow-up treatments.

Prevention

You can help prevent mold by properly sealing your home and eliminating moisture. If you aren’t sure how to handle problem areas, you might want to consider scheduling a consultation for a free mold inspection and pricing quote. The experts at Stern Mold will be able to assess your situation and recommend the best course of action. Call today!

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News
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