Mold is never fun to encounter, especially when it is creeping across the walls of your home!
Not only is cleaning up a hassle, but mold can also cause a variety of health issues. This is particularly important because mold can react with certain kinds of cleaners and become even more toxic.
That is why it's important to understand how to get rid of mold in apartment buildings in a safe way.
In this post, we will share some steps you can take to get rid of mold in an apartment building as well as cover the best way to prevent mold from developing.
How to get rid of mold in an apartment building
It is important to note that it is always a good idea to consult a professional contractor before attempting any type of mold cleanup yourself. They can help you understand the size of the issue and determine if you are dealing with a potential health hazard.
Once you’ve determined if this is an issue that you can tackle on your own, then you will want to make sure you have the proper personal protective equipment on hand and any additional tools.
Here are 7 common steps people take to get rid of mold:
Put on personal protective equipment such as googles, a face mask, and gloves
Dry the area, ideally using fans
While wearing gloves, use a brush to wipe away flakes
Apply a mixture of detergent and warm water
Let the detergent sit for 10-15 minutes then rinse with clean running water
Allow things to dry naturally
If patches remain, treat them again
If you still have an issue after the second cleaning attempt, that is a very good sign that you may need professional help. Additionally, if the mold patch is larger than a few inches then it may be best to call out an expert to help with identifying the mold before you attempt to remove it yourself.
It is important to also note that painting over mold will not kill it. This is particularly true if you have not resolved the issue that lead to mold growth in the first place!
You will want to properly address any mold that is growing on walls and ceilings as soon as they are found. By addressing these issues early, you may be able to prevent them at the surface level before they penetrate further into you building.
How to stop mold from growing in an apartment building
Many people end up with mold in their apartment complex due to negligence. That is why one common place to find mold is in bathrooms!
These rooms have poor ventilation and most people do not realize how the moisture leaking from their tubs can create the perfect situation for mold growth.
3 steps to preventing mold growth in an apartment building:
Avoid moisture build up
Install a Leak Detector
Have plumber maintenance scheduled
Avoid moisture build up
Look for ways to make it easy to keep your apartment building dry. This can include installing fans in poorly ventilated rooms, posting signs in common areas, and installing water guards at the foot of your door.
Most of these solutions are affordable and can easily save you thousands of dollars. You can also consider installing some technology to make your apartment a ‘smart apartment’!
Install a Leak Detector
Leak detectors are able to sense leaks and send alerts directly to your phone or email. They are easy and affordable to install, but can prevent some of the largest water related accidents that can happen in your apartment.
Leak Detectors can protect you from water related mold, structural damage, and water restoration costs. They do this by alerting your staff to potential leaks in real time, so they can check on the issue before it does too much damage.
Perceptive Things® has two different leak sensors that can help you prevent damage in your complex: the Droplet Duo™ (image 1) and Droplet Pro™ (image 2).
To learn more about our leak sensors, ambient sensors, and motion sensors you can visit our products page.
Have Plumber Maintenance Scheduled
In addition to installing a leak detection system, it is a good idea to also schedule your annual plumbing inspection or maintenance in advance.
It can be easy to forget to book these appointments each year, but booking at the same time every year can save you the headache of having to coordinate with your plumber.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Rid of Mold in an Apartment Building
Whether you are worried about a current mold issue or are looking for ways to prevent this problem from happening again, we hope that you’ve found this article useful!
Remember, though mold can be annoying it is something that most people will have to deal with in their apartments at one point or another. The key thing to remember is to exercise caution, consult with professionals, and take preventative measures to ensure the issue is resolved.
Please share with us in the comments below, how do you typically get rid of mold in your apartment building?