Coming Back To Mold in Your Palm Beaches Home

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Palm Beach seasonal homes left vacant could be prone to mold and mildew growth.

Approximately 900,000 part-time residents flock to Florida each year. Between the months of November and May, these snowbirds enjoy the qualities of Palm Beaches living in their winter homes.  This tourism and snowbird season has appeared to rebound a bit from the past year. Upon arrival at your seasonal home, take some time to make sure the space is comfortable and has remained in optimal condition. It is important to scan the areas for mold and mildew when returning to your winter home here in Palm Beach County.

Check Your Airflow and HVAC System

If your house and air conditioner were checked on while you were away, then it was running during our hottest summer months. It may be necessary to change out filters. Improve ventilation throughout the space by opening a few doors and window spaces to allow for air circulation.

Acclimate Belongings

In the restoration world, we refer to personal property as contents. This term differentiates areas of a home or a building from areas and surfaces on personal belongings. One important contributor to mold accumulation and spread is the transition of contents to a new environment. Objects, particularly the materials found in furniture and houseware items, can be sensitive to environmental changes. The makeup of certain materials and the porosity can contribute to the likelihood of the materials holding moisture and growing mold.  

Patio Furniture is notorious for collecting mold and mildew. If patio furniture has been in storage over the summer months, it could have been more prone to high-moisture areas. Cushions can be cleaned with a mild bleach product. Pressure washing machines may work very well in removing spots from hard-to-reach areas and materials.

Carefully Clean High-Risk Areas

Homes that remain unoccupied for a large amount of the year are more prone to pests, storm damage, mildew, and mold growth. This winter, make sure that the cabinets were emptied of any food and products that could attract mildew, fungi, and pests.  Many hot spots in the home for mold are dark, damp areas with little ventilation.

Make sure that any laundry room and kitchen appliances are cleaned prior to use. Dishwashers and garbage disposals are two of the largest magnets for mold and mildew in a kitchen. Cabinetry should be wiped down on the interior and exterior to cover your bases. After the dishwasher has been run on its own and thoroughly wiped down, you may want to run a load of dishware prior to dining with them.

Check for Storm Damage

Inspect the outside of your home for any storm damage that may have occurred during the summer storm and rainy season. If a storm affects your property, it is likely to result in mold growth because of water damage.

If You Detect Mold

It is important to remember that mold is a natural part of the environment. Mold spores in the Palm Beaches are prevalent indoors and outdoors. Therefore, the goal of a restoration company is to remediate potentially damaging mold growth and not to try to achieve the impossible feat of “removing” it. If you notice a musty or stinky odor, if the air feels moist or stagnant, it is recommended to call and schedule mold testing. Mold remediation can be done quickly and safely by the right company.  SERVPRO of West Palm Beach offers safe, quality mold remediation services year-round.  Call 561-795-5410 with your mold questions.