Why is my house so mouldy?

Question

My landlord flooded our kitchen accidently the other day, and we cleaned it all up, but the shelf in the cupboard under the sink is growing mould.

Since then I noticed that we are starting to get a lot of black spots around the window frames and between tiles etc... I keep cleaning them up, but they keep coming back. What's the best thing to prevent this kind of damage? I used to keep all my fruit and veg on the windowsill to ripen, but can't now, as it gets mouldy before it is ripe!

Answer 1

Here's a great website that provides valuable information about the potential health effects and symptoms associated exposure to mold-- including allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. The website lists the "10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOLD". It also provides valuable information on how to get rid of the existing problems you're currently facing.

IF you have children, it's imperative that you avoid their exposure to mold inside of your home. This (mold) was one of the many problems people faced when their homes were damaged by hurricanes and flooding.

Hope this information helps!

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html

Answer 2

Let your landlord know this is happening, a professional is the best and the landlord should pay for it. Two things need to be done, kill the mold spores and dry the place. This can be dangerous, so if your landlord won't or can't and you can't move try to deal with it yourself. You probably need a dehumidifier at this point to help dry your house, to kill the mold there are a variety of things on the market the cheapest is probably chlorine bleach. Whatever use gloves and ventilate the area. Mold is not only dangerous to your health but it will get into everything and eventually eat at the walls and insulation, etc.

Answer 3

You may want to consider moving. There is water or damp everywhere that mold grows. If you don't dry the area, it will grow back. If he flooded it from the second floor, it sounds as though the mold is in the walls too. VERY unhealthy situation....

Answer 4

Hmm...You could try using a special paint for woodworks (like doors, cupboard, etc.) to seal the mould problem. Right now I can`t remember the name but, go to any store that sells paints (Home Depot), and ask for it. I`m sure it will help. Something like that happened to me too, so not to worry.

Answer 5

He has got to get the mold under control. Mold in homes that is allowed to grow and grow can cause fatal staph infections in humans. If the mold gets too bad, the house may need to be condemned, so tell him right away, you don't want him to blame you, because you did not advise him right away.

Answer 6

It really needs to dry out. Have you got a portable heater you could leave on in the kitchen all day? If it has a musty odor put a few plates of bi carbonate of soda (baking powder) around.

Answer 7

clean every wet,damp spot with a little bleach in the water,,open windows and keep the heat blasting for the day,if you have a concrete floor and its still wet,thats the problem

Answer 8

Speak to him about it. It's his responsibility. there's too much moisture. A dehumidifier might help, but you need a professional.
If he balks, remind him you have the right to call in the sanitation /health department. They will make him do it, but, be prepared to move, as you probably will have to anyway.

Answer 9

Mix BLEACH & water in a spray bottle...saturate all areas & wipe down...it will be gone.

Answer 10

U neva clean it.