How We Chose the Best Mold Killers
When narrowing down the list of the best mold killers, we looked for products that were effective and affordable. If you’re going to be dealing with the mold issue yourself, you’re going to want to choose a household spray that is simple, straightforward, and strogn. Working with potent, professional-grade mold killers can be extremely dangerous if you do not have the proper expertise. Many mold killers contain some toxic chemicals that can affect your health, so you should stick to a product that’s made for everyday use. If you have to bring out the big guns, talk to a professional who works at a mold and water damage remediation company.
Our top pick, RMR-86, combines affordability with efficiency, making it the best mold killer for most people. This stuff works like magic, killing mold in seconds, right before your eyes. It kills all of the mold and leaves the area bright and clean, requiring no hard scrubbing on your part. All you have to do is spray. RMR-86 is simple and powerful, making that $20 price tag totally worth it. You want to be able to remove mold fast without having to work too hard, and that’s exactly what this product gives you. Just always remember to wear the proper protective gear to avoid any health issues.
Even though these products are non-toxic and safe for household use, the fumes can really affect people. Products that claim to be more natural and less harmful usually aren’t, and simply don’t do the trick. Of course, it all depends on the mold problem you have. Simple, surface layers of mold can get out with Tilex, which you can easily buy at your local grocery store. Patches of mold in enclosed spaces like attics and basements can be resolved with the heavy-duty Mold Bomb Fogger. If indoor air quality is the main issue, then a product like the Moso Purifying Bag will help maintain your property in good condition.
Why Mold is a Hazard
Mold is a serious environmental hazard that drastically affects your property’s conditions and your tenants’ wellbeing. There are many different types of mold, including common, pesky types like stachybotrys, penicillium, aspergillus, paecilomyces, and fusarium. These dangerous molds are usually black, white, green, or gray. The textures can vary — some being smooth and shiny, and others being rough or “fuzzy.” Certain kinds of mold have a repulsive odor, and others don’t smell like anything. No matter what the mold looks or smell like, it’s still an annoying issue to have in a rental unit.
Most of the time, mold grows in hard-to-reach places, making it extra difficult to remove. To clean mold, you usually have to get down and dirty and do some hard scrubbing. Mold tends to form in materials that trap moisture, like wall paneling, paint, fabric, ceiling tiles, newspapers, or cardboard boxes. Any porous surfaces are also prone to mold. The humid environment is perfect for mold to grow and thrive. They can also be pretty persistent, coming back no matter how many times you spray or scrub. This is why it’s so important to choose the right mold killer and get rid of it for good.
Some kinds of mold can be hazardous to one’s health, so you may be liable if a tenant inhales toxic mold spores. Symptoms can include:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Frequent headaches
- Poor memory
- Lack of concentration
- Joint pain and stiffness when waking up
- Tingling, numbness or other unusual skin sensations
- Shortness of breath
- Sinus congestion
- Chronic coughing
Mold, and the reduced indoor air quality that comes with it, can also affect pets’ health. Make your tenants aware of this potential hazard. Symptoms of a mold allergy in dogs include:
- Frequent coughing, sneezing, or wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Watery eyes
- Chronic ear infections
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
There is also the chance that mold will cause structural damage to your home, which can be a huge hazard for tenants living there. Mold that causes your home’s walls, roof, or floor to cave in and weaken can cost you a pretty penny in the future. You have to make sure to kill mold as soon as you notice its growth.
Thankfully, most mold isn’t harmful — it’s just plain annoying. But, regardless, you should always aim to remove the mold as soon as possible. It’s hard to tell the difference between harmful and harmless mold, so always proceed with caution and take the proper preventative measures.
Landlord Responsibilities for Mold
Landlord responsibilities for mold are not explicitly outlined in building codes, ordinances, statutes, or regulations. However, landlords can still be held accountable for mold problems, even if the law isn’t mold-specific. Only a few states, including California, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas, and a few cities, including New York and San Francisco, have regulations for mold and indoor air quality. You should check your state laws and the EPA website for any mold standards or guidelines.
Remember that it is a landlord’s responsibility to provide a habitable living space to their tenants. Depending on the situation, if mold is present in the rental, the tenant may be able to withhold rent or file a lawsuit. For instance, if you fail to repair a leak and mold begins to grow in the soaked area, any health problem caused by it would be your fault. Some landlords choose to include a mold clause in their lease that relieves them from any liability related to mold growth. A smart landlord will work to prevent mold from growing and inform their tenants of the hazard. If your tenant notices mold, make sure to act on it immediately and use an effective mold cleaner. Improving your indoor air quality and maintaining it, with products like the Moso Bag, will ensure that your property is always in the best condition. If you take the right steps now, you can avoid having to pay for mold remediation services.
Preventing Mold in the Future
Besides using the products listed here, you can prevent mold in your rental property by taking a few, simple precautions.
- Always keep a bottle of mold killer on hand. Once you’ve selected your weapon of choice, make sure to always have it readily accessible. Make sure to tell your tenants to do so as well. At first sight of new mold growth, you should spray the area. This will help keep it from spreading. You can also do a deep cleaning of the rental using bleach, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide to freshen up. Having a good range of cleaning products is very important.
- Test your property for mold. You can purchase DIY mold test kits to use on your property. It’s important to test all of the rooms that are at the highest risk for mold. This means places where humidity levels tend to be higher or where there is a water connection. Usually, your kitchen and your bathroom are the main rooms you should test.
- Get an air purifier. An air purifier is a great way to improve indoor air quality and prevent mold from growing. A standard HEPA air purifier can filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns. Mold spores range from 1 to 30 microns in size, so a good air purifier should be able to eliminate pretty much all of the mold spores in the air.
- Inspect your property regularly. Check for leaks and pooling water around your home every couple of months so that you can address any threats before they become issues. Always complete maintenance requests in a timely manner and remind your tenants to clean up and maintain the premises.
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