Tag Archives: home owner tips

Is This Mold or Mildew?

Mold or Mildew | Dianne Perry & Company Blog

 

Is this mold or mildew? Is this something serious or can I clean it myself? You’ve probably asked yourself these questions before and you are not alone. Mold and mildew are similar in nature and can be easy to confuse. Both are fungus, and both thrive in moist environments (you’ve most likely wondered about a spot in your bathroom).

 

Here is how you can differentiate between mildew and mold:

  • The appearance of mold is usually slimy and fuzzy (mold is what appears on rotten food). It is typically red, green, blue, and black in color.

 

  • The appearance of mildew generally looks like a powder and is more gray and white in color.

 

  • Mildew is often found in and around showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets and even bathroom walls. Mildew, particularly in bathrooms, is incredibly common regardless of how you may clean.

 

  • Mold is more often found on ceilings and walls. Toxic black mold usually grows out of sight and in a damper, darker environment. Toxic black mold requires a lot of moisture over a long period of time to grow. Often, an unknown water leak can cause toxic black mold.

Mold or Mildew | Dianne Perry & Company Blog

Preventing mold & mildew:

  • Eliminate as much moisture as possible. Steam from hot showers is one of the most common sources of moisture, so it is particularly important to use a ventilation fan and keep interior doors open to enhance airflow.

 

  • Use a cleaner! If you notice small spots, scrub the surface with a cleaner that contains bleach (be sure to wear gloves and avoid contact with the skin and eyes).

 

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

By now, we’re sure that you’ve heard about Hurricane Joaquin and how the storm will impact the weather in Wilmington this weekend. While the hurricane path is still being tracked, it looks as though Wilmington will see heavy rain and winds from the storm.

Joaquin Hurricane, Wilmington NC, Homeowner Preparedness for Hurricane

(Image via WWAY.com)

Development on the storm can be found online at The National Hurricane Center or locally at WWAY Hurricane Center. As of 1:00 PM today, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has declared a state of emergency for North Carolina.

In addition to keeping an eye on the storm, below are some hurricane and storm preparedness tips:

  • Make sure you have any emergency supplies you may need. We suggest bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, a battery operated radio and extra batteries. Ready.gov has a basic disaster supply list here and readync.gov offers local information and preparedness tips.

 

  • Move lawn, patio, or balcony furniture indoors or to an area where it will not be impacted by high winds.

 

  • Fill your car’s gas tank prior to the heavy weather.

 

  • Make sure you have some cash on hand.

 

  • Pick up any medications prior to the storm.

 

  • Keep your phone plugged in before the storm hits to have full battery life if the power goes out.

 

  • Have important contact numbers on hand and saved in your phone.

 

  • Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting so that food will last longer if the power goes out.

 

  • Check and secure rain gutters.

 

  • Close your windows, doors, and shutters.

 

  • Gather supplies for your pets too! Be sure their collars are on securely and that their leashes are close by. It is best to take your pets with you, so make sure to have a plan that includes them in an event of an emergency.

 

  • Know your evacuation route (if you have one) and listen for any evacuation instructions from officials. Do not drive during the storm or if your area is experiencing dangerous winds or flooding.