Tackling Mold in the Rainy Season

Rainy Season is Here

It took a little while to get started, but rainy season has most certainly arrived in South Florida.

While our friends and family in the rest of the country enjoy four seasons, we have two:wet and dry. The Dry Season, which just ended begins around the end of October and runs to the middle to end of May. 

The Wet Season, which just started runs from June to October. It roughly parallels the hurricane season.It might not rain all day, but it will rain just about some time every day!

Rain means mold in South Florida. Spores that were dormant come to life with a little water. 

Mold is a real problem inside and out. However, you can do a few things to tackle the mold before it gets started.

Tackle Mold Before it Gets Started

In the bathroom, make sure you have good ventilation and use it!Turn on exhaust fans when running a bath or using the shower.

If you do not have a fan, you can crack a window a small amount for extra ventilation or put a portable fan in the bathroom to help keep the air moving. If you do open the window, be sure to remember to close it.You don’t want any of that outside moisture getting inside.If you do get mold growing in the shower, you can always use a little vinegar and baking soda to scrub it away without the use of toxic chemicals like bleach.

Mold in the AC

If your AC is working properly, it will remove the added moisture in the air that occurs during rainy season.It is a good idea to have your AC inspected and tuned-up before the start of rainy season.

If your rooms feel humid during rainy season, first check to make sure that your windows and doors seal properly.Also, check for signs of a roof leak.If everything is buttoned up tightly, then you should have your AC inspected.

Speaking of the AC, don’t forget to change your filter. You don’t want a filter covered in mold sitting in your system polluting the air. If mold is a real problem in your home, you might want to consider using AC filters treated with an antimicrobial.If the air handling unit has lots of mold and algae in it, it is time to get the air duct cleaned and treated with a biocide.

Mold Outside

If you have any areas inside that are stained from mold, you can kill the mold and remove the stain by using a chlorine dioxide product. One of the most popular is Vital Oxide made by Vital Technologies.Another great mold stain remover is sodium percarbonate.Sodium percarbonate is hydrogen peroxide that has had the water removed.It is available in powdered form and is usually the active ingredient in products with “Oxy”, “Oxi”, and “Oxygen” in the name.Read the labels and look at ingredients.

For items outdoors, like patio furniture walkways and decks, you can clean and then treat with a protective coating like SureCote.These coatings will usually last one or two seasons, depending on how much water and moisture is present.

Seasonal residents should talk to their AC company about installing a humidistat to control the AC during the rainy season. Even if you have headed back north to avoid the rainy season, your home or condominimum needs to be protected.