Florida’s near-tropical summer climate makes humidity control, flood protection, and mold and mildew prevention three areas of concern for every absentee homeowner – whether you are gone for the season or just a month or two.
Mold Remediation Experts at ServiceMaster by Wright
While you may initially be tempted to remove the mold yourself, mold removal in Florida is best left to the services of a mold remediation specialist from ServiceMaster by Wright.
Because snowbird homes are often unoccupied during the hot, humid months, they can be particularly vulnerable to seasonal mold growth. For safe, non-toxic mold inspection and mold removal in Florida, and the surrounding areas, contact ServiceMaster by Wright.
At ServiceMaster by Wright, we have more than 40 years of mold remediation experience and homeowner satisfaction. We work effectively, efficiently, and work with your insurance company on your behalf, so you can get back to enjoying your life as seasonal residents in Florida.
To prevent these situations from occurring, we have compiled some tips on how to deal with mold for Florida snowbirds.
Monitor Your Electricity and Water Bills for Unusual Variances
- Monitor your usage while you are away and check for any unusual changes in energy usage.
Humidity Management:
Nearly everything in your Florida home is vulnerable to the effects of high humidity, which causes:
- rusting appliances;
- mold and mildew growth;
- corrosion to electronic equipment and computers;
- deterioration to wood,
- cotton and leather;
- warping of woodwork;
- musty odors;
- insect infestation;
- flaking paint and peeling wallpaper.
You can control humidity levels in your home and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew by blocking outside moisture and minimizing indoor moisture by:
- Weather sealing doors and windows
- Covering kitchen and bath vents with plastic
- Closing fireplace dampers
- Running the air conditioning for a couple of hours a day (note that this is the MOST important thing you can do!).
Flooding & Leaks
In addition to keeping humidity out of your Florida home, you’ll want to prevent unwanted water from seeping in. That moist, salty sea air wreaks havoc on appliances and electronics.
Here’s what to do:
- Inspect windows and doors — fill in gaps and cracks with caulking
- Check to flash around chimneys and vents for damage
- Clean out gutters and downspouts and repair if damaged
- Remove debris from the roof so rain will run off quickly
- Turn off the water to the washing machine and the hot water heater
- Turn off the water at the emergency cut-off valve outside the home
Mold and Mildew
Florida’s warm, humid weather creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow. Since pests and organisms attack organic materials, it is important to do a thorough job cleaning, vacuuming and disinfecting your home before you vacate.
Cleaning Checklist:
- In the kitchen, clean kitchen appliances, cabinets, and countertops with sudsy water and dry all surfaces.
- Dispose of fresh or perishable foods, including cereals, crackers, and pasta
- Clean out refrigerators and freezers and toss opened condiments
- If you unplug the refrigerator, be sure to leave the door propped open
- Clean dishwasher interior and filter and leave door open
- Thoroughly clean bathroom fixtures and all surfaces and wash all bath towels
- Remove any plastic wrappings or bags around clothing
- Run air conditioning for two hours a day, as discussed previously.
A/C settings and mold prevention
- Change your A/C filter. If it is washable, then wash it. An accumulation of dirt plus the summer heat and humidity can lead to mildew and mold growth, which can spread through the house.
- For programmable or smart thermostats: Set your A/C to run at 72 degrees for just two hours each morning before sunrise and at 88 degrees for the remainder of the time.
- For non-programmable thermostats: Set your A/C to run at 80 degrees while you are away.
- For maximum energy savings: Use portable dehumidifiers instead of air conditioning. Set dehumidifiers at 58 percent by sinks and showers, and use one for every 1,000 square feet.
Appliances
- Cable or satellite boxes: Unplug or turn off to avoid paying for energy you aren’t using.
- Water heater: Turn off the circuit breaker to the water heater.
- Small appliances and electronics: Unplug. For security reasons, you may want to place timers on indoor lamps. If you leave your broadband connection when away, you can use smart plugs to control table lamps.
- Dishwasher: Empty and leave the door open.
- Washing machine: Leave the lid open.
- Refrigerators: If you prefer to keep your refrigerator on, set it in its warmest setting.
Safety and Security
- Make sure all smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries.
- Turn off the main water valve unless you have an automatic fire sprinkler system. If you do, turn off the water valves to your washing machine, kitchen and bathroom sinks, dishwasher and toilets.
- Ask someone to check on your property every few weeks for problems that could pop up, such as plumbing leaks or storm damage.
- Make sure that your property manager has your emergency contact information or can reach you (or a designated individual) while you are away, in the event of an emergency.
- Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
Following these steps should help ensure that your Florida residence will be clean and beautiful when you return home!
We hope that these tips can make your return to your Florida home more welcoming. In case the inevitable happens and you’d need help with water damage, mold, and cleaning, ServiceMaster by Wright has got your back! We are an emergency damage restoration company in Florida. If you need our help, contact us at 239-431-9947.
