Problem Overflow

Smoke, smells and damp getting into your apartment, and how renters stop them.

Damp & musty

Mold behind furniture on an outside wall

Easy · About 30 minutes

Where I am
There are gray or black spots on the wall behind the dresser.
Where I want to be
A clean wall and a plan so it doesn't return.
What's in the way
Cold outside walls stay damp when furniture blocks the air.

Landlord's job? Report it in writing with dates, and keep a log. Who fixes what depends on your lease and where you live.

Try this first, free: Pull one piece of furniture away from an outside wall and look behind it.

The fix

  1. Move the furniture away from the wall. Leave a hand's width for air.
  2. Wipe small spots with a cloth and warm soapy water. Wear gloves and open a window.
  3. Dry the wall with a towel or a fan.
  4. Take a photo with the date, and tell the landlord.

What this won't fully fix: Moving furniture and wiping help with minor spots. A wall that stays cold and wet needs a repair.

Safety first: If mold covers a large patch, comes back quickly, or you're coughing or wheezing, tell the landlord at once and don't scrub it yourself.

What to get

These open an Amazon search, so you can pick the one that fits. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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