With power out, mold never had it so good

If you’re one of the thousands of Central Floridians still living without power, think of the bright side: You may be miserable, but mold spores have never had it so good.

“Optimal mold growth occurs in 70- to 80-degree temperatures and relative humidity above 65 percent,” said Peter Duncanson, director of training for disaster restoration for ServiceMaster Clean.

Without air conditioning to lower temperature and humidity during Central Florida’s hottest, most humid month, homes become “a petri dish” for mold spores, Duncanson said, and there’s very little a homeowner can do about it.

But you can do something. Spraying indoor surfaces, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, with antimicrobial cleaning products will reduce mold buildup, Duncanson said. So will towel-drying condensation on furniture.

Marlene Linders, director of the Central Florida chapter of the American Indoor Air Quality Council, said a battery-powered fan will help keep air circulating and reduce condensation. Checks with several home-improvement stores, however, make it clear that if you don’t already have a battery-powered fan, you likely will not find one before you no longer need it.

Once power is restored, homeowners should run their air conditioners nonstop for at least 72 hours, with the thermostat set in the mid-70s, Linders advised. Paul Roecker, an Orlando environmental attorney with Greenberg Traurig, agreed. But he said homeowners should first clean or replace air-conditioner filters. Filters that have gone unused for several days or more collect moisture, making them a breeding ground for mold spores.

The experts are divided on whether it’s best to keep your screened windows open or shut during the power outage. Linders said you should keep your windows closed as much as possible to keep out humidity and microscopic spores. Roecker said that although it’s probably a good idea to keep windows closed when you’re away, personal comfort dictates that windows be kept open when you’re around.

Harry Wessel can be reached at hwessel@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5506.