Cassidy Kuchenbecker, MS Senior Project Consultant Microbiologist with Enviromental Initiatives, sends me a monthly email that talks about home maintenance ideas and environmental subjects that we all need to understand better. This email focuses on a phenomenon called “cottage syndrome”. Ever go in a shut-up building and smell mustiness? That’s often cottage syndrome. Buildings that are closed with no heat in the winter can experience condensation on the cool surfaces in the building in fall and spring. Mold will grow on the surfaces, making the musty odor. You typically can’t see the mold. Being a microbiologist with a microscope, it’s easy for me to see the mold. Don’t have a microscope? Use a flashlight. Take the flashlight and shine down the wood legs of tables, chairs, and down the sides of cabinets. By shining the light sideways instead of straight on, the mold colonies will cast shadows and be visible. Tell your sellers to consider keeping the heat to 55 F in winter or keep a dehumidifier going on each level with the device placed in the bathtub or somewhere where it can continuously drain, like next to a drain with a hose running to the drain. These are great points! The weather is changing rapidly in Wisconsin and it is best to do these items above before its too late. Happy Fall!
