Mildew in Edmonds homes is usually surface growth on window frames, bathroom ceilings and cool closet walls, fed by condensation through the wet season along the Sound. Small patches on hard surfaces can usually be cleaned by the homeowner, while larger growth, soft drywall or anything left behind by water intrusion calls for a professional. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local mold remediation company in Edmonds.
Conditions along the Edmonds waterfront and bowl
Edmonds sits on Puget Sound about 14 miles north of Seattle, with its downtown in the valley locals call the bowl and a ferry terminal at the foot of Main Street. Mild, wet winters mean long stretches when windows stay shut and indoor moisture lingers on glass and outside walls. Low ground near the water has seen salt water too: on December 27, 2022, king tide waves crashed over the seawall, about a foot and a half of water covered the marina area, and Dayton St. was closed with water 1 to 2 feet deep in spots.
Surface mildew or something deeper?
| Situation | Usually surface mildew | Usually needs removal |
|---|---|---|
| Specks on tile, grout or glass | Wipes off with detergent and water | Stain sits under the caulk or behind the tile |
| Window frames and sills | Wood is firm and the growth is on the finish | Sill is soft, or the wall below is stained |
| Painted wall or ceiling | Under about 10 sq ft and dry behind | Larger area, or the drywall feels damp |
| After water came in at floor level | Hard surfaces dried within 24 to 48 hours | Drywall, insulation or carpet stayed wet |
The 10 square foot guideline comes from EPA and Washington DOH, and the 24 to 48 hour drying window is echoed by the Snohomish County Health Department.
Signs to watch for
- A musty smell that comes back a day or two after cleaning.
- Black dots along the bottom rail of windows facing the water.
- Gray film on shoes, bags or leather in a closet on an outside wall.
- Paint bubbling or peeling on a bathroom ceiling.
Timing through the year
Mildew tends to build from fall through spring, when heat runs, windows stay closed and outdoor air rarely dries anything. Late spring and summer are the easiest time to dry rooms out, fix fans and repaint. If the growth followed a high-tide event or a leak, act sooner: EPA says to dry water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours. Repair permits go through the City of Edmonds Building Division, which reviews plans and inspects residential work in the city.
Mold & Mildew Cleanup questions in Edmonds
Is mildew the same thing as mold?
Why does mildew come back after I clean it?
I rent and mildew keeps coming back. What can I do?
Water got into the house. Is this still a mildew cleanup?
More mold services in Edmonds
Mold & Mildew Cleanup nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- Wikipedia: Edmonds, Washington
- KIRO 7: Cleanup efforts underway after king tides lead to flood damage in Edmonds
- City of Edmonds: Building Division
- City of Edmonds: Code Enforcement
- Snohomish County Health Department: Mold and Air Quality
- EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- EPA: Homeowner's and Renter's Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters (pdf)
- Washington State Department of Health: Mold
- RCW 59.18.060: Landlord duties
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