Mold & Mildew Cleanup in Lake Stevens, WA

Does living near the lake or Catherine Creek make mildew worse?

It can add to the moisture load. Lake Stevens is the largest and deepest lake in Snohomish County, draining through Catherine Creek to the Pilchuck River. The city says its 100-year flood areas are limited mostly to properties along Catherine Creek and the lake, mapped as FEMA Zone A, and that flooding has also come from wetlands, streams and ditches overflowing. A lower-floor room in one of those spots that smells musty right after cleaning may be getting water from outside, which no amount of wiping will fix. For most houses, though, the bigger driver is indoor condensation through a long, gray winter.

What's the line between cleaning and calling someone?

EPA and Washington DOH use about 10 square feet, roughly 3 ft by 3 ft. Under that, on a hard or painted surface that is firm and dry behind, scrub with detergent and water, dry thoroughly and wear gloves and eye protection. Over that, or if drywall is soft, stained through or damp, bring in a professional. Recurring growth in the same spot also deserves a closer look, since it usually means moisture is coming from somewhere you can't see. Any company should be registered with Washington L&I as a construction contractor; Washington has no state mold license.

Who do I call in Lake Stevens about permits or complaints?

If cleanup turns into replacing drywall, trim or flooring, the City of Lake Stevens Building Division handles plan review and inspections through the Online Permit Center, and flood hazard areas fall under the city's critical areas rules. The city's Code Enforcement portal covers nuisance, land use and stormwater issues; housing conditions aren't listed among them. The Snohomish County Health Department does not investigate mold in private homes and points landlord mold disputes to the Dispute Resolution Center of Snohomish and Island Counties.

One local note

Homes from Frontier Village out toward Cavalero Hill and Machias share the same winter pattern: shut windows, running heat and damp outdoor air. Run bath fans long enough to clear the mirror, keep indoor humidity under 60 percent as EPA suggests, and give closets on outside walls some air.