Month: June 2017

Washing Mold From Clothing

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The humid Dallas summer guarantees that most people who to leave their home during the day will return with damp clothing. Just a few minutes in a hot car can drench someone in sweat during a hot afternoon. This can lead to problems for people who leave clothing in a stuffed hamper for several days. Any fabric that is left wet or damp for more than 24 hours can easily develop mold growth. The humid Texas air can also exacerbate a mold problem in clothes, especially if your home has a humidity level over 50 percent. Last week we shared tips on getting rid of mold odor in clothing and accessories. This week we’re looking at tackling mold itself, which is even trickier to get off fabric once it has started to grow. Mold can destroy clothing, so the sooner that you act on getting rid of it the better.

Washing out the Mold

If you find mold in your clothing, don’t wait to treat it! Basic cotton t-shirts, shirts, pants, socks and underwear are the easiest to tackle. First, wear plastic gloves and remove the clothing from the home. Take a sponge or old wash cloth and remove as much of the mold growth off the material as you can. Bring the clothes back inside and separate the lights and darks as you normally would for a regular wash. Bleach is one of the oldest remedies for mold removal – and works well on certain items (including cotton clothing). Do a load of laundry using hot water and your regular detergent. Once the washing machine has filled up with water, then add a cup of bleach. Color-safe bleach is also an option, though it might not work as well in certain instances. Whenever you are washing mold out of clothing, it is most effective to wash them through two complete cycles.

Bleach does not work for all materials – and can stain or fade certain pieces. A popular alternative for fighting mold is white distilled vinegar. (Vinegar can kill 82% of mold species.) It is especially effective in treating cotton blends, linen and polyester. Pouring a cup of vinegar into the wash will help rid most clothing of mold. But be mindful of the care directions for bright clothing and “hand wash only” pieces. Other ingredients used for getting rid of mold are borax, lemon juice – or a combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Make sure run the clothes through two full cycles. Again, these remedies are most effective in the early stages of mold infestation. If the mold has started breaking down the fabric and eating through it, it’s best to throw the piece away.

After you have washed your clothes, you will want to dry them immediately. The ideal drying method would be hanging the clothing outside on a clothesline. The sunlight is ideal for treating and eradicating mold as well.

Dry Clean Only

Most people own a few pieces of clothing that are “dry clean only.” If you own garments that are contaminated by mold and can’t be washed at home – send them out immediately. The heat used in the dry cleaning process is an effective way to rid fabric of mold as well. If you have other pieces of contaminated clothing that proved difficult to clean, you might consider sending them to the dry cleaners. This is the most expensive solution, but necessary for some materials – especially for silk and complicated blends.

Summer Mold Strategy

It’s not always possible to wash your damp clothing immediately. In the heat of the summer especially, your clothes are going to experience some kind of sweat-related dampness. The best way to combat mold growth is to line dry any clothing that gets damp before throwing it into the hamper. Even laying clothing out overnight and letting it air dry will help keep mold from appearing on material. The key here is to be proactive, which is sometimes difficult after coming home from the sweltering heat. Always dry damp clothing that is destined for the clothes hamper and avoid destructive mold growth.

Dangers of Mold

Sometimes mold can start growing on clothing without any obvious signs. An undetectable mold spore outbreak is just as hazardous as one that is visible. Breathing in spores can cause allergic reactions including sinus problems, runny eyes and skin rashes. Mold in your clothing can also contaminate the air; affecting the indoor air quality and even spurring growth in other areas of the home. Be mindful of the summer heat and the state of your clothing once you come home. By taking a few precautions with sweaty materials, you should be able to successfully bypass mold contamination.

RestoPros is the DFW leader in mold damage restoration and remediation. If you have any problems with mold in your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our trained and licensed technicians can assess your problem and offer safe, effective solutions for recovery. Call 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!

Related Blogs:

Healthy Humidity Levels in the Summer

5 Natural Cleaning Methods for Small Mold Spots

Don’t forget to follow RestoPros on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ for new Updates, News, and Discounts.

 

 

Removing Mold Odor with Sunlight

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There are several ways that mold can wreak havoc on your home. Sometimes the problems aren’t as invasive as an outbreak inside your walls or ceiling. Sometimes the problems are more of a nuisance, requiring more of a DIY approach to the solution. If you live in an older home that has a musty smell, you may have encountered a problem with clothing or items made with fabric that start to smell of mold. This can happen in any residence; a new apartment or home as well as an older structure.

Items that are stored for a long time in a confined space can sometimes generate a moldy, musty smell that is extremely difficult to remove. Sometimes these are items (such as leather goods, baseball caps, sweaters and jackets) that are not feasible to put in the washing machine. Bath towels and washcloths can also develop a “mold creep” that sets in the fabric and isn’t noticeable until wet. This problem is even harder to deal with when using the regular methods of cleaning.

One of the easiest, greenest and most effective ways to completely remove that smell from clothing, towels and other items is to harness the power of sunlight. Hanging them on a clothesline (fixed or makeshift) throughout a dry, sunny day can work miracles This can sometimes be a tricky endeavor in the Dallas summer when the air is high in humidity. A hot, humid day might even exacerbate the mold growth – and odor. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you hang out any items for the day.

Try this method with fabric and leather items that have a distinctive odor. For pieces that have mold growing on them, you might simply consider getting rid of them.

  1. Choose a day with a forecast of sunny and dry (both elements are essential in this equation). Then start early in the morning to ensure you have the full day.
  2. Use gloves and, depending on the amount of items and the level of mold, a face mask to gather all of the items and take them outside. Using a clean, dry cloth, wipe the items off thoroughly.
  3. If you are also attempting to get rid of that mold smell on bath towels, they will need to be washed first on a warm cycle.
  4. Hang the items carefully on a clothesline – making sure that it is located in an area that will receive maximum sunlight all day. There should be sufficient room between each item to allow a breeze to effectively help dry out the fabric.
  5. Hang large bath towels lengthwise on the line.
  6. At the end of the day, smell the items to see if there are any lingering odors. Unless the mold contamination was extreme, the smell should have disappeared.
  7. If you can still smell mold, hang the items on a line again the following morning.
  8. Make a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar and gently spray everything before leaving them out again in the sun.
  9. Your clothing and towels should smell great at the end of the day.

Note:  Some pieces of clothing, including brightly colored fabrics, might fade in the direct sunlight. Be mindful of care instructions for each piece. Some might need to be professionally cleaned.

RestoPros is dedicated to keeping mold out of your home – and your life. From mold testing to remediation, our trained and licensed technicians can help eradicate its presence. If you ever find yourself dealing with more than mold odor in your clothing, contact our team! Call 855-587-3786 to schedule an assessment today!

Related Blogs:

5 Natural Cleaning Method for Small Mold Spots

How to Freshen Air After Mold

 

Summer Project: Searching for Mold

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Do you think there might be mold in your Dallas home? If you suspect that your home may have a mold problem, a good time to investigate is over an extended summer break. Recent spring storms, humidity and any structural problems can create areas that are prime for mold. If your Dallas home is susceptible to mold, or already has mold growth, this is an ideal time to root it out and make a plan for removal.

However, finding it and removing it is just half of the battle. Once mold is discovered, it is important to find the cause for the growth and then make the appropriate changes or repairs to ensure it doesn’t return. Having an extended break to deal with all aspects of the problem will enable you to fix this potentially dangerous situation quickly; ensuring both a healthy home and household.

Signs of Mold:

Unpleasant Odors – The first sign of a mold problem is a musty, unpleasant odor in the home. Because mold isn’t always visible, a strong, persistent smell is usually a telltale sign. Follow the odor to the strongest point and investigate the area. If there isn’t an obvious sign of infestation, the problem might be behind a wall or ceiling. The best course of action in this case would be to call a mold removal specialist.

Removing Musty Odors from Your Home

Condensation – During the recent storms, was there condensation on your windows? If you have noticed condensation on windows or walls, your home has a problem with humidity. A moist, humid home in the summer is the ideal breeding ground for mold. The ideal level of humidity for both health and comfort is 45 – 50% – anything higher will promote the condensation on your windows and walls. A modern HVAC system can be programmed for lower humidity, but several factors can prevent a healthy level. Some homes might benefit from a dehumidifier, especially in older residences that have structural problems.

Leaks and other Water Problems: If your home has leaks in the roof or the foundation, the odds are good that you have mold. Anywhere in your home where water has an opportunity to collect and sit is a prime area for mold infestation. The best way to deal with this problem is to get the leak fixed as quickly as possible. Simply removing the mold will not help if the area is likely to leak again. Cracks in the foundation that invite water also need to be fixed. Anywhere in the home that water can infiltrate will need to be repaired before the mold problem can be beaten.

Discolored Areas – Discolored areas on the ceiling or walls can indicate that colonies of mold are growing directly behind it. Bubbles in paint or wallpaper are also telltale signs of a mold infestation. When you discover these discolored or damaged areas, the best plan of attack is call a mold specialist. An invisible leak is more than likely the cause – and will require a professional to assess the situation and provide solutions.

Allergy Triggers – Are there people in your household who have allergic reactions when they enter the home – or when the central air system comes on? Sneezing, coughing, post nasal drip and sinus problems are often symptoms of mold allergies. Some people suffer from skin allergies when exposed to certain kinds of mold. Breaking out in hives during a rainstorm can indicate a mold problem in a home. If there is a definite cause/effect with allergies and your home, mold could be the trigger. An infestation in your central air system or your leaky roof can greatly affect the quality of life for those who suffer from mold allergies. The root cause needs to be investigated and dealt with quickly.

If you come across any of these signs, or have seen the actual presence of mold in your home, the next step is to call a professional for an assessment. The experts at RestoPros can help determine the extent of the infiltration, the damage and the cause. Use this summer break to take charge of the issue and fix it before it leads to expensive repairs. Ensure the health and comfort of your family with complete mold remediation in your Dallas home.

Related Blogs:

Healthy Humidity Levels in the Summer

Get Your Foundation Inspected this Spring

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Preventing Mold in an AC Window Unit

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Though the calendar might not reflect it, summer in Dallas has already arrived. Oppressive heat and humidity has become a regular occurrence, which means that area HVAC systems are running constantly. Because of the intense heat and humidity, residents with an AC window unit will want to be mindful of mold. Window units are especially susceptible to mold propagation – and in areas where high humidity is the norm in the summer, the threat is increased.

A window unit that is several floors high can make the detection and cleaning of the contamination even more difficult. The best course of action is to take steps to keep mold from forming in the first place. To accommodate this need, the professionals at RestoPros have come up with a list of tips to help prevent mold from forming in Dallas window units.

Continuous Air Cycle – In the heat of the summer, it is best to leave the window unit on “auto” mode when no one is home. When you shut down the AC and leave the house without any air flow, moisture can steadily grow. This is especially problematic during extended summer vacations. Dallas residents should make sure that their units are continuously cycling air – even when they are not home. Air circulation is a good deterrent against mold growth in a wall unit.

Humidity Control – Many modern AC window units are designed with humidity control. If your current unit does not include this feature and has a mold problem, consider purchasing a new model that does. Humidity control helps to regulate the moisture level in the air, which helps to keep the formation of mold in check.

Dusting – Dusting your home or apartment thoroughly is a good way to keep mold at bay. Mold devours dust and dander and a high rate of contaminated air cycling through a wall unit can provide enough “food” for mold to grow. Investing in a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter will help catch the smallest of particles that might contribute to mold growth. HEPA filters are also ideal for home/apartment owners that struggle with asthma and severe allergies.

Maintenance – While AC wall units require yearly maintenance from a professional technician, many of them are not serviced until they need repair. Just like a central air system, wall units need to be cleaned and tuned-up before the summer. DIY maintenance will also help in the fight against mold growth. Cleaning it on a regular basis and removing any signs of moisture will go a long in keeping mold from forming and flourishing.

Store it Away – When the temperatures in Dallas become reasonably cool (which is generally around October), it is best to remove it from the window and store it in a dry, secure area. Leaving the window unit exposed to the elements throughout the fall and winter will keep it vulnerable to mold. If it isn’t realistic to remove it for storage, getting a unit cover will help keep the rain and ice from compromising the interior.

Keep your AC window unit free from mold this summer with these straightforward tips on usage and maintenance. We guarantee it will help keep mold and mildew from forming and growing. RestoPros hopes that you never have to deal with a mold problem in your air conditioning unit (or home), but if you ever do – we are there for you. We are the leading mold damage restoration and remediation company in the DFW Metroplex. If you have a mold problem, call us at 855-587-3786 and we’ll schedule an appointment today!

Don’t forget to follow RestoPros on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ for new Updates, News, and Discounts.

Slightly edited Photo Source Courtesy of Jason Eppink

Healthy Humidity Levels in the Summer

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Another Dallas summer is just around the corner, which means both extreme heat and high humidity – two factors that nurture indoor mold. One small, undetected leak in your ceiling or plumbing during the summer could potentially lead to mold infestation. Regular readers of our blog know that mold can grow undetected for months; creating foundation damage, triggering allergies and causing sickness. Mold is one of the most detrimental factors involved in poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Its presence in the home is not just destructive, it can have a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of your family. To prepare for another humid summer, RestoPros has come up with a list of tips for the prevention of indoor mold.

Fresh Air – Opening windows in the summer is not always possible. This is especially true in Dallas where the lows in the dog days are not so low. But in June and July the early mornings are often cool enough for you to open the windows and increase your home’s ventilation. Fresh, dry air will help dry out damp, musty areas and lower the carbon dioxide levels. Air with high carbon dioxide levels can cause decreasing oxygen levels in the body, impeding the flow of oxygen to the brain. A home that has been shut off for several months can create a buildup of carbon monoxide – another example of poor IAQ.

Maintain Healthy Humidity Levels – While most modern HVAC systems allow a homeowner to control humidity levels, it can still be a problem for many Dallas homes. Both mold and dust mites thrive in a humid environment, so it is important to be mindful of your indoor humidity. The ideal relative humidity is 40 -50% for a home environment. Any higher than 50% during the summer months will increase the chances of mold to grow – especially in the bathroom, kitchen and basement. Ventilation fans in these rooms are also helpful (and essential in bathrooms). Consider having them installed by a professional electrician if there none in your home.

Tips on Reducing Home Humidity

Dry Wet Areas – Are there places in your home that are damp or wet for an extended period of time? Mold spores can’t grow without moisture, so it’s important to dry the wet areas in your home as soon as possible. This is why a ventilation fan in your bathroom is so important. Wipe down the walls of your shower and the areas around the kitchen and bathroom sink. Water from a plumbing leak, wet clothing and even a spill on the floor need to be dried within 48 hours. Wet clothing and towels are especially easy to overlook. Material that has been compromised by mold is extremely difficult to clean.

Ultraviolet Light – If your home has a recurring mold problem, ultraviolet light is a good way to combat it. Homes in areas with high humidity (like Dallas) can especially benefit from UV technology. UV lamps placed in areas of the home where mold forms can help to significantly reduce contamination. UV mold lights can be found at most hardware and home improvement stores. Many IAQ professionals use them to treat mold infestation and modified lamps have become a popular mold preventative for HVAC systems. This technology is most effective as a preventative. Homes that are experiencing a pervasive mold problem will need to contact a specialist.

Vacuum with a HEPA Filter – Using HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to vacuum your home is an ideal way to help keep your IAQ healthy. HEPA filters help remove toxins, including mold spore concentrations, in carpets, tile and wood flooring. You can also use HEPA vacuum cleaners to clean air vents, ducts and musty areas that can contribute to mold growth. Though they aren’t a replacement for exhaust fans, HEPA air purifiers can help rooms prone to dampness that have no ventilation system (including bathrooms and kitchens).

Green Cleaning Products – Cleaning products that combat mold are some of the worst offenders when it comes Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs pollute indoor air and can create an extremely toxic environment. Fortunately there are several eco-friendly products on the market that are effective in removing certain types of mold. As a general rule, when cleaning mold and mildew, stick with cleaners that are water-based, non-toxic and non-aerosol. The EPA has a list of “safer choice” cleaners that can be accessed below.

Search EPA-Approved Cleaning Products

If your home is prone to mold growth, it is extremely important to take extra precautions during the most humid season. Act quickly when you notice the first signs of mold – or damp places in your home. The faster you act, the less likely it will manifest, spread and begin affecting the health of your household. If you feel that you might already have a pervasive mold problem, RestoPros is the leader in mold damage restoration and remediation. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 and we’ll set up an appointment today!

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