Month: August 2017

Areas in the Home to Check for Mold

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It’s been an uncharacteristically wet summer in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area this year. With all the rain, flash flooding and humidity, the possibility for mold growth in (and outside) of the home has dramatically increased. Leaks in the roof and cracks in the walls can easily be compromised by the humid weather, allowing mold to infiltrate and proliferate inside a home. Even without leaks, your home and its exterior are more susceptible to a mold outbreak due to the humidity in the air. Because of this, it is important to know where the major areas for mold growth can be found. Being proactive before a potential outbreak can get out of hand will save you a lot of time and money in remediation and foundation repairs. This weekend, go through the following list and check your home for signs of mold.

Attic

If you have had problems with roof leaks, this is the first area to check for a potential mold infestation. Mold thrives in damp, humid spaces and Dallas/Ft. Worth attics without fans or climate control should be a major concern. If there doesn’t appear to be any mold, but the ceiling or walls exhibit signs of water leakage, consider drying the area out by moving air through with a fan. Have a licensed roofer check for leaks immediately.

Ventilation Ducts

Ducts are another problem area for mold growth. Ventilation ducts and, to a lesser extent, HVAC ducts often contain the right combination of warmth and vapor to compel cold growth. Checking them for mold can be tricky, but removing vents and grilles and exploring the attached vent with a flashlight is a good start.  Mold inside ductwork is very difficult to fins and contain. If you see signs of an outbreak, contact a specialist to test or treat the area.

Windows

Older windows that have cracks in the framing or damaged jambliner/weather stripping are easy targets for mold growth. Do a thorough check of all the windows in your home, opening them to check for contamination in the jambs (vertical areas). If there is furniture obscuring part of the window or areas close to it, move it out of the way. Mold can grow around window areas, especially window panes that are often affected by outside humidity. The water that collects on them can run, compromising the wall area below.

What to do About Mold Growing on Windows

Bathrooms

These are the rooms that are most frequently compromised by mold. The constant use of the bath or shower in an enclosed space, even with strong ventilation, can promote an outbreak. Check every corner of the room including cabinets – and look behind artwork on walls. Make sure that after a bath or shower that the ventilation stays on with door open until the humidity has been removed from the air.

Doors

The wet summer can be especially hard for doors in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Wood doors and doors with wood framing can very easily warp, leaving small cracks for the humidity to infiltrate the home. Check for mold on all the doors to house and any hinged garage or utility doors outside.

A/C Window Units

If you live in a home or apartment with an A/C window unit, give it a thorough inspection – both inside and out. Units that “sweat” or constantly leak are prone to mold growth. A rainy, humid summer only exacerbates the potential for an outbreak inside the unit. Cleaning mold from a window unit can be very difficult, sometimes it is easier (and cheaper) to simply replace the model.

Heating/Cooling Appliances

Refrigerators, washer/dryers, water heaters and other appliances that produce cold, heat or create condensation can create opportunities for mold growth. If it is possible, pull out the appliance and inspect it thoroughly, then check the wall and floor around it.  Certain appliances like water heaters and dishwashers are not as easy to inspect, but are also magnets for mold and should be investigated as well.

Don’t let the humid weather wreak havoc on your home. Check for mold in all these common areas – and stop an outbreak before it has a chance to harm your home and family. If you discover mold and feel that it needs to be handled by professionals, contact the experts at RestoPros. We can schedule a technician to make an assessment of the problem and offer solutions for remediation. Call us at 855-587-3786 to make an appointment today!

Related Blogs:

Natural Mold and Mildew Removal

Humidity Damage in your Dallas Home

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

Mold Experiments for Kids

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If you have recently experienced a mold problem in your home, you know how difficult it can be to contain and eradicate the problem. Depending on the infestation, you may have had to leave the home for remediation (which can sometimes take several days). Did the mold affect the health of people in the household? Even those who are not allergic to mold can experience health problems associated with strains that produce mycotoxins that are toxic to both humans and animals.

If children were in the home during the infestation, it’s important to educate them on the causes of the mold and the many ways to keep it from developing in the future. Mold education is key in keeping everyone safe from potential outbreaks and related health problems. A good way to begin the conversation is to perform fun, safe mold experiments with the kids. One of our favorite experiments is also one of the easiest to coordinate.

So gather ‘round the kids for an engaging experiment called: HOW DOES MOLD GROW?

Definition: Mold, in the simplest of terms, is a type of fungus (spore-producing organisms that feed on organic matter). It grows through spores, which survive and thrive in environments that are often warm, dark and moist. The spores feed on dead plant or animal material, but can grow on food, walls and anywhere that provides a food source, oxygen and a temperature between 40 – 100 degrees.

Experiment Tools:

  • 4 Clear Sandwich Bags (with zip closures)
  • 1 Cup of Water
  • 1 Slice of Bread
  • 1 Piece of Fruit (Apple, Banana or Strawberry)
  • 1 Piece of (real) Cheese
  • 1 Small Snack Cake (like a Twinkie)
  • Tablets for Notes

Experiment:

  • Put each food item into one of the sandwich bags
  • Lightly sprinkle each piece of food with water
  • Seal each bag tightly
  • Collect the bags and place each in a dark cabinet
  • Make sure that cabinet is at room temperature
  • Leave the bags in the cabinet for two days (without disturbing them)
  • After taking the bags out of the cabinet, what is the result?
  • Do any of the food items contain a slight fuzz?
  • What color is the fuzz? Does it differ on each item?
  • Put the bags back into the cabinet for another two days
  • Continue this procedure for 10 days
  • On day 10 what is the result?
  • Do all four food items exhibit mold growth?
  • Did one item not contain mold? Which one?
  • After making your observations, throw all the bags away unopened

Talking Points:

  • The moisture, the darkness and the room temperature were all ideal conditions for mold to grow on the food items.
  • Mold spores are always in the air – and different spores are attracted to different kinds of food. This is why the mold growth on each food item was a different color/texture.
  • Which food item did not grow mold? The snack cake is made with preservatives that kill the mold before it has a chance to grow.
  • Try the experiment again, but this time place the four food items in different locations where the temperature and light vary. Place one near a window, one in the fridge, etc. Make notes on the progression of the mold and how the growth varies from the original experiment – and how the growth varies from item to item.

More Mold Experiments

Educating your kids on the science behind mold can be both fun and informative. It is especially helpful if your household has recently had to deal with a mold infestation and lengthy clean-up/remediation. If you are dealing with a mold issue and need an assessment or help with remediation, give us a call today at 855-587-3786!

Related Blogs:

Washing Mold from Clothing

Removing Mold Odor with Sunlight

 

Natural Mold and Mildew Removal

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The professionals at RestoPros are asked about a wide variety of concerns revolving around mold and mildew. (We’re the experts on the subject, so it’s not all that surprising.) One of the more common questions we receive concerns the cleaning of surface mold and mildew from areas in the bathroom and kitchen. There are dozens of products on the market – many of which contain toxic chemicals that are bad for your household and the environment. Eco-friendly cleaners exist on the market, but there are very effective DIY solutions that are both cheaper and equally effective in cleaning. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite “recipes” for creating safe, simple cleaners that will get rid of mold and mildew without the chemicals or exorbitant price.

Tea Tree Oil Cleaner

Items:

Tea Tree Oil Extract

Spray Bottle

Tea tree oil is primarily known as a natural beauty product. But it also has a long list of healing applications that include antibiotic, antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic and expectorant. Distilled from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, it has often been referred to as a “medicine cabinet in a bottle” for its long list of medicinal properties. Included in its comprehensive laundry list of uses is effective non-toxic cleaner. You can find it on the natural beauty isle or as an extract at a natural foods store. While the small bottles can be pricey, a little bit goes a long way. To make a cleaning solution, all you need to do is place about 1 – 2 teaspoons of the oil in the spray bottle, filling the rest with water. Spray the solution over the mold/mildew area and quickly wipe away.

Vinegar Cleaner

Items:

White Vinegar

Spray Bottle

One of the oldest, and most effective, DIY house cleaners is simply a mixture of white vinegar and water. Just fill half of the empty bottle with white vinegar and the other half with water. Spray the solution onto the mold/mildew and wipe clean. This solution is great for cleaning a wide range of surfaces including ceramic, laminate, vinyl and steel surfaces. Similar to tea tree oil, it doesn’t create any fumes or require any additional cleaning (to remove an odor). However, this solution is much cheaper to create than the tea tree extract cleaner.

Lemon & Salt Cleaner

Items:

Lemons (a dozen)

Salt

Spray Bottle

Small Container/Dish

Cloth

This solution is very popular because of its abrasive cleaning power and its pleasant smell. It is most effective for cleaning difficult mold/mildew outbreaks as the salt helps to break up the more concentrated areas. Extract the lemon juice from the lemons and place into the spray bottle. Pour a few teaspoons of salt into a small container or dish. Spray the mold/mildew with the solution and then add the salt by either pouring over or applying with a cloth. Work the salt into the solution with the cloth and wipe the area down. You will want to clean the area with water once the mold/mildew has been removed to ensure all the salt has been wiped away as well. This solution is also effective at cleaning fabric and stubborn stains like lime deposits on water fixtures.

Grapefruit Cleaner

Items:

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Spray Bottle

Another fixture at natural food stores, grapefruit seed extract is not simply an effective cleaner, it is a great disinfectant as well. It has been proven (and used) to kill fungi, bacteria and pathogenic organisms. Simply put about a teaspoon of the extract into a spray bottle and fill the rest with water. Spray the area you want to clean and then wipe away. Unlike the lemon cleaner, grapefruit seed extract has very little smell, so there won’t be a strong odor after cleaning.

While these DIY cleaners are great for cleaning surface mold and mildew, an invasive mold outbreak in your home will require much more than a topical cleaner. The experts at RestoPros can help with the safe and controlled remediation of mold anywhere in your home. If you are experiencing an invasive mold problem, contact us today! A mold infestation is only going to worsen and can eventually cause extensive property damage as well as health issues within your household. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an assessment with our certified hygienists.

Related Blogs:

Washing Mold from Clothing

Removing Mold Odor from Sunlight

Back to School Safety for the Home

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It’s August, which means that several Dallas schools will be starting their semesters soon. While the professionals at RestoPros get ready for seasonal changes in the weather, our customers and neighbors are getting ready for changes in their household. The back to school rush can be overwhelming for both parents and kids. Schedule changes and new routines present challenges for families with kids of every age. One of the more important, and often overlooked, issues that typical households must face every fall is safety. The transition from a summer home to a fall home is different for every family depending on various factors. But there are some common safety challenges inside the home that should be addressed every year.

Unplug Devices – One of the more concerning issues in today’s tech-driven environment is the ubiquitous use of devices. Like it or not, most kids today own at least one device wired to the internet. Whether it’s a smart phone, a tablet or a personal computer, kids are connected to the internet more than ever. This year take stock of all the electrical devices before everyone leaves home for the day. Make sure that any device left behind has been unplugged. Certain smart phone and pad batteries have been overheating and catching fire. In addition, even after a device has been fully charged, it is still drawing power. Save energy (and stay safe) by unplugging all smart devices and their chargers.

Smart Power Strips – A good way to ensure that all the devices in the home are “unplugged” is to set up a designated charging area with a power strip. A power strip is ideal for charging devices and electronics that need to be unplugged after use. A power strip can power multiple items and once it has been turned off, it immediately cuts the power to everything plugged into it. This is an easy and effective way to ensure all the devices left at home are disconnected at once.

Change Thermostat Settings – Do you have a programmable thermostat? If so, you should revisit the settings to make sure that they reflect the new household schedule. If the house will be empty for most of the day, raise the thermostat setting while maintaining a healthy humidity. The weather in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area will remain hot and humid through October, so maintaining a healthy indoor air quality is important. You need to be mindful of the humidity to ensure that increased moisture doesn’t start to affect the home. Program your thermostat to begin cooling the house about a half an hour before the first person returns for the day.

Humidity Damage in Your Dallas Home

Safe and Secure – Most residential burglaries take place on week days between 10am and 3pm, when people are most likely to be away. The first few weeks during the school/vacation transition can be chaotic, which means that certain safety practices can be overlooked. If you have a security system, make sure that it activated before you the home. Be sure to alert neighbors of your new schedule – and be extra mindful of locking doors and windows before you leave.

Neighborhood Safety Tips for Parents

Smoke & CO2 Detectors – Make sure to test your smoke and CO2 detectors before the back to school rush. If you have smoke and CO2 detectors that are a part of a home security package, make sure that they are in working order. Check the batteries on all detectors and alarms, even if they are the more common battery-operated designs. Most have a test button that allows you to check the battery life. There are more residential fires (and CO2 leaks) in the fall and winter, so be sure that your detectors are in correct working order.

Latch Key Connections – If you have a child who gets home before an adult, try to create a list of safety precautions for them to follow. Makes sure that they have the local emergency numbers – as well as close neighbors or family. Also try to choose a “safe house” close by in case they need to find shelter with adult supervision. A safe house can be the home of a friendly neighbor, relative or friend who lives within walking distance and is present during that after school period.

The first couple of weeks during the back to school transition can be chaotic and stressful. But don’t let that frenzied activity compromise the safety of your home and family. Take some time to go over these tips with your kids to ensure a safe and happy school year. Remember that RestoPros works around the clock to help our Dallas/Ft. Worth neighbors with all of their mold remediation and removal needs. Our professionals can always work around your busy schedule! Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment with a technician today!

Related Blogs:

Summer Project: Searching for Mold

Healthy Humidity Levels in the Summer

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

 

Signs of Hoarding

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It is essential that a home is clean for both the health and psychological well-being of a household. At RestoPros, we know the detrimental effects of a home that has been neglected. In addition to trauma cleanup, odor removal and blood decontamination and cleanup, we also offer hoarding cleanup. Reclaiming a home after it has been compromised by hoarding can be a long and difficult process. Sometimes a home will have fallen into such disrepair that it requires a complete remodel to ensure the safety of its occupants.

Are you currently living in a home that might be impacted by a person with the obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorder known as hoarding? The symptoms of hoarding are not always easily detectable as they manifest and grow over a period of time. Read over this list for common signs of hoarding – and take action if they reflect the personal habits of yourself or a loved one.

Rooms Are Unusable If your home contains rooms that are no longer usable because of the amount of clutter, this is one key sign of a hoarding issue. Boxes stacked to the ceiling, stacks of newspapers and piles of random products and refuse are standard impediments in the home of a hoarder.

No Organization to the Clutter There are some people who are better described as “pack rats,” who keep collections or keepsakes in organized storage. A hoarder has no clear organization to the clutter in their home. However, the association with the clutter and where it is located does often become a point of obsession.

Hoarded Items Have No Value Most of the clutter in the home of a hoarder has no real value. Common signs of compulsive hoarding include keeping newspapers, junk mail, magazines, old clothes and broken electronics and appliances. This is in addition to collections of debris that could be described as trash: fast food bags and boxes, spoiled food and other products used with food.

Unwillingness to Give Up Items A hoarder has an unhealthy attachment to items of no value. They will refuse to give up objects that have no real monetary or sentimental worth – which sometimes includes trash and organic debris. Bags of trash will often accumulate because they are reticent to throw them away. One of the most telling signs is a home filled with bags of garbage that have begun to spoil.

Lots of Pets Sometimes the obsessive-compulsive behavior associated with hoarding will manifest in a large collection of pets. Aside from the animals creating more trash (and spreading the clutter around), there are often more animals than can safely be cared for. This is a particularly unhealthy situation as pet debris and waste can contain bacteria that can promote disease and exacerbate allergies.

The Home is Becoming Unsanitary Living in a home that is filled with clutter, trash and organic debris can lead to unsanitary conditions. A hoarder is more likely to stop cleaning dishes, the bathroom, washing clothes and other basic tasks that keep a home clean. This not only affects the psychological well-being of the household, but is also an extremely unhealthy environment.

Increased Social Isolation/Defensiveness Another common sign of hoarding is increased isolation, which is usually impacted by the state of the home. A hoarder will try to keep people from coming inside the house by making excuses about the mess. They will sometimes disengage from friends and family; a byproduct of depression and an unaccommodating home. They can also be very defensive about their living conditions – and any suggestion of change.

If you or someone you know are dealing with these common signs of hoarding, seek help right away. Remember that RestoPros offers complete cleanup services for homes affected by hoarding and similar issues. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an assessment with our cleaning professionals today!

Related Blogs:

Washing Mold from Clothing

Removing Mold Odor with Sunlight