Month: March 2018

How to Clean Mold in Your Fridge

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We’ve all had to dispose of moldy food before, but mold in your fridge is not as common. Mold infesting the walls or shelves of a refrigerator is never a pleasant experience, and removing it requires a different approach than simply tossing out bad food. Fortunately, cleaning mold in your fridge is fairly straightforward – provided you follow the necessary steps.

Don’t let your Dallas/Ft. Worth home be a victim to fridge mold. From the experts at RestoPros, here’s how clean mold in your fridge!

Create a Natural Mold Cleaner

To clean mold thoroughly, you’ll want to use two major components: white vinegar and baking soda. White distilled vinegar is a prominent mold killer, while baking soda is a natural deodorizer. Be careful not combine these two together however, as they are an acid and base. Doing so will cause a combustive chemical reaction and you’ll be spending extra time cleaning vinegar and baking soda off the floor.

Fill one spray bottle with undiluted vinegar. Vinegar will be used as the initial spray when cleaning mold. Fill a second spray bottle with baking soda and water. This solution will be used for scrubbing. Use about 1/4th tablespoon of baking soda for the entire bottle.

Remove All Items from the Fridge

Since you’re going to be cleaning with vinegar, you’ll want to avoid spraying any of your food. Also, you’re going to be cleaning enclosed spots and corners. Clear out the entirety of your fridge. Go ahead and throw out any moldy or old food you see. Food that is stained with mold or contaminated liquids should be discarded as well. Try organizing your food so that items close to expiring will be the last ones to put back in your fridge.

According to Foodsafety.gov, your fridge’s contents should stay fine for about 2 hours. However, if you’re worried about items such as fresh meat going bad, fill an ice cooler to hold them until you’re done.

Remove all Detachable Shelves and Drawers

Take out any removable shelves, drawers, and bins from your fridge. Vegetable and meat drawers will usually slide right out, while shelves may require a little positioning to release. Not all parts of a fridge are removable, so check their hinging to determine.

Clean Detachable Parts

Wash all your detached parts in the sink. Be sure to wear gloves before cleaning so you don’t get any mold on your hands! First spray the parts with vinegar and scrub with both soapy water and the baking soda solution. Rinse off and throw away any food residue or mold.

Mold can be persistent and could require more intensive scrubbing. Wipe thoroughly but carefully to avoid damaging glass. If mold has not been removed after the initial cleaning, spray the area with vinegar and let it sit for about 5 minutes. After, scrub it again with soap and baking soda.

Clean Fridge

Using the vinegar spray, cover your fridge’s interior. Be sure you get the walls, shelves, underside, and ceiling. Make sure vinegar is also sprayed along the gasket, or outer ring of the fridge. Let the vinegar sit for about 5 minutes.

Once the vinegar has had a few minutes to soak, scrub the interior using the baking soda solution and a washcloth. Give any mold spots an intensive scrub but be careful not to scratch the material. The baking soda solution will complement the vinegar’s cleaning properties while also neutralizing the smell of both the vinegar and mold.

Dry and Return All Parts and Food

Wipe your fridge with a dry cloth to dry it thoroughly. Mold thrives in moist environments, so you wouldn’t want to give it another home. Once your fridge is completely dried and has no more odor, you can return your items.

Completely dry detached parts before returning them to the fridge. After reattaching them, go ahead and refill your fridge with its original contents. As we described, organize your food placement to have items close to expiring at the front.

Place an Open Box of Baking Soda

After your fridge has been completely cleaned, you’ll want to place an open box of baking soda inside. As previously stated, baking soda is a natural deodorizer, and helps to eliminate any foul odors present in your fridge!

Bring your fridge back to freshness using our mold-cleaning guide. While it is important to know how to clean and combat mold in your fridge, Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners should also know when to contact a mold professional. Mold infestations in homes can be destructive and sometimes require the help of experts such as RestoPros to fully clean and restore. If mold is in your home, call us at 855-587-3786 for our mold remediation services!

Rain Leakage Protection for Your Home

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With spring approaching, along comes increasing chances of severe storms and heavy rain in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Although the intensified precipitation seems like a welcome change from the bitter cold, the associated rain leakage can be a detrimental issue, leading to the likelihood of water damage and mold.

Without rain leakage protection, you may be spending your spring cleaning wiping up mold and contacting a water damage restoration company. RestoPros recommends every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner to make ample preparations against rain leakage. Follow these tips below to ready your home for spring!

Maintain Your Foundation

  • Check along the foundation of your home for any cracks, chips, or any other degradation, as these problems can lead to leaks.
  • If cracks are larger than a hairline, clear out any debris using a screwdriver, and use an adhesive patch to seal the crack (Polyurethane, silicone, or latex concrete caulk is available at almost any department store).
  • Be sure to monitor the bricks and concrete around your doors and windows as well, as these are especially vulnerable to rain leakage when surrounding foundation is damaged.

Monitor Your Exterior Paint

  • After examining your foundation, you’ll want to monitor your home’s exterior paint for additional cracks and deterioration.
  • Receding exterior paint offers little defense against rainwater seeping into your home and should have a new coat added if in poor condition.
  • Generally, wood siding requires new coats every 3-7 years, while aluminum siding lasts about 5-6 years. Additionally, painted brick has a much longer lifespan of 15-20 years, but can still require the occasional touch-up depending on its condition.

Clear Your Downspout and Gutter

  • Rain leakage is no different than winter leakage when it comes to gutters and downspouts, as blockage and clogs can cause the same kind of damage.
  • Flush out any clogs in your downspout using a water hose or drain cleaning tool, and make sure your downspout has a clear passage before cleaning your gutter.
  • When cleaning your gutter, be sure to practice ladder safety: keep ladder legs on solid and level ground, never use the top step, and dry your feet before stepping on the ladder.
  • Using a water hose or drain cleaning tool, unclog any blockage on each of your gutters. Be sure to test your gutters with a pitcher of water after cleaning to ensure they have a clear passage towards your downspout.

Inspect Your Roof

  • While you’re up next to your gutters, be sure to give a quick examination of your roof to avoid rain leaking into the attic.
  • Your roof should be examined once a month for any damages or loss of shingles. Doing so will help you act accordingly to avoid an issue becoming too severe over time.

Seal Windows and Doors

  • Using weather stripping, seal any open cracks on your doors and windows to avoid moisture seeping into your home.
  • Weather stripping can be found at almost any department store and are used on both doors and windows to prevent drafts and moisture.
  • Additionally, you can purchase insulated covers for your windows, as well as door seals to maximize moisture protection for your home.

Rain leakage protection is important as we enter spring and should be practiced by every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner. However, do be aware if rain leakage has occurred to contact RestoPros to assess your home for any water damage or mold. Our water damage restoration and mold testing services help to guarantee safety and comfort for your home. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and get started.

6 Spring Cleaning Tips for a Mold-Free Home

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As we begin the joyous season that is spring, thoughts turn to the spring cleaning process. While it’s an ideal time to freshen up the home for the summer, it is also a good time to take preventative measures to fight mold. Spring cleaning is the perfect vehicle to clean and protect critical areas of the home that are vulnerable to mold infestation.

RestoPros recommends every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner use their time during spring cleaning to fight mold. Use these tips below to prepare your home for the new season!

Create a Natural Mold Cleaner

  • Creating your own natural mold cleaner helps prevent spraying toxic chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) found in commercial mold cleaners.
  • Create a solution using equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, as vinegar is a natural mold killer, as well as a RestoPros recommended mold-removal product.
  • A vinegar-water solution is efficient on both porous and solid surfaces, compared to bleach which cannot clean drywall properly.

Clean Behind Your Major Appliances

  • As we have described before, behind most major appliances lies a potential environment for mold growth and should be disinfected during spring cleaning.
  • Be sure to unplug your major appliances before cleaning behind them and keep the outlets away from any spray.
  • Using the water-vinegar solution, wipe away the stained areas behind your major appliances – and the back of each appliance as well.
  • When cleaning the back, be sure to avoid getting solution into an appliance’s interior, as this can potentially damage components.

Disinfect Your Cabinets

  • Whether you’re unloading a fresh dishwasher or simply forgot to dry some plates, your cabinet has seen its fair share of moisture.
  • Remove all the dinnerware from your cabinets and use the water-vinegar solution to scrub away the interior and exterior of your cabinets.
  • Scrub away any grease and deep stains with a sponge to fully eliminate bacteria.
  • Allow your cabinets ample time to dry before placing your dinnerware back.

Clean Your Vents

Scrub Your Mattress

  • Cleaning your mattress should be an important task during spring cleaning, as mold can easily grow if left unattended. In fact, there are 10 signs that signify mattress mold.
  • Vacuum away any initial debris and dust from all sides of your mattress.
  • Using cleaners such as hydrogen peroxide or dish soap, spray and scrub all areas of your mattress.
  • Once your mattress has been completely scrubbed, deodorize by lightly coating your mattress in baking soda, and giving it a few hours to cleanse.
  • After your mattress has been completely deodorized, brush off any excess cleaner, and give the mattress some time to fully dry before placing the cover back.

Kickstart spring with our spring cleaning tips and ensure your home stays mold-free throughout the year! Although we recommend cleaning your home as much as possible, do not hesitate contacting mold-removal experts when you notice a mold infestation. RestoPros provides the leading mold remediation services for Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners and is your trusted resource when mold growth is present in your home. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment.

Stopping Lawn Fungus: Keeping Your Lawn Green for Spring

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Mold isn’t the only type of fungus that can damage your home. In fact, your lawn is vulnerable to another family of fungus, known as lawn fungus. Although the name is somewhat generic, lawn fungus is a real danger to your lawn, as its effects could ruin large areas of your grass. Instead of losing an aspect of your home that you’ve taken great care to maintain, fight back with knowledge!

The experts at RestoPros are here to help you fight lawn fungus. With spring around the corner, Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners should be prepared as the harsher storms and increased humidity drive up the chances of certain lawn fungus. But before we learn how to stop lawn fungus, it is important to know what it is.

What is Lawn Fungus?

Much like mold, lawn fungus is an umbrella term for several different types of fungi that can infiltrate your yard. Some variations may only affect leaves or turf, while others can impact the entirety of your lawn.  Preferred weather conditions also vary for each type, meaning fungus could potentially happen any season. Without a defining type of lawn fungus to convey, you’re going to need to be wary of the several causes that can trigger lawn fungus growth.

What Causes Lawn Fungus?

  • Drought
  • Humidity
  • Harsh Weather Conditions
  • Overwatering
  • Animal Decay
  • Compacted Soil
  • Insects and Pests
  • Excessive Thatch
  • Improper Mowing
  • Inadequate Fertilizer
  • Pet Urine
  • Heavy Foot Traffic

Signs of Lawn Fungus

As we described, the causes of lawn fungus are very broad. However, even with different types preferring different conditions, the effects remain similar. The signs below are indications that you might have lawn fungus.

  • Spots and Patches of Brown, White, or Yellow on Your Lawn
  • Loss of Color on Turf
  • Thin Patches of Dead or Frayed Grass
  • Dark Growth Regions on Your Lawn
  • Irregular Moisture on Grass
  • White, Pink, or Purple Powdery Substances on Leaves and Grass
  • Lack of Lawn Growth

 

 

Stopping Lawn Fungus

You may have discovered lawn fungus in your yard. If so, it’s time to put an end to it! First, avoid stepping in grass infected by lawn fungus, as this can cause it to spread to other areas of your lawn. Consider wearing shoe covers that can be removed before stepping on unaffected grass.

Lawn fungicide is the most capable killer of lawn fungus and is available in both spray and granular form. If your lawn is only partially affected by lawn fungus, we recommend using the spray form to avoid overuse of chemicals. However, if your lawn is showing severe cases of lawn fungus, switch to granular form as this fungicide works through the soil as compared to spray and is viable when treating large areas of grass.

Be sure to consult with your local department store on the possible side-effects of each lawn fungicide, as some may be specified for different types of lawn fungus.

Knowledge of lawn fungus provides you with a greater defense as you protect your home from the dangers of mold and fungus. While you focus on stopping lawn fungus, let RestoPros stop the mold in your home! Our mold remediation services help fight any infected Dallas/Ft. Worth yard; restoring it to a safe condition. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and get started.

5 Unexpected Areas for Mold Growth

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Mold infestation is sometimes unpredictable and can flourish in seemingly unexpected areas. Although Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners should know mold tends to grow in attics, bathrooms, and drywall, you should also be aware of the more surprising locations. From the mold experts at RestoPros, here are 5 unexpected areas for mold growth.

A/C Vents

  • Ventilation is a prime target for moisture-buildup, and if your IAQ is poor, mold spores easily invade your HVAC system.
  • Condensation collects in both supply and return vents, and since your ventilation lacks any suitable lighting, mold growth can spawn.
  • Mold within your ventilation must be dealt with quickly, as your HVAC system will distribute these spores, producing more mold while reducing indoor air quality (potentially causing allergy symptoms).

Chimney

  • Although your chimney is designed to carry out smoke and gas, condensation and contaminants can still enter in the brick’s crevices.
  • Rainwater creates dampness in your chimney’s dark interior, and if the temperature is warm, mold can grow.
  • Mold growth in your chimney can also spread to your fireplace, potentially ruining firewood.
  • Combined moisture and mold growth can damage your chimney if left unattended, causing stains, weakening support, and producing foul odors. along with fireplace accessories rusting.

Dishwasher

  • Since your dishwasher is a cleaning tool, it’d be the last place you’d expect mold growth to be, but unfortunately this is still a possibility.
  • Food residue and soap can build on the dishwasher’s gasket and drain, often due to improper dish cleaning before placing them on the racks.
  • Your dishwasher holds the perfect climate for mold growth, as the interior is dark, warm, and moist.
  • Although running your dishwasher usually eliminates any mold, having lingering residue prior to the cycle can cause unwanted mold growth that lasts even after the cycle.

Major Appliances

  • Your fridge, washer, and dryer all work with water to function, and their rarely noticed locations are vulnerable to unexpected mold growth.
  • Your refrigerator’s drip pan collects moisture and food drippings, making it a perfect environment for mold growth if not cleaned. The drip pan is usually located on the bottom of the fridge, close to the floor, and is rarely inspected.
  • Gaskets located on front-loading washing machines easily stay damp after loads and provide a suitable habitat for mold growth. Additionally, the water hoses on the back can leak from poor installation, further leading to mold and even potential water damage.

Window Sashes and Sills

  • Although rain drops on your windows are a pleasant and calming sight, the condensation can reside in the sills and sashes, causing unexpected mold growth.
  • The sides of your windows, known as sashes, are designed to hold the glass panes, and rainwater can seep into their cracks and create a habitat for mold growth.
  • The bottom of your window, known as the sill, often collects rain droplets after storms, and may produce mold if the window is not dried.
  • Mold growth on window frames can further spread to the walls of your home, meaning mold-remediation should be immediate if detected.

After learning the unexpected areas for mold, you may have discovered that it has already infiltrated one or more of these areas. If you have noticed any mold growth in your home, contact RestoPros immediately. Not only will RestoPros remove the unexpected mold in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home with our mold remediation services, we will help you identify other unexpected areas for mold growth. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment.