Month: April 2018

Treating Mold in Clothes

Published on

Finding mold in your clothes can be very unsettling. But don’t think you have to throw them out. There are certain techniques that can help remove mold spores stuck in fabrics. By following the right steps, you may be able to save your clothes from the clutches of mold!

RestoPros advises every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner to follow these steps on treating mold in clothes. Use our guide below to help freshen up your wardrobe in the case of an infestation.

Acquire Mold Cleaners

In order to treat mold in clothes, you’ll need to know what can effectively clean and kill it. Previously, we have discussed mold prevention products you can use in your home. While not all these items may be suitable for your clothes, here are a few we do recommend:

  • Lemon Juice
  • White Vinegar
  • Borax
  • Baking Soda

These products all have mold killing properties (aside from baking soda, which is more of a deodorizer). You can utilize any of these when treating mold in clothes. But be aware letting them sit in fabric for a long period of time can lead to discoloration. You’ll need to thoroughly rinse clothes in the washing machine after using a mold cleaner.

Note: Bleach is also an effective mold killer and can be used to treat mold in clothes. However, this can ruin the color of fabrics, and is recommended to only use on white, plain clothing. Check if any of your clothes have a “Do Not Bleach” label on their tags as well.

For more information on natural laundry stain removers, click here.

Gather all Mold-Infested Clothing

After acquiring a mold cleaner, the next step is to isolate any clothing infected with mold. Separate any mold-infested clothing in a pile away from unaffected clothing. Be sure you grab every piece of attire affected by mold. Even ones that have small, almost negligible mold stains should be separated. Mold reproduces rapidly and can spread to other clothing under the right conditions.

Wash Clothes Using the Mold Cleaner

Fill your washing machine with the mold-infested clothes. Use a lighter amount of detergent than normal, as you will be utilizing a natural mold cleaner.

Start the load and wait for the washer to fill up with water. The water temperature depends on the cleaner being used. Once the washer is filled, add the mold killing product of your choice. Measurements and temperatures are as follows:

  • Lemon Juice – ½ Cup, Warm Water
  • White Vinegar – 1-2 Cups, Warm Water
  • Borax – ½ Cup, Hot Water

Note: Only use hot water for clothes that can handle the temperature. Failing to do so can damage your clothing.

Scrub Away/Rewash Clothes to Remove any Remaining Stains

After a wash cycle, remove and scrub any remaining stains on your clothing. Mix baking soda with water to create a solution that helps scrubbing and deodorizing your clothes. If stains are still prolific, you may need to run another load. Continue doing so until stains appear removed.

Dry Clothes Properly

To ensure mold has been removed, you’ll need to dry your clothes properly. Using a drying line or rack, hang your newly washed clothes in a location with sunlight. If your clothes have not been dried after 24 hours, throw them in the dryer.

Never let mold take your clothes without a fight! While we recommend treating mold in your clothes using these DIY tactics, you will need to contact a professional if mold infests your home. Contact RestoPros for affordable mold remediation services. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment with your Dallas/Ft. Worth mold removal experts.

6 Common Leak Causes

Published on

Leaks in your home are one of the worst – and most annoying things that can happen. Leaks are known to potentially cause water damage and even mold growth. What makes leaks especially troublesome are their many causes. Water can leak from your roof, plumbing, or even under your home.

We all know leaks are a horrible experience for Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners. But do you know how leaks can happen? To help prevent leaks your home, you’ll want to be aware of the common causes. The experts at RestoPros have assembled a list below!

Clogged Drains

When a drain has no clear passage for water to exit through, pressure will continually build up. Eventually, the water pressure can cause a pipe to start dripping. Although dripping may seem like a small nuisance at first, the problem will only get worse if not resolved. With enough pressure, the pipe can eventually burst, spraying water everywhere.

Drains are most commonly clogged by build-ups of grease, soap, food, and even hair. Worse, a clogged drain can cause a pipe to have multiple leaks. This increases chances of water damage and possibly mold growth.

For information on helping to treat clogged drains, click here.

Clogged Downspout/Gutter

Much like a drain, your gutters and downspout are a main exit for water, but they collect rainwater instead of tap. Also, like a drain, they can become clogged if not maintained. A clogged gutter can be overfilled with water and possibly leak into your attic. Same problem can apply to a downspout. A clogged downspout disallows water from draining out your roof, further increasing the chance of leakage.

Leaves, dirt, and trash are known to build-up in your gutters and downspout. Fortunately, with a ladder, you can clear out a clogged gutter with a water hose and your hands – provided you wear gloves! You can also use a water hose to flush out your downspout.

For more information on protecting and cleaning your gutters and downspout, along with other rain leakage protection, click here.

Overfilled Dishwasher

Although it may seem like you’re maximizing water usage at first, stuffing your dishwasher can actually be disastrous. If a dishwasher is overfilled, the drain or valve may not seal properly. This can cause water to overflow and not have anywhere to go, except your floor!

Using dish soap instead of dishwashing liquid is not beneficial either. Dish soap is extremely foamy. The immense amount of bubbles produced can also overfill your dishwasher, potentially causing it to leak. Only use soap intended for the dishwasher!

Loose Washer Hoses

Generally, when you have your washing machine installed, two hoses are connected: drain and fill. As their name suggests, theses hoses are responsible for filling and draining the water in your washing machine. If they are not connected properly or damaged, water can leak during a wash cycle.

Damaged Piping

Piping is how water is transported throughout your home, and leaks are bound to happen. Water pressure can damage piping. High water pressure can loosen the connection of piping, which can cause dripping. If this pressure isn’t resolved, a pipe could eventually burst, spraying water everywhere!

Additionally, loose corner connections on pipes can also drip water. This can happen under sinks, as piping tends to be folded with several corners when below a faucet.

Another way piping can be damaged is by tree roots. Trees or vegetation with invasive roots can puncture underground water leaks, causing a leak. If you are wanting to plant new trees, purchase species without invasive roots.

Improper Toilet Water Levels

Toilet water is horrid, especially when it leaks! Unfortunately, improper water levels in the bowl and tank can cause water to overflow. Certain factors can cause this.

The common cause of a leaking toilet is when the flapper fails to seal the valve. Water can no longer be held in the tank and flows into the bowl. Flushing a clogged toilet can also cause leakage, as this is another way the tank will overfill the bowl.

By knowing these common leak causes, you can help to avoid them for your Dallas/Ft. Worth home. However, if a leak has already caused water damage in your home, you’ll need to contact RestoPros immediately. We help to remediate water damage while also helping to ensure no mold has grown in your home. Call 855-587-3786 for affordable water damage remediation and mold testing services.

Related Articles:

Save Forth Worth Water – Leaks

Earth Day: 5 Easy Plants to Grow

Published on

With Earth Day right around the corner, what better way to celebrate than buying some plants to grow! Plants are extremely important for protecting and strengthening the environment. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. This gives us and mother nature fresh air to breathe, but the benefits don’t stop there. Some plants offer health benefits and improve your IAQ (indoor air quality). Other plants bear vegetables, helping to save you money on produce!

Don’t have the green thumb to grow and care for plants? Don’t worry, the experts at RestoPros have found 5 easy plants to grow in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home!

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the most versatile plants to grow! They can be grown either indoors or outdoors and require little care to maintain. Aloe vera is a succulent plant, which is similar to a cactus. This means they can go long periods without water. On average, aloe vera plants require water every 2-3 weeks, making it incredibly easy to maintain.

Aloe vera is also versatile in its benefits. The gel inside the leaves is often widely used in alternative medicine. Aloe vera gel can be used to treat cuts and burns, as well as sunburn. Additionally, the gel is a natural laxative. Beyond medicinal uses, aloe vera also helps to purify nearby air, improving IAQ.

2. Snake Plant

Snake plants seem almost designed to be forgotten. They require little light, meaning they’re perfect for indoors. Snake plants also only need to be watered when the soil is completely dry. As a rule, a snake plant will live better if underwatered than overwatered, so be sure not to create any puddles or sitting water in the soil.

In terms of benefits, snake plants help to improve IAQ. They naturally filter out air contaminants such as mold spores and replace them with clean, fresh air.

3. Cactus

Although they may not be the friendliest plant, a cactus is incredibly easy to maintain. However, you’ll still want to be sure they have enough resources to thrive. A cactus in a pot requires more water than a cactus in a ground. At first, you should place them in indirect light, but later they can handle direct sunlight with no issue.

A cactus improves IAQ in its own unique way. Cacti eliminate airborne bacteria and even radiation. Additionally, cacti absorb carbon dioxide during the night, further producing more clean oxygen.

4. Rubber Plant

A rubber plant is like a snake plant in terms of wanting to be neglected. They even both have boring names! Rubber plants thrive with indirect light, and a light watering schedule. One thing to remember is to wipe off leaves if they are wet. Doing this prevents leaves from rotting or changing to a less-pleasing color.

Rubber plants improve IAQ very similar to snake plants. They remove harmful gases and mold spores from the air, replacing them with clean oxygen.

5. Cherry Tomato Plant

If you are a big fan of tomatoes, you’ve found the perfect plant! Cherry tomato plants are a sort of “entry-level vegetable”. They can be grown either in a pot or garden and are a great way to learn how to grow and harvest a plant.

Cherry tomato plants do require a lot of sun, so be sure no shade is blocking them. With Dallas/Ft. Worth experiencing warmer temperatures, now is the perfect time to plant them. Cherry tomato plants require water every 2-3 days, as the soil should always remain moist. After about 2-3 months, the tomatoes should be ready for picking!

Celebrate Earth Day with these easy-to-grow plants! While we recommend you bring plants into your home, the same should not be said for mold. If you are experiencing a mold problem, or would like to test your home for mold, contact RestoPros today for our mold remediation and testing services! Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and get started!

5 Tips to Avoid Garage Mold

Published on

Mold is always looking for a place to grow, and your garage may be its potential new home. Garages are usually dark and warm, which are two of the three required conditions for mold growth. The last requirement is humidity, which is unfortunate as garages tend to also be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. Since we’re in storm season, chances of garage mold are higher than ever for Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners.

If you want to avoid garage mold, you’ll need to take some advice from the mold-removal experts at RestoPros. Here are 5 tips for preventing garage mold!

  1. 1. Dry Items Before Storing in Your Garage

Garages are the usual storage for all your tools, cleaning supplies, and seasonal items. When you use any item from your garage, you’ll want to dry it completely before placing them back. Items such as umbrellas, mops, and bikes tend to get soaked after use. If you place them back in the garage while they are wet, you’re giving mold the chance to grow.

Wipe down any wet item with a towel before placing them in the garage. If possible, let items air dry to completely remove moisture. For metal items such as tools, wipe them down thoroughly if they are wet, but do not air dry them. A mix of oxygen and water can cause metals such as iron to rust. On the contrary, most bikes are made with aluminum, which does not rust, so you can air dry them. However, avoid doing this if they are made with steel.

  1. 2. Remove and Replace Cardboard in Your Garage

Cardboard soaks water like a sponge. If you are using cardboard boxes for storage in your garage, you are at risk of garage mold. Once water has soaked carboard, it will remain soggy and fragile for a long period of time. This can lead to mold growth, and possibly even ruin the contents inside the cardboard box.

Instead, switch to using plastic totes. Plastic containers are much more resilient to water than cardboard, as well as being easier to clean. They protect your items much better as well.

If you have no other choice than to use carboard, then keep the boxes above ground as much as possible. Avoid stacking boxes and ensure their area is kept dry.

  1. 3. Seal Your Garage Door

Your garage door offers little protection against weather conditions. Water can seep through the bottom, sides, and top of the garage door. To combat this, you’ll need to conceal these openings with seals and weather-strips.

Garage seals and weather-strips are available at almost any department store. You can find variants that go along the bottom of the garage door, as well as the floor of the garage itself. Seals and weather-strips can also be placed along the sides to further prevent water leaks.

  1. 4. Maintain Humidity Levels in Your Garage

Humidity is the missing piece that gives mold the chance to grow in your garage. To combat humidity, a dehumidifier is recommended. Dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels within their nearby area. You can run one during or after every rain occurrence. Doing so will help prevent moisture from soaking the garage walls and ceiling. This will also help prevent any fragile items such as books being damaged by moisture.

  1. 5. Remove Standing Water in Your Garage

Whether it’s a spilled drink or a parked dripping car, a puddle of water can form in your garage. As soon as it happens, you’ll want to remove all the standing water, as well as dry up any wet spots along the garage floor.

Most garage floors tend to be a higher level than the driveway. This gives you the ability to flush out standing water with relative ease. Using a squeegee, push out as much water as you can. After which, use a dry mop along with paper towels to soak up any leftover moisture. Once cleaning has finished, use a dehumidifier to ensure moisture has been eliminated.

Garage mold should be avoided at all costs, but don’t avoid contacting a mold professional if your garage has been infested with mold. RestoPros provides the mold remediation services that can restore your garage, or any part of your home, back to a safe condition. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment with Dallas/Ft. Worth’s leading mold removal experts.