Month: January 2019

Harmful Effects of Mold

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Harmful Effects of Mold

It’s true: there’s no place like home. It’s where you can retreat to find comfort, relaxation, peace of mind, safety, and so much more. That is, unless you have mold. Even a small amount in your living room or basement can cause great unease, and for good reason. This is because mold can greatly impact your health, not to mention it can cause structural damage to your home. While not every species of mold out there is toxic, any amount found in your home should be treated immediately. Due to the harmful of effects of mold, waiting will only lead to further problems.

How Mold Effects Your Health

Have you been feeling under the weather for some time now, but assumed it’s because of the weather? The true culprit could be mold. Prolonged exposure to damp environments can lead to variety of health problems, including:

  • Severe allergies
  • Irritation in the eyes, nose and throat
  • Irritation of the skin
  • Upper respiratory problems (coughing, wheezing)
  • Headaches

Your overall health permeates into all the other parts of your life. When you don’t feel good, it can be hard to perform even simple tasks. If you want to breathe easy again and restore your health, we recommend having your home tested for mold right away. Our licensed, experienced technicians use proven methods to locate and permanently remove mold.

Does Your Home Have Dust Mites?

Dust mites are a common trigger of allergies and asthma, and if you have mold in your home, it’s possible you also have dust mites. These tiny creatures, measuring roughly one-quarter to one-third of a millimeter, thrive in damp, humid areas, and can wreak havoc on your health. Their feces contain more than 15 aggressive allergens that can trigger allergic reactions.

Do you think you have a dust mite allergy? According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, symptoms include:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Itchy, red or watery eyes
  • Itchy throat
  • Skin irritation

To get rid of dust mites in your home, you need to attack the source of the problem, which could be excess moisture or mold. Check out this article from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to learn how you can help reduce their presence.

How Mold Effects Your Home

When you think of household mold, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably that it’s harmful to your health. But did you know that it can also cause severe damage to your home? After all, it’s important to promptly address mold issues not just for the sake of your well-being, but for your home’s (and bank account’s!) sake as well. Here’s why:

Mold loves to feed on wood, fabrics, and papers. It can eat away at anything from wallpapers, ceiling tiles and floorboards to carpets, drywall and wooden studs. If left untreated, you could be dealing with collapsed ceilings or caved in floorboards. When the growth is widespread, some contaminated items such as mattresses, carpet or insulation might need to be replaced rather than restored.

If you come across mold, don’t panic just yet. It doesn’t mean your house will fall down with you inside it. However, if you want to safeguard your home, you need to begin the removal process right away and put measures in place to prevent a return.

Restore comfort and safety to your home by scheduling an appointment with the trusted professionals at RestoPros. To learn more about our high-quality mold testing and removal services, give us a call at (855) 587-3786.

 

 

Uh-Oh, What’s That Smell? How to Tell If You Have Mold

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How to Tell If You Have Mold

We all know the ins and outs of our homes like the backs of our hands. Or, at least we think we do. Unfortunately, when it comes to mold, you won’t always know right away that it’s there, plaguing you and your family. Because of the dangers mold poses, it’s crucial to address its presence right away. Identifying mold can sometimes be tricky, especially if you don’t know what to look for exactly. We want to equip you with the right tools so that you can protect your home and your family. Here’s how to tell if you have mold:

1. There’s an unpleasant smell.

A damp, musty smell is often an indication that mold is present. Due to the nature of mold, you won’t always see it right away, but you can smell it. While diffusing essential oils might help mask the odor, it won’t get rid of the problem. The unpleasant odor is caused by microbial VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), and the side effects of exposure include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and skin irritation.

Here’s the problem with just smelling mold: if you can’t see it, you don’t know where to start in the remediation process. In this case, we recommend hiring an expert to help you locate the source, as it could very well be in an area that’s not easily accessible, such as your crawlspace, ductwork, or attic.

2. There are small specs of a dirt-like substance.

It’s possible for mold to be visible but for you not to know it. This is because mold can appear in a variety of colors and sizes. It can even be as small as specs of dirt. And, if ignored, a small patch of mold can quickly become a serious issue.

Is It Dirt or Mold? You Might Have Mold If…

  • The area is damp and dark.
  • The substance doesn’t wipe away easily.
  • It has a velvety appearance.
  • There’s a foul odor accompanying it.

3. The walls have discoloration.

Mold thrives in moist areas. Pay special attention to areas in your home with higher moisture levels, like your bathrooms, kitchen, and basement. Look for splotches and discoloration at the top of the ceiling, down close to the floor, and along baseboards.

4. You have surface damage.

If your flooring, wall paper, or paint is peeling or curling, or if there are surface stains, it could be an indication that you have mold. Check to see if the area is wet or damp.

Mold VS Mildew

While mold and mildew are both fungi, mildew isn’t as dangerous. However, both should still be addressed immediately. This grayish-white, powdery substance lives on surfaces and can be found in the corners of showers, on shower curtains, and on bathroom tiles. Unlike mold, mildew is easier to eliminate. To clean mildew, combine 1 gallon of water with ¾ cup of bleach, or if you’d prefer not to use bleach, fill a spray bottle with distilled vinegar.

How to Treat Mold & Prevent Future Growth

How you go about treating mold depends on the type and extent of the growth. If treated in the beginning stages (limited to an area of 10-square-feet) you can often clean the area using household products such as bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. When the growth is extensive, we recommend calling a professional right away. At RestoPros, we use proven methods and industry-leading equipment to effectively remove mold from your home and prevent it from returning. Our comprehensive remediation process will restore your comfort, safety and peace of mind.

The professionals at RestoPros are the experts in mold removal and prevention. For high-quality service you can depend on, call (855) 587-3786 today! We proudly offer 24-Hour Emergency Service.

How to Keep Food from Spoiling

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Keep Food from Spoiling

Food spoilage: it happens to everyone, and it can be complete mood killer, especially if you were hoping to impress friends and family with your from-scratch guacamole. Few things are more frustrating than reaching for an item in your refrigerator only to find that it’s inedible. While it’s impossible to preserve foods indefinitely, there are measures you can take to help ensure your groceries maintain freshness. Follow these three essential tips on how to keep food from spoiling.

  1. Set your refrigerator to the correct temperature.

Do you remember the last time you checked the temperature in your refrigerator? If not, it’s a good idea to peek at its current setting to make sure it’s not too warm. After all, bacteria thrive in warm temperatures. We recommend a setting of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Most refrigerators on the market today come equipped with a digital thermostat to allow for quick and easy adjusting. For older models that use a dial system, you can check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Follow this step-by-step guide from Do It Yourself on how to test the temperature.

  1. Store items in the right compartments.

Unfortunately, you can’t store your food just anywhere in the fridge and expect it to last as long as it should. Each storage bin in your refrigerator is there for a reason. Now’s a good time to take everything out, throw away what’s spoiled, and start fresh (pun intended!). Keep your food from spoiling with these storage tips:

  • Fruits and vegetables should go in the crisper bins. Place fruits in one and vegetables in the other. Separation is necessary because both require different humidity levels. Your vegetable drawer should have a higher humidity setting than the fruit drawer.
  • Raw meats, eggs and dairy products should go on the lower shelves because they are the coldest. Because raw meat contains bacteria that can spread, designate an area where only these are placed, and clean it regularly.
  • Store foods that don’t need to be cooked, like dips, leftovers, deli meats and drinks, on the upper shelves because these areas provide the most consistent temperatures.

  1. Know which items actually belong in the fridge.

Determining the best place in your kitchen to store produce and other perishable goods can be difficult. When in doubt, many people turn to their fridges because they think it can’t do any harm. Unfortunately, for some foods, the fridge actually speeds up the spoiling process. Not sure where exactly to store your groceries? We can help!

  • Keep tomatoes on the counter at room temperature, like you do bananas.
  • Onions, potatoes and squash prefer a darker, cooler environment with low moisture, like your pantry.
  • Avocados are the free spirits of produce. They can go either in the fridge or on the counter. If you’re not planning to use them for a few days, we recommend placing them in the fridge to slow down the ripening.
  • For peanut and other nut butters, it’s really up to you. If you go through a jar within a week, you can keep it in the pantry, but if it takes you a while to use it up, we recommend opting for the fridge.

If you’re tired of having to toss groceries week after week because they just won’t hold up, know that it doesn’t have to be that way. By following our simple tips on how to prevent spoiling, you will enjoy your food for longer periods, not to mention, you’ll save money on groceries too!

With more than 10 years of experience, consider RestoPros your go-to mold expert! For more information on our superior services, give us a call today at (855) 587–3786.

 

How to Remove & Prevent Mold Growth from Houseplants

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prevent mold growth from houseplants

There’s no denying that houseplants add undeniable appeal to any room. With virtually endless choices at your fingertips, you can add any plant to a room and instantly enhance its overall look. And, as a bonus, you can simultaneously improve your indoor air quality too. While houseplants are relatively easy to care for, one side effect of owning them is the possibility of mold growth. When this happens, you not only compromise your plant’s health, you can also compromise the health of your household. If you see mold start to grow on any of your plants, you need to act quickly to stop it from progressing. Follow these essential tips on how to remove and prevent mold growth from houseplants.

Removing Mold from Your Houseplants:

 Step 1: Determine the extent of mold growth.

Mold loves dark, damp spaces, making your plant’s wet soil the perfect place to call home. Look for a white fuzzy substance. In most cases, the growth will be located just on the soil’s top layer, so you can simply use a spoon to scoop it up. This kind of mold only becomes a potential health risk to you and your plant when ignored. If you were to leave it there for an extended period, it could give your plant root rot.

If mold growth has reached the plant itself, take a damp paper towel and gently wipe the leaves. Use a new part of the towel each time you wipe to avoid mold from re-attaching to the plant. Once the paper towel has been used entirely, grab a new one and continue the process. If an area of growth is too strong and cannot be removed with a paper towel, cut off that leaf.

Step 2: Once the mold is removed, add an anti-fungal protectant.

We recommend scattering a small amount of either cinnamon or baking soda over the soil, which should help in preventing mold from returning. Make sure to spread it across the soil evenly.

Preventing Mold on Your Houseplants

If you find mold on any of your indoor plants, don’t panic. This doesn’t mean you should throw out all of your plants and replace them with fake ones. However, it’s extremely important to address mold issues promptly so that you can remove all growth and put measures in place to stop it from happening again. Here are four simple and effective ways to stop mold from appearing on your plants:

  1. Use high-quality soil.

It’s tempting to purchase the cheapest soil you can find, but if you want healthy houseplants, you’ll need to find the right soil, and sometimes that winds up costing a little bit more. We recommend switching to a commercial potting soil because it’s rich in nutrients.

  1. Don’t over water your plants.

In many cases, plants die because they haven’t been watered enough. This is especially true with indoor plants because too many plant owners see them as almost invincible. While it’s not as common for people to overwater their plants, it does happen, and wherever there’s a damp space, expect mold to grow there. For tips on watering your plants, check out this article from Better Homes & Gardens.

  1. Make sure your plants are located in areas with adequate light.

Unfortunately, you can’t plop a houseplant just anywhere and call it a day. Plants are living things – they grow, eat and reproduce; therefore, it’s essential to place them in a location that allows them to thrive. This might mean relocating your plant to an area that isn’t next to your bed or media center. For a plant to survive it needs adequate light, and if you want to inhibit mold growth this step is critical.

  1. Keep pots free of debris.

Routinely check your potted plants for any debris such as dead leaves. Also, trim away any dead parts of a plant to avoid dead organic matter from accumulating on the soil in the first place.

If you have any questions about mold growth related to plants or anything else, give us a call today! We’d be more than happy to help you on your way to achieving a mold-free home. Give the experts at RestoPros a call today at 855-587-3786!

 

 

Ways to Prevent Food from Spoiling

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Prevent Food from Spoiling

We’ve all done it, you come home from the grocery store and blindly toss everything in your fridge without rhyme or reason. Expired food and containers are pushed back or obscured by the new groceries, some of which have already expired. Some will expire soon – and simply won’t be seen in enough time to eat before spoiling. It’s hard to avoid in our busy lives, but there are ways to keep your fridge clean – and weed out the expired food without throwing it all away. There are also ways of helping the food in your refrigerator last longer. All it takes is a realistic system and perhaps a few upgrades.

The professionals at RestoPros want to help you rethink your food storage in the new year. Take a few minutes to look over these simple ways to prevent food from spoiling.

Check Fridge Thermometer

This is a problem many homeowners have experienced, and one that is easy to overlook. Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are set to the correct temperature. To avoid bacteria growth, you’ll need to set your freezer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and refrigerator to 38 degrees Fahrenheit (max). If the food in your refrigerator tends to spoil quickly, make sure to check (and reset if needed) both thermometers.

Item Placement

Every item placed in the refrigerator should have a specific designated area. Be consistent with where you place meat and fresh produce, this will help in easily locating food that will expire soon. Showcase the containers that will expire soon by creating a rotation system where newer items goes in the back, older ones in the front. Milk and dairy products belong on the top shelves toward the back since they need to be the coldest, and your crisper bins are for fruits and vegetables separately. In these bins you can often control the humidity levels (veggies should have higher humidity than fruits).

Special Treatment

All foods are not created equal. Many have specific storage needs that, if addressed, will keep them fresh longer. For example: When you bring bananas home, you should pull them apart to slow down the ripening process. Keep them isolated from other foods on your counter. Plus, they can be used for cooking even when they are brown. Another example would be your apples: You should be checking apples daily to remove any that are starting to spoil. Meat cuts that are not going to be eaten within a few days should be placed in the freezer. Containers of soup, bouillon or other packaged liquid food that is not refrigerated should be placed in the fridge after opening.

Make it Clean

Remove anything that has spoiled, and clean up the spot where it was sitting. Even if the food didn’t leave a mess, it can leave bacteria behind which can spread to the rest of your food. Always wipe down an area where food has spoiled. A clean fridge will help greatly with keeping food fresh longer.

Back-Up Generator

Power outages are usually not preventable. We recommend getting a back-up generator in case of a power outage to prevent food from spoiling. This is especially important if you keep an extra freezer of food. Back-up generators can be automatic or manual. Unless you’re using your generator for life-support or monitoring machines, you probably don’t need a heavy-duty generator. A manual one would be a great choice.

We can all understand the frustration of heading to the refrigerator for a snack or to prepare a meal only to find that the ingredients have gone bad. These easy steps on ways to prevent food from spoiling can prolong the life of your groceries and help maximize your shopping budget. At RestoPros we are happy to help with any issue related to mold. If you are having a problem with mold in your home, give us a call at 855-587-3786 today! Don’t let mold take hold in the new year!