Month: June 2019

3 Keys to Preventing Mold from Forming on Food

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preventing mold from forming on food

Let’s set a scenario: Some unexpected guests are over and you’re rummaging through your fridge and pantry looking for something to eat. You find some fruit that you’re hoping will suffice but when you look closely you realize something grey is growing on it. Is that how the peach in your hand is supposed to look? No. Then what is that stuff?

And then it hits you. The fruit in your hand has succumbed to mold.  

If you’re horrified by this scenario, you’re in the right place because the professionals at RestoPros have some keys to preventing mold from forming on food.

Mold forming on your food can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Some molds also produce toxic substances called mycotoxins that can make you sick. Left to grow, food mold can spread to other parts of the home and contaminate the air quality. So, learn how to stop mold where it starts with these easy tips.

Make Sure the Items You Buy Are Fresh

You can save yourself a lot of hassle by being a little more attentive when you’re buying your groceries. When you’re purchasing any non-packed items, like certain fruit, inspect them carefully. Make sure they are fresh, without any bruising and softness as these are signs of spoilage.

Some fruits such as raspberries and blackberries are in transparent packaging, so you can often check for food spoilage or mold. It only takes one moldy item to quickly contaminate the whole package, so it’s vital you do a quick scan before you purchase your food.

Clean Out Your Fridge Frequently

While most molds prefer humid, warm climates, mold can still grow in your refrigerator. Refrigerated food might decay and release moisture which can accumulate in your fridge. Some containers might also leak sauce and liquids, leading to the buildup of mold.

So, it’s important you clean out your fridge regularly and get rid of any items that have long expired or are already growing mold. When cleaning your fridge, try to use non-toxic cleaners to avoid any health hazards. You can either purchase these cleaners or go the DIY route. One of the most common DIY mold cleaning solutions can be made mixing baking soda or vinegar with water.

Store Items Correctly

By storing certain items in the right locations, you’ll be preventing mold from forming on food in addition to finding items easily! Here are some tips on where you should store your products:

  • Crisper bins in your refrigerator are for vegetables and fruits which need to be kept separately.
  • Top shelves have the most consistent temperature in the fridge so keep your dairy products, and ready-to-eat foods there. Bottom shelves have the coldest temperature, so store your meat and eggs in this part of the fridge.
  • Meat that isn’t going to be eaten for a few days should be kept in the freezer.
  • Keep bananas separated from other fruits and pull them apart to slow down the ripening process.
  • Canned goods like soup and tomato sauce that have already been opened should be emptied out into air-tight plastic containers and kept in the fridge.
  • Store your onions, potatoes and squash in a darker, cooler environment like your pantry.

By following these easy steps to prevent mold from forming on food, you’ll save money on groceries, improve food taste, and prevent the spread of mold throughout your home.

When to Call RestoPros for Mold Testing and Removal

Food mold isn’t anything to worry about if you dispose of it quickly and clean the surrounding area, but be aware that mold grows and spreads easily. Keep on the lookout for mold around your home, especially in the kitchen. If you notice any mold around your walls, floors, or ceiling, call RestoPros immediately for professional mold testing and remediation.

The professionals at RestoPros are happy to help you with any issues related to mold and provide services like mold remediation, mold testing and water damage restoration. To get in touch, call us at 855-587-3786 or schedule a service online!

Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Water Damage

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Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Water Damage - RestoPros

Whether it’s a storm or a burst pipe, the water in your home could be doing a lot more damage than you think. Not only can it destroy building materials, it can also lead to mold growth and indoor air quality problems.

As soon as you notice water damage in your home, it’s important to speak with a water damage restoration specialist, such as RestoPros. Preventing mold in the home is important for protecting your home and keeping the indoor air clean and healthy.

Here are some tips to deal with water damage while you wait for a professional:

  1. Disconnect and move possessions out of the way

While you should never handle electronics while wet or standing in water, the sooner you unplug electronics and move possessions and furniture out of harm’s way, the more likely they are to survive. If safe and possible, turn off power to the circuits of the affected area at the breaker box.

Keep in mind these electrical safety tips during a flood:

  • Never step into a flooded basement if you suspect the water is in contact with any outlets, cords, or appliances.
  • Never touch anything electrical while wet or standing in water.
  • If an electrical device has come in contact with water, do not use it until a professional has inspected it.

Don’t forget to remove all carpets, rugs, and underpadding if you can. Even if your possessions do get water damaged, it’s still possible to save them, as long as you contact a professional water restoration specialist right away.

  1. Remove the water

Getting rid of the excess water is a great way to prevent mold from forming. If you don’t have a wet/dry vacuum, you can use the old-fashioned method of removing water with towels, dust pans, buckets, and mops. Pour the water down the drain or onto your lawn or other permeable surface.

When using a wet/dry vac, make sure the outlet and cord are far away from water. Don’t use an extension cord.

  1. Dry out the area

If you have fans and dehumidifiers, it’s time to bring them out. Turn on the air conditioner and dehumidifier if you can. If there is low outdoor humidity, open up windows and get the air moving with fans.

Unfortunately, if water has affected the drywall, those sections will probably need to be replaced. If wood and baseboard trim have been damaged, it may be salvageable, but pressboard will need to be replaced.

  1. Clean and disinfect

After the area has completely dried, it’s important to clean and disinfect the affected areas, such as walls, wood, and furniture. Avoid using bleach since it’s not effective against mold spores. If there has been a lot of water damage, speak with a professional water restoration specialist for the proper cleaning and disinfecting methods. If the water damage was used by sewage or other contaminated water, you’ll need to call in a professional for safety reasons. For small cleanups, look for EPA-registered mold and mildew disinfectants and all-natural products.

  1. Properly dispose of damaged items

You may be tempted to throw everything in a dumpster, but there are rules for disposing of certain items, such as electronics, old paints and toxic liquid, drywall, and even furniture.

Failure to properly deal with water damage can lead to serious long-term health effects. Always speak with a professional mold remediation specialist if you have a mold or moisture problem. The longer you wait, the more damage it will cause.

Contact a professional right away if you notice any of these signs of water damage:

  • Wood damage
  • Drywall damage
  • Ceiling tile stains
  • Damp, musty smells
  • Mold or mildew

For professional mold and water damage specialists in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, contact RestoPros today!

5 Summertime Mold Prevention Tips

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summertime mold prevention tips

Texas summer is in full swing which means the temperature and humidity is incredibly high. During these months, mold can be an unwanted visitor, creeping up around the walls of your kitchen, bathroom and areas prone to moisture. Mold is a fungus that is attracted to damp areas and reproduces by making spores. If it is not taken care of earlier, it can be difficult to remove in addition to causing health problems for you and your family. If you’re not sure how to take measures to prevent mold from infesting your home, don’t worry. The experts at RestoPros are here to help you and give you some summertime mold prevention tips!

Maintain Your Home’s Humidity

Where there is moisture build up, there is potential for mold. During the summer months, mold has a higher chance of growing inside your home because of any excess humidity. Here are some ways you can control the humidity in your home:

  • Use your air conditioner on hot days to keep the temperature a little lower. The ideal temperature for mold to grow is above 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so try to keep your indoor temperature a little lower than that. In addition to providing cooling, the AC in your home also removes humidity. Keeping it on will ensure your indoor temperature and humidity doesn’t provide an ideal environment for mold growth.
  • Keep the humidity in your home under 50 percent by using a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier absorbs water vapor and condenses it internally.
  • Keep your AC ducts clean and moisture free by regularly checking for any leaks.
  • Use the exhaust fan in your bathroom after a shower to prevent any moisture build up.
  • Invest in a hygrometer that measures your home’s humidity.

Cleanliness is Important

You’ll be surprised how simply keeping your home clean by using these techniques can prevent mold growth.

  • Clean out your air filters as they are the first line of defense keeping out mold spores from coming into your home.
  • Frequently dust and vacuum your home to get rid of any microscopic mold spores.
  • Clean out your refrigerator and remove any foods that are spoiling. Use DIY mold cleaning products to clean out your kitchen, bathroom and other areas prone to mold. DIY cleaning products are a good alternative to other mold cleaning products containing bleach (which is toxic and a health risk). You can make one by simply mixing vinegar or baking soda with water.

Fix Any Leaks

This might sound like a stretch, but if a leaky shower, roof or faucet goes unnoticed for a long period of time, it might lead to the growth of mold and even water damage. Make sure you take care of the leaks in your home before they turn into costly problems.

  • Fix any leaks in your pipes or in damp areas such as bathtubs and sinks. Frequently clean these areas with non-toxic, mold cleaning products.
  • Consider getting a leak detector. These gadgets have sensors that detect unnecessary moisture in appliances such as your dishwasher, water heater and refrigerator. If there is any moisture where there shouldn’t be, you get an alert on your phone.
  • When it rains, make sure your windows are sealed shut properly to prevent any leaks.
  • Make sure the shingles on your roof are functioning properly so water isn’t seeping through. Sometimes, even if your shingles are perfectly fine, water might leak in. This usually happens when there are obstructions in your gutters and downspouts and water that is meant to be drained, goes into the opposite direction and as a result, infiltrates your home. In short, make sure your downspouts and gutters are clear of debris.

Don’t Leave Out Your Wet Clothes

Whether you pull your clothes out of the washer or take them off after coming from the pool, make sure to dry them immediately. Leaving them out in a damp pile can create a damp, stuffy environment which is optimal for mold growth. Mold starts to spread 24 to 48 hours in excessively damp areas, so act fast and take a minute to put your clothes in the dryer.  If you want to air dry your clothes, dry them on a clothesline outside.

Do Your Research

Being an informed homeowner is one of the best ways you can prevent not only mold growth but any other costly problems in your home. Read up a little beforehand about the science behind mold, summertime mold prevention tips and what you should do if mold infests your home. This way you will be prepared to calmly handle any issues instead of flying into a panic.

If you have any questions or concerns about mold testing, mold remediation or water damage restoration, don’t hesitate to contact RestoPros. Our dedicated team of professionals will equip you with effective strategies and solutions to keep your home mold-free and stress-free!

How to Avoid 4 Health Problems Caused by Mold

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health problems caused by mold

Have you recently been experiencing watery eyes or a slightly stuffy nose? Resist the urge to look these symptoms up on WebMD because you’ll only scare yourself. Instead, you might want to inspect your house for mold—your body could be reacting to it. Mold is a type of fungus that grows particularly in areas with excess moisture and spreads via microscopic spores, sometimes ending up indoors. It can be a nuisance in addition to being harmful to your health, especially if you are susceptible to allergies. We know this all sounds a little worrying but if you do your research and take the proper precautions, you will be fine. For your knowledge and safety, the professionals at RestoPros have created a quick guide on how to avoid health problems caused by mold.  

Worsening of Asthma

 21 percent of the current asthma cases in the United States are attributed to dampness and mold in the home. Mold spores inhaled by people with asthma can cause the airways in the lungs to constrict and produce more mucus. Reactions to this can include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

How to Avoid It

While asthma is a life-long disease, one of the ways you can manage it is by limiting your exposure to certain things that might trigger your asthma, such as mold spores. Some ways you can do this:

  • Use DIY mold cleaning products in your bathroom, kitchen or other areas prone to mold. It’s a great alternative to products containing bleach that can be toxic for your health and can trigger asthma in some people.  You can mix baking soda or vinegar with water to create non-toxic, asthma friendly, mold cleaners. When buying asthma friendly products, look for the green seal of approval on products.
  • Include exhaust fans in your home to ensure proper ventilation.
  • Use a dehumidifier or humidity monitor that indicates humidity levels in the home. Be sure to keep humidity levels below 50 percent.
  • It’s difficult to avoid mold spores outside but try to stay away from areas where mold counts are high such as parks and gardens. If you must be outside, wear an allergy mask.
  • Skin Irritations

While there is a weak link between exposure to mold and excessive skin irritation, some organizations such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention still consider skin irritation as a symptom  of exposure to mold, albeit a less common one.

How to Avoid It 

  • According to the American Academy of Dermatology, outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores could trigger Eczema in some children who already have it. If your child’s Eczema flares up when outdoor mold counts are high, try to limit their time outdoors. Also, keep your child off the lawn a couple of hours after it has been mowed.
  • Antihistamines are good for symptoms of allergy such as sneezing and itching. Zyrtec and Benadryl are some of the most common antihistamines taken to reduce allergy symptoms. You can also try applying calamine lotion to relieve any skin irritation. Read all the directions before you take any medications and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
  • Take an oatmeal bath! Sure, it might be a little messy but it’s good for relieving irritated skin. You can either take the DIY route by making your own oatmeal powder, or you can purchase Oatmeal bath treatment kits from a pharmacy.
  • Sinusitis or Sinus Infection

Inhaling allergens can lead to the inflammation of the sinuses leading to a sinus infection. Signs of this condition are nasal stuffiness, sinus headaches and fever. A more serious version of this is allergic fungal sinusitis, which is the swelling of the sinuses after fungus comes into contact with the sinuses. Some people with allergic fungal sinusitis might need surgery to remove fungal debris from the sinuses.

How to Avoid It

  • Do saline rinses to keep your sinuses clean. You can purchase saline solutions from your local pharmacy or make your own saline solution.
  • Stay away from sugary foods– fungus feeds on sugars. Try this anti-fungal diet instead.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
  • Eat fish oil tablets to strengthen your immune system.
  • Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a condition caused by an allergic reaction to certain dusts you inhale, leading to the inflammation of the lungs. It is also called Farmer’s Lung as it is common amongst farmers and cattle workers who breathe in allergens from mold on hay. There is also something known as mold-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which can be caused by contaminated humidifiers and ventilation and even areas with water damage. Symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis include chest tightness, dry cough, shortness of breath and chills.

How to Avoid It

  • Thoroughly clean out your ventilation systems.
  • Make it a goal to be active for 30 minutes a day. Go for a jog, a brisk walk or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Exercising can help your metabolism and increase the efficiency of oxygen transportation in your body.
  •  Eat foods that are known to reduce inflammation. Some examples are green tea, turmeric, leafy greens and blue berries.

These might be great preventative solutions, the best way to avoid health problems caused by mold is by removing exposure to the mold. If you think your house might have a mold problem call RestoPros at 855-587-3786 or schedule an appointment on our website. With years of experience and a dedicated team, we’ll make sure your home is mold-free.