Month: July 2019

How to Prevent Mold After Flooding

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how to prevent mold after flooding

A flood damaged home can be a massive source of anxiety for homeowners and renters who face this problem due to hurricanes, heavy rain or burst pipes. A flood damaged home comes with a myriad of other issues such as figuring out the cleanup process, repairing any damage, filing a flood insurance claim,  and finding a temporary place to stay if necessary. On top of that, you might end up dealing with a mold infestation that could potentially further damage your home.

Mold is a fungus that is primarily attracted to damp areas so it’s no surprise it shows up in places where there is a leakage or water damage. However, the team at RestoPros has some tips on how to prevent mold after a flooding so you don’t have to deal with another unnecessary and expensive problem.

Preventative Measures to Take Against Mold

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it can take 24 hours for mold to start growing after being exposed to water. So, you will have to act fast. Here are some quick preventative measures you can take to avoid mold after flooding:

  • You will need to dry up the wet areas as soon as possible. Open windows and doors to air out the rooms in your house and use fans if possible. Consider using dehumidifiers to regulate the humidity in your home. Dehumidifiers are appliances that can remove excess humidity from your home and can be helpful in keeping your home dry, especially after flooding.
  • Mold can especially grow on items that are absorbent and porous. Get rid of items such as upholstered furniture, plush pillows and curtains if they have been wet for more than 24 hours. However, if you think they can be thoroughly cleaned and dried, put them in a place where they can dry out.
  • You’ll probably have to get rid of your carpet if it’s been dampened by dirty water for more than 24 hours. However, if you can’t get rid of it immediately, use a wet vac to remove the water from the surface of the carpet.
  • Clean wet surfaces such as kitchen counters, metal objects, shelves and closets with disinfectant.
  • Consider these natural mold cleaning products you can make with just a few ingredients in your home!
  • You might have to cut some openings in the bases of your walls to let air in. Before you do that, remove any baseboards or moldings as they can prevent the lower portion of your wall from drying out well. If you notice a lot of damage to your drywall, it might be better to let a professional handle it.

Some Other Things to Keep in Mind

In addition to knowing how to prevent mold after flooding, we also want you to keep these things in mind to ensure your recovery process is safe:  

  • If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance company. Remember to let them know if you need an insurance adjuster to visit your home before the cleaning begins. Be sure to document everything so you can show your insurer the extent of the damage!
  • Be careful when it comes to dealing with water damaged electrical appliances. Don’t step into a flooded basement if you think any outlets or cords have been exposed to the water. Remember not to touch any electrical appliance with wet hands or while standing in water.
  • Wear protective gear like gloves and rubber boots to avoid contact with chemicals and contaminated water.
  • Remember to keep yourself clean by washing your hands with soap and clean running water.

Need Professional Help? Contact RestoPros!

While you’re armed with the knowledge to prevent mold after flooding, keep in mind that you might need the help of professionals to ensure a safe process of cleaning and repair. You don’t have to handle these problems on your own — the experts at RestoPros are here to help. Our knowledgeable pros are experienced in mold remediation, mold testing and water damage restoration. Call us today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!

4 Kitchen Mold Prevention Tips

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kitchen mold prevention tips

The kitchen is the last place where you want mold to grow; it’s where all your edible products are kept, and you do NOT want mold near your favorite snacks. However, with enough moisture and no proper maintenance, mold can hide in various places in your kitchen. And if you ignore it, it can become a real problem.

Luckily, you don’t have to worry too much because the experts at RestoPros know a thing or two about avoiding mold growth. Below are some kitchen mold prevention tips to ensure your favorite space at home is mold free!

1. Keep an Eye on Moisture Levels

Mold requires a consistently humid environment to thrive. That is why it’s important you keep an eye on the moisture levels in your kitchen and do your best to get rid of excess humidity. Here are some effective ways you can control the moisture levels in your kitchen:

  • Perform frequent pipe checks to make sure there are no leaks under your kitchen sink. A consistent leak in a damp, dark space can lead to mold growth within a few hours. To find a leak under your sink, look for water stains or use a dry tissue to wipe the pipe connections, then look for a wet spot on the tissue. 
  • The humidity in your kitchen can be on the higher side during summer or when you’re cooking frequently. Turn on the exhaust fan to get rid of the excess heat and humidity in your kitchen. Open your windows for more thorough ventilation.
  • Make sure the caulk around your sink is doing its job. The caulk around your sink is the waterproof seal that keeps water from seeping under your kitchen’s sink.

2. Clean Out Your Dishwasher

You might think that every time your dishwasher runs a cycle it is cleaning itself along with your dishes. That’s simply not true—your dishwasher requires proper maintenance like all the other appliances in your home. Without proper cleaning and upkeep, your dishwasher can become an ideal place for mold growth. Below are some things you should remember about preventing mold in your dishwasher:

  • The rubber seal or gasket around your dishwasher needs to be cleaned frequently as food particles and dirt can build up here.
  • The spray arms in your dishwasher often have holes in them with some leftover food particles. Soak these arms in warm water then gently use a toothbrush to remove the food build up.
  • Vinegar has antibacterial properties. Once a month, fill a dishwasher safe container with vinegar, place it in the top rack of the dishwasher and run a cycle.

3. Clean Up Your Fridge and Pantry

One of the most common kitchen mold prevention tips is to maintain cleanliness, specifically in your refrigerator and pantry. Often food might spoil, or liquid might spill and if it’s ignored for too long, it can lead to mold growth. Take a few minutes every weekend to make sure there is no rotting or expired food in your fridge and pantry.

Pro tip: When doing any through cleaning inside your fridge or pantry, try using DIY mold cleaning solutions as they are non-toxic alternatives to other cleaning solutions.

4. Keep Your Garbage Disposal Bacteria-Free

Your garbage disposal is one of the many places in your kitchen where mold might settle down because food scraps are often left in there. Avoid filling up your disposal with food scraps it can’t handle such as pieces of bone, potato peels or grease. These items might not go down the drain and will be left in your disposal to spoil.

Clean your disposal every month or so by pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain. Let them sit for 10 minutes then pour hot water to wash the baking soda and vinegar out.

Call the RestoPros Team!

As experts in mold removal, we have several solutions to prevent mold from overtaking your kitchen. If you are looking for professional help with mold testing, removal or remediation, call RestoPros today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!

What Is Black Mold and Is It Dangerous?

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what is black mold

The term “black mold” is often used a blanket term to give the impression that mold is a highly toxic monster waiting to enter your home and wreak havoc on your kitchen, bathroom or basement. While mold is problem that should be dealt with before it gets out of hand, it’s important to understand the facts behind it to ensure you’re informed and prepared.  If you suspect you have mold growth in your home, keep reading this guide from the team at RestoPros to answer your nagging question: What is black mold?

What is Black Mold?

Mold in general is a type of fungus that spreads through spores and can be found indoors and outdoors. While mold spores are often present everywhere, usually floating through the air or in dust, they grow in damp and moist conditions. That is why your kitchen, bathroom and basement are prone to mold—they are the damper areas in your home.

Black mold is not a specific type or species of mold. The term “black mold” is often used by news media to describe molds that produce mycotoxins. One of the species of molds that produce mycotoxins (toxic substances released by certain fungi) is Stachybotrys charatarum or Stachybotrys atra which is often referred to as black mold.

Stachybotrys atra is greenish-black in color and can grow on dust and lint as well as in areas where there is excessive moisture from humidity, water damage or flooding. There is no specific information about how often stachybotrys atra is found in residential buildings. It’s not rare but it is not as common as other mold species such as Aspergillus, Alternaria and Penicillium.

Is Black Mold Dangerous?

Now that you know what black mold is, it’s time you learned the facts about whether it is dangerous or not.

The most important thing to note about the dangers and health impacts of mold is that its effects depend on the individual. Usually, people susceptible to allergies might have a reaction to the presence of mold or more accurately, the toxins produced by mold. There is little information on the health effects of mycotoxins, but the consensus is that prolonged and direct exposure might lead to some reaction.

It has also been found that people with weaker immune systems might be more likely to get mold infections. In addition to that, people with asthma who encounter molds might experience the worsening of their asthma symptoms. Mold spores inhaled by people with asthma or those who are allergic to mold can cause their lungs to constrict and produce more mucus. This can lead to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

How Do You Prevent Black Mold?

Just like other molds, black mold must immediately be removed to prevent any health risks as well as property damage. Here are some ways you can prevent black mold:

  • Mold requires excess moisture to grow so it is important you maintain the moisture and humidity levels in your home. Ideally, the humidity levels must be kept between 30-50 percent to prevent mold. Invest in a hygrometer or a dehumidifier to control your humidity levels.
  • Ensure your home has proper ventilation (especially damp spaces such as your bathroom) by using your exhaust fans.
  • Keep your house clean and dust-free as much as you can. Regularly replace your AC air filters, clean out your fridge and ensure there are no clogs or leaks in your kitchen and bathroom.
  • Try using non-toxic DIY mold cleaning products for mold prevention.

Stay Mold-Free with RestoPros!

At RestoPros we believe in arming our customers with the right information about mold removal so they can tackle mold when they see it. However, keep in mind that the best way you can be mold-free is with the help of professionals. Get in touch with the experts at RestoPros for our top-notch  mold removal and remediation services by calling 855-587-3786 or by scheduling a service on our website!

How Does A Dehumidifier Work? Your Ultimate Dehumidifier Guide

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how does a dehumidifier work

Other than mold, you’ve probably heard us mention a dehumidifier a lot. We often say that a dehumidifier is a great solution to decreasing or controlling the moisture in your home to prevent mold, which is a fungus primarily attracted to damp spaces.

However, we understand that not everyone is familiar with how a dehumidifier works. The team at RestoPros is here to answer that question – and any common inquiries regarding the workings and features of a dehumidifier.

How Does A Dehumidifier Work? A Little Like an Air Conditioner

Essentially, the dehumidifier absorbs air from the surroundings, removes moisture from it and lets out dry air. Just as an air conditioner removes humidity from the warm air it absorbs, so does a dehumidifier. In fact, it does it more effectively than an air conditioner.

A fan draws warm, humid air from the surroundings which blows over an evaporator coil. This coil contains a cooling agent called refrigerant, which is also used in air conditioners. When warm air is drawn over the cold evaporator coil, it goes through the process of condensation.

During the process of condensation, the previously warm and humid air loses its heat as well as its ability to retain moisture. The moisture pulled from the air eventually turns into liquid and drips into the bucket or reservoir of the dehumidifier. The dehumidified air blows over warm coils, before passing back into the room as warm, dry air.

Do I Even Need A Dehumidifier?

Now that you know how a dehumidifier works, you’re probably wondering whether you need one or not. To help you figure out whether you should purchase a dehumidifier or not, here are some factors you should consider:

  • Are you susceptible to indoor allergens?

Indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, mildew are ever present in humid environments. For people who are susceptible to allergies, these allergens can trigger reactions such as a stuffy nose, watery eyes and sneezing. If you don’t want to deal with the discomfort that comes with sudden allergic reactions, especially during times when humidity is high, a dehumidifier might be a good option for you.

  • What kind of climate are you living in?

Your decision to purchase a dehumidifier is dependent on the climate you are living in. If it’s a humid climate and the area you are living in is prone to mold and mildew as well as humidity damage (like stripping paint and wall paper) a dehumidifier would provide a preventative solution.

  • How big of a dehumidifier should you get?

Dehumidifiers usually come in three size categories. Small capacity, which removes up to 35 pints of moisture per day, medium, which can remove up to 50 pints per day, and large, which can remove up to 70 pints per day. The damper and larger the space, the higher capacity dehumidifier you should consider using.

Costs and Features of a Dehumidifier

Before purchasing a dehumidifier, you should also investigate the costs and features of the model you decide to buy. Depending on the brand and the size, a portable dehumidifier can run anywhere from $40 into the thousands. However, a typical name brand 70 pint unit will cost around $250.

Consider the water removal options different dehumidifiers offer. Most dehumidifiers come with removable plastic buckets. When a dehumidifier is full, most models will automatically shut off and give some indication that the bucket needs to be emptied. While you can manually do this, dehumidifiers also come with an option to hook a hose to the bucket which will direct the moisture into a drain.

Dehumidifiers also frequently come with humidistats which measure the amount of humidity in the air. Use the humidistat to ensure your home’s humidity is usually between 30 to 50%, especially to prevent mold.

Pro tip: If you’re purchasing a dehumidifier, consider going with models endorsed by Energy Star. These dehumidifiers have more efficient refrigeration coils compared to traditional models but use about 30% less energy.

Call RestoPros for Mold Testing and Removal

A dehumidifier is a valuable appliance to have because it can contribute to a comfortable, mold-free lifestyle. However, keep in mind that mold can spread easily and if your dehumidifier isn’t well maintained, mold can show up in there too. If you think you have a mold problem in your home, contact RestoPros for professional mold testing and remediation. Call 855-587-3786 or schedule a service online!