Month: August 2019

DIY Mold Removal Tips

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diy mold removal tips

Mold is a common and frustrating problem that many homeowners deal with daily. Often, they ask if they can remove it on their own using DIY methods. That depends on the size of the area the mold is covering and the extent of the damage it has caused. Usually, if its in a small, easy to clean area, you can remove it by yourself. To help you out, here are some effective DIY mold removal tips from the team at RestoPros!

1. Do Your Research

Whenever you take on a home service project, it’s important to do your research and be prepared. If you just jump in without any information, preparations and precautions you will just be making things harder for yourself.  

When doing research, look into the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines regarding DIY mold removal. According to the EPA, if the moldy area is less than 10 square feet or roughly within a three feet by three feet patch, you can tackle the mold problem yourself. However, if there has been extensive water damage or the moldy area is larger than 10 square feet, it’s best to call a professional. In addition to guidelines, the EPA also has great mold removal tips and techniques to help you safely remove mold from your home.

Another thing you should know before you remove mold is what to wear. Make sure you have long, rubber gloves on and goggles that don’t have ventilation holes. In addition, you can wear an N-95 respirator to avoid inhaling mold spores—this is especially helpful if you have mold allergies or are prone to allergies in general.

2. Baking Soda, Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide Are Your Best Friends

Alright, you have done your research and you have concluded that you can handle the mold on your own. The next thing you need to know is that baking soda, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are great natural mold killers. Here are some ways you can use them:

  • Baking Soda

Simply add one-quarter or one-half tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle containing water. Then, shake the bottle until it’s dissolved. Spray the affected area with the solution and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the area until the mold is gone and rinse the area.

  • Vinegar

Pour distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle without watering it down. Spray the vinegar onto the mold surface and let it sit for about an hour. Then, scrub and wipe the area clean with water and let the surface dry.

  • Hydrogen Peroxide

This solution is a great bacteria killer. Pour three percent concentration hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle then spray the entire moldy area. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, scrub the mold away, rinse it off and wipe it dry.

3. Spray and Scrub to Remove Exterior Mold

We’ve talked a lot about mold growing inside your home. However, mold can also grow on the exterior of your house as well and it can cause significant damage to your home by eating away at the wood and even sneaking into the inside of your home.

To remove mold from the exterior surfaces of your home and spray a very diluted bleach solution (1-to-10 solution of bleach and water) on the affected area. Then scrub any stains with a stiff bristle brush dipped in solution. Let the solution sit for 20 minutes and rinse with a garden hose.

4. You Might Have to Dispose of Some Items

Keep in mind, this might not be necessary when only a very small portion of your home has been affected by mold. However, some porous surfaces such as carpets may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Even if it doesn’t look so bad on the surface, mold spores can show up in tiny cracks and crevices of porous items and it might be impossible to get rid of the mold entirely.

RestoPros: Experts in Mold Removal

If mold doesn’t seem to go away no matter what you do, you might have to call a professional. Look no further than RestoPros! We offer services such as mold testing, mold remediation and water damage restoration. Our well-trained and knowledgeable experts will make sure your home is 100 percent mold free! Get in touch with us today by calling 855-587-3786 or by filling out a service request form

5 Ways to Prevent Mold in Your Fridge

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ways to prevent mold in your fridge

You’ve heard of mold showing up in your basement. You’re also aware that mold can show up in your kitchen and bathroom. However, mold in your fridge is something you might not have heard of, because it isn’t as common. But it is possible. Moisture build up, accidental spills and spoiled food can create the perfect combination for refrigerator mold.

While refrigerator mold can be very annoying to deal with, it is also very easy to avoid. With proper maintenance and cleanliness, you can ensure mold doesn’t even come near your fridge. To help you out, the team at RestoPros has created a list of ways to prevent mold in your fridge.

1. Consistently Clean It Out

About once every couple of months, do a thorough cleaning of your fridge. We’re talking turning it off and removing all its contents. Yes, it takes time, but you end up with a clean fridge that will perform well and will most likely be mold free. Here is a quick guide to thoroughly cleaning your fridge:

  • Remove Food from the Fridge

This is obvious. To do a thorough cleaning of your fridge, you will have to remove all the jars and containers. To avoid spoiling your food, it’s best to do this cleaning before your weekly shopping trip so you have lesser items in the fridge. Also, remember to have a cooler to store items that need to be kept cool.

  • Take Out All Removable Parts and Wash

Take out removable parts such as crisper bins and shelving and wash them with regular dish soap and warm water. Be sure to let them dry out completely. You don’t want any moisture left over because it’s a clear invitation for mold. Use baking soda to clean particularly stubborn stains.

  • Clean the Gasket

The gasket is the rubber-like seal on your fridge’s door that keeps cold air from escaping. Use a solution of ½ water and ½ white distilled vinegar and wipe down the gasket—then, pat it dry with a paper towel.

2. Immediately Clean Up Spills and Get Rid of Spoiled Food

The moment you spill something in the fridge, clean it up immediately. If the spill is recent, you can use a paper towel or a cloth to soak it up. Then, use regular wipes or diluted vinegar to sanitize the area. If it’s a heavy spill, you can remove the shelf and wash it like we mentioned before.

If you notice any spoiled food in your fridge, it’s important you get rid of it by putting it in a plastic bag and throwing it in the trash. It only takes a few minutes and its one of the easiest ways to prevent mold in the fridge.

 3. Always Keep Food in An Airtight Container

This also seems like a no-brainer but one of the ways you can prevent mold in your fridge is by sealing the containers you keep your food in. You can store food in well-sealed Ziploc bags or Tupperware containers. Keeping food sealed in airtight containers keeps it fresh and away from mold spores floating in the air.

4. Use Up Processed Meats Quickly

Processed, cured or smoked meats such as ham, salami, bologna and pastrami must be used up quickly. While it’s normal for some cured meats to have some surface mold on them (scrape the mold off the meat to remove it), they should not be showing other signs of mold growth. It’s best to be smart about how much meat you purchase so you don’t end up getting rid of most of it due to mold.

5. Prevent Excess Condensation

Excess moisture can build up in your fridge, even though your refrigerator is designed to remove and control moisture. This usually happens when the fridge is frequently opened and closed, leading to warm air entering the fridge. Avoid doing this, especially in humid and hot weather.

Moisture might also be accumulating because of open food containers, moisture laden foods or a deteriorated gasket.

See Mold? Call RestoPros!

If you can’t seem to get rid of the mold accumulated in your fridge, it’s time to call RestoPros! We offer a variety of services such as mold testing, mold remediation and water damage restoration. Call us today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website! 

4 Tips to Protect Your Dorm from Mold

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tips to protect your dorm from mold

College season is here and it’s time for college students to move back into their dorms and apartments. The new school year brings many experiences and opportunities with it; new classes, new organizations to join, a higher workload and if you’re not careful, mold. The issue of mold growing in dorms is more prevalent than you might think. In the past year, there have been reports of colleges dealing with mold in residential buildings. In these situations, students often end up having to evacuate their dorms and temporarily live somewhere else. This can cause stress to students already dealing with a myriad of other problems.  However, there’s no need to worry because the team at RestoPros have some easy tips to protect your dorm or university apartment from mold.  

1. Don’t Let Food Spoil

If you’re a college student, chances are you have probably overestimated how many fruits you will eat during the week or how much salad you will eat for lunch. This often leads to spoiled or moldy food taking up space in your fridge.

When grocery shopping, don’t overestimate how much food you will eat. Be smart about how much food you will consume during the week by planning out your meals. If you buy food in bulk, chances are you might end up with spoiled food, which can be a waste of your money.

Prevent food from spoiling by storing items in the fridge correctly because different areas of the fridge have different humidity or temperature settings. In addition, take a few minutes every weekend to do a quick scan of your fridge, kitchen or dorm for any spills or spoiling food. If you notice any, dispose of it by placing it in a garbage bag and throwing it in a regular trash container. Clean the surrounding area by using some wipes or some diluted vinegar.

2. Don’t Leave Damp Items Around

Mold requires moisture and humidity to grow. In excessively damp areas, mold starts to spread between 24-48 hours. Keep items dry to prevent the ideal environment for mold growth. When you’re done using your towels after a shower, don’t throw them in the hamper or the floor. Hang them to dry for a few hours before storing them appropriately.

The same goes for damp bathroom mats or clothing—make sure to wash and clean these items and dry them properly.

3. Consider a Dehumidifier for Your Dorm

In addition to bringing the basics such as food, clothes and books, many college students bring items and appliances that make their college life more comfortable. Consider bringing a small, portable dehumidifier for your dorm this fall, especially if your college is in a humid climate. A dehumidifier can be a great investment if you live in an environment that is prone to mold and mildew – or if you’re susceptible to indoor allergens that are present in humid environments.

4. Report Any Leaks

As a college student, the last thing you want to even think about is a leak in your bathroom, AC or in your roof. However, it’s important to report these leaks and get them looked at as soon as you notice them, because the problems they cause can be even greater. If you’re in a dorm, your college most likely has maintenance staff for on-campus housing who can fix the leaks.  If you’re in a university apartment, you might have to get in touch with your property manager or with the apartment’s offices.

Worried About Finding Mold in Your Dorm? Call us Today!

Finding mold in your dorm can be especially frustrating for a busy, stressed college student. RestoPros is here to ease your frustration—we offer a variety of services such as mold remediation, mold testing and water damage restoration. Get in touch with our experts today by calling 855-587-3786 or by scheduling a service on our website!

Unexpected Places Mold Can Grow

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Unexpected Places Mold Can Grow

It’s never pleasant to find mold in your home. Luckily, most of the mold you encounter isn’t a threat to your health. Mold on bread and cheese is easy to dispose of: simply put it in the trash. Mold growing in your bathroom is commonplace and also easy to eradicate. However, mold that grows in unseen areas of your home is more difficult to find and combat.

Luckily the mold remediation experts at RestoPros can help identify those unexpected places mold can grow and flourish.

What Mold Needs to Grow

Mold needs a few things to grow: moisture, organic material, and temperatures between 40- and 120-degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, there are many places in your home that contain one or more of these components. And, while it is easy to get rid of moldy food, mold in your home is both harder to remove – and potentially dangerous.

  • Chimneys

Chimneys are often out of sight – out of mind. Unfortunately, so is the mold that grows inside them. Crevices in bricks collect water, dirt, and other organic debris over time. And sometimes, faulty chimney caps and damaged flashing will let in even more moisture. This makes the inside of chimneys a great home for mold spores. The first step to fixing this issue is to repair the chimney caps and flashing. Then, make an appointment with a chimney sweep for a cleaning. 

  • Refrigerator Drip Pans

The refrigerator drip pan collects condensation from the fridge, as well as spilled sauces, drinks, and food particles – making it a haven for mold. Mold growth in the drip pan can be removed by wiping the pan down with a hydrogen peroxide solution.

  • Front Loading Washing Machines

Front loading washing machines have taken over from their top-loader predecessors. While the front door makes loading and unloading easier, it also invites mold into your home. Because the washing machine door stays closed, even when the washer is not in use, the seals are always wet. So, all mold spores need is a little lint to snack on in order to multiply. Running a hot water cycle with a splash of chlorine bleach will remove the mold.

  • Window Sashes and Seals

Much like the seals of front-loading washing machines, the seals of windows are great candidates for mold growth. To prevent mold growth on your window seals, wipe them down regularly to remove the condensation, dirt, and dust mold uses to thrive.  

  • In Your Filing Cabinets

Filing cabinets are perhaps the last place you’d expect mold. But, the pulp in paper makes excellent food for fungi, and if your home is particularly humid, spores have enough moisture to multiply.

  • Air Conditioner Filters

Mold growth in the previous locations is relatively easy to clean, and more importantly, won’t injure the health of your family. However, if you have mold in your air conditioner ducts, it is more difficult to remove, and can threaten your family’s health. If you have mold in your HVAC ducts, call a professional to do a cleaning as soon as possible.

Worried About Finding the Unexpected Places Mold Can Grow? Call us today!

We know how important your family’s safety is to you, so if you have a question or concern about mold in your home, we are here for you. RestoPros is the leading mold remediation company in the DFW Metroplex. Call us at 855-587-3786 or schedule your service online.

Bathroom Mold Prevention Tips

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bathroom mold prevention tips

It is a well-known fact that mold tends to grow in environments with high moisture levels. One of the areas in your home that fits this description is the bathroom. With water hitting almost every surface of the restroom, it’s no surprise that mold can find its way in there. Mold is not only a nuisance to remove, it can cause health problems, especially for people who are sensitive to mold. Don’t worry though, because the experts at RestoPros are here with some bathroom mold prevention tips, so you can fight mold before it sneaks up on you.

1. Make Use of Your Exhaust Fan

Not only is the exhaust fan in your bathroom good for drawing out unpleasant odors, it’s also great for reducing humidity! By using your exhaust fan, you will be able to control the moisture that collects on your mirror, counter, sink and shower. It’s important to have a well-functioning exhaust fan in your bathroom as a reduction in humidity can prevent not only mold but peeling paint and wallpaper. Leave the exhaust fan on for up to 30 minutes after each shower.

2. Squeegee Your Bathroom Walls

After every shower, be sure to use a squeegee to remove the moisture from your bathroom walls. It might seem like an inconvenience, especially when you’re in a hurry. However, it’s a better option than a towel, as the rubber blade of a squeegee allows you to wipe your bathroom walls faster and reduces 3/4ths of the moisture that could lead to mold growth.

3. Keep Your Bathroom Clean and Dry

Obviously, it’s important you keep your bathroom clean and dry—not just to prevent mold but simply because no one wants a dirty bathroom. Here are some ways you can ensure a clean, moisture-free bathroom:

  • Wipe down the sink and faucet after every use. The same goes for your shower nozzle and bath faucet.
  • If your bathroom floor is wet, don’t wait for it to dry or for your bathmat to absorb the moisture. Use a towel to wipe it up.
  • Fix any clogs in your sink and bathtub. When water takes a long time to drain away, the excess moisture left behind can provide the perfect environment for mold to find a home.
  • Try to wash and dry your bathmats every 3-4 weeks. If it has a non-skid rubber backing, let it hang dry as the rubber backing can’t handle the dryer.
  • After using your towel, a couple of times, wash it in hot water and ensure it’s totally dry before storing it. Avoid dumping a used, damp towel in the hamper or on the floor as it provides ideal conditions for mold growth.
  • If you have tiles, waterproof them by sealing the grout lines annually with grout sealer.

4. Fix Any Leaks

Moisture can grow in your bathroom from consistent leaks as well. If you notice your faucet dripping, water collecting around the seal of your toilet, or the ceiling leaking, contact a professional right away.

Pro tip: Often a lot of bathroom leaks can be attributed to a deteriorated caulk or grout which can lead to mold entering your bathroom. Luckily, you can DIY applying new caulk around your sink, tub and toilet to prevent future leaks.

5. Use Mold Resistant Bathroom Materials

This is one of the more long-term mold prevention tips. With the creation of mold and mildew resistant materials, you can protect your bathroom from mold with little effort! Here are some mold resistant materials you should consider for your bathroom:

  • Mold resistant paint is ideal for a high moisture environment such as your bathroom. Keep in mind though, it should only be applied after mold in the area has been removed.
  • Mold resistant shower curtain liners range from $8 to $18 in price and are effective in preventing mold growth.
  • Several stores also offer a variety of mold resistant bathmats to ensure your bathroom is truly mold free. These mats can range from $10 to $40, depending on the brand.

See Any Mold? Contact RestoPros!

Keep your bathroom safe from a mold infestation by following these bathroom mold prevention tips. If you need a professional for services such as mold remediation, water damage restoration and mold testing, look no further than RestoPros! Our experts will ensure your home is mold-free. Get in touch today by calling 855-587-3786 or schedule a service online.