Category: Cleaning Mold

4 DIY Tips on Removing Black Mold

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Your eyes have been watery and itching lately, and you’ve been coughing and sneezing more than normal. There has also been a musty, unpleasant smell that, regardless of how many candles you burn, just won’t go away. You then notice a fuzzy little greenish-black patch of slime in the bathroom. You, my friend, have a toxic invader: black mold. A serious threat to homeowners, black mold can wreak havoc on your home and health.

Black mold is found in the dark and damp areas of your home and, left unchecked, can quickly spread and become a serious threat to you and your loved ones. Fortunately for you, the professionals at RestoPros – the leading mold and water remediation company for the greater DFW Metroplex – are going to show you 4 DIY tips on removing black mold.

  1. Gear Up for Battle

Before you confront the enemy, make sure you’re properly outfitted and ready for battle. For under $10.00, hooded disposable coveralls will protect you and your clothing from mold spores. You will also need a high-quality N-95 respirator, air tight safety googles, and a pair of good rubber gloves. Because the health concerns are so serious, we must insist that no short cuts are taken. Even short exposure to black mold spores can cause respiratory infections, joint pain, rashes, and even blindness.

  1. Remove and Toss Porous Materials.

Any porous materials with mold growth will need to be removed and discarded. This can include materials like drywall, paper, carpeting, and ceiling tiles. Because mold can spread rapidly, it’s important to check behind walls with mold grown on them to see how far the infection has spread. This might mean having to remove large sections of drywall and carpeting to ensure all black mold is found and treated. While wooden studs can be treated and cleaned, drywall will need to be discarded and replaced after the mold is eradicated from the area. This holds true for all carpeting as well. Hardwood floors may be cleaned, but the carpeting will need to be removed from the home.

  1. Disinfect and Clean the Area.

There are a number of inexpensive products on the market that can be used to clean mold. For years, products like bleach or ammonia have been the preferred choice, but today there are several products that are made especially for the removal and cleanup of mold and can be purchased at any major grocery store. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bleach may still be the most effective way to remove mold from the home. If you decide to use bleach, mix 1 cup with 1 gallon of water. Pour into a spray bottle or use with a bucket and sponge. Never mix bleach and ammonia, as it produces a toxic gas.

  1. Prevent Mold Growth from Reoccurring.

Make sure that the root cause for the moisture has been fixed. Places like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements need to be cleaned regularly and kept dry. For large areas like basements, a dehumidifier will allow you to regulate the amount of moisture in the air. Air conditioners are another good way to reduce humidity in the home. In areas where it is difficult or impossible to eliminate moisture, you can mix 1 cup of bleach with 5 gallons of water for use in controlling the growth of mold.

 

While we hope these DIY tips help in your battle with black mold, they’re no substitute for an experienced professional. The fact is, the job may just be too difficult and dangerous. The CDC recommends calling a professional mold remediation company in most cases. The mold remediation experts at RestoPros have a long-standing reputation for expertise, professionalism, and hard work. If you’re looking for a skilled and highly trained technician for mold testing, mold remediation, water damage restoration, or HVAC duct cleaning anywhere in the Dallas Metroplex, call us at (855) 58-RESTO (855-587-3786) to schedule an appointment today!

 

3 Different Mold Colors and What They Might Mean

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mold colors

It’s never a good feeling to see mold, regardless of where you come across it in your home. Whether it’s in the bathroom, pantry, garage or outdoors, spotting this fungus has a nasty habit of putting a damper in anyone’s day. And while it’s probably a good idea to have any mold you encounter removed as soon as possible, not all molds are the same.

Some molds are inherently more dangerous and harmful than others, but they’re all bad. Given the overwhelming numbers of different mold types, determining how concerned you should be about the one in your home can be tough.

Well, worry no longer! The professionals at RestoPros are familiar with the different types of molds you may stumble across, and we’ll help you figure out what it might be. We’ve put together a list of a few common colors of mold you might see at home.

There are 3 different mold colors:

1. Green Mold

There are two sides to this. One is that you’re probably going to come across green mold more than anything, so it’s probably not an exceedingly rare species. On the other hand, since it’s so common, determining which family a green mold belongs to is nearly impossible without a specialist.

To be on the safe side, go ahead and get rid of anything that has this mold on it just in case. While we can’t pinpoint the exact type without looking at it, mold of any kind isn’t welcome in your home and should be disposed of immediately.

2. Blue/Green/White

A mold that falls under one of these colors, especially one that you find in a place with food – such as a pantry – likely comes from the Penicillium genus. It’s fairly common as well, and it’s capable of causing some harsh respiratory system problems.

Again, any time you spot a mold that looks like one of these colors, do your best to remove it and call a professional!

3. Black

As a whole, black mold tends to get stuck with a bad reputation. That’s not to imply that black mold is in any way good, because it’s not. But more often than not, people will tell you that black mold is by far the worst color you could end up spotting, and that isn’t entirely the case.

Black mold that you notice outdoors on plants is probably either Alternaria or Cladosporium, and both need to be taken care of as soon as you can. Otherwise, it might be Aspergillus¸ which is a common mold we actually breathe in pretty often without knowing.

  • Cladosporium spores have been known to cause minor infections in places such as your eyes, sinuses and skin, but they’ve also been known to lead to significantly more serious complications like fungal meningitis in the brain.
  • Alternaria is also found indoors in darker areas, as well as in typical dust you see everywhere in your home. Although not as serious as Cladosporium, it’s still problematic.

All mold is annoying, and no matter how common or non-threatening it might look, it has the potential to cause a lot of damage. It needs to be properly removed as quickly as possible, especially if you have small children in your home or people who are susceptible to health problems.

That’s where RestoPros comes in. Our team is thoroughly qualified to handle all your mold-removal needs, and we’ll get it done safely and securely. Whether you’re in need of an emergency cleanup or just want to test your home for mold infestations, we’ve got you covered.

For the most reliable service in the Dallas area, give us a call at 855-587-3786!

6 Cleaning Tips to Prevent Mold

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cleaning tips to prevent mold

The areas of your home with the most moisture are the areas in which you’ll have to worry about mold. Here are the main areas that mold will grow in your home:

  • Your kitchen sink
  • Your refrigerator
  • Your bathtub
  • Your bathroom sink

Other areas of your home that might attract mold are your carpet, in the event of a poorly cleaned-up spill, or any area of your home that has suffered water damage from a leak.

You can’t prevent accidents, but you can use these 6 cleaning tips to prevent mold in your  home:

1. Run your bathroom fan

When you shower, moisture builds up on every surface in your bathroom. To help reduce the amount of moisture in the space, run your bathroom fan during your shower and for a few minutes afterward. You can always listen to music while you shower if the bathroom fan noise bothers you!

2. Squeegee water off shower walls

Remove water build-up from the walls of your shower and the shower door (if applicable) with a squeegee. Not only will this prevent mold and mildew from forming in your shower, but it will also reduce the appearance of unattractive water lines.

3. Store shower items on racks

Storing items like shampoo bottles or loofas on the surface of your bathtub or on the shelves can allow water to pool underneath them, creating a little pocket in which mold can grow. Instead, store your items on shower racks so that the water can drip-dry off the items after each use. You can find racks like these online or at most any supermarket.

4. Keep your sponges clean

The item to most likely attract mold in your kitchen is your sponge. Think about it: It’s just sitting there, damp from washing dishes, on the edge of the sink, stewing in old, dirty water. Sanitize your sponge with a disinfectant solution and position it so that it dries, rather than stores water. Also, be sure to replace your sponges frequently.

5. Clean out your refrigerator regularly

The most common cause of mold in your refrigerator is food that stays in one spot over time. The food itself can go bad and mold, but also, as the food decays, it can release moisture, which can build up in your refrigerator and cause mold. Further, containers may leak sauces and other liquids, which can cause mold and mildew as well. Be proactive by reviewing your refrigerator weekly, throwing out old items and wiping down surfaces.

6. Blot spills on carpets

If a drink spills on the carpet, don’t try to wipe up the puddle. Instead, take a wash rag or paper towel and blot at the spill, pressing into the padding of the carpet as you do so. Wiping at the spill not only spreads stains around, but it also doesn’t reach the moisture in the padding. If the spill is left unattended or is attended to poorly, it could seep past the padding, and mold could grow beneath it.

If it’s too late for these cleaning tips to prevent mold, call the experts at RestoPros for mold removal and remediation today. Dial the number at the top of your screen or complete the “Schedule Service” form fill to have one of our friendly representatives reach out.

4 Food Preservation Tips

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food preservation tips

There’s nothing worse than spending a ton of money at the grocery store on healthy produce just to discover that it has gone bad before you had a chance to eat it. What’s worse: Spoiled food can cause mold to grow in your home, causing a health hazard for you and your family.

But you’re already storing food in the refrigerator – What more can you do to preserve your food?

Don’t worry! The experts at RestoPros did the research for you. Here are 4 food preservation tips:

1. Make sure your refrigerator is set at the right temperature

You might have pulled out a brand-new carton of milk to discover it had spoiled. How did this happen? While reaching into your fridge one day, you might have accidentally nudged the dial that controls the temperature of your refrigerator. Check the dial to ensure that your refrigerator is keeping your food at the right temperature. It should be cooling at 40 degrees or lower, while your freezer should be set at zero degrees.

2. Store food in air-tight containers

Leftovers are a great way to save money during the week – and time! Who wants to cook dinner every single night after they get home from work? Consider this though: Are your food containers letting in bacteria that could lead to mold? Confirm that your lids are fully sealed when storing leftovers and mark them with the day’s date. If you notice mold forming in the container, even after ensuring the lid was completely closed, purchase air-tight containers moving forward.

3. Don’t wash your produce before storing it

Sounds counterproductive, right? With dangerous pesticides and chemicals that could be lurking on your strawberries, it’s important to wash them before eating them! But: You don’t have to run water over your produce before storing it. In fact, doing so can cause water droplets to collect and mold between the leaves and inside crevices. Only wash your produce right before preparing it to be served to keep it fresh.

4. Keep commonly used items in the front of the fridge

Organizing your refrigerated foods like this enables you to open the door and simply grab what you need. This way, you won’t have to keep the door open for long periods of time while you rummage around in the back to find what you’re looking for. Leaving the refrigerator door open can release the cool air that preserves your food and cause it to spoil.

With these tips, you can keep your food lasting longer and stop mold from forming in your refrigerator or pantry. Enjoy a well-preserved snack for all your hard work!

Should you discover mold anywhere in your home, however, it’s important to have it inspected by professionals who are familiar with the substance as well as skilled in its remediation. RestoPros has been inspecting, removing and remediating mold for years, keeping our customers and their families safe. Call the number at the top of the screen to schedule your mold removal appointment today.

4 Ways to Control Clutter in Your Home

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control clutter in your home

How many times have you left something uncleaned or messy in your home, thinking “I’ll worry about it tomorrow”? But when tomorrow comes, that same phrase is repeated, and eventually you’ve sort of put yourself in an endless cycle. This has happened to almost everyone, especially when their focus is cluttered by work or school.

While RestoPros understands that Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners may not have all the time in the world to deep-clean their homes, we do recommend practicing proactive cleanliness. Cluttered homes only get dirtier as time progresses, and they can eventually be victim to mold growth if they go unmanaged.

We have detailed 4 tips to control clutter in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home.

1. Have Specific Locations for Each Item

Organization is one of the key solutions for a messy home. Creating designated spaces for important documents, office supplies, tools, cables, and other items makes finding items easier. This also helps prevent clutter in your home.

2. Donate Items You No Longer Use or Want

Don’t hold onto items, thinking they’ll be of some use later. If you haven’t used it in three months to a year, it’s time for it to go. Consider selling these items, giving them away to friends or family, or donating them.

Donating valuables such as clothes, blankets, pillows, movies, video games, canned food, or even electronics can be a great way to both give to those in need and reduce clutter in your home. Additionally, donating is easy to do. Just find local center that accepts your valuables.

3. Clean Messes as Soon as They Occur

Right now, your first habit when a mess is made might be to put cleaning off until later. Create a new habit: Clean the mess as soon as it’s made. Cleaning the mess in that moment may seem draining, but it creates less trouble for you in the long-run.

The longer you wait to clean a mess, the worse it can become. A simple dirty dish can lead to a pile-up in the sink, which may take several hours to clean if you’re doing it by hand. Save time and create a cleaner living space with this new habit.

4. Minimize Paper Usage

A few small piles of paper can turn into stacks upon stacks of unorganized documents if you’re not careful.

We recommend minimizing your paper usage as much as possible to help avoid clutter. This can be done by switching to digital filing for most situations that require paper, such as receipts, monthly newsletters, bank statements, and other documents.

Help reduce clutter in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home by following these tips! And if you’ve discovered any instance of mold while removing clutter, contact RestoPros for our mold remediation services. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and get started.

Related Links

Quick Tips to Stop Hoarding Before it Starts – The Spruce

Healthier Homes Lead to Healthier Families – City of Fort Worth, Texas

 

Treating Swimming Pool Mold and Algae

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If your Dallas/Ft. Worth home has a swimming pool, it’s probably seen a fair amount of usage over the summer. After all, temperatures for the metroplex have been reaching the triple digits, so spending several days in your swimming pool is a common go-to solution for beating the heat. However, with this extra usage comes a higher need to clean it, especially if you’ve discovered swimming pool mold and algae.

Mold and algae are both self-reproducing organisms that can infest your swimming pool. Their growth can be the result of several causes with your swimming pool such as chemical imbalances, improper water circulation, no filtration, and other maintenance-related issues. And since mold and algae thrive on warm temperatures, summer is their preferred time to grow. Therefore, it’s important to know about treating swimming pool mold and algae.

RestoPros has detailed a step-by-step guide on this process below for Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners.

Remove all Pool Items and Sanitize Them

Pool toys and accessories used in mold or algae-infested water should be regarded as contaminated. Remove all pool items from the water and sanitize them using bleach and a soft scrubber. Be sure to wash any used swimwear as well. If you feel bleach is too strong, try using white vinegar instead.

Vacuum the Pool

Once pool items have been removed, it’s time to vacuum the pool. You will need a pool vacuum hose, pool vacuum head, and a pool pole to do this. Once assembled and connected, you’ll then want to switch your pool’s valve to the “waste” setting. Finding this setting is dependent on your pool’s valve type. But for multiport valves there should be a handle position with a “waste” setting. Begin vacuuming the bottom of the pool to start removing lingering mold or algae. Be quick, as the water levels will be dropping!

Scrub All Noticeable Spots on the Pool’s Sides

After vacuuming as much of the mold or algae as possible, you’ll then want to start scrubbing away all the mold or algae spots you see on the sides of the pool. Be sure to use a brush with firm bristles that stay intact underwater. Scrub away stains as thoroughly as you can.

Note: Do NOT use bleach as a cleaning agent to scrub the pool. Bleach mixed with chlorine creates a deadly gas that can seriously harm you.

Test Your Pool’s pH Levels

After scrubbing, you’ll then want to test your pool’s pH levels. pH levels show whether your pool is considered acidic or basic. Any pH level below 7 is considered an acid, while levels above 7 are considered a base. Generally, your swimming pool should be within 7.4-7.6, as this keeps chlorine levels high enough to kill mold and algae without being harmful to your body.  You can find pH level testing kits at almost any department store. Once pH levels have been measured, adjust your chlorine levels if necessary to fit within the 7.4-7.6 range. This should help eliminate what’s left of the mold or algae.

Protect your swimming pool for the summer by knowing how to treat swimming pool mold and algae! If you’ve noticed a mold infestation in your home, you’ll want to contact RestoPros for our mold remediation services. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to have Dallas/Ft. Worth’s leading mold-removal experts treat your mold problem.

Related Links:

Healthy and Safe Swimming – CDC

Disinfection & Testing – CDC

Treat Mom by Cleaning her Home for Mother’s Day

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With Mother’s Day right around the corner, what better gift for mom than cleaning her home! Not only will mom greatly appreciate how you’ve spruced up the place – you can help prevent the possibility of mold infesting her home.

We at RestoPros want to give our Dallas/Ft. Worth moms the best for Mother’s Day. And there’s nothing better than a clean home! For those in need of Mother’s Day gift ideas, follow these cleaning tips below to give back to mom!

Give Mom’s Floors A Thorough Clean

Certain floors are known to frequently become dirty. Heavy foot traffic in living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms can produce some unwanted stains on mom’s floors. So, giving them a thorough clean is something she’ll appreciate!

Using the wrong cleaning methods can damage the flooring, possibly making a stain even worse! Let’s discuss some general tips when cleaning different types of flooring in mom’s home:

Note: Be sure to vacuum the floor before cleaning it. Failing to do so can leave residue from the loose debris and dirt.

  • Tile – Use warm water and a steam mop to give tile a thorough clean. Avoid using a sponge mop or chemical cleaners. Both can make tile harder to clean and may even damage it.
  • Hardwood Floor – Using a dry mop and dish soap, give your hardwood floor a thorough clean. Be sure to mop with the grain to avoid damaging any flooring. Soak up any soap residue with a cloth before letting it dry.
  • Carpet – Give carpeting a thorough vacuuming to remove as much debris as possible. Be sure to use the hose attachment for corners and hard-to-reach spots. For any carpet stains, spray a vinegar-water solution only on the stained area and clean the spot with a dry cloth. After which, sprinkle a little baking soda and vacuum it up to deodorize the carpet.

If you suspect that mom might need new carpet, click this link.

Clean Mom’s Fridge

Fridges can easily be forgotten when cleaning a home. But cleaning them is important! A fridge houses a variety of items, some of which can cause stains and odors. Spoiled food can also lead to the possibility of mold growth in a fridge. Clean out mom’s fridge by following these general tips below.

  • Clear out a fridge’s contents before cleaning
  • Discard any spoiled or contaminated food
  • Clean a fridge using vinegar, water, and baking soda
  • Clean out shelves using dish soap and vinegar and let them dry before placing them back into the fridge.
  • Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge to help eliminate odors.

For a more detailed guide on how to clean a fridge (especially for mold), click here.

Remove any Stains from Drywall in Mom’s Home

Drywall can be susceptible to mold growth, and what may seem like a negligible stain may be the cause of a mold infestation. Drywall is a porous surface, meaning it can absorb liquid easier than other surfaces. Therefore, you’ll need to use a cleaner that can thoroughly cleanse drywall.

Consider using a vinegar-water solution to clean drywall. Vinegar is excellent at cleaning porous surfaces and can be used to remove soaked stains and other filthy spots.

Give your mom a clean house for Mother’s Day! And if you happen to stumble across any mold in her home while cleaning, give RestoPros a quick call. Our mold remediation services are performed by the best specialists in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!

Related Links:

Cleaning Mold, Mildew, and Bacteria – FEMA

5 Steps to Clean Your Refrigerator – CDC

Treating Mold in Clothes

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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.

How to Clean Mold in Your Fridge

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We’ve all had to dispose of moldy food before, but mold in your fridge is not as common. Mold infesting the walls or shelves of a refrigerator is never a pleasant experience, and removing it requires a different approach than simply tossing out bad food. Fortunately, cleaning mold in your fridge is fairly straightforward – provided you follow the necessary steps.

Don’t let your Dallas/Ft. Worth home be a victim to fridge mold. From the experts at RestoPros, here’s how clean mold in your fridge!

Create a Natural Mold Cleaner

To clean mold thoroughly, you’ll want to use two major components: white vinegar and baking soda. White distilled vinegar is a prominent mold killer, while baking soda is a natural deodorizer. Be careful not combine these two together however, as they are an acid and base. Doing so will cause a combustive chemical reaction and you’ll be spending extra time cleaning vinegar and baking soda off the floor.

Fill one spray bottle with undiluted vinegar. Vinegar will be used as the initial spray when cleaning mold. Fill a second spray bottle with baking soda and water. This solution will be used for scrubbing. Use about 1/4th tablespoon of baking soda for the entire bottle.

Remove All Items from the Fridge

Since you’re going to be cleaning with vinegar, you’ll want to avoid spraying any of your food. Also, you’re going to be cleaning enclosed spots and corners. Clear out the entirety of your fridge. Go ahead and throw out any moldy or old food you see. Food that is stained with mold or contaminated liquids should be discarded as well. Try organizing your food so that items close to expiring will be the last ones to put back in your fridge.

According to Foodsafety.gov, your fridge’s contents should stay fine for about 2 hours. However, if you’re worried about items such as fresh meat going bad, fill an ice cooler to hold them until you’re done.

Remove all Detachable Shelves and Drawers

Take out any removable shelves, drawers, and bins from your fridge. Vegetable and meat drawers will usually slide right out, while shelves may require a little positioning to release. Not all parts of a fridge are removable, so check their hinging to determine.

Clean Detachable Parts

Wash all your detached parts in the sink. Be sure to wear gloves before cleaning so you don’t get any mold on your hands! First spray the parts with vinegar and scrub with both soapy water and the baking soda solution. Rinse off and throw away any food residue or mold.

Mold can be persistent and could require more intensive scrubbing. Wipe thoroughly but carefully to avoid damaging glass. If mold has not been removed after the initial cleaning, spray the area with vinegar and let it sit for about 5 minutes. After, scrub it again with soap and baking soda.

Clean Fridge

Using the vinegar spray, cover your fridge’s interior. Be sure you get the walls, shelves, underside, and ceiling. Make sure vinegar is also sprayed along the gasket, or outer ring of the fridge. Let the vinegar sit for about 5 minutes.

Once the vinegar has had a few minutes to soak, scrub the interior using the baking soda solution and a washcloth. Give any mold spots an intensive scrub but be careful not to scratch the material. The baking soda solution will complement the vinegar’s cleaning properties while also neutralizing the smell of both the vinegar and mold.

Dry and Return All Parts and Food

Wipe your fridge with a dry cloth to dry it thoroughly. Mold thrives in moist environments, so you wouldn’t want to give it another home. Once your fridge is completely dried and has no more odor, you can return your items.

Completely dry detached parts before returning them to the fridge. After reattaching them, go ahead and refill your fridge with its original contents. As we described, organize your food placement to have items close to expiring at the front.

Place an Open Box of Baking Soda

After your fridge has been completely cleaned, you’ll want to place an open box of baking soda inside. As previously stated, baking soda is a natural deodorizer, and helps to eliminate any foul odors present in your fridge!

Bring your fridge back to freshness using our mold-cleaning guide. While it is important to know how to clean and combat mold in your fridge, Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners should also know when to contact a mold professional. Mold infestations in homes can be destructive and sometimes require the help of experts such as RestoPros to fully clean and restore. If mold is in your home, call us at 855-587-3786 for our mold remediation services!

6 Spring Cleaning Tips for a Mold-Free Home

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As we begin the joyous season that is spring, thoughts turn to the spring cleaning process. While it’s an ideal time to freshen up the home for the summer, it is also a good time to take preventative measures to fight mold. Spring cleaning is the perfect vehicle to clean and protect critical areas of the home that are vulnerable to mold infestation.

RestoPros recommends every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner use their time during spring cleaning to fight mold. Use these tips below to prepare your home for the new season!

Create a Natural Mold Cleaner

  • Creating your own natural mold cleaner helps prevent spraying toxic chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) found in commercial mold cleaners.
  • Create a solution using equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, as vinegar is a natural mold killer, as well as a RestoPros recommended mold-removal product.
  • A vinegar-water solution is efficient on both porous and solid surfaces, compared to bleach which cannot clean drywall properly.

Clean Behind Your Major Appliances

  • As we have described before, behind most major appliances lies a potential environment for mold growth and should be disinfected during spring cleaning.
  • Be sure to unplug your major appliances before cleaning behind them and keep the outlets away from any spray.
  • Using the water-vinegar solution, wipe away the stained areas behind your major appliances – and the back of each appliance as well.
  • When cleaning the back, be sure to avoid getting solution into an appliance’s interior, as this can potentially damage components.

Disinfect Your Cabinets

  • Whether you’re unloading a fresh dishwasher or simply forgot to dry some plates, your cabinet has seen its fair share of moisture.
  • Remove all the dinnerware from your cabinets and use the water-vinegar solution to scrub away the interior and exterior of your cabinets.
  • Scrub away any grease and deep stains with a sponge to fully eliminate bacteria.
  • Allow your cabinets ample time to dry before placing your dinnerware back.

Clean Your Vents

Scrub Your Mattress

  • Cleaning your mattress should be an important task during spring cleaning, as mold can easily grow if left unattended. In fact, there are 10 signs that signify mattress mold.
  • Vacuum away any initial debris and dust from all sides of your mattress.
  • Using cleaners such as hydrogen peroxide or dish soap, spray and scrub all areas of your mattress.
  • Once your mattress has been completely scrubbed, deodorize by lightly coating your mattress in baking soda, and giving it a few hours to cleanse.
  • After your mattress has been completely deodorized, brush off any excess cleaner, and give the mattress some time to fully dry before placing the cover back.

Kickstart spring with our spring cleaning tips and ensure your home stays mold-free throughout the year! Although we recommend cleaning your home as much as possible, do not hesitate contacting mold-removal experts when you notice a mold infestation. RestoPros provides the leading mold remediation services for Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners and is your trusted resource when mold growth is present in your home. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment.