Category: Mold Education

Mold and IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)

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We all know mold can be damaging to our homes. But what happens if we inhale it? After all, mold is a type of fungus, and fungus can be full of bacteria and contaminants that would be dangerous to inhale. So, it’s not uncommon to wonder the possible effects of breathing in mold.

However, to answer this question, we must first find the correlation between mold and your IAQ (indoor air quality). The experts at RestoPros have been helping Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners deal with the effects of mold for years; read below for our thoughts on how to approach spores in the air.

Can Mold Affect Your IAQ?

When mold has infested your home, it’s next objective is to reproduce. This is done by spawning mold spores that then travel through the air to find a new home. Once they’ve found a suitable place to grow, they attach themselves to the surface and begin “planting” new mold. With these spores traveling through the air, this creates a possible correlation between mold and IAQ.

So, can these mold spores affect your IAQ? The answer depends on amount of mold in your home. In small amounts, mold spores generally won’t have any effect on your IAQ, provided you clean it immediately.  The larger the infestation however, the more spores are produced. And with an abundance of spores in the air, your IAQ can be affected negatively.

This is due to the confined space of your home. Generally, mold spores don’t affect people as much outdoors. But within a tighter enclosure such as your home however, the allergens and irritants in the spores have a greater probability of contact. This can affect your IAQ, and trigger allergy symptoms as well as leading to sickness.

Spores aren’t the only way mold can affect you, however. Other molds, such as black mold, also produce mycotoxins. These are toxic substances that can also cause allergy triggers and sickness. But with the vast types of mold that can grow in your home, it would be useless to try and identify black mold. Therefore, it’s important to treat all mold the same.

What are the Effects of Breathing In Mold?

So, what happens if you inhale these mold spores or mycotoxins? Most of the time, it won’t be anything severe. You may experience allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, sinus headache, or other types of congestion.

However, these symptoms may increase in severity for those with weaker immune systems or an allergy to mold. Mold can be devasting if you have a condition such as a lung disease, as inhaling it can lead to a serious infection. Mold can also trigger asthma symptoms to those who suffer from the condition. Additionally, if you’re allergic to mold, the original symptoms can exacerbate. Therefore, it’s best for people with existing respiratory problems, weaker immune systems, and mold allergies to stay away from mold as much as possible.

It is important you know the correlation between mold and IAQ, as well as the effects of breathing mold. And if you have discovered mold infesting your home, contact RestoPros immediately. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 for affordable mold remediation services from Dallas/Ft. Worth’s leading experts.

4 Bathroom Mold Prevention Tips

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Are you aware that mold can grow in your bathroom? With bathrooms being the place for moisture build-up and humid climates, they can fall victim to mold much easier than other areas of your home. And once mold begins to grow in your bathroom, it’s hard to remove it without the help of a professional.

Because bathrooms are more vulnerable to mold, it’s helpful to practice some bathroom mold prevention tips. Below are some ideas provided by the experts at RestoPros for your Dallas/Ft. Worth home!

  1. 1. Clean Your Bathroom After a Bath/Shower

After a bath or shower, excessive moisture can build up in your bathroom. This excessive moisture can lead to mold growth, as the humidity paired with warm temperatures and little sunlight provides the perfect habitat for mold spores to reproduce. So, you’ll need to give your bathroom a quick clean after every bath or shower. Follow these tips below:

  • Wipe your shower nozzle and bath faucet after every use.
  • Clean and dry your shower items and bathroom contents after every use (e.g. shampoo, sponges, shavers, etc.)
  • If your bathroom floor is wet, dry it using a towel.
  • Check inside your bathroom cabinets for any moisture or soaked wood. Dry using a cloth if needed.

  1. 2. Utilize Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Bathrooms have their own way of preventing mold: an exhaust fan. Bathroom exhaust fans allow humid air and moisture to ventilate out of your bathroom. They are used to prevent water damage, poor IAQ (indoor air quality), and mold growth. Exhaust fans are usually controlled by a switch next to your bathroom’s light switch.

Every time you notice moisture on the walls or mirrors of your bathroom, run your exhaust fan for about 30 minutes to help prevent mold growth. This is especially beneficial after a bath or shower.

  1. 3. Dry Your Towels Before Storing Them

Wet towels should never just be thrown on the floor or in a hamper. The moisture they hold becomes a suitable habitat for mold. And when you pile wet towels in a location where they can’t properly dry, don’t be surprised when you notice traces of mold. To help protect your bathroom against mold, you’ll need to dry your towels properly before storing them.

Hang wet towels on your bathroom rack or shower rod for a few hours before placing them in the hamper. Be sure to have your bathroom’s door opened and, if possible, the exhaust fan running. This allows airflow to draw out moisture much easier. Once a towel feels dry to the touch, store it appropriately.

  1. 4. Resolve Bathroom Leaks Quickly

Moisture from a bath or shower isn’t the only cause of mold – water leaks are just as, if not more of, a cause. Leaking pipes, broken toilets, or clogged sinks can all lead to water damage, which then leads to mold growth. Therefore, if you notice a leak in your bathroom, contact a professional immediately.

Keep your bathroom protected from the destruction of mold! And if you have noticed mold growth in your bathroom, or water damage from a leak, contact RestoPros immediately. Call us at 855-587-3786 for affordable mold remediation and water damage restoration services for your Dallas/Ft. Worth home.

 

Related Articles

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home – EPA

Facts About Mold and Dampness – CDC

5 Signs you Have a Mold Problem

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A mold problem in your home is bad, but an undetected mold problem is even worse. Mold infestations don’t always stand out. Mold can be hidden at first, but once it becomes visible it may have already become very severe. This is especially true when mold grows in unexpected areas. It’s important to discover mold growth even if you can’t see it. But how exactly do you do that?

Fortunately, there are certain signs to look out for. The mold removal experts at RestoPros are here to advise Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners on how to identify the common signs you have a mold problem.

1. Random Stains Appearing in Your Home

If mold is already in your home, its next objective is to reproduce. If given enough time, mold will begin to produce spores that travel to find a new habitat. Mold requires an environment that is dark, warm, and humid to grow. If mold spores manage to find an environment to suit these conditions, new traces of mold will begin to grow.

What this results in is random stains appearing in your home. Mold growth spreads rapidly and will stain any suitable surface, especially porous materials such as drywall. The frequency and location of these stains are random, as the spores will travel until they find a suitable location. If you notice random, dark or brown colored stains appearing randomly on wood, drywall, or cloth, your home may be infested with mold!

2. Increased Allergy Symptoms in Your Home

If you find yourself sneezing, coughing, or having a headache more often, it can be one of the signs you a mold problem. Mold produces allergens, which are substances that cause allergy symptoms. These allergens can contaminate your home’s air, and lead to various symptoms. These symptoms can increase in severity for those with weaker immune systems as well. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in your home with no visible explanation, the cause may be mold.

3. Musky, Pungent Smells Coming from Your Home

Mold never got the personal hygiene memo, because it smells bad. Mold can produce a musky, pungent smell throughout your home, which can be a sign of a mold problem.  The scent of mold is best compared to the odor of decayed wood or dirty socks. If you notice this smell from several areas of your home, it is recommended you test for mold.

4. Water Damage in Your Home

When there is water in your home, there might be a mold problem. When water enters your home, whether it be from a leak, puddle of water, or past flooding, it will begin to soak and damage any nearby surfaces. Items such as wood, cloth, and drywall are especially vulnerable to water damage. Water damage then leads to mold growth, as the moisture gives mold a suitable habitat.

5. High Humidity/Moisture in Your Home

If your home’s humidity is above normal levels, it’s best to check your house for mold. High humidity and moisture levels are how mold thrives. Humidity also brings warmer temperatures, another requirement for mold growth. Causes of humidity can be poor ventilation, exposed attics and crawlspaces, and past flooding among other things.

Don’t let a mold problem go undetected – follow these signs to help protect your Dallas/Ft. Worth home. And if you have discovered mold in your home, or would like mold testing done, contact RestoPros today. We offer mold remediation and mold testing services with affordable quality. Contact us at 855-587-3786 for immediate assistance.

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.

6 Common Leak Causes

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Leaks in your home are one of the worst – and most annoying things that can happen. Leaks are known to potentially cause water damage and even mold growth. What makes leaks especially troublesome are their many causes. Water can leak from your roof, plumbing, or even under your home.

We all know leaks are a horrible experience for Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners. But do you know how leaks can happen? To help prevent leaks your home, you’ll want to be aware of the common causes. The experts at RestoPros have assembled a list below!

Clogged Drains

When a drain has no clear passage for water to exit through, pressure will continually build up. Eventually, the water pressure can cause a pipe to start dripping. Although dripping may seem like a small nuisance at first, the problem will only get worse if not resolved. With enough pressure, the pipe can eventually burst, spraying water everywhere.

Drains are most commonly clogged by build-ups of grease, soap, food, and even hair. Worse, a clogged drain can cause a pipe to have multiple leaks. This increases chances of water damage and possibly mold growth.

For information on helping to treat clogged drains, click here.

Clogged Downspout/Gutter

Much like a drain, your gutters and downspout are a main exit for water, but they collect rainwater instead of tap. Also, like a drain, they can become clogged if not maintained. A clogged gutter can be overfilled with water and possibly leak into your attic. Same problem can apply to a downspout. A clogged downspout disallows water from draining out your roof, further increasing the chance of leakage.

Leaves, dirt, and trash are known to build-up in your gutters and downspout. Fortunately, with a ladder, you can clear out a clogged gutter with a water hose and your hands – provided you wear gloves! You can also use a water hose to flush out your downspout.

For more information on protecting and cleaning your gutters and downspout, along with other rain leakage protection, click here.

Overfilled Dishwasher

Although it may seem like you’re maximizing water usage at first, stuffing your dishwasher can actually be disastrous. If a dishwasher is overfilled, the drain or valve may not seal properly. This can cause water to overflow and not have anywhere to go, except your floor!

Using dish soap instead of dishwashing liquid is not beneficial either. Dish soap is extremely foamy. The immense amount of bubbles produced can also overfill your dishwasher, potentially causing it to leak. Only use soap intended for the dishwasher!

Loose Washer Hoses

Generally, when you have your washing machine installed, two hoses are connected: drain and fill. As their name suggests, theses hoses are responsible for filling and draining the water in your washing machine. If they are not connected properly or damaged, water can leak during a wash cycle.

Damaged Piping

Piping is how water is transported throughout your home, and leaks are bound to happen. Water pressure can damage piping. High water pressure can loosen the connection of piping, which can cause dripping. If this pressure isn’t resolved, a pipe could eventually burst, spraying water everywhere!

Additionally, loose corner connections on pipes can also drip water. This can happen under sinks, as piping tends to be folded with several corners when below a faucet.

Another way piping can be damaged is by tree roots. Trees or vegetation with invasive roots can puncture underground water leaks, causing a leak. If you are wanting to plant new trees, purchase species without invasive roots.

Improper Toilet Water Levels

Toilet water is horrid, especially when it leaks! Unfortunately, improper water levels in the bowl and tank can cause water to overflow. Certain factors can cause this.

The common cause of a leaking toilet is when the flapper fails to seal the valve. Water can no longer be held in the tank and flows into the bowl. Flushing a clogged toilet can also cause leakage, as this is another way the tank will overfill the bowl.

By knowing these common leak causes, you can help to avoid them for your Dallas/Ft. Worth home. However, if a leak has already caused water damage in your home, you’ll need to contact RestoPros immediately. We help to remediate water damage while also helping to ensure no mold has grown in your home. Call 855-587-3786 for affordable water damage remediation and mold testing services.

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Save Forth Worth Water – Leaks

5 Tips to Avoid Garage Mold

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Mold is always looking for a place to grow, and your garage may be its potential new home. Garages are usually dark and warm, which are two of the three required conditions for mold growth. The last requirement is humidity, which is unfortunate as garages tend to also be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. Since we’re in storm season, chances of garage mold are higher than ever for Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners.

If you want to avoid garage mold, you’ll need to take some advice from the mold-removal experts at RestoPros. Here are 5 tips for preventing garage mold!

  1. 1. Dry Items Before Storing in Your Garage

Garages are the usual storage for all your tools, cleaning supplies, and seasonal items. When you use any item from your garage, you’ll want to dry it completely before placing them back. Items such as umbrellas, mops, and bikes tend to get soaked after use. If you place them back in the garage while they are wet, you’re giving mold the chance to grow.

Wipe down any wet item with a towel before placing them in the garage. If possible, let items air dry to completely remove moisture. For metal items such as tools, wipe them down thoroughly if they are wet, but do not air dry them. A mix of oxygen and water can cause metals such as iron to rust. On the contrary, most bikes are made with aluminum, which does not rust, so you can air dry them. However, avoid doing this if they are made with steel.

  1. 2. Remove and Replace Cardboard in Your Garage

Cardboard soaks water like a sponge. If you are using cardboard boxes for storage in your garage, you are at risk of garage mold. Once water has soaked carboard, it will remain soggy and fragile for a long period of time. This can lead to mold growth, and possibly even ruin the contents inside the cardboard box.

Instead, switch to using plastic totes. Plastic containers are much more resilient to water than cardboard, as well as being easier to clean. They protect your items much better as well.

If you have no other choice than to use carboard, then keep the boxes above ground as much as possible. Avoid stacking boxes and ensure their area is kept dry.

  1. 3. Seal Your Garage Door

Your garage door offers little protection against weather conditions. Water can seep through the bottom, sides, and top of the garage door. To combat this, you’ll need to conceal these openings with seals and weather-strips.

Garage seals and weather-strips are available at almost any department store. You can find variants that go along the bottom of the garage door, as well as the floor of the garage itself. Seals and weather-strips can also be placed along the sides to further prevent water leaks.

  1. 4. Maintain Humidity Levels in Your Garage

Humidity is the missing piece that gives mold the chance to grow in your garage. To combat humidity, a dehumidifier is recommended. Dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels within their nearby area. You can run one during or after every rain occurrence. Doing so will help prevent moisture from soaking the garage walls and ceiling. This will also help prevent any fragile items such as books being damaged by moisture.

  1. 5. Remove Standing Water in Your Garage

Whether it’s a spilled drink or a parked dripping car, a puddle of water can form in your garage. As soon as it happens, you’ll want to remove all the standing water, as well as dry up any wet spots along the garage floor.

Most garage floors tend to be a higher level than the driveway. This gives you the ability to flush out standing water with relative ease. Using a squeegee, push out as much water as you can. After which, use a dry mop along with paper towels to soak up any leftover moisture. Once cleaning has finished, use a dehumidifier to ensure moisture has been eliminated.

Garage mold should be avoided at all costs, but don’t avoid contacting a mold professional if your garage has been infested with mold. RestoPros provides the mold remediation services that can restore your garage, or any part of your home, back to a safe condition. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment with Dallas/Ft. Worth’s leading mold removal experts.

Stopping Lawn Fungus: Keeping Your Lawn Green for Spring

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Mold isn’t the only type of fungus that can damage your home. In fact, your lawn is vulnerable to another family of fungus, known as lawn fungus. Although the name is somewhat generic, lawn fungus is a real danger to your lawn, as its effects could ruin large areas of your grass. Instead of losing an aspect of your home that you’ve taken great care to maintain, fight back with knowledge!

The experts at RestoPros are here to help you fight lawn fungus. With spring around the corner, Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners should be prepared as the harsher storms and increased humidity drive up the chances of certain lawn fungus. But before we learn how to stop lawn fungus, it is important to know what it is.

What is Lawn Fungus?

Much like mold, lawn fungus is an umbrella term for several different types of fungi that can infiltrate your yard. Some variations may only affect leaves or turf, while others can impact the entirety of your lawn.  Preferred weather conditions also vary for each type, meaning fungus could potentially happen any season. Without a defining type of lawn fungus to convey, you’re going to need to be wary of the several causes that can trigger lawn fungus growth.

What Causes Lawn Fungus?

  • Drought
  • Humidity
  • Harsh Weather Conditions
  • Overwatering
  • Animal Decay
  • Compacted Soil
  • Insects and Pests
  • Excessive Thatch
  • Improper Mowing
  • Inadequate Fertilizer
  • Pet Urine
  • Heavy Foot Traffic

Signs of Lawn Fungus

As we described, the causes of lawn fungus are very broad. However, even with different types preferring different conditions, the effects remain similar. The signs below are indications that you might have lawn fungus.

  • Spots and Patches of Brown, White, or Yellow on Your Lawn
  • Loss of Color on Turf
  • Thin Patches of Dead or Frayed Grass
  • Dark Growth Regions on Your Lawn
  • Irregular Moisture on Grass
  • White, Pink, or Purple Powdery Substances on Leaves and Grass
  • Lack of Lawn Growth

 

 

Stopping Lawn Fungus

You may have discovered lawn fungus in your yard. If so, it’s time to put an end to it! First, avoid stepping in grass infected by lawn fungus, as this can cause it to spread to other areas of your lawn. Consider wearing shoe covers that can be removed before stepping on unaffected grass.

Lawn fungicide is the most capable killer of lawn fungus and is available in both spray and granular form. If your lawn is only partially affected by lawn fungus, we recommend using the spray form to avoid overuse of chemicals. However, if your lawn is showing severe cases of lawn fungus, switch to granular form as this fungicide works through the soil as compared to spray and is viable when treating large areas of grass.

Be sure to consult with your local department store on the possible side-effects of each lawn fungicide, as some may be specified for different types of lawn fungus.

Knowledge of lawn fungus provides you with a greater defense as you protect your home from the dangers of mold and fungus. While you focus on stopping lawn fungus, let RestoPros stop the mold in your home! Our mold remediation services help fight any infected Dallas/Ft. Worth yard; restoring it to a safe condition. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and get started.

5 Unexpected Areas for Mold Growth

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Mold infestation is sometimes unpredictable and can flourish in seemingly unexpected areas. Although Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners should know mold tends to grow in attics, bathrooms, and drywall, you should also be aware of the more surprising locations. From the mold experts at RestoPros, here are 5 unexpected areas for mold growth.

A/C Vents

  • Ventilation is a prime target for moisture-buildup, and if your IAQ is poor, mold spores easily invade your HVAC system.
  • Condensation collects in both supply and return vents, and since your ventilation lacks any suitable lighting, mold growth can spawn.
  • Mold within your ventilation must be dealt with quickly, as your HVAC system will distribute these spores, producing more mold while reducing indoor air quality (potentially causing allergy symptoms).

Chimney

  • Although your chimney is designed to carry out smoke and gas, condensation and contaminants can still enter in the brick’s crevices.
  • Rainwater creates dampness in your chimney’s dark interior, and if the temperature is warm, mold can grow.
  • Mold growth in your chimney can also spread to your fireplace, potentially ruining firewood.
  • Combined moisture and mold growth can damage your chimney if left unattended, causing stains, weakening support, and producing foul odors. along with fireplace accessories rusting.

Dishwasher

  • Since your dishwasher is a cleaning tool, it’d be the last place you’d expect mold growth to be, but unfortunately this is still a possibility.
  • Food residue and soap can build on the dishwasher’s gasket and drain, often due to improper dish cleaning before placing them on the racks.
  • Your dishwasher holds the perfect climate for mold growth, as the interior is dark, warm, and moist.
  • Although running your dishwasher usually eliminates any mold, having lingering residue prior to the cycle can cause unwanted mold growth that lasts even after the cycle.

Major Appliances

  • Your fridge, washer, and dryer all work with water to function, and their rarely noticed locations are vulnerable to unexpected mold growth.
  • Your refrigerator’s drip pan collects moisture and food drippings, making it a perfect environment for mold growth if not cleaned. The drip pan is usually located on the bottom of the fridge, close to the floor, and is rarely inspected.
  • Gaskets located on front-loading washing machines easily stay damp after loads and provide a suitable habitat for mold growth. Additionally, the water hoses on the back can leak from poor installation, further leading to mold and even potential water damage.

Window Sashes and Sills

  • Although rain drops on your windows are a pleasant and calming sight, the condensation can reside in the sills and sashes, causing unexpected mold growth.
  • The sides of your windows, known as sashes, are designed to hold the glass panes, and rainwater can seep into their cracks and create a habitat for mold growth.
  • The bottom of your window, known as the sill, often collects rain droplets after storms, and may produce mold if the window is not dried.
  • Mold growth on window frames can further spread to the walls of your home, meaning mold-remediation should be immediate if detected.

After learning the unexpected areas for mold, you may have discovered that it has already infiltrated one or more of these areas. If you have noticed any mold growth in your home, contact RestoPros immediately. Not only will RestoPros remove the unexpected mold in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home with our mold remediation services, we will help you identify other unexpected areas for mold growth. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment.

Mold and Pets: Knowledge, Prevention & Care

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When mold infiltrates a home it can be unforgiving. It is especially difficult for those homeowners with pets. Pets are constantly playing in mud and dirt; after playing outside they can track in wet organic material. Sometimes this can lead to a mold outbreak. Damp paws and fur and bacteria-carrying mud can infiltrate carpets, fabric and seep into wood floors. We love our pets, but we shouldn’t be constantly stressed about what they might be bringing into your home.

Pets are meant to be loved, not quarantined. Knowledge of pets and their role in spreading mold is key to a healthier home. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and prevention of mold indirectly caused by pet behavior. The professionals at RestoPros can help with keeping your home (and pets) safe from infiltration.

Causes of Pet Mold Contamination

  • Pets attract mold commonly from mud, dirt, and soil, especially during rainy and humid days.
  • Mud sticking to their feet holds many kinds of contaminants, with some that can lead to mold growth.
  • Pets rubbing themselves against moldy trees or plants can become contaminated and bring spores inside the home.
  • Chew toys and food bowls are often left with lingering moisture and bacteria, which can cause mold growth.

To stop the contamination of mold from your pets, you must take steps in both care and prevention.

Pet Mold Prevention and Care

  • Wash your pets regularly, and immediately clean their paws and feet if covered in mud and dirt.
  • Before letting them roam outside, check for any traces of mold in the trees, walls, and plants in your yard.
  • Keep all pet items clean and dry, and replace them if necessary (this includes beds, chew toys, bowls, etc.).
  • Store food in a dry location, and seal it airtight.
  • Mold-infected homes require immediate attention as well, and RestoPros provides affordable mold remediation services to quickly remove any mold.

Your pet can also become very sick from ingesting mold. Certain mold types can produce mycotoxins which exhibit varying symptoms in pets. Persistence of these symptoms could lead to severe health problems, or even death. If your pet has ingested mold, represented in the symptoms below, consult with a vet immediately.

Common Signs Your Pet has Ingested Mold

  • Constant itching and scratching, but no signs of fleas
  • Severe loss of appetite and thirst
  • Vomiting and changes in stool
  • Coughing, sneezing, and heavy breathing
  • Loss of energy and limpness
  • Nasal and eye discharge
  • Noticeable skin sores and bumps

Knowledge of mold and its relationship to your pets will help greatly in combating infiltration. Staying on top of their surroundings and being mindful of symptoms in case of ingestion will help keep them safe and healthy. If your home is experiencing a mold outbreak, consult with RestoPros immediately. We strive to give homeowners a safe environment for their loved ones – including their pets. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!

5 Common Household Items that Can Expire

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Everyone knows their food products have expiration dates and when to dispose of them. Besides the expiration date, it’s easy to identify if your food has gone bad. Seeing mold on your cheese or smelling a foul odor on your meat are sure signs to throw them away. However, do you know when other household goods expire? Often, people don’t consider the shelf life of non-food products in their home. Knowing when to replace common household items is important when keeping your home safe from contaminants and mold. Some household goods even have shorter lifespans than food. Dallas/Fort Worth homeowners must be mindful of the expiration dates of ALL their goods. The experts at RestoPros have compiled a list of common items that do expire – and should be replaced to avoid sickness or injury.

  1. Toothbrushes

  • A toothbrush is littered with bacteria after regular use, and letting its shelf life go unnoticed can have unpleasant consequences.
  • Toothbrushes usually last about 3 months, and subsequently should be thrown away and replaced.
  • Expired toothbrushes eventually lose the strength of their bristles, which means they can no longer clean your teeth as well.
  • Looser bristles allow bacteria and mold to grow and infect your toothbrush.
  • Not only will an old toothbrush not clean your teeth well, it may make you sick from the bacteria and mold.
  • Speaking of sickness, replace your toothbrush immediately after having an illness to prevent getting sick from previous germs.

  1. Shoes

  • Shoes are meant to protect your feet, meaning they must survive harsh conditions consistently.
  • Generally, shoes last about 2-5 years, with notable wear often occurring after this window.
  • Shoes contain leather, rubber, glue, and other materials that decay over time.
  • After consistent use, shoes will lose the adhesive from parts that have been glued.
  • Moisture seeps easier into damaged shoes, leading to mold growth that can also infect your socks and feet.
  • Wearing older, worn shoes gives your feet little protection, and can cause athlete’s foot if they are infected with mold.

  1. Bed Pillows

  • Bed pillows are met with hair, body oils, food, pets, and much more.
  • Bed pillows should be replaced 18 to 24 months, and doing so will keep them fresh and allergen-free.
  • Pillows spend a lot of time in dark areas, and are more susceptible to mold growth when in proximity to high humidity or water.
  • Old bed pillows attract bugs and bacteria to your bed, meaning your covers and mattress can also be infected with mold and bacteria.

  1. Kitchen Sponges

  • The sponge is the main tool for cleaning your kitchenware, and must be prepared for the job.
  • Since kitchen sponges deal with countless amounts of bacteria, they only last about 2-3 weeks before needing replacement.
  • Kitchen sponges older than about a month tend to be torn and have little scrubbing power.
  • Mold and bacteria easily grow on kitchen sponges after prolonged use.
  • Cleaning with old kitchen sponges takes longer to scrub away dishes, and may dirty the kitchenware even more.

  1. Bath Towels

  • Bath Towels last anywhere from 5-10 years, but their lifespan decreases when misused or improperly placed.
  • Towels are meant to soak up liquids from whatever they touch, and they build up bacteria over the years.
  • Properly cleaning your bath towels works great to maintain their lifespan, but some germs don’t go away.
  • Old bath towels have a greater chance to grow mold, especially if left in dark rooms when damp.
  • Leaving old towels on the floors can spread the mold to your floor or carpet, leading to bigger problems than a moldy towel.

Knowing when these common household items expire can easily prevent health risks and mold damage. If you have noticed your home contaminated with any mold, contact RestoPros immediately. We offer premium mold remediation services to DFW homeowners, and provide guidance on the best mold prevention practices. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule a professional assessment today!