Category: mold growth

Mold vs. Mildew: Spotting the Difference

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Exposure to dampness or mold is the estimated cause of a quarter of all asthma cases in the United States. Even for non-asthmatic homeowners, living with a mold or mildew problem can pose serious health threats. Answering the mold vs. mildew question starts with learning what to look for. The experts at RestoPros are here to share our advice on how to spot the difference.

Mold vs. Mildew: Similarities

  • Environments

-Both mold and mildew are types of fungi that flourish in moist, humid conditions with scarce light.

-Both mold and mildew grow when spores or seeds find their way into environments that are conducive to colony growth.

  •  Affected Hosts

-Neither mold nor mildew can grow on synthetic materials such as plastic and metal-based products.

  •  Odors and Physical Symptoms

-Both mold and mildew produce a similar musty odor.

-Both mold and mildew can cause similar physical symptoms to humans who are exposed.

Mold vs. Mildew: Differences

  • Appearance

-Mildew can be downy or powdery. Downy mildew starts as yellow spots that become brighter and then turn brown in color. Powdery mildew is whitish in color and slowly turns yellowish brown and then black.

-Mold is black, yellow, or green with a fuzzy or slimy texture. Severe mold growth looks like moss and can cause rot in its effected host.

  •  Growth Patterns

-Mildew is a type of mold that has flat growth patterns. Unlike mold, mildew remains on the surface of its host where is can be easily removed. Mildew is drawn to moisture and grows on damp surfaces like your kitchen, bathroom, and basement. You can find mildew growth in toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and on bathroom walls.

-Mold is a fungus that grows in patches which penetrate beneath the surface of its host. Mold grows on living sources, including food, drywall, paper, and wood. Mold can often grow on your ceilings, window sills, and walls.

  • Effects on the Host

 –Mildew can harm the food or plants upon which it grows, but usually does not cause any lasting damage to other surfaces such as tile floors or bathroom mirrors.

 –Mold can damage entire structures because it penetrates beneath the surface of its host.

  • Effects on Exposed Humans

 –Mildew can cause similar allergic reactions to those caused by mold, such as coughing, sneezing, headache, sore throat, and respiratory problems. However, mildew is much easier to eliminate because it remains on the surface of its host.

 –Mold can pose a serious threat to your health. It can trigger sinus problems, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, sore throat, migraines, itching, rashes, fatigue, and even depression. Mold is difficult to remove because it penetrates below the surface of its host.

 

So, now you know some signs to look for when answering your mold vs. mildew question, but what should you do about your problem? Contact the experts at RestoPros for immediate mold testing and remediation today!

 

How to Identify Different Types of Mold

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Mold is the last thing you want to live with in your home, as It causes musty odors, damage to your house, and dangerous health problems. Are you are worried about mold in your home? Keep reading for some tips from the professionals at RestoPros on how to identify different types of mold.

How to Identify Different Types of Mold by Color and Physical Symptoms:

The two easiest ways to identify which type of mold is in your home is by color and correlating symptoms. Here are the color qualities and related symptoms for common types of household mold:

Yellow-green/Brown Mold:

  • Scientific Name: Aspergillus
  • Coloring: This mold is a yellow-green color on the surface with brown coloring underneath.
  • Where it Grows: in air conditioning systems and on starchy foods like potatoes and bread.
  • Potential Symptoms: allergic reactions, respiratory infections, and inflammation of the lungs.

 

Pink and Black Mold:

  • Scientific Name: Ureobasidium.
  • Coloring: pink and black in color
  • Where it Grows: in damp areas like window frames, bathroom rugs, or caulk.
  • Potential Symptoms: eye irritation or respiratory problems.

 

Black and Green Mold:

  • Scientific Name: Cladosporium
  • Coloring: This mold is black and green in color and has a pepper-like appearance.
  • Where it Grows: on surfaces like toilets, fiberglass ducts, fabrics, and wood.
  • Potential Symptoms: watery eyes, a sore throat, or respiratory problems.

 

Dark Green, Brown, or Black Mold:

  • Scientific Name: Chaetomium.
  • Coloring: This type of mold is dark green, brown, or black in color and produces a musty odor.
  • Where it Grows: in buildings that have suffered extensive water damage.
  • Potential Symptoms: This type of mold rarely causes health problems in humans who are exposed to it.

 

Blue or Green Mold:

  • Scientific Name: Penicillium
  • Coloring: blue or green, this type of mold can easily transfer from room to room
  • Where it Grows: on wallpaper and textiles like carpets, mattresses, or curtains.
  • Potential Symptoms: This mold causes allergic reactions, sinus infections, and lung inflammation.

 

Black Mold:

  • Scientific Name: Stachybotrys chartarum
  • Coloring: It is dark in color and produces a musty odor.
  • Toxic/black mold is one of most common molds associated with health problems; it produces mycotoxins.
  • Where it Grows: in extremely damp locations (inside air conditioning systems, near leaky pipes, and on porous surfaces like drywall.)
  • Potential Symptoms: Exposure to black mold can cause allergic reactions, sinus infections, asthma symptoms, fatigue, headaches, and even depression.

 

Green or Bright Green & White:

  • Scientific Name: Trichoderma
  • Coloring: green or bright green color with white mixed in
  • Where it Grows: on wallpaper, carpets, and other porous surfaces.
  • Trichoderma produces mycotoxins causing serious health problems.
  • Potential Symptoms: allergic reactions, sinus infections, asthma, fatigue, headaches and depression.

 

Although you now know what to look for, it is always a good idea to have your house professionally tested if you suspect you have a mold problem. If you are looking for a professional to perform mold testing, remediation, or removal in your home, contact the experts at RestoPros! Call 855-587-3786 to make an appointment today!

Harmful Effects of Mold

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Harmful Effects of Mold

It’s true: there’s no place like home. It’s where you can retreat to find comfort, relaxation, peace of mind, safety, and so much more. That is, unless you have mold. Even a small amount in your living room or basement can cause great unease, and for good reason. This is because mold can greatly impact your health, not to mention it can cause structural damage to your home. While not every species of mold out there is toxic, any amount found in your home should be treated immediately. Due to the harmful of effects of mold, waiting will only lead to further problems.

How Mold Effects Your Health

Have you been feeling under the weather for some time now, but assumed it’s because of the weather? The true culprit could be mold. Prolonged exposure to damp environments can lead to variety of health problems, including:

  • Severe allergies
  • Irritation in the eyes, nose and throat
  • Irritation of the skin
  • Upper respiratory problems (coughing, wheezing)
  • Headaches

Your overall health permeates into all the other parts of your life. When you don’t feel good, it can be hard to perform even simple tasks. If you want to breathe easy again and restore your health, we recommend having your home tested for mold right away. Our licensed, experienced technicians use proven methods to locate and permanently remove mold.

Does Your Home Have Dust Mites?

Dust mites are a common trigger of allergies and asthma, and if you have mold in your home, it’s possible you also have dust mites. These tiny creatures, measuring roughly one-quarter to one-third of a millimeter, thrive in damp, humid areas, and can wreak havoc on your health. Their feces contain more than 15 aggressive allergens that can trigger allergic reactions.

Do you think you have a dust mite allergy? According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, symptoms include:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Itchy, red or watery eyes
  • Itchy throat
  • Skin irritation

To get rid of dust mites in your home, you need to attack the source of the problem, which could be excess moisture or mold. Check out this article from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to learn how you can help reduce their presence.

How Mold Effects Your Home

When you think of household mold, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably that it’s harmful to your health. But did you know that it can also cause severe damage to your home? After all, it’s important to promptly address mold issues not just for the sake of your well-being, but for your home’s (and bank account’s!) sake as well. Here’s why:

Mold loves to feed on wood, fabrics, and papers. It can eat away at anything from wallpapers, ceiling tiles and floorboards to carpets, drywall and wooden studs. If left untreated, you could be dealing with collapsed ceilings or caved in floorboards. When the growth is widespread, some contaminated items such as mattresses, carpet or insulation might need to be replaced rather than restored.

If you come across mold, don’t panic just yet. It doesn’t mean your house will fall down with you inside it. However, if you want to safeguard your home, you need to begin the removal process right away and put measures in place to prevent a return.

Restore comfort and safety to your home by scheduling an appointment with the trusted professionals at RestoPros. To learn more about our high-quality mold testing and removal services, give us a call at (855) 587-3786.

 

 

How to Remove & Prevent Mold Growth from Houseplants

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prevent mold growth from houseplants

There’s no denying that houseplants add undeniable appeal to any room. With virtually endless choices at your fingertips, you can add any plant to a room and instantly enhance its overall look. And, as a bonus, you can simultaneously improve your indoor air quality too. While houseplants are relatively easy to care for, one side effect of owning them is the possibility of mold growth. When this happens, you not only compromise your plant’s health, you can also compromise the health of your household. If you see mold start to grow on any of your plants, you need to act quickly to stop it from progressing. Follow these essential tips on how to remove and prevent mold growth from houseplants.

Removing Mold from Your Houseplants:

 Step 1: Determine the extent of mold growth.

Mold loves dark, damp spaces, making your plant’s wet soil the perfect place to call home. Look for a white fuzzy substance. In most cases, the growth will be located just on the soil’s top layer, so you can simply use a spoon to scoop it up. This kind of mold only becomes a potential health risk to you and your plant when ignored. If you were to leave it there for an extended period, it could give your plant root rot.

If mold growth has reached the plant itself, take a damp paper towel and gently wipe the leaves. Use a new part of the towel each time you wipe to avoid mold from re-attaching to the plant. Once the paper towel has been used entirely, grab a new one and continue the process. If an area of growth is too strong and cannot be removed with a paper towel, cut off that leaf.

Step 2: Once the mold is removed, add an anti-fungal protectant.

We recommend scattering a small amount of either cinnamon or baking soda over the soil, which should help in preventing mold from returning. Make sure to spread it across the soil evenly.

Preventing Mold on Your Houseplants

If you find mold on any of your indoor plants, don’t panic. This doesn’t mean you should throw out all of your plants and replace them with fake ones. However, it’s extremely important to address mold issues promptly so that you can remove all growth and put measures in place to stop it from happening again. Here are four simple and effective ways to stop mold from appearing on your plants:

  1. Use high-quality soil.

It’s tempting to purchase the cheapest soil you can find, but if you want healthy houseplants, you’ll need to find the right soil, and sometimes that winds up costing a little bit more. We recommend switching to a commercial potting soil because it’s rich in nutrients.

  1. Don’t over water your plants.

In many cases, plants die because they haven’t been watered enough. This is especially true with indoor plants because too many plant owners see them as almost invincible. While it’s not as common for people to overwater their plants, it does happen, and wherever there’s a damp space, expect mold to grow there. For tips on watering your plants, check out this article from Better Homes & Gardens.

  1. Make sure your plants are located in areas with adequate light.

Unfortunately, you can’t plop a houseplant just anywhere and call it a day. Plants are living things – they grow, eat and reproduce; therefore, it’s essential to place them in a location that allows them to thrive. This might mean relocating your plant to an area that isn’t next to your bed or media center. For a plant to survive it needs adequate light, and if you want to inhibit mold growth this step is critical.

  1. Keep pots free of debris.

Routinely check your potted plants for any debris such as dead leaves. Also, trim away any dead parts of a plant to avoid dead organic matter from accumulating on the soil in the first place.

If you have any questions about mold growth related to plants or anything else, give us a call today! We’d be more than happy to help you on your way to achieving a mold-free home. Give the experts at RestoPros a call today at 855-587-3786!

 

 

5 Myths About Mold in Your Home

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No one wants to see mold growing in their home. Mold is unsightly. It can damage your foundation, and it can wreak havoc on the health of your household. But for all the negative effects of mold, there are several exaggerated and even completely false beliefs that should be pointed out. The professionals at RestoPros, the most trusted mold remediation company in Dallas, have collected five of the most common myths about residential mold.

Read the facts below and educate yourself before attempting to clean or diagnose a mold outbreak in your home.

Myth 1. Black Mold Is Deadly

There are over 20,000 different species of “black mold,” which is technically not even a scientific term. Black is simply the color of certain strains – and one of the least common colors of fungal growth. Stachybotrys, which is considered to be the most toxic strain of mold, can be any color depending on the surroundings. In most cases this toxic mold is a greenish-black color, but attempting to identify it by the color is futile. Aside from testing the mold directly, the only sure test for the toxicity of a mold in your home is a direct allergic reaction.

Myth 2. Bleach Kills All Mold

Bleach is the go-to product many people use to clean a mold outbreak. While it works well enough to “clean” mold off of a non-porous surface, bleach can irritate the skin and the fumes are dangerous if inhaled. Bleach is also not an ideal cleaner for porous surfaces – and can exacerbate the situation by seeping into wood, plasterboard, wall paper and other materials. Hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar are both preferred mold cleaners for mold growth on both porous and non-porous surfaces.

Myth 3. Mold Will Make You Sick

This is partly true, but not all mold will make you sick. In most cases, the person is suffering from an allergic reaction to the mold. The “toxic mold” mentioned above, which is rare, can cause all sorts of respiratory problems, chronic fatigue, eye irritation and rashes among other symptoms. Toxic mold can make you sick, while most common mold outbreaks are more likely to trigger allergy symptoms. Mold allergies can include sneezing, itching, running nose and throat irritation; basic allergy symptoms generally associated with seasonal allergies.

Myth 4. A Small Amount of Mold Is Not A Problem

If you notice mold anywhere in your home, you need to clean it immediately. Even a small amount can do damage to the surface area and will continue to spread. Sometimes mold will grow in an area that was left damp (usually places in the kitchen or bathroom). But mold on the ceiling or a wall might indicate a separate problem that also needs to be dealt with. Roof and plumbing leaks are major causes of mold – and until they are fixed, the growth with only return if cleaned.

Myth 5. Mold Remediation Is a DIY Project

If you are experiencing a serous mold outbreak, do not attempt to clean and eradicate the growth on your own. Mold that is the result of serious flooding or a major leak needs the attention of a professional remediation company. Mold can be an insidious intruder. It can ruin homes and greatly compromise the health and happiness of a household. Never attempt a DIY fix when dealing with a mold infestation. Trained experts can offer a full assessment (including diagnosing the root of the problem) and will have the latest equipment to deal with the growth. Experienced mold remediation technicians can also help file insurance claims to help cover the cost of the damages.

Now that you have a clearer understanding of these common “mold myths,” you can be better prepared to deal with an infestation. While the mere sight of mold in your home should not be cause for alarm, it is important that it is dealt with right away. If you discover widespread growth, do not hesitate to call the professionals at RestoPros. We can send someone out to assess the problem and offer solutions for all aspects of the problem. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!

DIY Mold-Cleaning Products

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diy mold-cleaning products

As a homeowner, you work hard to keep mold and mildew at bay. After all, they’re not only unsightly, they can also harm your indoor air quality, which can lead to health concerns like respiratory problems as well as irritation in the eyes, nose and throat. Mold thrives on moisture and can pop up quickly in a variety of places, including bathrooms, around window sills, in leaky pipes and wherever there’s wet carpet or fabric.

Unfortunately, mold and mildew don’t just disappear on their own; they’re stubborn and can only be removed using certain cleaning products. Store-bought cleaning products containing bleach are toxic to your health, and to make matters worse, they don’t actually remove mold or mildew fully. If you want to attack the problem head-on and eradicate mold from your home, try these three DIY mold cleaning solutions instead.

1. Vinegar & Water

When it comes to eradicating mold, distilled white vinegar works wonders. Simply combine one-part vinegar and one-part water into a spray bottle. Vinegar’s high acidity helps to clean mold and prevent future growth. It can also help get rid of lime mineral deposits and rust. With the fall season upon us, consider adding a few drops of cinnamon bark or ginger essential oils to your mixture.

2. Baking Soda & Water

Another non-toxic mold remedy is baking soda and water. Not only does it kill mold, it also prevents regrowth. Add one-quarter to one-half tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle containing water, and shake until dissolved. After you’ve sprayed the affected area, let sit for a few minutes. Then, using a bit of elbow grease, scrub the area until the mold is gone. Once you’ve removed the mold from the surface, rinse the area to get rid of any residue. To ensure the mold has been killed and to prevent future growth, spray the area again and let dry.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Your mom probably poured this solution on your cuts when you were a kid. That’s because it kills bacteria and viruses. It’s for this very same reason that it’s also great at removing mold. Simply pour 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Cover the entire area and let sit for at least ten minutes. Then, scrub the mold away and wash the area off with water and wipe it clean.

How to Prevent Mold & Mildew Growth

Cleaning mold and mildew is just part of the process. To prevent their return, you need to take certain measures. Here are five helpful tips:

  • Repair plumbing leaks in a timely manner.
  • Monitor your humidity levels and make sure they’re no higher than 50 percent. If necessary, use dehumidifiers throughout your home.
  • Keep your ventilation fan on while you shower or bathe, and afterwards, leave it on for at least another 30 minutes. If your bathroom doesn’t have an exhaust fan, we highly recommend installing one as soon as possible.
  • It doesn’t take long for your shower curtain to grow mold. Make sure to wash it frequently.
  • If water spills on carpet or fabrics, dry and clean it immediately.

When to DIY vs. Calling a Professional

When the presence of mold is minimal and contained, you can try your hand at DIY mold cleaning. However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, or if you think the problem is too extensive to handle alone, leave the work to a professional. Serving Plano and Dallas, we are the mold remediation specialists, and our goal is to ensure your safety and peace of mind every step of the way. Not only do we offer fast response times (something that’s absolutely necessary for mold removal), we also use state-of-the-art equipment. No matter how big or small the problem is, rest assured we are here to lend a hand. Give us a call today at 855-587-3786.

 

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.

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.