Tag: DIY mold prevention

Common Mold vs Black Mold

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Common Mold vs Black Mold

The irritation in back of your throat has gotten worse. You also bought some eye drops, because your eyes have been red and itchy lately. It was a wet October here in Dallas this year. You’ve even had some water damage in the house, but it was minor – or so you think. You pull back the corner of the carpet in the bedroom where the leak was the worst and see black colored mold.

 

Like some vampire from an old movie, you immediately cover your mouth and nose with your arm and run out the room. Does the color of the mold mean you’re in danger? Fortunately for you, the professionals at RestoPros – the leading mold and water remediation company for the greater DFW Metroplex – are going to teach you the differences between common mold and black mold.

  1. Molds Defined.

There are several types of mold that are black colored. Some of these molds are toxic and some are not, and not all toxic molds are black. Generally speaking, mold is the visual growth produced by filamentous fungi. Mold is sometimes confused with bacteria, but unlike bacteria, mold is a eukaryote organism with a complex cell structure. Mold serves an important role in the ecological system as a decomposer – and in some cases – mold is responsible for saving more lives than it has taken.

 

  1. Is Black Mold Dangerous?

While black mold can be harmful to humans, its reputation as a deadly killer is somewhat overhyped. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, calling black mold toxic isn’t even accurate. Some molds are indeed toxigenic and can produce mycotoxins, but the molds themselves aren’t toxic or poisonous. While black mold is definitely harmful to humans, the simple fact is there are very few links that suggest that toxigenic black mold found inside the home can cause any serious risk to your health. Black mold is mainly a problem for those with underlying medical issues like asthma or a who have a weakened immune system.

 

  1. How Common is Mold?

Mold isn’t just common – it’s ubiquitous. You will never completely rid your home of mold. Mold will happily grow anywhere this is moisture inside of the home, especially in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where moisture is constant companion. The most common types of mold you’ll find in your home are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. While Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) is a less common problem for homeowners, it’s far from rare.

 

  1. What Do I Do If I Find Mold?

While black mold probably isn’t going to kill you, you should take steps to get rid of it. Molds that are on hard surfaces can usually be taken care of with a good cleaning. There are several store-bought cleaners that do a reasonably good job of this, but bleach is still the best method. Mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water and pour this mixture into a spray bottle. Molds found on porous materials like drywall, carpet, and ceiling tiles will need to be thrown away.

 

While we hope this information will give you a better understanding of mold and the risks it creates inside the home, it is no substitute for an experienced professional. The fact is, proper mold removal may be too difficult and dangerous for the average homeowner. 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 your appointment today!

 

 

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!

 

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!

Rain Leakage Protection for Your Home

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With spring approaching, along comes increasing chances of severe storms and heavy rain in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Although the intensified precipitation seems like a welcome change from the bitter cold, the associated rain leakage can be a detrimental issue, leading to the likelihood of water damage and mold.

Without rain leakage protection, you may be spending your spring cleaning wiping up mold and contacting a water damage restoration company. RestoPros recommends every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner to make ample preparations against rain leakage. Follow these tips below to ready your home for spring!

Maintain Your Foundation

  • Check along the foundation of your home for any cracks, chips, or any other degradation, as these problems can lead to leaks.
  • If cracks are larger than a hairline, clear out any debris using a screwdriver, and use an adhesive patch to seal the crack (Polyurethane, silicone, or latex concrete caulk is available at almost any department store).
  • Be sure to monitor the bricks and concrete around your doors and windows as well, as these are especially vulnerable to rain leakage when surrounding foundation is damaged.

Monitor Your Exterior Paint

  • After examining your foundation, you’ll want to monitor your home’s exterior paint for additional cracks and deterioration.
  • Receding exterior paint offers little defense against rainwater seeping into your home and should have a new coat added if in poor condition.
  • Generally, wood siding requires new coats every 3-7 years, while aluminum siding lasts about 5-6 years. Additionally, painted brick has a much longer lifespan of 15-20 years, but can still require the occasional touch-up depending on its condition.

Clear Your Downspout and Gutter

  • Rain leakage is no different than winter leakage when it comes to gutters and downspouts, as blockage and clogs can cause the same kind of damage.
  • Flush out any clogs in your downspout using a water hose or drain cleaning tool, and make sure your downspout has a clear passage before cleaning your gutter.
  • When cleaning your gutter, be sure to practice ladder safety: keep ladder legs on solid and level ground, never use the top step, and dry your feet before stepping on the ladder.
  • Using a water hose or drain cleaning tool, unclog any blockage on each of your gutters. Be sure to test your gutters with a pitcher of water after cleaning to ensure they have a clear passage towards your downspout.

Inspect Your Roof

  • While you’re up next to your gutters, be sure to give a quick examination of your roof to avoid rain leaking into the attic.
  • Your roof should be examined once a month for any damages or loss of shingles. Doing so will help you act accordingly to avoid an issue becoming too severe over time.

Seal Windows and Doors

  • Using weather stripping, seal any open cracks on your doors and windows to avoid moisture seeping into your home.
  • Weather stripping can be found at almost any department store and are used on both doors and windows to prevent drafts and moisture.
  • Additionally, you can purchase insulated covers for your windows, as well as door seals to maximize moisture protection for your home.

Rain leakage protection is important as we enter spring and should be practiced by every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner. However, do be aware if rain leakage has occurred to contact RestoPros to assess your home for any water damage or mold. Our water damage restoration and mold testing services help to guarantee safety and comfort for your home. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and get started.

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.

8 Best Mold Prevention Products for Your Home

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Preventing mold growth in your home is more of a holistic endeavor and not something that can be achieved by simply cleaning an outbreak with paper towels and soap. Although you may seemingly wipe away the area to prevent initial mold growth, spores can still thrive and begin ravaging your home. Instead of using up all your soap, consider these mold prevention products for your Dallas/Ft. Worth home. The experts at RestoPros recommend having these products on standby, as using a combination of these products during your spring cleaning can prevent mold from ruining your home, as well as attack any present growth.

Home Air Purifier

Cost: $60-900

As their name suggests, air purifiers clean the air, removing contaminants and mold spores by passing them through a HEPA filter. Air purifiers work well to prevent mold growth by keeping airborne spores from finding a suitable environment in your home. They are best placed in bathrooms and kitchens, as well as near the corners, doors, and furniture of other rooms. Available in portable and whole-home sizes, air purifiers kill spores and halt mold growth.

Home Dehumidifier

Cost: $30-300

A dehumidifier reduces humidity levels within a nearby area and removes unforeseen moisture build-up in your home. Mold requires a dark, warm, and humid habitat to grow and reproduce, and a dehumidifier prevents this habitat by removing moisture. Dehumidifiers run quietly and without interrupting your daily activities and are available in different sizes to accommodate each room of your home.

Borax

Cost: $1-20

Also known as sodium tetraborate, borax is an odorless mineral that is used as a natural pesticide and a household cleaner, as well as being a prominent mold killer. Relatively cheap to purchase and found at almost any supermarket, borax provides the compounds to protect areas from mold growth, as well as killing existing mold. Borax can be found in laundry detergents, stain removers, and other cleaning products, and can also be purchased by itself. Combining borax with other soaps during mopping and cleaning adds a protective layer against mold growth in your home.

Baking Soda

Cost: $.75-10

Baking soda is a staple in most homes, but do you know of its mold prevention properties? Baking soda provides the means to both kill and prevent mold growth in your home without being harmful to kids or pets. Baking soda also acts as a deodorizer, eliminating foul odors within a nearby area. As a rule, you should keep an open box of baking soda in your fridge and consider mixing a tablespoon of baking soda in a spray bottle with water to act as a quick mold killer.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Cost: $1-4

Much like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide is a multi-use tool, possessing both medicinal and cleaning properties. As an effective alternative to bleach, hydrogen peroxide actively kills mold and works well as a prevention agent. One essential benefit of hydrogen peroxide is its ability to thoroughly clean porous surfaces, something bleach cannot do. Use hydrogen peroxide to clean porous surfaces such as drywall and prevent mold from residing in these vulnerable areas.

White Vinegar

Cost: $2-25

White vinegar is a deadly foe against mold, being able to kill over 80% of all mold species. Much like hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar can clean porous surfaces such as drywall and prevents mold from forming in your home. Simply combining white vinegar with baking soda, water, and soap will offer an extensively beneficial cleaning agent that coats your home with mold-protection properties.

Drain Snakes

Cost: $6-25

A common cause of mold growth is from water damage, often coming from your plumbing. Clogged pipes have a chance to burst, causing leakage and eventually mold growth. A drain snake works to unclog your plumbing and stops build-up from bursting your pipes. When cleaning bathrooms and the kitchen, slide a drain snake down your sink to remove build-up and prevent mold growth.

Lemon Juice

Cost: $2-10

Besides making lemonade, lemon juice also is a strong mold killer! The high amount of citric acid prevents mold from sticking to covered surfaces and provides a natural scent to kill foul odors.

Using these prevention products will help keep your home mold-free. However, If your home is already dealing with an outbreak, contact RestoPros immediately. Our mold remediation services will remove any mold in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home, and our professionals will guide you on preventing mold growth for years to come.  Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and get started.

5 Resolutions for a Mold-Free New Year

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We all like to start off fresh for the new year, and there’s no better way than setting some resolutions to accomplish personal goals. Setting a New Year’s resolution shouldn’t just be for yourself however – your home could always use some improvements as well. If you are one of the many Dallas/Ft. Worth homes that are constantly battling mold infestation, consider some mold-free resolutions to add to the list. A mold-free home is a healthier and happier home! The professionals at RestoPros, the trusted mold remediation company, have come up with 5 resolutions for a mold-free year.

Keep Your Home Dry

  • For mold to grow, there must be warmth, darkness, and most importantly, moisture.
  • Removing moisture stops mold from growing in your home, and prevents infected areas from spreading.
  • Be mindful of wet items left around the house. Never throw wet items on the floor or in a laundry basket. Properly dry wet towels and clothes (either hang them or dry them immediately).
  • Clean up any liquid spill immediately, and never leave damp trash around the house.
  • A portable dehumidifier helps remove humidity and moisture from an area, and runs quietly while you go about your day.

Have Mold Removal Products Ready

  • Preparation is a New Year’s resolution that can be applied to almost anything, especially preparing for mold growth.
  • Have mold remover stored in the kitchen and each bathroom for easy access to stop mold infestation in its early stages.
  • Store an opened box of baking soda in your fridge, as this prevents foul odors – and can help kill mold growth when applied with a water solution.
  • Always use disposable gloves when cleaning mold, and wash your hands immediately after.
  • Have ventilation masks ready to use when cleaning mold, as they protect you from the airborne mycotoxins that mold can produce.
  • Air purifiers can be kept along with dehumidifiers to disinfect and improve air quality, further preventing your home from contracting mold.

Keep Your Floors Clean

  • Mold and bacteria can be tracked into homes from shoes and pets.
  • Remove any dirt, mud, or debris stuck to your shoes before entering your home, and dry wet shoes before storing them in a warm, dry area.
  • Use floor cleaner to kill any mold or bacteria tracked onto your floor, whether it be tile, wood or cement.
  • Vacuum any bits or pieces of debris from dirty floors.
  • If you notice an area of flooring that has mold growth, make sure to keep it sealed off. A plumbing leak is usually the cause of mold growth on a floor (or home interior). Try to find the source of the outbreak first, but if that proves unsuccessful – contact RestoPros for a solution.

Prevent Leakage

  • Make a New Year’s resolution to prevent leakage in your home to save money and improve the quality of your home.
  • Seal your doors and windows with weather stripping to prevent leakage.
  • Clear out your gutters and downspout to stop build-up of debris; causing water to seep into your home.
  • RestoPros has more in-depth information on preventing leakage, especially during the winter, and you can check that out here.

Act Quickly When Mold is Present

  • Possibly the most important New Year’s resolution is acting quickly to stop mold growth.
  • When you discover mold in your home, you must act quickly to get rid of it – to stop continued growth and to keep your household healthy.
  • Removing mold is more important than identifying the mold type, and growth should be halted immediately.
  • Contact RestoPros for mold-removal services when you discover an outbreak that is too far along for you to deal with it yourself.

These simple New Year’s resolutions will kick off the year to a great start by keeping your home mold-free. If you experience a mold outbreak in your home, and it is too invasive to handle yourself, contact RestoPros immediately. We strive to keep Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners safe, and provide professional mold remediation services at an affordable cost. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment to meet with your remediation professionals. Happy New Year from RestoPros!