Tag: food preservation

3 Keys to Preventing Mold from Forming on Food

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preventing mold from forming on food

Let’s set a scenario: Some unexpected guests are over and you’re rummaging through your fridge and pantry looking for something to eat. You find some fruit that you’re hoping will suffice but when you look closely you realize something grey is growing on it. Is that how the peach in your hand is supposed to look? No. Then what is that stuff?

And then it hits you. The fruit in your hand has succumbed to mold.  

If you’re horrified by this scenario, you’re in the right place because the professionals at RestoPros have some keys to preventing mold from forming on food.

Mold forming on your food can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Some molds also produce toxic substances called mycotoxins that can make you sick. Left to grow, food mold can spread to other parts of the home and contaminate the air quality. So, learn how to stop mold where it starts with these easy tips.

Make Sure the Items You Buy Are Fresh

You can save yourself a lot of hassle by being a little more attentive when you’re buying your groceries. When you’re purchasing any non-packed items, like certain fruit, inspect them carefully. Make sure they are fresh, without any bruising and softness as these are signs of spoilage.

Some fruits such as raspberries and blackberries are in transparent packaging, so you can often check for food spoilage or mold. It only takes one moldy item to quickly contaminate the whole package, so it’s vital you do a quick scan before you purchase your food.

Clean Out Your Fridge Frequently

While most molds prefer humid, warm climates, mold can still grow in your refrigerator. Refrigerated food might decay and release moisture which can accumulate in your fridge. Some containers might also leak sauce and liquids, leading to the buildup of mold.

So, it’s important you clean out your fridge regularly and get rid of any items that have long expired or are already growing mold. When cleaning your fridge, try to use non-toxic cleaners to avoid any health hazards. You can either purchase these cleaners or go the DIY route. One of the most common DIY mold cleaning solutions can be made mixing baking soda or vinegar with water.

Store Items Correctly

By storing certain items in the right locations, you’ll be preventing mold from forming on food in addition to finding items easily! Here are some tips on where you should store your products:

  • Crisper bins in your refrigerator are for vegetables and fruits which need to be kept separately.
  • Top shelves have the most consistent temperature in the fridge so keep your dairy products, and ready-to-eat foods there. Bottom shelves have the coldest temperature, so store your meat and eggs in this part of the fridge.
  • Meat that isn’t going to be eaten for a few days should be kept in the freezer.
  • Keep bananas separated from other fruits and pull them apart to slow down the ripening process.
  • Canned goods like soup and tomato sauce that have already been opened should be emptied out into air-tight plastic containers and kept in the fridge.
  • Store your onions, potatoes and squash in a darker, cooler environment like your pantry.

By following these easy steps to prevent mold from forming on food, you’ll save money on groceries, improve food taste, and prevent the spread of mold throughout your home.

When to Call RestoPros for Mold Testing and Removal

Food mold isn’t anything to worry about if you dispose of it quickly and clean the surrounding area, but be aware that mold grows and spreads easily. Keep on the lookout for mold around your home, especially in the kitchen. If you notice any mold around your walls, floors, or ceiling, call RestoPros immediately for professional mold testing and remediation.

The professionals at RestoPros are happy to help you with any issues related to mold and provide services like mold remediation, mold testing and water damage restoration. To get in touch, call us at 855-587-3786 or schedule a service online!

4 Food Preservation Tips

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food preservation tips

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

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

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

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

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

2. Store food in air-tight containers

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

3. Don’t wash your produce before storing it

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

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

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

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

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