Tag: Mold Cleaning

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.

 

3 Ways to Test for Mold in Your Home

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Not all stains are made equal. While some are just spilled food or water, others can actually be splotches of mold that have infested your home. Additionally, musky, pungent smells in your home can also be a sign of mold. While bad smells and unexplainable stains are both common signs of a mold problem, they’re not always indicative of an infestation. If you’ve noticed either in your home, it’s best to test for mold.

RestoPros recommends every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner llearnsabout mold testing. We have provided some mold testing methods below to help guide you in discovering and treating a mold problem.

Note: Do not perform any mold testing without the proper mold cleaning equipment. Wear the appropriate goggles, face mask, gloves, and long-sleeved clothes before proceeding.

1. Test Your Home’s Humidity Using a Hygrometer

Is your home a suitable habitat for mold growth? Mold flourishes in warm, dark, and humid environments. And if your home falls under these conditions, the stain or smell could have a higher chance of being from mold. Humidity arguably plays the biggest role in mold growth, so you’ll want to test your home’s humidity using a hygrometer.

Hygrometers can be found at almost any department store and are used to measure humidity levels in a given area. Adequate humidity levels for homes are between 40-60%, with anything higher possibly making your home more suitable for mold growth.

2. Test the Fragility of Stained Surfaces

Mold can lead to rot, especially in porous surfaces such as drywall. You’ll want to test the fragility of stains using a tool such as a ruler or screwdriver. If the surface of a stain feels crumbly or squishy, this could mean mold is causing rot. Be careful not to puncture the surface using a tool.

3. Utilize a Mold Testing Kit

Mold testing kits are available to purchase at almost any home improvement store and are used to detect mold and its associated contaminants. Depending on the type of mold kit, it can measure for mold spores in the air in addition to possible mold stains. Be aware that some mold testing kits require mailing samples to a lab, which could take some time to process and return the results.

What if You’ve Discovered Mold?

If a test has indicated the possibility of mold, you’ll want to contact RestoPros for quality mold remediation services that help restore your home to a healthy condition. Our mold-removal experts utilize only the highest-quality products for eradicating mold, such as Bad Axe Particulate Conqueror.

Bad Axe Particulate Conqueror is a high-tech cleaning aid used in our mold remediation process. This product attacks airborne contaminants (such as mold spores) directly, immobilizing and increasing mass for easier clean-up. This reduces the possibility of further mold growth after remediation, as well as less contaminants in the air.

Throughout the RestoPros mold remediation process, we utilize Bad Axe Particulate Conqueror for both contamination control and more thorough mold elimination. We utilize this product to contain particles before, during, and after remediation, helping to ensure your home is restored to a healthy condition.

If you have tested and found mold in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home, contact RestoPros at 855-587-3786 for “Bad Axe” mold remediation services!

Related Links:

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

Mold – EPA

Father’s Day Gift Ideas: Give Him the Essential Mold Cleaning Kit

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father's day gift ideas

In need of some Father’s Day gift ideas? How about gifting dad with a mold cleaning kit! While the gift may seem a bit unusual at first, the benefits of a mold cleaning kit outweigh the stigma. When mold occurs in a home, it’s important to have some tools that can help get rid of it. And with a mold cleaning kit, you can help prepare your dad in the case of an infestation. But what items encompass a mold cleaning kit?

RestoPros would like to help Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners in keeping a clean home. For those in need of Father’s Day gift ideas, here are our steps for building an essential mold cleaning kit!

Protective Gear

When dealing with mold, it is important you remember safety. Mold is a fungus and can contain various allergens and bacteria that should not be inhaled. And these contaminants grow in number the larger the infestation. Therefore, it’s important to have protective gear in the case of mold growth.

Generally, it’s best to have disposable gloves, face mask, and goggles when dealing with small amounts of mold. Adding long sleeve shirts, closed jeans, and work boots provides formidable defense against smaller stains. However, we do not recommend relying on this gear for larger instances of mold growth. Instead, you’ll need to contact RestoPros for professional mold remediation.

Choice of Mold-Cleaner

When it comes to killing mold, you have several choices of weaponry. While commercial mold products do clean away mold to an extent, you’re also at risk of polluting your air with VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are found in the chemicals. Instead, we recommended using more harmless, natural cleaners. We have listed a few below:

  • Vinegar
  • Lemon Juice (Store this in the fridge to avoid spoiling)
  • Borax
  • Hydrogen Peroxide

For more information about these mold cleaners, click here.

Baking Soda

Aside from mold cleaners, it’s also important to have a deodorizer in your dad’s mold cleaning kit. Mold can have a pungent, musky smell which can linger. After removing a mold stain, it’s recommended to sprinkle the area with baking soda, and giving the surface a quick wipe. This helps to remove the smell of mold without filling the area with chemicals, as baking soda is a natural deodorizer.

Spray Bottles

Most mold cleaners should be diluted with water and placed in a spray bottle. Not only does this increase your cleaner’s supply by minimizing usage – it also prevents more acidic cleaners from possibly ruining the affected surface. It’s best to keep a few spray bottles in the mold cleaning kit, in case one of them stops working.

Brush, Sponge, and Cloth

It’s recommended to have different cleaning tools for different surfaces. Areas such as paint-coated drywall are fragile and can be damaged by brushes with thick or rigid bristles. While more durable areas, such as concrete, won’t be cleaned as well with a simple cloth. Therefore, it’s important to have the appropriate tools for both fragile and durable surfaces. We recommend adding a thick brush, sponge, and cloth in your dad’s mold cleaning kit.

Treat your dad with the gift of an essential mold cleaning kit this Father’s Day! But be sure not to solely rely on this kit if an infestation has gotten out of hand. If mold growth is in your home, do not hesitate contacting RestoPros for further consultation. Contact us at 855-587-3786 for Dallas/Ft. Worth’s leading mold remediation services.

Treat Mom by Cleaning her Home for Mother’s Day

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

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

Give Mom’s Floors A Thorough Clean

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

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

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

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

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

Clean Mom’s Fridge

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

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

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

Remove any Stains from Drywall in Mom’s Home

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

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

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

Related Links:

Cleaning Mold, Mildew, and Bacteria – FEMA

5 Steps to Clean Your Refrigerator – CDC

How to Clean Mold in Your Fridge

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

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

Create a Natural Mold Cleaner

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

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

Remove All Items from the Fridge

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

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

Remove all Detachable Shelves and Drawers

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

Clean Detachable Parts

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

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

Clean Fridge

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

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

Dry and Return All Parts and Food

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

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

Place an Open Box of Baking Soda

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

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

6 Spring Cleaning Tips for a Mold-Free Home

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

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

Create a Natural Mold Cleaner

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

Clean Behind Your Major Appliances

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

Disinfect Your Cabinets

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

Clean Your Vents

Scrub Your Mattress

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

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

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 Natural Cleaning Methods for Small Mold Spots

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Natural Cleaning Methods for Small Mold SpotsFinding mold in your home is always a disheartening event.  Whether it’s hiding in the corner of the basement or creeping out from behind wallpaper, a little mold can turn into a big ordeal very quickly.  While we advise you to always seek professional remediation services whenever a mold infestation is larger than one or two square feet (there’s likely more than that too), anything smaller can be dealt with some careful home cleaning.  But what if you want to avoid professional cleaners are harsh soaps?  Lucky for you, there are alternatives!

NOTE: As always, before cleaning any mold, no matter how small the spread is, be sure to wear protective goggles, gloves, clothes, and a mask to prevent skin, eye, and lung irritation.

Use Vinegar

This is the default cleaning tool of homes across the United States.  Vinegar is effective and helps to deodorize as it cleans.  From sink drains to mold and mildew, vinegar is by far one of the most effective natural cleaners available.

Start by spraying white vinegar over the affected area.  Let the vinegar sit for a few hours before scrubbing it away with a warm brush.  Be sure to rinse and dry the area thoroughly after cleaning.

Tea Tree Oil

While not as well known, tea tree oil is useful for cleaning up small spots of mold.  Start by mixing 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil.  Once mixed, use a spray bottle to apply it to the mold.  Let it sit for 1 hour, then wipe it away.  Again, be sure to dry the area thoroughly when you’re done cleaning.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Used for home cleaning and some first aid, many homes still have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide sitting in a cabinet.  If you mix 2 parts water to 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide, you get a quality mold cleaner.  Place the mix into a spray bottle and apply it thoroughly to the affected area.  Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and scrub it away with a brush.  While this method is faster than using vinegar, you’re more likely to have a bottle of white vinegar in your home than you are hydrogen peroxide.

Baking Soda

Use a 1:1 ratio (50%) mix of baking soda and water.  Apply the paste over the mold, be careful of upsetting mold and spreading spores.  Scrub it away with warm water and a scrub brush.  If anything is left, reapply until clean.

Traditional Cleaning

If all else fails, use warm, soapy water to clean away the infected area.  Allow the surface to dry and repeat the process.  Any fabrics or clothes should be washed separately from other clothing.  Use warm water and detergent, then allow the fabric to dry.

Be sure to ventilate any rooms where mold was found and keep the room as dry as possible.  Clean up any water spills and use a desiccant or dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the room.  Monitor the area closely for the next week to make sure that the infestation doesn’t return.  Finally, if an item does not appear salvageable, toss it immediately.  Holding onto a mold-ridden item that you can’t save will only allow more spores to spread.  It’s better to sacrifice one item than to lose everything when the mold infestation spreads to your walls and other belongings.  And don’t forget to find the original source of the mold.  Whatever caused it in the first place should be removed immediately to prevent future outbreaks!

Don’t forget to follow RestoPros on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ for new Updates, News, and Discounts.

How to Clean Up Mold

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How to Clean Small Mold InfestationsTo start, if you’re dealing with a mold infestation that’s greater than a square foot (a sizeable infestation), you should always call a professional.  Large mold infestations are usually deeper than you realize and can permeate ventilation systems, storage containers, carpet matting, and insulation inside your walls.  But, small infestations of mold and mildew can be cleaned up easily, but it may take a little sacrifice along the way.

Preparation

First, you need to know where the mold is, and make sure that the problem isn’t larger than you expect it to be.  Examine the surrounding area and see if you can figure out why there’s mold growing.  Is there a water source nearby or has it simply been extremely humid due to a rainstorm?  Be sure to take steps to remedy the problem while you’re working on cleaning up.  Fix any leaks or purchase a dehumidifier for when it rains.

You’ll need to get supplies together for dealing with the mold itself.  Always wear a mask and gloves when dealing with mold.  Contact with spores can lead to skin irritation and breathing in mold spores is hazardous to your health.  You’ll also want a bucket of warm, soapy water or some kind of cleaning solution.  Use a dish detergent, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or baking-soda solution when cleaning up small mold infestations.

Make sure that the infected surface is something that can be cleaned.  Porous surfaces are going to be difficult to clean out.  Sheetrock, wood, and insulation are all going to need to be replaced.  If you are going to clean the surface, make sure it’s a tile surface or a non-porous plastic.

Cleaning

Distilled white vinegar is a great solution for dealing with mold.  Filling a spray bottle with vinegar, a mix of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide, or a mixture of baking soda and water (do not mix all three) will create an effect anti-fungal treatment.  Simply spray the surface thoroughly and wipe away the mold.  After you’ve cleaned the surface, repeat the process to make sure you’ve removed all of the mold.

The process is the same for dish detergents.  Use warm, soapy water to clean away the infected area.  Allow the surface to dry and repeat the process.  Any fabrics or clothes should be washed separately from other clothing.  Use warm water and detergent, then allow the fabric to dry.

Be sure to ventilate any rooms where mold was found and keep the room as dry as possible.  Clean up any water spills and use a desiccant or dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the room.  Monitor the area closely for the next week to make sure that the infestation doesn’t return.  Finally, if an item does not appear salvageable, toss it immediately.  Holding onto a mold-ridden item that you can’t save will only allow more spores to spread.  It’s better to sacrifice one item than to lose everything when the mold infestation spreads to your walls and other belongings.

Don’t forget to follow RestoPros on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ for new Updates, News, and Discounts!