Tag: mold prevention tips

5 Ways to Prevent Mold in Your Fridge

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ways to prevent mold in your fridge

You’ve heard of mold showing up in your basement. You’re also aware that mold can show up in your kitchen and bathroom. However, mold in your fridge is something you might not have heard of, because it isn’t as common. But it is possible. Moisture build up, accidental spills and spoiled food can create the perfect combination for refrigerator mold.

While refrigerator mold can be very annoying to deal with, it is also very easy to avoid. With proper maintenance and cleanliness, you can ensure mold doesn’t even come near your fridge. To help you out, the team at RestoPros has created a list of ways to prevent mold in your fridge.

1. Consistently Clean It Out

About once every couple of months, do a thorough cleaning of your fridge. We’re talking turning it off and removing all its contents. Yes, it takes time, but you end up with a clean fridge that will perform well and will most likely be mold free. Here is a quick guide to thoroughly cleaning your fridge:

  • Remove Food from the Fridge

This is obvious. To do a thorough cleaning of your fridge, you will have to remove all the jars and containers. To avoid spoiling your food, it’s best to do this cleaning before your weekly shopping trip so you have lesser items in the fridge. Also, remember to have a cooler to store items that need to be kept cool.

  • Take Out All Removable Parts and Wash

Take out removable parts such as crisper bins and shelving and wash them with regular dish soap and warm water. Be sure to let them dry out completely. You don’t want any moisture left over because it’s a clear invitation for mold. Use baking soda to clean particularly stubborn stains.

  • Clean the Gasket

The gasket is the rubber-like seal on your fridge’s door that keeps cold air from escaping. Use a solution of ½ water and ½ white distilled vinegar and wipe down the gasket—then, pat it dry with a paper towel.

2. Immediately Clean Up Spills and Get Rid of Spoiled Food

The moment you spill something in the fridge, clean it up immediately. If the spill is recent, you can use a paper towel or a cloth to soak it up. Then, use regular wipes or diluted vinegar to sanitize the area. If it’s a heavy spill, you can remove the shelf and wash it like we mentioned before.

If you notice any spoiled food in your fridge, it’s important you get rid of it by putting it in a plastic bag and throwing it in the trash. It only takes a few minutes and its one of the easiest ways to prevent mold in the fridge.

 3. Always Keep Food in An Airtight Container

This also seems like a no-brainer but one of the ways you can prevent mold in your fridge is by sealing the containers you keep your food in. You can store food in well-sealed Ziploc bags or Tupperware containers. Keeping food sealed in airtight containers keeps it fresh and away from mold spores floating in the air.

4. Use Up Processed Meats Quickly

Processed, cured or smoked meats such as ham, salami, bologna and pastrami must be used up quickly. While it’s normal for some cured meats to have some surface mold on them (scrape the mold off the meat to remove it), they should not be showing other signs of mold growth. It’s best to be smart about how much meat you purchase so you don’t end up getting rid of most of it due to mold.

5. Prevent Excess Condensation

Excess moisture can build up in your fridge, even though your refrigerator is designed to remove and control moisture. This usually happens when the fridge is frequently opened and closed, leading to warm air entering the fridge. Avoid doing this, especially in humid and hot weather.

Moisture might also be accumulating because of open food containers, moisture laden foods or a deteriorated gasket.

See Mold? Call RestoPros!

If you can’t seem to get rid of the mold accumulated in your fridge, it’s time to call RestoPros! We offer a variety of services such as mold testing, mold remediation and water damage restoration. Call us today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website! 

4 Tips to Protect Your Dorm from Mold

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tips to protect your dorm from mold

College season is here and it’s time for college students to move back into their dorms and apartments. The new school year brings many experiences and opportunities with it; new classes, new organizations to join, a higher workload and if you’re not careful, mold. The issue of mold growing in dorms is more prevalent than you might think. In the past year, there have been reports of colleges dealing with mold in residential buildings. In these situations, students often end up having to evacuate their dorms and temporarily live somewhere else. This can cause stress to students already dealing with a myriad of other problems.  However, there’s no need to worry because the team at RestoPros have some easy tips to protect your dorm or university apartment from mold.  

1. Don’t Let Food Spoil

If you’re a college student, chances are you have probably overestimated how many fruits you will eat during the week or how much salad you will eat for lunch. This often leads to spoiled or moldy food taking up space in your fridge.

When grocery shopping, don’t overestimate how much food you will eat. Be smart about how much food you will consume during the week by planning out your meals. If you buy food in bulk, chances are you might end up with spoiled food, which can be a waste of your money.

Prevent food from spoiling by storing items in the fridge correctly because different areas of the fridge have different humidity or temperature settings. In addition, take a few minutes every weekend to do a quick scan of your fridge, kitchen or dorm for any spills or spoiling food. If you notice any, dispose of it by placing it in a garbage bag and throwing it in a regular trash container. Clean the surrounding area by using some wipes or some diluted vinegar.

2. Don’t Leave Damp Items Around

Mold requires moisture and humidity to grow. In excessively damp areas, mold starts to spread between 24-48 hours. Keep items dry to prevent the ideal environment for mold growth. When you’re done using your towels after a shower, don’t throw them in the hamper or the floor. Hang them to dry for a few hours before storing them appropriately.

The same goes for damp bathroom mats or clothing—make sure to wash and clean these items and dry them properly.

3. Consider a Dehumidifier for Your Dorm

In addition to bringing the basics such as food, clothes and books, many college students bring items and appliances that make their college life more comfortable. Consider bringing a small, portable dehumidifier for your dorm this fall, especially if your college is in a humid climate. A dehumidifier can be a great investment if you live in an environment that is prone to mold and mildew – or if you’re susceptible to indoor allergens that are present in humid environments.

4. Report Any Leaks

As a college student, the last thing you want to even think about is a leak in your bathroom, AC or in your roof. However, it’s important to report these leaks and get them looked at as soon as you notice them, because the problems they cause can be even greater. If you’re in a dorm, your college most likely has maintenance staff for on-campus housing who can fix the leaks.  If you’re in a university apartment, you might have to get in touch with your property manager or with the apartment’s offices.

Worried About Finding Mold in Your Dorm? Call us Today!

Finding mold in your dorm can be especially frustrating for a busy, stressed college student. RestoPros is here to ease your frustration—we offer a variety of services such as mold remediation, mold testing and water damage restoration. Get in touch with our experts today by calling 855-587-3786 or by scheduling a service on our website!

Bathroom Mold Prevention Tips

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bathroom mold prevention tips

It is a well-known fact that mold tends to grow in environments with high moisture levels. One of the areas in your home that fits this description is the bathroom. With water hitting almost every surface of the restroom, it’s no surprise that mold can find its way in there. Mold is not only a nuisance to remove, it can cause health problems, especially for people who are sensitive to mold. Don’t worry though, because the experts at RestoPros are here with some bathroom mold prevention tips, so you can fight mold before it sneaks up on you.

1. Make Use of Your Exhaust Fan

Not only is the exhaust fan in your bathroom good for drawing out unpleasant odors, it’s also great for reducing humidity! By using your exhaust fan, you will be able to control the moisture that collects on your mirror, counter, sink and shower. It’s important to have a well-functioning exhaust fan in your bathroom as a reduction in humidity can prevent not only mold but peeling paint and wallpaper. Leave the exhaust fan on for up to 30 minutes after each shower.

2. Squeegee Your Bathroom Walls

After every shower, be sure to use a squeegee to remove the moisture from your bathroom walls. It might seem like an inconvenience, especially when you’re in a hurry. However, it’s a better option than a towel, as the rubber blade of a squeegee allows you to wipe your bathroom walls faster and reduces 3/4ths of the moisture that could lead to mold growth.

3. Keep Your Bathroom Clean and Dry

Obviously, it’s important you keep your bathroom clean and dry—not just to prevent mold but simply because no one wants a dirty bathroom. Here are some ways you can ensure a clean, moisture-free bathroom:

  • Wipe down the sink and faucet after every use. The same goes for your shower nozzle and bath faucet.
  • If your bathroom floor is wet, don’t wait for it to dry or for your bathmat to absorb the moisture. Use a towel to wipe it up.
  • Fix any clogs in your sink and bathtub. When water takes a long time to drain away, the excess moisture left behind can provide the perfect environment for mold to find a home.
  • Try to wash and dry your bathmats every 3-4 weeks. If it has a non-skid rubber backing, let it hang dry as the rubber backing can’t handle the dryer.
  • After using your towel, a couple of times, wash it in hot water and ensure it’s totally dry before storing it. Avoid dumping a used, damp towel in the hamper or on the floor as it provides ideal conditions for mold growth.
  • If you have tiles, waterproof them by sealing the grout lines annually with grout sealer.

4. Fix Any Leaks

Moisture can grow in your bathroom from consistent leaks as well. If you notice your faucet dripping, water collecting around the seal of your toilet, or the ceiling leaking, contact a professional right away.

Pro tip: Often a lot of bathroom leaks can be attributed to a deteriorated caulk or grout which can lead to mold entering your bathroom. Luckily, you can DIY applying new caulk around your sink, tub and toilet to prevent future leaks.

5. Use Mold Resistant Bathroom Materials

This is one of the more long-term mold prevention tips. With the creation of mold and mildew resistant materials, you can protect your bathroom from mold with little effort! Here are some mold resistant materials you should consider for your bathroom:

  • Mold resistant paint is ideal for a high moisture environment such as your bathroom. Keep in mind though, it should only be applied after mold in the area has been removed.
  • Mold resistant shower curtain liners range from $8 to $18 in price and are effective in preventing mold growth.
  • Several stores also offer a variety of mold resistant bathmats to ensure your bathroom is truly mold free. These mats can range from $10 to $40, depending on the brand.

See Any Mold? Contact RestoPros!

Keep your bathroom safe from a mold infestation by following these bathroom mold prevention tips. If you need a professional for services such as mold remediation, water damage restoration and mold testing, look no further than RestoPros! Our experts will ensure your home is mold-free. Get in touch today by calling 855-587-3786 or schedule a service online.

4 Kitchen Mold Prevention Tips

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kitchen mold prevention tips

The kitchen is the last place where you want mold to grow; it’s where all your edible products are kept, and you do NOT want mold near your favorite snacks. However, with enough moisture and no proper maintenance, mold can hide in various places in your kitchen. And if you ignore it, it can become a real problem.

Luckily, you don’t have to worry too much because the experts at RestoPros know a thing or two about avoiding mold growth. Below are some kitchen mold prevention tips to ensure your favorite space at home is mold free!

1. Keep an Eye on Moisture Levels

Mold requires a consistently humid environment to thrive. That is why it’s important you keep an eye on the moisture levels in your kitchen and do your best to get rid of excess humidity. Here are some effective ways you can control the moisture levels in your kitchen:

  • Perform frequent pipe checks to make sure there are no leaks under your kitchen sink. A consistent leak in a damp, dark space can lead to mold growth within a few hours. To find a leak under your sink, look for water stains or use a dry tissue to wipe the pipe connections, then look for a wet spot on the tissue. 
  • The humidity in your kitchen can be on the higher side during summer or when you’re cooking frequently. Turn on the exhaust fan to get rid of the excess heat and humidity in your kitchen. Open your windows for more thorough ventilation.
  • Make sure the caulk around your sink is doing its job. The caulk around your sink is the waterproof seal that keeps water from seeping under your kitchen’s sink.

2. Clean Out Your Dishwasher

You might think that every time your dishwasher runs a cycle it is cleaning itself along with your dishes. That’s simply not true—your dishwasher requires proper maintenance like all the other appliances in your home. Without proper cleaning and upkeep, your dishwasher can become an ideal place for mold growth. Below are some things you should remember about preventing mold in your dishwasher:

  • The rubber seal or gasket around your dishwasher needs to be cleaned frequently as food particles and dirt can build up here.
  • The spray arms in your dishwasher often have holes in them with some leftover food particles. Soak these arms in warm water then gently use a toothbrush to remove the food build up.
  • Vinegar has antibacterial properties. Once a month, fill a dishwasher safe container with vinegar, place it in the top rack of the dishwasher and run a cycle.

3. Clean Up Your Fridge and Pantry

One of the most common kitchen mold prevention tips is to maintain cleanliness, specifically in your refrigerator and pantry. Often food might spoil, or liquid might spill and if it’s ignored for too long, it can lead to mold growth. Take a few minutes every weekend to make sure there is no rotting or expired food in your fridge and pantry.

Pro tip: When doing any through cleaning inside your fridge or pantry, try using DIY mold cleaning solutions as they are non-toxic alternatives to other cleaning solutions.

4. Keep Your Garbage Disposal Bacteria-Free

Your garbage disposal is one of the many places in your kitchen where mold might settle down because food scraps are often left in there. Avoid filling up your disposal with food scraps it can’t handle such as pieces of bone, potato peels or grease. These items might not go down the drain and will be left in your disposal to spoil.

Clean your disposal every month or so by pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain. Let them sit for 10 minutes then pour hot water to wash the baking soda and vinegar out.

Call the RestoPros Team!

As experts in mold removal, we have several solutions to prevent mold from overtaking your kitchen. If you are looking for professional help with mold testing, removal or remediation, call RestoPros today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!