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!
The term “black mold” is often used a blanket term to give the impression that mold is a highly toxic monster waiting to enter your home and wreak havoc on your kitchen, bathroom or basement. While mold is problem that should be dealt with before it gets out of hand, it’s important to understand the facts behind it to ensure you’re informed and prepared. If you suspect you have mold growth in your home, keep reading this guide from the team at RestoPros to answer your nagging question: What is black mold?
What is Black Mold?
Mold in
general is a type of fungus that spreads through spores and can be found
indoors and outdoors. While mold spores are often present everywhere, usually
floating through the air or in dust, they grow in damp and moist conditions.
That is why your kitchen, bathroom and basement are prone to mold—they are the
damper areas in your home.
Black mold
is not a specific type or species of mold. The term “black mold” is often used
by news media to describe molds that produce mycotoxins. One
of the species of molds that produce mycotoxins (toxic substances released by
certain fungi) is Stachybotrys charatarum or Stachybotrys atra which is often
referred to as black mold.
Stachybotrys atra is greenish-black in color and can grow on
dust and lint as well as in areas where there is excessive moisture from
humidity, water damage or flooding. There is no specific information about how
often stachybotrys atra is found in residential buildings. It’s not rare but it
is not as common as other mold species such as Aspergillus, Alternaria and
Penicillium.
Is Black Mold Dangerous?
Now that you know what black mold is, it’s time you learned
the facts about whether it is dangerous or not.
The most important thing to note about the dangers and
health impacts of mold is that its effects depend on the individual. Usually,
people susceptible to allergies might have a reaction to the presence of mold
or more accurately, the toxins produced by mold. There is little information on
the health effects of mycotoxins, but the consensus is that prolonged and
direct exposure might lead to some reaction.
It has also been found that people with weaker immune
systems might be more likely to get mold infections. In addition to that,
people with asthma who encounter molds might experience the worsening of their
asthma symptoms. Mold spores inhaled by
people with asthma or those who are allergic to mold can cause their lungs
to constrict and produce more mucus. This can lead to coughing, wheezing and
shortness of breath.
How Do You Prevent Black Mold?
Just like other molds, black mold must immediately be
removed to prevent any health risks as well as property damage. Here are some
ways you can prevent black mold:
Mold requires excess moisture to grow so it is
important you maintain the moisture and humidity levels in your home. Ideally,
the humidity levels must be kept between 30-50 percent to prevent mold. Invest
in a hygrometer or a dehumidifier
to control your humidity levels.
Ensure your home has proper ventilation
(especially damp spaces such as your bathroom) by using your exhaust fans.
Keep your house clean and dust-free as much as
you can. Regularly replace your AC air filters, clean out your fridge and
ensure there are no clogs or leaks in your kitchen and bathroom.
At RestoPros we believe in arming our customers with the
right information about mold removal so they can tackle mold when they see it.
However, keep in mind that the best way you can be mold-free is with the help
of professionals. Get in touch with the experts at RestoPros for our
top-notch mold removal and remediation
services by calling 855-587-3786 or by scheduling a service on our website!
Other than mold, you’ve probably heard us mention a dehumidifier a lot. We often say that a dehumidifier is a great solution to decreasing or controlling the moisture in your home to prevent mold, which is a fungus primarily attracted to damp spaces.
However, we understand that not everyone is familiar with
how a dehumidifier works. The team at RestoPros
is here to answer that question – and any common inquiries regarding the workings
and features of a dehumidifier.
How Does A Dehumidifier Work? A Little Like an Air
Conditioner
Essentially, the dehumidifier absorbs air from the surroundings, removes moisture from it and lets out dry air. Just as an air conditioner removes humidity from the warm air it absorbs, so does a dehumidifier. In fact, it does it more effectively than an air conditioner.
A fan draws warm, humid air from the surroundings which
blows over an evaporator coil. This coil contains a cooling agent called
refrigerant, which is also used in air conditioners. When warm air is drawn
over the cold evaporator coil, it goes through the process of condensation.
During the process of condensation, the previously warm and
humid air loses its heat as well as its ability to retain moisture. The
moisture pulled from the air eventually turns into liquid and drips into the
bucket or reservoir of the dehumidifier. The dehumidified air blows over warm
coils, before passing back into the room as warm, dry air.
Do I Even Need A Dehumidifier?
Now that you know how a dehumidifier works, you’re probably
wondering whether you need one or not. To help you figure out whether you
should purchase a dehumidifier or not, here are some factors you should
consider:
Are you susceptible to indoor allergens?
Indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, mildew are ever present in humid environments. For people who are susceptible to allergies, these allergens can trigger reactions such as a stuffy nose, watery eyes and sneezing. If you don’t want to deal with the discomfort that comes with sudden allergic reactions, especially during times when humidity is high, a dehumidifier might be a good option for you.
What kind of climate are you living in?
Your decision to purchase a dehumidifier is dependent on the
climate you are living in. If it’s a humid climate and the area you are living
in is prone to mold and mildew as well as humidity damage
(like stripping paint and wall paper) a dehumidifier would provide a
preventative solution.
How big of a dehumidifier should you get?
Dehumidifiers usually come in three size categories. Small
capacity, which removes up to 35 pints of moisture per day, medium, which can
remove up to 50 pints per day, and large, which can remove up to 70 pints per
day. The damper and larger the space, the higher capacity dehumidifier you
should consider using.
Costs and Features of a Dehumidifier
Before purchasing a dehumidifier, you should also
investigate the costs and features of the model you decide to buy. Depending on
the brand and the size, a portable dehumidifier can run anywhere from $40 into
the thousands. However, a typical name brand 70 pint unit will cost around
$250.
Consider the water removal options different dehumidifiers
offer. Most dehumidifiers come with removable plastic buckets. When a
dehumidifier is full, most models will automatically shut off and give some
indication that the bucket needs to be emptied. While you can manually do this,
dehumidifiers also come with an option to hook a hose to the bucket which will
direct the moisture into a drain.
Dehumidifiers also frequently come with humidistats which
measure the amount of humidity in the air. Use the humidistat to ensure your
home’s humidity is usually between 30 to 50%, especially to prevent mold.
Pro tip: If you’re purchasing a dehumidifier, consider going
with models endorsed by Energy Star.
These dehumidifiers have more efficient refrigeration coils compared to
traditional models but use about 30% less energy.
Call RestoPros for Mold Testing and Removal
A dehumidifier is a valuable appliance to have because it can contribute to a comfortable, mold-free lifestyle. However, keep in mind that mold can spread easily and if your dehumidifier isn’t well maintained, mold can show up in there too. If you think you have a mold problem in your home, contact RestoPros for professional mold testing and remediation. Call 855-587-3786 or schedule a service online!
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!
Texas summer is in full swing which means the temperature and
humidity is incredibly high. During these months, mold can be an unwanted
visitor, creeping up around the walls of your kitchen, bathroom and areas prone
to moisture. Mold is a fungus
that is attracted to damp areas and reproduces by making spores. If it is not
taken care of earlier, it can be difficult to remove in addition to causing health
problems for you and your family. If you’re not sure how to take measures
to prevent mold from infesting your home, don’t worry. The experts at RestoPros are here to help you and give you some summertime mold prevention
tips!
Maintain Your
Home’s Humidity
Where there is moisture build up, there is potential for mold.
During the summer months, mold has a higher chance of growing inside your home
because of any excess humidity. Here are some ways you can control the humidity
in your home:
Use your air conditioner on hot days to keep the temperature a
little lower. The ideal temperature for mold to grow is above 77 degrees
Fahrenheit, so try to keep your indoor temperature a little lower than that.
In addition to providing cooling, the AC in your home also removes humidity.
Keeping it on will ensure your indoor temperature and humidity doesn’t provide
an ideal environment for mold growth.
Keep the humidity in your home under 50 percent by using a dehumidifier. A
dehumidifier absorbs water vapor and condenses it internally.
Keep your AC ducts clean and moisture free by regularly checking
for any leaks.
Use the exhaust fan in your bathroom after a shower to prevent any
moisture build up.
Invest in a hygrometer that
measures your home’s humidity.
Cleanliness
is Important
You’ll be surprised how simply keeping your home clean by using
these techniques can prevent mold growth.
Clean out your air filters as they are the first line of defense
keeping out mold spores from coming into your home.
Frequently dust and vacuum your home to get rid of any microscopic
mold spores.
Clean out your refrigerator and remove any foods that are
spoiling. Use DIY mold
cleaning products to clean out your kitchen, bathroom and other areas prone to
mold. DIY cleaning products are a good alternative to other mold cleaning
products containing bleach (which is toxic and a health risk). You can make one
by simply mixing vinegar or baking soda with water.
Fix Any Leaks
This might sound like a stretch, but if a leaky shower, roof or
faucet goes unnoticed for a long period of time, it might lead to the growth of
mold and even water damage. Make sure you take care of the leaks in your home
before they turn into costly problems.
Fix any leaks in your pipes or in damp areas such as bathtubs and sinks. Frequently clean these areas with non-toxic, mold cleaning products.
Consider getting a leak detector. These gadgets have sensors that detect unnecessary moisture in appliances such as your dishwasher, water heater and refrigerator. If there is any moisture where there shouldn’t be, you get an alert on your phone.
When it rains, make sure your windows are sealed shut properly to prevent any leaks.
Make sure the shingles on your roof are functioning properly so water isn’t seeping through. Sometimes, even if your shingles are perfectly fine, water might leak in. This usually happens when there are obstructions in your gutters and downspouts and water that is meant to be drained, goes into the opposite direction and as a result, infiltrates your home. In short, make sure your downspouts and gutters are clear of debris.
Don’t Leave
Out Your Wet Clothes
Whether you pull your clothes out of the washer or take them off
after coming from the pool, make sure to dry them immediately. Leaving them out
in a damp pile can create a damp, stuffy environment which is optimal for mold
growth. Mold starts to spread 24 to 48 hours in excessively damp areas, so act
fast and take a minute to put your clothes in the dryer. If you want to air dry your clothes, dry them
on a clothesline outside.
Do Your
Research
Being an informed homeowner is one of the best ways you can prevent not only mold growth but any other costly problems in your home. Read up a little beforehand about the science behind mold, summertime mold prevention tips and what you should do if mold infests your home. This way you will be prepared to calmly handle any issues instead of flying into a panic.
If you have any questions or concerns about mold testing, mold
remediation or water damage restoration, don’t hesitate to contact RestoPros. Our
dedicated team of professionals will equip you with effective strategies and
solutions to keep your home mold-free and stress-free!
Although we
have made great strides in designing more energy-efficient buildings, this new
airtight construction has led to a significant rise in indoor mold exposure
across the U.S. While most of us are aware of threats mold poses to our
physical health, the mental health symptoms are often overlooked. So, is there
a link between mold and mental health? Well, the team at RestoPros is here to explore this question
further and tell you about some treatment options.
Mold Illness vs Mold Allergies
With the new
energy-efficient, airtight construction of our buildings, mold is more of a
threat than ever before. That being said, there is an important distinction
between those suffering from mold allergies and those who suffer from mold
illness. To illustrate the distinction, here are the main differences between
the two afflictions:
Who it affects
One of the most important differences between mold allergies
and mold illness is who each illness tends to affect. While mold allergy
sufferers make up about 25% of the U.S. population and usually have a genetic
sensitivity to mold, anyone is vulnerable to mold illness. That is to say that
anyone who is exposed to toxic mold over a period of time is vulnerable to the
effects of mold illness.
Symptoms
Another important distinction between mold allergies and mold
illness is what the symptoms look like. Similar to to hay fever, mold allergies
usually bring about sneezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, and sniffling.
Contrary to mold allergies, mold illness manifests in more serious symptoms.
Among these symptoms are chronic fatigue, weakness, aches, headaches, light
sensitivity, respiratory problems, abdominal pain, and sinus infections.
Moreover, there are negative effects on mental health, manifesting in memory
issues, concentration problems, word recollection issues, confusion,
disorientation, mood swings, vertigo, anxiety, and depression. In addition to
these symptoms, you can experience a metallic taste, tingling, numbness,
tremors, static shock, excessive thirst, appetite swings, and the inability to
regulate your own temperature.
Treatment
Because the symptoms of mold allergies are similar to hay
fever, the treatment is often an over-the-counter antihistamine or
decongestant. However, mold illness is not so easily diagnosed, much less
treated. Because the symptoms of mold illness tend to be long-term, the corresponding
treatment is gradual and complex. Once you’ve been diagnosed with mold illness,
for first step will be to trap the mycotoxins and help your body excrete them
from your system. With this in mind, your treatment will usually begin with the
use of natural binders, such as clay and charcoal. Also, used in conjunction
with these binders, probiotics like Saccromyces Boulardi will be used to help
you excrete these mycotoxins. When it comes to the next steps in treatment,
there are differing methods in addressing direct fungal infection within the
body and mold exposure. If you are treating a mold infection, you will likely
be given an antifungal drug or natural agent to eradicate it. However, treating
an illness due to mycotoxin exposure is a whole different ballgame that we will
expound upon next.
Toxic Mold and Your Brain
Before understanding the symptoms and treatment of toxic mold syndrome, you must first understand how exposure to this mold impacts your brain. According to a recent study conducted by Cheryl Harding, a psychologist at the City University of New York, mold toxins can be linked to many mental health issues. In this experiment, Harding and colleagues dripped low doses of toxic mold spores into the noses of mice three times a week for three weeks.
Over the course of the three weeks, Harding and colleagues noticed the mice had trouble remembering fearful places and grew more anxious each day. To sum up their findings, the anxiety and memory problems were due to a decrease in new brain sells in the hippocampus (the part of the brain that retains memories.) Furthermore, Harding found a link between the anxiety and inflammatory proteins in the hippocampus, which triggered an immune response in the brain. Therefore, we are to believe that exposure to toxic mold can leave anyone vulnerable to a number of negative mental and neurological side effects.
Mental Health Problems Associated
with Toxic Mold Syndrome
As
previously discussed, the symptoms of toxic mold syndrome or mold illness can affect
your mental health. However, symptoms can also mimic side effects of neurologic
and neuropsychiatric disorders. In fact, the effects of mold illness are eerily
similar to symptoms in sufferers of traumatic brain injuries and Lyme disease.
Some common mental health issues linked to mold illness are mental fog or
memory loss, anxiety, depression, chronic exhaustion, insomnia, and vertigo. In
addition to these mental effects, the neurological symptoms can include pain
syndromes, movement disorders, dementia, delirium, as well as coordination and
balance problems.
Treatment of Toxic Mold Syndrome
After
discussing the science and symptoms of toxic mold syndrome, we are finally
brought to the treatment of this illness. As previously explained, mold illness
requires a gradual and long-term treatment plan. Once you’ve been diagnosed
with mold illness, the first step will be to trap the mycotoxins and help your
body excrete them from your system. With this in mind, your treatment will
usually begin with the use of natural binders, such as clay and charcoal. Also,
used in conjunction with these binders, probiotics like Saccromyces Boulardi
will be used to help you excrete these mycotoxins. When it comes to the next
steps in treatment, there are differing methods in addressing direct fungal
infection within the body and mold exposure.
Treating a Direct Fungal Infection
If you are treating a mold infection, you will likely be
given an antifungal drug or natural agent to eradicate it. That being said, it
is typically much safer to treat infections with natural agents, as antifungal
drugs can be quite toxic, particularly to your liver.
Treating Toxic Mold Exposure
While treating an infection can be simple, treating mycotoxin
exposure is a whole different ballgame. Once you’ve undergone the initial step
of using the regimen of binders and probiotics, the real work begins.
Reduce Exposure
Firstly, you will have to decrease your exposure to other
toxic chemicals like heavy metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds
and fragrances. By decreasing your exposure to these toxins, you can begin to
strengthen your ability to detoxify your system.
Mold-Free Diet
Also, you will likely be given a mold-free diet
to follow and laundry list of supplements to take daily that will help you
defend your immune system against toxic mold.
Provocation Neutralization (PN) Treatments
Another little-known method that was recently developed by
mold exposure specialists is provocation neutralization. Simply put, this
treatment involves injecting a small amount of the allergen under the skin to
“provoke a reaction.” If you present a reaction such as a visible wheal or
fatigue and headaches, the doctor will neutralize the reaction by having you
orally take diluted injections of the same allergen. Although this is a
relatively new treatment method, you can find a list of physicians who are trained
in this technique at the American Academy of Environmental
Medicine (AAEM).
Is There a Link Between Mold and
Mental Health?
In short,
yes, there is a link between mold and mental health, as demonstrated by recent
studies and development of new treatment plans. That being said, there are
plenty of measures you can take in your home to reduce the risk of exposure,
and RestoPros are here to help! For the most comprehensive service in mold
removal and remediation, give us a call today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!
So, you’ve had a professional mold testing done in your house and your worst suspicion has been confirmed. The very thought of this issue can strike fear into the heart of even the toughest homeowners. However, you can no longer deny the fact and it’s time to take some action. So, say it with me: My home has a mold problem! Now that you have accepted the worst, the experts at RestoPros are here to help with some advice about what you can do from here.
Supplies for Treating the Mold
In serious mold cases, most experts would recommend having professional mold remediation. However, if your professional mold testing expert has verified you can clean it yourself, here are some supplies you will need:
Protective Gear
You should have a mask or respirator, eye protection, rubber gloves, a fan, and a dehumidifier. You do not want to risk inhaling the mold spores you will be cleaning.
Cleaning Chemicals
If the intense list of protective gear was not a clear indication, mold is not something you can clean with everyday cleaning supplies. On the contrary, you will need to procure non-ammonia detergent, chlorine bleach, and white vinegar to mix your cleaning solution.
Cleaning Tools
Make sure you have plenty of rags and more than one scrub brush (both of which should be disposed of after you finish treating the mold). You should also have a large pail and a plastic garbage bag.
Steps for DIY Mold Treatment
1. Dampen the Area:
This is an important first step to keep mold spores from releasing into the air. With a damp rag soaked in plain water, coat the affected area.
2. Remove as Much Mold as Possible:
With your scrub brush and detergent, remove as much of the mold as you can, and dispose of the brush.
3. Mix and Apply Your Bleach Solution:
In your large pail, mix together 1 ½ cups of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water. Use a new rag to generously coat the affected surface with this mixture. Once this is done, let it soak for 15 minutes.
4. Scrub the Solution into the Affected Area:
With a new scrubbing brush, scrub the area with the bleach solution thoroughly and rinse with clean water. Repeat this bleach step until all visible mold is gone.
5. Eliminate All Moisture from the Treated Area:
Use your fan and dehumidifier to dry the area thoroughly to prevent new mold growth.
6. Wash Your Clothes:
Unless you chose to wear work clothes that you don’t mind disposing of, wash the clothes you wore for the mold treatment immediately. Place them in a plastic bag to transport them to the washing machine. Add ¾ cup white vinegar to the water to kill the mold spores on your clothing.
My Home Has a Mold Problem! What Else Can I Do?
If you have followed the previous steps and removed the mold on your own, you have already saved money on professional mold removal. The best thing you can do for the long-term safety of your home is to enlist the help of mold remediation experts you can trust. Let the knowledgeable team at RestoPros take it from here. Call us at (855) 587-3786 or fill out a service request form online to conquer your mold problem today!
Mold growth is a nightmare to any homeowner. Not only can it eat away at surfaces in your home and produce putrid odors, but it can pose some serious threats to your health. Defend your home and bank account from some serious damage with these tips from RestoPros to prevent mold growth in your home!
Keep an Eye on the Humidity Levels
This could mean getting a hygrometer, which will measure the moisture levels inside your home. Ideally, you should keep the humidity level below 60 percent to prevent mold growth.
Use Exhaust Fans and Vents
If you don’t already have one, you should install a bathroom exhaust fan. Ducted to the exterior of the house, these fans draw out stale, humid air from your bathroom. You should also use the exhaust fan in your kitchen every time you cook to keep excess moisture at bay.
Keep Drip Trays Clean
If your refrigerator, AC unit, and dehumidifier have drip trays, make sure you drain and clean them regularly to protect them from mold growth.
Keep Your Bathroom Walls Dry
Wipe down the walls in your bathroom after bathing or showering. The moisture that sits on the walls of the shower or tub can lead to mold growth.
*Pro Tip: We recommend keeping a shower squeegee in your shower to make this an easy habit to adopt. You can find an entire shower squeegee kit on Amazon with rubber blade replacements, hooks, and holders.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
A whole-house dehumidifier attaches to your furnace and treats the air throughout your home. This is a sound investment for homeowners living in very humid climates. If you have occasional dampness in your home, you can purchase a portable dehumidifier.
Invest in an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are an inexpensive and simple way to help eliminate mold spores in the air. Place air purifiers in damp areas of your home like bathrooms, basements, and attics, as well as entryways and windows.
*Pro Tip: HEPA filters are the most effective filters for air purification. They can remove over 99 percent of pollutants from the air.
Protect Your Household Plants
The moist soil in plants provide the perfect breeding ground for mold, which can then spread to other areas of your house. Add a bit of Taheebo tea to the water you feed your plants. The oil of this tree withstands the fungi in the dampest rain forests and will defend your plants against moisture as well. You can find this tea at most natural food stores or order it online.
Fortify Your Home with Mold-Resistant Products
If you are building a new home or renovating an old one, there are mold-resistant products you should consider using. Mold-resistant drywall or Sheetrock are fantastic options. You can also use mold inhibitors for paints.
Direct Water Away from Your Home
The ground around your home must be sufficiently sloped away from the foundation. If it isn’t, water can collect and seep into your basement or crawlspace. You should also maintain your gutters. If your gutters are full or damaged, your roof can develop leaks. Have your roof gutters cleaned and inspected regularly to keep water away.
Improve Your Air Flow
The EPA states that the air holds less moisture as temperatures drop. If your house does not have good air flow, that excess moisture can appear on surfaces in your home. Avoid this by increasing circulation. This includes keeping doors between rooms open, moving furniture away from walls, and opening doors to closets that are colder than the rooms they are in.
The Best Way to Prevent Mold Growth:
Let a Professional Tackle the Problem!
You now know how to prevent mold growth, but it never hurts to seek the help of a mold expert. The team at RestoPros have proudly helped homeowners defend their home against mold for years. For reliable services and expertise you can trust, call us at (855) 587-3786 or schedule an appointment on our website today and let RestoPros tackle your mold problems!
Food spoilage: it happens to everyone, and it can be complete mood killer, especially if you were hoping to impress friends and family with your from-scratch guacamole. Few things are more frustrating than reaching for an item in your refrigerator only to find that it’s inedible. While it’s impossible to preserve foods indefinitely, there are measures you can take to help ensure your groceries maintain freshness. Follow these three essential tips on how to keep food from spoiling.
Set your refrigerator to the correct temperature.
Do you remember the last time you checked the temperature in your refrigerator? If not, it’s a good idea to peek at its current setting to make sure it’s not too warm. After all, bacteria thrive in warm temperatures. We recommend a setting of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Most refrigerators on the market today come equipped with a digital thermostat to allow for quick and easy adjusting. For older models that use a dial system, you can check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Follow this step-by-step guide from Do It Yourself on how to test the temperature.
Store items in the right compartments.
Unfortunately, you can’t store your food just anywhere in the fridge and expect it to last as long as it should. Each storage bin in your refrigerator is there for a reason. Now’s a good time to take everything out, throw away what’s spoiled, and start fresh (pun intended!). Keep your food from spoiling with these storage tips:
Fruits and vegetables should go in the crisper bins. Place fruits in one and vegetables in the other. Separation is necessary because both require different humidity levels. Your vegetable drawer should have a higher humidity setting than the fruit drawer.
Raw meats, eggs and dairy products should go on the lower shelves because they are the coldest. Because raw meat contains bacteria that can spread, designate an area where only these are placed, and clean it regularly.
Store foods that don’t need to be cooked, like dips, leftovers, deli meats and drinks, on the upper shelves because these areas provide the most consistent temperatures.
Know which items actually belong in the fridge.
Determining the best place in your kitchen to store produce and other perishable goods can be difficult. When in doubt, many people turn to their fridges because they think it can’t do any harm. Unfortunately, for some foods, the fridge actually speeds up the spoiling process. Not sure where exactly to store your groceries? We can help!
Keep tomatoes on the counter at room temperature, like you do bananas.
Onions, potatoes and squash prefer a darker, cooler environment with low moisture, like your pantry.
Avocados are the free spirits of produce. They can go either in the fridge or on the counter. If you’re not planning to use them for a few days, we recommend placing them in the fridge to slow down the ripening.
For peanut and other nut butters, it’s really up to you. If you go through a jar within a week, you can keep it in the pantry, but if it takes you a while to use it up, we recommend opting for the fridge.
If you’re tired of having to toss groceries week after week because they just won’t hold up, know that it doesn’t have to be that way. By following our simple tips on how to prevent spoiling, you will enjoy your food for longer periods, not to mention, you’ll save money on groceries too!
With more than 10 years of experience, consider RestoPros your go-to mold expert! For more information on our superior services, give us a call today at (855) 587–3786.
The areas of your home with the most moisture are the areas in which you’ll have to worry about mold. Here are the main areas that mold will grow in your home:
Your kitchen sink
Your refrigerator
Your bathtub
Your bathroom sink
Other areas of your home that might attract mold are your carpet, in the event of a poorly cleaned-up spill, or any area of your home that has suffered water damage from a leak.
You can’t prevent accidents, but you can use these 6 cleaning tips to prevent mold in your home:
1. Run your bathroom fan
When you shower, moisture builds up on every surface in your bathroom. To help reduce the amount of moisture in the space, run your bathroom fan during your shower and for a few minutes afterward. You can always listen to music while you shower if the bathroom fan noise bothers you!
2. Squeegee water off shower walls
Remove water build-up from the walls of your shower and the shower door (if applicable) with a squeegee. Not only will this prevent mold and mildew from forming in your shower, but it will also reduce the appearance of unattractive water lines.
3. Store shower items on racks
Storing items like shampoo bottles or loofas on the surface of your bathtub or on the shelves can allow water to pool underneath them, creating a little pocket in which mold can grow. Instead, store your items on shower racks so that the water can drip-dry off the items after each use. You can find racks like these online or at most any supermarket.
4. Keep your sponges clean
The item to most likely attract mold in your kitchen is your sponge. Think about it: It’s just sitting there, damp from washing dishes, on the edge of the sink, stewing in old, dirty water. Sanitize your sponge with a disinfectant solution and position it so that it dries, rather than stores water. Also, be sure to replace your sponges frequently.
5. Clean out your refrigerator regularly
The most common cause of mold in your refrigerator is food that stays in one spot over time. The food itself can go bad and mold, but also, as the food decays, it can release moisture, which can build up in your refrigerator and cause mold. Further, containers may leak sauces and other liquids, which can cause mold and mildew as well. Be proactive by reviewing your refrigerator weekly, throwing out old items and wiping down surfaces.
6. Blot spills on carpets
If a drink spills on the carpet, don’t try to wipe up the puddle. Instead, take a wash rag or paper towel and blot at the spill, pressing into the padding of the carpet as you do so. Wiping at the spill not only spreads stains around, but it also doesn’t reach the moisture in the padding. If the spill is left unattended or is attended to poorly, it could seep past the padding, and mold could grow beneath it.
If it’s too late for these cleaning tips to prevent mold, call the experts at RestoPros for mold removal and remediation today. Dial the number at the top of your screen or complete the “Schedule Service” form fill to have one of our friendly representatives reach out.
