With the right moisture content and nutrients, mold can make its way into many parts of your home. One place mold spores can show up is your HVAC unit. Spores can make their way through your ducts and when inhaled, can cause reactions such as the worsening of asthma and flaring up of allergies. However, don’t panic because even though mold can grow in your HVAC unit, it can also be prevented. The team at RestoPros is here to tell you a little more about how you can protect your HVAC unit from mold!
How to
Prevent Mold Growth in Your HVAC Unit
Have Your Ducts Inspected
The ductwork in your home is particularly vulnerable to mold
growth and mold spores. Often, ductwork that has not been inspected in a while
can accumulate dust, debris and moisture, creating the ideal environment for mold growth
You often breathe in the air that circulates through your
ductwork, so it is important it is free of allergens, pollutants and mold
spores. If your allergies keep getting triggered or you feel your indoor air
quality is not ideal, you might want to have your ductwork inspected by an HVAC
technician. In addition, a mold remediation specialist can inspect your indoor
air quality for any signs of mold.
Use a Dehumidifier
If you live in a particularly humid climate, using a
dehumidifier is a great appliance to have. A dehumidifier essentially maintains
the humidity in your home, reducing excess moisture and dampness. To prevent
mold, the ideal amount of humidity should be between 30 and 50 percent.
Replace Air Filter Regularly
Replacing your air filter is one of the easiest ways you can
ensure your HVAC unit is well-maintained and protected from pollutants and mold
spores. A clogged filter can worsen your
indoor air quality as well as air flow and even cause your evaporator coil to
freeze up. By regularly replacing your filter, you can ensure the efficiency of
your HVAC system and prevent energy losses. According to the Department
of Energy, by replacing your clogged filter with a clean one you can lower
your system’s energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent.
Professional Maintenance
By having your HVAC system professionally maintained, you
can protect it from mold and ensure it is working properly. As we transition
into the colder season in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, now is the perfect time to
have a professional technician look at your HVAC unit.
Remove Mold from HVAC Unit with RestoPros
If you feel like you might have a mold problem in your HVAC
unit, you might be inclined to handle it yourself. However, it is best to
contact a professional—in fact, many states have requirements that
only a licensed mold remediation professional remove any mold in your home. If
you get the sense that your HVAC unit might have mold, get in touch with
RestoPros. Our experts will ensure that your HVAC unit and entire home is
mold-free! Call us today at 855-587-3786 or schedule a service on our website!
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.
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!
Exposure to dampness or mold is the estimated cause of a quarter of all asthma cases in the United States. Even for non-asthmatic homeowners, living with a mold or mildew problem can pose serious health threats. Answering the mold vs. mildew question starts with learning what to look for. The experts at RestoPros are here to share our advice on how to spot the difference.
Mold vs. Mildew: Similarities
Environments
-Both mold and mildew are types of fungi that flourish in moist, humid conditions with scarce light.
-Both mold and mildew grow when spores or seeds find their way into environments that are conducive to colony growth.
Affected Hosts
-Neither mold nor mildew can grow on synthetic materials such as plastic and metal-based products.
Odors and Physical Symptoms
-Both mold and mildew produce a similar musty odor.
-Both mold and mildew can cause similar physical symptoms to humans who are exposed.
Mold vs. Mildew: Differences
Appearance
-Mildew can be downy or powdery. Downy mildew starts as yellow spots that become brighter and then turn brown in color. Powdery mildew is whitish in color and slowly turns yellowish brown and then black.
-Mold is black, yellow, or green with a fuzzy or slimy texture. Severe mold growth looks like moss and can cause rot in its effected host.
Growth Patterns
-Mildew is a type of mold that has flat growth patterns. Unlike mold, mildew remains on the surface of its host where is can be easily removed. Mildew is drawn to moisture and grows on damp surfaces like your kitchen, bathroom, and basement. You can find mildew growth in toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and on bathroom walls.
-Mold is a fungus that grows in patches which penetrate beneath the surface of its host. Mold grows on living sources, including food, drywall, paper, and wood. Mold can often grow on your ceilings, window sills, and walls.
Effects on the Host
–Mildew can harm the food or plants upon which it grows, but usually does not cause any lasting damage to other surfaces such as tile floors or bathroom mirrors.
–Mold can damage entire structures because it penetrates beneath the surface of its host.
Effects on Exposed Humans
–Mildew can cause similar allergic reactions to those caused by mold, such as coughing, sneezing, headache, sore throat, and respiratory problems. However, mildew is much easier to eliminate because it remains on the surface of its host.
–Mold can pose a serious threat to your health. It can trigger sinus problems, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, sore throat, migraines, itching, rashes, fatigue, and even depression. Mold is difficult to remove because it penetrates below the surface of its host.
So, now you know some signs to look for when answering your mold vs. mildew question, but what should you do about your problem? Contact the experts at RestoPros for immediate mold testing and remediation today!
People often talk about mold, but they usually do so in very general terms. It’s one of those things that you know of but don’t really know anything about. You may even be able to spot mold when you see it, but determining which kind and whether it’s dangerous or not is harder. Usually, these things become easier to understand and identify the more you know.
It’s like the old saying goes: know your enemy. For homeowners, mold is definitely the enemy – costing America millions each year in remediation costs. Fortunately for you, the leading mold, water, and bio and trauma remediation company for the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex – RestoPros – knows the enemy all too well. Today, our experts are going to teach you the science of mold.
The Evolution of Fungi.
Fungi has been on earth for a very long time. It’s ancient, in fact. Fungi first diverged from other life somewhere around 1.5 billion years ago, with symbiotic fungi taking off roughly a billion years later. Because fungi are not biomineral (organisms that produce minerals), it does do not appear in the fossil record until the Paleoproterozoic period, which was about 2,400 million years ago.
Fungi held a stable but relatively unimpressive foothold on Earth for the next 2,335 million years. However, following the massive extinction of the Cretaceous-Tertiary which took place 65 million years ago, fungi basically took over the world. When the dinosaurs and plants from that event were killed off, it created the opening and conditions for a massive colonization of Earth by fungi. This is refereed as the Great Fungi Bloom, and it’s responsible for people’s mold problems today.
How Mold Spores Travel.
Mold spores travel in very interesting ways. The spores are released and are carried by the wind, people, or pets to a new location. Mold spores are released in the greatest abundance when dried out. As the mold dies, spores are released into the air. Under UV lights, the spores look a lot like a cloud of dust.
However, because mold spores are relatively heavy, they are not carried too far from the original colony. If you find mold in your home, the best thing you can do to prevent it from spreading is not touch it. Call in a remediation company like RestoPros, so it can be safely removed from the home.
How Mold Affects Your Health.
Mold affects our health in much the same manner as when it spreads. It’s not the mold itself that poses a threat to human health; it’s the spores that are the problem. When mold spores are released, we breathe them into our bodies. Generally, this just causes coughing, itchy eyes, and wheezing in people and isn’t too dangerous, though it is irritating.
However, when people who have respiratory problems like asthma breathe in mold spores, it can cause an acute health risk – and in some cases – even death. That’s why it’s important to call in a professional mold remediation company if you discover a mold colony in your home.
While we hope this information on the science of mold will give you a better understanding of the enemy, if you discover a mold problem, it’s best to call in an experienced professional. The fact is, proper mold removal may be too difficult and dangerous for the average homeowner. The CDC recommends calling a professional mold remediation company in most cases. The mold remediation experts at RestoPros have a long-standing reputation for expertise, professionalism, and hard work.
If you’re looking for a skilled and highly trained technician for mold testing, mold remediation, water damage restoration, or HVAC duct cleaning anywhere in the Dallas Metroplex, call us at (855) 58-RESTO (855-587-3786) to schedule your appointment today!
Your eyes have been watery and itching lately, and you’ve been coughing and sneezing more than normal. There has also been a musty, unpleasant smell that, regardless of how many candles you burn, just won’t go away. You then notice a fuzzy little greenish-black patch of slime in the bathroom. You, my friend, have a toxic invader: black mold. A serious threat to homeowners, black mold can wreak havoc on your home and health.
Black mold is found in the dark and damp areas of your home and, left unchecked, can quickly spread and become a serious threat to you and your loved ones. Fortunately for you, the professionals at RestoPros – the leading mold and water remediation company for the greater DFW Metroplex – are going to show you 4 DIY tips on removing black mold.
Gear Up for Battle
Before you confront the enemy, make sure you’re properly outfitted and ready for battle. For under $10.00, hooded disposable coveralls will protect you and your clothing from mold spores. You will also need a high-quality N-95 respirator, air tight safety googles, and a pair of good rubber gloves. Because the health concerns are so serious, we must insist that no short cuts are taken. Even short exposure to black mold spores can cause respiratory infections, joint pain, rashes, and even blindness.
Remove and Toss Porous Materials.
Any porous materials with mold growth will need to be removed and discarded. This can include materials like drywall, paper, carpeting, and ceiling tiles. Because mold can spread rapidly, it’s important to check behind walls with mold grown on them to see how far the infection has spread. This might mean having to remove large sections of drywall and carpeting to ensure all black mold is found and treated. While wooden studs can be treated and cleaned, drywall will need to be discarded and replaced after the mold is eradicated from the area. This holds true for all carpeting as well. Hardwood floors may be cleaned, but the carpeting will need to be removed from the home.
Disinfect and Clean the Area.
There are a number of inexpensive products on the market that can be used to clean mold. For years, products like bleach or ammonia have been the preferred choice, but today there are several products that are made especially for the removal and cleanup of mold and can be purchased at any major grocery store. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bleach may still be the most effective way to remove mold from the home. If you decide to use bleach, mix 1 cup with 1 gallon of water. Pour into a spray bottle or use with a bucket and sponge. Never mix bleach and ammonia, as it produces a toxic gas.
Prevent Mold Growth from Reoccurring.
Make sure that the root cause for the moisture has been fixed. Places like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements need to be cleaned regularly and kept dry. For large areas like basements, a dehumidifier will allow you to regulate the amount of moisture in the air. Air conditioners are another good way to reduce humidity in the home. In areas where it is difficult or impossible to eliminate moisture, you can mix 1 cup of bleach with 5 gallons of water for use in controlling the growth of mold.
While we hope these DIY tips help in your battle with black mold, they’re no substitute for an experienced professional. The fact is, the job may just be too difficult and dangerous. The CDC recommends calling a professional mold remediation company in most cases. The mold remediation experts at RestoPros have a long-standing reputation for expertise, professionalism, and hard work. If you’re looking for a skilled and highly trained technician for mold testing, mold remediation, water damage restoration, or HVAC duct cleaning anywhere in the Dallas Metroplex, call us at (855) 58-RESTO (855-587-3786) to schedule an appointment today!
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.
So maybe it’s not the thing that’s on everyone’s mind while they’re travelling, but mold doesn’t stop growing just because you aren’t there (in fact, it usually grows better without you since you aren’t there to stop it). So whether you’re just worried about being sensitive to mold and pollen during your travel or concerned over whether or not the next rain is going to leave enough moisture on your window sill to start a mold colony, worry no longer because we’ve got some guidance to help you out while you’re on the road!
Prevent Mold While on the Road
When you’re out travelling, the last thing you want is to end up sick, ill, or caught in an unstoppable sneezing fit. That means that you don’t to stuck in a room that’s infested with mold or carrying suitcase with even a minor amount of mold growth.
One piece of advice we’ve received from those who travel abroad is to blow your nose every day. It sounds a little silly, but keeping a clean nose (or using a saline nose wash each day) helps to clear out dust and mold spores that cling to the inside of the nasal cavity, preventing buildup. Of course, common-sense actions like not staying in a musty-smelling room or a dust-filled hotel will also help you stay healthy. Carrying your own dust-proof pillow case is a great way to protect yourself if you have allergies or are worried about mold spores. Just be sure it’s clearly marked and that you take it home with you when you leave.
You should also make sure that you place a desiccant in your suitcase, especially for the travel bag that’s going to be carrying your dirty laundry while you travel. If you don’t have the opportunity to wash clothes while traveling, the mold spores that land on clothing can build up over time and a desiccant in your suitcase will help to prevent moisture buildup from condensation or even perspiration while you travel. If you’ll be travelling for more than a week, consider investing the hotel’s laundry services or stop by a laundromat for a couple of hours.
Protecting Your Home
Clearly, taking preventative measures to protect your home while you’re gone will be similar to the steps you take to protect your home while you’re there. There are a few extra steps you should take since you won’t be able to keep an eye on things while you’re out.
Pressure Leaks: Water heading toward a faucet, shower head, or even a toilet is under pressure. If there’s a leak here, it’s usually pretty obvious. Constantly filling toilets, dripping sinks, or puddles of water will become apparent very quickly if the leak is on a pressurized side of your plumbing system. A quick visual inspection of your home should reveal the leak.
Return Water: Returns from fixtures, faucets and appliances are usually gravity assisted, rather than being pumped away. This makes finding a leak from waste-water lines incredibly difficult. The signs of a return-line leak are usually caused by puddles, warping floorboards, and stained walls. To find a leak that hasn’t caused any damage yet, you’ll need a professional to examine your home for the leak.
Inspecting for roof leaks is difficult and all of these inspections are even more difficult if you live in an apartment complex. Still, it’s worth making a visual inspection and looking listening for any drips.
Humidity Control: Turning off your air conditioner or heater may sound like a good idea, but during the winter, a snap freeze can rupture pipes leaving you with a flood or drip that will deliver a lot of water damage. During warmer months, heavy rains can leave your home excessively humid. Yes it’s smart to turn off climate controls to save money, but it’s smarter to turn them down (especially if you have a smart thermostat) to help regulate humidity in your home.
Ask a Friend to Check: If you don’t have a smart thermostat and didn’t have time to inspect your home, ask a friend to drop by while you’re out, especially if it’s going to be stormy that week. If it’s humid they can run a dehumidifier or your air conditioner to dry out the air for a bit.
Turn off the Water: If you’re going to be gone for three weeks or more, turn off the water. Turn off your hot water tank and drain the water from it and your plumbing lines. Defrost the refrigerator and make sure that there is no ice left inside and unplug it as well. Leave not source of moisture undrained. Just remember that you’ll need to run water through your lines first to clear out any bad water and you’ll need to refill your hot water tank before turning it back on again.
So remember, travel dry, keep your nose clean, and have someone drop by your home from time to time to make sure that no water has started running through the halls and you’ll be fine. Enjoy your next vacation!
No food lasts forever, not even that one you’re thinking of. It’s a shame that we don’t have meals with eternal shelf-lives but we can prolong the ones that they do have. While refrigeration and airtight packaging have improved the sell-by-dates of many products, there are simple things you can do to improve just how long your food lasts. Leftovers are an important part of any family dynamic, but when they sit for too long they, like any overly humid part of your home, can start to develop mold and rot.
Food spoils when bacteria and mold begin to grow in or on it. This process of rotting and spoiling is both gross (because of mold and bacteria) and hazardous (due to the byproducts of both these things). Food poisoning and foodborne illnesses are more common than you might think, with the CDC estimating that roughly 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year.
Refrigeration
Most of the time when we talk about mold we recommend keeping things cool, ventilated, and dry. Cool and dry is ideal for most of the food you store as well. Desiccants are necessary to help keep powders such as flour or baking soda from clumping together when stored while the cold storage of a fridge or freezer helps to stall or stop the buildup of mold and bacteria in food.
Both bacteria and mold are living organisms. They require certain conditions to thrive and aren’t as adapted to cold environments. Chilling or freezing an area reduces the ability for spores and bacteria to propagate. For one thing, the cold temperature is not a sustainable environment while frozen water is not suitable for bacteria to breed in. You should store most foods in your refrigerator when they aren’t being consumed. Even all-day events and parties shouldn’t leave items such as cheese, meat, or vegetables out for more than 30 minutes to an hour.
Foods that shouldn’t be refrigerated but should be eaten within a few days of purchase are:
Melons
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Onions
Bread
Apples
Avocados
Bear in mind that not refrigerating these items reduces their shelf-life but improves their flavor. Always inspect food before cooking with it. To store them for the long-term, freezing is the best option.
Sealed Containers
Another way to protect your food from spoiling is to make sure that it stays in a sealed container. Without a replenished supply of air, many of the oxygen-dependent molds and bacteria are not able to thrive. Sealed containers, prevent food from drying out while keeping them guarded against additional contaminants carried through the air or on dust particles.
Salting and Preservation
This isn’t used as often in homes but it’s interesting to point out. Salted meats were an initial way to preserve meat throughout the winter. The salt itself would cure the meat, preventing bacteria and mold from setting in and rotting the meat. You’re also left with a very tasty, if salty, slice of beef.
At the end of the day, the way you protect your food is similar to how you protect your home from mold and mildew. Storing food in a cool, dry location is important for prolonging its shelf-life. Environments that are hot or humid will promote rotting faster as they improve the spread of mold and bacteria, facilitating the breakdown of food. Any food that has been sitting out for multiple hours becomes suspect, as bacteria can set in without showing symptoms early on. Stay safe, and stay healthy!
So maybe it’s not the thing that’s on everyone’s mind while they’re travelling, but mold doesn’t stop growing just because you aren’t there (in fact, it usually grows better without you since you aren’t there to stop it). So whether you’re just worried about being sensitive to mold and pollen during your travel or concerned over whether or not the next rain is going to leave enough 
No food lasts forever,