Tag: prevent mold growth

Can Mold Grow in My HVAC Unit?

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can mold grow in my hvac unit

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!

Can Mold Show Up in My Car?

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can mold show up in my car

If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you know that mold can be found in all sorts of places. Sinks, showers, washing machines, refrigerators, even filing cabinets. However, you might not have heard of mold showing up in your car. Mold is a fungus that needs moisture to grow and spread. If it comes across the ideal damp and humid environment, it will end up growing there, even if it is in less common mold-growth area such as your car. So, to answer the question, “can mold show up in my car?”— yes, it can! Keep reading to learn the RestoPros experts’ list of reasons for car mold and easy ways to prevent it!

Reasons for Mold Growth in Your Car

  • Groceries that you put in your car, whether in the backseat or trunk, might tip over and spill. The same could occur with liquids such as coffee or juices. If ignored or cleaned haphazardly, mold can grow in the interior of your car. 
  • If you leave your car window open and it happens to rain, water might soak the interior of your car, leading to moisture build up and eventually, mold growth.
  • Your car’s AC is a place where mold can grow. Your car’s AC sucks in warm and humid outdoor heat and absorbs the moisture and heat from it to produce cool air. This can lead to moisture accumulating in your AC, specifically it’s evaporator core. If the core comes across pollen, mold spores and debris, it can become the perfect place for mold growth.

How to Tell If Your Car Has a Mold Problem

The most obvious sign of mold growth in your car is bad odors and musty smells coming from the interior of your car. Also, if you turn your AC on and you are greeted with a new and awful smell, you might have to get your car inspected for mold growth as your AC might be dealing with a mold problem.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Car

While mold growth in your car is frustrating to deal with, it is also easily preventable. Here are some effective car mold prevention tips:

  • Frequently Clean Your Car

Take some time every weekend to declutter your car. Then every month or so, vacuum the interior, upholstery and carpets in your car, to ensure mold spores, pollen and other allergens and toxins have not found their way into your car. In addition, change your car’s cabin air filter to prevent a clogged, malfunctioning car AC system.

  • Prevent Excess Moisture

One way to do this is by frequently avoiding eating and drinking in your car. If you happen to spill something such as juice, coffee or any kind of food, be sure to clean and dry the area properly to avoid moisture build up.

If you are predicting a particularly humid environment caused by heavy rain or storms, sprinkle some baking soda on the carpet of your car. The baking soda will soak up the moisture from your carpet in addition to removing odors.

  • Routine Maintenance

Just like any machine or appliance in your home, your car needs routine maintenance and inspections as well. Whether you are frequently inspecting your car yourself or getting it inspected by a professional, you will save yourself from roadside inconveniences in the long run as well as ensure your car’s value is up.

Prevent Mold with RestoPros!

If you have any questions about preventing and/or removing mold anywhere in your home, from the most common places to the most unusual places, the experts at RestoPros will be sure to provide answers. Get in touch with us by calling 855-587-3786 or by filling 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!

How to Prevent Mold After Flooding

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how to prevent mold after flooding

A flood damaged home can be a massive source of anxiety for homeowners and renters who face this problem due to hurricanes, heavy rain or burst pipes. A flood damaged home comes with a myriad of other issues such as figuring out the cleanup process, repairing any damage, filing a flood insurance claim,  and finding a temporary place to stay if necessary. On top of that, you might end up dealing with a mold infestation that could potentially further damage your home.

Mold is a fungus that is primarily attracted to damp areas so it’s no surprise it shows up in places where there is a leakage or water damage. However, the team at RestoPros has some tips on how to prevent mold after a flooding so you don’t have to deal with another unnecessary and expensive problem.

Preventative Measures to Take Against Mold

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it can take 24 hours for mold to start growing after being exposed to water. So, you will have to act fast. Here are some quick preventative measures you can take to avoid mold after flooding:

  • You will need to dry up the wet areas as soon as possible. Open windows and doors to air out the rooms in your house and use fans if possible. Consider using dehumidifiers to regulate the humidity in your home. Dehumidifiers are appliances that can remove excess humidity from your home and can be helpful in keeping your home dry, especially after flooding.
  • Mold can especially grow on items that are absorbent and porous. Get rid of items such as upholstered furniture, plush pillows and curtains if they have been wet for more than 24 hours. However, if you think they can be thoroughly cleaned and dried, put them in a place where they can dry out.
  • You’ll probably have to get rid of your carpet if it’s been dampened by dirty water for more than 24 hours. However, if you can’t get rid of it immediately, use a wet vac to remove the water from the surface of the carpet.
  • Clean wet surfaces such as kitchen counters, metal objects, shelves and closets with disinfectant.
  • Consider these natural mold cleaning products you can make with just a few ingredients in your home!
  • You might have to cut some openings in the bases of your walls to let air in. Before you do that, remove any baseboards or moldings as they can prevent the lower portion of your wall from drying out well. If you notice a lot of damage to your drywall, it might be better to let a professional handle it.

Some Other Things to Keep in Mind

In addition to knowing how to prevent mold after flooding, we also want you to keep these things in mind to ensure your recovery process is safe:  

  • If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance company. Remember to let them know if you need an insurance adjuster to visit your home before the cleaning begins. Be sure to document everything so you can show your insurer the extent of the damage!
  • Be careful when it comes to dealing with water damaged electrical appliances. Don’t step into a flooded basement if you think any outlets or cords have been exposed to the water. Remember not to touch any electrical appliance with wet hands or while standing in water.
  • Wear protective gear like gloves and rubber boots to avoid contact with chemicals and contaminated water.
  • Remember to keep yourself clean by washing your hands with soap and clean running water.

Need Professional Help? Contact RestoPros!

While you’re armed with the knowledge to prevent mold after flooding, keep in mind that you might need the help of professionals to ensure a safe process of cleaning and repair. You don’t have to handle these problems on your own — the experts at RestoPros are here to help. Our knowledgeable pros are experienced in mold remediation, mold testing and water damage restoration. Call us today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!

How to Protect Your AC Unit from Mold

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Mold and mildew can be deeply detrimental to your health and your home. If you, like most homeowners, shudder at the thought of it invading your house, learn how to protect your AC unit from mold by following these expert tips from the team at RestoPros.

1. Use the “Auto” Mode While You’re Away

Especially while you are away during the day or on vacation, keeping your AC unit running can control the humidity levels in your home. Therefore, you should set your unit to the “auto” mode while you are away, rather than turning your AC completely off. Mold tends to grow more commonly on AC units that have been dormant for a period of time.

2. Perform or Schedule Regular Maintenance

Routine maintenance of your HVAC equipment is imperative to keeping everything in good working condition. Especially during the transition between winter and spring, you should have your AC unit professionally serviced. Because AC units are dark and warm on the inside, they can be an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. You can prevent this with good cleaning habits and regular maintenance.

3. Keep it Clean

As previously mentioned, keeping your AC unit clean can drastically reduce the chances of mold growth. Here are some cleaning tasks you can perform on your own between your annual tune-up visits:

  • Clean your exterior condenser/compressor.

    Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove debris from the interior of your condenser/compressor. Then, use the brush attachment on a shop vac to remove outside dirt. Next, clean the fins by spraying them from the inside with a gentle garden hose. You can also use a fin cleaning spray for a deeper clean. Once you have done these tasks, be sure to clean the area around the unit, raking away leaves and trimming overgrowth.

 

  • Clean the evaporator coil on your indoor unit.

    Opening the evaporator coil door on the blower/furnace unit, gently dust the coil with a soft brush. Then, spray the coil with no-rinse coil cleaner and allow it to foam and drip into the drain pan. Next, clean out the drain pan with soapy hot water and a little bit of bleach. Then, pour a cup of 50% bleach and 50% water down the drain.

 

  • Clean your plugged evaporator drain.

    Over time, mold can build up in your evaporator drain. To clean it, find the drain line where it leaves the evaporator coil enclosure. Once you locate the end of this line, use a wet/dry vac to clear the drain.

 

4. Control Moisture

Moisture control within and around your AC unit is essential to mold prevention. Your ducts are the vessel through which all conditioned air travels to reach your home. Therefore, any mold growth in your ducts can threaten your air quality dramatically. To keep your ducts mold-free, you need to keep them moisture-free. You can do this by maintaining your draining channels and regularly checking for and repairing any leaks. If you ever find standing water anywhere in your duct system, you should have your system professionally serviced asap. In the case of window units, you should invest in models with humidity control.

5. Replace Your Air Filters Regularly

Because the blower filters in your HVAC system are the main line of defense between your indoor air and mold spores, changing them regularly is an important step to keep your AC unit mold-free. You should change these filters at least twice a year, but we recommend every 3-4 months for homeowners with pets or who live in a dusty area. Furthermore, we recommend using HEPA filters to remove the greatest volume of pollutants and allergens from your air.

6. Keep Your Home Clean

Although it may seem like the ultimate catch-22, a happy AC unit = clean air, and clean air = a happy AC unit. In other words, in order for your AC unit to stay clean and free of mold-causing dust particles, you should keep your home clean. Regularly dust and vacuum your home to reduce the level of particle buildup within your AC unit.

Call the RestoPros Team!

As experienced mold experts, we have a wealth of solutions to protect your AC unit from mold. If you are looking for professional help with mold intervention or remediation, call RestoPros today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!

How to Prevent Mold Growth

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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!