90% of homeowners and 75% of commercial building owners in the US have experienced mold problems in their properties. Some knew about it earlier and took the right measures to counter the issue, while others never realized they had a mold infestation. Mold is dangerous as it can cause adverse effects on your health. 

But this is not the only problem it causes; if left untreated, mold can harm your building’s foundation, causing damages worth thousands of dollars. It is important to conduct routine checks on your property so that you can take the required measures as early as possible. If you are wondering whether to go for mold removal or remediation, here is a guide to differentiating the two. 

Mold Removal vs. Remediation

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they don’t have the same meaning. Mold removal involves dealing with or treating mold using methods such as cleaning. It is only applicable to surface mold that can easily be dealt with. However, note that mold is a natural constituent of the environment, and it is impossible to remove it completely. One way or another, mold spores will always find their way to your property. 

Mold spores are typically innocuous until they land on a moist area and become active mold. Mold needs to be removed immediately if it is growing within your home. Unless the contaminated area is extremely small, a straightforward mold removal procedure will never be sufficient to address mold issues.

On the other hand, remediation describes all the procedures necessary to eliminate dangerous mold. Depending on the type and location, it could comprise mold testing, dismantling, disinfecting, containment, and mold treatment. Instead of making the misleading claim that all mold has been removed from your house, a reputable restoration firm would offer treatment to lower the level of mold there to a safe level. Most companies use the term mold removal because many people are familiar with it. The right term to use in all circumstances is mold remediation. 

Mold Remediation Process

The mold remediation process is not a straightforward path. The steps can be readjusted depending on the location of the mold and how far it has spread.

Inspection

It is important to conduct routine assessments on your property to determine whether mold has spread. Most individuals never know what to look for and might miss some obvious signs of mold infestation. This is where a mold remediation company comes in. The inspection helps restoration companies determine the treatment approach to take.

Containment

It is always advised to leave mold remediation to professionals because mold spores spread easily. Once professionals have identified the infested areas, they use a mold containment barrier to prevent spores from spreading to other rooms.

Cleaning

Mold cleaning can take different approaches, depending on the location. Porous and non-porous surfaces are cleaned differently. It is important to note this because it can lead to the further spread of mold after the remediation process. Porous surfaces ought to be dried properly.

Disposal

If the mold has infested porous surfaces and caused unsalvageable damage, disposal of the material is usually unavoidable. Porous surfaces often hide mold spores deep within, making them difficult to clean.

Sanitization

Usually, objects with mold infestations are removed, and all impacted items are thoroughly cleaned. Deodorization and stench eradication using fogging machinery is also part of this.

Prevention

It might be impossible to keep out mold from your premises, but some preventative measures can help keep the levels low. The restoration company should suggest different ways you can prevent mold growth. Keeping surfaces dry and ensuring proper aeration are the main ones.

The post Key Differences between Black Mold Removal and Remediation first appeared on Florida Mold Removal Pros.

When you enter your basement, what is the first thing that hits your nose? If it is a musty smell, you probably have a mold situation in your home. Mold can thrive anywhere in your home, from the attic to the kitchen, but the basement provides even better survival conditions, especially if you have drywall or paneling. Some basements experience mold problems because they were built with substandard walls for below-grade construction, while others because of plumbing issues. Whatever the cause of your mold problems, you can take measures to prevent its growth.

Make Your Basement Mold-Free

According to experts, mold is a natural constituent of the environment that is difficult to eliminate completely. However, this is not an excuse to ignore the mold situation in your basement. While it may be impossible to eliminate, you can reduce and prevent its growth by taking the necessary measures.

Addressing External Mold Causes

Observe the direction in which the rainwater streams after hitting your roof. Rainwater will almost certainly enter your basement if the ground around your house is steeper than it is or at least at a comparable level. If that is the case with your home, you need to consult your contractor to devise a solution.

Even when it doesn’t hit the ground, rain can still cause issues. Your home’s windows can also be a concern. Examine your frames and window wells for indications of faulty insulation or possible accumulation concerns. To guarantee appropriate water flow, remember to clean the gutter as well. Make sure that every downspout extends far from the house, particularly if the grading is subpar. By doing this, you will be certain the rainwater runs off your house rather than into it.

Addressing Internal Mold Causes

Professional mold remediation services are important if mold is discovered and covers a large area. The best defense is to reduce the risk of mold growth by controlling your internal moisture issues. If all the external dampness causes are corrected, focus on the humidity level, as it is the main indoor source of mold. Improper air movement is the primary issue contributing to humidity in the basement. Hardly are windows left open, preventing the flow of fresh air. Consequently, installing air ventilation systems is essential, and if you don’t often open the windows, you need to start doing so. As long as the weather permits, leave your window ajar, but if this does not help, install dehumidifiers in the basement.

Your basement could also be moldy because of leaking pipes. Get a certified plumber to check the situation of your pipes and, if possible, insulate them to prevent more leaks. You will only succeed in mold prevention if you deal with the root causes.

The post Leading Causes of Mold Growth Behind Drywall first appeared on Florida Mold Removal Pros.

It is unfortunate that we cannot totally get rid of mold from our homes because it exists as a natural constituent of the environment. Mold can be deadly in large amounts, and as a homeowner, letting it grow freely in your house shouldn’t be the case. Most homes have experienced a mold invasion and have probably not dealt with it accordingly. 

Sometimes homeowners are unaware of its presence, and other times, they ignore it. If you suspect mold presence in your residence, there are several measures you can take, but first, you will need to test the air quality to determine the level of damage. You can purchase a testing kit from Lowes, Home Depot, Menards or hire a local mold remediation company to conduct an air quality test. Testing for mold in your home is crucial for several reasons.

Ensures Your Indoor Air Quality Is Good

The indoor air quality in your home rapidly deteriorates once mold in your residence gets airborne. This implies that mold spores will be all over the place, and if inhaled, they can have severe effects on the respiratory organs such as the lungs. 

A specialist in mold treatment can check the quality of your indoor air to look for mold spores. He can also do a thorough mold assessment to check your house for indications of mold invasion. If he discovers mold in your home, he will do expert mold screening, especially black mold diagnostics, to determine whether you are in danger of exposure to hazardous mold.

No-Risk of Structural Damage

If your homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover mold damage, you risk losing thousands of dollars from restoring your home. Humid and warm environments are ideal for the growth of mold. This implies that mold may develop in parts of your residence that are not immediately apparent, such as behind wallpaper or drywall, in floorboards or roofing tiles, or beneath plumbing fixtures. 

Issues with your house’s wooden construction, soundproofing, and electrical cables might result from water damage and mold invasion. Mold treatment will lessen or stop major structural deterioration after a mold assessment.

You Will Evade Severe Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Black mold illnesses specifically can be fatal, making mold ailments serious. You are more likely to have harmful mold contact symptoms if you or anybody in your family has an autoimmune condition or is already sick. Mold allergy symptoms might be as little as sneezing, skin irritation, and cold-like symptoms. 

Severe respiratory issues, infections, troubles from asthma, recurrent migraines and weariness, potentially fatal neurological issues, and toxic mold syndrome are just a few of the symptoms of black mold. The only way to keep your family from suffering these symptoms is by ensuring the house is free of mold spores. 

Hidden Mold Detection

When probing concealed mold issues, it may be challenging and prudent to exercise caution around suspected mold growth locations. For instance, if mold develops on the paper’s backside, removing the wallpaper may cause a large discharge of spores. If you think you could have a concealed mold issue, think about hiring a qualified expert.

It is discouraged to handle mold without personal protective equipment; therefore, if you discover mold in your home, the best way to handle it is to call an expert. Mold exposure, even for short periods, can be dangerous.

The post Why Getting a Test for Mold in Your Home Is Important for Safe Remediation first appeared on Florida Mold Removal Pros.

While mold grows best in warm temperatures, this does not always imply that it will only flourish in the warmer months and die in the cold season. The temperature significantly affects how mold develops, but this is not a weather issue. Mold can flourish all year if the conditions are favorable. The fungi M will grow as long as there is moisture and a small amount of warmth, however negligible. Mold is unpleasant to the senses, unappealing, and hazardous to your health. Acknowledging the precise locations to check year-round during various seasons can assist you in removing the risk of Mold before a disaster befalls your home.

Facts About Mold and Temperature

Mold requires water and oxygen and an appropriate food supply, and a suitable temperature to develop. Mold spores can hibernate for as long as it takes for conditions to change to favor their growth, even in the absence of ideal conditions.

In most instances, mold cannot thrive when temperatures fall below 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why numerous refrigerator thermal settings are set to 39%. Mold thrives in temperatures ranging from 770 to 860 degrees Fahrenheit, especially whenever the climate is hot and wet. To effectively eliminate mold spores, the temperature should rise above 1000 degrees Fahrenheit or fall below freezing.

Like all living things, mold requires a suitable food source to thrive and will sprout on substances or in areas where organic material can be broken down. This complicates mold removal because mold can consume various things in the home, including animal dander, dust, dead skin cells, and other tiny particles. It also requires water and oxygen, but not in large quantities. Mold can be found in places with poor air circulation and is often discovered in basements and attics due to these conditions.

Winter and Mold

Mold can prosper in the coldest months if there is a lot of food, a suitable temperature, and moisture. The fungus comes in various forms, and based on the current species, it may be perfectly adapted for low-temperature growth. While most fungi have minimal requirements, these pleasant conditions frequently correspond to the average residential temperatures throughout the year. If your thermostat is set between 60- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit, you are creating an environment in which mold can thrive.

Mold is found in residential areas because most regions in the United States do not experience temperatures below freezing during the winter. Furthermore, the spores will remain dormant until you warm your home or the warmer months arrive. As a result, the temperature would be insufficient to combat the mold infestation in your home. In addition, you must determine the source of the Mold, clean it up, and take precautions.

Do not presume that since it is winter, you can loosen up and ignore the mold problem in your home. If you are unsure, you can always call a professional company trained in mold detection and removal. Handling mold treatment without professional expertise can result in additional disasters and should be avoided.

The post Does Temperature Impact Mold Growth first appeared on Florida Mold Removal Pros.

Black molds thrive where water accumulates or dampness exists and can cause serious health issues from respiratory damage to pneumonia in cases where an individual has pre-existing medical conditions. If you notice that there’s a mold invasion in your home, you must invest in a mold testing kit to be in a position to determine what type of molds you have.

Before an expert comes in to help in the removal, there are short-term remedies you can do to help you eradicate the mold. Read on to discover easy and natural ways to remove molds in your home.

Tea Tree Oil Solution

Tea tree oil not only gets rid of spiders but also molds. The solution is a natural fungicide that can act as a cleaning agent. It has the power to limit mold spores from coming back. Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water, increasing the ratio depending on the surface area of the moldy area.

Put the mixture on a spray bottle, then spray on the affected area. Use a damp towel if you don’t have a spray bottle. After spraying the mixture, leave it to dry for an hour. Wipe the area with microfiber clothing. It’s imperative that you use gloves during this process since the mixture can irritate the skin.

Grapefood Seed Extract

The extracts are great for healthcare remedies and as a cleaning agent. It has polyphenols components called limonoids and naringenin that are excellent for killing bacteria in clothes and spills on carpets that can foster mold growth – making them excellent for disinfecting and sterilizing spaces.

When used to fight molds, the acid penetrates growth and limits mold spores from reoccurring. Mix 10 drops of extract with one cup of water (for every cup of water you use). Use a spray bottle to get the mixture saturated into a moldy area. Let the mixture get soaked in the molds for 10-60 minutes. Afterward, you can wipe the remaining residue.

Baking Soda

Talk about a safe product that you can leave around your kids and pets, and the first thing that comes to mind is baking soda. It is an effective product that can prevent molds and absorb mildew odors. Mix baking soda and water in a 50/50 ratio until you form a paste. The paste will remove lighter molds and prevent future mold invasions.

Once you’ve applied it to the moldy area, you can use a small brush to scrape the mold away. You’ll then mix two tablespoons of baking soda and two cups of water. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and give it a good old shake. Spray the contents on the spray bottle to the scraped area, and leave it dry into a protective layer that prevents future invasions.

Final Thoughts!

Even though there are many natural and easy ways to eradicate molds like the ones mentioned above, it is always important to get assistance from professional cleaning and restoration experts. They are better positioned to ensure the molds are kept at bay forever.

The post Do It Yourself Black Mold Cleaning Tips first appeared on Florida Mold Removal Pros.

You don’t need anyone to tell you how horrible your home looks with mold on the walls, roof, or tiles. Although there are different types of molds with different colors, most of the time, you will notice a discoloration if your home has mold. Keeping your home free from mold is essential, but you have to be careful. Rather than using toxic products, you can use natural remedies to safeguard your health and environment.

Using Essential Oils

Aromatherapy has become a social norm thanks to essential oils. However, these non-toxic compounds are not only suitable for removing foul odor, but they are also perfect for mold removal. Although expensive, tea tree oil is a great way to treat mold naturally.  The essential oil is a proven insect repellent, antibacterial, and odor neutralizer. Tea tree oil is an excellent fungicide that rapidly removes mold and, unlike toxic products such as bleach, stops mold spores from returning.

To treat mold using tea tree oil, mix about 5ml of the essential oil, then add 200ml of water in a spray bottle. Powerfully shake to mix the liquids. Directly spray the mix on the affected area, then leave it on for an hour before wiping with a dry towel. Ensure to wear protective clothing like gloves for your hands.

Treating Mold with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a readily available ingredient that can perform numerous tasks in your home, from removing foul odors in the refrigerator to keeping your house mold-free. One significant perk of baking soda is that it kills the mold while absorbing the moisture under the surface where the mold is. Additionally, baking soda is non-toxic hence cannot harm your family or pets.

Shake a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda into a water spray bottle until it dissolves. Spray the affected area with the solution, then exfoliate the surface to eliminate the mold. Rinse the surface using clean water to clear any residues. Finally, re-spray the surface and allow it to dry without scrubbing or wiping to eliminate any residual mold and mitigate its growth. If you are dealing with stubborn mold, combine the baking soda with white vinegar and stir until a thick paste is formed. Smear the paste to the affected area, then leave to dry. Scrub off the mold, then wipe down with water.

White Vinegar Remedy

Other than making delicious salads, white vinegar is used to clean, deodorize, and disinfect. When dealing with porous surfaces, white vinegar can help eliminate 82% of mold species, even black mold. Since white vinegar is only 20% acidic, mixing it with water is ineffectual. Hence, when using it to treat mold, use a concentrated solution.

Hydrogen Peroxide 

Although most people don’t know, hydrogen peroxide is a common fungicidal, antiviral, and antibacterial quick fix that is also an efficient mold remedy. It is safe to use on a variety of surfaces, including kitchen equipment and countertops, bathroom fixtures, and tubs. When mixing, use only 3% of the solution as too much can cause discoloration and damage.

Florida Mold Removal Pros helps residents throughout the state clean and remove black mold from commercial and residential properties.

The post Easy and Natural Ways for Removing Mold from Your Home first appeared on Florida Mold Removal Pros.

Discovering mold in your house or commercial space can be frightening and aggravating. Being a type of fungus that can cause health complications to those with and without pre-existing breathing problems, it is normal to feel alarmed after discovering these micro substances in your premises. 

The attic is probably the less visited place in our houses and, like basements, are prone to mold infestation due to lack of proper ventilation and moisture accumulation over time. While most people do not care much about their attic, it is important to check for mold because these substances are highly dangerous thoroughly. This might contaminate the air you breathe in your home or business building, leading to a ton of complications.

How to Spot Attic Mold

In most cases, attic mold usually forms black spots, which is proven to be very toxic. Poor ventilation, leaking roofs and pipes are the common causes of black mold in attics. Therefore, it is not a good move to exterminate such mold or any other on your own because the toxicity might negatively affect your health.

If you spot black spots in your attic, contact a professional remediation contractor to assist with the cleanup. We have professionals trained for the specific job and a vast number of equipment that safely clear mold. Additionally, if leaking pipes or roofs caused the initial problem, we will fix it so no more mold can grow in your attic.

How Florida Mold Professionals  Remove Attic Mold

Once we get a call from you, we always respond immediately. Our team of professionals will arrive at your doorstep with the necessary equipment to help detect and clear the mold. First, we will conduct an air quality test, but we skip this step if the molds are visible. However, other rooms in your house must also be tested to determine if the mold has spread to other areas as well. 

Regardless of the type of mold in your attic, we will use the same methods to clear them. Eliminating the mold quickly and timely is vital, therefore proper equipment must be engaged in the process. This also helps to prevent the accidental transfer of mold to other rooms.

To remove the mold appropriately, our team will use two main methods. The first is to blast the mold off using media blasting equipment that uses Soda and dry ice blasting. Alternatively, we can grind or use a mold removal catalyst. The latter is only applicable where attic mold is not spread over a vast area. 

Improper Methods of Removing Mold

As mentioned, mold can cause serious health effects on people living in a certain home if not removed as soon as possible. Therefore, when contacting companies to help eliminate the problem, ask them the methods they use because some methods will only add rather than get rid of the problem. Some companies with ineffective expertise will attempt to paint over the mold. This is not a method of eliminating mold. In fact, they will spread even further and become more toxic. With time, the mold will grow over the paint or sealant and be visible again.

Other companies use fogging as a method of removing mold. Unlike plants, the fungus has spores that release toxins even when dead. When exposed to moisture, these spores reproduce, giving rise to more mold in your attic. A HEPA vacuum needs to be used and the products disposed of properly to remove spores from your attic. 

At Restoration Companies, however, we only use the most effective methods to ensure these deadly substances don’t cause more trouble in your home or business premises.

Attic Mold Removal Procedure

Attic mold is comprehensive and should be handled with the most care. Our procedure is quite simple but thorough, ensuring effectiveness and efficiency.

• Inspection

It is crucial to inspect your attic to determine whether there is mold and how far it has spread. This lets our experts know what they are dealing with and what equipment they will require during the removal process. This is where we use moisture meters and air testing equipment.

• Determining the source

If mold is detected in your attic, we take measures to identify the cause of mold growth. This is also important because it will prevent future mold growth, save you costs, and keep you safe. Attic mold usually grows because of poor ventilation and leaking roofs. 

• Containing the area

This helps to keep mold from the rest of your house. We do this by sealing the attic using special machines.

• Blasting

Once the area is safely contained, the next step is to media blast to remove the mold. Media blasting is the most effective way of removing attic mold as it gets even the tiniest molds and spores. 

• Vacuuming

As mentioned, vacuuming helps remove the spores and other dirt around the area. 

• Removing the insulation and ventilation installation

Here, we remove the covers we had installed to prevent the spread to other house parts. Additionally, we replace your old ventilation or repair it if need be.

The post What Is the Best Method for Removing Mold in Your Attic? first appeared on Florida Mold Removal Pros.

Structural damage is the most common circumstance that water damage causes. When a homeowner doesn’t know about the water damage in their home, or chooses to neglect it, it leads to the weakening of the constructive materials of the home. Exposure to water for an extended period of time can cause wood to rot, and even sheetrock and flooring can become completely useless. Say that you had a plumbing mishap and water began leaking everywhere; that water can severely impair the structural integrity of the surrounding materials unless it is taken care of quickly and correctly. This can become a safety issue for the people living in your home, and that is why water damage is so time sensitive.

In addition to greatly weakening the structural integrity of building materials, water damage can lead to contamination and mold growth; which causes a wide array of even more problems that the homeowner will have to deal with. Damp, dark and humid areas of the home are conducive to mold growth. There are many different types of mold that can grow within the structure of a home, and will further weaken the materials on which it feeds off of. Mold is not only an unpleasant sight, but it can cause an unpleasant musty odor and health issues if it isn’t completely remediated by the professionals. It is crucial to call in mold removal specialists in the event of mold, as it will most likely just come back if it was not removed correctly.

Standing water and water damage both promote the growth and breeding of bacteria, mold, microorganisms, and viruses in the home that can impact your health. Inhaling any type of toxins present in the water can lead to serious health conditions such as lung disease, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. If the water damage isn’t cleaned up correctly, it can leave these dangerous bacteria behind and can completely invade your living space. There are three different categories of water damage, including clear water, grey water, and black water. Clear water can be easily cleaned up and is not swarming with viruses and bacteria. This is usually caused by a burst pipe in the home. Grey water is the second category and requires more extensive cleanup. This can be caused by storm water or water entering the home by means of a flood. The third category, black water, is completely unsanitary and should ALWAYS be taken care of by the professionals. This water is usually caused by a sewage backup, and includes many contaminants that can be very harmful to your health.

Overall, water damage is a time sensitive issue and can cause a wide array of issues if it is not cleaned up quickly, efficiently, and professionally. Drying out the property after sustaining water damage is the best way to prevent mold growth and weakening of your homes structure.

The post The Importance of Cleaning up Water Damage After It Occurs first appeared on Florida Mold Removal Pros.

Here are the top twelve tips to help you prevent any type of indoor mold problems in homes, condominiums, apartments, and other structures.

1) Keep the humidity in your home less than 60 percent throughout the whole year. Having adequate ventilation and air movement through use of air conditioning dehumidifiers will be the best defense against mold growth in your home. Indoor mold grows very easily when the humidity in your home is above 70 percent. Also, you should minimize the presence of indoor plants, which also raise the chance of mold growth and increase the level of indoor humidity due to the need for frequent watering.

The biggest causes of mold in homes for Florida residents are roof leaks, plumbing issues, humidity, internal air conditioning condensation, dust accumulation, and ground water coming up through cracks in the concrete flooring.

2) You can keep the levels of humidity low in your home by (a) not using a humidifier to increase the level of humidity, (b) never hanging wet clothing or linens indoors, (c) not taking a shower or bath without turning on the exhaust fan or opening a window to expel the humid air outdoors.

3) You should use a digital hygrometer to check the humidity levels in all rooms of your residence, business, or rental property. Record the percentage of humidity present in all rooms, and also record the dates in a log book.

4) If you have any, clean the window air conditioners, the central air conditioning equipment and ducts, air purifiers, and dehumidifiers about every three months to get rid of any accumulated dust or dirt or mold growth. This dust and debris makes perfect food for the mold to feed off of, therefore producing even more mold spores. Air conditioners enable mold to grow through the internal condensation of water, and they also blow the mold spores around and into your living spaces.

5) Install HEPA filters in your HVAC duct registers, the return air registers, and the fresh air supply intake to capture and remove any airborne mold spores from the airflow. You can also use a portable HEPA air filter cleaner to remove any airborne mold spores.

6) Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner to clean the carpeting, rugs, and mop the tile floors daily to remove any deposited or landed mold spores and dirt or dust. You can also use borax laundry detergent or boric acid powder in warm water to wash down all walls, floors, kitchen, and bathroom cabinets and surfaces, as well as furniture and appliances at least once a month for the same reason.

7) Perform a mold test on the outward air flow from the air coming in from the windows, air conditioning unit, heating and ventilation, and the HVAC duct registers of each room once a year.

8) Use your nose to detect mold. If you smell a musty or moldy odor, chances are there is mold growing whether it is visible or not. Some places that mold likes to hide includes ducts, walls, ceilings, attics, or the crawl space.

9) Inspect your roof, attic, siding, ceilings, walls, floors, rugs (both sides), wooden furniture, and behind the furniture on a regular basis for water leaks, water stains, water damage, or mold growth. If there is mold growing, it will cause visible discoloration of the wood and other building materials. Mold can be many different colors: blue, green, white, yellow, brown, or even pink.

10) Inspect the inside of the attic, crawl space, basement, garage, or exterior siding on a regular basis for water stains, mold growth, or any type of water damage. These areas have a high level of humidity and water intrusion problems that can lead to mold growth. Mold will then begin to grow in an upward, downward, or sidewise direction; this will then impact the adjoining floors, ceilings, and walls.

11) Check your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry rooms (anywhere that may have plumbing appliances) regularly for water damage, leaks, or mold growth.

12) Monitor the health of the residents or employees. Are any of your family members or employees feeling sick? Are they experiencing a chronic cough, sneezing, headaches, difficulty remembering things, skin rashes, or breathing disorders? These are all symptoms that can be associated with mold growth.

If someone is suffering with these health problems, your residence or business should be inspected for mold.

The post Mold Prevention in Florida – The 12 Step Process first appeared on Florida Mold Removal Pros.

Chimneys

The reason why mold can grow there is because water can get into the crevices of the brick, along with other debris. If your chimney cap is rusted and snow and water get in there, mold can grow. To get rid of it, you’ll first want to replace the rusted caps and fix the flashing. Then, call a chimney sweep service to give your chimney a good and thorough cleaning. When you do this annually it can help protect your chimney against mold and other debris.

Refrigerator Drip Pans

Mold can grow here easily because it is rarely noticed, and collects a lot of moisture which is the perfect environment for mold to grow. Each year you should make it a point to clean your drip pan. Spray it with a hydrogen peroxide solution, and then wipe it down with a rag soaked in white vinegar. You’ll also want to clean the floor beneath the drip pan as well.

Front Loading Washing Machines

This is an unexpected place for mold to grow, but this can occur because the washing machines often stays wet due to the fact that the door is closed when it is not in use. If you add lint to the mix, the mold will only multiply. To get rid of the mold, wipe out the gasket and glass before you shut the door. If you do spot mold, run a hot water wash with some chlorine bleach (no clothes included) which should kill the fungus.

Window Seals

It is actually a common spot for mold to grow, as the condensation, dust, and dirt supply everything that mold needs to grow and thrive. After it rains, open your windows and wipe the moisture from the bottom of the sashes and window sills. If the seals between the panes begin to fail, repair or replace them so that you can prevent condensation. The best defense against mold is regularly cleaning windows.

Dishes

Mold can grow on dishes when you stack a lot of them that are still wet and cruddy. Especially if you don’t use these dishes everyday! Run any moldy dishes through the dishwasher and wipe out cabinets with a vinegar soaked rag. Also, make sure to always completely dry your dishes before you store them.

Air Conditioner

Air conditioning units are known to trap dust and pollen, as well as grab moisture from the air. If you don’t run your AC at least every 24 hours in warmer weather, the humidity level will climb and mold may grow in the AC ducts and drain pans. If you find mold in your AC unit, you will have to hire a mold remediation company to clean out the system. If the mold does show up in your system, you should remove the front plate, clean the blower with a HEPA filter vacuum, then flush out the coils and clean the drain pan with a solution of bleach and water.

The post 6 Surprising Places Mold Can Grow in the Home first appeared on Florida Mold Removal Pros.