Learn How To Remove Mold From Your Washing Machine

A laundry washer is an essential electronic tool in the home. Family members use it for cleaning and sanitizing their clothes and other fabric items. However, washers are also a big source of mold contamination.

Front-loading washing machines are eco-friendlier and more efficient than top loaders, making them more convenient in laundry rooms. But front-loading washers are prone to mold growth. The waterproof design that hinders leakage from it prevents the leftover moisture inside the unit from escaping. Therefore, front loaders become mold and mildew's perfect breeding ground.

Homeowners don't often see the actual growth of mold. The first sign of mold issue in their washers is a musty smell.

 

How Mold Grows in Your Loading Washer

The front-loading machine's door seal has rubber gaskets. It traps moisture inside and forms a suitable home for unwanted mold. On the other hand, top-loading washers do not close tightly, so air circulation goes well, preventing moisture buildup and mold growth.

Residues from liquid detergent and fabric softener become mold's sources of food. You are mistaken if you think that cold-water washes can kill mold. But with constant maintenance, you can safeguard your washing machine from the invasion of mold spores.
You May Do the Following Steps to Remove Mold from Your Washing Machine

You can use a mold-and-mildew cleaner to eliminate mold from your loading washer. But if you prefer to create your own mold-removal solution, you may choose from the following options below: Combine 

• 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide, then mix with two cups of water. Hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice are great and effective cleaners that prevent mold and hinder its growth.
• Combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, and two cups of water. White vinegar is known as an all-around cleaner. If you do not have hydrogen peroxide in the home, you can use it as an alternative.
• Merge four parts water and 1 part vinegar. Generally, white vinegar and water do the trick if the mold patches in your washer's rubber gasket are small or few.
• Combine four parts of water and 1 part of bleach. You can use bleach if the above-stated natural cleaning solutions do not work well.

Follow these tried-and-true steps:

Step #1: Always remember to protect yourself first before doing a mold-removal task. Put on your rubber gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.

Step #2: Clean the rubber gasket on the door of your washer with your chosen mold-removal mixture. Begin by pouring some into a spray bottle, spray the solution directly onto the mold, then leave it for a couple of minutes. Rub it away with a towel or rag.

Please make sure to clean the whole gasket and even beneath it.

Step #3: Remove the dispensers and clean them properly to clear away all leftover residues that can be food sources for mold.

Step #4: Run the hottest and longest cleaning cycle in your washing machine. Add your preferred mold cleaner (such as a cup of bleach, 1/2 cup of enzymatic cleaner, or a cup of baking soda) straight to the water. This action will get rid of any mold odors and marks from the loading washer's drum and hoses.

If you haven't cleaned your washing machine for a long time, you may need to repeat the above-stated steps more than once. However, if a moldy odor still persists, you may have to seek assistance from your loader's maker (if your unit is still under warranty) or a mold removal expert. Professionals can check your loading washer and eliminate the mold issue for you.

How to Prevent Mold Development in Your Washing Machine

Once your laundry washer is free from mold and mildew, consider doing the following preventative measures:

1. Improve air circulation. Leave the door open after every cycle to let the air move around in your washing machine. Doing so hampers moisture buildup in your unit. If there are little kids or pets in your home, ensure they don't climb inside to avoid unwanted accidents from happening (like getting them trapped).

2. Bring out your wet clothes at once. If you toss a load of laundry in the loading washer, make sure to bring them out as soon as the timer stops. This action inhibits moisture buildup and mold development and keeps your fabric items from getting contaminated with mold.

3. Select an appropriate detergent product and the right amount. To avoid accumulating residues in your loading washer, use high-efficiency (HE) laundry detergent instead of a regular liquid one because an HE detergent doesn't make as many suds as an ordinary liquid detergent product. Powder detergent is highly recommended. Follow the suggested amount for your load sizes.

4. Do not use liquid fabric conditioners as much as possible. Fabric conditioners also leave some residues in the loading washer, which may cause mold growth. As an alternative, use dryer sheets or reusable dryer balls to soften your fabrics.

5. Dry your moist gaskets regularly. Dry the lid, rubber gaskets, drum, and dispensers by wiping them with a clean towel or rag. Do it after each load to hinder the accumulation of moisture that entices mold to live and flourish.

6. Run a white vinegar or bleach cycle. Once a month, run a hot-water cleaning cycle with one cup of bleach or white vinegar in your loading washer. This activity will remove any unwanted growth that may have started.

7. Place a dehumidifier in the laundry room. If the laundry area is highly humid, use a dehumidifier to control the humidity level.

 

Seek Assistance from Water Damage and Mold Remediation Specialists

Indeed, mold issues in the home are annoying, especially if you notice them in your washing machine. If the mold-removal job is difficult for you to handle, delay not to seek help from Superior Restoration's team of trained specialists.

Mold flourishes in moist areas. So we use effective and safe cleaning products to eliminate mold spores thoroughly and mend damaged surfaces.

We are always here to assist you 24/7, particularly in your time of need. Feel free to contact us today to know more about our water damage and mold remediation services.

Black Mold: What You Need To Know

All types of mold species, particularly black mold, cherish moisture and feed on organic material. It creeps anywhere in your home, specifically with water damage. You think you have a healthy home, but if you carefully inspect each area of your house, you will notice some mold patches. Black mold is commonly seen in the basement, kitchen, or bathroom.

 

As soon as you see black mold spots in your home, remove them right away. Black mold exposure causes serious health risks, especially to humans and animals who have a mold allergy or are sensitive to mold. Moreover, it can harm your property if not correctly addressed. That is why medical experts recommend killing all types of mold found indoors. 

 

If the black mold colony is not bigger than 10 square feet, you can get rid of it yourself by following the recommended tips in this article. However, for larger mold problems, it's best to seek help from mold remediation professionals. 

 

What is Black Mold, and How does it Enter Your Home?

 

Black mold (Stachybotrys Chartarum) is greenish-black in color. The mold itself isn't harmful, but the mycotoxins it produces are toxic. When mold spores with mycotoxins are disturbed, they spread out to other areas in your home where you and your family members can breathe them in.

 

Toxic black mold spores typically find their way into your home by sticking to clothes and pet fur and through the windows and doors. Once they are indoors, they settle in wet items, damp areas, or water-damaged sites caused by leaky pipes or floods. 

 

Once you are exposed to this type of mold, you will have adverse health effects. The most common symptoms of black mold poisoning include allergic reactions (chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, rashes), vomiting, chronic fatigue, and persistent headaches. 

 

Those who have a delicate immune system will experience more health problems. Seek medical aid immediately to prevent further health injury. Creating an action plan to eliminate black mold from your home is an excellent choice. 

  

What to Do to Eliminate Toxic Black Mold at Home

 

The first thing you have to do before the black mold removal task is to wear protective equipment such as a dust filter mask, goggles, rubber gloves, and clothing that shields your whole body.

 

1. Completely Dry the Affected Spots in Your Home

 

Remember, mold loves moisture. So if you have not properly remediated the moisture issue, black mold will start growing again. Consider doing the following:

 

• Search for cracks in pipes and leaks in damp spots around tubs or sinks and make repairs. 

• Water may flow into your home through dirty and broken gutters, so make sure to check the condition of your gutters and clean them regularly.  

• To keep your crawl space and basement dry, ensure the ground around your property slopes away.

• Allow the air to circulate freely in your home for more improved ventilation. It keeps the indoor surroundings dry. 

 

2. Close the Room Tightly Where the Black Mold is Expanding

 

Seal off vents and doorways using plastic sheets or tarp and duct tape. This action stops mold spores from spreading in your home when disturbed during the whole process of mold removal. 

 

3. Check the Affected Areas Carefully

 

Search for salvageable items in the affected sites and segregate them from severely mold-infested materials. You should discard terrible moldy items. 

 

4. Remove the Black Mold 

 

Here’s what you need to do:

 

1. Ensure the whole affected area is dried and sealed off. 

 

2. Scrub the affected sites with a detergent solution. For tougher moldy parts, wash and scrub them away multiple times.

 

3. If you tend to choose natural home remedies that are safe for kids and pets, use one of these simple household-solution options:

 

• Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide. It's less corrosive than bleach or ammonia and effectively eliminates black mold in your home. It has the strength to inhibit mold spores from coming back. 

 

Formulate a mixture by combining one teaspoon of tea tree oil and a cup of water into a spray bottle. Then spray the solution on moldy spots and leave it for several minutes. Wipe the mold away using a disposable towel.

 

• Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great removal choice for small mold situations. It's also powerful at absorbing mold and mildew odors. 

 

To form a paste, mix 50% baking soda with 50% water. Apply it to the moldy area and let it dry. Scrub the area thoroughly with a cleaning brush or sponge. Then wipe the excess away using a paper towel.

 

• White-distilled Vinegar

White-distilled vinegar is an inexpensive and uncomplicated solution to eliminating black mold. Also, it is much safer than ammonia or bleach.

 

Pour enough vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the solution generously onto the moldy sites. Then scrub down the mold with a brush. Spray on the affected areas again and wipe them down using a damp towel.

 

•  Grapefruit Seed Extract

The grapefruit seed extract is a non-toxic solution that effectively kills mold. It's also a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. 

 

Formulate a mixture by combining 10 drops of grapefruit extract with 1 cup of water into a spray bottle. Then spray the solution onto the affected sites and leave it for 10 minutes. Wipe any excess away with a disposable towel.

 

5. Right after cleaning, dry the affected spots immediately using dehumidifiers and fans. Also, you can use a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner to vacuum the remaining mold spores.  

 

6. An air purifier with a HEPA filter is also effective for the control and prevention of mold growth. Consider having one or two in your home. 

 

Contact Mold Remediation Experts

 

Seek assistance from an expert if the mold infestation is larger than 10 square feet. Superior Restoration specialists are always ready to help you deal with mold issues. We are available 24/7. 

For water damage and mold remediation services, call us today!

 

Tips to Remove and Prevent Mold From Growing in Your Closet

Mold is an unwanted guest that stays happily anywhere, particularly in homes. And you would never think that your closets are a comfortable place for it to start growing. Indeed, it's not great news for the homeowner to cope with. 

 

Mold growth in closets begins in the right conditions: poor ventilation, dark recesses, organic food sources, and moisture issues. If you have no idea how to eliminate it, mold spores could spread to your precious clothes and cause unexpected damage.

 

You, as the homeowner, can hinder stubborn mold from invading your closets with some deep cleaning, enough air circulation to prevent moisture, and the use of the appropriate chemicals. 

 

What is mold, and where does it come from?

 

Mold is a microorganism that comes in various colors, including black, green, white, gray, yellow, pink, and even purple. Mold generally enters your home through the doors and windows. It can also pass through the air conditioning/heating system. 

 

Once mold spores start generating indoors, they can quickly spread, infest, and damage anything in your home. Worst of all, it can threaten your health. 

 

Mold enjoys occupying dark and moist environments where the air isn't circulating well. So that makes your custom closet one best nest for mold colonies to grow and flourish. 

 

Causes of Mold in Your Closet

 

Some of the common culprits behind mold infestation in your closet, including:

 

• Moldy fabrics

Cotton provides “food” for mold. Also, one nature of fabrics is to absorb and retain moisture. If you have moldy clothes hanging in your closet, mold spores can quickly spread and dwell in various sites such as the walls and carpeting.

 

• Humidity

Mold adores moisture so much. Closets are dark, isolated areas and become conducive to mold growth once humidity accumulates there.

 

• Attic Mold

Roof or ceiling leaks and even high humidity can add dampness to your attic. Mold generates through wallboards and ceiling tiles, migrating and settling in new areas such as closets.

 

• Water Damage

Water damage commonly leads to mold growth and infestation; either the reason is a leaky ceiling or a plumbing problem.

 

So How Do You Know If Your Closet Has Mold?

 

In general, your nose knows. It will let you know if your precious closet has mold because the first sign you will sense is a musty odor.

 

Other signs of mold in your closet are:

 

• Staining. Mold can show itself as black, green, white, yellow, brown, or gray stains or spots on your closet floor and walls.

 

• Bubbling Surfaces or Peeling Paint. Moisture beneath your closet's wall surfaces can make your paint bubble and peel. Remember, mold loves generating in humid sites. 

 

How To Remove Mold in Your Closet

 

You can take the following steps to remove this fungus in your closet:

 

Step 1: Open the windows in the room where the closet is to improve ventilation during the mold removal. You can use fans to help the air circulate in the room.

 

Step 2: Protect your carpet or flooring by laying a tarp or a plastic cover on it.

 

Step 3: Inspect your clothes and other belongings. Separate mold-infested items that you can save from those you need to throw away.

 

Step 4: Place a covering material on your furniture and other belongings or bring them out of the room. 

 

Step 5: Wear protective equipment such as a face mask, rubber gloves, and safety glasses (goggles) to avoid breathing mold in, getting it on your skin or in the eyes. 

 

Step 6: Pour some water into a spray bottle and spray all the moldy areas in your closet to keep mold spores from spreading around the room. 

 

Step 7: Start cleaning and treating the area using either one of the following solution options: 

 

Option #1: Vinegar Solution

 

Create a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% water into a spray bottle. Spray any mold patches you see in your closet. Leave it for about 30 minutes before scrubbing down the affected area with a brush. 

 

Rinse each area with water, let it dry, and spray again using the same mixture. Air-dry everything thoroughly before putting your stuff back into the closet.

 

Option #2: Oxygen Bleach or Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

 

Make a mixture of 50% either oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide with 50% water into a spray bottle. 

 

Spray the solution generously to the infested spots and leave it for 10 minutes before scrubbing the mold away. Then rinse and respray the affected areas and let them air-dry completely.

 

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products. Mixing them will produce poisonous gas.

 

Step 8: Don't let mold invade your closet again by focusing on mold prevention. Ensure humidity is kept as low as possible (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) to hinder mold growth.

 

Remember that the aforementioned DIY solutions do not ensure that you’ve eliminated your mold enemy completely. A mold remediation specialist can remove not only the mold but the source of the moisture as well. You may consider seeking help from them.

 

13 Tips to Prevent mold (and Mildew) from Growing in Your Closet

 

1. Ensure that all your clothes and other items are completely dry before storing them in your closets. Moisture in clothing is the perfect breeding ground for mold. 

2. Do not toss soiled clothes or unclean items back into the closet. Mold feeds on dirt found in fabric fibers and other organic substances. 

3. Avoid packing your clothes or other stuff too tightly in your closets. It traps humidity inside. Proper air circulation between your items is necessary to decrease moisture.

4. Avoid keeping clothes in plastic tubs or any sealed container. It's best to store them in breathable packaging. 

5. Strive to avoid storing items on the closet floor. You don't want moisture to get stuck beneath them.

6. Replace wood or solid shelves with wire shelving to improve air circulation in your closet. 

7. Consider changing your solid closet doors with louvered doors. They improve air circulation and inhibit mold growth.

8. Do not leave your closet doors open if they are in rooms with high humidity. 

9. Install a low-wattage light bulb in closets, but make sure it isn't near your clothes or other flammable items. Leave the light on for several hours or 24/7 if possible. The warmth from the light bulb can help keep the closet dry.

10. Emptying, cleaning, and drying your closets thoroughly should be part of your cleaning routine. Do it regularly to let fresh air circulate inside and decrease mold from growing.

11. Use the air conditioning unit or a dehumidifier to control the humidity in your home. They remove excess moisture from the air. 

12. Silica gel packs absorb moisture, so you can use them to make your closets dry. 

13. Please don't ignore musty smells in your closet. Search out the source until you find it. If you see a moisture problem, fix it or call a professional to help you deal with it. 

 

Contact an Expert

 

Mold can sneak even into your cleanest closets. And removing it on your own means risking your health. Call the experts at Superior Restore to help you deal with it. We are ready to serve you in emergencies 24 hours and 7 days a week. 

 

Contact us for mold remediation services and water damage repair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Causes of Dishwasher Water Damage

 Are you one of the unlucky homeowners who experienced water damage from a dishwasher? In movies, particularly comedy movies, it is one of the most popular scenes ( a kid puts a lot of soap, then the dishwasher explodes with bubbles ) then the viewers have a good laugh at their expense. However, when you are dealing with water leaks from a dishwasher, firsthand, you will probably panic and get stressed out. One of the important things homeowners should know is the common causes of dishwasher water damage. By this, you will know what proactive steps you can take to prevent it from happening.

The Danger of Water Damage From A Dishwasher

Dishwashers are one of the most reliable appliances one can have in a kitchen. But this time-saving, high-tech machine, when faulty, can cause significant damage to the different elements of your kitchen. These include damage to your tiles,  wood, drywall, wallpaper, laminate, paint, and even electrical wiring. 

What Would Cause A Dishwasher Water Damage

Here the common causes of dishwasher water damage;

1. Worn Gaskets

The gasket is the soft rubber or seal that prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher. However, this material can dry out, crack or become brittle over time. Accumulated foods along the edge of the gasket can also keep the door from closing tightly. 

If you notice water leaking out directly from the dishwasher, blame it on your damaged or malfunctioned gaskets. replace the gasket immediately. 

2. Unlevel Dishwasher

When the dishwasher is not level, it can cause water to pool in a certain area, instead of flowing directly to the drain. For instance, water can pool in the gasket that keeps the water inside the machine. The excess pressure can eventually cause damage to this rubber material and result in water leakage. Leveling the dishwasher is easy and can keep you from spending money on repairs. 

To level the dishwasher, you may need to adjust the legs. Check the manuals to determine how you can adjust the legs. You may also check the drain water level to ensure that the machine is accordingly level. 

3. Wrong Dishwashing Detergent

When it comes to dishwashers, it is important to use detergents specifically meant for the machine.  Regular dishwasher soap can foam a lot and may cause water leaks. Excessive suds can push water out of the machine, which eventually leads to leaking and serious water damage.

Avoid using regular soap when rinsing dishes. 

4. Broken Dishwasher Door

If you notice a leak in the door itself, even after closing tightly, it might be the door latched has been bent, damaged, or not holding tightly. Tighten the latch with a screwdriver to securely close the door. If it is damaged, you may need to install new latch systems. 

5. Damaged Tub

If you have had your dishwasher for quite a while or it is used frequently, the dishwasher tub will most likely wear out. A hole might develop in the tub and cause water to leak to your kitchen floor. This damage occurs due to corrosion from detergents and minerals. If the tub is completely damaged, you may need to replace it with a new one. 

Professional Water Damage Restoration Services

Water damage from a dishwasher can happen anytime, but knowing its causes and taking proactive actions can prevent from dealing with this stressful situation. But, if your kitchen or home suffers from dishwasher water damage, contact a professional restoration company immediately.

Superior Restoration is the leading restoration company in Temecula. We offer excellent water damage cleanup and restoration services. We have skilled professionals ready to help you in case of a water damage event. 

Contact us today for water damage restoration services. 

Essential Steps That You Should Take In The Event Of Flood Damage

Most people normally value their homes. However, accidents normally happen when you least expect. Your home can get flooded at any time. This mostly happens to those people who live in areas that are normally affected by storms and so forth. Floods are a common phenomenon in such places. Flood damage happens when water damage occurs from a water intrusion from outside your home structure. If your insurance policy covers flood damage, you can easily get compensated.
You will note that most policies normally exclude flood coverage because they are costly to purchase. Flood waters are normally considered contaminated waters because they can cause damage that is more expensive to fix than just regular water that comes from a kitchen pipe in your house. There are several steps that you should follow in the event of flood damage. These include:

1. Make an insurance claim
This is one of the first steps that you should take after you have experienced flood damage in your home. You should make a claim with your insurance company. You will realize that they will require a general description of the damage to the property. Depending on the level of destruction, your insurance company will get back in touch within a few days.

2. Hire an insurance adjuster to look at the damage.
It is important that an adjuster visits the property to evaluate the issues. He or she will determine if the problems were caused by wind or water. This decision will greatly affect what the agency will cover. If you do not have a flood insurance as part of your policy and the problem was due to water invading your home, you have to fight for your flood restoration damages to be covered.

3. Ensure that you document all the damages.
You should document all the damages caused as a result of flood damage before making any repairs. This can include the destruction of things such as: furniture walls, ceilings and so forth. If water rose significantly, your electrical system may require to be checked. You can also take photographs and videos of any structural destruction as well as any contents that were affected.

4. Take measures to mitigate further problems.
Once you have made an insurance claim, you should make temporary repairs to your home in order to prevent additional issues. If your windows had been broken, you should cover them with plywood. If your roof had been damaged, you can hire a professional to repair it. This can prevent your property from getting damaged. However, you should save the receipts for this work so as to recoup the costs. It is important that you keep the undamaged windows and doors open so that your house can dry out. This can go a long way in preventing the growth of mold.

5. Schedule permanent repairs.
Once everything has been evaluated you should begin to schedule the repair work. In this case, you can get a reputable contractor to help you out.
Flood damage can be detrimental to your home. You should follow the above-mentioned steps in the event of flood damage in your home.

Help! My Home has Suffered Water Damage

One of the most damaging and devastating things any homeowner can experience is water damage. The term ‘water damage’ entails a wide range of possible losses caused by sudden presence of water in your home, where it can lead to destructive processes like rusting of steel, rotting of wooden components, etc. Water damage can be caused due to different reasons such as burst pipes or catastrophic events like storm or flood.
When your home suffers from water damage, you will suddenly panic, worrying about what you can do now and what will happen to your stuff. The most important question you’ll ask yourself is: Will the damage be covered by homeowner’s insurance?
There is no doubt that water damage can be troublesome and the more you know about it, the better you can handle it. Here are some important things you must know about water damage.

1. Insurance Policies 

You may think that whether water damage is caused by flood or a burst pipe, it is the same. However, it is not the case. Flood damage is not covered under standard home insurance policies. If you live in an area where there is a possibility of flood, then you will probably have a policy through the National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP).
You need to specify the claim you are making, whether it is water damage or flood damage, so that it can be addressed accordingly.

2. Bummer! Insurance does not cover all Water Damage 

It is important that you review your insurance coverage and find out about any exclusion related to water damage. Most policies provide insurance coverage on sudden damage, for example, if there was a bad storm then the water damage will be covered under insurance.
However, if water damage is caused due to improper maintenance on your part or gradual leaks over time, then insurance will not cover such claims.

3. Emergency Mitigation 

Once water damage has occurred, you must begin emergency mitigation to protect your home from further damage. How you handle water damage in the first 24 hours is critical for your property damage claims.
There can be serious life, health, and safety risks if water is not completely dried. It is best to contact water damage restoration companies to get the job done. They will have the right water removal and drying equipment to dry out your home and prevent further damage.

4. Contacting the Insurance Company

If your home has suffered water damage, then insurance companies should be contacted right away to make the claim. An adjuster will be sent by the insurance company to assess the damage and determine if it is covered by insurance. If your loss is covered by insurance, the sooner you contact the insurance company, the sooner they’ll pay out.
The insurance company may not send the adjuster right away so it is best to gather evidence for the claim. Take photos of the damage, the water, before, during and after clean up.
God forbid it should ever happen, but if your home ever suffers from water damage, keep these simple things in mind to prevent further damage and make the insurance claim to compensate for your loss.