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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Protect Your Roof From Mold Growth

Your roof protects you from anything. It shelters you from any natural disasters, rainstorms, or scorching heat of summer. But what can you do if the thing that protects your home has been ruined by mold growth? Here are some tips on how to protect your roof from mold growth.

What is Mold?

Mold, outdoors, is a vital microorganism that helps in breaking down dead organic materials like dried leaves or dead trees. However, indoors, is it is very harmful. It is one of the enemies that are difficult to conquer. You cannot beat them unless it shows in front of you. Mold grows in places with a lot of moisture. They can enter through open doors, windows, and vents. Mold starts to grow on a surface within 24 to 48 hours. Thus, it is crucial to act fast when dealing with mold growth inside your home.

Signs That There is Mold Growth on Your Roof

1. Roof damage. Roofs are supposedly made to protect you and your property against elements. But strong wind, rainstorms, and other severe weather can weaken your covering, pulling shingles out of their nails or causing other types of damage. Any of this damage allows mold to enter through your roof and eventually colonize the rest of your home. 

2. Roof leaks. A leaking roof is often a sign of poor insulation or damage to your roof. This condition allows moisture to seep through your roof and gives the perfect conditions for mold to grow inside your home. So, when you are dealing with a leaking roof, it is certain that your home has been infested by mold. 

3. Nasty smell. If you notice a musty odor in your home, it is an indication that there is mold present in your home, even if it is not visible. 

4. Visible mold. Some mold is hard to identify as it has manifested as dirt or stain. But, they may appear in many different colors, including gray, green, white, brown, and black. If you see visible mold in your home, you may be in a very difficult situation. Check your attic because it might be your roof that you have to blame.

1. Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are common when you get exposed to mold. When you feel an itchy throat or possible health risks, there is a possibility that the mold has spread throughout your home.

How  to Protect Your Roof From Mold Growth

• Check Your Drainage System 

A clogged drainage system may cause mold growth because of the water that stays in the pipe coming from the rainstorm. Clear any debris or dirt in the system to make sure that the flow of the drainage is in good condition and will not go through your foundation.

• Regularly Maintain Your Roof

One of the most important ways to prevent your roof from possible mold growth is to have it maintained. Make sure to check and repair it regularly to prevent mold from growing and damaging your roof.

• Get Rid of Standing Water

Look for standing water, as sometimes it often causes mold growth on top of the roof. If you find any pooling water on your roof, it means that your drainage system is not working. It usually happens if you have a flat style roof.

• Install a Humidifier

Since the mold can travel, there is a possibility that it can risk your health. Installing humidifiers is one of the best options if you want to prevent mold growth on your roof Mold thrives in warm and moist environments, like in your attic. Dehumidifiers can remove the excess moisture from the air and prevent the mold from staying in the area.

• Regularly Inspect Your Roof 

Schedule a regular roof inspection to identify if there is a possible problem such as mold growth, weakening of materials, and even leaks. It is a good idea to check the temperature of your roof regularly to know how to assess the damage properly.

• Secure your Roof

Securing every corner of your roof is one of the best ways to prevent mold from entering your roof. If the water passes through the edges, it may develop moisture and possible mold growth. In some cases, unsecured roof edges may result in severe damage, like the parts of the roof may come off due to natural disaster. 

• Check the Ceiling

Make sure to inspect the ceiling area to identify if there is any water damage that can cause mold growth. Through this, you can prevent leaks and standing water on your roof.

• Ensure Working HVAC System

Prevent mold growth in your room by making sure that your HVAC system is in good condition. If mold happens to infest under your room, there is a possibility that your HVAC system is contaminated with mold spores and that it is spreading throughout your home. Have your HVAC system cleaned and inspected regularly. It may prevent mold from growing inside your air ducts.

• Trim Trees

One of the best options to prevent it from infesting your roof is to clean the area around your home. Sometimes, tree branches, leaves, and dirt may result in mold growth. Make sure to trim tree branches, clean debris, and upgrade shingles.

Contact A Professional Mold Removal Company

With proper roof maintenance, you can prevent mold from growing on your roof and penetrating inside your property. But, in case, mold has started invading your home, contact a mold removal company like Superior Restoration. 

Superior Restoration offers mold remediation and removal services to businesses and residential properties. We have trained and skilled technicians who can completely remove mold from your property. Call us today.

Common Signs of Water Damage

Detecting water damage can be a difficult task as often water damage losses don’t become evident right away. In fact, most of them exist over a prolonged period before being identified and restored. By that time, the underlying problem causing the water damage becomes severe and managing it becomes extremely difficult. For avoiding any such situation and ensuring that you contact the water restoration company before the problem turns bigger, you must get acquainted with the preliminary warning signs. The section below would introduce you to the most common indicators of water damage. 

Sound- If you think that all the signs of water damage are meant to be seen, you are wrong. There are some signs that can be heard. If you are hearing sounds of dripping water, rushing water, or creaking floorboards, it seems that your home might have already become a victim of water damage. It’s true that such sounds might also occur in spite of having a healthy plumbing system; however, still, you must get your home checked for water damage if you hear the sounds constantly. 

Smell- You must also keep your nose alert for detecting moisture or water damage in your home. Dampness boasts a distinct odor; it might resemble the pungent smell we usually associate with mold. So, when checking your home for water damage, you should look for smell besides other obvious indicators. 

Puddles- If there’s a leak in your home’s plumbing system or if something in the system is dripping, you might soon see pools of water develop along the problematic area. Whenever you find any unusual puddle, do monitor it and find out whether it returns after being cleaned up. A puddle that comes back even after being cleaned up might be a sign of a seepage or leak. 

Mold- Mold typically occurs only when there’s water damage. You might not need to hire a water damage restoration service provider if condensation in the bathroom has resulted in mold formation. However, you will have to treat mold as a sign of excessive moisture formation in certain parts of your house and do the needful for getting those affected areas dried as quickly as possible. Getting rid of mold is also necessary for health reasons; that’s because exposure to mold might make you and your family members suffer from allergy, headaches, and nausea. 

Coolness- Are you finding it hard to heat up your home? If yes, treat the problem as a sign of dampness in your walls. Accumulated moisture tends to draw out heat of the walls so that it can get evaporated. This makes the walls and the entire home much colder. 

Discoloration- Here, it must be noted that discoloration can occur due to a number of reasons; so, it’s important to make sure that the discoloration in your home is actually a result of water damage. If the discoloration has been caused by water “streaks” running down along an end of your house, it’s definitely a sign of water damage. In most cases, those streaks occur due to an overfull gutter.