How To Clean Mold On Bathroom Ceiling

While mold is an important part of nature because it helps break down organic matter, indoors, it can be destructive and cause health hazards. They can go everywhere and will most commonly thrive in moist areas like the bathroom ceiling. But, there are also many ways to clean mold, even the mold that grows on your bathroom ceiling. 

Many species of mold can grow in your bathroom. But, the most common one is the black mold (known as Stachybotrys chartarum). Though “black mold” is not linked to any particular health conditions, mold exposure can be dangerous to some people. Very young and very old people can develop illnesses like allergies when they touch or inhale mold spores. People with weakened immune systems are also susceptible to mold-related health problems.

That being said, mold, whether it’s black or white, should be removed or cleaned in any areas of your home, including your bathroom ceiling. 

How To Clean Mold On Bathroom Ceiling

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if mold on your bathroom ceiling is not more than ten square feet wide, you can clean it on your own. Make sure to take extra precautions. However, if mold covers more than ten square feet, the work should be done by a mold removal professional. 

Things You Will Need;

• Household detergent
• Bleach
• Respirator 
• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles
• Spray bottle
• Scrub brush
• Microfiber cloths

Steps To Take Before Cleaning Mold on Your Bathroom Ceiling

1. Wear the proper clothing. You should wear a respirator, long rubber gloves, and safety goggles.

2. Ventilate the area. Open a window to allow fresh air in. But, you should close off the vents to prevent mold spores from spreading in other areas of your home while cleaning mold on the ceiling.

Cleaning Mold From Bathroom Ceiling

Step 1: Wash the area with a mold-killing cleaning solution.

Mix 1 cup of mild detergent with 1 gallon of warm water. Pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the affected area, and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Then, you may use a brush or cloth to scrub off the mold. After doing it, you should rinse it with clean water and allow it to dry completely. 

After cleaning your ceiling with a cleaning solution, use bleach to fully kill off the mold. Mix one-quarter cup bleach with a quart of water. Apply the solution to the affected and let it sit for 20 minutes. Apply another solution and let it dry.

Step 2: Treat the Ceiling

After cleaning mold on your bathroom ceiling, it is important to treat the area. Cleaning alone will not guarantee that you have completely removed the mold spores. Mold can still linger and eventually cause structural damage again. 

To treat your ceiling, mix a solution of borate-based detergent (like Borax) and apply it in the moldy area. Do not rinse it, as Borate is used to prevent mold from growing in the future. 

How To Prevent Bathroom Mold

Cleaning mold and treating the area doesn’t mean you won’t have this problem again. Mold spores are always present and they can grow anywhere there is moisture. Thus, it is crucial to eliminate any source of moisture and control the humidity level of the room.

Once you clean the mold and mildew on your bathroom ceiling, do these steps to prevent or even minimize the chances of mold growth.

• Fix any leaky faucets or pipes. If there are pipes that run through your ceiling, it is important to check them for any signs of damage and repair them immediately.
• Increase ventilation. You may open doors and windows for proper air circulation and to help dry the room. Installing an exhaust fan or ventilation fan and running it during a shower and 30 minutes after a shower can help get rid of moist air.
• Clean your bathroom regularly to prevent mold growth inside your bathroom. 

 

Professional Mold Removal Services

Mold on your bathroom ceiling can cause structural damage and several health issues when not contained and treated properly. Our mold remediation services can help deal with any mold problems.

Superior Restoration is a certified Mold Remediation company. We have a team of highly trained professionals, ready to provide superior mold removal and remediation services.  With over 15 years of experience in the industry, you can trust we will do the job right. Rest assured that our mold experts will get your house back in its healthy condition.

Contact Superior Restoration today for more information. 

How To Restore A Water Damaged Mattress

When water damage hits your home, whether it is due to flooding or a burst pipe, it wouldn’t skip anything. That includes your mattresses. 

A water damaged mattress contaminated by water can be challenging to deal with, not to mention potential mold growth. And, you might be wondering whether you can save it or not. 

In this article, we will share helpful tips on how to restore your water damaged mattress. In some cases, you might be able to save your mattress. However, in other cases, you may need to completely discard it.

First: Inspect The Damage of Your Mattress

When it comes to a water damaged mattress, it is important to act fast. The longer the water or moisture lingers in your mattress, the greater the chances of discarding them. The first thing you have to do is evaluate the damage to your mattress immediately.  

If the mattress has been completely soaked or was submerged in floodwater, then the damage could be so serious that you may not have an option, but to throw it. You can also consider getting a restoration professional to save your mattress. 

A completely wet or contaminated mattress, when not cleaned or dried properly, can be a dangerous breeding ground for mold growth. Mold on a mattress is a big concern because of the health risks associated with the growth of mold. 

 

How to Restore your Water Damaged Mattress

If the mattress is not underwater for some time, you may be able to save and clean it. Whether you hire a professional to save your mattress or do it yourself, make sure to act fast or treat it within 24 hours and ensure that all moisture is completely removed to prevent mold growth. 

1. Remove excess water or moisture

Absorb as much water as possible from your soaked mattress. You can first use dry towels to remove the water. Replace the wet towels with dry ones and repeat the process to properly absorb water. 

To ensure that moisture is fully absorbed from your mattress, rent or buy a wet-dry shop vacuum. Use the vacuum on the entire surface of the mattress to suck up the water from the inside of the bed.

After that, sprinkle baking soda onto the wet mattress to completely cover it. Work the baking soda into the inside of the mattress by scrubbing it with a dry sponge. Baking soda helps absorb moisture and prevent mold growth. Leave the baking soda on the mattress for a few hours. Then, remove it by vacuuming. 

If the mattress is really wet, use cat litter, instead of baking soda, to absorb more moisture. Sprinkle it over the mattress, push it into the surface, allow it to do its magic for a few hours, and vacuum it up. 

Repeat the process of baking soda or cat litter until you feel that you’ve removed as much moisture as possible. 

2. Clean the Mattress

Even after sprinkling baking soda and using a shop vac, mold and mildew may still grow on your mattress. To ensure that it is completely clean and mold won’t appear, use an alcohol solution to clean your mattress.

Make a cleaning solution with a mixture of 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and a cup of water. Use a clean cloth, wring it out and wipe the entire surface of the mattress. The alcohol can help prevent mold from growing in your mattress. 

3. Dry the water damaged mattress completely in the sun

A great way to make sure that your mattress is dry and sanitized is to dry it in the sun.  If the weather permits, dry the mattress outside in the sun. 

Position the mattress standing on its side, supported by small blocks, or leaning against a wall for proper air circulation. You can also use a dehumidifier and fans inside to help finish the drying process. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before using it. 

Get Professional Help

The basic tips above will surely help you restore the mattress. However, when it comes to water damage, it is always best to leave the job to the professionals because you are taking a big risk doing DIY restoration. 

Water damage restoration companies, like Superior Restoration, have the proper tools and methods to properly clean and dry your water damaged mattress. 

For professional water damage cleanup and restoration services, contact us today. 

How to Prevent Mold in the Closet

 

Closets can also be the perfect breeding ground for mold growth because of their dark and damp condition. They usually release spores that can spread in woods, walls, and worse, in your clothes. If this issue remains unsolved, it will bring trouble to your household. This article will help you prevent mold in your closet and understand the causes of closet mold infestation.

Common Causes of Mold in Closets

Mold grows in the closet for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of mold in the closet.

Humidity

Humidity is one of the most common reasons why mold likes to grow in the closet. Mold grows quickly inside because closets are usually poorly ventilated. Trapped or excess moisture can allow mold to spread in your home. It is a common problem in the summer because high humidity allows mildew to develop quickly and give you nightmares.

Previous Water Damage

If you still can't figure out where the mold in your closet came from, it may be the result of past water damage in your home. Furthermore, water leaks behind walls or in the attic can lead to mold formation, which can then spread into your closets. If you find stains or patches growing on your walls and ceiling, it might be an indicator of mold growth. 

Wet Clothes

Damp clothes stored in your wardrobe can also cause mold infestation. When the mold in your closet absorbs the moisture from your damp clothing, it grows and produces a musty odor. Fabrics like clothes are a common breeding ground for mold, and cotton provides nutrients to mildew, causing them to expand. If there is mold and mildew in the closet, it may spread to new areas such as the walls, carpets, and other furniture. 

Common Signs of Mold in the Closet

Mold and mildew are also unknown to homeowners. Here are some frequent indications that mold has infested your closet.

Musty odor

Open your closet door and give it a sniff. If you smell musty, it means the mold has begun to grow inside. Furthermore, since there is trapped moisture inside, mold is to blame for the musty odor.

Respiratory and allergic reactions

Exposure to mold and mildew may cause severe respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions. Having persistent headaches, worsening cough and colds, sore throat, and skin irritation indicates that there is mold present in your household. Although, no scientific proof that mold exposure causes illnesses, test yourself first to know if the mold is in the closet. If you feel okay outside, but the allergic reactions worsen whenever you are near the closet, it means that mildew is inside.

How to Prevent Mold in the Closet

If you don't want to deal with closet mold, here are some ways to keep it from growing.

• Keep the closet dry and well ventilated. Allow closet door open to let the fresh air inside and have proper air circulation.
• Utilize an air purifier to eliminate the odor.
• Make sure that clothes are clean and dry before putting them inside the closets.
• Always separate the dirty clothes from the clean clothes.
• Never put the hamper near the closet, as the mold spores will grow more because of the dirt from the fabric.
• Make sure to not store stuff on the closet floor to ensure proper airflow. 
• Never keep clothing inside a plastic tub. Always allow the clothes to circulate air to prevent moisture.
• Put a silica gel inside the closet to absorb moisture and keep the things dry.
• Install a low-wattage light bulb inside the wardrobe to help you see what's inside more clearly, and the warmth from the bulb will aid out the dryness of the cabinet. 
• Maintain the closets and the environment's cleanliness by cleaning the shelves at least once a month.
• Keep control of the humidity inside by installing an air conditioning system to avoid moisture buildup.
• Keep the closet door closed, especially in rooms with high moisture like the bathroom and kitchen.
• Often inspect your home for potential water leaks, as they can lead to mold formation, or employ a water damage restoration company to examine and fix unresolved water damage.
• Sniff test your closet from time to time, and never ignore a musty smell.
• Use plastic-coated wire shelves instead, for better air circulation.
• Hire a mold remediation professional to help you fight the mold inside your closet.

In case you need to remove the closet mold, here are some tips on how to remove them;

1. Prepare the area and make sure to open all the doors and windows to let the fresh air flow inside before dealing with the mold.
2. Remove clothes, furniture, and any other belongings near the affected area.
3. Cover carpets, walls, and flooring with plastic sheets.
4. Make sure to wear protective gear such as protective eyewear, gloves, and face mask.
5. If you want to use a chemical cleaning agent, make a bleaching solution with one part bleach and three parts water and mix in a spray bottle.
6. For a natural cleaning agent, mix vinegar and water or use baking soda.
7. Spray the cleaning solution onto the moldy area and let it soak in for a few minutes.
8. Scrub the mold away using a stiff brush.
9. Rinse the affected area and allow it to dry with a towel.
10. Call for a reputable mold remediation expert like Superior Restore to help with the cleaning. 

Seek Professional

Dealing with mold inside your closet is a nightmare, especially if you don’t have any knowledge about it. Worry no more as we in Superior Restore offer 24/7 emergency mold removal and remediation services, together with well-trained technicians and high-quality equipment to absolutely clear the mold from your home. For professional mold remediation, fire and water damage cleanup, and restoration, call our local office today.

10 Common Causes of Commercial Kitchen Fires

Commercial kitchen fires happen a lot more often than residential fires. Statistics reported an estimated 5,600 restaurant fires occurred each year from 2011 to 2013 in the United States. Though fire is what drives the kitchen, especially for businesses involved in cooking like restaurants, accidental fires can cause great devastation to a business. But, by understanding your risks and the most common causes of commercial fires, you can take ways to prevent such disasters to occur. 

Most Common Causes of Commercial Kitchen Fires

Restaurants are full of potential fire hazards, including equipment and fabrics that can ignite.

1. Cooking equipment

Equipment such as a deep fryer, grill, oven, and stove is one of the most common causes of fires in the kitchen. Defective appliances can also lead to commercial fire damage when a spark begins and could ignite nearby grease or oil buildup and combustible materials.

2. Electrical Wiring

Overloaded circuits, frayed cords, and worn out or faulty wirings can cause a fire. Also, if there is an electrical problem in the kitchen, such as a defective socket or incorrect use of extension cords, a fire may start. Furthermore, overloading the kitchen with appliances can also pose a fire risk. The building's electrical capacity might not be able to accommodate the power consumption, which can result in short circuits, overheating, explosions, and fires.

3. Flammable Liquids

Ingredients for your dishes such as grease, oils, and alcohol are some of the most flammable and combustible items in the kitchen. These items are usually placed in metal containers, which can pose a fire risk if not properly cleaned. Also,  fire involving these items is hard to contain and can cause big fires because of their ability to spread rapidly. 

4. Kitchen Rag and Towels

Most commercial kitchen fires use rags and towels to wipe off grease residue, cooking oil, and mess around the area. Over time, the residue that builds up from grease and oil can ignite when comes into contact with sparks and cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 20 % of kitchen fires have been caused by grease accumulation. Furthemore, when these liquids get trapped in flammable materials like rags and towels, there is a chance for spontaneous combustion.

5. Ductwork and Exhaust Woods

The purpose of an exhaust is to get rid of extra smoke, grease, oils, gas, and odors. When poorly maintained, there’s a possibility that it can turn into a minor fire. When the exhaust wood gets hot, some grease and oils that accumulate can be in danger of igniting a fire. 

6. Poorly Maintained Kitchen Equipment

One of the most significant pieces of equipment in your kitchen is your cooking equipment. Dirty and defective equipment has a residue build-up from greases and oils that can ignite. 

7. Gas Leaks

One of the most devastating causes of commercial kitchen fires is gas leaks. This incident happens when the equipment can no longer support gas flow and leaves flammable gas in the air. 

8. Faulty Heating System

The heating equipment in your office or warehouse, such as furnaces, boilers, and radiators can also pose significant fire hazards.

9. Smoking Materials 

Cigarettes, lighted cigars, and other smoking materials can also start fires in commercial areas when not disposed of properly. That is why it’s not recommended to smoke inside the kitchen, as most kitchen fires could start near the trash cans.

10. Intentional

Arson falls in this category. Intentional fires are responsible for the large percentage of commercial fire damage. This can result in significant fire damage to a company. 

Tips to Prevent Commercial Kitchen Fires

To avoid potential kitchen fires on your businesses. Here are some tips to prevent commercial fires.

1. Clean grease and oil frequently.

2. Never throw water in the grease fire.

3. Keep flammable materials away from the flame.

4. Always clean and wash the rag and towels after use.

5. Make sure to check the wirings, cords, and sockets in the kitchen.

6. Regularly inspect the equipment inside the kitchen.

7. Maintain and clean the electrical and cooking equipment regularly.

8. Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.

9. Install a smoke detector near the kitchen but not inside.

10. Ensure that the smoke alarm and sprinkler system are working.

11. Install an extra fire extinguisher.

12. Never use metal items in the microwave oven.

13. Always clean the ductwork and exhaust woods.

14. Minimize the usage of grease.

15. Never leave cooking unattended.

16. Inform employees about the guidelines of fire safety.

17. Let the employees dress appropriately inside the kitchen.

18. Before using the cooking and electrical equipment, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.

19. Install a remote power shutdown system in case of a sudden fire incident.

20. Properly installed and decreased the ventilation system inside the kitchen.

21. Train employees on the proper way to use fire safety gear and handle kitchen fires.

22. Always maintain a safe environment.

23. Secure the kitchen before closing.

24. Always have an escape plan.

25. In case of a fire incident and need a fire damage clean-up, call a professional for help.

For Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Emergency, Call Professionals.

Building a business is never easy, even if it's a restaurant or a market. Fire can always find ways to destroy your structures. But, without the proper safety guidelines and prevention, possible fire damage might occur. 

If a fire hits your business, call 911, immediately leave the area and hire a restoration company like Superior Restoration for cleanup.

We, at Superior Restoration, offer quality fire damage cleanup and restoration services. We have highly trained technicians with high-quality equipment that can clean and restore your business to its pre-loss condition. We also offer 24/7 emergency fire and water damage services. Call our office today.

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.