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 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.