Bathroom Mold Prevention in Fort Worth, TX

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is so common – that even the nicest homes in Fort Worth has it! We know! We’ve seen it! It can hide in closets, behind dishwashers, and under sinks – which is the perfect environment for it to grow. Because mold needs moisture, time, and darkness this makes the bathroom the perfect place for mold to hide and unfortunately, it seems as though mold and bathrooms go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, what can you do to fight against unwanted mold in your bathroom? Try and prevent it all together! Below are some steps to help:

1. Clean your bathroom regularly.
2. Use a squeegee for showers doors/walls – not only will this help with built up water spots, but it’ll also help prevent excess water build up.
3. Fix your leaky faucets and shower heads.
4. Use your fan! Your ventilation fan is there for a reason as it helps cut back on the humidity and excess moisture from your shower. If you don’t have a fan, open a window or invest in a small dehumidifier – like the ones we use here!
5. Make sure your child’s toys are dry and cleaned and inspected regularly. Mold can grow in certain toys if not properly maintained.
6. Keep your shower or tub as clutter-free as possible. Water can collect under bottles and promote mold growth.

If you are experiencing mold in your bathrooms, give us a call today at 817.560.3086!

Mold in Ventilation Systems

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is everywhere. It’s hard to avoid it, if we’re being completely honest. Most mold spores are airborne, floating around and just waiting to land on the spot that has the right combination of humidity, moisture, and darkness for it to grow.

Unfortunately, your HVAC system at both your home and your work place can be the perfect place for mold to grow which is why it’s important to regularly inspect it. Mold in your ventilation systems can be dangerous. It can make your employees or family members sick and you don’t even have to see it.

When you check your HVAC system check for both mold or any condensation that has popped up. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours, so it’s important to get that condensation taken care of as quickly as possible. Make sure to check the insulation around the ducts as well, as that can also grow mold if exposed to moisture. Check the drains and pans to make sure everything is draining properly, as any clogs can use leaks which in turn can sprout mold.

If you do have mold in your ventilation systems, turn them off! You don’t want any more of that stuff spreading around. Call SERVPRO of Lake Worth/Benbrook as soon as possible! We are available to help 24/7. 817.560.3086.

The Truth About Black Mold

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

You often hear about toxic black mold in headlines and on tv shows, but what is the truth about black mold, and how scared do you really need to be? Read below to find out the truth about black mold.

Mold can be found nearly everywhere in the world – both indoors and outdoors. It can grow in any warm humid environment, and chances are you have probably already had a run-in with some type of mold and left the encounter unscathed. While it is true that pretty much any mold can release allergens and irritants, do some molds really have the ability to kill us?

The term “Toxic Black Mold” was actually created by the media and gained traction as insurance companies and public officials looking to capitalize on people’s fears. The truth is that not all black mold is toxic, and not all non-black mold is safe. Enough mold of any kind can kind can cause serious side effects, so it is best to get the problem remediated right away regardless of the type or color.

Toxigenic molds produce mycotoxins which have the ability to harm other living things. Despite this fact, some mycotoxins are tremendously useful; you may have even heard of one of the most famous mycotoxins: Penicillin which is produced by the mold Penicillium. Though this mold is technically “toxic,” we encounter it constantly in our everyday lives, and most people (without allergies to penicillin) are completely fine.

So, there you have it. Don’t let big headlines scare you. If you think you have any type of mold growing inside – even if you think it is harmless – it is best to get a professional on-site as soon as possible to determine the best way to treat the problem. Give SERVPRO of Lake Worth/Benbrook for all of your mold remediation needs. 817.560.3086.

Mold? Fungi? Are They All Dangerous?

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

I’ll be honest, whenever I hear the words ‘mold’ or ‘fungus,’ I think about the scene in Ghostbusters, where Egon is fixing Janine’s computer. She tells him that she likes to read and how she thinks it’s a fabulous time to spend her spare time, and she also plays racquetball. She proceeds to ask him if he has any hobbies. He looks up from the back of the computer and deadpans “I collect spores, molds, and fungus.”

Aside from Ghostbusters, we actually hear those words thrown around frequently. From articles on Facebook telling you all about the dangers of mold, or a special news report on your local news about it, it can be a little confusing. Are they all dangerous?

There are over 200,000 species of fungus in the world, including over 100,000 types of mold. Yep, mold is a subspecies of fungi! Other species include truffles, yeast, mushrooms and lichen.

We know that molds can be dangerous, even kill us if we come in contact with some species of mold. But there is a lot of fear mongering, especially from the sources listed above. Mold can actually be really helpful to us. When we pull out hamburger buns we forgot to eat last week and they’re moldy and gross and then we say “Look! I’ve been growing Penicillin!” That’s actually true. We use Penicillium to help create the antibiotic Penicillin. Penicillium can grow on bread, cheese, and other foods and has a distinct greenish/blue/white/grey color to it. Blue cheese anyone?

Mushrooms, truffles, and yeast are all fungi that we eat. Did you know that the European white truffle is the most expensive food in the world? One sold for $300,000 in 2012, and just a few shavings on top of your dinner can be hundreds of dollars. They’re expensive because of their rarity. They can only be found in Italy during the months of October, November, and December and they’re sniffed out by specialty trained dogs. Black truffles can also cost quite a bit of money but are more readily available.

We use yeast to help bread rise and to brew beer and we put mushrooms in our steaks, ramen, and on pizzas. There are endless possibilities.

So, the short answer is no! Not all molds or fungi are dangerous, however, we must advise against plucking a random mushroom off the forest floor or going ahead and toasting that piece of bread.

If you suspect mold in your home call SERVPRO of Lake Worth/Benbrook right away! This type of mold can cause respiratory problems and can be incredibly dangerous especially to children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Don’t think just because we can eat some mold on cheese doesn’t mean that all of it is safe.

Call us today at 817.560.3086.  

Mold Prevention

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to mold, it’s better to nip it in the bud before it starts. Mold can cause structural damage to your home, as well as severe health problems. Luckily, there are ways to prevent mold from spreading around your home, below are some helpful tips and tricks to keep it from doing just that.

• Dry wet areas immediately.

Have a water loss? It’s important to dry the structure of your home as quickly as possible. Luckily, SERVPRO of Lake Worth/Benbrook can help with that! If you suffer a water loss, give us a call today!

• Keep an eye on your humidity.

You should keep the humidity inside your home around 30-60 percent, which is what the EPA recommends. You can monitor your humidity levels with a moisture meter that you can get at your local hardware store. If you notice condensation on windows, walls, or pipes dry the surface immediately. Identify the water source to make sure it isn’t a potential water leak and then invest in a dehumidifier for your home. AC units will also help reduce the amount of humidity in your home.

• Regular maintenance.

Regular maintenance of your home is important! Check to see if any pipes are leaking, or windows are leaking. Make sure to check all the supply lines running to your appliances, including your toilet. Inspect your roof. Fix any problem areas you may come across.

• Proper ventilation.

Make sure to turn on your bathroom fan to prevent moisture from growing in your bathroom, and make sure your laundry room is properly ventilated and all vents are venting outside of your home and not into the attic. Check your kitchen as well, as moisture can form when you’re cooking or doing the dishes.

And as always do regular inspections of your home. Check all the dark nooks and crannies like the hot water tank closet and under cupboards. If you do suspect mold, give us a call today at SERVPRO of Lake Worth/Benbrook at 817.560.3086

Mold Tips

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

The very thought of potential mold in your home is scary. Thoughts like ‘what will it do to my family?’ or ‘Is that why I’ve been getting sick so much?’ The very sight of mold is terrifying, and the same thoughts run through your head. If you think you do see mold in your home, do not touch or disturb it in way. Mold that’s touched or disturbed will become airborne and circulate your home, potentially causing a larger infestation and health risks. So, what should, and shouldn’t you do when it comes to mold?

First things first, call SERVPRO of Lake Worth/Benbrook! We will be on our way with our certified mold mitigation specialists. In the meantime, stay out of the area that you suspect has mold growth. If your HVAC or any fans are running, turn those off to make sure to limit the spread of spores – don’t blow air across it either. Don’t spray bleach on the mold either, because it will release those spores and toxins into the air. And don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.

We here at SERVPRO of Lake Worth/Benbrook take your safety seriously, which is why we will be to your location right away to take a look at your mold problem. We are highly trained and certified to handle mold remediation and restoration, and we use specialized techniques and equipment to take care of the problem safely and quickly.

We are here to help 24/7! Give us a call today at 817.560.3086

Bathroom Mold Prevention - Benbrook, TX

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Even the nicest of homes can have a mold problem – and it’s very common! Environments like hot water heater closets and under the bathroom sink can provide the perfect environment for mold to grow. Mold needs both moisture and darkness to thrive, and in some cases spread in as little as 48 hours. Mold can be expensive and time consuming to keep a growth problem under control. The best way to defend your bathroom against unwanted mold is to prevent it all together! These eight steps will help you prevent mold:

1. Try and keep your shower or tub as clutter-free as possible. Water can collect under bottles and promote mold growth.
2. Dry, clean, and inspect your children’s toys as much as possible. Mold can grow in certain toys if not properly maintained.
3. Run the ventilation fan while you’re showering to cut back on the humidity and excess moisture hanging around during and after your shower. It’s a good idea to leave it on for 15 minutes after your shower, too. If you don’t have a ventilation fan, open a window or invest in a dehumidifier.
4. Bathroom rugs and shower curtains are perfect places for mold to grow. Be sure to wash or replace these regularly. You can even purchase shower liners that are mold-resistant!
5. Fix leaky shower heads and faucets.
6. Check everywhere for signs of mold. Some places to check are under the sink, behind the toilets, and even in drawers.
7. Clean your shower regularly.
8. Try and clean up excess water daily, use a squeegee for shower walls/doors or a towel.

If you are noticing mold frequently in your bathrooms, you may have a bigger problem. Call SERVPRO of Lake Worth/Benbrook to do a mold assessment! 817.560.3086