Mold is everywhere. It’s easy to spot if out in the open; you can smell the mustiness. While it can hide, such as behind walls, it doesn’t stay just on the surface … mold spores travel, and some have severe reactions to any exposure.
Ubiquitous in the natural environment, mold serves a vital role outdoors by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and trees. However, mold growth poses a significant concern where you don’t want mold (indoors). Because of how mold grows, with tiny, invisible spores that drift through outdoor and indoor air, mold finds fertile ground for growth when landing on wet surfaces. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says this about mold: “Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.” Identifying types of molds is a challenge, as they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and more. Professional mold remediators are experts at identification. Mold is not considered a plant. It is considered a fungus, but like a plant, it needs a food source and certain conditions to grow. If you have a dark, warm area and add some moisture to it, along with a food source such as wood products or even dirt, you have the recipe for mold. The challenge with mold, whether avoiding it or removing it, lies in moisture management. The presence of mold in your home necessitates prompt cleanup and removal of any water-related issues. Many experts say drying water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours of the damage occurring is important to prevent mold growth. Health concerns warrant attention. Consulting a health professional before commencing cleanup is advisable, especially if pre-existing health conditions are a concern. While molds are a natural part of the environment, their presence indoors demands proactive measures. Through effective moisture control and timely cleanup, in conjunction with consulting professionals, homeowners can minimize the risks associated with mold growth, ensuring a safer and healthier living environment for everyone in the home. If you ever do have any water intrusion issues and especially with mold concerns, do the right thing. Call your favorite disaster restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 We all need towels, rags, or sponges to clean hard surfaces in our homes. The ubiquitous sponge is a very common one found in virtually all kitchens and most bathrooms. They are used to clean everything, from dishes to countertops to stovetops and more.
And while we tend to toss paper towels into the garbage can, or wash cotton or other cloths when we do the laundry, at times the sponge can be used and reused and weeks—even months—can go by without cleaning the sponge itself. How can you clean and reuse sponges? According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), your microwave or dishwasher is one of the best ways to clean them and kill bacteria simultaneously. They can eliminate nearly 100 percent of bacteria, helping you to maintain proper hygiene practices. For cleaning and disinfecting sponges in the microwave, thoroughly wet the sponge before putting it inside. Do not microwave a dry sponge, that’s a fire hazard. Microwave the wet sponge on high for just one minute. That zaps the bacteria. Take it out, thoroughly wash it with soap and water, and wring it out and you now have a fresh, clean, healthy sponge to use again. Your dishwasher is effective as well, but not as quick. When you wash your dishes, put it on the top rack and let the dishwasher do all the work. It’s pretty simple. Having the drying option activated means it gets that high heat, which will kill bacteria. But there comes a time when you need to make a hard decision. Yes, that sponge has been faithful, but a kind but firm farewell is warranted after so many uses. The USDA recommends replacing sponges every two weeks to minimize the risk of bacteria buildup and even more often if they get a funky odor. Most do not follow this recommendation, but it's an option if your budget for sponges is healthy. Other maintenance tips include wringing them out in hot water after every use and allowing them to dry completely by putting them in a spot that provides fresh air and even sunshine, which is often possible in a kitchen. Keeping your home nice and clean and healthy is important, and besides doing some of the tasks yourself, there is a better way. Call your favorite cleaning company today, especially for those tough project jobs such as tile and grout cleaning, carpet cleaning, and furniture care. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 |
ATTENTION:This is Cody The Carpet Cleaner. Please be aware that I offer a high-end cleaning service. I understand that as a student or renter price is very important, but this is not a "Quicky-Budget" option. I perform a minimum of 7 steps to insure quality results.If your primary goal is quality please give me a call 575-937-4385. Thank You. Archives
September 2024
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