Recent Mold Remediation Posts

Mold Remediation

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

As spring approaches so does the humidity and that creepy mold that shows up. Sometimes it shows up around our windows or even on our walls. Many people wipe the mold down with their average household cleaner, while others do a more thorough job and call the professionals. Which one is the better option and why?

Cleaning up mold yourself isn’t uncommon and yes, it is cheap. In my case in the past it always seemed to come back with a vengeance, and I would find myself doing it all over again. In addition, my home began to smell musty over the years. The reason: the mold spores were spreading into the air at a rate higher than normal every time I wiped them. This caused the spores to spread once they found a new surface. I wasn’t doing myself any favors, I was making the mold worse.

SERVPRO specializes in mold and the containment of spores. They have equipment that can collect those spores in the air and clean the air. Also, the anti-microbial that they use is commercial grade, it is not something you can find at your local hardware store. The techs are certified in mold remediation. Yes, it may cost a little more than the household cleaner but in the long run you are protecting your family’s health and a larger bill by not getting the mold taken care of correctly.

Going to the professionals to take care of a hazardous clean-up all in all seems like the correct decision to make especially when it comes to your family. Do your research, get estimates, and don’t wait! Taking care of that fuzzy little black stuff correctly could be the smartest thing you do for yourself and your family.

Why Should You Test For Mold?

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

There are thousands of reasons to start your search for the best mold restoration company. But if we put things into place, you wouldn’t need more than a few simple reasons to check for mold in your home or office. Remember that you spend most of your lifetime at your home. The second most important space in your life is probably your office.

If you are a business owner, you wouldn’t require changing space every five years. That suggests you need to take care of the areas you belong to. You wouldn’t want your home to deteriorate, and your office to turn into an unattended Our surrounding environment has the most active impact on our well-being. While a toxic surrounding can negatively impact our health and mind, the opposite shall be noticed when the environment is clean and fresh.  Mold concerns your health, Our surrounding environment has the most active impact on our well-being. While a toxic surrounding can negatively impact our health and mind, the opposite shall be noticed when the environment is clean and fresh.  Microscopic mold, comes in various avatars. A scientist can detect a minimum of million species of mold. However, in reality, only a fraction of them have already shown themselves to mankind. It’s fortunate that only the preliminary 1000 mold types are actually harmful to humans and their pets. And guess what? They all flourish under indoor environments.  The most common spaces are the damped areas that are never wiped. It starts with a single cell, and with significant pace, mold starts multiplying until either you remove it, or it deteriorates the beauty of your home. Mold can peel off the wall paint, and even crumble up insulation.  If you live in a region that is prone to heavy downpour, call SERVPRO Of Des Moines NW to help remove mold forming in your home or office.

How Mold Affects You?

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

We use personal protection equipment or commonly known as PPE during mold remediation.

Mold Can Cause Health Effects

Did you know Mold is also known to cause negative health effects. Not all Mold is dangerous as you will see below, however,  Toxic mold or black mold has been linked to more serious or negative health effects.  Air quality tests are one way to detect this type of mold.

There are over 100,000 different types of mold.  Not all types of mold are dangerous.  Some types of mold have medicinal uses.  For example, penicillium is used in the production of penicillin, an antibiotic commonly prescribed to cure strep throat, bronchitis and other forms of infection.

The problem with there being so many species of mold is that differentiating toxic molds from household molds is nearly impossible for an untrained professional. If you discover mold growth in your home, you should call the mold remediation experts at SERVPRO of Des Moines NW at (515) 986-3711.

Tips on How to Prevent Mold

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation Process in a Basement

Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

Tips on How to Prevent Mold

  1. Identify problem areas in your home and correct them
  2. Dry and clean wet areas immediately
  3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation
  4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products
  5. Monitor humidity indoors
  6. Direct water away from your home
  7. Clean or repair roof gutters

Homes in Iowa that have Basement mold are often the result of a source of moisture — leaky foundations or condensation from appliances are typical culprits.  When water damages are ignored and not cleaned/dried properly this also can lead to mold.  One of the first steps in the prevention of basement mold is to ensure that your basement is free of any moisture and is cleaned and dry.

We at SERVPRO of Des Moines NW are here to help.  For all your mold remediation needs call us today at (515) 986-3711

The Benefits of A Mold Remediation

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

As spring approaches so does the humidity and that creepy mold that shows up. Sometimes it shows up around our windows or even on our walls. Many people wipe the mold down with their average household cleaner, while others do a more thorough job and call the professionals. Which one is the better option and why?

Cleaning up mold yourself isn’t uncommon and yes, it is cheap. In my case in the past it always seemed to come back with a vengeance, and I would find myself doing it all over again. In addition, my home began to smell musty over the years. The reason: the mold spores were spreading into the air at a rate higher than normal every time I wiped them. This caused the spores to spread once they found a new surface. I wasn’t doing myself any favors, I was making the mold worse.

SERVPRO specializes in mold and the containment of spores. They have equipment that can collect those spores in the air and clean the air. Also, the anti-microbial that they use is commercial grade, it is not something you can find at your local hardware store. The techs are certified in mold remediation. Yes, it may cost a little more than the household cleaner but in the long run you are protecting your family’s health and a larger bill by not getting the mold taken care of correctly.

Going to the professionals to take care of a hazardous clean-up all in all seems like the correct decision to make especially when it comes to your family. Do your research, get estimates, and don’t wait! Taking care of that fuzzy little black stuff correctly could be the smartest thing you do for yourself and your family.

How to Perfectly Eliminate Mildew Odors from Your Home

4/22/2016 (Permalink)

Mold - Covering the Bases

If your home has been damaged by water, whether it was a busted pipe, a frozen pipe in winter or an act of God, you know how difficult water removal can be. However, once you’re done with the water removal process you may notice mildew odors that really aren’t very pleasant.

While these odors are a natural part of water damage, you obviously want to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Use this guide to help you get rid of mildew odors in your home after water damage has occurred.

    • Dry the Area
      Before you do anything else it’s important to make sure the area where water damage has occurred is dry. To make this happen, your best bet is to leave the windows open if the temperature is moderate and it’s not too moist outside.

      Tip: Using a box fan to blow cool air over the area can also be very helpful. Just make sure that the water doesn’t affect the fan if it’s on the floor!

    • Mask the Smell
      To get rid of the smell, make a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and vanilla. Sprinkle that on the affected area and let it sit.
  • Hire a Professional
    Sometimes water damage can’t be remedied by a homeowner, especially in terms of mold and mildew smells. In some cases, these smells can indicate the presence of hidden molds in the walls and that you could have some serious health problems if you let it fester.

    That’s why you should hire a professional to help with the mildew smell removal process. You can do a lot on your own, but when it comes to your health and the health of your family, a professional is essential.

    Hiring a professional can also help your home retain its value.