mold – Better HouseKeeper

Can You Tell The Difference Between Mold and Rust?

Better Housekeeper — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 15:09:18 +0000

Do you have a mold or rust problem? Can’t tell the difference between the two? Here are some tips to help you identify the two!

Many homeowners are certain they know the answer to this question. Mold grows on the walls near water, while rust is red and grows on metal. While this is a good guess, it does not always turn out to be true. For example, did you know that mold can be red in color and grow on metal as well?

Identifying the problem is extremely important because it will determine the type of product you use to clean the stains. Moreover, cleaning mold without protective gear could be bad for your health. This is why you should turn to mold removal experts to make sure the problem is gone for good, not just on the surface. Experts will also be able to determine whether you’re dealing with rust or mold.

Read on to find out how to determine which one of these pests have invaded your home.

Mold or Rust?

Mold or mildew usually grows in damp areas like basements and bathrooms. As soon as you notice a stain that resembles mold you should take action to prevent the mold from spreading. However, you should not use the same chemicals to clean rust and mold because it will not be as effective. That’s why the first step is to identify the problem.

Identify, Prevent and Remove Rust

When iron or any other metal containing iron like steel corrodes it produces rust. It is often red, yellow or reddish brown in color. It often forms in damp areas or as a result of water touching the metal, for example, if you’re dealing with leaky pipes or water damage due to flooding. It is usually found on water pipes and faucets, metal roofs, oil tanks and other areas.

You can prevent rust by making sure that the metal is not exposed to water or humidity. To do this, you can use a protective coating to shield the metal surfaces. You should also inspect your plumbing to find any leaks before they cause the pipes to corrode.

Removing rust can be a bit difficult. You need to use the right cleaning products depending on how rusted the surface is. You can use household products like vinegar or baking soda to get rid of light rust, while severe rust will require a stronger product. Make sure to follow the instructions found on the label of these products to avoid further damage.

Identify, Prevent and Remove Mold

There are tons of easy ways to get rid of mold and keep it out of your home but you first have to identify what kind of mold it is. There are many different types of mold, which is why it comes in many different colors ranging from black to white, green and even red, resembling rust. Since mold can also grow on metallic surfaces, identifying which one you are dealing with is essential. Mold also comes in different textures, which can also help you identify it.

Mold can grow as a result of a flooding or water damage or grow overtime in damp areas. What’s important is to look for signs of mold as soon as possible and get rid of it quickly. It can take over your home’s decorating, clothing, and belongings in no time. Otherwise, from the result of flood damage, an mold infestation can spread and get extremely difficult to get rid of, forcing you to hire a professional company to remove it.

Mold Can be Dangerous

What makes mold particularly dangerous is that it can be harmful to people struggling with asthma, allergies or a weak immune system. This is why it’s also important to wear protective gear while removing the mold.

You can use special products to remove the mold, as household items are not that effective, especially if the infestation has spread. In most cases, the mold is impossible to remove from porous surfaces like drywall or insulation, which is why you might need to replace them. If the mold appears again after you’ve removed it, you might have a serious infestation that only an expert can successfully eradicate.

Bathroom Cleaning: How to Remove Mold From Caulk the Easy Way!

Better Housekeeper — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 16:56:42 +0000

Is the caulk in your bathroom looking grimy and moldy? Remove that mold and get it back to pristine white with this easy method!

Keeping every inch of your bathroom glistening and clean is a tough job, and we can relate! If you’ve noticed the caulk around your sink or in your shower is looking dingy, there’s an easy way to fix it to make it look good as new! Keep reading for the easy solution!

What You Will Need:

– Warm Water

– A bucket

– Dish Soap

– Soft bristle brush

– Sponge

– Bleach

Step #1:

The first step is to remove the surface mold. Fill your bucket with warm water and add a dash of dish soap. Apply the soapy water to the mold using the sponge and scrub away the mold.

Step #2:

Rinse the soap away using clean water.

Step #3:

Add undiluted bleach to the caulk to kill any mold spores that are left. The bleach will also help whiten the caulk. Allow the bleach to sit on the caulk for about 15 minutes.

Step #4:

Gently scrub the caulk with the bristle brush. Rinse the bleach away with clean water when finished.

Photos: Sash Co, Element of Style Blog, BHG, This Old House.

You’ve Been Cleaning Your Bathroom Wrong All Along – Check out these Common Mistakes

Better Housekeeper — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 10:06:20 +0000

Who knew there was a specific way to clean your bath? You’ve been making these mistakes for years and haven’t even realized it.

Cleaning your bathroom is definitely not a fun, nor easy task to do. Who likes scrubbing the toilet and cleaning out hairs from the drainage? Every time we look to get the job done as fast as possible, but end up doing more bad than good. We’ve rounded up some of the most common mistakes you are probably already guilty of doing right now.

1. Using One Product for Everything

Don’t think a spray of Windex is all you need to clean your bathroom – every area needs it only specific product fit for the job. Glass cleaner may make thinks look shiny and pretty, but deep down it’s really not doing much. Use a tub-and-tile spray like Mr. Clean to deep clean germs and dirt, and save the Windex for your mirrors and windows.

2. Putting Back a Wet Toilet Brush

After cleaning your toilet with the toilet brush, putting a soaking brush back into the holder is just asking for trouble. A breeding ground of germs and bacteria forms and is definitely not something you want to have in your home. Instead, place the brush across the toilet seat and allow all the water to drip down into the bowl and dry completely before putting it back.

3. Only Cleaning Obviously Dirty Parts

Even if some parts of your bathroom already look clean, there is no reason you shouldn’t freshen them up. Germs and bacteria can’t be seen so it’s important to get at every corner like your bathroom wall tiles, and not to mention that dirty grout! If dirty, discolored grout is a big culprit in your bathroom, consider installing PVC bathroom cladding. These bathroom panels are cheap to install, and will save you a lot of pain cleaning in the long run.

4. Not Turning on the Fan

Keeping the fan running is one of the best ways to cut out the formation of mold and bacteria from growing in your bathroom. Before getting into the shower, turn it on and then leave it running for about 20 minutes after your are done. This way it will suck out the moisture and keep your bathroom nice and dry. You can also just open up the window and create a draft to dry up your space.

5. Keeping the Shower Curtain Open

An open bunched up shower curtain is a culprit for attracting mildew and mold. After showering make sure to pull the curtain closed so it can dry easier. If you noticed a cloudy build up on your curtain, toss it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with some towels and a little bit of bleach.

6. Skimping on Cleaning Little Details

The tiniest details in your bathroom can be the dirtiest like doorknobs, drawer pulls, and not to mention the toilet handle! Make sure to thoroughly disinfect and wipe down everything to make sure you aren’t spreading even more germs around your bath.