Mold Removal Companies Help Clean Up Damaged Everett Bathrooms

8/9/2024 (Permalink)

Controlled demolition is not a FIY project for mold remediation. Call SERVPRO to salvage your Everett bathroom.

SERVPRO® Is Your Mold Remediation Company

Certain areas of your Everett home are more susceptible to moisture damage and subsequent mold than others. The bathroom contends with steam and possible water spills, leaks, and drips from its plentiful fixtures. SERVPRO cleanup and remediation solutions provide an efficient path to remove mold, as DIY approaches often do not resolve the threat entirely.

When Professional Help Is Recommended

While it might always be advisable to seek the experience of mold removal companies for Everett homes suffering damage, many still choose to be the first line of defense against rising threats in their households. Knowing when the situation is out of your control or could become worse without professional assistance is a vital piece of information. Some of the conditions that could influence this decision include:

• Sizable Damaged Area—The EPA suggests that remediation specialists should be consulted for any damaged area greater than ten square feet.
• Recurring Issues – Have you cleaned off mold damage more than once on the surface of your bathroom walls or fixtures? SERVPRO professionals provide long-term mold damage solutions and complete remediation services.
• Hidden Mold – Mold damage rarely solely exists on that outermost surface layer, which you can see when the moisture is widespread. Hidden mold can be a substantial threat that allows these colonies to continue to spread and weaken structural elements in inaccessible areas.
• Reconstruction Needs – Another reason to lean on our knowledge and experience is when you know that reconstruction and repairs are necessary.

SERVPRO Has the Expertise to Help

One call can solve the full spectrum of your home's remediation needs. Our fast responders mitigate loss, protect damaged contents, clean mold-damaged components of your bathroom, and help you create long-term solutions through better ventilation, mold-inhibiting materials, or better plumbing.

Are you experiencing mold in your home's bathroom? If so, contact SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313. 

Help for Mold Remediation in Everett

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Everett is here to help with your mold remediation needs. We're Faster to any size disaster™.

Professional Mold Remediation in Everett by SERVPRO®

Everett, WA, is a vibrant city with a rich history and numerous monuments, landmarks, and historical sites. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Everett Theatre, a beautifully restored performing arts venue from 1901. The city also boasts the Historic Everett Public Library, a magnificent architectural gem constructed in 1934. The city is also home to the Naval Station Everett, a prominent military installation, symbolizing its connection to the sea. Additionally, the Everett Waterfront features the Everett Marina, providing picturesque views of boats and stunning sunsets. Everett's blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes it a perfect destination for tourists nationwide.  

With their expertise in the field, SERVPRO techs help residents and businesses with mold remediation in Everett. Whether preserving historical buildings or restoring modern structures, SERVPRO's mold specialists ensure thorough and effective mold removal. 

Professional Mold Removal by SERVPRO Techs

Everett offers a vibrant city life with a diverse economy and housing options. The city provides a bustling urban atmosphere while maintaining a sense of community. The housing market in Everett caters to various needs, with options ranging from modern apartments to charming historic homes. Mold damage is a common problem in these buildings, especially the old ones, and needs to be handled professionally to limit the extent of the damage. 

SERVPRO techs use a systematic approach to identify, contain, remove, and prevent mold growth. Here are the fundamental techniques we use during the mold restoration of your home-

• Inspection and Assessment: SERVPRO techs conduct a thorough inspection to identify the extent of mold growth and assess the underlying causes.
• Containment: Containing the affected area is crucial to prevent the spread of mold spores. Techs use physical barriers and negative air pressure systems to ensure containment.
• Air Filtration: Techs deploy High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration devices to capture airborne mold spores and improve air quality during remediation.
• Mold Removal: Different methods like scrubbing, dry ice blasting, and antimicrobial treatments remove mold from surfaces and materials.

Call SERVPRO of Everett / Lake Stevens / Monroe at (360) 243-8313 for prompt service. 

Eight Things You Need to Know About Mold

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

How much do you really know about mold?

Mold can be found almost anywhere within your home, but how much do you know about mold? The EPA has gathered these “Need to Know” facts about mold.

1. There isn’t an effective way to eliminate all mold and spores in your home. The way you can control indoor mold growth is by controlling moisture in your home.
2. Fix sources of water problems or leaks to help prevent mold growth.
3. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
   1. Ventilating bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating areas
   2. Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
   3. Increasing air flow in your home
   4. Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
4. Clean and dry damp or wet surfaces and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
5. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
6. Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces like windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors by adding insulation.
7. In areas where there is continual moisture, such as bathrooms, do not install carpeting.
8. Mold spores can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance if moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

For more facts about mold, check out the EPA’s mold page or our blog.

If you do have problems with mold, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can help. We can find and fix sources of moisture that may have contributed to the mold problem and mitigate any mold damage. Call us at 360-243-8313 today.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.gov/mold)

Reduce Your Risk of Mold By Repairing Leaky Appliances

9/29/2018 (Permalink)

Leaky appliances in your home can lead to extensive water damage and even mold growth if not taken care of quickly.

Leaky appliances in your home can lead to extensive water damage and even mold growth if not taken care of quickly. If the conditions are right, it only takes 24-48 hours for mold to start growing. By keeping an eye on your appliances, you can help catch leaks early and reduce the risk of mold growth.

Follow these tips to help reduce the risk of leaky appliances and pipes in your home and reduce your risk of mold growth.

• Regularly check your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, water heater, sinks and toilets for signs of leaks.
• Routinely check for leaky pipes, appliance hoses and faucets.
• If you see signs of leaks, such as condensation or water collecting anywhere, dry it quickly and find the source of the leak and fix it.
• Fix plumbing problems immediately.
• Monitor your utility bills each month. An unusually high water bill can be a sign of an unseen leak.

By keeping an eye out for leaks from appliances and other water sources in your home, you can catch leaks early and reduce the risk of water damage and mold growth. If you do encounter mold growth or other water damage, give us a call at 360-243-8313. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Dos and Don'ts After Mold

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion.

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation. Give us a call at 360-243-8313 to start the Mold Mitigation Process.

4 Tips for Spotting Mold in a Potential Home Buy

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

It’s important to be able to identify potential mold growth before buying a new home.

Mold spores can exist just about anywhere inside or out. Unfortunately, that means it’s easy to develop a mold growth problem wherever moisture and a food source are present.

It’s important to be able to identify potential mold growth before buying a new home. Follow these four tips to help identify possible mold risks in a new home.

Tip 1: Use Your Nose

Of course, some mold is hidden from view. Fortunately, your sense of smell can help point you in the right direction. If you notice a strange odor in the home, particularly if the smell is stronger in certain areas of the home, this may indicate there is mold.

Mold has a musty, distinct odor. The smell could also be described as stale, wet, and earthy. Use your nose as the first sign that there may be mold in the home.

Tip 2: Look Around

While touring a potential home buy, it’s important to keep an eye out for potential mold growth. Mold tends to accumulate in moist, dark areas, so be sure to take a look in these areas. Common places you should check include:

• Window sills
• Beneath counters and under sinks
• Bathtub grout
• Inside toilets
• Attics and crawlspaces

There are other visual indicators of possible mold, even if you don’t see the mold itself. Look out for water stains on ceilings or walls. Look for leaking pipes and faucets as well.

Tip 3: Ask Questions

Be sure to ask the current homeowners about past water damage and flooding. Also look into whether the home is in a flood zone. If there has been water damage in the past, pay extra attention to whether there is mold currently present in the home. Also inquire about how they remediated past water damage. Also ask as if water damage has been reoccurring or not. This can be a sign of future water and mold problems.

Tip 4: Have the Home Inspected

Home inspectors are trained to spot water damage and signs of mold in a home. Look to see if any signs of mold were noted in the inspection report. Also see if they provide any kind of mold guarantee.

If after buying a new home you find mold, give SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe a call. We can start the mold remediation process immediately and fix any other water damage the structure may have. Give us a call today at 360-243-8313. 

Our Mold Mitigation and Remediation Process

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a typical mold removal process.

1. Call SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe at 360-243-8313. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

2. Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water, which can be hidden from plain view.

3. Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

4. Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. Our technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

5. Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents & Belongings

We then clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe understands mold and mold growth and has the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. If you see mold, give us a call at 360-243-8313. 

Deodorization – Getting Rid of Unpleasant Odors

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Our training, specialty cleaning products, techniques and equipment help us to treat your unwanted odors.

Life is full of unpleasant smells. Odors from smoke, pets, decomposition or mold can cause lingering odors in your home or business. A simple surface clean doesn’t necessarily get rid of these smells.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe provides specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by smoke, mold or other sources. Our professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Once the source is found, we use SERVPRO’s own proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more.

Along with our proprietary line of cleaning products we use various techniques and equipment to treat odors. These techniques are capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly. Some of the tools we use include:

Ozone Generator: The Ozone Generator (shown above) is one of the quickest ways to eliminate odors from a home or office. We use the Ozone Generator to oxidize odor and eliminate odors from mold, mildew, pets, nicotine, smoke and more without the use of chemicals. Though the room being treated cannot be occupied while in use, the generator works quickly to clean, sanitize and remove offensive odors.

Hydroxyl Generator: The Hydroxyl Generator has several benefits that the Ozone Generator does not. The main benefit is that the room being treated can be occupied during the deodorization process; though it does work slower. The Hydroxyl Generator can be used to treat fire and smoke, as well as biohazard jobs, water damage, crime scene situations and animal odors.

Air Filtration Device: This piece of equipment, also known as an air scrubber, is used to remove airborne contaminants during water, fire, smoke, mold and sewage restoration work. These work by pulling air through HEPA filtration to remove airborne particles from the air. This helps clean the air and remove odors.

Whether you are a building manager who needs an apartment cleaned for the next tenant or homeowner who wants to get your home ready for sale, getting rid of offensive odors is a high priority.

Whether it’s fire, water, or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, SERVPRO of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at 360-243-8313.

8 Ways to Help Prevent Mold Growth in Your Kitchen

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

Kitchens can contain spoiling food, water splashes, and crumbs, which can create an ideal environment for mold growth.

Cooking and eating both require a lot of food and moisture, which makes your kitchen a top-notch room for mold growth. Food spoils, water splashes, and crumbs can get everywhere. Implement the following 8 tips to prevent mold from growing in your kitchen.

1. Keep surfaces dry: Mold loves moisture, so it’s important to keep kitchen surfaces dry. Immediately wipe up spills on the floor, countertops, or table. Rinse and wipe out the sink after doing dishes. Make sure your dishes and cutlery are dry before putting them into cabinets.
2. Take out the trash: Leftover food, packaging, and other garbage makes your trash can a perfect place for mold to grow. Make sure to take out your kitchen garbage bin regularly to prevent mold growth.
3. Use the exhaust fans: Humid environments are ideal for mold. When you cook on your stove, moisture can flood the air and condensate around the area. To cut down on humidity, use the exhaust fans when you use the stovetop.
4. Clean the fridge: Old, spoiled food containers are one of the most common places to find mold in a kitchen. Clean out your fridge once a week to prevent food from spoiling and growing mold.
5. Watch your fruit and potatoes: It doesn’t take long for fruit or potatoes to start growing mold, so it’s important to examine all fruit and potatoes on a daily basis, especially if you don’t keep them in the refrigerator.
6. Clear the garbage disposal: Food can gather out of site within your garbage disposal. Even if your sink drains well, you should clean the disposal regularly. Remember to run it daily to clear out the debris. You should also pour vinegar down it weekly.
7. Wash your cutting boards: Food particles and moisture can settle into your cutting boards, which gives mold everything it needs to grow. Use vinegar to wash your cutting boards at least once a week.
8. Sweep and mop regularly: It’s easy for crumbs and other food particles to build up on your floor over just a few days. Sweep the floor every day, and mop it weekly.

If you find (or suspect you have) mold in your kitchen or any other room of your home, don’t hesitate to give SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe a call.

Our technicians have the experience, knowledge, and training necessary to restore your home through our mold remediation process. We inspect your home to discover the full extent of the mold growth, work to contain the problem, and clean your home and belongings. Call us today at 360-243-8313 to start the mold remediation process.

Using Your 3 Senses to Find Mold in Your Home

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

It’s important to be able to identify potential mold growth in your home; luckily, three of your senses can help you find the common signs of mold.

Mold spores can exist just about anywhere inside or out. Unfortunately, that means it’s easy to develop a mold growth problem wherever moisture and a food source are present. However, there are many things you can do to control mold growth in your home.

It’s important to be able to identify potential mold growth in your home; luckily, three of your senses—sight, smell, and touch—can help you find some of the more common signs of mold.

Sight

The most obvious indication you have mold is seeing the mold itself. Mold tends to accumulate in moist, dark areas. Common places you might see mold include:

• Window sills
• Spoiled food
• Beneath counters
• Bathtub grout
• Inside toilet
• Shower curtains
• Attics and crawlspaces

Unfortunately, if the mold growth amount is small, many people assume it’s something else like dirt. If the mold is an unexpected color, some homeowners ignore it as well. Mold can come in a variety of colors like:

• White
• Green
• Black
• Yellow
• Gray-brown
• Pink
• Orange
• Purple

Pink, orange, and purple molds are less common, but they can show up behind wallpaper.

There are other visual indicators of possible mold, even if you don’t see the mold itself. Watch for water stains on your ceilings or walls. Look for leaking pipes and faucets as well.

Smell

Of course, some mold is hidden from view. Fortunately, your sense of smell can help point you in the right direction. If you notice a strange odor in your home, particularly if the smell is stronger in certain areas of your home, this may indicate you have mold.

Mold has a musty, distinct odor. The smell could also be described as stale, wet, and earthy. Moldy food may give off a more rotten smell.

Touch

Your sense of touch can help you identify mold risks. As mentioned before, mold flourishes in damp environments.

Pay attention to wet spots on your carpet. If your carpet feels soggy, do a little detective work and find out if anyone has spilled liquid in the area recently. If not, or if the spot consistently remains wet, you may have a leak, which can lead to mold.

Watch any wet, or warped, spots you feel on your walls as well, as they can also be a sign of water damage and mold.

Essentially, any time a surface in your home feels consistently wet without an immediate explanation, you might have a leak somewhere. Unfortunately, damp surfaces with food sources are perfect for growing mold.

Black Mold

Perhaps the most infamous of all mold is black mold. It’s important to note that not all mold that is black in color refers to the specific toxigenic variety that people worry about.

Stachybotrys Atra (or Stachybotrys chartarum) is commonly referred to as “black mold”. It has been linked by the Institute of Medicine to respiratory issues, like coughing and wheezing, in otherwise healthy people. It has also been linked with more severe symptoms in people susceptible to specific respiratory conditions.

It is often a dark green-black or gray color, and it may look slimy. It may also seem dry and powdery if it loses its water source. It gives off the typical musty, mildew smell common to other types of mold.

It is very easy to mistake black mold for other types of mold and vice versa. If you find signs of mold in your home, you should call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe to start the identification and remediation process.

We can help you locate both apparent and hidden mold in your home. We can also help find and fix sources of moisture that may have contributed to the mold problem in the first place. Call us at 360-243-8313 today.

Four Tips for Finding and Preventing Roof Leaks

7/3/2017 (Permalink)

If left untreated, leaky roofs can lead to mold, structural damage, and electrical damage throughout your home.

Your roof is one of the largest exposed surfaces of your home, which also makes it one of the most susceptible to leaks. If left untreated, leaky roofs can lead to mold, structural damage, and electrical damage throughout your home.

It’s easy to forget that your roof, like most of your home, needs regular care to stay in top shape. While nothing can guarantee you’ll never have a leaky roof, the following tips can help you identify and prevent leaks.

Watch Your Shingles

The state of your shingles can tell you a lot about the status of your roof. Familiarize yourself with the shingles on your roof so you can notice when something changes. Buckling, curling, or cracked shingles could either cause or be a sign of a leaky roof.

Clear the Debris

It’s easy for debris to build up on your roof, particularly when you have a lot of trees on your property. Leaves and branches pile up and can cause mold and collect water, which can lead to shingle damage. Make sure to regularly clear debris off your roof.

Check the Flashing and Chimney

Both the flashing and chimney are particularly susceptible to leaks. Flashing covers the most vulnerable areas of your roof, so it’s a great place to start your search when looking for leaks.

Because a chimney penetrates the roof, it’s important to pay attention to its condition. Watch for cracks in the chimney crown as well as any damage in the step flashing.

Clean Your Rain Gutters

Leaves, branches, and other natural debris tend to clog up rain gutters over time. As the debris builds up, it creates dams in the gutter. Eventually, water will start to run out of the gutters and onto your home’s roof and walls. The dams can even cause the water to build up on the roof.

Over time, the water can start to leak through and cause mold to grow on the roof. Make sure to clear out your rain gutters regularly to prevent these dams from happening.

Even small leaks can distribute water throughout your home, causing both apparent and hidden damage. However, leaks don’t just cause water damage. Unfortunately, they can also lead to mold growth.

At, SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we have the training and experience to make your home “Like it never even happened.” Our technicians can help locate and fix the leak as well as handle the mold remediation process.

If you think you have a leaky roof, or if you’ve seen signs of mold in your home, give us a call at 360-243-8313.

9 Common Hiding Places for Mold

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

Check your attic frequently to catch small leaks and mold before they become large problems.

Given food, moisture, and a dark space, mold can thrive in a variety of spaces. Unfortunately, that includes spaces that are hidden from your day-to-day view. Here are nine of mold’s favorite household-hiding spots.

Washing Machines

Damp dark places, like detergent chambers, are perfect for mold. Gaskets around doors of front-loading washing machines provide an equally appealing location.

To prevent mold growth, leave both the washing machine door and the detergent chamber open to allow airflow in between loads of laundry.

Behind Wallpaper

Unless you regularly change up the décor of a room, you probably don’t look behind your wallpaper too often. However, especially if it was not sealed properly, it can hide mold for quite some time. If you notice peeling edges, or if your wallpaper is getting old and in a moisture-heavy room, you may want to check for mold.

When applying wallpaper, make sure to remove all air bubbles and to use a high-quality adhesive paste. You may want to skip wallpaper altogether in rooms with a lot of moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.

Chimneys

Chimneys provide lots of crevices where moisture and organic debris can gather, which creates a happy home for mold.

Brick and mortar are already porous, but rusted or insufficient chimney caps are often the biggest culprits when it comes to chimney mold growth. Annual inspections along with well-functioning chimney caps should help to prevent mold.

Refrigerator Drip Pans

When it comes to refrigerator drip pans, out of sight is often out of mind. However, moisture, food spills, and the dark space underneath your refrigerator makes the drip pans a perfect place for mold to grow unnoticed.

Make sure to clean your drip pans at least once annually. Increase the cleanings if you notice mold more frequently.

Kitchenware

Obviously stacks of dirty dishes left in the sink for a long time can cause mold issues, but clean kitchenware can cause issues as well.

After you wash dishes, either the sink or the dishwasher, make sure they are completely dry before placing them in cupboards. Remember—dark, damp environments are perfect for mold growth.

If you are guilty of putting away dishes and silverware before they’re 100% dry, examine your dishes for mildew and check the shelves in your cabinets as well for mold.

If old leftovers leave mold in your plastic storage containers, a quick wash may not be enough to get rid of the mold. Make sure to rinse your containers well before throwing them into the dishwasher. After the load is done, make sure they are clear of mold before putting them away.

Roof and Attic

Unless you make frequent trips to the attic, you probably won’t notice mold growth up there. Attics typically have a lot of dust and not as much airflow. Small leaks in the roof or from pipes can lead to mold problems quickly.

Periodically examine your attic for mold and leaks. Frequent checkups can prevent small problems from escalating.

Underneath Carpet

Carpets collect much of the dirt and grime in your home, which provides perfect food for mold spores if the carpet or carpet pad gets wet. Moisture from concrete floors or crawl spaces can seep into the carpet pad, providing the perfect circumstances. If you have pets that frequently have accidents on your carpet, your chances for mold increase.

Unfortunately, if your carpet smells musty or feels wet, there’s a good chance you already have mold. To help prevent mold growth, regularly vacuum your carpets and get them deep cleaned periodically.

HVAC System

Your HVAC system can easily hide mold and distribute mold spores throughout your home. The air used to cool homes contains a lot of moisture. Over time, this moisture often condenses in duct lining materials. Mold spores feed off the moisture and dust particles. If there are leaks in your ductwork, moisture can also accumulate on the outside of the ducts.

If you smell a musty or mildew odor coming through your vents, your ductwork may have mold inside it.

Inside Your Walls

Leaks from outer walls, broken pipes, and roofs can all provide the moisture needed for mold growth. Because you likely don’t open up your walls very often, mold can easily grow unnoticed for quite some time.

Watch for signs of discoloration on your walls and ceilings as well as any musty odors, as both of these signs can indicate mold.

Our highly trained mold remediation specialists can help locate hard-to-find mold and begin the remediation and restoration process. We understand that mold problems can worsen over time, so we provide you with quick, effective service. We’re available 24/7 to better serve you.

If you find mold in your home, or suspect you have mold you can’t see, call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe at 360-243-8313.

The Chore Schedule: Preventing Mold with Regular Cleaning

3/17/2017 (Permalink)

Do you know how often you should clean everything in our house? Follow this chore schedule to reduce the risk of mold growth in your home.

Mold spores need moisture and food to flourish—but it can survive, dormant, without moisture, for a long time. In the meantime, dirt and grime can build up large reservoirs of food to feed the mold. Regular cleaning removes dust, dirt, grease, grime, and other potential feeding sources for mold.

Of course, you don’t need to deep clean your house every day. Use this basic guide to determine how often you should perform household chores.

Daily

Some molds can start growing on moist surfaces in as little as 48 hours. It’s important to clean wet surfaces often so mold spores won’t have any food. Performing these daily chores helps prevent small messes from becoming larger, stubborn problems.

• Wash all dishes
• Wipe down sinks, counter tops, and stoves
• Clear any clutter
• Collect dirty clothes left on bedroom or bathroom floors
• Hang up bath towels after use
• Wipe up any spills
• Hang up and/or wash wet clothing
• Sweep the kitchen floor
• Take out any full or nearly full trash cans

Twice a Week

The difference between whether a chore should be done weekly or twice a week is often determined by the size of your living space and the number of occupants. Most of these chores can be done weekly if you live alone. If any surface starts to be visibly dirty adjust your cleaning schedule accordingly.

• Vacuum high-traffic areas
• Do the laundry
• Sweep any hard-floor entryways

Weekly

Over the course of a week, even with regular daily chores, dirt, dust, and grime build up throughout your home. Luckily, if done every week, these simple chores can help cut down on potential food sources for mold.

• Vacuum low-traffic areas and rugs
• Scrub toilets (spot-clean as necessary)
• Clean the shower/tub
• Dust surfaces throughout the house
• Throw out expired food in refrigerator/freezer
• Clean sinks and mirrors
• Sweep and mop bathrooms and all hard-floor surfaces
• Wipe down the oven door
• Wash bed sheets and towels

Monthly

As mentioned previously, different households will require different cleaning schedules. Homes with kids, pets, or several occupants will likely need some chores done more regularly than homes with just one or two people.

• Wash the windows
• Wipe the baseboards and doors
• Wash mattress covers
• Wipe down the inside of your refrigerator
• Clean your dishwasher

Seasonally

Even if you stay on top of your daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning, dirt and grime will still build up in some spaces. Help avoid mold growth by tackling some of these less common chores.

• Scrub the oven (do so every 3-6 months)
• Remove all food from your refrigerator and freezer (keep the food in coolers), and thoroughly scrub the inside of the appliances
• Vacuum and flip your mattress
• Wash your blankets/duvets and pillows
• Replace or clean filters
• Wash rugs per the instructions on their tags
• Vacuum window screens
• Move and clean under furniture

Changing seasons often means changing clothes. If you store clothes seasonally, make sure all items of clothing are laundered, dry, and neatly put away. Damp, dirty clothing is an ideal growing place for mold.

Annually

Even with regular care your home will likely suffer some signs of wear and tear that can’t be solved with a daily quick sweep or wipe down. These annual chores will help your home and belongings last longer and can help take out some of mold’s most stubborn food sources.

• Shampoo your carpets/Get them professionally cleaned
• Clean furniture/upholstery
• Soak your shower heads
• Clear and dust your bookshelves and books

Regular cleaning and home maintenance can help deny mold the food it needs. However, mold is tenacious in its efforts to find somewhere to grow. If you find mold in your home, or suspect it is growing in areas you can’t see, call SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe.

We will assess your home and start our mold remediation process. You can trust our training and experience to make your house “Like it never even happened.” Call us anytime, we offer 24/7 emergency service at 360-243-8313.

Nine Tips to Reduce Mold Growth in Your Bathroom

3/3/2017 (Permalink)

Want to prevent mold from growing in your bathroom? Follow these tips to help reduce the risk of mold growing in your bathroom.

Mold loves dark, damp areas, which makes bathrooms an ideal environment for it to grow. Regular showers and baths keep the room moist, and various crevices provide perfect spaces for mold to flourish. However, you can help prevent mold growth in your bathroom with these nine tips.

1. Regularly Wash Your Rugs and Shower Curtain. These items retain water longer than other surfaces in the bathroom, so they are perfect targets for mold. Most rugs and fabric curtains can go in the washing machine, but read their tags for specific instructions. To clean plastic liners, simply soak them in your tub in either a mix of water and all-purpose cleaner or water and bleach for a half an hour. Replace these items as necessary.
2. Turn on the Ventilation Fan. Whenever you bathe or shower, make sure to turn on the bathroom ventilation fan. Keep it on until your bathroom is dry. The bathroom will, weather permitting, dry even faster if you open windows and doors.
3. Air Out the Curtain and Towels. After showering, make sure to extend your shower curtain. If it’s scrunched up, it will take longer to dry, and mold may start to grow in the folds. Hang up your towels and pick up any clothes off the floor so they will dry faster as well.
4. Check for Leaks. Regularly examine all bathroom fixtures. Don’t forget the pipes under the sink. Water from small leaks can provide the perfect breeding ground for mold.
5. Wipe Down Bathroom Surfaces. If you have a glass shower, make sure to squeegee the excess water off the glass panes before you hop out of the shower. Wipe any moisture accumulation off the bathroom walls and flooring as well.
6. Manage Household Humidity Levels. If your house is already humid, it will be more difficult for your bathroom to dry out after a shower. If your house feels humid you can use the AC or a dehumidifier to help.
7. Keep the Clutter Out of the Shower/Tub. Avoid storing toys, shampoo bottles, loofahs, and washcloths in the shower. These items often help retain moisture in the bathroom and all give mold an ideal location to grow and hide. Try storing bottles, washcloths, toys, etc. in wire hanging baskets, in mesh nets, or on hooks that will allow everything to drip dry.
8. Clean the Bathroom Weekly. Mold spores can remain dormant for quite some time while waiting for the right circumstances to grow. It’s important to regularly clean your bathroom even if there are no visible signs of a problem. Scrub your toilets, counters, sinks, tub, and walls. Don’t forget to dust as well. Clear out your drains as needed so water remains in sinks and bathtubs for less time.
9. Seal Grout Lines. If you have tile, it’s important to seal grout lines once a year. This will prevent mold from growing in between your tiles. You can usually use standard grout sealer.

While implementing these tips can help prevent mold growth, mold is persistent and, with the right conditions, can grow almost anywhere. If you find mold on your property, call us so we can start the mold remediation process.

At SERVPRO® of North Everett/ Lake Stevens/ Monroe, we understand mold growth. We have the training and experience necessary to make your home “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 360-243-8313 or request service online.