Mold Proofing Your Home: Keep Your Drains Clean and Mold Free

Mold Proofing Your Home: Keep Your Drains Clean and Mold Free

While not often thought of as a place that might grow mold, drains in the bathroom or kitchen can indeed grow mold. Soap scum and grime provide a food source for mold and the running water from the tap provides a source of moisture. It is good practice to keep drains clean so as to avoid this possibility all together.

As part of our Mold-Proofing Your Home, Room by Room series, we are pleased to offer you mold-proofing advice on drains!

To clean a drain:

Pour a handful of baking soda into it.
Add a cup of vinegar.
Put the plug in the drain.
Let the vinegar and baking soda work for about 20 minutes.
Run fresh water into the drain.

Drains which do not drain water properly can also contribute to mold growing in bathtubs, showers or basins. Any water that doesn’t drain properly and sits in the drain creates a moisture problem. Any environment like this where water is collected and stands for long periods can easily grow mold. If there is a build up of water in the drain, ie. the water is not drained as fast as you can run the water from the tap, then there is a problem with your drain being clogged.

If you come across a clogged drain, try the above steps and add the use of a small plumbing snake if needed.

Other Tips:

Keep the relative humidity in the bathroom below 55% to prevent mold growth
Wipe down wet surfaces so they dry faster
Regularly clean the bathroom
Clean your drains at least once a month



Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage, Mold Removal Tarpon Springs, Sinkhole, Fire Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial &Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!

Mold Damage Tampa: Top Ten Facts About Mold

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York City Health Department, here are ten top things to know about mold!

1. There are more than 100,000 species of mold. Most types that are routinely found are not hazardous to healthy individuals. But too much exposure or certain types of mold could cause allergic reactions, asthma, rashes, respiratory complaints or other types of mold related illness.

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

3. If mold is a problem at home or in school, clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

4. Fix the water leak to prevent mold growth.

5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30%-60% ) to decrease mold growth.

6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials like ceiling tiles, plasterboard or wood, may need to be replaced.

8. Prevent condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, pipes, exterior walls, roof or floors) by adding insulation.

9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting.

10. Molds can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods.



Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage, Mold Damage Tampa, Sinkhole, Fire Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!