how to remove mold Archives | Midwest Enviro Solutions

Health in the Workplace

Ashley Davis-Pygum — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 23:14:22 +0000

Are you a business with employees? Do you serve customers in a physical store? Have you considered that by investing in cleaning services you could not only improve your company but also provide employees with health care and help increase profitability? Let’d discuss health in the workplace.

You may already understand appearances and product placement make a big difference in profits. However, appearances aren’t limited to design and staging, having a clean store, restrooms, office space, etc. has proven to encourage customers to return. Did you know that in a customer survey, 94% of participants said they would stay away from a business if their restrooms were dirty? In other words, clean businesses can generate more profits simply because the customer likes it! That’s an easy way to take care of your building and resources as well as the client.

By investing in good cleaning services, you have greater potential for increased profits. On the flip side of business management, clean work environments also support the employees. Sick employees needing to stay home cost companies billions of dollars every year. Not only in terms of money are they losing but in overall work performance. When an employee is not feeling healthy their cognitive functions are severely affected. Even dust exposure causes a 2-6% decrease in their cognitive skills. Since most absences due to illness are not planned this also affects the company’s overall productivity by as much as 54% and a 39% decline in sales. Yikes! If you study the results of a few studies, when a company invests in cleaning services there is an 80% less chance of catching the common cold and flu; Surfaces contaminated with viruses are reduced by 62% and employees are less likely to report being absent by 46%! These percentages result in a 2-8% productivity gain because you have more consistent levels of employees present and healthy. In terms of finances, for a 100-employee office setting with an average salary of $25,000 this saves the company $125,000. The small productivity gains may not seem like a lot but the little care taken for a safe and clean environment adds up in the big picture.

With the worry COVID has brought into our lives, we understand on new levels and more intimately the importance of being clean is to our health and the health of others. Investing money in cleaning and maintaining your company and its employees could be the best decision you make for your business for the entire decade. Health care has lasting and compound impacts that set you and your business up for success!

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What is Mold?

Ashley Davis-Pygum — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 23:05:03 +0000

Most of us have heard of black mold and know to keep away and we know what mushrooms are and occasionally enjoy eating them but what is mold and why should we avoid it in our homes? Fundamentally, it is a fungus- not the kind you may put in a salad. It’s made of up organisms that eat off the surface they’re growing on. It grows from multicellular hyphae known as mycelium. But don’t get confused, not all mycelium is mold. Hyphae make up 25% of the earth’s biomass. So, mold is a natural and normal part of our world. It spreads when hyphae are moved or transplanted, these are so small we can’t see them with the naked eye, but we do see the mycelium.

Mold is extremely resilient. It needs moisture to continue growing however when it’s dry it has the ability to go dormant or produce spores that are more resistant to drying out, adapting itself to the environment. When the relative humidity in the area where mold is growing increases, this can cause the mold spores to burst spreading it even farther. It has been known to grow on all kinds of surfaces from jet fuel and stainless steel to wallpaper and glass. It’s quite amazing just how resilient mold can be, however its effects can be catastrophic in the wrong place. It has been known to rot wood, cause structural and cosmetic damage to buildings, and account for a plethora of ill health effects.

Despite being so small you need a microscope; mold is an important component to our earth. Its role is much like a vulture- not pretty but quite necessary: breaking down organic matter and thereby giving back nutrients to the earth. Not only is this a critical role, but scientists have also discovered lifesaving uses from certain molds like penicillium and aspergillus. As you likely have guessed penicillin, an important antibiotic was discovered in 1929 from the mold penicillium. Aspergillus has also been used in antibiotics. It’s amazing how something quite deadly to us can be used in certain ways to save us!

Although this is a very basic overview of mold, I hope it has been informative and perhaps given you a better appreciation for the indoor blight. When you do find it in unwanted locations, we at MES are here to keep you safe.

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Mold in Your Home Misconceptions

Ashley Davis-Pygum — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 22:58:08 +0000

“I have mold in my home!” Mold isn’t always what it seems. Here are 7 common misconceptions many people have when thinking about mold.

BLEACH: One of the most common lines of advice I’ve heard regarding mold is to clean it with bleach. Bleach might clean the surface to look nicer but is the moldbeing treated? What about under the surface level? Bleach is not the best method to combat mold. Most likely it will only clean the surface giving you a false sense of security while leaving behind mold spores that aren’t visible. Mold also travels when its spores are disturbed, which is the last thing you’d want when trying to remove mold. Bleach is also a harsh chemical with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are dangerous to breathe. Overall, it’s best to not try and clean mold yourself and not bleach.
BLACK MOLD: Only black mold is dangerous and worrisome. WRONG. There are so many types of molds in the world and black mold, while not safe, is not the only dangerous mold. Any mold in the home can pose a health risk no matter its color. Common molds that are not safe like penicillium and aspergillus have colors ranging from blue and green to yellow and white respectively. Also, the mold known as ‘black mold’- Stachybotrys is actually more of a dark green color and in shadows or very dense accumulations appears black.
LEAKS: You only need to worry about mold when you find a leak. While leaks can provide the ideal atmosphere for mold growth it’s not the only leading cause. Damp areas that never have the chance to properly dry can also be perfect for mold. Think of spaces in your home like bathrooms, attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
INSIDE: You never want mold inside your home. This sounds like it should be true but mold is a natural part of life and very common. It’s more likely you have mold spores in the air that aren’t doing anything…until they find that damp warm spot. This is why even after having mold properly cared for in a home it may still grow in other areas if you’re not proactive about keeping your home dry and at the right humidity.
DIY: Mold is easy to clean up yourself, you definitely don’t need to call the “Big Guys.” Well, unfortunately there’s a lot of misinformation about mold and because the spores can travel unseen when disturbed many people actually create a larger mold problem by trying to do it themselves. Mold remediation companies are trained in the proper care of mold so it doesn’t travel throughout the entire home and to effectively clean and sanitize the problem areas. If mold goes untreated or ‘treated’ but not properly it can grow in nearly any surface. It’s been known to even grow on rocket fuel, YIKES! In severe cases of mold in homes or businesses entire pieces of furniture or wardrobes must be removed. For your safety and others it’s best to call the professionals.
HEALTH: ‘A little mold isn’t bad’ or ‘It didn’t affect me before’ types of statements are misleading and dangerous. Mold has a variety of health risks that we’re only just starting to understand and these risks widely vary by person. Not only that but in some people repeated exposure can weaken their bodies and cause more severe problems later like respiratory illnesses.
COLOR: ‘Black’ mold is always black…Nope! In fact the black mold you’re likely thinking of: Stachyborys, is usually a greenish black. Plus, mold can change colors depending on several factors. Amount of light, the material the mold is growing on, and the moisture levels present all play important factors in the color and growth of all molds. Mold also can change color with age. This is probably more commonly observed on your bread, usually it starts out with little white spots then grows larger and can turn green then dark green. Molds come in a rainbow of colors, so just because the mold you found isn’t ‘black’ doesn’t indicate its toxicity level.

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House Hunting – Health Friendly Homes

Ashley Davis-Pygum — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 22:50:46 +0000

House hunting reminds me of children. As a single person you may think about the future and imagine having children one day but still it’s all imaginary. Then when you’re ready to have kids of your own you dream of the scenario with heart-tinted glasses. Everything is super sweet and cuddly. For some reason you never think about all the diaper changes, morning sickness, tantrums, sibling fights, arguing over why you refuse to let them jump in the pond at the park. Kids sound like super fun things, a mini-me or a small version of your significant other. I mean if the children got their dimples *swoon.* Am I right? But the reality is a lot more stressful and time consuming. The real estate market is a fickle thing however a great realtor can make the process smooth and cut back on the stress. One thing all good realtors recommend is a good cleaning- whether you’re buying or selling. Setting the stage for potential buyers with healtyh friendly homes helps build trust that these buyers feel like they won’t be surprised by something later on if the homeowners take such great care to clean well. Conversely, when buying a home even if the sellers seemed like great people it’s always great to start off with a clean slate. (Puns are always intended).

You may just be thinking about a good scrub over all the surfaces as a sufficient cleaning but you’d be mistaken. A thorough cleaning company can do the basics: all the rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, baseboards, windows, dusting, the works but what about the air ducts and vents? That’s a service for which you have to find a special company. A lot of dust and build up in vents can cause allergies to flair or simply impair your air quality. Plus, if pets are involved that complicates matters. While you’re thinking about your air quality, is the simple deep cleaning and air duct cleaning enough? In this day and age where we are all highly aware of antigens and our health, air quality is of utmost importance. MidWest Enviro Solutions’ fogging is a perfect way to break in the new house or put your buyers at ease to the effect that you take the care of the house and their health seriously. For home buyers and sellers MES offers a one time fogging that neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and mold spores in the air or on surfaces. They also supply a maintenance kit that includes the fogging solution in an easy to use spray bottle for areas you desire to have extra attention or hot spots where people touch frequently.

The home buying and selling process may be stressful and heaps of work but with MES on your team you’re sure to ease any potential buyers fears and quell the storm of nerves when settling into your new home.

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What Your Realtor Wishes You Knew

Ashley Davis-Pygum — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 22:43:00 +0000

What Your Realtor Wishes You Knew

Buying and selling houses is not for the faint of heart. The market is always changing and real estate agents are the savvy experts that are there to help us navigate the waters of the housing market. There are a few things most real estate agents wish for you to know.

Move-in ready! Whether you’re buying or selling a home, a move-in ready home is ideal. If you’re buying, you’re likely hoping to do so sooner rather than later and knowing the home is ready for you is not only an incentive to get your ducks in a row but also reassuring you won’t find any surprises come closing day. For the seller, preparing your home for potential buyers is a great way to ease your stress come moving day. Don’t wait to get started preparing your home if you know you’ll be selling.

Don’t be afraid to interview your real estate agent – finding the right fit helps everyone. Each realtor brings their own experience to the table and some bring everything you’re looking for to the table while others may not have the experience needed to help you best. Plus, we all have quirks and personalities don’t always mesh well. You’re about to engage in an important task- finding the right home for YOU, not your realtor, so make sure you’re comfortable with the person you’re putting in charge of this lofty task.

You’re on camera. Surprise! Or perhaps it’s not a surprise seeing as how our homes are becoming more ‘smart’ every year. This is a common practice with anyone needing to keep a close eye on things- nanny’s, children, and even potential buyers. While this might be sneaky, it’s a great way to get a behind-the-scences look at people that come through their house. So, be careful what you say or do if you ever go look at someone’s house, you might be on camera.

Shop your price range. This can be frustrating for your realtor- if you’re tempted to look at homes above your price range, chances are when you go looking at what you can actually afford you’ll be disappointed no matter what. Don’t do that to your realtor and especially not yourself. It’s better to get your finances in order so you know ahead of time what you’re working with to find the best house IN your price bracket!

Don’t trust the internet. I know the internet is a great and sometimes scary place and there are sites with all kinds of homes ‘for sale.’ While these sites can be accurate from what’s available to what a home might be worth, more often than not it’s best to not rely on these numbers. Realtors are trained to know the market around your house as well as what’s selling, and how to price your home or offer to get the best bang for your buck- selling or buying. Afterall, this is a big reason why you’ve hired a realtor.

Be prepared to act. While the housing market can make anyone crazy with how fast it changes, one thing is usually always true- when you find what you’re looking for make sure you are ready to make an offer. Sometimes this means having your current home ready to sell, other times it could mean just having finances prepared. Either way, talk to your realtor about the steps to take so you’re ready when you do find that perfect home.

Realtors are there to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your realtor for additional help during the buying or selling process. They are waiting to help you and often have a slew of knowledge ready to offer. If not, they almost always have a contact that can help answer your question too.

Cash wins, usually. Who doesn’t like cash? Well, when it comes to buying homes, sellers love cash offers. Not everyone, or perhaps most of us can’t offer cash out right but including cash in an offer does sweeten the deal for the sellers. It’s also good to note that if you end up submitting an offer among many, if there’s cash involved, they’re the likely winners. Be prepared.

While this isn’t a comprehensive list and not every realtor gives the same advice, it’s always helpful having more knowledge going into a new adventure like housing hunting. Hopefully these tips better prepare you for your journey through the housing market! Stay tuned next week for tips on selling a home.

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Maximize Your Home’s Value

Ashley Davis-Pygum — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 22:36:59 +0000

Secrets to Selling

There’s always a little stress involved with any kind of change and moving homes is certainly a large change that’s sure to bring stress. However, there are ways to maximize your home’s value, help make the process easier on all involved, and maybe even sell that house sooner.

Declutter, declutter, declutter!
- You’ve probably heard it before but decluttering is the best advice and if I had to choose only one thing to tell a seller it would be this. Decluttering makes homes easier to clean, nicer to look at, and helps potential buyers see a space better. Plus, when it comes time to move out there is a lot less to move. You’re welcome.
Make those fixes now
- Whether you’re thinking about selling soon or already in the process of listing your home, it’s best to make those small fixes, you’ve put off, now. Buyers aren’t dumb, afterall you’ll likely be one shortly, and if they don’t know where to look, an inspector or realtor will. If the buyers come back requesting some changes you’ll likely be under a time deadline. Save yourself the hassle and restrictions and do the work now.
Don’t be afraid to showcase family photos- unless you’re concerned about privacy, family photos are a great way to show potential owners that you’ve lovingly cared for your home by tastefully displaying artwork and family portraits.
- Like me, you’ve probably heard it’s best to take down photos of yourself before showings. Some people think this helps the potential buyers really envision themselves in the home instead of these other people’s faces. However, when we have beautiful photos we’ve spent time displaying it shows a level of care and commitment to make a house into a beautiful home. As a buyer, people like to know the home has been maintained and not just lived in carelessly. Photographs can be a great way to show that care.
- Along these same lines, when you do have showings it’s best to put away any valuables. While we like to think we all live in the best neighborhoods or have the safest towns, the reality is we can’t make any promises. Whether it’s jewelry or that special bottle of Pappy’s it’s better to hide all temptation and save yourself any future trouble.
Neutral colors if you’re going to paint.
- Not every home needs a fresh coat of paint. Touch ups can do the trick well enough. However, some rooms may need a new coat of paint and your best bet is to go neutral. Neutral colors typically brighten up any room and provide a clean slate for a buyer to envision the room as their own.
Trust your realtor- they know the market, area, and how to accurately price houses…after all it’s their job!
- Realtors are amazing people who have a lot of knowledge when it comes to houses, neighborhoods, the current feel of the ‘market,’ and even people to call for all those last minute changes to your home. When a realtor comes to you with their suggestion on how to price your home it’s because they’ve taken the time to research all these factors to know the best way to get you the most money. Of course, realtors are people too and make mistakes so don’t be afraid to ask questions about their suggestions and choices. Also remember, you’ve hired them to do this job so let them do it- after all it’s their paycheck on the line too.
Empty isn’t always best. Staging is key.
- Some of us might be in a position to sell a home without actually living in it at the same time. Moving all the furniture out might seem like a great way to expedite the moving and selling process but for many people seeing an empty room can be difficult to imagine how furniture will fit. For individuals who see a lot of homes or have some design skills and knowledge, a clean slate might be exciting. For the average Joe, and people like myself, it can be a little overwhelming. Having some furniture allows the space to have a purpose without taking away from the actual bones of the home. Staging is really the key to making any room look like a million bucks and can often be the reason a home sells quicker than its competitors.

Although these tips might not be secrets I hope you’ve been able to gain some confidence moving forward on your home selling adventure! Stay tuned next week for some tips on buying.QS

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Get a Home Inspection

Ashley Davis-Pygum — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 22:33:01 +0000

Before You Buy

Buying a home is exciting and can be very overwhelming, especially for newbies. There are many more pieces to the puzzle than simply finding a home you like and sending in an offer. While realtors do their best to make the process smooth and painless, there are still various components that have to come together. Which is why I hope you find these tips helpful. Knowledge is the first step in making a process more efficient and less stressful. Let’s discuss home inspections.

Don’t shop out of your price range- it’ll only frustrate everyone involved. I know it can be fun to look at those beautiful homes in that neighbor you love but also know you can’t quite afford. The problem isn’t appreciating these homes, it’s that our expectations get warped and inevitably disappoint creeps in when we look at the homes we can afford. Not only is this a bummer for your realtor who wants to find a great home for you but it’s never satisfying for you as a buyer. It’s best to stick to what’s in your range.
Get pre-approved. Before you assume what’s in your price range it’s best to consult with a loan officer. They take your financial status and the current interest rates of homes and determine the best price limit. Now this assumes you’ll need a loan. Cash buyers are great but that’s not reality for most of us. Not only will getting pre-approved for a home loan give you the best idea of price ranges, it also makes the process of purchasing the home go quickly. Your realtor already knows the paperwork is ready so they can move forward, quickly sending in your offer.
You’re on camera. It’s no surprise with the way technology is a part of nearly every aspect of our lives that cameras are now in homes watching us. It’s also a great tool some sellers utilize to see those people that come to look at their home. In some cases, they even are critical in determining if an offer is accepted or rejected. So be warned- what you say or do in a home may have lasting consequences.
Know what you want: making a list is great but also have it narrowed down to must haves. Depending on where you live- a big city or small town, options are limited no matter what. It’s best to know what you like but more importantly, what you can’t live without. I have four children in a four bedroom home but I’ve learned we can manage with three bedrooms. I have also learned we need two bathrooms. While I’d love a four or five bedroom home, a one bathroom is a no-go. That’s the type of information that will greatly help a realtor (and yourself) narrow the options down to find not just a suitable house but one you can call home.
Do your research: know the areas you may buy into. Did you know that realtors can’t legally tell you some things about potential homes. Whether the neighborhood is safe or what the schools are like are two big factors for many, if not most, people looking to buy and these are exactly the things on which realtors can’t comment. You’ll have to be the one to do the leg work. There are websites and tools you can utilize to see crime or sex offenders in a particular area. Another amazing tip that people might forget is to talk to the neighbors! They are a great source of information and not concerned in the same way as a seller is about putting their best foot forward. Of course they likely desire friendly neighbors but they can shed light on a community that others, like a realtor, cannot.
Don’t skip the inspections. It might surprise a new potential buyer how expensive home inspections cost, especially since the home isn’t a total guarantee until you sign those papers. However, getting all the knowledge about a home up front, before you commit to it, is more than helpful- it’s smart business with your money. Be prepared now to have the funds to get the inspections you may need. If you’re looking outside of a city or town you’ll likely have a septic system- those come with their own potential inspections. There are also inspections for pests and radon. These tests are, in most areas, not included in a standard home inspection but may be of help to you in your buying endeavors. Midwest Enviro Solutions offers radon testing for your convenience and safety.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of things to know before you buy a new home, I certainly hope it gets you started on the right foot. And no matter the state of the home, whether buying or selling Midwest Enviro Solutions is ready to help you clean, sanitize, and even help with inspecting homes for your benefit and health.

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Meet the Team

Ashley Davis-Pygum — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 21:41:19 +0000

Welcome back to our monthly edition of Meet the Team! Today I’m excited to introduce you to my very own brother, Zach Allen.

Zach has been with Midwest Enviro Solutions back in 2019. He started as a laborer working on the job sites to remediate mold and make your place a healthy environment again. Since his start at MES, he’s taken classes to learn more about mold. His classes at McCrone Research Institute have given him the expertise to collect, read, and interpret mold samples. So far he has certifications for mold and radon testing and hopes to expand his knowledge to include asbestos as well. Zach certainly does some heavy lifting for us at MES and we’re grateful for his experience. He enjoys his work but it’s the peace of mind and health he can bring back to your life that he appreciates most.

So far Zach is our lead lab technician and our indoor air specialist. He hopes to work with MES to expand this division providing more laboratory services and work with others who have similar interests in air quality to help all our customers attain healthier homes.

Dusting is certainly not my favorite household chore however Zach’s advice to maintaining a healthy home is keeping the dust away. Those hard to reach horizontal areas like above the kitchen cabinets or on ceiling fans- those are prime areas to disturb your indoor air quality.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know our team here at MES and thanks to Zach for your service and helpful advice to help keep our homes and businesses safe!

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