Most cleaning products you can purchase are full of harsh chemicals that can be dangerous to use or inhale. Manufacturers of these products do not have to disclose all of their ingredients, which means there are ingredients that are not listed on the label.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), “Government agencies and independent research institutions have not adequately evaluated the safety of numerous substances found in cleaning products.

Although government scientific and regulatory agencies have focused considerable attention on chemicals suspected of causing cancer, they have devoted far fewer resources to evaluating substances that may be toxic to the brain and nervous system, the hormone system and other organs.” Mass produced cleaning products can be dangerous for your health.

To learn more about the cleaners you currently use you can go to: https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners to search more than 2500 products.

Essential oils are a great alternative to commercial cleaning products.

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

Essential oils are oils that have been distilled from plant materials with a strong scent such as the petals, leaves, or bark of a plant. Essential oils are concentrated and volatile (or easily evaporated) at room temperature. The oil is usually named for the plant from which it was distilled such as: lavender essential oil or peppermint essential oil.

Essential oils are generally safer to use than chemical cleaning products, but there are some precautions you should know.

Essential oils should never be used directly on skin or in the body. They are concentrated plant essences, and are not safe without diluting. Oils should be diluted in water, a carrier oil, or in a cleaning product mixture (such as vinegar and water).

In general, add essential oils to your solution with small amounts first, based on your personal preference for scent. 5 to 20 drops scents an entire bottle of cleaning solution. Some people will want more scent and some will want less. Start with the smallest amount in the recipe, and test the product before adding more.

There are some essential oils that can be excellent for cleaning, but may be irritating or cause allergic reactions in some people. For example, Tea Tree essential oil is distilled from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree from Australia. This essential oil is antifungal (kills fungi), antiviral (kills viruses), and antimicrobial (kills microbes, including bacteria).

It is excellent for cleaning! However, people with allergies or asthma are advised to use this oil with caution, as it can be irritating to the skin and lungs. Always read about essential oils before buying and using them. Test small amounts in your home to begin to check for any allergic reactions.

WHAT OILS ARE GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?

For beginners, start with established recipes and add the smallest recommended amount of oil. 5 drops may not sound like much, but remember that essential oils are concentrated and a little goes a long way!

Some oils that are good for beginners include: lavender, lemon, orange, and peppermint.

Lemon scent is of course the standard in most commercial cleaning products for good reason. Lemon essential oil is antimicrobial, and can help eliminate bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Most commercial cleaning products do not use real lemon oil, however. They use chemical substitutes that smell lemon-like.

Why settle for a chemical substitute when you can have the real thing?

Lemon oil and orange oil have been shown to have antidepressant properties.

Lavender essential oil is also antimicrobial and antidepressant. It has a calming scent that is safe to use around even young children and babies.

The combination of peppermint and orange essential oils deter pests like ants from entering your home. Both peppermint and orange essential oil also are antimicrobial.

These oils make you feel good as you use them. How wonderful to have your cleaning routine make you feel better!

A few cautions for beginners…

1. Always research each essential oil before you use it. Learn for yourself what the benefits and precautions are for each type of oil. Don’t be afraid to try new oils, but do your research before using them.
2. Never use any essential oil directly on skin or ingest the oil. Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dry place away from children. Use rubber or nitrile gloves when dispensing the oil to reduce the chance of getting the oil on your skin.
3. Use the smallest amount of essential oil drops given in the recipe first (or reduce it further), and try the recipe on a small area before adding more.

SIMPLE CLEANING RECIPES TO MAKE YOURSELF:

The following recipes come from Karyn Siegel-Maier’s book ‘The Naturally Clean Home.’ It is an excellent book filled with easy recipes for cleaning with essential oils.

COUNTRY SPICE SCRUBBER

1 cup baking soda

3 tsp cinnamon

3 drops sweet orange oil

Combine all ingredients in an airtight container and shake well to blend. To use to clean kitchen sinks, sprinkle a small amount of the powder into the sink and scrub with a damp sponge.

CITRUS FLOOR CLEANER

1 gallon hot water

2 tablespoons liquid castile soap

5-15 drops of sweet orange

3-8 drops lemon essential oil or 1/4 cup lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a large bucket. Dip a mop into the bucket and squeeze out excess liquid. Clean the floor by working in sections, using short strokes and dipping the mop as needed. Rinsing is not needed.

Happy Cleaning!

The Top 5 Places It Hides

Halloween is here and ghosts and goblins are out and about. Luckily, you can keep the spooky things away by staying nice and safe inside your home. Right?!?

Not so fast. Your home may be safe from the ghosts and gremlins, but monstrous mold could be hiding right under your nose.

Have you ever been going about your day, and suddenly felt like something was wrong? What is that musty smell? Where is it coming from? Oh, no! It can’t be! (scary music) Dun, dun, dun! The mold monster is back! AHHHHH!

There are so many unusual and rarely cleaned places that mold can lurk in your home. It’s positively frightening! But fear not! At Branch Environmental, we’ve got you covered! We will tell you about some of the places mold monsters can lurk, and how you can get rid of them!

Mold grows where there is moisture, mold spores, and a food source. Places like bathroom counters and kitchen sinks are likely to produce mold because of the moisture level. What about other places you may not have thought of? Dishwashers and washing machines are places that mold can develop! They have a food source (bits of old food or clothing) and high moisture levels.

This Halloween, we have the top 5 places mold hides in your home. Beware!

1 – DISHWASHERS

Dishwashers are a wonderful technology that help save us time and energy. However, they are also places with high moisture and food particles. The perfect environment for mold monsters to grow!

To clean mold growth on or in your dishwasher you will need 2 simple ingredients: baking soda and white vinegar. Each of these ingredients has the highest safety rating on the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning (EWG). EWG is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. Check out their website at ewg.org.

First, clean the outside of the dishwasher including: gaskets, seals, and the steam vent. Using a clean spray bottle filled with undiluted white vinegar, spray the areas that need cleaning and allow it to sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Wipe clean with a paper towel or rag. Next, clean behind the silverware rack, the filter, dish racks and any other interior removable parts with vinegar and a scrub brush; or wash them in hot soapy water before returning them to the machine. Last, clean the interior of the dishwasher by adding a cup of white vinegar to a glass container on the top rack. Balance carefully. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. Then, run the machine using a hot water cycle.

To prevent future mold growth: Clean the machine at least once a month. Allow the dishwasher to dry completely as often as possible.

2 – WASHING MACHINES

Washing machines are a perfect place for mold to grow, especially in the hot summer months. Warm moist air and the organic material (from clothing) make a perfect environment for mold monsters to grow! Front loading washing machines are especially susceptible to mold growth because the seal required when washing. If you look inside the rubber gasket of your front-loading washing machine, you will probably find slimy mold monsters growing there! Top loading washing machines are also susceptible to mold growth.

To clean the machine: There are several homemade cleaners that are safer to use than commercial washing machine cleaners. The ingredients you will need include: hydrogen peroxide OR white vinegar and lemon juice.  Warning: Never mix vinegar and peroxide! Lemon juice is safe to mix with vinegar. Both are acids and can help remove the mold.  All 3 solutions have the highest safety rating by EWG.

To clean the gasket of a front loading machine: Take your spray bottle of vinegar (that you used to clean the dishwasher) and spray around the interior of the gasket. Be careful not to spray yourself in the eyes! Be sure to spray the door gasket and window as well. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Clean the inside of the gasket with a scrub brush or an old toothbrush. Rinse with water or wipe clean. Clean any removable compartments with hot soapy water or if truly gross, soak in vinegar first.

To clean a top loading machine: Spray the surface inside the lid and around the top of the machine with vinegar. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Wipe or rinse clean after scrubbing with an old toothbrush or scrub brush.  Clean any compartments that are removable in hot soapy water.

To clean the drum: Take 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide OR white vinegar (not both) and add it to the compartments of your machine. If it is particularly dirty, add a cup to the drum as well. Run the machine without clothes on the hottest water setting. (My front loading machine has an allergy setting with hot water that is 1 hour and 20 minutes long.) Allow the machine to air dry between washes by always leaving the door open.

To prevent future mold growth: Keep the door of the washer open to allow the machine to air dry. Keep the laundry room door open if possible to allow more moisture to escape. Clean the machine at least once a month using the steps above. Mold growth is higher in the summer when it is warm. So in the summer, you may want to clean more often.

3 – BATHROOMS

Bathrooms are a constant source of moisture and an ideal place for mold to grow. Luckily, mold found in bathrooms is often superficial and can be easily cleaned.

Start by looking at the bathroom exhaust fan, shower curtain, and wall surfaces. If you see any signs of mold here, simply use the cleaners described above to wipe clean. This is also an indication that these areas should be cleaned more frequently to prevent mold growth from recurring.

Once the surface mold is tackled, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Head towards the floor and look along the baseboards where they meet the wall. Look closely at the caulk and grout lines around the tub or shower. Open your vanity and look at the back wall. Any sign of mold in these areas could indicate a bigger problem associated with water in hidden locations. Your bet here is to call in a professional mold inspection.

To prevent future mold growth in the bathroom, follow these steps:

• Run the exhaust fan during and after taking a shower
• If possible, keep a door or window open to allow moisture to escape
• Avoid leaving wet towels hanging
• Regularly clean surfaces and replace shower curtains
• Repair any gaps in caulk or grout

4 – Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner is at the top of the list for mold monster hiding places. It is out of sight and out of mind, but also has a huge impact on the air you breathe.

Start by looking at the filter. You do check your filter regularly, right… If there is any sign of dust it should be replaced. A dusty filter can harbor mold spores and keep your system from operating effectively.

Keeping the filter clean is important, but we still need to dig a little deeper to find all the monsters. The next step is to check the coils. I’m going to stop right here and say that if you don’t know how to find the coils, you should probably call out a pro to do it for you.

The coils are inside the air conditioner unit, and they can harbor some nasty mold growth. Coils should be checked and cleaned at least once every year. Unfortunately, many people go for many years without a comprehensive HVAC service and cleaning.

5- Crawlspaces

We’ve saved the best for last. If you have a crawlspace, especially here in the Southeast, you’ve got a great hiding place for mold. It’s an area that does not get much traffic and stays damp and stagnant. On top of that, any small leaks travel down and end up in the crawlspace.

It’s an area where we find a lot of hidden mold and water damage.

You should head down to your crawlspace at least once a year to get a check on things. Pull back the floor insulation and look at the floor joists and decking. If mold is there, it will be easy to spot. Make sure you check a few places throughout the crawlspace, and look around the areas below the kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms.

If you do find mold, the cleanup is more than the typical DIYer wants to take on. It’s a good idea to call in the pros for crawlspace mold. But beware, it’s a labor-intensive job to do well, and it’s an area that a lot of companies know you won’t be going behind to check. If you see a deal that’s too good to be true, it probably is.

WE’RE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US.

Call Branch Environmental. We’re experts not only at mold removal, but at determining and remediating the underlying causes. From hidden mold sources to major contaminants. We can identify exactly what is going on in your home and rid it of environmental toxins, often for good.

For more information go to:

https://www.cdc.gov/mold/cleanup.htm

https://thecleanerhome.com/blog/clean-dishwasher-prevent-mold-mildew

https://moldblogger.com/how-to-remove-mold-from-a-washing-machine/

https://moldpedia.com/hepa-vacuum-mold

It may come as a surprise that a professional mold inspection is a great thing to add when you are purchasing a home. Buyers often assume that the standard home inspection covers all the bases, but it can leave some key things out.

A mold inspection takes a comprehensive look at the home you are about to purchase, and can uncover issues that may cost you dearly in the long run.

Here are 5 reasons you should get a mold inspection even though you already have a home inspection.

1) Finding mold takes a trained & experienced eye

While your home inspector is focused on the mechanical systems and structure of the home, they are not specifically looking for the telltale signs that mold is hiding. Mold is a sneaky thing and can be very hard to detect. An otherwise clean house could easily pass a home inspection while mold is present.

2) With mold often comes water damage

It takes moisture for mold to grow. Therefore, the presence of mold means that excess moisture is entering from somewhere.

When we find mold, many times it is associated with a previously undiagnosed water leak, drainage issue, or humidity. Mold is often the indicator of a larger issue, and what better time to find that out then before you sign the deal!

3) A mold inspection will give you corrective steps

While a home inspection simply reports what is found, a mold inspection is focused on solutions. The goal is to identify any potential issues and give you the exact steps needed to correct the problem. You won’t be left guessing.

4) A mold inspection goes beyond the mold

A mold inspection is a comprehensive process. we start at the foundation and go to the attic. We look at most everything in between. In the course of a mold inspection we will get a good look at your mechanical systems, framing components, and other areas. We often find things related to the structure beyond mold, and we include all these items in your final report.

5) We see a lot of things home inspectors miss mold

The honest truth is that we work with a lot of people who have already moved into their new home and have discovered mold. Many times the mold was simply missed by home inspectors. It’s just not their expertise and not what they are trained to find.

Correcting mold issues can be a costly process, and if the issues are discovered before the purchase they can be accounted for or negotiated. After the keys are yours, it’s simply too late.

A small investment in a professional mold inspection while you are purchasing a new home can save an immense headache in the long run.

If you or someone you love in your home is suffering from chronic allergies or cold-like symptoms that don’t seem to go away, the answer might reside in the actual integrity of the home structure. None of us like to see our spouses or our children deal with coughing, wheezing, sinus infectors, poor sleep, or runny noses months and months over again.

We want to do something about it.

You probably, at this point, have taken them to see a doctor or a specialist. The doctor might have prescribed an antibiotic or a course of treatment based on the allergic response. However, after a few months, you notice that the cold-like symptoms are still there; in many cases, they are getting worse.

What if these allergies have nothing to do with the person, and everything to do with the environment around you? And no, we’re not talking about the trees and the weeds out back; we’re talking about the unseen structure of your home, where mold can hide right under your nose.

Mold Remediation Services

Nothing is more important than your health, which is why we often receive mold removal or remediation calls from families looking for some relief – finally. We completely understand that you are doing everything you can to protect your family, which is why we take our professionalism extremely seriously.

When we receive these calls, we come into the home and typically discover the following:

• Mold – Studies have found that more than 50% of U.S. homes have some kind of mold within their structure. Additionally, about 28% of the population possesses genes that make them susceptible to mold-related health issues, which are nothing to mess around with.
• Old Home Decay – This is just another way to describe old homes that might not necessarily have mold or dangerous materials; they just have dust and other debris that can upset respiratory systems.
• VOCs – This is an acronym that describes the chemical off-gassing from flooring, paint, and other materials in the home. Many people have a sensitivity to these kinds of toxins, which can be linked to a slew of health problems.

We’re Here to Help You

You’ve done your research, you’ve been to the doctor’s office, and you’ve spent days pondering health problems. You know what you need to do, and we’re ready to help. Research has shown that indoor air is more contaminated than the air outside your home, which means you need to do everything you can to keep your loved ones vigilant and protected.

We simply work to get these harmful substances and molds out of the home, so you can go back to living your life in a healthy environment.

Here at Branch Environmental, we’re the emergency remediation and mold removal specialists in your community. Don’t wait; give us a call and act now.

Your health depends on it.

Home Mold Remediation

You suspected mold all along. Perhaps it was the musty smell. Maybe you or a member of the family was suffering from chronic, allergy-like symptoms. Maybe the mold was already visible.

You’ve had a thorough Indoor Air Quality Assessment and the best recommendation for you is a professional Home Mold Remediation.

We’ll Guide You Through Every Step

We know a mold remediation can be overwhelming, we are here to walk you through it.

Though every home and circumstance is unique, we follow a proven process to not only remove mold contaminants but keep them from returning.

1. Define The Scope. This begins with an Indoor Air Quality Assessment. We will define the extent of the necessary work and what may or may not need to be done. We’ll talk through all your options and tailor a plan that fits your needs and your budget.
2. Protect The People. Keeping your family and our crews safe is the first priority. This means preparing your home for the work that needs to be done. We will use methods such as containment walls and negative air to keep your home safe, and we’ll let you know if you can or cannot be in the home during the work.
3. Remove The Mold. We will start by removing and discarding non-salvageable material. Next, we will clean what can be saved. We always use safe and environmentally friendly products. There is no reason to replace one environmental toxin with a harsh chemical such as bleach.
4. Correct Moisture. Removing or correcting the source of moisture is a vital part of the remediation process to ensure mold does not return. This may be handled by a contractor outside the scope of the mold remediation. If walls or floors are opened up, now is the time to address plumbing issues and other leaks.
5. Restoration. If walls or floors were removed during the remediation, the final step will be reinstalling what was taken out.

Will You Have To Gut My Home?

Every effort will be made to remove only the material necessary.

If you only have surface mold, we might be able to clean it without removing anything. However, if mold is inside walls or under floors, we may have to remove the material to clean it properly.

If mold is in your crawlspace it may be necessary to remove insulation in order to clean floor joists and apply an antimicrobial agent.

We’ll contain the work area and pump the air outside, keeping you and your family safe.

This Sounds Expensive!

We understand most people rarely plan for the expense of Home Mold Remediation so we are careful about controlling costs and managing your expectations from the beginning.

With a clear understanding of the problem, we can work with you to create a remediation protocol that fits your needs.

The best place to start is with an Indoor Air Quality Assessment. This step will give you all the information you need to move forward. You will discover exactly how extensive your problem is and what is necessary to solve it.

We’re Here When You Need Us.

Call Branch Environmental. We’re experts not only at mold removal but at determining and remediating the underlying causes. From hidden mold sources to major contaminants, we can identify exactly what is going on in your home and rid it of environmental toxins, often for good.