By now we all (hopefully) know that the best flu prevention measures are getting the flu shot, washing hands frequently, and keeping our hands off our eyes, nose, and mouth. Chicken soup never hurt anyone either. But what about all the surfaces in our homes that we come in constant contact with like desks, countertops, doorknobs, and faucet handles? If a loved one has been fighting the flu at home, put that disinfecting or deodorizing room spray down - it can further irritate already sore throats and noses. Here's all you need to make your own simple and effective disinfecting solution for hard surfaces:

1 Tablespoon Bleach 
4 Cups Water
Clean cloth

Mix the bleach and water in a pitcher. Apply it to the cloth or submerge the cloth in the solution. Wipe hard surfaces with the wet cloth and let it sit for at least 3 minutes. Then, simply wash with water or let the solution air dry. It is recommended that you spray the solution onto surfaces where spreading germs is likely with a cloth, such as toilets, and just let it air dry. The solution loses efficacy with time, so throw out any remaining solution by the end of the day. 

1. Look
In many cases, mold growth can be seen. It may have different colors like white, gray, brown, black, yellow, or green and texture that varies from fuzzy and cottony to rough and leathery. Check for leaks, standing water, and condensation. Take a look at our mold slideshow for some visual examples. 

2. Sniff
If you can smell an earthy or musty odor, you may have a mold problem. Call our mold expert (305.285.0030) if you can smell it, but can't see it. Mold can hide inside walls, beneath floors, and behind baseboards.

3. Check A/C
Standing water around air conditioning units can create a mold problem. Inspect evaporator coils, drain pans and lines often.

4. Allergy Symptoms
If mold-allergic people experience symptoms such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, watery or reddened eyes, or asthma when in your home, you may have a mold problem.

If you have a pet then you know all the wonderful benefits of having a furry friend. But, our four legged companions are also capable of well, causing a stink. Maybe you’re still in the process of house training your pup, or your cat has been marking his territory. Whatever the reason, you’re left to deal with an unpleasant urine stain on your carpet and the odors that are sure to follow.

Fire damage is a complicated matter because the damage continues even after the fire has been extinguished. Smoke damage can affect everything from walls and carpet to the pipes, ducts, and structure of your home. It takes an experienced eye to assess the full extent of smoke damage, so a fire damage restoration company should be contacted as soon as you’ve spoken with your insurance agent. Fire restoration professionals can help prevent further damage, determine which items can or can’t be saved, and provide estimates and services for thoroughly cleaning and deodorizing your home.

Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn’t do after a fire.

We’ve given you some tips on what to do in case of a water damage emergency. But even more important is preventing water damage from occurring in the first place. Use this checklist to spot and prevent potential water damage problems in your home.

• A/C window units – These are still common in Miami, especially in older apartment buildings and efficiencies. Make sure the condensate drain line is draining away from your home’s foundation.
• Attic – Inspect the attic a few times a year for any water that may be getting in, especially if it’s been raining for a few days consecutively.
• Basement & crawlspace – Check these spaces frequently for mold or leaks in the ceiling under bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Use crates or shelves to keep items stored in the basement off the floor.
• Bathrooms – Make a note of all leaks, no matter how small. Also check the condition of the caulking and repair it as necessary. Small problems can add up to serious damage over time.
• Kitchen – Check for drips around the refrigerator, dishwater, and underneath the sink.
• Laundry room – Washing machine hoses should be free of cracks. Replace them if they are looking brittle. Also check the connections to the cold and hot water lines.
• Plumbing – Check the water pressure (gauges are available at most hardware stores.) Examine hoses and pipes for leaks.
• Roof – Clean out clogged gutters and drains.
• Water heater and sump pumps – Check all inlet and outlet pipes on the water heater. The sump pump should be checked twice a year.

Water damage is the #1 cause of insurance claims in Florida. Whether the source is a leaky pipe or flood water from a heavy storm, each situation is unique. According to the IICRC, there are three categories of water that cause damage in buildings. Each category is defined by the level of contamination and each demands different methods of restoration. It’s really helpful to understand this terminology when consulting with your insurance claims representative and contractors.

Category 1 Water or Clear Water – That which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. Examples are burst water pipes, failed supply lines on appliances, and falling rain. Category 1 water progressively becomes contaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings, walls, decking, and subflooring. Time and temperature, which promote the growth and spread of pathogens in water can cause Category 1 water to degrade.

Here’s an excellent set of recommendations for mold prevention from the EPA:

• Keep the humidity level in your home between 40% and 60%. Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months and in damp spaces, like basements.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding. (Editor’s note: Call us right away if you have a flood or excessive moisture. 305.285.0030)
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.