What is Black Mold?

No mold is good mold. That being said, there are some types of mold that are worse than others. Yup, we’re talking about stachybotrys chartarum — but you may know of it as “black mold.”

Black Mold

Black mold is a toxic fungus that rapidly reproduces in warm, wet areas. Though mold can be found anywhere inside or outside of a home, it’s most often found in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.

Symptoms and Health Effects

Breathing in black mold can have a number of negative effects on your health, especially your respiratory system. The most common symptoms are chronic coughing, sneezing, excess mucus, fatigue, and headaches.

Identifying Black Mold

You may assume, based on its descriptive name, that black mold is pretty identifiable. But, that’s not always the case. Black mold can be dark green, brown, and even grey, making it sometimes hard to identify. To positively identify black mold, it must be tested by a trained professional through a microscopic exam.

Eliminating Black Mold

Because black mold is toxic, you should never try to clean it yourself. Instead, call a trusted team of professionals, who have the equipment and experience to handle black mold.

Preventing Mold in the Future

Dealing with black mold is a hassle that can really take a toll on your home. So your best defense against it is a good offense. Be proactive this year and prevent black mold from growing with these tips:

• Especially in the warmer summer months, you should leave a dehumidifier on in basements and crawlspaces.  
• Always keep gutters and downspouts facing away from your house, to prevent flooding and excess moisture.
• Prevent water from building up on your walls by leaving windows open during the day and improving air flow.
• Use paint and gloss finishes that are mold and mildew resistant.

Are you in need of a high-quality mold removal service for your Long Island home? Look no further than GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration! Our methods are environmentally safe and proven to work. We service all of Nassau and Suffolk County. Contact us today at 631-940-8100 for a FREE quote.

How Can I Improve My Indoor Air Quality?

With all the talk about global warming, pollution, and smog, people are trying now more than ever to keep the air they breathe clean. We tend to think of pollution as something that only really happens outside, but cleaning chemicals, mold, and air conditioners all contribute to poor indoor air quality. But have no fear! While there are plenty of things that cause poor air quality, there are just as many, if not more, things that can improve it.

Suck it Up, Then Mop it Up

Your floors are one of the dirtiest surfaces in your house, so if you’re trying to combat poor air quality, start at the ground. Vacuuming, then mopping, your house once a week can pick up pollen, pet dander, and other allergens that will get sucked into your HVAC unit and circulated around your house.

Clean Your Filters and Air Ducts

Speaking of your HVAC, that too can contribute to your home’s poor air quality. The dust and debris that gets sucked into your central air doesn’t stay in the ducts, it circulates around your house, making a stop at every room with a vent. Protect your family by having your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis!  

Add Plants

We all know that plants can “liven” up any room, but they’re good for a lot more than just being a beautiful center piece. Adding greenery to your home, especially your living room, bedroom, and bathroom (yes, many plants can not only survive but thrive in moist areas) can help combat mold and keep your family breathing easy.

Watch Your Humidity Levels

Mold thrives in moist environments, especially in bathrooms, attics, and basements. But you also don’t want your air to be too dry, since that can cause respiratory problems. Ideally, you want your humidity levels to be around 30-50 percent.

Declare Your House a “No Smoking Zone”

Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals. Even if you ask smokers to stand on the front porch or in the backyard, these chemicals can still make their way into your house.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional air duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us today to schedule a free estimate: 631-940-8100.

Is Your Air Conditioner Making You Sick?

We think it’s safe to say that as Long Islanders, we’re all very grateful for the modern wonders of the air conditioner — but did you know it can leave you feeling fatigued and sick? While these units control humidity levels and filter the air in your home, they need to be carefully maintained in order to avoid health problems.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration has highlighted a few symptoms that could be attributed to your air conditioner.

Generally Feeling Sick

Have you ever found that at the end of a long day’s work you feel generally sick? Maybe you have a headache or are just very sluggish and tired. Once you leave the building your symptoms subside. Sure you could just attribute this to laziness or not wanting to be at work — but this ailment actually has a name. It’s called “sick building syndrome.” Your air conditioner could be to blame.

If you have access to the thermostat, try setting the temperature a bit higher so your body is not shivering. In addition, step outside for a few minutes as often as possible.

Respiratory Issues

Have you neglected to clean your air conditioner’s filter? If so, you’re creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Every time you run your cooling system, you’ll be breathing in these contaminants. This can lead to countless respiratory issues including fatal infectious pneumonia and Legionnaires disease.

Be sure to clean your filters at the start of every season and regularly throughout the warm weather.

Dry Skin

Air conditioned air dries out your skin — plain and simple.

The solution, turn or the A/C or get a great moisturizer!

According to the International Journal of Epidemiology, people who spend more of their time in air-conditioned environments actually require health care services more often. They are absent from work more frequently and their ailments are predominantly related to ear, nose, and throat issues, as well as respiratory and dermatological problems.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. Our methods have been tested and proven to be 100-percent eco-friendly. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us today for a free quote at 631-940-8100.

Water Damage? What Now?

Whether it’s a burst pipe or a heavy rainfall, no home is safe from the effects of water damage. If not dealt with properly, you could be putting your home and your family at risk. That’s why GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration is here with a guide to dealing with water damage.

Cut the Power

When dealing with a flood, be sure to cut the power in the affected area. If you cannot safely reach the circuit breaker, do not wade through the water to get there. Doing so increases the risk of electrocution.

Go to the Source

Once you've disconnected the power, find the source of the flood. You may need to cover a hole in your roof or cut off the water supply to a burst pipe or overflowing toilet. Do this as quickly as possible to contain the damage.

Collect Valuable Belongings

Now is the time for search and rescue. Prioritize your valuables. do your best to save important documents, family heirlooms, and expensive electronics.

Create Ventilation

Open as many windows and doors as possible. If possible, set up a box fan and exhaust fan to further help circulate the air. This will help remove moisture from the air and minimize mold growth.

Remove Still Water

Next, use a mop or wet vac to remove flood water from the room. (Be sure not to use a dry vacuum.)

Call a Professional

You guessed it, GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration can help fix water damage in your Long Island home. Give us a call as soon as possible in order to minimize the damage and protect your family from mold growth.

Submit a Claim to Your Insurance Company

When you contact your insurance company, be sure to denote "water damage" rather than flooding. They are two different things and most insurance companies will not cover flooding.

If you suspect water damage in your Long Island home, call GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration as soon as possible. What are you waiting for? The quicker you call, the better — for the sake of your health and your home! Contact us today at: 631-940-8100.

What You Need to Know About Mold

Mold grows in many different forms. Whether it's green fuzz on old food or black mold deriving from water damage, it’s important to understand it so you can remove harmful mold from your home. That’s why the experts at GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration are here to educate you.

Mold: The Basics

Mold is categorized as a fungus and thrives in damp atmospheres. It grows as multicellular filaments called hyphae. While scientists don't know the exact number of mold species out there, it is estimated that there are over 300,000.

Mold and Your Health

Microscopic mold spores are easily inhaled by humans — P.S. it's not good for your pets either. When you come in contact with mold spores, you can experience a number of health issues, including: allergies, coughing, fever, headaches, itchy eyes, runny nose, and long-term respiratory issues.

Mold Growth

Moisture + Oxygen + Nutrition = Mold Growth.

Since earth’s surface is covered by 71-percent water and is made up of 47-percent oxygen, mold has the opportunity to run rampant if not controlled. It develops in areas of your home with excess moisture. Some places to monitor include:

• Air Ducts
• Attics
• Bathrooms
• Basements
• Beneath Carpets
• Crawl Spaces
• Dishwasher Seals
• Refrigerators
• Roofs
• Washing Machines
• Windows

Mold Removal

If you discover mold growth in your home, it’s important not to try and remove it yourself. DIY mold removal can cause mold spores to spread and actually make you sick if done incorrectly.

Are you in need of a high-quality mold removal service for your Long Island home? Look no further than GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration! Our methods are environmentally safe and proven to work. We service all of Nassau and Suffolk County. Contact us today at 631-940-8100 for a FREE quote.

Indoor Air Quality and Your Health

Many people spend the majority of their summer breathing in pollutants from air conditioning at work and at home. Repeated exposure to such pollutants like animal allergens and mold spores can put us at risk for significant health issues.

How to Create a Healthier Indoor Environment

• The best way to improve your indoor air quality is to remove sources of chemical emissions in your home. This includes many cleaning products, scented candles, and air fresheners, as well as certain types of cabinets, flooring, furniture, paint, etc.
• Here on Long Island, the summers can become extremely humid. Invest in a dehumidifier to lower the humidity levels in your home so you can breathe easier.
• On more mild days, open your windows to start a cross breeze. Circulating the air in your home like this is a great way to let the fresh air in and get the pollutants out.
• Your air ducts accumulate a large amount of dust throughout the year. Enlist the help of a professional to have them cleaned once a year to avoid circulating harmful materials through your home.
• Did you know that healthy houseplants not only balance the humidity in your home but they also naturally clean the air? Check out the infographic below to help you decide which plant is right for you.

Are you looking for a professional air duct cleaning company on Long Island? Look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. We exclusively use environmentally- and bio-friendly supplies and cleaning methods. Contact us today for a free quote at 631-940-8100.

Why Do I Need To Clean My Air Ducts?

We probably don't have to tell you that the air you breathe is critical to your health. However, would you believe us if we told you that in most cases, indoor air quality across the United States is actually worse than the air outside? Unfortunately, it is. And most often, the culprit is your air ducts. While these wonderful creations have kept us cool in the summer and warm in the winter, they also act as tunnels, dropping dirt and debris throughout your house.

When it comes to last minute spring cleaning, your air ducts are probably the last thing you think about — but do you know how important it is to have your duct work cleaned once a year? GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration is here with three reasons why you should have your air ducts cleaned regularly.  

• Health & Wellness: Maybe you’re not addicted to the gym, but who doesn’t want to promote health and wellness at home? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution is a serious risk to public health. Your air ducts can circulate contaminants through your home like dust, pollen, animal dander, and even mold. Being exposed to these pollutants can result in allergy-like symptoms and even respiratory infections. Regular duct cleanings can drastically improve your indoor air quality and minimize indoor allergies.
• Energy Efficiency: The average household produces over 40 pounds of dust per year. The majority of this dust gets trapped inside your air ducts and can increase your energy consumption up to 20 percent. Thorough air duct cleaning can produce long-term energy savings.
• Improved HVAC System: Clogged air ducts restrict airflow in your home. By removing the buildup of debris you can increase the the lifespan and efficiency of your HVAC system. Clean air ducts improve airflow and energy-efficiency, as well as reduce wear-and-tear on the equipment.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional air duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us today to schedule a free estimate: 631-940-8100.