How Does Vinegar Remove Rust
Vinegar is known to be an effective rust remover because of its acetic acid content. Acetic acid is able to break down the iron oxide and make it soluble in water. To use vinegar to remove rust, simply soak the rusty metal object in white vinegar for a few hours and then scrub the rust off with a steel wool pad or a scrub brush.
If the object is too large to submerge into the vinegar, you can also combing the vinegar with baking soda to create a paste. Then use a brush or cloth to rub the paste onto the rusted area, let it sit for several hours and then scrub off with a rigid brush.
Why You Need A Professional To Remove Mold
Hiring a professional to clean may seem like an unnecessary expense, but technicians can take care of mold and help prevent it from coming back more effectively and safely than you can do yourself.
First of all, scrubbing mold with ordinary cleaners wont make it go away. Regular cleaning products will leave behind enough mold for it to easily grow back. Professionals have the proper equipment to protect themselves and your home or business from not only the mold, but the chemicals they use to clean it.
You could also accidentally damage your HVAC system if you try to clean mold in air ducts yourself. Professionals know what to look for and how to treat your AC with care. Professional ductwork cleaners have HVAC training, so theyll be familiar with your system and know how to clean it without damaging it. They also use the correct mold growth inhibitor products to prevent it from coming back, and they know how to properly dispose of tools to prevent contaminating other areas.
Learn more about professional duct cleaning services:
Ways Dirty Air Ducts Can Make You Sick
You may have heard otherwise, but the fact is that dirty air ducts can make you sick. Instead of putting yourself and other family members at risk, you should consider professional commercial air duct cleaning. If you own pets and see a lot of pet hair in your vents or, with or without pets, find mold, see an increase in pests or rodents, or notice a greater-than-normal accumulation of dust on your furniture, it is time to start researching air duct cleaning companies.
Is air duct cleaning necessary? The answer is yes. Unless you want to live with a risk of illness, you need to take quick and appropriate action. Following are four specific ways in which you could get sick from air ducts that need cleaning.
Professional Duct Cleaning
Testimonials
Request A Quote
Awards
Don’t Miss: Is Black Mold In Shower Dangerous
How To Prevent Mold On Air Vents
Once your air ducts are nice and clean, how can you prevent mold in the future?
- Mold growth inhibitors: Look for an EPA registered mold growth inhibitor product to prevent mold regrowth in the air vents. Follow the manufacturer guidance on how to use the product properly.
- Replace filters: You should replace your HVAC filters regularly.
- Clean drip pans: Where the drip pans collect water, mold can grow quickly. You should clean your drip pans regularly to prevent this.
- Dehumidify: Keep moisture levels down in the house. You should invest in a good dehumidifier and keep it near places that are prone to mold growth.
- Regular inspections: You should hire a professional company to inspect your ventilation system regularly. This ensures there are no leaks, mold regrowth or other faults that could lead to mold and mildew. These companies can also maintain and clean the air vents to ensure theyre in tip top condition.
- Regular cleaning: Make sure youre regularly cleaning your air vents and ducts before mold appears. You can use the above methods to keep them clean so that they arent the ideal environment for mold.
- Clear path: Dont put objects or obstacles over your air vents. This limits good air circulation which can lead to mold growth.
- UV light or ionization air purifiers: These items kill mold, viruses and bacteria. Consider getting these installed within your HVAC system such as the coils or fan units to eliminate odors, mold and other nasties.
Next Steps Of How To Get Rid Of Mold In Air Ducts:
Once you have finished cleaning the visible mold, it is time to make sure that it never comes back! You need to look for EPA registered mold growth inhibitors for this process. These can successfully prevent mold from growing again after the clean-up. Without the application of inhibitors, the fungus is most likely to come back in the same area within a few weeks.
It sounds like a time-consuming task when it comes to the process of how to get rid of mold in air ducts and it surely is. You should be especially careful to dry the area after the cleaning. It is also a process that involves high health risks. Experts will always recommend that you leave the task of how to get rid of mold in air ducts to professionals who have the right equipment to ensure maximum safety to you and your family during the process.
Read Also: What Doctors Treat Mold Toxicity
What Indicates That The Air Duct Needs Cleaning
Air ducts usually present themselves in a dirty manner when they need cleaning. If you notice debris such as heavy dust on the outside of the vents or there are noticeable spurts of dust coming from the vents, then it is time to consider cleaning the vents and ducts. Chances are that the air duct system is in dire need of cleaning.
Air duct cleaning is also recommended if there is currently or has ever been an infestation of vermin. More than likely the vermin are using the ductwork as their way in and out of your home or office and may leave a trail of carcasses, droppings, and other debris in your ducts.
Is Mold In Air Vents Dangerous
Your ductwork circulates air throughout your home. That means if there is mold present within it, your family could be breathing in unhealthy air. This is especially the case if your home is contaminated with molds that produce mycotoxins, such as:
It can be difficult to know which kind of mold youre dealing with. Thats why its always important to let an expert take the reins.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Plastic Cutting Board
Recommended Reading: How To Prove Mold Illness
What Causes Nasal Congestion
Donât Miss: Best Way To Get Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
When You Have Mold Buildup In Your Ducts
the smell will usually be strongest while your HVAC system is running. This is because the air that comes from your ducts will pick up and carry more mold spores as the mold inside the ducts spreads. When your system isnt running, spores will settle inside the ducts and the smell will be harder to notice.
Don’t Miss: How To Test If You Have Mold In Your Body
Your Air Conditioning System Is A Breeding Ground For Black Mold
Unfortunately, your air conditioning system and your air ducts are a common place for black mold to reside. Moisture plays a significant role in the growth of mold. Your air conditioning system can act as an incubator for black mold because of its constant change in humidity levels throughout the summer season. If your air conditioner works as a dual heater as well, then it increases the likelihood of having a mold infestation at some point in time due to constant usage.
If you do have mold in your home and you use your air conditioning system, the effect can be the air conditioner moving the mold spores into your ductwork through the air, with those mold spores getting lodged into your air ducts. Once they make their way to your air ducts they will have a non-visible environment to grow.
Signs Of Mold In Your Air Ducts
The first sign of mold in your HVAC system is often a moldy or musty smell when your system is being used. HVAC mold is usually able to be smelled before its seen, so turn your system off and inspect it right away if you notice the smell of must, mold, or mildew coming from your vents.
If you notice visible mold on your air vents, in the ducts, or in drip pans, call a professional as soon as possible. Visible mold might mean the problem has become too severe to be taken care of on your own.
If your family starts showing symptoms like nausea, fatigue, headaches, sneezing, coughing, or dizziness only in the house or only when your HVAC system is running, it might be caused by mold in your air ducts.
You May Like: How To Clean Mold Off Walls And Ceilings
How Does Mold Get You Sick
Mold visibly grows on a single surface, but it also spreads invisible, microscopic spores through the air, which can then be inhaled into the body. Once mold spores enter your lungs, they can lead to a myriad of issues, from small annoyances to major respiratory problems .
Many people will also have an allergic reaction upon contact with mold. It is an extremely common allergen, so unless youre one of the lucky few who is not allergic, expect more responses. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to mold include hives, rashes, and trouble breathing caused by swelling of the throat. Usually, these allergic reactions are relatively minor, but in some cases, they can be fatal.
The worst forms of mold actually create mycotoxins, a toxic substance that leads to even further medical issues. The most prevalent mycotoxin producer is known as Stachybotrys chartarum, or more commonly, black mold. Exposure to black mold has been tied to tons of health problems, from depression to eye infections to lung bleeding. Its not to be taken lightly.
Mold can grow virtually anywhere in your home, and regardless of location, exposure can lead to health problems. However, mold located in air conditioning units spreads spores out into the air throughout the house, which makes it especially dangerous and especially likely to cause sickness.
How Can You Tell If Theres Mold In Your Air Ducts
As most parts of the air ducts are not visible, it can be difficult to tell if there is mold in your air ducts and whether you need an air duct cleaning service. Lets take a look at some of the most obvious signs that theres mold in your air ducts and that you need to call for professional air duct cleaning service immediately.
- Odors. Mold smells. Most types of mold are usually associated with some type of unusual or musty odor. It usually smells rotten, wet or stale. Its never a good smell. This is usually the first sign that most homeowners notice. Usually, the odor will only be present when youre using your air conditioning or heating system. Once you turn any of these systems off, you should notice a significant decrease in smelly odors.
- Visible mold. This doesnt happen often. Usually, most homeowners will not notice any mold and their home. However, in some worst-case and extreme scenarios, the mold may start to grow out of the vents. Youll start to notice visible mold in the ducts and in the drip pan. This usually happens when the condenser coils become clogged. If you notice any visible mold, you need to call a professional right away for air duct cleaning services. Mold spreads through spores. This means that theres likely a huge infestation by the time that you notice the mold.
Read Also: Does Vinegar Get Rid Of Black Mold
Recommended Reading: How Does Bleach Kill Mold
What Are The Dangers Of Mold In Air Ducts
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , exposure to molds can cause serious symptoms. Such symptoms include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Severe reactions include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may even develop mold infections in their lungs.
Can Mold Grow In A Duct System
Can mold grow in a duct system, and what problems can it cause?
Mold spores require a stable temperature, a food source and moisture to live and reproduce. HVAC systems provide all of these things. Any dust or dirt that passes through your air filter provide a good food source.
The furnace or air conditioner is designed to maintain a comfortable temperature, and moisture is available from several of the components in an HVAC system. Ductwork provides humid conditions, the humidifier in the furnace is wet and often holds standing water, and cooling coils are ideal areas for mold growth.
Live molds can release spores that can trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions, sometimes severe, in about 10 percent of the population.
Mold, both living and dead, can produce toxins that may cause short-term allergic reactions.
We have dealt with mold conditions inside ductwork and HVAC systems numerous times. We give the ductwork and HVAC system a very thorough cleaning, and then use encapsulation as well as a biocide application. We also recommend that the system be inspected and re-treated again after 6-8 months.
In those rare cases where mold has been detected in an HVAC system, it is also recommended that you install an Ultra Violet Light system.
A UV system is placed directly inside the ductwork, and there are typically two ways to do it. Some people go with both of them but having either one is more than what most people have.
Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Plastic Cutting Board
Read Also: How Much Does It Cost To Remove Mold In Basement
Top 3 Duct Cleaning Scams
1.Blow and Go The technician comes in and looks around, gets surface dust and dirt, and then leaves. They typically have many appointments in one day and dont spend enough time truly trying to clean the ducts. They may not even remove parts to get to the interior of the system.
2.Bait and Switch That $39.99 cleaning turns into $700 amazingly fast.7,8 They bait you with the cheap price, and then up-sell, or even charge for additional work you didnt agree to have performed! Then, their work is still low quality.
According to the EPA, duct cleaning services typically but not always range in cost from $450 to $1,000 per heating and cooling system, depending on: the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climatic region, and level of contamination.4 Any provider that offers a $39.99 duct cleaning special, isnt offering a full service cleaning. There are many scam artists out there. There are also unscrupulous companies who plan to add on additional services whether you agree to them or not.
3.Mold Inspection Scammers prey on your fears, use a cheap coupon or add to get their foot in the door. Then, they tell you you have moldeven if you dont!
Heres where we can help. If mold has been found by a contractor, put a hold on the job, and get a second opinion. Here at Branch Environmental, we are experts at mold remediation and can tell you for sure if you have a problem or not. Call us or schedule an inspection today!
Why Is Mold In The Air Ducts A Problem
Mold on its own results in several serious health risks and can present symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and even watery eyes. In addition, there could be presence of black mold.
Black mold releases spores that are very toxic and detrimental to human health. Some of the more serious cases can leave a person with persistent headaches, chronic fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. The scariest part about mold is that the spores detach and spread easily throughout other areas of your home or office through the ducts.
Read Also: How To Remove White Mold From Carpet
