Mold Remediation and Removal Costs

Compliments of Caroline Shannon-Karasik

Hi Friends,

Yesterday we shared tips to remove black mold. Mold removal can be a tricky and expensive business. Here's what to expect when considering the cost of mold remediation for your home.

If mold removal were as simple as Kung Fu fighting, then there's no doubt about it, you would have it nailed. But, unfortunately, cost is a large factor when considering mold remediation and the size of your bill often depends on the extent of the infestation.

The good news is that if the area is small, then you can typically treat it for a small investment in some solid cleaning supplies, like a scrub brush, store-bought mold killer and rubber gloves.

However, for large areas, you may be calling in a the bug guys. The remediation cost will be larger, but it's worth it to ensure further damage is not done to your home. Mold remediation specialist will inspect ductwork, attic spaces, walls and even crawlspaces. The cost can average anywhere from $500 to $6,000 and is hard to identify until the entire scope of the infestation is considered.

A great thing to consider when purchasing the insurance that comes along with buying a home is some type of protection from mold. Discuss your options with an agent. That way, if a problem should arise within your home, then your insurance will help to at least partially offset the cost of mold removal.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design and share some of your own.

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Live well,
Yvonne

Cleaning Black Mold

Compliments of Sean McEvoy

Hi Friends,

Black mold is scary stuff — it can be expensive to remove, and it can even contribute to a host of health problems, some of them serious. Cleaning black mold is an important step in the process of evicting this fungal menace from your home.

The first step in cleaning black mold is to identify the source of moisture that's feeding it — it could be a pipe, roof or foundation leak, or condensation from an appliance. Stop any leaks, and dehumidify any areas affected by mold growth.

Next, seal off the room where the mold is located — shut doors tightly and cover vents, doorways and other areas where air can escape with plastic and duct tape. Place an exhaust fan in front of any outdoor-facing openings to push spores outside. Be sure to wear a respirator or mold-spore rated facemask, and cover all exposed skin when cleaning black mold.

Lightly spray the mold with water to limit the amount of spores that will become airborne. Scrub the mold with a brush, rag or sponge and soapy water. Be sure to scrub all adjacent areas as well, as not all spores will be visible. Finally, thoroughly scrub the area with bleach, a professional mold removal product or vinegar.

After cleaning black mold, place all equipment and debris in a heavy-duty trash bag, and, if possible, exit through an outdoor opening rather than the main home area, to prevent distribution of spores inside.

Taking these steps while cleaning black mold should help to eradicate the problem and ensure that the process is safe and effective.

Black mold is one of the biggest threats to a healthy home, therefore, we felt it was important to share with you how to clean, prevent its spread and guard against its return.

If you have any tips on maintaining a healthy home, please share with us here at Interior Design...

Look forward to hearing from you...

Check back for more great ideas in the coming days, weeks, months.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Cleaning Secrets for the Entire Home

Compliments of Jeannie Matteucci
Photography by iStockphoto.com/Tatomm

Hi Friends,

A clean home can seem like an unattainable goal, especially when life gets busy and schedules are complicated. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and before you know it, dust, dirt and grime build-up and over time lead to an unattractive and unhealthy environment for you and your family.

Instead of ignoring the problem, take control. Nancy Bock, Senior Vice President, Education & Meetings for the American Cleaning Institute says technology and cleaning products make cleaning your home easier than it was five or 10 years ago. "Everything from housecleaning apps on your phone that will help you clean and keep track of your cleaning schedule, to the actual instruments that replace the old bucket of water and a mop," she explains.

Be honest about how much time you have to clean, how clean you want your home, and the most important spaces in your home you want clean. This helps you devise a strategy to get the job done. "You can design a schedule and it can look fantastic on paper and that's all well and good, but if you're not reasonable about how much time you can spend cleaning that schedule can backfire," cautions cleaning expert and YouTube host Melissa Maker of Clean My Space.

And remember the more organized you are the better chance you have to stay clean, says Debra Johnson, a home cleaning expert with Merry Maids. "Have a cleaning caddy for your different cleaners and use a microfiber cloth that pulls the dust and soil into the cloth and also releases it when you rinse it," says Johnson. Keep the caddy in a designated spot, and use a different colored cloth for each task. Avoid overusing cloths or using too much product, which leads to smearing and streaking and increases your cleaning time.

The good news: you don't need the most expensive cleaning products or tools to successfully clean your home. Common household items used in creative ways can often save money and get the job done. But a word of caution: even "natural" products can sometimes cause a reaction on different finishes and furniture, or pose problems for those who suffer from airborne or skin allergies. Test new products in a small, inconspicuous area to make sure they work for you and your home.

Here are key spaces in the home and the best expert hacks and tips on how to clean them:

KITCHEN

• If you want to clean your microwave without chemicals, Johnson says take a cup of water and put it inside your microwave and heat for two minutes. This creates steam inside, so you can use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the appliance down and remove any residue or stuck-on bits of food.
• Dishwashers have evolved over the years, and Bock stresses the importance of reading your manual. "Homeowners often treat a new dishwasher like they last one they purchased, but the technologies have changed," she says. For example: newer models often have sprayer arms that can be removed and regularly wiped clean, which helps the efficiency and longevity of the appliance.
• Mystery refrigerator smells can be frustrating. Maker says first establish the cause of the odor. Don't allow plates of leftovers or spilled milk to build up over time. Wipe infected areas clean as soon as possible and use a deodorizer to keep future smells from overtaking your refrigerator. While baking soda is the most popular, Maker says you can also use activated charcoal, an open cup of unused coffee grounds or a cut lemon (flesh side up). Johnson says cotton balls with a couple drops of vanilla extract placed in the back of your refrigerator is another option. Whatever you use, remember to change the deodorizer frequently for best results.

BATHROOM

• Since the constant presence of water in a bathroom can lead to mildew and mold, Bock says paying attention to air circulation creates a healthier environment and allows you to spend less time cleaning. "Sometimes people don't turn on the exhaust fan, open the window or always keep the door closed," she points out. "You need air circulation, which is also important when you're using cleaning products."
• Mineral deposits from water can lead to a clogged or dirty shower head. To clean it, both Johnson and Maker suggest using a plastic food storage bag filled with white vinegar that you tie around your shower head with an elastic band. Allow the bag to sit overnight, and then turn the shower on in the morning to rinse away build up.
• Maker says the easiest way to keep your shower clean from soap scum is to use a squeegee each time you shower, to wipe your shower walls down before you step out. Once you're out, use the squeegee to wipe the tub to eliminate as much moisture and water as possible.
• Hairspray or toothpaste can create stubborn splatters on your bathroom mirror. To remove them, Makers says use a dab of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or soft cloth to gently wipe away the offending marks.

BEDROOM

• Dirty sheets can give your bedroom a stuffy smell. Maker says if you suffer from allergies, wash your bed sheets once a week. For non-allergy sufferers, washing sheets once every other week should help eliminate odors and keep your bedroom smelling fresher.
• While people think their sheets, they often forget about their bed skirt. "They're a magnet for dust, pet hair and human hair," says Bock. "You need to remove and launder them every three weeks. And if you store items under your bed, pull those items out when you sweep or vacuum because they're a magnet for dust."

FAMILY ROOM

• Framed photos are notorious dust collectors. Bock says when you spray cleaner directly on framed photos, the cleaner can sometimes bleed behind the frame to the matting and damage photos. Instead, spray your cleaner onto a soft cloth instead of the frame itself, so you can control the amount of cleaner and avoid the bleeding problem.
• Family rooms can often become the cluttered drop zone for the house. To keep on top of things, Maker says she and her husband have a rule: when they leave the family room, they always take something in their hands. This allows the couple to keep books, dishes, magazines and mail from overtaking the space.

LIVING ROOM

• Sometimes you don't clean what you don't see, points out Bock. Food crumbs build up between chair and sofa cushions and attract rodents and pests. If you can't stop family members from munching on the sofa, check and remove cushions often and use a damp cloth or hand-held vacuum to remove the crumbs.
• Spilled food and drinks create stains on area rugs. Johnson says the quicker you remove the stain, the better it will be. "When blotting the stain with a damp microfiber cloth, use a fan to circulate the air to remove the dampness after you clean the stain," she advises.
• If your living room or another space has a ceiling fan, use a sock on your hand to securely capture the dust. "If you haven't cleaned it for a while, spray the sock with a bit of furniture polish to make sure you can capture all the dust," suggests Bock.

HOME OFFICE

• Clean your computer screens and keyboards by combining one part rubbing alcohol with one part distilled water (water with no minerals) in a spray bottle, says Maker. Lightly spray a soft microfiber cloth with the mixture and gently but quickly buff dry to remove dust and bacteria.
• Bills, mail and job-related paperwork can create a messy home office, so it pays to have a paper shredder. "By having that one simple tool in your office, you will make managing that room much easier," says Maker.

LAUNDRY ROOM


Home cleaning experts have shared their best hacks and tips for tidying up our kitchens, bathrooms and more; you can share some of your cleaning tips with us too.

Look forward to hearing from you...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

How Clean Is Your Home? Take A Quiz...

Compliments of DK Books - Houseworks

Hi Friends,

Where does your family fall on the cleaning spectrum? This quiz will help you assess the sweet spot of "clean-enough" for your home.

1. When dinner is over, what’s the state of the kitchen?

A. Pristine, of course. I load the dishwasher as I cook, and dinner dishes are done promptly. I can’t relax if the kitchen doesn’t sparkle when I turn out the lights. Who wants to come back to a dirty kitchen in the morning?
B. I let the dinner dishes soak until next day. Who wants to ruin a good meal by spending time with their hands in hot water afterward?
C. What’s the difference? The counters are still covered with dirty dishes; I just washed the ones we needed before the meal.

2. How’s your relationship with the vacuum cleaner?

A. Who needs a man when I have my high-speed vacuum cleaner? Even the cat has learned to stand still for the daily vacuuming.
B. Love-hate. I show it the carpet every week or so, or when friends are on the way over, but I do wish it would learn to lower its voice.
C. What vacuum cleaner? I’m still hoping a cleaning reality show will stop by and dig us out. Public exposure would be a small price to pay!

3. Getting to the seat of the problem, how often do you scrub the toilet?

A. As often as I use it, of course. Who wants to park themselves on anything less than sparkling?
B. Hit or miss. A couple of times a week, more often if the fellows in the house forget to aim.
C. Only when something snarls at me when I lift the lid ... say, every few weeks?

4. For sweetest dreams, how often do you change the sheets?

A. Once a week or twice a week in warm weather. I love the feel of crisp, fresh linens.
B. When I remember, or the smell gets to me. Say, every couple of weeks or so?
C. Only when I have a new boyfriend, if you know what I mean. Why waste good laundry powder and water if I’m going to be too sleepy to notice?

5. Are you a duster or a dabbler? How often do you remove dust from the home?

A. Daily, of course; it’s a ritual. Some of my finest ideas come to me while I stroke the furniture with my dust cloth.
B. Once a week or so or whenever the household joker writes “Dust Me” on the dining-room table with his finger.
C. I’m a fan of the blow-it method. If I pick something up and it’s covered with dust, I blow it off. Great household hint, huh?

If You Answered Mostly A

Congratulations! You are a Clean Extreme, and happy to be so. Your house shines, and any dust mote so unwise to assert its presence is shown the door, pronto. Just be careful that militant cleaning doesn’t come between you and other family members, who don’t necessarily share your enjoyment of the process.

If You Answered Mostly B

Moderate Mopper, with a house that is clean enough to be healthy, dirty enough to be a home. Most of the time, you’re happy with the balance between time spent cleaning and the domestic results, but occasionally, you slip a bit too far toward slapdash. Try a more scheduled approach to clean less and enjoy it more.

If You Answered Mostly C

You’re a Dirt Dodger. Too often, you’re discouraged about life on the home front. Remember this truth: If you don’t wanna, you ain’t gonna. To pull the household back from the dusty brink, focus on small changes: clearing kitchen counters once a day, setting aside an afternoon each weekend for cleaning chores.

Houseworks © 2006, 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited
Text copyright © 2006, 2010 Cynthia Townley Ewer

Clean smart by setting a realistic cleaning standard for your home. Schedule chores to keep a clean house every day. Follow these simple suggestions for a year-around clean home.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Get Organized and Control the Clutter

Compliments of Liz Witts

Hi Friends,

Don't Let Clutter Control You...

Organizing has a huge payoff. People don't realize how much their clutter can bring them down and lead them to avoid entire rooms of their homes.

Don't let your clutter control you. Start small, perhaps one shelf at a time, or one pile at a time and remind yourself that you don't have to tackle the entire project in just one day. It takes months or years for clutter to build up, and it won't unclutter itself in a day.

The payoff I am referring to is the psychological relief one gets from being organized. I believe it is better for your health to be organized because it creates less stress in your life. When items are easily found, you save time.

Organizing is hard work, but in the end you will feel as if a huge burden has been lifted from your shoulders. Here are a few quick tips to help you throughout the process.

1. When sorting through clutter, determine how frequently you use the item. This will serve as a guide for where you place it in your home. For example, if you use something every week, it should have a home in your daily living space. If the item is something you use just 10 times a year, then it should be placed in a more long-term storage space like the garage.
   
   
2. After your initial sorting process, review what you have placed in the Keep pile if the pile seems excessive. Sometimes when you give an item a second look you realize that you don't need it after all.
   
   
3. Display mementos sparingly, rather than entire collection of items from a certain event. Photos are also a great way to remember things like trip, parties or holiday gatherings. The nice thing about photos is that they don't take up much space in your room and can serve double duty as decor for the walls and bookcases.
   
   
4. Why do we check off "doubles" when we get our film developed? We all do it, and then we end up with a ton of extra photos that pile up and seem to multiply over time. Don't get doubles unless you are either positive that nearly all of the photos are going to be frame worthy or plan to distribute the extras to others.

Like some of these options or have some of your own, please share with us; look forward to hearing from you...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Convertible Furniture

By: Keri Sanders
Courtesy of Matroshka Furniture

Hi Friends,

When you live in a small home, sometimes it is impossible to give every activity a room of its own. Luckily, convertible furniture makes it easy to switch from office to bedroom to dining area with just a few simple moves.

Less is more...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Your Top 10 Organizing Tips

Compliments of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Door Storage
"I love the hanging clear shoe organizers! I have one on the inside of every door in my house. One is in the entryway for hats, gloves and scarves, another in the garage for nails, screwdrivers and smaller items and one in the bathroom for trial-size items. I use one in the kitchen for spices and small bags and another in the linen closet for washcloths and pillow cases. And of course, one in my closet for shoes — how clever!" —Christine Frazer

T is for Toaster
"Use an A-Z accordion file for storing instruction booklets for appliances and electronics. Staple the receipt to the inside of the booklet and then file it under the letter of the alphabet it fits. Example: toaster goes under T and not under the brand name. This system makes it possible for anyone in the household to find instruction booklets without having to ask or search the entire house since they're all stored in one location." —Beth Butler

Race to the Finish
"Before the kids go to bed, have a 10-minute race to see who can pick up the most stuff." —Susan Ramsay

Project Central
"Use photo storage boxes to sort and store buttons, threads, elastic and trims. Use plastic sweater-size storage boxes to keep all items of a project together, such as fabric, pattern, thread, drawings and ideas, then name the project and label the box." —Marsha Coble-Karman

It's in the Bag
"Store plastic grocery bags in an empty tissue box." —Marsha J. Robinson

Box It Up
"Use plastic school pencil boxes with lids to organize your medicine cabinet. Sort all medicines by type and put them in the boxes. Then label the side of the box and store on a shelf in the cabinet. I use the same types of boxes to keep my junk drawer organized as well." —Holly Robinson

Clothes by Occasion
"I organize clothes by the four uses I have for them: formal, work, casual and sport. I keep all clothes for those different categories in different parts of my closet. From there, I organize my clothes by color and style (for example, short- and long-sleeved shirts or pants and skirts) so that it's easier to create outfits and think of different options." —Kelli Smith Orrela

Seasonal Shoes
"I store out-of-season shoes in shoe boxes in the top of my closet. I write a description of the summer shoe on one end of the box for storage during winter. I use the same box for my winter shoes and write the description on the other end." —Diane Walton

Dual-Purpose Dresser
"I use my daughter's dresser to organize her toys. I hang most of her clothes in her closet then use the top two drawers in her dresser for pjs and undergarments. The last three drawers, which are easy for her to reach and open, store her toys. One drawer is for Barbies and accessories, another for baby dolls and accessories and the third for small objects like Legos. Each drawer keeps like toys together so we both know where a specific toy is, along with its accessories. It also helps her keep her room neat and makes cleanup easier for her." —Trish Bosso

The Easy Way to Donate
"I keep a cardboard box in my laundry room for clothes that need to go to the thrift store. When I sort the laundry I toss in the clothes my kids have outgrown. When it's full, I simply put the box in the car and drop it off at a local shelter or thrift store." —Lisa Christianson

Great options here; feel free to share some of your storage and organziation options with us too...

Look forward to hearing from you.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne