Can Humidifiers Cause Mold? What You Need to Know

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

If mold has developed in your property because of your humidifier or other causes, don’t hesitate at all in contacting SERVPRO of Central Tulsa today!

Mold is one of those stubborn substances that can be found just about anywhere since a mold colony can grow in any place where moisture is present. With that in mind, one can only ask if it’s possible for humidifiers to cause mold.

It can be frustrating handling mold since its complete removal often relies on knowing its exact source. And while it seems likely that your humidifier is the cause, you can never tell without an expert’s opinion.

SERVPRO of Central Tulsa has been providing Tulsa mold remediation services for years. We know a lot about mold growth and how to stop it. So, if you own a humidifier and are unsure if it’s the cause of your mold problem, then continue reading below. 

What are Humidifiers?

As the name implies, humidifiers are devices that release steam into the air. They’re designed to increase moisture levels (humidity). Different types of humidifiers exist on the market today, such as central humidifiers, steam vaporizers, and evaporators.

The purpose of humidifiers is to help relieve discomfort caused by dry indoor air, including bloody noses and cracked lips.

Do Humidifiers Cause Mold?

The bottom line is yes, humidifiers can cause mold. Because moisture feeds mold development, and humidifiers increase moisture levels, mold can easily grow from their use. 

But this doesn’t mean that humidifiers will always cause mold growth. In fact, mold growth from a humidifier can easily be prevented with the right dehumidifier maintenance. 

Humidifier Maintenance Steps to Take to Prevent Mold Growth 

In order to prevent mold development from humidifier use, we recommend following these steps:

Change Humidifier Water Regularly

Certain deposits can develop inside your humidifier if you don’t change the water often. Make sure to empty the tanks and refill them every day, if possible.

Use Distilled Water

Tap water contains minerals that promote bacterial growth. By using distilled water, which has lower mineral content, you can reduce the risk of mold development significantly. You can also reduce the risk by using demineralization cartridges or filters.

Clean Your Humidifier Frequently

Every three days, you should unplug your humidifier and clean it. Remove mineral deposits from your humidifier’s tank or other parts with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution available at most pharmacies.

Read the humidifier’s manufacturer notes. They may mention using another disinfectant instead of hydrogen peroxide.

Replace Your Old Humidifier

If your current humidifier is an older or outdated model, you should consider replacing it. Older humidifiers can build deposits that are difficult to remove and can promote mold growth. 

In Need of Central Tulsa Mold Remediation Services?

If mold has developed in your property, because of your humidifier or other cause, don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Central Tulsa today!

Always Rely on SERVPRO to Restore Your Water Damaged Property

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO - Faster to Any-Sized Disaster

Water damage doesn't just happen when a pipe bursts or a water heater can no longer stand the pressure. The truth is, water damage inside a home can come from practically anywhere. While two of the most common causes are burst pipes and leaky water heaters, it can also happen due to a faulty washing machine or dishwasher. This type of damage can also occur as a direct result of storm damage which destroys the roof or some other structural part of the house, effectively leaving it open to the elements. It also happens in the event of a fire as the first responders attempt to put out the flames. It is inevitable there will be a certain amount of water present in the home. The question is, how should you handle it when this type of thing happens to you?

Fortunately, when you are dealing with water damage in Central Tulsa, you can rely on SERVPRO to help you come to terms with everything that is going on. In fact, we have spent some years perfecting our techniques when it comes to repairing water damage and performing restoration services in businesses and homes of all sizes. We use proven techniques that get the best results because we understand that you want to be able to preserve as many of your possessions as possible.

When you have any crisis inside your home, whether the damage is confined to one room or one or present throughout the entire home, you need professionals who know what they are doing. At SERVPRO of Central Tulsa, we can provide you with one of the most important elements that you will ever have when it feels like your entire world has been turned upside down - peace of mind. You might look at your home and wonder how anybody would ever be able to clean up a mess like that. Still, you can rest assured that we have both the expertise and the equipment to get it done, and we have plenty of experience when it comes to handling challenging situations. 

We incorporate special wet vacuums as well as dryers (air movers and dehumidifiers) to help dry items out as quickly as possible, and we utilize reliable, proven techniques to restore as much as possible. The good news is that even when it looks like there isn't anything that can be done and everything is lost, there is a better-than-average chance that SERVPRO trained IICRC technicians will be able to get the job done on your behalf. The truth is, if you try to clean things up yourself, you don't really know what you're dealing with. The water damage could be far more significant than it appears on the surface.

We can check for any structural deficiencies, restore your home and your personal possessions, and ensure that you don't have to deal with mold growth. We don't recommend that anyone attempt to clean up black mold on their own, so it requires the services of an organization like ours to safely get rid of the water and inhibit the growth of mold. You and your family deserve a safe and healthy home environment.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are directly impacted by water damage, don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Central Tulsa at (918) 271-5922