Welcome to Your Homeowner Maintenance Guide

Why this matters: Moisture is the #1 cause of mold. Proper prevention protects your home, air quality, and construction materials.

OSHA/EPA Safety-Aligned Do's • Fix leaks promptly (plumbing, roofing, window seals).
• Keep bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens ventilated (use fans, open windows).
• Clean small mold spots (<10 sq ft) on hard, non-porous surfaces using:
    • Mild soap + warm water
    • Soft cloth or gentle scrub brush
    • Dry thoroughly afterward
• Wear basic protection during mold cleaning:
    • Nitrile or rubber gloves
    • Eye protection
    • N95 mask
• Maintain caulking around showers, sinks & tubs.

Important Safety Notes ⚠ Do not mix bleach with ammonia or acidic cleaners (creates toxic gas).
⚠ Do not attempt to clean mold on porous materials (drywall, carpet, insulation).
⚠ Do not clean mold patches larger than 10 sq ft — call a professional.

Moisture & Mold Prevention • Follow these steps to minimize moisture and prevent mold growth, such as proper ventilation and regular cleaning of small mold spots.
When to Contact a Specialist • For mold covering large areas (over 10 square feet), mold behind walls or structural materials, or water damage due to flooding or leaks, please consult a mold remediation or water damage restoration professional.
When to Contact SGR • If you need remodeling or repair services after certified cleanup, or general renovation work, we are available to assist.

Routine Cleaning (Safe for Most Surfaces) • Sweep or vacuum dry debris.
• Clean using neutral pH or mild detergent with warm water.
• Rinse with clean water.
• Dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

Grout Care • For light dirt: use a soft brush + mild cleaner.
• For stubborn areas: use grout-safe cleaners only (neutral pH).
• Reseal grout every 12–18 months.

Caulking Checks • Inspect kitchen & bathroom caulking every 6 months.
• Replace if you see cracking, gaps, or mold underneath.

Safety Notes ⚠ Avoid abrasive pads that scratch tile.
⚠ Avoid acidic cleaners on natural stone.
⚠ Avoid long-term exposure to fumes — always ventilate.

When to Call SGR • Cracked or missing grout
• Loose tiles
• Caulking failures causing leaks
• For persistent leaks or water damage behind tile, please have the area inspected by specialists before renovation work.

Daily & Weekly Care • Wipe using a damp (not wet) microfiber cloth.
• Use mild dish soap for heavier dirt—avoid harsh chemicals.
• Dry immediately to protect the finish.

Protection Tips • Install soft-close hinges to reduce wear (SGR can install these).
• Avoid letting water drip from sink edges onto cabinets.
• Use shelf liners to protect interior surfaces.

Safety Notes ⚠ Avoid bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.
⚠ Avoid prolonged contact with steam (coffee makers, rice cookers placed under cabinets).
⚠ Avoid soaking wood, which leads to swelling or warping.

When to Call SGR • Cabinets are warping or water-damaged
• Doors no longer align properly
• You want refinishing or upgrades

Spring • Check roof & gutters
• Inspect exterior paint & siding
• Test smoke/CO detectors

Summer • Inspect caulking around windows
• Power wash exterior (avoid high pressure on siding seams)
• Check irrigation for leaks or overspray

Fall • Clean debris from gutters
• Seal gaps around doors & windows
• Inspect for moisture around bathrooms

Winter • Check for condensation around windows
• Prevent pipe freezing in low temps
• Monitor attic ventilation

These are preventive maintenance tips only. For significant water intrusion, flooding, or mold behind walls or ceilings, please consult appropriate remediation or restoration professionals before repair or remodeling.