Preventing mould from developing in your home is critical for you and your family’s health. Mould forms in places where there is a high level of moisture. In order to prevent mould you should adhere to the following suggestions.
Maintain low humidity levels in your home. These levels should be kept low all day. An air conditioning system as well as a dehumidifier are useful devices to maintain low humidity levels throughout your house. To ensure your humidity levels are staying at a low level, you should monitor the levels throughout the day if possible.
Another measure that can be taken to prevent the formation or growth of mould in your home is proper ventilation. Vents and fans in your kitchen and bathroom can help to get rid of moisture and humidity. You should run the washroom fan while showering or open a window if possible. While cooking or using the dishwasher you should use an exhaust fan or open windows as well. It is also important to allow appliances to vent, such as stoves, dryers, and washing machines.
To deter mould from forming, ensure areas which have been flooded are immediately cleaned and dried effectively. The longer you wait to begin cleaning or hire cleaners, the higher the likelihood that mould could begin growing. It is also important to quickly fix any leaks in your roof, walls, or plumbing in order to minimize and eliminate mould.
When cleaning your bathroom make use of mould killing cleaning products. These products can kill the mould you can’t see while disinfecting the areas affected.
If your carpets have been soaked due to water damage and you were unable to dry them quickly you should consider replacing them. It is also recommended that you do not install carpets in bathrooms or basements which contain a large amount of moisture.
Commercial and Residential Carpet Cleaning
Most carpet cleaning service providers that claim to offer professional cleaning services only use soap and water for the removal of debris, dirt and other contaminants. This method of cleaning might give you the impression of a clean looking carpet for a few days, but day by day you will come to find that your carpets are emitting an unpleasant smell and that the stains that were seemingly removed as creeping back into sight. This occurs because your carpets if you carpets are not dried correctly, even with the slightly moisture still present, the core of your carpet’s fibers will emit a mildew odor while the soap used will leave a greasy remnants on the surface, attracting even more dirty, causing it to get dirty again very quickly.
Steamatic’s extensive research and technology has allowed for us to utilize more efficient and more effective methods of cleaning carpets, leaving your carpets with no soapy residue or a bad odor. By using very hot water combined with our specially developed emulsifying agent, we’re able to break down and liquify all the dirt and contaminants in your carpets. Our cleansing solution will get deep down into the fibers of your carpet and pulled by out by using our cleansing vacuums, making sure that your carpet is almost entirely dry and spotlessly clean down to it’s fibers.
The use of extremely hot water is very helpful for the following reasons:
Steamatic offers hot water carpet cleaning services to hotels, residential homes as well as corporate and commercial carpet cleaning needs. In order to protect your hardwood and any other hard floor surfaces, we strongly advise allowing us to take your area rugs for cleaning at our warehouse facility and then return them to you for proper placement.
We strongly suggest preforming regular vacuuming on your carpet as well as cleaning your carpet twice a year in order to reduce the amount of pollutants and debris that are contained within your carpet fibers. Maintaining your carpets will greatly extend the life of your rugs and/or carpet. With Steamatic’s cleaning methods, your carpet will not prematurely age nor will it cause wear and tear and you’ll find that the overall look, feel and scent of your carpet/rug will remain in excellent condition time after time.
HVAC Cleaning
HVAC units are spots that tend to collect lots of pollutants, debris, and dust unless they’re correctly cleaned and properly maintained. When pollutants, debris, and dust build up in air ducts and vents, your HVAC system will be sending them back out into the air that you breathe, creating the high possibility of these areas becoming breeding grounds for other viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Not only can this impact your health in a negative way, but it’ll also cause your HVAC to be less effective and more expensive to operate.
At Steamatic, we have the expertise and equipment required to eliminate all concerns regarding your HVAC. Steamatic’s techniques for cleaning HVAC systems assist in the removal of both dust and debris as well as removing up to 82% of mould, mildew, and other bacteria, which in turn, works to prevent further growth in the future.
Steamatic offers an effective and dependable three-step plan that works to loosen and kill all bacteria, viruses, mould spores, and finally removes them from your HVAC system. For example, our HVAC coil cleaning method works to remove bacteria that collects around the heating and cooling coils located inside your system; this is an area that is a potential threat and is often overlooked by other HVAC cleaning companies.
The debris, mould, and mildew that can accumulate in your HVAC ducts and vents reduce the effectiveness of your entire system as well, which means you’ll burn a larger quantity of fossil fuels, which elevates your heating and cooling bills throughout the year. Steamatic’s HVAC cleaning and maintenance method functions to make certain that you’re using the lowest levels of energy to heat and cool your property, keeping your utility bills down and reducing your carbon footprint.
Contact Steamatic today to find out what services are best suited to your needs; you can rest assured that we will never preform an HVAC cleaning process before checking your system first to determine whether or not you need our services.
Restoring your home after a fire
Fires can erupt in homes or places of business for any number of reasons. Curling irons left on, neglected cigarette butts, electric blankets, flammable material next to electric heaters, electrical outlets, short circuits in the wall, faulty wiring and defective appliances, including lamps and toasters may all be unsuspecting culprits. Besides the direct damage inflicted by fire, smoke and heat can worsen the impact, leaving odours, stains and warped furniture in their wake. Different types of smoke can be emitted from a fire, each causing a specific type of damage. For instance, wet smoke resulting from a low heat fire will leave a very pungent odour and thick soot on surfaces of the affected area. There are also other types of smoke, including dry smoke, fuel oil smoke and protein smoke. Each must be treated accordingly.
Smoke and heat affect the many things in your home differently. If the cleaning of these materials is handled improperly, the resulting damage can be irreparable. Clothing and upholstery, including carpets, rugs and curtains are perfect materials for absorbing odours and collecting soot. These elements must be properly cleared before an effective cleaning. There are many commercial products specifically designed for fire damage restoration, including chemical deodorants and steam-cleaning detergents.
The best advice is to call a remediation specialist. They know how to prevent further damage to your home, and have the necessary equipment to accomplish any type of restoration operation. They also possess proven techniques to remove smoke and soot from your home and belongings. They are your best chance at returning your property to original condition. On the other hand, if you are the victim of a fire suffering only minor damages, and are looking to salvage your property, here is what you must do;
Soot
Should you be dealing with small amounts of soot, start by removing the loose stuff resting on the carpet fibres. Vacuuming will help you get rid of most of the loose soot. Before you start cleaning the soot stain, scrape the affected area with a spoon to loosen the remaining soot, and vacuum once more. Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbing material on the stain. Let stand at least one hour, and vacuum again. Apply a cleaning solvent on the stain, and let it sit according to the directions on the stain remover. Blot the stained area with a clean cloth or sponge. Once you’ve blotted as much as you can, rinse the stained area with cold water while being careful not to wet the carpet’s underpad. Dry the area by opening all doors and windows, and by placing a fan next to the affected area. If the stain persists, repeat the procedure. If the result is still the same after several tries, replace your carpet, or call a remediation specialist.
Smoke
Getting rid of the smell of smoke from carpet can be tricky. There is a high risk of staining the carpet with the washing liquids you wish to use. Your best bet is to get the job done professionally. Specialists have access to a range of heavy-duty products for cleaning carpets and removing unwanted smells. Should you want to solve the problem yourself, try cleaning the surface with vinegar and rinsing with clean water. The acid in the vinegar neutralizes the smoke smell. With a bit of luck, this should take care of minor smoke odour issues.
You can also buy any good brand of baking soda and sprinkle areas affected with unwanted smoke smell. Let the baking soda sit for at least 24 hours so that it may soak up the odour. Then vacuum to clean it up. If the smell persists, repeat the process several times. If the result is still the same after several attempts, replace your carpet or call a remediation specialist.
Soot
To remove soot from kitchenware, prepare a standard cleaning solution using hot water and regular dishwashing soap. Scrub your pots, pans, flatware and utensils thoroughly with a nylon scrubbing pad. Rinse everything with clear water and polish with a fine-powdered cleaner. For copper and brass cookware, sprinkle salt on a clean cloth saturated with vinegar, and scrub the entire surface. To clean the inside, fill the item with half a cup of baking soda and water, and then boil. Most of the burned part should slide right off. Scrub the remaining soot with a scrubbing pad.
Soot
Remove as much soot as possible before beginning the cleaning process. Hang your clothes on an outside clothing line, and stretch the garment while smacking the backside of the stain with a rod. Once this is done, you can start the cleaning process. Keep in mind that different kinds of clothes require specific washing methods. Some clothes must be dry-cleaned because of fibre content or dyes used in the fabric. Sort washable clothes by colour. Most clothes are made from cotton, polyester or a mix of both. Wash clothes in the washing machine with lukewarm water, and use the recommended amount of powdered laundry detergent. Add half a cup of non-chlorine bleach suitable for coloured fabrics. Once the washing is done, put your nose to work by smelling every piece of garment to check if there is a lingering smoke smell. If so, wash again. Heavily soiled clothes will most likely need several washings. Hang clothes outdoor to dry and remove smoke odours.
Smoke
Even after a few washes, it is possible that smoke odours linger in your clothes if not properly deodorized by a specialist. Some dry cleaners use a deodorizing process that actually breaks up the smoke molecule to eliminate odour. This process is called ozone treatment. In most cases the ozone treatment is done in your house, and your clothes are deodorized in an ozone room. The professionals place your clothes in a tent with an ozone generator. The ozone treatment is reputed to be an effective method for ridding clothing of smoke. If your clothes are infested with smoke, you should have them deodorized before cleaning. Smoke odour sets in the fabric of clothes cleaned before deodorization, leaving them permanently smelly. Check with dry-cleaners in your area to see if they provide ozone treatment.
Soot
First try removing as much soot from the furniture as possible. Rent a vacuum from a local hardware store and clean all the soot you can. Be sure to hold the vacuum´s nozzle at least half an inch above the soot-covered surface, otherwise you risk smearing the soot stain. Take out the furniture´s removable parts, including drawers, knobs and panels, to let them air out. Mix a bucket of hot water and household cleaning detergent and wash the furniture’s surfaces with a stiff brush. Use a clean cloth to dry. If your furniture is not too heavy and weather allows, take it outside for drying. If you can´t move your furniture outside, use fans, heaters, humidifiers, or open doors and windows to circulate air. To remove white smoke spots, mix a solution of one part ammonia with one part water. Dry again, and polish with furniture wax.
Smoke
The best way to air-out smoke-damaged furniture is by moving it outside on a clear, sunny day. If your furniture is too heavy to move, open all doors and windows, and use fans to circulate air. Most of the smoke odour will gradually seep out of porous wood and fabric. Next, sprinkle baking soda on the upholstered parts and let sit for 24 to 48 hours. Baking soda absorbs odours and removes the stench from furniture fabric. Remove the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner. You may have to repeat this process until the odour is completely gone. You can also use smoke odour removers available at local hardware stores. Before using such products, read the instructions to make sure they will not damage fabric.
Note: never use furniture wax or polish before the smoke smell is completely gone. Wax and polish trap odours in the wood, releasing them again once the wax fades.
Soot
It is best to seek the services of a professional remediation specialist for upholstered furniture heavily coated with soot. If your furniture is only slightly stained with soot, you can try removing it yourself. First remove as much soot as possible from the furniture. Rent a vacuum from a local hardware store and clean all the soot you can. Be sure to hold the vacuum´s nozzle at least half an inch above the soot-covered surface, otherwise you risk smearing the soot stain. Next, sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbing material on the soot stains. Let stand at least one hour, and vacuum again. Apply a cleaning solvent on the stain, and let sit according to the directions on the stain remover. Blot the stained area with a clean cloth or sponge. Once you’ve blotted as much as you can, rinse the stained area with cold water. Dry the upholstery by opening all doors and windows, and by placing a fan next to it. If the stain persists, repeat the procedure. If the result is still the same after several attempts, call a remediation specialist.
Smoke
Begin by sprinkling baking soda on the upholstery, and let sit for 24 to 48 hours. Baking soda absorbs odours, removing stench from furniture fabric. Vacuum the baking soda. You may have to repeat this process until the odour is completely gone. You can also use smoke odour removers available at local hardware stores. Before using such products, read the instructions to be certain fabric will not be damaged. Then mix a solution of one part mild household soap to five part water to completely neutralize the smoke smell. Wait a few minutes before scrubbing the stained area with a soft bristle brush or old toothbrush. Blot the area with a soft clean cloth. Repeat this process several times, or until the smoke odour is completely gone.
It is imperative to protect yourself with rubber gloves, goggles and face masks. To move about safely, clear the room of objects and furniture. Take down curtains, picture frames, posters and wall decorations, and place them in another room. Cover objects too heavy to move with a plastic sheet or tarp. Also, cover the floor to protect it from the cleaning solution and falling soot. Fill a bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add half a cup of trisodium phosphate and one cup of bleach to the mix. Stir content until you get an even solution. Dip a sponge in the mixture. Wring the sponge to remove excess liquid. Scrub the ceiling in a back-and-forth motion, and rinse. Dip the sponge back into the cleaning mixture and continue scrubbing the ceiling. Repeat the process until you have removed the soot from the ceiling. Dry the area by opening all doors and windows. You can also use box fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.
Soot
To clean walls, remember to protect yourself with rubber gloves, goggles and face masks. To move about safely, clear the room of any objects and furniture. Take down curtains, picture frames, posters and wall decorations, and place them in another room. Cover objects too heavy to move with a plastic sheet or tarp. Also, cover the floor to protect it from the cleaning solution and falling soot. Fill a bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add half a cup of trisodium phosphate and one cup of bleach to the mix. Stir content until you get an even solution. Dip a large sponge in the mixture. Wring the sponge to remove excess liquid. Scrub the walls one section at a time in a back-and-forth motion, and rinse. Dip the sponge back into the cleaning mixture and continue scrubbing until the walls are completely clean. Repeat the process until you have removed the soot from the ceiling. Dry the area by opening all doors and windows. You can also use box fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Note: Be careful not to wet walls too much, lest you damage the drywall.
Soot
To clean floors, clear the room of all objects and furniture so you can move about safely and access the entire surface. Fill a bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add half a cup of trisodium phosphate and one cup of bleach to the mix. Stir content until you get an even solution. Dip a large sponge in the mixture or attach it to a mop handle. Wring the sponge to remove excess liquid. Fill another bucket with clean water. Place one mop in that bucket and set it aside. Mop a few square feet of the floor at a time with the cleaning mixture. Immediately rinse the mopped floor using the rinse water mop. Dip the sponge back into the cleaning mixture and continue scrubbing until the floor is completely clean. Repeat the process until you have removed the soot from the entire surface. Dry the area by opening all doors and windows. You can also use box fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Rinse and dry the entire floor once again with clean water using the rinse water mop, after you’ve finished mopping the floor.
Conclusion
Reading the information above, you have understood that recovering from unexpected fire damage is about taking quick action. Quick action is only possible when you already know what immediate steps to take in the event of a fire. It is important to know exactly where to start and how to prioritize your remediation efforts. You must also be aware of your limits, and know when it is time to ask the help of a specialist.
Post-disaster restoration: Is doing it yourself an option?
Budget constraints, inadequate insurance policies, a desire to protect belongings and the abhorrence of strangers in the house are some of the reasons many victims of flood or fire attempt restoration on their own. Unfortunately, people tackling such efforts often underestimate the extent of damage, and are confronted by insurmountable problems. Most often, victims of fire or flood lack technical expertise and proper equipment, two things crucial to successful cleaning and restoration. Below are five reasons you should contact a remediation specialist to restore your home following a fire or flood.
Fire and flood restoration require heavy duty equipment and specialized machinery, which all remediation specialists possess. Should you opt to tackle the restoration yourself, you need to rent or buy such equipment at considerable prices.
Costs related to time spent away from your regular job are likely to be higher than the cost of having a professional restore you home. Restoration requires a lot of man-hours to complete. Consider that if you are taking time off work to do the job yourself, you are most likely biting into your vacation time or simply not being paid for hours outside the office. Also, no matter how many hours invested into restoration, it takes a long time before seeing results, which may affect your health and take a toll on your family. Professional restoration companies work ten times faster and with greater results.
Following a fire, the biggest problems facing people attempting self restoration of their homes are invisible to the naked eye, like smoke damage for instance. Whenever there is a fire, parts of the house may look intact but have in fact sustained heavy damage from smoke emitted from the fire. There are four types of smoke damage; wet smoke, dry smoke, protein smoke, and fuel oil soot. Most homeowners fail to understand that each type of smoke requires a specific cleaning process in order to completely eliminate the smoke odour. Failing this, the smell of smoke persists, requiring further restoration operations.
When dealing with water restoration, keep in mind that there too, the worst damage is often unseen. After flood water disappears, damage is invisible. Microbes and fungi, including toxic mould carried by flood waters grow on moist surfaces. These contaminants cause illness, particularly in confined spaces with inadequate air circulation. A water restoration company has the tools and expertise to detect moisture levels in every area of your home and rid the property of potentially damaging moisture.
In addition to being the wisest decision, hiring a restoration company facilitates the insurance process. A fire damage contractor assigns an insurance specialist to your case. This insurance specialist works with your insurance provider to ensure a speedy claims process. Also, they make sure the insurance company covers all your restoration expenses. Do-it-yourself restoration projects often end in nightmare scenarios that result in the denial of insurance coverage or compensation that fails to meet the total cost of restoration. Hiring a contractor guarantees peace of mind in dealing with insurance companies as they work hand in hand, and quotes provided by licensed restoration companies are always accepted.
Natural disasters leave a trail of destroyed property, often with thousands of victims in precarious emotional condition. In addition to restoring buildings and replacing material possessions, victims need to devote time to restoring body and mind. This is particularly important for children as they lack life experience. Focusing on the present helps people through disasters of all magnitude. Dwelling on the past only contributes to stress.
Regardless how good a handyman you are, always consider contacting a fire and water restoration specialist following a disaster, especially if your insurance company covers it. Most fire and water restoration companies guarantee that repair estimates are accepted by the insurance company, which means you have nothing to lose by hiring professionals. Should you have to pay out of your pocket, for reasons elaborated above, hiring a specialist often ends up costing less than doing the work yourself. The sooner you call, the less you lose.
As a responsible homeowner, you have taken every precaution to avoid fire and water damage to your home. You have installed the required smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, set up an evacuation plan and purchased the right insurance policy. Unfortunately, some disasters are beyond your control. For instance, your whole neighbourhood may have been flooded or a fire from next door spread to yours.
When disaster strikes, causing water or fire damage, you must act within 48 hours, especially in the case of a flood where mould can quickly develop in water-soaked areas. In case of a fire, the combination of fire and smoke damage makes restoration work extremely difficult and quite impossible to do on your own. This means you have to hire professionals to restore your property. It is crucial that you choose your restoration professional carefully. Water and fire damage restoration is a highly specialized field; choosing a company with a reputation for professionalism, efficiency and quick response is critical.
If your insurance company covers the expense, all you need to do is find a reputable company that you can trust. Most fire and water restoration companies guarantee that their repair estimates is accepted by the insurance company, which alleviates pressure off you. Should you have to pay out of your pocket, hiring a specialist often ends up costing you less than doing the work yourself. There are many restoration companies to choose from, but whether you are insured or not, you should look for the same features before hiring a restoration contractor. Here are basic questions to ask.
What is their response time?
Every restoration company, big or small, should return your emergency phone call within one hour, regardless of the time of day or night. They should have a 24/7, 365 days a year emergency hotline.
What is their level of credibility?
Search the Internet for relevant information about disaster recovery companies that work in your region. A lot of information to help guide your decision can be found on the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) website. Also, always look for a company that only hires properly trained technicians. A reputable restoration contractor should show lots of results.
What services do they offer?
Any serious restoration contractor must offer a complete range of services, from basic cleanup operations to complete restoration. They should also offer a mould remediation service to help prevent setting and spreading of mould, especially if your home has been hit by a flood or damaged by water hoses after a fire.
Is the restoration contractor properly insured?
No matter how reputable your restoration company, they should have adequate liability insurance. If not, hire someone else. Liability insurance covers damage done to your property. If your contractor has no liability insurance, any damage they accidentally cause to your home is not covered. Additionally, if an employee of the remediation contractor is hurt or disabled while working on your property and the contractor does not have workers compensation insurance, the employee can sue you for damages. Always insist on proof of current insurance from the remediation company and a phone number you can call to verify that payments are current.
What type of equipment do they use?
The type of equipment that your contractor uses significantly affects the length of time and amount of work needed to complete fire and water damage restoration. You should therefore look for a company that has all the sophisticated equipment (air movers, air scrubbers, HEPA vacuums , dehumidifiers, axial fans, etc.) necessary to complete the job in the fastest possible time. Remember that the longer the restoration takes, the more it is going to cost you or your insurance company. Furthermore, it is very likely that you and your family will have to make other living arrangements while your home is being cleaned and repaired, because a good portion of your home may be off limits or there may be safety issues to consider.
Do they have proper certification?
The industry has a number of regulatory associations that offer training and certification. In Canada, choose mould inspectors certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) or an equivalent industry organization for flood restoration and mould remediation. As for disasters caused by fire, your restoration contractor should also have all the necessary licenses and should be duly registered through FEMA. Their response team should also consist of technicians certified by the IICRC.
Do they have experience?
Every emergency is different and nothing beats experience when it comes to dealing with whatever comes up and getting it right the first time.
Do they have references?
Ask for names and numbers of satisfied clients so you can check up on them. Most contractors will provide references and testimonials when asked, but it never hurts to go the extra step of actually checking the references provided. Here are some questions to ask when contacting references:
Heads up
Some people make the mistake of asking their insurance company for advice on which fire and water damage restoration company to trust. Insurance companies have a stake in this situation as they’re going to be paying, and would wish to keep costs as low as possible. Certain service providers in the industry actually represent these insurance companies, and strive to do only the minimum work to keep costs down. Watch out for such companies. Choose a fire and water damage contractor willing to cooperate with you in arranging your payment with your insurance company. A contractor who is on your side will do the best job possible.
Victims of a fire or flood know that the emotional and physical strain can scar for life. No one wants to be the helpless witness to flames scorching property and belongings, or flood waters ravaging all in its path.
To prevent further damage to your home, it is essential to begin the restoration process immediately following a fire. The first step is to contact a remediation specialist to assess the damage. For safety reasons, wait for them outside your home. Water, chemicals and smoke residues lingering on site can cause personal injury and considerable damage, and must be handled carefully. Depending on the extent of fire and water damage your home has sustained, the structure may be destroyed, presenting electrical hazards of grave danger to you and your family.
Before the restoration specialist arrives on site, there are things to do and avoid in preventing further destruction after water and fire damage. Below are some of the most important dos and don’ts:
Dos
Don’ts:
Heads up
Never enter your home directly after a fire as this can cause further damage and expose you and your family to danger. It is dangerous to attempt house fire restoration yourself. Such work requires professional-grade equipment most homeowners do not have, and expertise that only a professional fire restorer possesses. Avoid tampering with anything in or around your home after a fire as it may negatively affect your insurance company’s estimate if they are unable to examine everything in its original state.
House fire restoration is something you should always leave to a professional restoration company. They have the proper tools, expertise, and experience to handle any job. For more information about things you should and should not do after a house fire, it can be helpful to contact a professional restoration company.
It is extremely important that you contact your homeowners’ insurance agent directly after a house fire. Time is of the essence when dealing with fire and water damage. Mould and mildew can begin growing within 24 hours after a house fire, so it is essential to begin the house fire restoration process as soon as possible. It is always best to contact a professional restoration company that works directly with your insurance company. This ensures the two companies have a working relationship and are likely to come to a reasonable settlement, allowing you to pay as little as possible out of your pocket.. It also guarantees the company you hire employs reputable contractors that operate using solid business practices and do everything they can to work with your specific needs. Don’t ignore the insurance.
Insurance companies have guidelines for people making claims following fire damage and subsequent restoration. To facilitate the claim, find out what needs must be met before undertaking any kind of restoration. Some of the things they may ask include providing evidence of the extent of the damage as well as receipts for temporary and permanent repairs.
Just as in the event of a fire, water damage is a traumatic experience that can seriously alter a family’s quality of life. Since most people have no idea how to start the process of water damage restoration, and due to a lack of experience and expertise, it is always recommended to rely on the services of a water damage restoration company. Cleaning your home yourself is not recommended unless you have extensive experience in this particular field. If you haven’t been properly trained, you run the risk of further damaging your home, which can lower its property value and even pose health hazards for your family. Cleaning the home after water damage is a tough job. Not only can cleaning professionals help you clean the home itself, but they also have extensive knowledge of special chemicals such as disinfectants to prevent or eliminate mould. Water damage restoration companies offer different type of services to reduce damage, including water extraction, sewage clean up, structural drying, water damage restoration, disinfection and sanitization.
However, there are things you can do to help the cleaning process before remediation specialists arrive. Start by removing all your personal belongings (those that haven’t sustained fire and water damage) from the scene. The longer these items stay in close contact with the water, the more damage they’ll sustain. Removing these items from the scene will also allow the air to circulate better and help the drying process. Don’t forget that dangerous mould only requires 24 to 48 hours to grow. Therefore, your window of opportunity for salvaging your belongings is quite small. Below are some of the most important dos and don’ts for helping the restoration process:
Dos:
Don’ts:
Heads up
Never enter your home directly after a flood as this can cause further damage and expose you and your family to danger. It is dangerous to attempt water damage restoration yourself. Such work requires professional-grade equipment most homeowners do not have, and expertise that only a professional water remediation specialist possesses. Avoid tampering with anything in or around your home after a flood as it may negatively affect your insurance company’s estimate if they are unable to examine everything in its original state.
Water damage restoration is something you should always leave to a professional restoration company. They have the proper tools, expertise, and experience to handle any job. For more information about things you should and should not do after a flood, it can be helpful to contact a professional restoration company.
It is extremely important that you contact your homeowners’ insurance agent directly after a flood or major water damage. Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage. Mould and mildew can begin growing within 24 hours after a flood. It is essential to begin the water restoration process as soon as possible. It is always best to contact a professional restoration company that works directly with your insurance company. This ensures the two companies have a working relationship and are likely to come to a reasonable settlement, allowing you to pay as little as possible out of your pocket. It also guarantees the company you hire employs reputable contractors that operate using solid business practices and do everything they can to work with your specific needs. Don’t ignore the insurance.
Insurance companies have guidelines for people making claims following fire damage and subsequent restoration. To facilitate the claim, find out what needs must be met before undertaking any kind of restoration. Some of the things they may ask include providing evidence of the extent of the damage as well as receipts for temporary and permanent repairs.
The basics of furniture restoration
If your home has been in a fire or hit by a flood, chances are you lost most of your belongings. With a bit of good fortune, it is possible that some your furniture have been spared, however, you still must deal with fire, smoke and water damages. The biggest mistake made by most homeowners is throwing away damaged furniture with the assumption they cannot be restored. What people fail to understand is that more often than not, it is possible to restore furniture. Homeowners should weigh their options before purchasing new furniture, especially when it concerns replacing antiques or furniture with sentimental value. The best solution is to contact a professional fire restoration company to restore your damaged furniture. These companies have the necessary equipment and skills to remove soot and smoke smell from valuable objects, and completely restore scorched items. They also offer advice on how to best restore furniture yourself. Hire specialists where possible as they are better trained in restoration projects. Keep in mind that although cleaning and fixing furniture can be costly, it is not nearly as expensive as buying new ones.
If your furniture has sustained minor damages only, you may restore it yourself. First remove the furniture from where the fire happened. Furniture usually sustains water damage caused by fire hoses. If possible, place furniture outside and allow drying completely. Secondly, remove soot from furniture. Soot is black powdery or flaky substance consisting largely of amorphous carbon, produced by the incomplete burning of organic matter. It sticks to floors, ceilings, furniture and other hard surfaces. Begin with the removal of components such as drawers, knobs and panels from your furniture. Then use a soft bristle brush to remove excess soot.
Beginning the cleaning process
Before you start, cover the surrounding floor with a plastic or sheets. If possible, do the cleaning outdoors to avoid damaging your floors. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cleaning solutions, and open all doors and windows in your workspace. Dip a clean cloth in denatured alcohol or paint thinner, and wring to get it damp but not dripping wet. Rub the surface of the furniture with the cloth bit by bit to remove soot. When all the soot is rubbed off, wipe the surface again with a clean wet cloth. You may want to use a toothbrush to clean your furniture between cracks and crevices. Dry the furniture with a clean, dry cloth. When the furniture has been thoroughly dried, it can be polished with beeswax using a soft lint-free cloth. If the furniture only sustained soot damage, this process should do the trick.
Restoring scorched furniture
Scorched furniture requires greater attention. Use sand paper or steel wool to rub the scorched areas until burn stains are gone. Be sure to go with the grain so as not to damage the furniture further. Dip a clean cloth in denatured alcohol or paint thinner, and wring to get it damp but not dripping wet. Rub the surface of the furniture with the cloth bit by bit to remove soot. Once furniture is dry, refinish with polyurethane. This should suffice in restoring your furniture back to original condition. If the furniture has been severely scorched, it is better to throw it away. Should your home insurance cover restoration costs for valuable furniture, hire a professional to do the job, and take advantage of their expertise.
Cleaning furniture upholstery
When it comes to soot-stained furniture, consider contacting a remediation specialist, especially if your furniture is heavily coated with soot. If you decide to do the work yourself, first shake as much soot as possible off the fabric before beginning the cleaning process. Soot is the ash-like, oily residue left behind after a fire, and can be difficult to clean if you do not know what you are doing. Do not rub soot into the material, especially cloth or other textile, as it will result in an even more stubborn or permanent stain. Never clean soot with water. Water weighs soot down, creating sludge that seeps into the surface and is difficult to remove.
Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on each soot stain, and leave approximately 15 minutes. Vacuum as much soot as possible starting from the outer edge of the stain, and moving toward the center. A vacuum is often enough to remove soot from your belongings. Be sure not to use any of your vacuum’s brush attachments or accessories as that will push soot deeper into the fibres. A simple nozzle works best and should be held about 1/4″ from the surface to ensure it doesn’t rub soot into the material. Vacuum away all the baking soda or cornstarch. Next, mix a solution of two cups of warm water and one tablespoon of dishwashing soap. Scrub the stain in a circular motion with a clean cloth until the stain has disappeared. Use a clean cloth and fresh water to remove soap residue. To facilitate the drying process, open all doors and windows. Use a dehumidifier or fans to speed up the process.
Getting rid of smoke smell
If your furniture has only been subjected to mild smoke exposure, dip a rough surfaced clean cloth into solvent, and thoroughly rub small sections at a time. For most furniture finishes, denatured alcohol or paint thinner gets the job done. After removing the stains, clean the surface again with a damp cloth, and dry with another clean cloth. Once the item is dry, polish it with a trusted wax.
Before using any solvent, read the label and follow directions carefully. Discard cloths dipped in alcohol in a tightly closed metal can. If your furniture sustained severe damage, it means extreme heat pushed smoke into the varnish. As such, your job is to strip the furniture down, clean it with an ammonia-based cleaner, and re-finish it. In a case like this, the best results are likely to be achieved by a professional.
Just as with fire damage, you’re likely better off calling a professional water restoration company to restore damaged furniture. These companies have the required skills and tools to restore your furniture properly, and offer advice on how to best restore other pieces of furniture yourself. They are also well equipped to determine whether or not a piece of water damaged furniture can be salvaged. Antiques are worth the time, effort and expense of restoration. Unless damage is severe, you may clean and refinish antiques at home.
Before going ahead with any cleanup operation, calculate if the money you are going to spend restoring furniture is greater than the cost of replacing it. The extent of damage is also important. If you are dealing with contaminated water (upholstered furniture in particular), or your furniture has been soaked for more than 48 hours, or mold is growing, your furniture may be impossible to restore.
Doing it yourself
If your furniture has only minor damages from a clean water source, consider restoring it yourself. First take care of the flooded area. There is no point in cleaning your furniture if you haven’t buckled the source of the problem. You may require the services of a remediation specialist. Next, remove furniture from flood area. Move your furniture outside to dry, weather permitting. Should you discover mold and mildew on your furniture, see section below for more information.
If your furniture has doors or drawers, remove them to speed up the drying process. Next, hose down loose soil or dirt, and rinse with clear water. Use a cloth to remove excess liquid. Note: some wood furniture may take as much as two to three weeks before drying completely. In such cases, place the furniture back inside in a well ventilated room. Use fans, heaters, or dehumidifiers, or other industrial drying device to evacuate moist from the room. Most furniture not submerged in water has spots or cloudy film covering its surface due to dampness. To remove this, dip a cloth in turpentine or in a solution of half cup household ammonia and half cup water. Wipe entire surface. Wipe with a dry cloth to remove excess solution. Shine with wax or furniture polish. If the color is not restored, dip steel wool in linseed, olive or mineral oil. Rub lightly with the wood grain to prevent further damage. Wipe with a soft cloth, and wax again once the furniture is restored.
Do not undermine the importance of cleaning and disinfecting water-damaged furniture. Skipping these steps results in the growth of mold and mildew, which are potentially harmful to both your furniture and health. Hence, the prime consideration when deciding to keep furniture is whether or not it can be cleaned. Your second priority is whether or not that piece of furniture is still functional. Obviously, if it has been soaked in water for really long, it may not be fit for use, and you should think of a replacement.
Removing mold from furniture
First find a suitable place (outside ideally) to wash your furniture. To clean finished surface, use a bottle to spray water on mildew-laden areas. Then, wipe the furniture vigorously with a clean sponge or washcloth. Scrub only small areas at a time to prevent spores from spreading. Use a clean, dry cloth to dry the surface thoroughly. Ensure that each area is completely dry before proceeding to the next. Repeat this process several times until the contaminated areas are completely clean.
Mix one part detergent with three parts water into a spray bottle, and apply directly on mildew. Let solution sit 10 minutes to set in properly, and then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the mildew deposits. If mildew remains, use a sheet of light-grit sandpaper to carefully scratch the mildew areas, making sure you go against the grain. Note: never use bleach on finished surfaces.
To clean the mold from unfinished areas, mix one part chlorine bleach with three parts water into a spray bottle, and apply directly on mildew. Let solution sit 10 minutes to set in properly. Gently scrub the contaminated area with a soft clean cloth. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clear water. If weather allows, take the cleaned furniture outside to dry.
What is a flood?
A flood is defined as the submergence by water of a normally dry area. The main causes of floods are rainstorms, snowmelts, hurricanes, earthquakes, broken dams, underwater volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. However, all floods are not the same. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days, while others known as flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes, and without warning. Just as some floods occur without causing problems; others are devastating, inflicting large-scale destruction and loss of lives. Flood damage clean-up is much more complicated than simply pumping water from the flooded area, and allowing everything to dry. There are many things to worry about, including mold, electrocution and gas leaks. Flood victims are advised to seek the help of a remediation specialist immediately.
What should I do to prevent further damage after a flood?
The most important thing is safety. Start by evacuating loved ones, and then valuables. Then call a restoration professional to prevent further damage. A flooded area left unattended for a long period of time may become the perfect ground for mold-forming bacteria. Also, if your furniture is exposed to vast amounts of water for over than 48 hours, it may become severely warped and unsalvageable.
How much will it cost to restore my furniture after a flood?
The cost of restoring furniture after a flood varies significantly depending on the extent of the damage and the material the furniture is made of. If you have a proper insurance policy, your insurance company should cover the costs of your furniture. Before attempting any restoration operation, it is important to know if the money you are going to spend restoring furniture is greater than the value of replacing it. For example, furniture made of particleboard is unlikely to warrant the work and expense required to restore it, unless water exposure was brief and the swelling unapparent.
How do I restore furniture after a fire or flood?
The surest way to restore your furniture, especially after fire or flood, is to call a remediation specialist. Most often than not, your insurance company will cover cleaning operations. If you decide to do the work yourself, evaluate the object, keeping in mind age, value and materials. Answers to these questions will point to the best action for your furniture and situation. The most important aspect of furniture restoration is figuring out which cleaning products to avoid for your particular furniture.
When do I need to call a remediation specialist after a flood?
Call a remediation specialist immediately if your furniture has been soaked in infected water, drenched over 48 hours, or if you notice substantial mold contamination.
What is mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that mostly grows in humid environments such as bathrooms and basements, or in home appliances such as air conditioners and humidifiers. Mold can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, warmth and a source of food, such as fibre and plants. Leaky roofs, pipes, walls, or flooded areas are the preferred breeding grounds for mold. Mold travels through air as tiny spores looking for wet areas on which to cling and breed. Molded areas should be dealt with immediately before the spores contaminate other areas.
Mold is both an allergen and an irritant. In addition to its unsightly appearance, mold is the source of physical reactions ranging from simple allergies to major health hazards. Basic symptoms include sneezing, watery and red eyes, difficulty breathing, headaches and skin rashes. Mold spores can also reach the lungs and cause asthma. Unlike pollen allergies, and contrary to popular belief, mold allergies are not associated with a specific season. They can happen any time of the year. As such, everyone should always keep an eye on the appearance of mold in the buildings they occupy.
How long does it take furniture to dry?
Although your furniture may feel dry to the touch, that may not be the case. A good estimate for drying time is two weeks. Drying times for individual items vary depending on many factors. For example, the cleaning method used and the application of fabric protector may affect drying time. The level of atmospheric humidity and airflow are also important.
My home was just damaged by fire. What should I do to prevent further damage?
The most important thing is safety. Start by evacuating loved ones and valuables. Then call a restoration professional to remove smoke and soot as quickly as possible. The longer soot and smoke stay in the home, the more difficult it is to clean and deodorize. Also, do not attempt to clean fire or smoke damage yourself. Restoration professionals use scientific methods specifically geared to cleaning different types of damage. You might render the cleaning process more difficult by using inadequate methods.
Is it possible to salvage warped furniture?
It is possible to save slightly warped furniture, such as tables, chairs, beds or dressers. Most wooden boards can often be straightened if they are made of solid wood. Never attempt to straighten warped parts yourself. If such pieces are worth salvaging expenses, send them to a reliable furniture repair specialist. Get a cost estimate before submitting to repair.
If I experience a flood will I automatically get mold?
Not necessarily. If you act immediately and know the appropriate steps to take, you significantly reduce the risk of developing mold. If mold does occur, you should contact a remediation specialist immediately. They can fix any type of mold problem, quickly and safely.
Carpet cleaning: understanding the basics
Carpet is mostly found in high pedestrian traffic areas of a home or office. In an office area, carpets are primarily used for soundproofing and for insurance purposes as they provide a non-slippery surface for office personnel to walk on and avoid injury.
In most homes, carpets are used in active areas such as living rooms and bedrooms for mainly the same reasons. Anyone who has lived in an apartment has experienced noisy neighbours, with footsteps or arguments reaching your ears through paper-thin floors and ceilings. You probably wished the people upstairs would be considerate enough to at least put carpeting on their floors to lessen the noise. Or perhaps you have active young children running and playing everywhere. Carpeted rooms will help you soften the acoustics, reduce noise and echo, and spare neighbours from high-pitched screaming and other collateral damage, including toys falling on the floor. Carpets also have shock absorbing properties that protect people from injury in the event of a fall. Since carpet is used in high-traffic rooms, proper maintenance is crucial for it to last. Ensuring basic carpet maintenance is the only way to keep clean, safe, and beautiful carpeted floors for many years.
It is a common misconception that carpets contribute to asthma and allergy symptoms. In reality, it is quite the opposite. Recent studies have shown that people living and working in carpeted rooms showed fewer asthma symptoms and fewer allergies than people who lived in homes or worked in an office with hard floors. Studies also showed that fine particle concentration was higher than the norm in rooms with bare floors compared to rooms with wall-to-wall carpeting. In fact, particles, such as pollen, dust and pet dander fall to the floor are trapped by carpet fibres, which prevent them from being redistributed into the air. The key to cleaner air is to make sure carpets are properly maintained and vacuumed.
When it comes to maintenance, carpets are no different from any other part of your home or office. The best way to keep them clean is through prevention. Identify and eliminate the many sources of dirt that infiltrate the fibres. The first line of defence is placing floor mats in entryways and exits of your home or office. This helps protect from excessive dirt build-up. At home, ask visitors to take off their shoes before walking in, especially during winter. Most offices also require their employees to remove their shoes or boots, and wear shoes used only at the office.
Most people hate vacuuming and commit a big mistake by completely neglecting it when cleaning. Another common error is the use of carpet sweepers. While quick and easy, carpet sweepers are ineffective in that they only remove surface dirt and ruin carpet when used often. It is common sense that a good and regular vacuuming helps keep your carpet clean, and prevents abrasion. It is best to vacuum low-traffic areas at least twice a week, and busier places every other day. Quality carpet should last at least ten years if well-maintained. Proper vacuuming also helps improve indoor air quality, while complying with carpet warranties. In short, the better you vacuum, the better you will breathe and the longer you will put off the purchase of a new carpet.
Keep in mind research shows that regular vacuuming has limits and should always be supplemented by a carpet cleaning service to eradicate accumulated dirt not visible to the naked eye. To refresh carpet texture and rejuvenate fibres, a thorough carpet cleaning should be conducted at least twice a year by a trained carpet care professional. Also, hot water extraction carpet cleaning is a requirement for the validity of most carpet warranties. Some carpet types demand different ways of cleaning. Check with your carpet retailer for the recommended cleaning method for your particular carpet.
Remember that carpets are a playground for dust and bacteria if not routinely cleaned, especially during the summer. Bacteria and mold flourish in warm temperatures. To rid of them, your best bet is a professional cleaning service. Such companies have the necessary tools and cleaning solutions to effectively eradicate dust mites, allergens, pet dander and dirt from all carpeting.
Your home decorations and furnishings are a reflection of you and your family. Don’t let neglected carpeting sully your reputation. Carpets add beauty, warmth and comfort to your home, and also offer safety and noise reduction. They should not be a haven for dirt, mould, stains or bad odours.
Despite your best cleaning efforts, should you find stains on your carpet, there are lots of chemical-free cleaning solutions to help rid unwanted marks. It is important to take prompt action, as the longer a stain remains, the tougher it is to clean. Here are 3 different options for cleaning regular carpet stains. For tough stains or, major disasters, call a professional cleaning service.
You can also make a detergent solution with hand soap or dish soap. Mix one quarter teaspoon of detergent with one quart of clear, warm water. Make sure the soap does not contain bleach or lanolin.
Note: If stain persists after several cleaning attempts, please contact a remediation specialist
Mold is a type of fungus that mostly grows in humid environments such as bathrooms and basements or in home appliances such as air conditioners and humidifiers. Mold can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, warmth and a source of food, such as fiber and plants (leaky roofs, pipes, walls, or flooded areas are the preferred breeding grounds for mold). Mold travels through air as tiny spores looking for wet areas on which to cling and breed. Molded areas should be dealt with immediately before the spores contaminate other areas.
Mold is both an allergen and an irritant. In addition to its unsightly appearance, mold is the source of physical reactions ranging from simple allergies to major health hazards. Basic symptoms include sneezing, watery and red eyes, difficulty breathing, headaches and skin rashes. Mold spores can also reach the lungs and cause asthma. Unlike pollen allergies and contrary to popular belief, mold allergies are not associated with a specific season. They can happen any time of year. As such, everyone should always keep an eye on the appearance of mold in the buildings they occupy.
Of all possible disasters that can be inflicted upon your carpet, mold and mildew are possibly the worst. Aside from looking ugly, mold and mildew are unhealthy, cause bad odors and are linked to numerous respiratory diseases. Mold and mildew thrive in places that are warm and humid. Mold spores are generally airborne and can easily spread to other areas of the house. They may also be inhaled into lungs and cause health problems. Generally, exposure to any mold may cause allergic symptoms, including sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, wheezing, headaches, fatigue, and even asthma attacks. If your carpet has had water damage and wasn’t dried properly, mold has certainly developed or is in the process of developing. Hence the importance of quick action in properly drying wet carpet.
Oftentimes, the only effective solution for getting rid of carpet mold is buying a new one. But if your carpet mold infection is mild, try removing it yourself. You might be lucky, and solve the problem in a single try. If your mold problem persists, call a professional.
Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. When mold spores are disturbed, they become airborne and easily travel into the lungs. Make sure you wear a mask, safety goggles and gloves, and avoid as much contact with the mold as possible. Keep pets and children out of the contaminated room. Some occupants of the house may be more susceptible to molds, particularly the elderly, people with low immune systems, and those with existing respiratory problems. If possible, keep them out of the house.
Mold is generally attached to its home and reluctant to go away. It sticks to carpet fibers and needs to be thoroughly scrubbed in order to leave. If the area of mold growth is small enough to take care yourself, here is what you can do: Mix one part Lysol, bleach or white vinegar to four parts fresh water. Spray the carpet with the solution and let it set for at least 15 minutes. Then scrub the area with a solution of warm, soapy water (you can use dishwashing soap) and a clean cloth. Use clean water and a clean cloth to rinse the area, then spray with the solution again and repeat the process. Vacuum dirt and mold away. Be sure to get all the water out of the carpet to prevent the mold from growing again. After you have vacuumed the water, open windows and use industrial fans around the contaminated area. Use a dehumidifier to rid the room of lingering moisture. As mentioned, if mold is severely stuck to your carpet, you may have no choice but to replace it. When finished, clean or change the vacuum filter to keep mold as far away from your home as possible.
If the surface of mold is small, you can try the cleaning process yourself. However, if you are dealing with mold extending beyond a few square feet, contact a remediation specialist. Cleaning small areas of mold automatically releases spores in the air, which could create minor health issues for occupants of the building. Consequently, trying to clean substantial amounts of mold could create major health issues that may end up costing you much more than a professional cleaning service.
If there has been a fire in your home, the last thing on your mind should be salvaging your carpets yourself. Consider hiring a professional fire damage restoration specialist with expertise to minimize your losses, and recover as much of your possessions as possible from damages caused by smoke and fire. If you are lucky, the fire has caused minimal damage. However, restoration from a fire requires hard work. Ask yourself if the effort is financially viable.
If dealing with a small amount of soot, start by removing loose bits resting on carpet fibres. Vacuuming helps rid of most loose soot. Before you start cleaning soot stain, scrape the stained area with a spoon to loosen remaining soot, and vacuum again. Spread baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent material on the stain. Let stand at least one hour, and vacuum once more. Apply a cleaning solvent on the stain, and let it sit according to directions on the spot remover. Blot the stained area with a clean white cloth or sponge. Once you’ve blotted as much as you can, rinse the stained area with cold water while being careful not to wet the carpet’s underpad. Dry the area by opening doors and windows and by placing a fan next to the affected area. If the stain is persists, repeat procedure. If the result is still the same after several attempts, replace your carpet, or call a remediation specialist.
Getting rid of smoke smell from carpet can be tricky. There is a high risk of staining the carpet with washing liquids you intend to use, so your best bet is to get it done professionally. Specialists have access to heavy-duty products for cleaning carpets and removing unwanted smells. If you want to solve the problem yourself, try cleaning the surface using vinegar, and rinse with clean water. The acid in the vinegar will contain the smoke smell. This is enough to rid of minor smoke odour.
You can also purchase a good brand of baking soda and simply dust it around the area with smoke smell. Let the baking soda sit for at least 24 hours to give it time to soak up the odour. Then vacuum to clean up the area. If the smell persists, repeat the process several times. If the result is the same after several attempts, replace your carpet or call a remediation specialist.
Before you begin cleaning, determine what kind of water caused the damage. If the water comes from toilet or sewage, it means you have a ‘black water’ problem. If that is the case, there isn’t much you can do. Such water contains huge amounts of bacteria, which could create severe health problems for you and your family. If your carpet is contaminated with black water, throw it away, no questions asked. If the water is from a clean water pipe, you may salvage your carpet.
First remove as much water as possible from your carpet before it becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew. You need to act within 24 to 48 hours. For this operation, you will need a wet/dry vacuum. You can rent these types of vacuum at any home hardware store. Do not use your regular vacuum. Remove all furniture and other household items from the area. Move these items to a dry area, out of the room. All areas of the carpet need to be exposed for proper cleaning. Begin vacuuming the water. Move slowly over the carpet allowing the machine to remove as much water as possible with each pass. Empty the machine’s reservoir often. Cover the entire carpet several times. Once you have removed as much water as possible, you may begin the cleaning process. Use a chlorine bleach and water solution (or standard household carpet cleaner) and a scrub brush.
Open doors and windows to allow fresh circulation and drying. Use fans to help drying. Industrial air movers are used to circulate mass amounts of air in a particular space. These are available for rent or purchase and are specifically designed to dry water damaged carpet. If not available, regular fans, available at retail outlets can be used. Face one or more of the fans into the room to circulate the air in one direction. Stay off the carpet for at least 24 hours. Walking on the carpet can compress water and increase drying time.
There are different effective methods for cleaning carpets and all methods have their advantages. The question is figuring out which method you should use for your particular carpet. Professional cleaners can advise you on the best method for your home or business. The most important thing you need to know is what type of material your carpet is made of. Then you need to figure out if anyone in your home has allergies. Here are the most commonly used methods:
Hot water extraction or steam cleaning
A high-pressure cleaning machine sprays a hot water cleaning solution directly on the carpet. Then, a portable or truck-mounted vacuum is used to suck up the solution that absorbed the water and dirt. Steam cleaning is the most common method used by professionals and works on most carpets.
Shampooing
A circular brush machine sprays a shampoo onto the carpet. The rotary action of the brush creates foam that traps soil, dirt and bacteria. Just like the hot water extraction method, a vacuum is used to suck up the foam containing the dirt.
Absorbent compound cleaning
An absorbent cleaning agent (powder) is sprinkled on the carpet. A cleaning machine is then used to spread the compound into the carpet fibres. The soil detaches itself from the fibres and gets absorbed into the compound. The carpet is then vacuumed to remove the compound and any dirt it has absorbed.
Bonnet Cleaning
A cleaning machine called ‘bonnet machine’ uses chemicals and heat to break down oily dirt and residue accumulated in the carpet fibre. Absorbent pads rotate at high speed to remove soil and dirt from the carpet. A good bonnet or dry clean will include a thorough pre-clean vacuum, spot and stain treatment, treatment of carpet with the appropriate solvent based cleaning solution and the dry cleaning process. A carpet dry cleaning service should also include the application of a neutralising or conditioning rinse, as well as sanitising and deodorising.
Although it is possible to get rid of 90 % of all carpet stains, there are permanent stains that can never be removed, and should only be tackled by a carpet cleaning professional. Pet urine, blood and artificial coloring such as ink are nearly impossible to remove. One of the most effective tools for removing tough carpet stains is a wet/dry vacuum cleaner that quickly sucks up spills, and repeatedly flushes the area with water to absorb the mess. This is more efficient than blotting with a cloth, and less likely to cause damage to the carpet
The frequency of cleaning varies from one household to another, depending upon the number of occupants and the level of traffic in each room. Professionals recommend that you have your carpets cleaned at least twice a year. Keep in mind that the more often you vacuum, the better your carpet will look and the longer it will last. Vacuuming prevents the build up of soil, which wears your carpet far quicker than barefoot traffic. Soil on carpet is pressed into the fibres, destroying carpet texture and appeal. Removing dirt and soil as often as possible prevents this from happening, and maintains your carpet for years.
Carpet plays an important role. It filters the air you breathe by collecting and trapping pollutants. Carpet traps volatile organic compounds, combustion products, dust mites, outdoor pollutants, pesticides, allergens, grease and oil deposits, sand, soil, food particles, and all types of airborne bacteria. Just like any filter, your carpet must be cleaned on a regular basis; otherwise it stops filtering and pushes contaminants back into the air. Therefore, vacuum your low-traffic areas at least twice a week and your high-traffic areas every other day. Proper vacuuming also helps you improve indoor air quality, while complying with carpet warranties. Remember that a thorough carpet cleaning should be done at least twice a year by a trained carpet care professional to refresh texture and rejuvenate fibres.
As mentioned above, prevention is the best weapon for keeping your carpet looking its best. Identify and eliminate the many sources of dirt that infiltrate fibres. Place floor mats at entryways and exits of your home or office to help protect them from excessive dirt build-up. In your home, you should ask all visitors to take off their shoes before entering, especially during winter. Vacuuming is also one of the best ways to keep your carpet clean and free of contaminants. A good rule of thumb is once weekly for light traffic areas, and twice weekly for heavy traffic areas. For optimum vacuuming, make sure your vacuum filter is not full or clogged. As bags and filters get covered with dust, the efficiency of the vacuum is reduced. Check your vacuum filter every time you vacuum.
The process involves spraying a soap solution and hot water under high pressure onto the carpet. A powerful vacuum system extracts the residue, dirt, and allergens from your carpet to a storage tank within the portable cleaning machine. Most carpet manufacturers recommend the hot water extraction process because it prolongs the life of your carpet and improves air quality.
Absolutely not! Dirt damages your carpet far more than industrial cleaning since it acts as an abrasive when foot traffic rubs it against carpet fibres, causing wear and tear. Regular professional cleaning protects your investment and keeps dirt from doing what it does best.
A spot is a soluble substance that sticks to the outside of the carpet fibre and can be easily removed with a normal cleaning process. A stain is a substance that has penetrated the inside of the fibre and has altered the fabric. Most spots can be easily removed by regular cleaning with household products. A stain is tougher and may set in, requiring professional carpet cleaning service.
It is common misconception that hardwood is healthier than carpet. In reality, it is quite the opposite. Carpets filter pollutants by trapping them deep inside the fibres, keeping them away from your lungs. Hardwood floors on the other hand, cannot trap dust or dirt so that walking over them disturbs particles. As a result, there is more dust in the breathing zone over hardwood floors than over carpeted areas. However, be sure your carpet remains clean at all times so that it maintains its filtering capacity. Have a professional clean your carpet every six months, and breathe easier.
Air duct cleaning: Understanding the basics
Recent research shows indoor air contains more pollutants than outdoor air. Consequently, indoor air pollution is becoming a growing concern for households and businesses alike.
In fact, it has been proven that people who live or work in homes or buildings with poor air quality often experience Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a condition in which occupants of a building experience acute health problems directly linked to time spent in that space. SBS symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, itchy and watery eyes, nose or throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, difficulty concentrating, allergies, cold, flu-like symptoms, increased incidence of asthma attacks and mood swings.
The cause of the symptoms has yet to be proven, but it is suspected that dust, mould and bacteria that collect and breed in air duct systems and are redistributed into homes or buildings are responsible and need further investigation. Additionally, when moisture is present, the potential for mould growth increases, and the resulting spores are released into living or working spaces. What is certain is that these symptoms reduce work efficiency and increase absenteeism. Most people suffering from SBS report relief soon after leaving the building. Surprisingly, such problems are not limited to industrial buildings. Dust and particles in the air throughout your house can cause the same symptoms. People with respiratory problems or weak immune systems may find themselves getting sick more frequently.
The good news is that this problem can be fixed. A duct cleaning professional can rid your home of undesirable airborne particles and restore air quality to healthy standards. Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components, including supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers, heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans, plenums, fan motor and fan housing, and air handling unit housing. When these components are not properly installed, maintained, or operated, they can become contaminated with an array of pollutants and contaminants and turn into a fertile breeding ground for mould. Exposed to them, some of these contaminants may cause many of the symptoms mentioned above.
Once you decide to have your heating and cooling system cleaned, look for a duct cleaning company that is qualified and willing to clean each and every component of your system. When it comes to duct cleaning, no step can be skipped, and the pollutants or contaminants that accumulate in your duct system need to be eradicated 100 %, otherwise you risk re-contamination of the entire system. Most air duct cleaning companies recommend that you have the cleaning procedure done once every three years, particularly if you own a HVAC duct system since they are more likely to clog quickly with mildew and mud during seasons when they are not in use. Neglecting required duct cleaning can lead to problems that are best avoided.
Different providers use different cleaning methods, although certain standards have been established by industry associations such as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Typically, a service provider uses specialized tools to dislodge and then extract dirt and other debris in ducts, then vacuum them out with a high-powered vacuum cleaner.
As they are hidden above ceilings or beneath floorboards, heating and cooling ducts are often overlooked for maintenance and cleaning, especially in homes. Heating and cooling ducts are the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Health experts now believe that fungi and bacteria in air duct systems account for approximately one in six people suffering allergies. A number of illnesses, such as Legionnaire´s disease, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, have been directly traced to poor maintenance of duct systems. However, there are other considerations for having air ducts properly cleaned. In most industrial buildings, dust and dirt in the heating or cooling system are a primary cause of system break-down. Proper cleaning helps eliminate breakdowns and avoid unscheduled repairs. A clean system can also benefit home owners as they can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.
As mentioned above, when looking for a professional air duct cleaning company, the first consideration is a company qualified and willing to clean each component of the heating or cooling duct system in order to avoid re-contamination. The second thing to be aware of is that there are different types of air duct designs requiring different cleaning procedures and products. Duct design is a critical part of the air duct system. There are primarily four major types of ductwork that distribute and intake air in a Heating Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. The trunk and branch method, the radial method, the spider method and the perimeter loop all perform this task in different ways, and usually correspond to a particular building type.
Look for an air duct cleaning service that is both affiliated with an HVAC contractor and belongs to a trade association, such as the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA). Choosing a NADCA member to perform the work will ensure that your facility receives a thorough source removal cleaning in accordance with the association’s mandatory performance standard. They should be able to maintain, repair, clean or replace various heating and cooling system components, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans, plenums, fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing. These types of contractors will most likely fine tune and service all parts of your air duct system.
Also, make sure your service provider is licensed and insured. This will guaranty that the technicians have been properly trained to perform the work you need done and that, in the unlikely event something goes wrong, the business has insurance to protect damage to your property. An unlicensed contractor may quote you a lower price to service your heating and air conditioning system, but you’ll end up paying many times over if the job turns into disaster and there is no coverage for damages to your home.
Avoid flashy advertising and special offers that are too good to be true. There are standard costs usually based on the size and type of duct system. Other variants may include the accessibility to the system, the timeframe and the level of contamination and whether you are dealing with a commercial or private duct system. If the service provider charges by the hour, request an estimate of the number of hours or days the job will take. Make sure the duct cleaner you choose will provide a written agreement outlining the total cost and scope of the job before work begins.
Make sure that any chemicals used in the cleaning process are EPA registered for the intended application. You may also request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply a chemical biocide to the inside of your ducts to kill bacteria (germs), and fungi (mould) and prevent future biological growth. Be wary of any service provider who wants to apply a disinfectant or biocide to the entire system by spraying or fogging the ducts after completion of work. Under Canada’s Pest Control Products Act, no such products have been registered or approved for duct cleaning purposes. Current research shows that broadcast spraying of biocide products in a home is unacceptable.
Be careful when picking an air duct cleaning company, and never let price influence your decision. Search the Internet for relevant information about air duct cleaning companies that work in your region. A lot of information to help guide your decision can be found on the EPA Website (www.epa.gov). Also, always look for a company that only hires properly trained technicians. Hiring someone with little training or experience can be costly and lead to other problems. Each home is different and each ductwork system is unique. It takes years of training and experience to have the know-how to perform a thorough cleaning job. Do not trust companies that recommend services that you don’t need. Not every air duct system needs to be cleaned. Some degree of dust and dirt is normal. Be concerned if there is excessive dust and dirt or other more harmful contaminants.
Research has yet to prove the potential benefits of air duct cleaning, and although it has been somewhat linked to indoor air quality, the jury is still out on the importance of duct cleaning. There are however certain times and situations where duct cleaning should be given serious consideration. The objective of this article is to provide certain indicators for having home ducts professionally cleaned. One thing is certain; you should always contact an honest and reputable air duct cleaning company before making your decision. Your air duct system may seem dirty at first glance, but it doesn´t necessarily mean it needs to be cleaned. A certain amount of dust and particles is normal and will not necessarily affect interior air quality.
Remember that when it comes to indoor air quality, your five senses and general health are the best tools in determining whether you have problem or not. If no one in your household suffers from allergies, unexplained symptoms or illnesses; if you do not detect a mould or mildew smell or haven´t noticed large quantities of dust or mould, there is no real reason for having your air ducts cleaned. There are however certain cases where air duct cleaning should be considered:
Presence of mould: Your visual inspection has revealed large deposits of mould or mildew on the sheet metal inside your ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.
Clogged ducts: Without proper cleaning, air ducts can become overrun with dander, dust, and other allergens and spread them throughout the home or building. Not only does this decrease indoor air quality, but the HVAC system needs to work harder in order to maintain the level of comfort inside the building. As a result, energy bills rise and companies end up spending more to run the system than it would cost to clean it. Clogged air ducts can also prove a safety hazard in cases of fire.
Rodents and insects: This is one of the cases where duct cleaning should be a priority. If insects or rodents have taken residence in your ducts, you need to act fast. Fecal matter and other potentially harmful microorganisms and material will be blown into the living space and cause serious health hazards.
Energy savings: Most air heating and cooling systems fail or breakdown due to a lack of effective duct maintenance. Costs for repairing heating or cooling systems can be quite expensive and total replacement can cost thousands of dollars.
Purchasing or moving into a new home: If you have recently purchased a previously owned home, you should consider having your air duct system cleaned. Since you don´t know the lifestyle of the previous occupants, you shouldn´t take any chances. Additionally, foreclosed homes may have idled for a long period, allowing time for bacterial growth to occur inside the ducting.
Bad odours: If you have noticed a musty or mouldy smell, there is a good chance that mould has already contaminated your air ducts and air fresheners won’t solve the problem. Professional air duct cleaning can remove bad odours with great success in a very short time.
Home improvements: Room additions, removing walls and making major changes inside a home can create drywall dust, fibreglass pieces, and sawdust and other construction debris that can restrict air flow. It also can stir up major amounts of dust and particles that get into the ducts. A thorough cleaning afterwards removes debris.
Along with considerations mentioned above, you may want to have your air ducts cleaned simply as a precaution. Like any other system in your home or office, air ducts get dirty over time and should occasionally be cleaned. Although the negative impacts of neglecting air duct cleaning have yet to be proven, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental. Indeed, ducts left unattended for long periods of time present risks to office personnel or household occupants. It is important to remember that duct systems are first and foremost air distributors, which can serve as a vehicle to distribute all sorts of contaminants. The important thing however is not to overreact in the presence of small quantities of dust and dirt. Remember that a small amount of dust in air ducts is quite normal and not necessarily a cause for alarm. Again, although research continues to evaluate the potential benefits of air duct cleaning, there certainly is no harm in keeping your air ducts clean.
You have inspected your air duct system and are not too thrilled by your discoveries. You decide that a good cleaning is in order and you wish to do it yourself. Regardless of your reasons (distrustful of duct cleaning companies, budget, challenge, etc.) you need to understand exactly what is meant by air duct cleaning and the scope of such an operation. First, cleaning air ducts means cleaning an entire system of cooling and heating components. This includes all the components of forced air systems such as air supply and air return ducts, registers, grills, diffusers, cooling coils, heat exchangers as well as drip pans, and housing units. The list may seem long, but you need to know exactly what you are getting into so that things are done right. Never forget that when it comes to duct cleaning, no step can be skipped, and the pollutants or contaminants that accumulate in your duct system need to be eradicated 100 %, otherwise you risk re-contamination of the entire system.
Like any other home improvement operation, you need to get the right tools before you begin. Here are the essentials:
One of the major reasons you should hire a professional air duct cleaning company is the equipment they have. Indeed, professionals have the necessary hardware to efficiently remove debris without making a mess in the process. While basic cleaning operations are easy enough to do, if you want to make sure they are done right, your best bet is dealing with a specialist. They have the knowledge and equipment to do a thorough job in a reasonable amount of time. Most serious air duct cleaning companies are equipped with powerful vacuuming machines that suck debris out of the ducts while keeping it from being blown throughout the home. They have powerful tools to remove pet hair, dander, dust, rodent droppings and other small garbage that fall into the vents.
Surprisingly, yes. Construction debris is one of the most common types of contamination that we find in air duct systems. Fine particles, such as drywall dust or sawdust, as well as other materials can make their way into your system when the construction crews are cleaning up. The only way to thoroughly remove all of these pollutants from your system is through professional cleaning.
Dust, fungi and bacteria have been shown to collect in the ventilation system. These contaminants are widely believed to be potentially harmful to your health, possibly irritating or triggering certain allergies. The removal of these contaminants from your HVAC system should be viewed as one step in improving the overall quality of air in your home.
Dirt and debris may collect in your ventilation system, blocking ductwork and key components of the furnace, including the evaporator coil and blower. Build-up of these contaminants in the furnace can restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder and longer, thus requiring more energy. By cleaning the entire HVAC system, you may not only see an increase in system efficiency (and thus lower energy bills), you can also extend the life of your furnace or air conditioning system by reducing wear and tear.
There are a number of factors that affect how long your HVAC system can go between cleaning, including the type of floor coverings in the home, how often these floor coverings are vacuumed, the type of filters used in the HVAC system, the presence of pets, etc. The general rule of thumb is to have the system thoroughly cleaned every 2 to 3 years.
On average, it takes approximately two hours to clean a ventilation system with a single air-handling unit. This time can vary based on the size of the ventilation system, the number of air-handling units in your home, the number of vents and the condition of the system.
There are some basic questions you can ask yourself that will help you determine whether or not you should have your air ducts professionally cleaned. Here are a few examples:
-Do you have smokers in the house? And if so, how many of them smoke on a regular basis?
-Do you have pets?
-Have you noticed dust trails coming out of your registers?
-Are you constantly dusting bookshelves, furniture with little or no result?
-Does anyone in your family suffer from the following symptoms: headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, itchy and watery eyes, nose or throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itching skin, difficulty concentrating, allergies, cold, flu-like symptoms, increased incidence of asthma attacks and mood swings?
-As it been more than 3 years since your last air duct cleaning?
-Are you having problems with furnace airflow?
-Have you recently moved into a new home?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it may be time for you to consider having your air duct system professionally cleaned!
The length of time it takes to clean out your air ducts will depend on a number of factors. The ducts in most average sized houses can be done in four to eight hours, but complicating factors like difficult to reach areas and a large amount of debris can certainly add time to the process.
There’s no industry recognized standard for how often your air ducts need to be cleaned. Except in extreme circumstances, there is no reason your ducts would need to be cleaned more than once a year. In fact, many people can easily go two years between cleanings, especially if they take other precautions to prevent debris from getting into the ducts to begin with. The best thing to do is to sit down with a reputable duct cleaning professional and establish a cleaning schedule suitable for your home.
There are certainly things you can do to help your air ducts function properly. Changing your air filters regularly and cleaning off the grills at the end of the air ducts are good steps to take in this regard. But because so much of your air duct system is difficult to reach, you will never be able to do a thorough job on your own. Professional duct cleaners have specialized equipment that allows them to inspect and clean even the hardest to reach places in your air duct system. Because of this, it’s a good idea to have a professional come in from time to time to complete a thorough cleaning in addition to whatever you are able to do on your own.
Research by the U.S. EPA has shown that HVAC system cleaning allow systems to run more efficiently. Thus, they are less likely to break down, have a longer life span, and result in energy savings for homeowners. When HVAC system components become clogged with dust, dirt or debris, they need to work harder to reach set temperatures, which results in hundreds of dollars on heating and cooling bills.
According to the EPA, there is a growing body of scientific evidence indicating that the air within homes and other buildings can be more polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. There have been studies showing that the levels of indoor pollutants can be up to 60% higher than the levels of outdoor toxins. These interior impurity levels can even get up to one hundred times higher than the outdoor levels.
While the EPA says that duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems, removing the contaminants commonly found in homes’ HVAC systems (including mould, fungi and bacteria) certainly will help protect your family’s health. The furnace and air ducts act as a home’s ‘respiratory system’. If the system becomes congested with contaminants and debris, air quality may be compromised and the system won’t be able to breathe and function properly. When it comes to air quality, there is no doubt that a clean HVAC system is better than a dirty one.
All indoor air was once outside air, so all of the dust, chemicals, pollen, insects and mould spores in the outside air can be pulled into the air system. People shed millions of tiny dead skin cells every hour. Cooking smoke, household insect sprays, personal care products are also a source of pollutants. Many construction materials, carpets, wood products and plastics give off pollutants as well. During construction or remodelling activities, many types of dust are produced and find their way into the duct work. If the duct components were stored outside prior to construction, they may have collected dust, rain water and even mould before they were installed in a system.
