Most people see mould and scrub it away, but, sometimes mould is not as obvious as it is in your shower or on your sandwich. This is where the importance of mould assessment and removal comes in.
https://steamatic.ca/cleaning-services/mould-removal-services/Steamatic offers a mould and mildew removal and remediation service to meet your mould needs.
A mould assessment is a test and review of the mould lurking in your home or office. A team will look at the obvious mould and take samples and tests to determine the extent of the danger, if any. A mould assessment will typically look at surface mould, evidence of past and new mould growth, and structural mould growth. This assessment will help to determine whether or not the substance is dangerous and needs to be removed immediately or not.
Mould can produce things called mycotoxins, which, when exposed into the air, can carry many health risks to those in the vicinity. For example, black mould is one of the most dangerous detected moulds found in homes or offices. Specifically, it can cause an entire plethora of damage to one’s health.Black mould is a neurotoxin, and not only can it effect your brain but it is linked to all kinds of problems in the respiratory, circulatory, reproductive, and immune systems. It has been shown to cause vision and skin problems, allergies, general malaise all over the body, as well as being a carcinogen.
A mould assessment tests for these types of moulds to make certain of your safety and well-being. Once any type of dangerous mould is detected it is removed by a team of professionals, like Steamatic. Steamatic will work with your insurance company, once ready to go, professionals will secure the affected area (s) and begin to clean, repair, and re-build.
Specifically what does this entail?
As you can imagine there is a process to removing mould from a home or office, which is the specialty of a company like Steamatic. This process can be be quite lengthy to do on your own. There are many aspects to a mould removal such as removal of things such as carpeting. There are spores to control and contain, surfaces to scrub, debris to vacuum, and all while being properly ventilated.
A mould removal job is a tough one, which is why it is an excellent option to have a professional service in mind when mould strikes. Call us today at 1-888-767-7616 or visit our website at steamatic.ca.
Make the Most of Your Vacuuming
Here we have compiled a list of things you can do to ensure you are getting the most out of your vacuum.
Removing Dog Stains from Multiple Surfaces
It is hard to identify why exactly they do it and sometimes it proves difficult to remove the stains or lingering odors from your floors. Here are a few simple solutions that can aid you in the fight against pet stains and accidents.
When it comes to your home, it is usually something you take pride in the cleanliness of. Having company over to your home can be embarrassing when there are stains or odors lingering in your floor surfaces. There are some excellent tips and tricks that can help you to get your home ready for even unexpected guests and take pride in your living space.
First off, Lassie needs to be taught a lesson so your hard work does not go to waste. Teach your dog simple commands, put in place “puppy patches” or schedule specific times a day for your dog to go outside based on their habits.
For “new” stains it is recommended that they are soaked up right away. Use paper towels or a porous dry cloth to pull out the moisture. Adding weight such as stepping on the spot will draw more in to the cloth or paper towel and absorb more quickly. Make sure that you remove as much of the substance as possible. The used paper towels can also be placed in the area you are training your dog to use as their bathroom. This can help them to associate where they are supposed to go with the scent of what they are supposed to do.
After this, use cold water to wash the surface and then soak it up once again and consider using an after spray from your pet store to hinder an odor.
For those stains that have already set in to your carpet, a new soak is the best option. Soaking the surface with water and a type of detergent will help to lift it and allow it to be absorbed in to a paper towel or cloth. This process can be make easier by renting or purchasing a wet vac system. For example, a spot cleaner comes with a spray option, a scrubbing tool, and powerful suction.
Next, buy an odor neutralizer from your pet store, or make one using hydrogen peroxide.
Finally you will want to use a stain remover designed for pet stains to remover any dark spots and follow the cleaning instructions listed on the bottle.
For wood flooring, soak up with accident as soon as it happens and blot any remaining dampness away.
Sprinkle baking soda on the area and leave over night, then proceed to vacuum it away. Mix one part water and one part white vinegar and wipe the affected spot. Finish with a water-dampened cloth and dry with a towel.
We love our dogs for all they do, even when they do questionable things. These tips help you to ensure your home is kept in the condition it was before Spot came in to the picture.
If you need assistance with removal contact Steamatic today!
The Art of Graffiti…Removal
This art is not led by tirelessly scrubbing the colourful piece with soap and water and hoping it budges. There are many options when it comes to cleaning this beautiful but pesky surface.
Now Graffiti removal is important for many things, such as keeping a surface clean and healthy, aiding in the overall aesthetic of a city or town, keeping the legitimacy of a business location, and sending a strong message, giving yourself a boost of confidence.
One of the better ways to handle graffiti is hire a professional cleaning service, this can ensure that your needs are met. Professionals removing graffiti is a better option than scrubbing away at the surface endlessly, these professionals know how to remove the substance and in a diligent and quick way. Graffiti paint can be extremely difficult to remove, especially on tough surfaces such as concrete or metal.
Tools and techniques
When hiring a professional service to aid in your fight against graffiti, they can identify which procedures, tools, and techniques are best for the type of graffiti paint and the surface it is on.
Graffiti can be found on several surfaces including: wood, plastic, glass, brick, metal, concrete, and masonry.
For example, a method of removal on metal is not the same as the method used on concrete.
So, what are some of these tools and techniques?
Abrasive blasting is likely the easiest and fastest way to remove these surfaces.
Depending on the surface a different course of action can be used, for example, metal can be cleaned with pressure washing while concrete or masonry responds better to soda blasting.
Aside from these techniques, once cleaned a surface can also be painted to look fresh and clean once more. This can bring a sense of peace and comfort, especially if the damage was done to a home or more personal surface. A professional team will know exactly how to handle your situation and free you from the bonds of graffiti.
Carpets & Water Damage – FAQ
As a homeowner, why should I take water damage to my carpet seriously?
When there is too much moisture in your home, it can cause problems with organic materials in the home which includes textiles found in upholstery and flooring. If your home has a roof or plumbing leak, older appliances or foundation issues, it is common for excess moisture to be a problem..
Your home’s textiles will becoming a breeding ground for various types of pathogens if a pipe bursts, an appliance breaks open or water seeps in after a storm, or flood. Common invaders include bacteria, viruses, parasites and mold. These can appear when too much moisture is present.
Pathogens such as E.coli, cholera, hepatitis can cause serious health complications, this risk is particularly serious in homes with children and/or pets who spend lots of time close to the floor.
If my carpet has been damaged, do I have to throw it away?
Luckily, Steamatic has mastered the art of restoration in water-damaged items. We can salvage even the most damaged carpets! Don’t assume that your carpet is no longer usable. See if a Steamatic representative can aid you in the road to restoration.
Can I restore a water damaged carpet on my own?
Without the use of professional (and expensive!) tools and machinery used by water restoration companies such as Steamatic, it would be near impossible to restore a water damaged carpet by yourself. Steamatic uses sophisticated and complicated systems and tools to ensure that your carpet is free of damage, mold, and bacteria before it goes back into your possession. Anything less could result in more issues than solutions!
Why should I hire a professional to handle water damage remediation for my carpet?
Whatever the cause of your water damage, our technicians know that a fast response time is critical, and have the proper equipment and methodology is essential for restoring your carpet to a healthy state.
Restoration work requires powerful industrial air movers and dehumidifiers to remove large quantities of moisture. Any textiles that have been soaked with contaminated water will need complete removal.
Timeliness and thorough treatment are essential for eliminating any effects of excess moisture. You need to hire a reliable, trustworthy company to ensure your home’s health and safety.
Why is certification important?
Being certified requires undergoing a detailed education process which teaches our technicians the best methods and equipment to use during the restoration process. Without the certification, a technician may not be as well informed and are likely to miss pathogens during inspection, misidentify the source of water, leave behind too much moisture or not use the proper solutions during the treatment process. Without the certification, more harm than good may be done to your flooring.
Why should I use Steamatic for restoration services for my carpet?
While other companies that deliver sub par results charge high, pricy numbers for restoration, Steamatic tries to be different. Our competitive pricing does not come with a lack of skill, training, and experience. We have many methods of restoration for not only carpets, but also all other household items. Your important documents, for example, can be restored with our freeze drying method. We offer a variety of options and services for all restoration needs.
The Steamatic Guide for Removing Soap Scum
It’s not just soap making up this grime, it is also dirty, body oils, and dead human skin. The longer you wait to clean the soap scum, the more difficult it will be to remove. Make sure this is part of your cleaning routine and save yourself the hassle of dealing with an impossible to remove soap scum ring!
Borax Solution
Combine 1 cup of borax, 2 Tbs. Detergent, and 1 or 2 cups of water. The consistency should seem like a thick pancake batter, almost paste like. Using a brush and your borax solution, use circular motions on your soap scum ring and clean the affected area. Let this sit for at least 15 minutes, but make sure that the mixture does not dry. If you notice the solution drying, scrub it off right away. Continue brushing until the soap scum is gone, then simply rinse the area with hot water and wipe away any remaining traces of grime.
Baking Soda Solution
Thanks to baking sodas abrasive feature, it will help you scrub away your soap scum while also adding deodorizing properties to your cleaning. Simply mix 1 cup of baking soda, 1 Tbs. of detergent, and 1-2 cups of water together. You’ll have another thick-batter like consistency. Dip a soft bristle brush into the solution and apply it to the soap scum ring. Again, let it sit for 15 minutes. After you have waited, brush the soap scum and it should come off quickly and easily. Rinse the area with hot water and wipe.
Vinegar Solution
The acidic properties of vinegar is great for cutting grease, which is an element of your soap scum ring. Furthermore, vinegar also has deodorizing properties, which will remove odours from your tub or shower. Mix 4 cups water, 4 cups vinegar, and 1 Tbs. detergent in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and let it sit for a minimum of 15 minutes. Scrub with a soft bristled brush and rinse the area.
Ammonia Solution
Alkaline products, such as ammonia, are amazing options if you need to cut through waxy soap scum build up. Warning: make sure to crack open a window! The smell of ammonia is quite strong. Mix 1:2 parts ammonia and water in a spray bottle. Like before, you will want to spray the solution on to the soap scum, but instead wait a minimum of 30 minutes. However, do not allow the ammonia solution to dry. Scrub the area with a soft bristled brush and then properly rinse and wipe.
Removing Musty and Mouldy Odours from the Basement
When something smells “off” in the basement, it needs to be properly cleaned and assessed for complications.
If you can find the source of the smell, such as a old carpet, then removing and disposing of the source may be all you need to do. One you have removed the source of the smell, you will need to properly clean the area it was in to control and prevent odours from returning.
If all of the fixes were this simple, this article wouldn’t exist! Here are some common causes of basement odours and how you can eradicate them at home.
Insufficient or Inadequate Cleaning
Let’s admit it; we don’t put the love and care we put in our basement that we do with the rest of the house. Basements are typically for storage space, and they are not used everyday. As such, our cleaning habits in this area of the house tends to be lacking. Dirt, grime, cobwebs, and decay can develop with inadequate cleaning habits in the basement and this could fester into unwanted smells and odours. Unwanted guests could make a home in these dirt-infested areas.
Mold and mildew can build in your basement and its’ contents will absorb and spread that odour. You can stop and prevent this from happening by giving your basement a good overall cleaning. Make sure to cover every area in your basement. This means starting at the ceiling and working down, all the way to the floors. Using cleaning products such as bleach and vinegar will help control the odour. Assess things in storage, as well, as items such as old clothes and carpets could be mildew-ridden. Once your basement has been cleaned, you can move on to the next steps if there is still an odour.
Moisture
Many basements have issues with moisture and moisture accumulation, which is the cause of mold and mildew. Excessive moisture can also result in bacteria and fungus, which is dangerous to your health. Make use of a dehumidifier in your basement, and leave windows open to help air out the area. Leaks, no matter how minor, could make your problem exponentially worse, so make sure to have them repaired by a trained professional when they first appear. Keep an eye out for water stains, as they may be an indicator that there is a water leak somewhere in the basement.
Inadequate Air Circulation
Poor air circulation in your basement is the cause of air becoming stagnant, which makes existing odours worse and more obvious. If there is existing mold or mildew in your basement, the poor air circulation will make matters worse. Good air circulation also helps water evaporate, which in turn, helps to reduce moisture accumulation. Improve your air circulation by periodically having a fan turned on, or by leaving the window open for a few hours everyday.
Tips for Eliminating Cigarette Odours from your Home
Once you realize how much fresher the air your home can be with these Steamatic tips, you’ll never allow smoke to touch your walls ever again!
Deodorization
The first step is simple, easy and effective. Simply letting a fresh breeze into your home will help eliminate cigarette odours. After the room has been sufficiently aired out, you will want to deodorize certain aspects in the house. You can sprinkle baking soda on carpets and let it sit overnight, and in the morning simply vacuum it up. You can also use a deodorant spray such as Febreeze on furniture or curtains.
Stubborn Tar and Nicotine
Although it might not be immediately noticeable, many homes of smokers will have layer and tar of nicotine on furniture and walls. Does your paint job look a little darker and more drab than it did a few years ago? This is the cause.
To remedy this, mix 1 cup of ammonia with 1 gallon of lukewarm water. Use this solution and lightly scrub your walls. You’ll be amazing at the difference! You can take this process a step further and use this on your doors and cupboards to really eliminate tar and nicotine odours.
Don’t Forget The Floors
Mix 1 gallon of warm water with 4 cups of white vinegar. (Caution: do not use this solution on stone surfaces). Dip your mop in this mixture and use it to clean and deodorize your floors. Use a towel to dry the floor afterwards.
Clothing, Bedding and Linen
Cigarette smoke is quite difficult to remove from fabric, like your bedsheets and favourite blouse. However, a great way to minimize the odour is to add 1 cup of white vinegar to a load of the items you wish to deodorize. No bleach is necessary!
Smoke Damage Cleanup and Tips
If your walls and ceilings are burnt and blackened, then your best bet is to hire a trained, skilled professional to help you deal with restoration of the area. If this is not feasible, though, there are small steps you can take to reduce the damage yourself. The important thing to consider when taking on a smoke damage restoration project is to tackle soot and odour from the smoke.
Soot is the residue left behind after a house fire. If an item or material does not thoroughly burn, the result will be soot. Soot is very bad for your health, because it contains a large amount of impurities that are carbon based. If soot enters the respiratory system, it can be compromising to a persons health.
What Can You Do?
The first, most basic step after a house fire with smoke and soot damage, is to use a vacuum cleaner to clean up soot that is lingering on surfaces. Then, mix one tablespoon Trisodium Phosphate cleaner (TSP) into a gallon of water. As always when dealing with chemicals, wear rubber gloves to prevent skin contact with harsh chemicals! Use a sponge soaked in the TSP-water solution , wipe the damaged wall or ceiling with firm wipes. When you feel that the area cannot be restored anymore, rinse your sponge out and damp it with warm water. Then, wipe and clean over the area that you just applied the TSP-water solution to. You may have to repeat this process on especially damaged areas. Finally, prime the walls (and ceiling if need be) and add a fresh coat of paint. Ta-da!
*Take note that it is important not to over soak the ceilings and walls, as this could cause an ironic issue: water damage! Seepage in drywall and baseboard will just bring you a whole other set of issues, so take care not to over do it.
Smoke Odour
Now, you’ve gotten rid of many visual damages after a fire, you might notice that there is still a distinct unpleasant smell from the smoke. The power of smoke damage in creating odours is quite strong, but there are steps you can take to reduce the smell. Here are a few tips and tricks for reducing smoke odour:
How to Handle Fire Damage Aftermath
However, now that the worst part over, it is time to handle and take care of the surviving elements in the home.
If a house goes through fire damage, taking the right steps in the form of proper cleanup are crucial. Ash, soot, and water can cause many problems after the fact if they are not dealt with correctly. Eliminate the chance of secondary damage before it can start!
Often, conventional and “safe” methods for restoration in the home after a fire are not enough. These methods can include renting a steam cleaner and using your regular ol’ household cleaner wear the damage was inflicted. Sadly, these methods will barely make a dent on the much needed work in your fire damaged home.
In fact, some methods may produce more problems instead of solutions! Chemicals in household cleaning products may react with the residue from the fire, which could result in a variety of dilemmas. This could result in more damage to the affected area, perhaps even permanent damage. It could also emit toxic fumes that puts you and your family in danger!
Because of this, all professionals will instead recommend that you have a trained, reliable, and skilled professional perform any and all fire damage cleanup services that you may need.
Don’t leave this up to chance, you are risking something as valuable as your home and everything in it. Steamatic technicians are specially trained to handle this variety of messes and restoration.
What Should You Seek In A Restoration Company?
Make sure you are seeking skilled and well trained technicians. Sub par restoration companies will hire sub par employees, and they could end up doing more damage to your valuables than good! Go online and read their reviews. One or two is okay, but if the majority of their online reviews are less than favourable, it might be time to look elsewhere.
Remember, even if all the damage has been repairs, there is still a chance of things such as odours being left behind. Having a well trained technician will ensure that you will get your damage taken care of, and it will not resurface again, in any way shape or form!
