Recent Cleaning Posts

Post Construction Cleanup

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

Renovations are usually a messy affair. No one wants to find construction dust on a high shelf weeks after the fact. Not only is it unpleasant, it may also be harmful to you, as well as any pets and/or tiny humans you have walking around. In this article we will explain how to clean up after any renovation. 

Unless you explicitly build it into your contract, extensive cleaning is usually not part of your contractor’s job. The industry standard is “broom-swept,” which usually involves vacuuming up larger bits of debris and then running a Swiffer across surfaces.

Some contractors may also wipe things down with wet rags. Anything beyond this (including cleaning up common spaces such as hallways and elevators) will need to be specifically arranged, and will most likely incur additional costs that you’ll bear as the homeowner.

Clean-up Services

Whether you moved out or stayed put in your home during the renovation process, you’ll need to arrange for a deep post-construction clean up once that last drawer pull is attached and the final coat of paint applied.

Homeowners can undertake the deep clean themselves or outsource it to one of the many companies that focus on this service. Should you as the homeowner decide to do the cleanup yourself follow the steps below to ensure that your home or business is spotless. 

Clean-up Steps

Usually, a post-construction clean up will include the following:

  • sweep and vacuum all surfaces, including ceilings, walls
  • sweep, mop, and disinfect floors
  • vacuum all upholstery
  • wipe down doors, knobs, baseboards, moldings, and hardware
  • thorough wipe-down and sanitation of bathrooms and kitchens (including appliances, cabinets, and counters)
  • dust, vacuum, and wipe-down of all window interiors including sills and frames
  •  dust all ducts, grates, vents, blinds, ceiling fans, and lighting fixtures
  • clean all hardware such as hinges and handles
    clean inside and outside of shelves and cabinets
  • clean inside all closets
  • removal of all remaining trash and debris (although your contractor should have removed most of this as part of the contract)

If you’re trying to decide whether to do it yourself or to outsource it to the experts, ask the following questions:

  • Do you have the energy and time?
  • How long will it take you?
  • Do you have any money left in the renovation budget you could put toward the clean? (Or better yet, build it in now if you haven’t started!).

Different circumstances will determine who gets the job, but a thorough clean is crucial. All kinds of particles are released into the air during renovations, including various toxins, mold spores, silicates, and ultrafine dust which can be harmful. Freshly applied paints, lacquers, and primers also give off fumes. Given the possible dangers to your health, the hefty price tag for a proper clean may well be worth it!

Need post construction cleanup in your home or business? Call the experts here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today to speak to a cleaning specialist. 502.241.6861

Reasons You Should Clean Your Carpet

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

“I’ll clean it next time” is something most of us say when it comes to the bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom. Maybe you are in a hurry and can’t get to the whole house, so you say you’ll clean that part of the house “next time.” When in reality, next time comes and goes and we sometimes forget imperative parts of the house while we clean.

This can be said about the rug cleaning in your home. Even though we may skip it in our cleaning, we shouldn’t. It is very important to have your carpet cleaned on a consistent basis.

There are plenty of reasons why you should do this, and here are a few:

  1. Prolongs the life of your carpet

First and foremost, it’s important to take care of your investment that is your home and the carpet inside. You can keep the life of your carpet much longer than you think by simply keeping it clean. Keeping the resale value high on your home will make the selling process much easier, whenever that time comes.

  1. Air Quality

Is the air quality in your home bad? Or are your allergies seem to flare up a lot? Your carpet could be the cause of this. All the allergens hide in the carpet and if not cleaned regularly, tend to build up. Not only is it disgusting, but it’s also will affect your health!

  1. Allergy Relief

Similar to the air quality, if you are somebody that suffers from allergies, your carpet may be the direct cause of the flare ups. It’s important to clean your carpet, but even more important for sufferers from allergy.

  1. Aesthetically Pleasing

Of course, maybe the most obvious reason to clean the carpet is to make it look better! You know when you walk into somebody’s home, you notice if the carpet is really disgusting. Don’t have your guests notice this, and make sure your carpet is nice and fresh.

  1. Mold Inspection

During the cleaning, you or our experts can look for mold while they do it. Mold comes with many more problems on top of dirty carpets. Cleaning your carpet works as a preventative measure to keep mold out of your carpet, or find some pesky mold.

These are just four of the core reasons why you should be cleaning your carpet on the regular. Even if you can’t get to it, restoration companies like ours can do it for you. Simply call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today to make an appointment for your cleaning. 

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.

Hot Water Extraction

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

The hot water extraction process is a chemistry term referring to a method of which hot water (50-120 degrees Celsius) is used to extract impurities from a surrounding area. The most common practical application of chemical hot water extraction processes is for cleaning carpets, which is often called steam cleaning. Read further to find out more about how hot water extraction processes can help you keep your carpets clean.

The way hot water extraction works is by first covering the surface in an alkaline, or basic, solution of at least 7 or above pH rating. Following this, the surface is brushed to agitate the alkaline solution and let it do its work. Finally, the fabric is exposed to heated water to start the hot water extraction process.

Though the process is often called steam cleaning in casual language, this is not fully accurate. While the water can present as steam after the cleaning if the water used is hot enough, the actual hot water extraction is done by liquid water anywhere from 50 to 120 degrees Celsius applied directly to the surface. The heated water thoroughly rinses the carpet, extracting impurities and rinsing away the alkaline used in the previous step.

Finally, after the carpet has been thoroughly treated by hot water, an acidic solution is added to balance the pH level to normal, and the carpet is clean. This process is very effective for removing impurities which would be otherwise impossible to get out of the carpet by hand, such as juice or wine stains, pet urine, deeply buried dirt and grime, and other things that can negatively affect the look or function of a carpet.

The benefits of using hot water extraction processes to clean your carpet. The carpet is the foundation of the home, whereas a dirty carpet can affect the way an entire room feels. You might be surprised what a difference a clean carpet makes in the quality of air; your carpet may smell bad without you even knowing! A dingy carpet can also take on a darker color, which absorbs light and makes a room feel dark and dreary.

Hot water extraction processes is a great way to use chemistry to fight carpet stains and odors. If your carpet is suffering from stubborn grime that won’t come out, try using a hot water extraction process technique to restore them to their original state.

Carpets in your home or business in need of a cleaning? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today to speak to a professional. 502.232.5213

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

Preparing Your Property For Rental

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

When owning a rental property, it is your responsibility to keep it in good condition at all times. As a renter leaves, it is best to have the home cleaned from top to bottom before renting to a new tenant. Use the guide that follows for a few tips on things to have cleaned before your new tenant moves in.

Have Everything Removed From the Property

If the old tenant has left anything behind, hire a cleaning and restoration crew to come into the home and remove everything from the property. If tenants were evicted from the property or had to leave in a hurry, they probably left things behind. Hiring professionals to remove the items will ensure that you or a loved one are not injured trying to remove the items yourself.

To make the removal process go as easy as it can, take the time to label the items according to whether you would like to toss them in the trash, donate them to charity or sell them. The crew can then remove the items from the home and separate them according to the labels in the yard. If the items are not being hauled to the dump, you will be responsible for donating or selling them.

Have Miniblinds, Window Frames, Baseboards, and Fans Cleaned

Dust often collects in areas of a home that are overlooked. Have the cleaning crew dust your mini blinds, baseboards, the window frames and the fans in the home. This will cut down on the dust and dander in the house and ensure that everything looks as clean as it can.

Have the Carpets Cleaned and Deodorized

When you have tenants leave the property, the carpets will need to be thoroughly cleaned. This allows them to be sanitized and look as great as they can. Having them deodorized ensures that they do not smell when the new tenants move into the house. You will need to have both carpets and area rugs cleaned.

Have the Ducts Cleaned

Before the heating or air conditioning is used in the home, have the ducts cleaned. Debris, dust and even small rodents can block the ducts and prevent them from working properly. Having the ducts cleaned out before anyone moves into the house will ensure that the HVAC unit is able to work as well as possible and that nothing is blocking air from flowing throughout the house.

If animals such as mice or rats are found in the ducts, it is important to determine how they got into them. You need to be sure to have the entrance that the animals used blocked off so that they cannot get into the ducts again.

Have the Bathrooms Decontaminated

The bathrooms in the house need to be decontaminated. Have any limescale removed, toilet rings cleaned and rust buildup eliminated. A professional cleaning company will have the experience and cleaning supplies needed to decontaminate the bathroom quickly and efficiently.

Have Any Mold Remediated

You do not want to rent out a home that has mold growing anywhere inside it. The presence of mold could lead to health issues for the tenant, and this, in turn, could lead to a lawsuit for you in the future.

Have any mold remediated right away so that the house is safe for a tenant to live in. The mold must be remediated in a specific way in order for it to be done safely, and thus should be left to professionals.

Before you rent your home to another tenant, hire SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County to clean it for you. Their team of restoration experts can handle every aspect of the cleaning to ensure that your next tenant moves into a home that is as clean and safe as it can be.

 SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

Odor Removal and Deodorization

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure.

SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional has the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which it contacts any surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County  a call, and leave the restoration to us. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

Upholstery Cleaning

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

Here are a few home solutions for cleaning your upholstery at home. When cleaning any kind of furniture, it helps to know what kind of upholstery you are working with. The upholstery information for your furniture can often be found on the tag. If not, some quick google searching should help you find the information you need. Below, we list home solution ingredients and treatment methods for three of the most common kinds of upholstery that often see.

If you have fabric upholstery, use this solution: Mix 3/4 cup warm water with 1/4 vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Put this solution in a spray bottle, and mist the stained area. After you have misted the area, scrub it with a soft cloth or towel to lift the stain. Get a second cloth or towel moist with clean water to remove any leftover soap, and try with a towel.

If you have leather upholstery, use this solution: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1/2 cup olive oil, and put it into a spray bottle. After you have misted the surface of the furniture, buff it with a soft cloth.

If you have synthetic upholstery, use this solution: Mix 1 cup warm water with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Put this solution in a spray bottle, and mist the stained area. After you mist the stained area, scrub it with a cloth or towel until the stain lifts.

As always, if your stained or soiled furniture is too much for you to clean, or if you just don’t have the time to do it yourself, call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County at (502) 241-6861 for a free estimate. 

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 502.241.6861

Benefits of Cleaning Your Ducts

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Having your air ducts cleaned is not something that most people give much thought to, until they are piled with dust. Below you will find the benefits to having them cleaned.

1. Improve indoor air quality: In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust is created annually through everyday living. 

2. Energy savings: according to the U.S. Department of Energy, "25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted". When your air ducts are piled with 40 pounds of dust, your AC system has to work  harder to keep your home cool. With clean air ducts you could be saving 25 to 40 percent on your power bill.

3. Increased life of your HVAC unit: cleaning your air ducts will reduce the stress on your system. Instead of it having to work harder to keep your home cool, it will increase efficiency, thereby increasing the life of the system. 

Finally, with all the above referenced benefits, now is the time to have your air ducts cleaned. Saving money, and increasing the indoor air quality in your home are great reasons to have it done.

Duct cleaning in your home or business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today to schedule an appointment. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

Why Should I Have My Ducts Cleaned?

3/28/2018 (Permalink)

1. Energy Efficiency Increase

When you have contaminated air ducts, your cooling and heating system will work harder, and this will reduce the lifespan of your system. When your air ducts are clean, it will increase your system’s efficiency, thus helping lower your utility bill.

2. Mold and Mildew Help

You could have a soggy, flooded or wet basement or crawlspace and this could have caused mold and mildew to grow. This could have penetrated your duct system. So having them cleaned and sprayed with an Anti-Microbial agent will resolve this issue.

3. Relief from Allergens

Allergens such as fungi, bacteria and mold can breed in your duct system. 

Pollutants come into your home and infiltrate your HVAC system, which can contaminate your air. The duct system also has the perfect place to harbor fungi, molds, bacteria, dust mites and other types of allergens. Clean ducts improve your home’s air quality.

4. Dust Reduction

As much as 40 pounds worth of dust is able to accumulate in a house with six rooms each year. Cleaning your air ducts is going to remove the dust that’s accumulated as the years go by so that it's not continually filtering back into your home.

5. New Furnace

You had a brand-new furnace installed. This procedure often is really messy and releases pollutants and dust into the system and your home . These will disperse into the air once the heat is turned on.

6. You’re a Pet Owner

If you have one or more pets, chances are that your ducts need a good cleaning. Pet fur often will go into your air vents and release germs, allergens, molds and fungus.

7. Fire or Water Restoration

If you recently had a problem with damage due to a fire or water loss, like slow leak, backup of sewage, ground water, or a bust pipe, it’s a good idea to have your ducts cleaned. Anytime you have abnormal levels of moisture, even though they might seem small, have the ability to potentially lead to significant pollution in the air due to things like mold spores.

8. You Bought a New Home

If you bought your home recently, having your air ducts cleaned is a good idea especially if the old owners were pet owners. Another reason is that they may never have had them cleaned. It’s a good idea to have it done before you move in.

9. You’re Renovating Your Home

Home renovations and remodeling often stirs up a lot of dust and releases dust from drywall into your home’s air. Debris and dust from the construction goes into your HVAC and starts to recirculate. To stop this from happening, have the ducts cleaned right after your renovation’s done.

10. You’re a Smoker

Your home’s ducts are your home’s respiratory system. When you’re smoking inside, your home’s ducts are going to become dirty and clogged and reduce their efficiency. If you’re a smoker, it’s better to stay outside so that your ducts aren’t negatively impacted.

11. Insects

Are you noticing that you have a lot of spiders and insects in it, it could be they’re living in your system’s ducts. It’s recommended that you do duct cleaning in the spring because a lot of insects love hiding in ducts so they’re able to avoid cold weather. When you are cleaning your ducts, it’s going to remove any dead insects and stop their life cycles so you don’t have another infestation.

12. Rodents and Vermin

If you’re noticing odors coming from the ducts  you may have dead animals like rats and mice in the duct work. So you want to have your ducts cleaned to get rid of anything that’s residing in the system itself.

These are reasons to consider having your air ducts cleaned. Not only will it help you save money but it also will make your home’s air a lot cleaner for everyone.

Dirty Air Ducts In Your Home Or Business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County to schedule a cleaning today. 502.241.6841

Carpet Cleaning- Advantages of Mount over Portable

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

Advantages of Mount over Portable

There are some big differences in the performance and ability of rental "shampooers" and hot water extraction units that professionals use. The major differences are in suction power, water temperature, spray jet power, and mobility. Additionally, professional carpet cleaning companies use high quality cleaning chemicals.

Suction Power

Rental machines are powered by electric vacuum motors. These motors are stronger than the motors on your vacuum. They are designed to extract liquid. Truck mount carpet cleaning machines are powered by a gasoline engine. The engine turns a piston at around 3,000 RPMs and creates suction for up to several hundred feet of hose. A gasoline motor has far superior power for suction. Better suction correlates to extracting more dirt.

Water Temperature

It is a widely accepted fact that water is better cleaning solution when it is hotter. Science has proven this to be true. Now, when you rent a machine you can only get the water as hot as the tap will allow. Rental machines do not have the power to heat water. By the time you extract, the water has actually been cooled down. A truck mount machine heats has the capability to heat water to up to over 200 degrees. The offers much better cleaning capability.

Spray Jet Power

Rental machines spray pumps are also electric powered, they offer around 250 PSI. This is the power at which they spray the carpet with water and cleaning chemicals. The more powerful your pump is, the deeper you can attack the dirt . The dirtier the carpet, the deeper down you want to spray and the more powerful of a pump you will need. With truck mount machines the pump is also powered by gasoline motor, allowing for up to 1200 PSI. The truck mount machine has the power to blast the carpet fibers with cleaning chemical and the suction power to suck it all up.

Mobility

Rental machines are big boxes on wheels that are rolled around. They carry the clean water and the dirty water adding more weight to them. If you have a 2 story house you have to drag the heavy machines up the stairs. Then you have to unload the water before you bring it back down the stairs. Truck mount machines stay in the work truck; hose is run from the machine to wherever the carpet is. A light weight wand is the extraction tool that is taken into the home, allowing for very easy movement.

Rental machines just do not have the power that professional machines offer. They can clean the surface of the carpet, but are no substitute for professional cleaning. They can be used for small problem areas, but will never be as effective as a professional machine. 

Need a Carpet Cleaning In Your Home or Business? Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

Should Your Air Ducts Be Cleaned?

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

Generally speaking, if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are, and they should be cleaned professionally. Cleaning dirty air ducts on a regular basis reduces indoor pollution (that can cause health problems), reduces energy use and may prevent unexpected disasters and costly repairs.

The main reasons to have your air ducts cleaned:

  • Reduce indoor pollution 
    • Each year, up to 40 pounds of contaminants (dust, chemicals, dander, etc.) are created in a typical 6-room home through everyday living. These contaminants are pulled into the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and recirculated 5 to 7 times a day, on average. As a result, a build-up of contaminants in the ductwork is created over time.
    • Having a clean and properly functioning HVAC system is important for maintaining a good level of air quality in your home.
  • Save energy
    • If the ducts in your home are clogged with dirt and other contaminants, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling is wasted, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
    • Although filters block some of the pollutants that would otherwise get into the ducts, the ones that do enter will cause your heating and cooling system to work harder and consume more energy. If the HVAC system is clean, it works more efficiently and consumes less electricity.
  • Other reasons
    • Duct cleaning is necessary when there is a substantial amount of mold inside the ducts. Mold spores may be released into the home.
    • If vermin, such as rodents or insects, live in the air ducts, you should immediately call a pest control company.
    • Have the air ducts cleaned after a home renovation, when a significant amount of debris, dust and other particles (especially asbestos and lead paint) have migrated into the air ducts.
    • It is advised to have your heating system (fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace) and ducts checked and serviced before the heating season. This helps prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
  • Don’t forget the dryer vents
    • When using a clothes dryer, lint accumulates in dryer vents over time, restricting the airflow. This is a fire hazard. The lint buildup can also contribute to excess household humidity and dust.
    • A clean dryer vent also allows the dryer to operate more efficiently, using less energy in the long run.

Dirty Ducts? Contact SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today to schedule a cleaning. 502.241.6861

HEPAs: Cleaning The Air In Your Home

9/20/2017 (Permalink)

HEPAs – Cleaning The Air In Your Home
 

I think we have all heard the word “HEPA” before,  and it is usually associated with clean air. While in simple terms that is correct, I will be going into a bit more detail of what HEPA’s are,  why they should be used in certain situations, and what you should be looking for.

Without getting too much into the science of things, HEPA is an acronym for high efficiency particulate air. Whenever you see the term HEPA being used it means that the filter has been made and certified in accordance with current HEPA filter standards.  Nowadays you can find HEPA filters in household appliances such as fans and even vacuum cleaners.

But when it comes to property restoration we are not talking about household appliances containing HEPA filters, instead we are talking about professional air filtration devices known as AFDs. You may also hear other terms for them such as air scrubbers, negative air machines, HEPA units, etc., these are all terms used to reference an AFD.

When and why should you use an AFD?

In the property restoration industry AFD’s are mostly used in work sites (your home) that have suffered a contaminated water damage loss, (Category -3)  fire and smoke damage, mold and asbestos remediations to name a few.

To put it simply AFD’s are used in situations where there are or is a chance of  contaminants or high levels of dust present within an environment. They are used to help control and maintain appropriate air quality levels within your home, while also aiding in the elimination of odours.

The  reason AFD units are so useful is because they offer multi filter protection in order to safely remove contaminants and particles from the air.

Typically speaking an AFD will have the following filters:

  • Pre Filter Stage – this is the first line of defence, it is designed to catch the larger particles that are floating around, it helps prevent the valuable HEPA filter from jamming up with these larger particles.
    The AFD unit will also have the option of using different kinds of pre filters depending on the application, including carbon filters which are designed to capture and absorb organic vapours. These are great help when dealing with smoke and fire damage jobs as well as category-3 water losses.
  • Main Filter – this slot is reserved for the HEPA filter which is able to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns in size. To put it in simple terms it captures all the particles that cant be seen with the naked eye, and for comparison; the thickness of a human hair is about 40-50 microns.

So now we can talk about the specs of these AFD machines and why house-hold type HEPA machines (the ones you can buy at Walmart etc) are not up to snuff in a property restoration application. The main reason is their CFM (cubic feet per minute) output is generally too low, which is basically the amount of air the machine pumps out per minute.

AFDs will have higher CFM outputs usually ranging from 500 to 1000+, but why should you care about CFMs? Because the proper amount of CFMs will allow the right number of air exchanges to happen.

An air exchange means that the air within an environment in this case lets say a room, is completely changed with new filtered air. So depending on the situation and severity of a project, the air may need to be exchanged 4 -10 times per hour, if not more, and to achieve this a high CFM output is required. This continuation of air exchanges is what allows for the filtration and cleaning of the air within your home.

 I don’t want to get too technical on this but in case you do here is the formula for calculating the CFM required to achieve the number of air exchanges you desire:

Cubic feet of the space you want to treat X Air exchanges you want per hour / 60 = CFM needed

Note: The air exchanges per hour is typically determined by the severity or nature of a restoration project. For basic applications 4-6 air exchanges per hour would be fine. If you are finding 4-6 is not enough then increase it as needed.

A quick note on the CFMs required, in situations where lets say 1000 CFM or more is required,it is good practise to use several smaller CFM machines that add up to the 1000CFM than it is to use 1 machine with a rating of 1000CFM as you can distribute the machines throughout the work site and thus increasing your capture areas.

If you find yourself in a situation where air quality is a concern and  you are trying to deal high CFM AFD’s on your own then you should definitely seek help. As this could indicate that the conditions in your home are poor and in need professional restoration services.

Contact SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist. 502.241.6861

Ozone. What is it and how can it help?

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

Ozone

If you have ever called a company asking for help with taking care of an unpleasant smell in your home or business, you may have heard mention of the use of ozone. What is this Ozone thing they were talking about you may have wondered? How can it help? We are going to dispel this mysterious ozone and explain how and why it is used.

What is it?

Ozone is a gas that occurs both in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level. The earth’s atmosphere is 21% Ozone. Our atmospheric Ozone Layer is created by chemical reactions involving solar ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) and oxygen molecules. Our ozone layer is vitally important to life on earth. It acts as a filter for the shorter wavelength and highly hazardous ultraviolet radiation from the sun, protecting life on Earth from its potentially harmful effects.

Lightning will also produce Ozone through electrical excitation of Oxygen molecules. That sharp “fresh” smell that is often detectable during and after a thunderstorm can be attributed to Ozone.

 Ozone is an inorganic molecule with the chemical formula O3. That means that three oxygen atoms are bonded together. Ozone is created when dioxygen or O2 (which is the oxygen that we breathe) has been bonded by the action of ultraviolet light or electrical discharges. The bond between three oxygen atoms is relatively week, which means that O3 is extremely reactive. Since O2 is a much more stable molecule, Ozone’s 3rd Oxygen atom easily bonds with other molecules transforming both. This process is called oxidation. Ozone is one of the most powerful oxidants and can be readily produced for use in both air and water.

How can it help?

The oxidative properties of ozone can be very useful. Small portable ozone generators have been developed using both electric charges and ultraviolet light to produce Ozone. These generators can be moved to any location that is in need of the power of oxidation. An Ozone generator takes in oxygen from the air and transform the O2 molecules into O3.  The ozone is then release into the area.

In the restoration industry ozone is most often used to combat odor. An odor is caused by one or more volatilized chemical compounds. Once surface pollutants are handled, an area may still have an unpleasant smell because of airborne particles. Rather than remove the offensive airborne particles, compounds can often be transformed through oxidation. Adding ozone into a contaminated area results in volatile compounds picking up extra oxygen atoms, transforming them into entirely new compounds. The newly oxidized compounds do not produce any offensive odors. In addition, once ozone loses it’s third oxygen atom, it become safe and stable oxygen.

The amount of ozone needed to eliminate odor in an area depends on the size of the area and the concentration of contaminants. Large spaces or highly contaminated ones often require several ozone generators working around the clock for several days to produce an acceptable result. Once ozone has neutralized the space it is left with a slight chlorine smell that dissipates quickly.

However please be advised, breathing  ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and lung irritation. Ozone can only be used in a vacant property or in a sealed room. However, once an ozone treatment has been completed, a room must be aired out for only 10 minutes before it is completely safe.

So the next time you are plagued with a persistent odor issue, you may need a little help from an oxygen atom. Ozone might be able to supply it for you.

If you are struggling with a persistent odor issue in your home or business call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby/Trimble/Spencer/Henry today. We can help. 502.241.6861

Carpet Cleaning Tips: Getting Popsicle's and Kool-Aid Out Of Carpets

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

CARPET CLEANING TIPS: GETTING POPSICLES AND KOOL-AID OUT OF CARPETS

The warm, sunny weather goes together with the classics: popsicles and Kool-Aid.  Unfortunately, these two delicious treats tend to make a mess when spilled indoors and if not cleaned correctly, could lead to mold remediation down the road. Remember these tips for your summertime spills:

  • Pick up the dropped chunks of popsicle.
  • Blot up the excess beverage, and never rub the affected area—this will cause the fibers to absorb the liquid and possibly spread.
  • You will need a few drops of liquid dish detergent (without bleach), white towels, warm water, and an iron.
  • Test a small inconspicuous area for colorfastness of carpet. This may not work on all carpet fibers. Contact your carpet manufacturer first before applying any chemicals/soaps to your carpet for cleaning.
  • Mix a few drops of the dish liquid with warm water. Wet one towel with the mix and place it over the affected area. Put the dry towel on top of the wet one and gently use the hot iron on it. You will see the color pull into the wet towel. (repeat if necessary)

Need a Professional Carpet Cleaning? Contact SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby/Trimble/Henry/Spencer today to schedule an appointment. 502.241.6861

Black Lines On The Edge Of Your Carpet

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

 Black Lines on the Edge of Your Carpet 

What are the Black Edges?

Are you wondering what those dirty, black lines that show up around the edge of your carpet are?  It’s called Carpet Filtration Soiling. Carpet Filtration Soiling can be found along walls, under doors, and around the edge of HVAC registers- really anywhere there is air flow being forced through the carpet.

What Causes the Black Lines?

When air pressure and currents encounter a restriction, the air will pass through the carpet. The carpet acts as a filter trapping whatever small particulates, oil and other pollutants are in the air.

The lighter the carpet- the more visible this will be. The filtration soil may include: candle soot, particles from incomplete combustion due to a maladjusted furnace, cooking oils, vehicle exhaust and particles from a myriad of many other sources.

These are very small particles and are difficult to remove with agitation only. Using a cleaning solution and the help of a truck mount with hot steam extraction can help to remove these stains. Since filtration soil varies from home to home, the ability to remove the stains also varies.

If you have ugly lines…Our carpet cleaning solutions can help! Call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby/Trimble/Henry/Spencer today to schedule an appointment. 502.241.6861

Is It Time To Clean Your Air Ducts

8/16/2017 (Permalink)

IS IT TIME TO HAVE YOUR AIR DUCTS CLEANED?

Your home's heating and cooling system uses air ducts to deliver air to the interior spaces of your home. With time, dust, debris, and other allergens can build up inside your air ducts. These contaminants can compromise the efficiency of your climate control system. To restore the quality of your indoor air, you may want to schedule an air duct cleaning service. Regular air duct cleanings will keep your home's air clean and fresh for you to breathe. Let's take a look at some signs that it is time to schedule an air duct cleaning.

Visible Mold or Dirt

When you notice mold or dirt forming around your heating vents, this is a sure sign that you are in need of an air duct cleaning service. At the first sign of dirty ducts, you may want to consult with a professional air duct cleaning company.

Poor Efficiency

It may be time to have your air ducts cleaned if you have noticed a decline in the efficiency of your climate control system. As dirt and debris builds up in your air ducts, your HVAC system may have a harder time delivering air to every room in your home. With an air duct cleaning service, you can restore your system to peak efficiency.

Need Your Residential or Commercial Ducts Cleaned? Call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby today to schedule an estimate. 502.241.6861

Professional Content Cleaning

7/7/2017 (Permalink)

Professional Content Cleaning After A Disaster

Water and fire disasters come in many different experiences and there is nothing more devastating to a homeowner then to see their home damaged. Anger, fear, disbelief, and shock are just a few of the emotions that you and your family will go through after a disaster. More often than not, these disasters can cause severe damage to your property and personal belongings. That is where professional content and restoration companies come into play.

What is content cleaning?

Content cleaning is the detailed cleaning, drying, sanitizing, deodorization, and resurfacing of most household items that have been affected by a disaster. The content cleaning process helps to return your personal items back to their original condition. Content cleaning can help salvage family mementos, valuable art items such as painting, jewelry, and treasured pictures.

Damaged property

After any disaster, it is important to secure your property to minimize any further damage. Inspect personal property only if it is safe to do so. Take inventory so you can determine what can be saved and what must be replaced. This process can be overwhelming and it would be more than beneficial to contact a professional content cleaning company to do this for you. The professionals have an eye for what can be restored to pre-damaged condition. There may be more of your belongings that can be salvaged than you expect.

There may be some situations that require that your personal belongings be removed and relocated for immediate and thorough cleaning, restoration, and decontamination. If your home has suffered from extensive water or fire damage it is often easier, safer, and more cost-efficient to have your belongings taken to a secure facility to start the cleaning and restoration process.

Most content cleaning companies will provide what is called a pack-out service. This is where they will inventory and record your belongings, safely package and transport your belongings to their secure facility where the cleaning and restoration process will take place. Reputable companies will require meticulous documentation of your belongings to ensure that nothing is misplaced. In some cases, if your belongings cannot be returned home immediately after the cleaning and restoration process, the professionals will safely package and store your belongings in their facility until they can be delivered to your home.

Salvageable Items

  • Artwork and Antiques
  • Documents and Books
  • Photographs
  • VHS and DVD media
  • Clothing
  • Electronics
  • Furniture
  • Rugs

Here are just a few of the ways that professionals clean salvageable items.

Methods of content cleaning.

  • Dry cleaning is used for removing light to medium non-grease soils, or per-treating to remove excess soil before wet or immersion cleaning.
  • Wet cleaning, an aggressive method of removing medium to heavy soiling on items that can be cleaned with chemicals.
  • Spray and wipe, a method used when items may be damaged by chemical cleaning products.
  • Abrasive cleaning consists of agitation of the surfaces before being cleaned.
  • Immersion cleaning, effective for items that can be submerged in the cleaning chemicals.

For immediate help after a water damage disaster, contact a certified and insured restoration company like SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby. 502.241.6861 

 

Rentals Gone Wrong

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

Rentals Gone Wrong

This is most property investors and rental property managers top major fear! If you find yourself in a situation where this fear becomes a reality, Don’t get overwhelmed or stressed you out. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby CAN HELP! No matter the extent of damage or mess, our highly trained TEAM knows exactly what to do and where to start to get your rental property back up and running quickly!

What to do after Discovering Damage

In some cases you’ll find the damage to your property before your tenant moves out, such as in a move-out inspection or a regular visit to the property. However, it’s not rare to discover damage after it’s too late. If your tenant has moved on, there might be little you can do to recoup money for the damages.

The damage to your property might also be caused by something other than the tenant, including natural disasters (water or fire damage), burglars or vandals, hoarders, pests, or deterioration from letting the property sit vacant. In these cases there isn’t much you can do to get money back for the costs of repairs – you’ll have to shoulder most of the burden yourself.

In either situation, your first step upon discovering damage to your property should be to thoroughly document everything you can. Take pictures of any damage you can see, including secondary damage. This will be important later on, especially if you’re filing charges against your tenant or trying to collect insurance on the property. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby will help you with this process by taking before (and after) pictures and documenting damage.

Once you’ve collected a record of the damage to your property, your course of action will vary depending on what you want to do. If you’re filing charges against a former tenant for the damages you may need to let the police view the property before making any repairs. Similarly, insurance claims could require an adjuster to inspect the damage before they can authorize any payments for repairs. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby will work with your Insurance company to make the claims process go as smooth as possible.

No matter the cause or amount of damage to your property, we are the only phone call you need to make to get your job done right… call us today at 502.241.6861.

What's Lurking In Your Ducts

11/29/2016 (Permalink)

Sweep away years of dust and dirt- to help reduce the potential for damage and health risks.

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

The SERVPRO Proven Duct Cleaning System is Cost-Efficient

Inspecting the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit, (HVAC) is a service offered by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals. Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals use a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to remove years of dust and grime.

The SERVPRO System is The Difference- We Can Help:

-Remediate bacteria, fungi, and mold

-Reduce potential for mold growth

-Restore peak energy efficiency

-Eliminate offensive odors

-Provide free written inspections and estimates

Call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby/Henry/Trimble to help protect your health and your property from ventilation and air quality issues.

 

The Benefits of Duct Cleaning

6/28/2016 (Permalink)

Indoor air pollution is now listed by the Environmental Protection Agency as the fourth greatest environmental threat to Americans. When your heating and cooling system is running, airborne contaminants are being drawn into your duct system. Over a period of time, these harmful contaminants will eventually build up inside your air ducts.

Indoor contaminants may include: dust mites, tobacco smoke, household mold, chemicals, airborne allergens, bacteria, animal dander and carbon monoxide. These contaminants are then circulated throughout your home or office and affect the health and comfort of you, your family, or your employees.

Having your air ducts cleaned, can help eliminate these problems.

Call your local SERVPRO today for a free estimate.