Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

Vandalism at a local church

Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.

Need Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today 803-955-0342

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will act quickly to remove vandalism and graffiti from home and commercial spaces. In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, they can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metals, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry. Their highly trained technicians can offer the following services:

• General cleaning and graffiti removal
• Brick, stone, and concrete cleaning
• Odor removal and deodorization
• Debris removal
• Water damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration
• Mold damage restoration
• Contents cleaning

Get you ducts in a row...

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

Ventilation systems can often be the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality because many people allow HVAC systems to operate for some time without much attention or upkeep.

Your HVAC system could be circulation odors, dust and other contaminants throughout your home or business. 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 can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

SERVPRO will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. Benefits of serving HVAC unit include:

-Helps to restore peak energy efficiency

-May help to eliminate offensive odors.

-Help reduce the potential for mold growth

For more information on duct cleaning or to set up a written inspection and estimate call

SERVPRO of Lexington today at 803-955-0342.

keeping that Office Clean Checklist:

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

If you need further cleaning, Call SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington at: (803) 755-9774.

Keeping that Office Clean Checklist:

If you are anything like me, your office sometimes gets the best of you! Well here is a great checklist to help get you started on cleaning, decluttering and getting that office looking and feeling tidy again.

• Clean the bookshelves: Remove all books and belongings off your bookshelf and dust them, starting from the top to the bottom. Don’t forget to dust stuff off before placing them back on the shelf.
• Clean the desk: Dust off any accessories on your desk, with a damp cloth, top to bottom. Make sure to dust off the top and bottom surface of your desk.
• Clean your computer: Working from the top to the bottom, dust the screen and then move to the keyboard. Don’t forget to dust off the printer, fax machine, and any other electronics.
• Dust off any other furniture: Such as filing cabinets, tables, and chairs.
• Vacuum: Move furniture and chairs- vacuum and mop under everything.
• Sanitize your telephone.
• Clean the light fixtures: Dust the light fixtures with an extendable duster or a damp cloth; also, dust-off ceiling fans.
• Clean the windows.
• Clean the curtains or blinds.

Photo Credit: http://www.vaporclean.co.uk/cleaning-services/office-cleaning-services

We Clean Draperies...Too!

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Lexington at (803)755-9774.

WE Clean Draperies… Too!

Did you know that your local SERVPRO cleans drapes?

SERVPRO of Lexington surpasses at cleaning fine fabrics and difficult pieces using wet or dry-cleaning methods as required. We carefully inspect and test fabrics to determine which of our methods is best suited to your materials. We use state-of-the- art equipment designed for cleaning fine textiles.

When considering cleaning your draperies, make certain that they are dry cleaned only. Only a small percentage of materials can be laundered. When you are not certain, call us for advice.

SERVPRO of Lexington offers dry cleaning right in your home, so there is no need to go through the hassle of removing your draperies from your home and hauling them to the cleaners. We insert a specially formulated solvent on your draperies and then extract the chemical, leaving your drapes clean. This special process means no damage or shrinkage to the material.

Call SERVPRO of Lexington for quality cleaning at a reasonable price!!!

Air ducts/ HVAC System

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington,and let us get those ducts back in order!

Air ducts/ HVAC system

When was the last time you had your air ducts or HVAC system checked or cleaned? SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington, is the right company for the job. We will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.

If your HVAC system has been operating for some time, without attention, it could be circulating dust, pollen, odor, and other contaminants. Keeping your HVAC system and duct work clean can extend the life of your equipment, which could potentially save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

For more information on HVAC and duct cleaning, call SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington today at (803)755-9774.

Taking Care of Those Hardwood Floors

5/1/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington at (803)755-9774, to get those hardwoods looking great again!

Taking Care of Those Hardwood Floors

Keeping those hardwood floors can definitely be a task that no one wants to be faced with. Unfortunately, your hardwoods must be cleaned and taken care of.

Maintaining your hardwoods is an essential part of protecting your beautiful investment, and once you learn how to maintain them, it will become like second nature.

Here are some helpful tips to help you maintain your beautiful hardwood:

Daily:

At least once a day you should sweep or dry mop your floors. Microfiber mops are great to use because they use static electricity that will help trap the dirt and allergens.

-Always remember when you have a spill, to clean it up right away with a damp cloth!

-Putting throw rugs near doorways and entrances is a wonderful way to avoid all the debris that can scratch up and cause your hardwoods to get dirty.  

Weekly:

Maintaining your cleaning during the week is important, it will help you reach those hard to reach areas that you don’t hit on your daily sweep. Vacuums and wet mops are ideal for reaching those corners and cracks that get missed. Be careful when you use a wet mop, not to use too much water, a fine mist will work great at getting your floors to look clean.

• Water and steam can dull and mess up your hardwoods. Only wet clean your floors every 1-2 months.

• When moving your furniture, it is best to pick the furniture up instead of dragging. Dragging your furniture across hard woods could scratch and damage. Putting stick felt on the legs of your furniture is terrific way to avoid scratches.

• Avoid wearing cleats or high heels on your hardwoods, as they can dent your beautiful floors.

Monthly:

At least once a month you should polish your floors. Polishing is a fantastic way to bring back your woods shine. It helps renew and refresh the finish that protects the hardwood.

• Do not use vinyl or tile cleaning products on wood floors.

• Do not over wax your wood flooring. Avoid wax buildup under your furniture and other light traffic areas by applying wax in these spots every other waxing session.

Yearly:

With all the abuse that we give to our hardwoods, consider giving them a deep clean.

Soil tends to accumulate over time, and eventually you will need professional cleaning to remove this buildup. SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington has specialized training in time-tested and industry approved cleaning methods. Also, our exclusive cleaning system allows our professionals to properly clean and restore your floor’s original beauty.

Things to avoid:

• Avoid using water and vinegar. Vinegar and water can dull your wood over time.

• Avoid using Steam cleaners. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor, which can lead to cupping and long term damage.

How to Clean the Washing Machine

5/1/2017 (Permalink)

How to Clean the Washing Machine

The washing machine is definitely something I take for granted.

I don’t know about you and your home but it appears that I run my washing machine on a daily basis and I tend to forget that, it too, needs cleaning!

Technically, you should clean your washing machine every other week.

Did you know that?!

Well don’t feel bad if you didn’t know because now you do and now you can get that machine looking and smelling brand new again!!!

Ok here is what you will need to get that washing machine looking and smelling great again:

• 1 quart of bleach
• 1 quart of white vinegar

Here are your effortless steps:

1. Fill your washer with hot water.
2. Add 1 quart of bleach and agitate for one minute, let sit for one hour, and then let it finish running that cycle.
3. Fill your washer with hot water.
4. Add 1 quart of white vinegar and agitate for one minute, let sit for one hour, and then let it finish running that cycle.
5. Wipe down the exterior.
6. Enjoy doing laundry in your clean washer ??!!!

Why yes, SERVPRO does clean Upholstery!

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

Why yes, SERVPRO does clean upholstery!

You might not know this, (I know I certainly didn’t) but SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington cleans upholstery!

They actually clean lots of stuff ?? (Like carpet, drapes, blinds, and upholstery)!

Another thing you might not know is that having your upholstery cleaned at least once a year can extend the life of your furniture. Not to mention it will help rid it of dust, allergens, and help give you back that new couch look!

SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington offers several cleaning options to match any type of your upholstery needs, so give us a call so that we may get your fabric looking brand new again!

411 on Carpet Cleaning

3/27/2017 (Permalink)

411 on Carpet Cleaning

Daily, we use our carpet, not even thinking about how dirty it is. Our carpets are like filters, trapping dust, gases, animal hair, and other soils. There are many preventative things you may do to keep your carpet clean, such as, regular vacuuming, spot removal, and having your carpets professionally cleaned.

Here are the top reasons to have carpets cleaned year-round:

1. It prolongs the life of the carpeting. Cleaning your carpet regularly using the extraction method can increase the life of carpets significantly.
2. Having your carpets cleaned protects indoor air quality. Carpets trap airborne pollutants.
3. It makes your carpet easier to maintain. When carpets are regularly cleaned, vacuuming will remove most dry soils.
4. Cleaning your carpet will remove spots and stains. As with other soils, spots and stains can attract more soiling. Removing them promptly protects carpeting from damage.
5. Moist soiling of carpets can result in the buildup of several unhealthy contaminants. Cleaning your carpets prevents buildup of allergens and bacteria.
6. It will enhance the appearance of your home or business.
7. It will make your work environment feel cleaner.
8. Regular carpet cleaning makes carpeting look and feel clean and fresh.
9. It removes dust mites and bedbugs that may have found a home in your carpet.
10. If you have a warranty, it will maintain your carpet warranty. Most carpet warranties require that carpets be cleaned using the extraction method usually every 12-18 months.

SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington offers professional cleaning that can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets.

Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing that dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is below the surface down near the base, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged. We will get the job done right!

We offer a range of specialized cleaning methods:

• Bonnet cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot water extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe precondition and rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.

For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over forty years of experience and professionals trained to the highest standards, call SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington today!

Ducts In A Row

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

Ducts in a Row    

Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to get all your ducts in a row.

What a great time to use SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia’s special for January!!!!

For the entire month of January receive 10% off all duct cleaning! (Just mention this blog or #DUCTS17).

Often, we don’t think about cleaning our ducts. Out of sight out of mind, right? Well unfortunately that is not the case. A dirty duct can cause bad odors, contaminants such as mold, and dust. By having your duct work inspected and cleaned, it can potentially extend the life span of your equipment. Which in the long run can save you money!!!

 SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia will inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC) and make any recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.

For more information on duct cleaning, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia at (803)755-9774.

Cleaning the Car

8/2/2016 (Permalink)

Most of us spend a lot of time inside our cars. Keeping your car’s interior clean is more than a matter of pride. It’s a health issue. Dirt contains grit and chemicals that can be harmful to breath and eat away the surfaces of your car’s interior. Generally speaking, the same procedures and products that you use at home work quite well in your car.

Clean the interior before you do the exterior. The most effective thing you can do is vacuum the seats first, remove and clean the floor mats, and then vacuum the carpets. Dust the dashboard, rear window shelf, and other surfaces, and use swabs or a toothbrush to get into A/C vents, around dashboard knobs, and other tight places. Aerosol cans of air used for cleaning cameras and computers can force dust from tiny apertures.

Never use a dry rag or paper towels to clean the plastic lenses on instrument panel gauges. Small, dry particles of dust and grit can scratch the surface. If the lenses are clouded, use a plastic cleaner sparingly with a clean, damp terry cloth rag or sponge. Excess moisture can damage electronic instruments.

You can use the same products to clean car upholstery and carpeting that you use to clean your chairs, sofas, and rugs. Keep the following in mind:

Vinyl seats and interiors and plastic surfaces such as dashboards, steering wheels, and interior moldings usually respond well to water and a mild soap or dish detergent, but you may have to resort to special vinyl-cleaning products if you’ve let things get out of hand.

Protect all vinyl and plastic surfaces from sunlight and heat with products designed for those materials. While you’re at it, use them or a spray silicone lubricant on dashboards, weather stripping, vinyl or rubber floor mats, and tires, too, to prevent them from cracking and drying out and to keep them supple. Avoid oil- and petroleum-based products that can damage vinyl and leave it brittle.

If you’re lucky enough to have leather seats in your vehicle, take care of them. If properly cared for, leather can last a long time but, like all skin, it dries out and ages prematurely if it’s not kept clean and moisturized.

Cleaning Service Experts

7/20/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO OF LEXINGTON ARE TRUSTED CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SERVICE EXPERTS. 

We understand the wear and tear that your carpet is exposed to on a daily basis.  With regular cleaning service you will prolong the life of your carpet, prevent matting of the high traffic areas and promote a healthier environment – all while protecting your investment.

What you get with SERVPRO’s Carpet Cleaning Services:

IN ADDITION TO STEAM CLEANING YOUR CARPETS WE CAN TREAT HARD TO REMOVE STAINS, MANAGE ODOR CONTROL, AND APPLY A PROTECTIVE SCOTCH GUARD LAYER

Learn more about our Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services contact us at (803) 755-9774

When the smell still lingers

7/19/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lexington is here when you’ve tried everything but the smell still lingers

Nasty odors like cigarette smoke, pet urine and food permeates into our furniture, carpets, walls, windows, and just about every other nook and cranny in our homes, making it particularly difficult to eliminate.

SERVPRO is able to pull the odors out of carpets, drapes, furniture, clothing and bedding. We also work in your car or recreational vehicle, pulling the odors from the carpet and upholstery.

SERVPRO eliminates odors for a sanitized, pure, and healthy clean.  Odor removal … We got this.

We literally clear the air and penetrate surfaces and objects within the space. Not only can we eliminate odors like cigarette smoke and strong food smells. We can also kill, eliminate & neutralize bacteria, allergens, viruses and mold.

SERVPRO can come to your home, office, vehicle, recreational vehicle and anywhere else to remove lingering odors including:

Specialty Cleaning

6/22/2016 (Permalink)

Did your tenants leave behind a mess when they moved out? 

SERVPRO of Lexington is able to provide a wide verity of services. When the job gets too tough for the average cleaner and requires some special skill, SERVPRO is there to help get the job done. 

Whether it's a hoarder’s home, or the elderly who are looking to downsize SERVPRO is able to apply their special skills to make a safe, clean and sanitary area for others. 

Cleaning of Air Ducts

6/20/2016 (Permalink)

This is a photo of a filter after a duct cleaning was conducted in a commercial building. By completing the duct cleaning, the air quality has improved in the building for all employees. According to NADCA, "Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and very small particles of dust. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and home should be considered as one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality."

Call us today at 803-755-9774 for an estimate

Ohhh That Smell

6/15/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is widely known for being the leader in Fire and Water Cleanup & Restoration in the Lexington area and we are tops in our field for Mold Cleanup as well, but our capabilities reach so much further than those three areas of expertise.

Our local SERVPRO offers many other services that you may not be aware of. One of those services is deodorization.

Over our 25+ year history, we have been called in to eliminate foul odors in many homes and businesses. These deodorizations have included such things as the simple burnt popcorn smell, changing hotels and homes from “smoking" to "non- smoking”, eliminating pet odors, and even odors associated with deceased animals have been rectified by our trained professionals. We have many different processes we use to eliminate these types of odors, from ozone treatments, to duct cleaning, and in some severe cases, hepa-vacuuming and cleaning & deodorizing an entire home or business.

Sometimes we are called in to investigate a "mysterious smell" in order to determine exactly what is causing an odor.

SERVPRO has specialized equipment, such as moisture meters, scopes to look into wall cavities and ductwork, and even infrared technology that can be applied to investigate areas for deceased animals.

Deodorization is one of many areas we specialize in, so the next time you have a bad smell in your home, or business just give us a call, so we can "Make it Like it Never Even Happened"

Carpet Truths and Myths

5/4/2016 (Permalink)

Most people have carpet in some part in their house. It’s great to step on when your feet are cold, and it’s also great for those of us who don’t enjoy sweeping. There are common facts about carpet that we all know to be true. For instance: red drinks are dangerous. There are some facts though that are less known. These 10 interesting facts about carpet are sure to make your jaw drop.

1.     The stomach bug virus can live in carpet for more than a month.

2.     For a 150-pound person, vacuuming for 30 minutes burns 125 calories.

3.     To brighten your carpet sprinkle salt in it. Let it sit for an hour and vacuum it up.

4.     When carpets are properly maintained and cleaned, they may actually be good for allergy sufferers. Carpet traps the dust and allergens in its fibers, making them less present in the air. On the other hand, if carpets are not properly cleaned and maintained, they are worse for allergy sufferers.

5.     A person loses around 1.5 million skin flakes in one hour. The majority of these flakes become embedded in the carpet.

6.     The five-second rule is a lie (shocker). Bacteria can live longer than 4 weeks in carpet.

7.      Most people’s carpets are 4,000 times dirtier than toilet seats, and they are about 7 times dirtier than average city streets.

8.     Early vacuums were so large that they took 3 people to operate them.

9.     When they first came out, Hoover vacuum cleaners were difficult to sell, because potential customers refused to believe that they could have that much dirt in their carpets.

10.   Carpet should be professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months.

 Has it been awhile since you had your carpet professionally cleaned? There are tons of myths out there that say “having your carpet cleaned ruins it,” or “I only have to clean my carpet if it is stained,” or “cleaning my carpet will shrink it.” Most of the myths out there about carpet cleaning are well myths. If you hire a true professional, there are absolutely no negatives to having your carpet professionally cleaned. If you are due for a good, professional cleaning, contact us today for a free consultation.  

Benefits of regularly cleaned carpets

4/11/2016 (Permalink)

1.    Most carpet warranties are void without regular cleanings.

Professional carpet cleaners help improve the carpets durability and the length of time that occurs before damage starts to happen by properly installing and maintaining the carpet. These professionals will be properly equipped to restore any spots and spills as well as replacing any flooring that has been damaged beyond repair.

2.    You can prevent Mold growth by cleaning your carpet.

In areas of high humidity levels, dirty carpets are at high risk developing mold growth when exposed to moisture. During wet weather conditions, moisture frequently gets tracked into your home and can sink deep into carpet fibers if not dried and vacuumed right away. You can prevent mold and mildew growth by having your carpets cleaning regularly. Professional carpet cleaners have high powered drying tools that can annihilate moisture trapped in your carpet.  Mold growth can be harmful to your health if ignored for too long, by eliminating moisture you can prevent such growth.

3.    You can improve Air Quality in your home by cleaning your carpet.

Did you know that regularly vacuuming your carpet only removes surface dirt and dust? There is pounds of built up dirt and grime left embedded in your carpet fibers. It is recommended that you have your carpets cleaned professionally twice a year- more often for larger households and area of high traffic, to be able to effectively remove deeply layered dirt underneath your carpet. The equipment used by professional carpet cleaners is powerful enough to eradicate the unseen dry contaminants, therefore improving the air quality in your home.

4.    Eliminate the trapped pollutants by cleaning your carpet.

According to Environmental Protection Agency, a carpet that is dirty can contain several source of indoor air pollutants such as; lead, particle pollution, pet dander, cockroach allergens and everyday dust and dirt. Airborne gases that can also be toxic are able to adhere to these particles as well and get trapped within the carpet. These toxic gases and be released by doing everyday activities. Walking across the carpet and vacuuming can cause these gases to contaminate the air in your home. Professional carpet cleaning services kills the bacteria with their special shampooing formulas. They can remove deeply trapped pollutants with high-powered vacuums.

5.    Save yourself some time by allowing a professional to clean your carpet.

There is a lot to do when cleaning a carpet. You need to apply spot treatment to remove stains, move furniture, vacuum all carpet areas, apply pre-treat solution, fill and empty the cleaning tanks, carry the equipment and clean the equipment when you are finished with the carpets. WOW, that’s a lot of work!  When using a professional service, an experienced technician takes care of all those tasks for you. They can save you time and possible trip to the chiropractor.

Duct Cleaning Know How

4/6/2016 (Permalink)

1.     If neglected, ventilation (HVAC) systems can collect and circulate mold spores, dust and other contaminants.Your HVAC system naturally collects these contaminants as it pulls air through your house to be conditioned. Once they collect, these contaminants will be blown back into your home, compromising your home’s air quality.

2.     Poor air quality carries many health risks. Dust, mold spores and other allergens can harm your respiratory system, causing  nasal, throat and eye irritation, persistent exhaustion and cold-like symptoms, coughing, stuffiness and skin irritation. Infants, children, the elderly, pregnant women, people sensitive to allergens and weakened respiratory or immune systems are especially susceptible.

3.    Cleaning HVAC systems can reduce odors and minimize health risks from mold growth, allergens and other contaminates.

4.Regular cleanings keep your HVAC system operating at peak efficiency and extend its lifespan.Clean ducts cool and heat your home more efficiently and more effectively, reducing your energy bill and keeping you comfortable. You’ll also save money by putting off expensive HVAC repairs and replacement. 

SERVPRO’s duct cleaning system is effective and cost efficient.Our process centers on a thorough sweep through your home’s ductwork, ensuring the entire system is spotless. 

A walk in the park

3/30/2016 (Permalink)

March 30^th is Walk in a Park Day

One of the best known parks in the state of South Carolina, Finlay has hosted just about everything from festivals and political rallies to road races and Easter Sunrise services. 

This beautiful 18-acre park has had two lives; first dedicated in 1859 as Sidney Park, named in honor of Algernon Sidney Johnson, a Columbia City Councilman, the park experienced an illustrious but short tenure.

The park fell into disrepair after the Civil War and served as a site for commercial ventures until the late 1900's. In 1990, the park was reopened and has become a beautiful diamond in the downtown area, offering a green oasis in contrast to the glass, asphalt and concrete in the urban environment. It serves as the site for such events as Kids Day, The Summer Concert Series, plus many more activities. In 1992, the park was renamed Finlay Park, in honor of Kirkman Finlay, Mayor of Columbia who had a vision to reenergize the area known as the Vista, between Main Street and the river, and recreate the beautiful site known as Sidney Park. 

The park is situated between the streets of Assembly, Taylor, Gadsden and Laurel and remains one of the treasures of Columbia. It is across the street from the Governor's Mansion and has one of the most photographed views of downtown.

When walking in the Park be aware that allergies are a part of life but are nothing to sneeze at.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you probably anticipate a certain level of misery when spring is in the air. Maybe you believe the annual battle with pollen is lost before it even begins.

Allergies are more than a pesky inconvenience and symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. The effects can be severe or even life threatening — especially if you live with asthma. While there isn’t a simple cure, there are a number of ways to make allergy season much more bearable.

Prevent Allergy Triggers

Allergens are everywhere. There are actually more allergy-causing pollutants indoors than outdoors! Luckily, there are simple ways to allergy-proof your house and reduce exposure to these allergens.

Dust and vacuum often to reduce dust mites. If needed, wear a mask when cleaning and then leave for a few hours to avoid allergens in the air.

Animals with fur or feathers can trigger allergic reactions. If you have pets you can’t part with, at least keep them out of the bedroom.

When pollen is in the air, keep your doors and windows closed and change the filter for your air conditioner often. If possible, stay inside during the peak pollen time, which usually occurs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Take advantage of member discounts on allergy relief products, such as pillow and mattress encasings; air filtration products; anti-allergen carpet and furniture treatments; personal care products for sensitive skin; nasal irrigation devices and saline solutions for sinus relief.

Don’t Suffer Through Symptoms

There are many prescription and non-prescription medications to treat the symptoms of allergies. Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Antihistamines relieve rashes and hives, sneezing, itching and runny nose.

Decongestants reduce stuffiness by shrinking swollen membranes in the nose.

Eye drops provide temporary relief from burning or bloodshot eyes.

Corticosteroid creams or ointments relieve itchiness and stop the spread of rashes.

Immunotherapy (allergy shots) desensitize reactions to certain allergens over time by providing increasingly higher doses of allergen(s). They are not effective for all allergy types.

AND Remember that SERVPRO can help clean your air and Allergy proof your home.

Contents Credit: www.columbiacvb.com and www.southcarolinablues.com

Quick pick up

3/18/2016 (Permalink)

Quick pick up after St. Patrick’s Day bash.

It is 11:00 p.m. and all the guests have left. You are going to relax and unwind for a little while. As you look around at the living area you're about to relax in, you see a couch, bookshelf, coffee table, and floor in desperate need of help. With just a quick fifteen minutes, you can transform any living area in little to no time at all.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 15 Minutes

Here's How:

1. Grab your supplies.
2. This is the most important step. Having all of your supplies together before you begin means no distractions in the middle of cleaning up. Everything is handy when you need it. Put all items that do not belong in the living room in a container.
3. Do not try to pick up each item and place it where it belongs. Even if you don't get distracted you will waste time running to all ends of the house multiple times.
4. Tackle the couch.
5. Brush off the cushions. Retrieve any missing items from the depths of the couch. Brush off the dirt from the interior of the couch onto the floor. Replace and fluff the pillows.
6. Dust down the coffee table and arrange its contents properly.
7. The goal here is to quickly brush off the table and neatly stack its contents. We're not shining the furniture meticulously, or alphabetizing coffee table books
8. Neatly arrange the magazines and books.

Don't try to weed out magazines and books that you've been thinking about storing or tossing. Just arrange them neatly and move on.

9. Vacuum or sweep up the floor.

Don't move furniture to do so. Don't try to vacuum the pillows and couch. Leave these more in depth items for when you have more time. Do, however, remember to get the dirt we brushed out of the interior of the couch.

Put away your dust rag and vacuum or broom.

Take a few moments to enjoy, and take some time for yourself.

Tips:

If you have a few minutes left over after vacuuming, grab the container and take the missing items to their homes. It will probably only take a few minutes, but save you time tomorrow morning.

If the living room is relatively clutter free, use your extra time to vacuum the couch interior after finishing the floor.

Unless you're extremely motivated, let yourself relax after doing this quick fifteen minutes. While getting a lot of things done tonight might help you be ahead tomorrow, constantly working and not taking time for yourself will do more damage in the long run.

If things are too difficult to clean from the evening’s activities or you could just use some help, call SERVPRO we can clean carpet, upholstery and deodorize your home. The time AFTER St. Patty’s Day can be a chore.  

Contents Credit: housekeeping.about.com  

Scotchgard Woman

3/9/2016 (Permalink)

During Women’s History Month we would like to pay homage to Patsy Sherman.

Who is Patsy Sherman?

Patsy Sherman was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1930. After college graduation, she joined 3M as a research chemist and was assigned to work on fluorochemical polymers. Patsy Sherman was one of very few women chemists to work for a major corporation when she was hired by 3M in 1952. Her work was an essential part of the introduction of 3M's first stain repellent and soil release textile treatments which have grown into an entire family of products known as Scotchgard protectors.

Invention of Scotchgard

Patsy Sherman regards the serendipitous discovery of Scotchgard as one of her most significant works because many experts had written that such a product was "thermodynamically impossible." Patsy Sherman said, "We were trying to develop a new kind of rubber for jet aircraft fuel lines, when one of the lab assistants accidentally dropped a glass bottle that contained a batch of synthetic latex I had made.

Some of the latex mixture splashed on the assistant's canvas tennis shoes and the result was remarkable."

That day in the lab is legendary. Patsy Sherman and her colleague, Sam Smith, were working on another project when they observed that the accidental spill on a white tennis shoe would not wash off nor would solvent remove it. The area resisted soiling. They recognized the commercial potential of its application to fabrics during manufacture and by the consumer at home. So go ahead and put your feet up… the dirt will wash off.

Scotchgard was first sold in 1956, however, Patsy Sherman and Samuel Smith obtained U.S. patent #3,574,791 in 1973, for the method for treating carpets, now known as Scotchgard.

The name Scotchgard is a combination of the words Scotch and a misspelling of the word guard.

Patsy Sherman was inducted into the Minnesota Inventors Hall of Fame in 1983. Patsy Sherman and Sam Smith jointly hold 13 patents in fluorochemical polymers and polymerization processes.

The Fluorocarbon Controversy - Scotchgard Revisited

According to an Earth Times article, "Scotchgard ingredients belong to a family of fluorocarbon chemicals that degrade to form perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

3M has manufactured PFOS since 1948, and in 2000 was expected to produce more than 10 million pounds of the compound for use in Scotchgard products." However, on May 16, 2000, 3M announced that it would phase out PFOS because of concerns over “new” data that the chemical had been “detected broadly at extremely low levels in the environment and in people.”

The bottom line - our health and the environment were at risk. While there is controversy surrounding the issue, it is excellent that 3M decided to phase out chemicals proven to be harmful.

Thank You Patsy for inventing the beginning of a product that we use at SERVPRO today

Contents Credit: http://inventors.about.com/

In the Spring Cleaning Spirit?

3/4/2016 (Permalink)

In the Spring Cleaning Spirit?

How to Clean Grease from Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Little idea from SERVPRO on how to restore those wonderful cabinet doors. Grease stains have a tendency to go unnoticed, allowing them to build up to seemingly impossible proportions. This grime can damage the wood of your cabinets if allowed to remain for a long period of time. However, as unpleasant as these stains may seem, they are easily remedied. Try the gentlest method first and if necessary, move to more aggressive solutions until you find the best formula for your situation.

Clean away the grime.

Try the Easiest Solution First

Mix 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap with 2 cups of warm water and scrub the cabinet with a clean cloth, following the grain of the wood. Rinse the area clean with a sponge, and dry it with a clean towel.

Dish soap is mild and effective.

Bring Out the Good Old Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda onto a clean damp cloth and scrub the cabinet. Rinse with a clean sponge, and dry the area with a clean dry towel.

Baking soda will not scratch the cabinets.

White Vinegar is an Effective All Purpose Cleaner

Add 1 cup white vinegar to the Dawn dish soap and water mixture. The solution is now 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons dish soap and 1 cup white vinegar.

White vinegar is a household wonder cleaner.

Old Fashioned Borax Can Often Save the Day

If you need to be still more aggressive, add half a cup of borax to the dish soap, vinegar and water mix. Repeat the scrubbing action with a soft cloth and wipe with a dry cloth.

You might need to add more warm water to dissolve the borax.

A Final Coat of Oil Will Make the Cabinets Gleam

Finish by wiping the cabinets down with a small amount of orange oil, lemon oil or even mineral oil.

Contents credit. www.pintrest.com

Green means Clean

3/2/2016 (Permalink)

“GREEN MEANS CLEAN”

Let SERVPRO assist you cleaning up the “messiness” that the winter season has brought to your home with a few spring cleaning tips:

 1. Defunk Your Fabrics: Wash the mattress pad, pillow coverings, and pillows from everyone's bed (all pillow types except foam can go into the washer, but check the labels for specific laundering instructions). Then do a second load with your bath mat, shower curtain, and even the curtain liner on the gentle cycle with color-safe bleach.

 2. Sanitize Your Work Station: Wipe down your computer screen with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth. Do the same with the mouse pad, then load a fun wallpaper on the screen.

 3. Manage Microwave Messes: Fresh lemons smell clean so try this: Cut one in half, put the pieces in a microwave-safe bowl with water to cover, and cook on High for two to three minutes. The steam will soften hardened food inside the oven while you enjoy the citrus scent. Then grate the fruit in the garbage disposal to eliminate any musty odor and greasy gunk.

 4. Shake It Out: Gather up throw rugs and take them outside for a good shake. Then air them on a clothesline or railing for several hours.

 5. Purge the Fridge: Pull the trash can over and dump lingering leftovers, spoiled food, and open bottles of condiments, like grill marinade from last summer. You could remove all the glass shelves and bins and wash them or give them a fast once-over with a wet cloth or sponge. Don't forget fingerprints and splatters on the door front and handle. A fresh box of baking soda absorbs odors, too.

 6. Cut Table Clutter: Switch from tablecloths to place mats, and arrange a bowl of fruit or a vase of fresh flowers in the middle of the kitchen table. The mats are easier to keep clean — plus, if your table looks set, it's a less likely landing pad for mail and other clutter.

 7. Bring Spring Indoors: Buy a few potted plants (pansies and gerbera daisies will be flowering soon), and tuck them into nicer pots. It's still too chilly for planting, but meantime you can enjoy their pretty petals.

 8. Banish Garbage Odors: Take plastic garbage cans outside for a quick hosing out, and leave them upside down to dry. Then sprinkle the bottoms with baking soda to keep cans odor free.

 9. De-Germ Sponges: Soaking a sponge in bleach killed 99.9 percent of the three bacteria strains from all our test sponges (scrub and regular cellulose), a benchmark based on the EPA's requirement for sanitization of non-food-contact surfaces. Mix 3/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water, and soak the sponge for five minutes.

 10. Clean the Corners: If you celebrate Passover — thought to be one origin of spring cleaning, since it's Jewish tradition to clean the home from top to bottom to get rid of any leavened bread forbidden on the holiday — you may have already done a number on your kitchen. But even if you won't be at a Seder, it's a perfect time to sweep up or vacuum crumbs wherever they lurk.

 11. Toss Old Toiletries: In the bathroom, see if your loofah or toothbrush needs replacing. You should get a new brush every three months and a new scrubber every 30 days, but toss immediately if the bristles are frayed or the loofah is mildewed. Also, check the cabinet for expired cold medicines and trash them.

 12. Zap Oven Spills: Burned-on blobs welded to the bottom of your oven can give off odors and smoke. If you have time to run a self-cleaning cycle — even a short two-hour one — it's your best bet (and you can go do something else while it works). If not, just focus on the worst stains. Take a metal spatula and gently chip off any loose pieces — with any luck, this alone might do the trick. If not, liberally spritz with full-strength ammonia from a spray bottle. Leave it for at least five minutes, then sprinkle on enough baking soda to completely cover the stain; add just a few drops of white vinegar. Let it bubble for a minute or two, then whisk away the grime with a scrub sponge. Rinse with a clean, wet, regular sponge.

 TELL US: What's the number one thing on your spring cleaning list?

 Contents credit: www.womansday.com

Are your ducts in a row?

5/22/2015 (Permalink)

Did you know, your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality?  Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home 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, contaminant such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional's service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit.  (HVAC).  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.  Duct cleaning may not always be necessary.  

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process.

THE PROCESS:

The process begins by using patented equipment including a ror-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuumining begins.

Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from teh ducting to a 16-gallon container.

Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of the particles in teh airstream.  HEPA filters capture debris and keep the indoor environment clean.

As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.

Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

* For more information or to schedule a duct cleaning appointment, contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals today. 

Tips and Tricks to Help Declutter Your Office

5/21/2015 (Permalink)

photo credit: closet world

Determine how you want and need to use the space and set up zones for your daily functions.  You may require a workspace for your computer, a library area for your research, a storage area for supplies and a filing area for your archives.  This will provide a foundation for a more efficient use of space.

Boxes of pens, stacks of papers and old coffee cups need to go.  Rid your desk of visual clutter by paring down the items on top to the essentials only.  Supplies, paperwork and personal items should be kept in the zones you have established for them.

Consider creating hanging files or baskets labeled "To Read," "To Do," and "To File." Establish set days for each, so that you dont get behind or feel the overwhelming need to do everything at once.

Use drawer dividers to give everything a place, like compartments for paperclips and rubber bands.  Go through the drawer every sic weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn't being used.

Digital clutter can be just as stressfu8l as physical clutter.  Organize digital files and your e-mail inbox just as you would paper-files with a system of logical and clearly labeled folders.  Also, keep the icons on your desktop to a bare minimum, and trade in sticky notes on your monitor for calendar reminders.

Prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, food stains and fingerprint.  Wipe down your desk, phone, keyboard and monitor once a week with disinfecting wipes.

Duct Cleaning

3/4/2015 (Permalink)

Unlike many duct cleaning services, your SERVPRO Franchise Professional uses a Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

Gutter Cleaning Tips

11/11/2014 (Permalink)

Do you tend to put off cleaning the gutters until as late as possible?

Maybe you even skipped doing it last year because it’s such a dreaded household chore.

Well, there’s no need to put it off anymore thanks to some helpful products that make cleaning gutters easier than ever!

Following are the best tools that help you clean the nastiness out of your gutters.

Four Ways To Clean Gutters

Generally speaking, there are four ways to clean gutters:

1.  Climb a ladder and use a variety of tools to grab and remove the leaves and debris at eye-level.

2.  Attach tools to a wet/dry shop vac to suck up the leaves or to blast them out of the gutters.

3.  Attach tools to your water hose to spray leaves out of the gutters.

4.  Use a long-reaching pole to remove leaves from the gutters while standing at ground level.

Of course, there are some gutter cleaning tools that combine one or more of the methods mentioned above. And each has its pros and cons. In the end, it all comes down to your own personal preference and which seems like the safest and easiest option to you.

The link below has some products that might make your gutter cleaning easier as well as being credited for the above blog.

http://household-tips.thefuntimesguide.com/2011/08/cleaning-gutters.php

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

8/5/2014 (Permalink)

You would probably think, "Why would I need to clean my dishwasher? It's already clean since it cleans my dishes." Well, think again. The dirty dishes can leave food and all types of smells in your dishwasher. Here are some steps to get your dishwasher fresh and clean.

Step 1: Start by filling a spray bottle with a cup of white vinegar.

Step 2: With your dishwasher completely empty, slide the racks out, and disconnect them from the tracks. Use the spray bottle and a dry rag to give the visible interior a wipe-down. Remember, to reach up to the ceiling, and clean any top-mounted sprayers as well.

Step 3: With the drawers still extracted, spray the vinegar to clean around the base of the main drain as well. Use a toothbrush to get in between the holes in the drain.

Step 4: Finish by spraying and wiping down the racks using the vinegar and a sponge, and cleaning the rubber seals around the edges of the door, and the silverware holders, which are both notorious for capturing crumbs and getting a little icky.

And before you know it, you have a SPARKLING clean dishwasher! That wasn't too bad, was it?

Blog Credit: Quick Tips: How to Clean Your Dishwasher 

When Life Gives You Lemons- Clean Your Sink

4/23/2014 (Permalink)

1. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. 

2. Wash it down with 1/2 cup of vinegar and spritz of lemon. 

3. Let this set for a few minutes while it fizzles. 

4. Rinse with hot water. 

Spring Cleaning Tips

4/22/2014 (Permalink)

Spring Cleaning Tips: 

Clean your workspace. It doesn't take long for clutter to pile up. Begin spring-cleaning by decluttering and organizing your workspace. Sort files and determine what you really need. Removing excess clutter will not only allow you to find things easier, but will also create a more productive environment.

Start an archive. While organizing your workspace, you may come across files you don’t use daily but still need to keep. By creating an archive, you can save these files and keep your desk clutter free. Maintain your archive by scheduling one day a month to sort through files and keep files organized. 

Organize your inbox. Is your inbox overloaded? Organize e-mails by creating folders within your inbox. Organizing files may require an initial time investment but will be a tremendous timesaver in the future. Consider backing up important electronic files and programs as well. 

Deep Clean your facility, including the floors. Over time, floors bear the brunt of your daily business. If not properly maintained, they can become dull and dingy. Having floors deep cleaned can improve the overall look and cleanliness of your facility. 

Hit the hidden areas. We all avoid the hated, hidden area in our areas in our homes, but now is the time to face the monster dust bunny under the bed. Be ruthless! 

Tackle the big projects first. We start with the best intentions to scrub down our down our homes from top to bottom, but somewhere in the middle we run out of stream. Tackle the biggest projects first, or you may never get to them. 

Yard sale time! Don’t just chuck your unwanted items. Put them up for sale! You may be surprised to see what could bring in a couple bucks. 

Spring Cleaning

3/20/2014 (Permalink)

Spring Cleaning

Begin with an action plan

One of the hardest parts of spring cleaning can be deciding where to begin and what to tackle first. Not to mention figuring out who will do what.

So why not approach the big job like a pro this year: create an action plan, assign tasks to specific family members (or even to a professional) and then reward everyone for a job well done. Don’t forget to hold a family meeting to brainstorm enticing and fun rewards that will inspire everyone to work hard!

downloadable checklists ease your way

To help you out with your big spring clean, we’ve created seven handy and easy-to-use spring cleaning checklists: one for each room in your home, plus an extra to cover outdoor cleaning.

Each list contains tasks, suggestions for who can best handle each task (adult, child or professional), tool and product recommendations, helpful tips—and even some of our favorite articles on related topics.

To download a checklist, locate the checklist names shown in the right-hand column of this page. Then simply click the name of the checklist you’d like to use.

Once you have your checklist, print it and use it as a guide to keep you and your family on track throughout your big spring clean. Here’s a suggestion: tape the appropriate checklist to the door of the room you’re cleaning and check off tasks as they are completed. That way everyone can track the progress of each room and share in a sense of accomplishment as you get closer to your goals. It will make the chores seem more manageable too.

make safety a priority

As always, read the labels of any product you use so you fully understand all directions and precautions. Consider, too, whether you’ll need special equipment, like safety goggles or rubber gloves, to protect your eyes and skin.

Children can often help out with spring cleaning and on our checklists we’ve indicated cleaning tasks that might be appropriate for them. However, some cleaning products should be kept out of reach of children (and pets too), so check labels to make sure. Be sure that you supervise them as appropriate for their age.

celebrate a job well done.

Once the last checkbox has been ticked and your house is gleaming from roof to basement, treat the whole family to the agreed-upon reward. Whether it’s dinner at a favorite restaurant or maybe a new hammock for backyard relaxing, it’s certain to be a well-earned spring bonus!

http://www.rightathome.com/Cleaning/Articles/Pages/SpringCleaningRoombyRoom.aspx

Tips: Spot Cleaning

2/4/2014 (Permalink)

1. Always blot or scape up as much material as possible before it soaks into the carpet. 
2. For scraping solid matter, use a table knife or a SERVPRO scraper. Never use a sharp instrument.
3. For blotting liquids use white paper towels or tissues instead of a cloth. If a cloth is used too long, the fibers may be re-deposited in the carpet and spread the stain. 
4. Never use soap. This frequently leaves a sticky residue that causes rapid resoling. 
5. Do not allow solvent- based products to penetrate to the backing of carpets. Solvents may damage and soften the latex compounds used to strengthen the carpet. 

Ducts

1/7/2014 (Permalink)

It's the season when homes have their highest energy demand of the year. Heating accounts for 34% of all annual utility usage and is part of what makes an average home twice the emitter of carbon dioxide emissions as a vehicle. Here is a way to reduce the demand for expensive space heating.

Check the ducts. To ensure that as much warm air as possible is delivered through your central system, check the ductwork and wrap any leaks with duct mastic. Distribution losses (what's lost while air is transported from your furnace through ductwork to the vents) often amounts to 30%. So, sealing ductwork could increase efficiency and the warm air you receive considerably ... keeping you warmer and lessening the burden on your furnace. 

Clean Air in the Home

9/25/2013 (Permalink)

• Children in homes with high levels of mold show persistent, cold-like symptoms - 300% more than those in clean environments.


• Every year about 40 pounds of dust is generated per 1,500 square feet in a home.


• Roughly 80 percent of the particles you see floating in your home in a ray of sunshine are dead human skin.

Cleaner Air Means a Healthier Home

9/25/2013 (Permalink)

Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout the home. Your SERVPRO Franchise Professional uses a proven Portable Ventilation and Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

Minimize Vacancies, Maximize Income

9/24/2013 (Permalink)

Property owners rely on you to enhance the value of their rental property by maintaining occupancy rates and increasing revenue.

The fact is, tenants will come and go. The longer it takes to clean a space after they move out, the longer it takes to move a new tenant in. Each day the space is empty is one less day of income.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer a variety of services to help bring the unit to move-in condition quickly:

• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care


• Ceiling and Wall Cleaning


• Deodorization


• Air Duct & HVAC Cleaning


• Upholstery and Drapes: Wet or Dry Cleaning Methods

Sweeping Away Years of Dust and Dirt - Reducing Potential Health Risks

9/9/2013 (Permalink)

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

A routine part of a SERVPRO® Franchise Professional’s service is inspecting the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially expand the life span of equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which can in turn save you money.

Clean Sweep for Ducts

9/9/2013 (Permalink)

Improve the Air Quality of Your Business

When addressing the air quality, inspecting the ductwork is your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional’s first order of business. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout the building. Your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional uses a proven Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to help improve the air quality of your business.

SERVPRO Duct Cleaning Process

9/9/2013 (Permalink)

·       The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct’s shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.

·         Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.

·         Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of the particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.

·         As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.

·         Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

Proper Maintenance Saves Money

9/9/2013 (Permalink)

Estimates made by the World Health Organization say that poor indoor air quality costs $60 billion in employee sick leave and lost production.

Part of your responsibility to the tenants, workers and students who work and play in your buildings includes proper maintenance and prompt response to any situation that could cause illness or health concerns. A SERVPRO® Franchise Professional is available when it matters.

Learn more about Indoor Air Quality on the web at servpro.com or www.epa.gov.

Check Your Home!

8/1/2013 (Permalink)

HEALTHY HOME CHECKLIST [ ] DO YOU SMOKE IN YOUR HOME?

You can't clean everywhere, but we can!

8/1/2013 (Permalink)

SERVPRO'S PROVEN DUCT CLEANING SYSTEM IS COST EFFICIENT!

Unlike many duct cleaning services, Servpro of Cayce/ West Columbia/ Lexington uses a portable ventilation and Air Duct Cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.
CLEAN SWEEP FOR DUCTS
*Improve the Air Quality of Your Business When addressing air quality inspecting the ductwork is your SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia/ Lexington first order of business. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminats like mold and irritating dust throughout the building. Servpro uses a proven Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning system to help improve the air quality of your business.
Sweeping Away Years of Dust and Dirt- Reducing Potential Health Risks
Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. Often times the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building. A routine part of a SERVPRO service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potientially extend the life span of equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which can in turn save you money!

Vandalism Damage

7/24/2013 (Permalink)

We want to equip you to minimize home injuries with brief tips that go a long way. Stay tuned for more tips!

Do:

Don’t:

Get Your Ducts in a Row

7/19/2013 (Permalink)

Ventilation systems can often be the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality because many people allow HVAC systems to operate for some time without much attention or upkeep.

Your HVAC system could be circulation odors, dust and other contaminants throughout your home or business. 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 can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

SERVPRO will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. Benefits of serving HVAC unit include:

-Helps to restore peak energy efficiency

-May help to eliminate offensive odors.

-Help reduce the potential for mold growth

 For more information on duct cleaning or to set up a written inspection and estimate call

SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington today at 803-755-9774

Why Have a Professional Clean Your Carpet?

7/18/2013 (Permalink)

How often should you have a professional clean your carpets? The cleaning frequency for a home depends on several factors, such as the number of persons living in the home, number of children and pets, and whether any occupants are smokers. Outside factors also determine cleaning frequency, such as weather conditions, industrial pollution or dusty conditions, humidity, type of surface on outside entryways, etc.

A combination of conditions may require your carpets to be cleaned professionally more often. The main consideration is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. The dirt hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile is what causes most damage to a carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals employ six methods of carpet cleaning. The best method for a carpet cleaning situation depends on the type of carpet, type of fibers, age and condition of the carpet, how the carpet is soiled, the type of soil, and other factors including your own needs as a carpet owner.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals follow the highest quality standards and workmanship. You need not worry about shrinkage, over-wetting, mildew, rapid resoiling, and many other problem areas.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the loose grit from the pile of the carpet. The sharp edges of gritty soils cut the carpet fibers - this dry, loose grit must be removed before cleaning solution is applied.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the atmospheric soil created by cooking, smoking, heating, auto exhaust, etc. Removal of this oily, sticky residue will brighten your carpet color.