Learn How To Clean Soot Off Walls

Learn How To Clean Soot Off Walls

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Soot clings to almost any surface such as ceilings, cabinets, furniture, and walls of your property. Sooty walls are the after-effects of candles, fireplaces, cigarettes, or even small fires like in your kitchen. Since soot is acidic, it can leave unpleasant, black stains on all the materials it encounters. 

Furthermore, soot is difficult to remove from walls so it will require particular tools and techniques from a fire damage restoration expert. Getting rid of soot inappropriately may lead to spreading the soot more so we’ll share information and tips on how to clean soot off walls the right way.

 

Is soot harmful to your health?

Because of the size of the soot, it can get inside your body through inhalation, ingestion, or via the skin and eyes. These tiny particles which can be toxic can cause breathing problems, such as bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and even cancer. It can also aggravate asthma and other respiratory diseases.

 

How to clean soot off walls?

Protecting Yourself Not Only Your Property — A Necessary Thing

  • Opening your windows is a must. Soot can harm your lungs especially if you inhale too much. This will provide fresh air and allow soot particles to escape outside thus reducing the amount of soot in your home.
  • Turning on fans and opening vents is important when cleaning soot. This will also help in providing a constant supply of fresh air and allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the room. 
  • Wearing personal protective gear will protect you from the dangers of soot particles. Wear a full array of personal protective equipment such as mask or respirator, safety glasses, rubber gloves, long-sleeved shirt, and pants when cleaning soot off walls.
  • Emptying the room will help you move freely and clean. Since soot will just float around your room and settle on the carpet, furniture, curtains, personal items, and anything that’s inside the room. 
  • Covering your floor once everything has been removed is necessary when removing soot from walls. Use drop cloth/sheet, newspaper, or canvas to protect the floor and keep surfaces from soot particles, dirt, dust, and spills.
  • For big items that are hard to move like furniture, you can cover it with a drop cloth/sheet as well.

 

Getting Rid of Soot

  1. Use a dry cleaning sponge (a.k.a. chemical sponge). Dry cleaning sponges don’t contain chemicals but are made from vulcanized rubber. They are designed for residue absorption and are perfect for cleaning soot. 

Since soot is easy to smear, using a regular sponge may just push the soot farther into the wall which can lead to a permanent stain.  

2. Begin at the top left edge of the soot stain then pressing the sponge firmly against the wall. Wipe the wall downward in a vertical line and with overlapping strokes. Repeat until you get to the bottom edge of the stain and have wiped the whole surface.

 Another tip: Don’t scrub, just wipe. Scrubbing can move the soot particles around and cause the stain to spread.

 3. Use the fresh section of the sponge as necessary. If the sponge gets a lot of soot and becomes clogged, just use the clean side by flipping it over.

Another tip: Don’t attempt to clean the sponge with water, or it won’t be usable for cleaning soot.

4. When all sections of the sponge are clogged with soot, cut off the affected layers. If the sponge is clean again, just continue to use it in removing soot.

5/ Repeat wiping the wall until it is clean. Once the sponge has absorbed and removed all the soot, you can get rid of any stain left with a regular sponge and a degreasing solution or cleaner.

 

Cleaning the Residue Stains on the Walls

  • After removing all soot from the wall, treat the remaining stain with a degreaser. Mix the cleaning solution in a bucket.
  • Sugar soap solution: mix 3 tbsps of sugar soap with a half-gallon or 1.9L of water
  • TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution: mix a half cup or 4oz of TSP with a half-gallon of water. This may not be available in all areas since it’s a harsh chemical. You can check with a local home improvement store for other alternative cleaning solutions.
  • Degreasing dish soap solution: mix 2 tbsps of liquid detergent with a half-gallon of water.
  • Begin to clean the wall with a degreaser by soaking the sponge in the solution and wring out the excess. Use a damp sponge to remove soot residue 
  • Once you finish cleaning the wall with a degreaser, rinse the area with water. Then get a damp sponge to wipe away the excess cleaner and soot.
  • Dry the wall and its surfaces by using a towel or a rag. Then allow the wall to air dry for a couple of hours.
  • Once you finish cleaning the wall, you can now remove the protective cover of the floor. Do it carefully to avoid the spreading of soot everywhere.
  • Use a long nozzle attachment to vacuum thoroughly. Vacuum carpets, furniture, floors, baseboards that were left in the room when you were cleaning your wall.

When everything is clean, return what has been removed to its original places.

Seek Experts for Smoke and Soot Removal 

If the tips above on cleaning soot off walls are not successful, it is time to reach out to skilled professionals of Superior Restoration and Shamrock Cleaning.  They have years of experience and use advanced tools, equipment, and products that clean soot off walls and remove even the smoke and oily by-products. Moreover, our fire and smoke damage restoration service company can clean and restore your home with expertise so you can return to your home safely.

Please contact Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga. We serve not only in Rancho Cucamonga but surrounding areas as well. We’re available 24/7.

Tips On Removing Smoke Smell From House (1)

Learn What Kills Mold on Wood

Posted by Skylar Lewis on with 0 Comment

Wood furniture and other wood products in your home are aesthetically pleasing and naturally attractive. However, they can be a breeding ground for mold since people don’t realize how often they can grow on surfaces. In this article, knowing what kills mold on wood would save not only your furniture but your health as well.

Negative Effects of Mold on Wood

Mold fungi produce spores that float around anywhere. Given the right conditions such as warmth and moisture and since wood soaks up water and retains it, mold growth starts. Mold causes discoloration to the wood which is characterized by different types of mold such as green mold or black mold. Discoloration spoils the appearance of timber elements and lowers their commercial value.

Furthermore, mold and mildew increase the ability of wood to absorb moisture giving way to increasing the risk of decay fungi. This will lead to the weakening of the wood structure, darkening, and shrinking of wood with eventual crumbling if not addressed immediately.

The damage can force you to dispose of your furniture and other wood structures in your home or replace them. To prevent mold damage, hire mold removal specialists especially if the affected area is more than 10 square feet. They can help ease your worries.

Find Out What Kills Mold on Wood

Ensure mold-free wooden structures in your home! Remove mold immediately once you notice them. Below you will have a better understanding of what kills mold on wood and will help maintain the aesthetic appearance of wood structures and protect your health as well.

Before you begin the process of removing mold on wood, think of your safety first. Wear the necessary protective gear such as a mask, respirator, goggles, gloves, and coverall.

1. You can choose any cleaning solution that is right for the job. Be it chemically or naturally, they are useful in eradicating mold on wood.
Homeowners annoyed by mold problems often ask, “Does bleach kill mold?” or “ Will vinegar kill mold?”. Well, yes, they are useful in getting rid of nasty mold.

  • Bleach
    Mix 1 part of dishwashing detergent, 10 parts bleach, 20 parts warm water. Apply the solution to the moldy area.
    Bleach is effective at killing mold but on the surface only. The spores will just hide in the membranes and go deeper into the porous item to avoid the chemical (bleach).
  • Distilled White Vinegar
    Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water and put it into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the mold. Let the solution dry for at least one hour.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
    In a spray bottle, pour 3% hydrogen peroxide then spritz it onto the moldy area until covered completely. Let it stay for about 10 minutes or more and until the hydrogen peroxide stops bubbling.

2. Scrub the affected surface or area with a cleaning solution of your choice. You can use a soft-bristled brush and a low abrasive scrub pad so as not to damage the wooden surface.
Start scrubbing as gently as possible but add more force if necessary. Repeat until fungi are entirely removed from the wood surface.

3. Sand the moldy area. The sanding process is necessary especially if the fungi roots have already penetrated deeper into the wood. You can use it by hand or an electric sander to sand the area you cleaned. Repeat if necessary.

4. Clean up the area then dry. Once you finish scrubbing and sanding to get rid of mold, clean up the area where you worked. Collect and dispose of any residue and other items that are contaminated with the fungi. This will lead to new mold growths, so be sure not to leave any around.

5. Ventilate the area by using fans to dry the surface or the furniture completely.

Mold Remediation Services

If you can’t still remove mold on wood even after following the tips above, contact our mold expert team at Superior Restoration and Shamrock Cleaning. We offer quality mold remediation and removal services.

Contact Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga today! We will help you prevent extensive mold damage with our latest equipment and tools. So you’ll have a safer home with your family. We are glad to serve you 24/7.

Using Baking Soda on Carpet

Using Baking Soda on Carpet

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Does your carpet have stubborn stains, pet odors, and other smells? Home carpet cleaning is a real challenge, especially for busy housewives. Forget about complicated equipment and just get that effective, safe deodorizer, and a cleaner in your kitchen cabinet! Using baking soda on the carpet is an effective way to clean and absorb the odor of your carpets.

Carpets are trendy and make your home feel warmer, especially during colder months. But having clean carpets in your home is very important and will give you great satisfaction. Find out more about baking soda and its benefits especially in caring for your carpets.

What is Baking Soda?

Bicarbonate of soda or simply baking soda is a powerful, natural cleaning tool that is very useful in your home. It is used to remove stains from carpets, fight unpleasant odors and simply refresh the appearance of carpeting. 

Pros of Using Baking Soda

  • It’s natural and has no harsh chemicals. It is an alkali.
  • It’s cheap, and you may already have a box in your kitchen.
  • It doesn’t irritate allergies because it has no fragrances. A good reason why you should use baking soda rather than scented commercial deodorizers that may cover the odors.
  • Baking soda works well on getting rid of odors, rather than masking them up.
  • Baking soda as a carpet cleaner is mild yet effective. It really gets rid of dirt from your carpet.
  • Baking soda is safe to use.
  • Baking soda is a multi-purpose product that you can use anywhere. You can use it in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry, living room, and pool as a cleaner and a deodorizer.

Cons of Using Baking Soda

  • It is not recommended to use baking soda for cleaning very delicate silk carpets. They should be taken care of by professionals.
  •  If you use too much baking soda on your carpet, it can end up in your floor gaps or slab.
  • Baking soda won’t completely get rid of old, stubborn stains. To see a positive effect, it’s necessary to clean the carpet with baking soda several times in a row. This will clean out and eliminate all dirt and stains.
  • The particles of baking soda are so tiny that they can find their way underneath the carpet fibers. They can clog the pores of your vacuum bag or HEPA filter. This will reduce suction and eventually lead to poor cleaning performance.

Deodorizing Carpets With Baking Soda

  1. Remove any furniture off the carpet then vacuum the area and the carpet. This will get rid of any dirt, pet fur, or debris.
  2. Sprinkle baking soda liberally all over your carpet either from the box, a shaker, or a fine-mesh sieve. For a deep-pile carpet, sprinkle small sections at a time. Then, use your fingers to work with baking soda moving on to the next part.
  3. Allow the baking soda to sit for an hour or ideally overnight for odor absorption.
  4. Vacuum the carpet to get rid of baking soda and notice that the smell will be gone.
  5. Return any furniture and it’s done.

 Using Baking Soda to Remove Stubborn Carpet Stains

No need to worry about carpet stains! You can remove it with baking soda. However, different approaches can be applied for greasy and non-greasy stains.

For Greasy Stains:

  • Always begin with vacuuming the carpet area to get rid of other dirt and debris around.
  • Blot up the stain to remove as much of the grease as possible using a paper towel or a rug.
  • Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the stain so as to completely cover the area.
  • Allow the baking soda to sit for up to eight hours or better if overnight.
  • Vacuum the affected area thoroughly in the morning.
  • For the remaining stain, get the dish soap. Put a drop and blot it over the stain and just increase for bigger stains. Cover the area in a little water then blot repeatedly until everything is absorbed.

 For Non-Greasy Stains

  • Vacuum the area first to get rid of other dust, dirt, and debris.
  • Sprinkle an amount of baking soda freely over the stained carpet area.
  • Put some hot water in a spray bottle then spritz until the area becomes slightly damp.
  • Let the baking soda sit overnight.
  • Vacuum the area in the morning and check the stains, they should be gone.

 Professional Carpet Cleaners from Superior Restoration and Shamrock Cleaning

Baking soda on your carpet acts as a cleaner and a deodorizer at the same time. But with regular maintenance and professional carpet cleaning, the longevity and appearance of your carpet are improved. 

Now is the right time to have your carpets cleaned by professional cleaning. Professional cleaners can handle any carpet issues especially water damaged carpets.

Please contact Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga today and experience the best cleaning service in town! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How To Clean A Mattress From Water Damage

How To Clean A Mattress From Water Damage

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Your bed is the last place you’ll go at the end of the day to rest after a long day’s work. However, you will be more stressed if you see your bed suffering from water damage. Simple leaks or flood water might sneak into your room and eventually hit your regular or memory foam mattress. 

Water-damaged mattresses and pillows are usually difficult to dry. But as long as they are not soaked in water, they may be salvaged. In this article, we will help you with some DIY tips on how to clean a mattress.

 

Salvage or Dispose?

Prevent spending too much money and time cleaning and fixing your water-damaged mattress. Check first whether your mattress should be salvaged or discarded.

Consider these three factors:

1. Price and age

If you bought your mattress for a lower price or it’s already old and unstylish, consider purchasing a new one instead of restoring it.

2. Material

If your mattress is made of cotton, foam, or rubber, consider replacing it if it can’t be cleaned. They are all susceptible to mold and mildew.

3. The extent of the damage

Slightly damaged mattresses are lightly damp from clean rainwater and might be salvageable. However, a fully soaked bed or mattress in flood water must be discarded.

 

Why Should You Act Quickly?

You must act fast to do deep cleaning and drying of your mattress. According to FEMA, mold and mildew will start forming their colonies within 24 to 48 hours after exposure to moisture. It will just continue to grow until you have effectively dealt with mold issues. 

Mold can affect you and your family’s health, so it’s best to throw your mattress if it’s completely soaked up. But if you really want to restore it, the only way is to seek help from water damage restoration professionals.

How to Clean a Mattress

How to clean a mattress safely is necessary for hygiene and health and can help prolong its lifespan. Please consider the following tips.

  • It is necessary to use as little water as possible when cleaning any mattress. This will help the fabric dry easily and prevent the growth of mold or mildew. However, if the mattress is lightly soaked, use dry towels and apply pressure to absorb as much water as you can.
  • Clean the whole surface of the mattress, mattress covers, and mattress pad using a vacuum with an upholstery attachment. This will get rid of all loose material and debris. 
  • Clean and sanitize water-damaged mattresses.

a. For water or dirt stains, make a cleaning solution. 

Use two parts warm water and one part of dish soap, fabric cleaner, or any gentle cleanser. Pour into a spray bottle. Spray a small amount onto affected areas, being cautious not to saturate the mattress. Then pat it again with a dry towel or a clean rag. 

b. For mold stains, you can apply alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or white vinegar to a clean cloth or sponge. Scrub at the moldy spots until removed then allow the mattress to dry completely. 

  • Get rid of the remaining moisture in your mattress. Use or rent a wet-dry shop vacuum to completely dry your bed.

You can sprinkle baking soda, too. This helps in absorbing moisture, preventing mold and unpleasant smells. Let it sit on the mattress or bed for a few hours then vacuum.

  • You can also bring your mattress outside in the sun and let it stay for a few hours. This can greatly help the mattress to completely sanitize and dry. Air dry mattress if necessary. If you can’t bring your mattress outside, use a fan or a dehumidifier.

 

Call a Water Restoration Company

Cleaning a mattress is easy if it is slightly damaged. However, if it seems hard to clean and repair, seek the help of professionals from a certified restoration company. They have the experience and skills in handling any type of water damage.

Please contact our local office today, Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga for emergency water and mold damage restoration services.

 

Tips To Clean A Flooded Basement

Tips To Clean A Flooded Basement

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 A flooded basement can happen at any time and cause distress to every homeowner. Be it a rainy or dry season, water in your basement can have a devastating effect on your home. Burst water pipes or heavy rains can potentially seep into your basement and cause serious flood damage. 

While flooding can be very disastrous, time is of the essence. The sooner you start your basement flooding cleanup, the more likely you’ll be able to restore your possessions. And this will also save your home from the effects of water damage. Read on to learn tips on how to clean a flooded basement.

Furthermore, it is best to hire an expert who specializes in basement water damage clean up and restoration.

 

Causes of Basement Floods

There are many reasons why a flooded basement and water damage occurs. The most common causes include:

  • Water supply line failure
  • Sewage backup
  • Poorly sealed basement
  • Clogged gutters
  • Poor lot grading
  • Weather events

Whether a flood or a seepage happens, both can pose threats to your safety and health.

Taking action now when your basement experiences these issues can help you save pennies on repairs later. Please continue reading this article to learn some tips to help you clean up after a flood and prevent further damage.

How To Clean a Flooded Basement

Once the source of the flood has been solved, you may start cleaning up your wet basement as soon as possible. Call your insurance provider to file a claim if you have flood insurance for serious flood issues.

1. Turn off the electricity before entering your basement. Contact a qualified electrician when needed.

2. Put on a mask, rubber or plastic gloves, waterproof boots, and goggles to protect yourself. Floodwater may contain chemicals, raw sewage, and pollutants that are hazardous

 3. Remove water immediately to prevent water and mold damage. Emptying water frequently is necessary if you are using a wet/dry vacuum or a bucket. A sump pump helps to remove and drain water far from your home.

 4. Don’t forget to take photos of the damaged property which is a requirement when filing an insurance claim.

 5. Remove all your belongings, wet furniture, and other materials out of the basement. Identify which of your belongings are still salvageable and which materials are not. 

Because mold grows within 48 hours, you should respond to your flooded basement immediately. Items with electrical wiring including outlets that are located in the flooded area should be thrown away according to *NEMA. Dispose and separate damaged items as well.

6. Scrub walls, floor, and other surfaces with warm water and detergent. Others use chlorine bleach to sanitize the area. Ensure that your basement is properly ventilated by opening the basement windows and using fans.

 7. Place big fans for a quicker drying process once standing water has been removed. Another important tool in preventing damage from a flooded basement is an air mover. This can also dry the area completely. Moreover, investing in a compact dehumidifier is essential to make the basement dry.

 How To Prevent Your Basement From Flooding 

The basement is susceptible to water damage so after fixing this issue, what’s next?

Prevent flooded basement by taking precautions and making sure that this never happens again. Protect your home against possible flooding by considering the following tips:

  • Your basement’s waterproofing system can save you from flooding and water damage in the future. This includes installing a sump pump and ensuring that your sump pump continues to work even in case of power failure. Maintain your sump pump once a year.
  • Avoid pouring grease down the sink or flushing items that would clog your plumbing system.
  • Maintaining your water heater and plumbing once a year.
  • Hiring a professional to inspect the condition of your sanitary lateral every 5 to 10 years.
  • Leaving under-sink cabinet doors open and setting your thermostat to 60 degrees or higher always to help prevent frozen pipes.
  • Checking the walls of your basement for any weak spots or cracks.
  • Sealing basement walls, windows, floors, window wells, exterior openings, vents, and the foundation. 
  • Keeping water away from the foundation by grading the landscape away from your home to drain rainwater naturally.
  • Extending downspouts at least 5 feet away from the exterior walls of your home.
  • Maintaining shallow ditches and clearing of any obstructions.
  • Clearing and cleaning gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris to ensure proper drainage of rainwater.
  • Planting around your home to help soak up excess water. (eg. trees, shrubs)
  • Fixing or replacing the perforated pipe surrounding the perimeter of your foundation.
  • Consulting an expert for waterproofing your basement and for repairs.

 

Professional Flood Damage and Water Damage Clean Up and Restoration

Should your home suffers from a flooded basement; ask help from a professional water damage restoration company, like Superior Restoration. This requires immediate action so as to prevent making matters much worse.

Prevent damage with Superior Restoration and Shamrock Cleaning now!

For professional flood damage and water damage clean up and restoration services, please contact our local office today, Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga. We can be on hand 24/7 and will respond right away.

 

Does Bleach Kill Mold A Risky Common Cleaner

Does Bleach Kill Mold? A Risky Common Cleaner

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Mold growth at home or in the office continues to be one of the most stressful events for most people. Since mold does not only cause structural damage but also a number of health issues like allergic reactions. Mold grows where moisture is and spreads quickly if neglected. For quicker mold removal, people would often search and ask, “Does bleach kill mold?”.

Bleach is generally marketed as a cleaning solution and considered one of the alternative ways to get rid of mold. While it has become public knowledge, a few people know the facts behind the use of bleach for killing mold. This article will help you find answers to your question.

 What You Need To Know About Bleach

When you think of cleaning up mold in your home, the first chemical that enters your mind is bleach. And many people believed that using this to kill mold works. Read these facts to learn whether mold can really kill mold or not.

  1. Bleach is used as stain removal, color lightening agent, and has bactericidal properties that can sanitize and disinfect.
  2. There are different types of bleach.
  3. Chlorine bleach usually contains sodium hypochlorite as its active ingredients.
  4. Oxygen bleach has a peroxide-releasing compound of hydrogen peroxides such as sodium percarbonate or sodium perborate.
  5. Bleaching powder contains calcium hypochlorite.
  6. Bleach is effective for killing most bacteria and may be effective in certain applications but ineffective for killing mold growth.
  7. Bleach kills only surface mold and does not penetrate all surfaces. It should only be used on non-porous items such as tiles in the bathroom, sinks, or plastic.
  8. Bleach contains water that is almost 90% which can cause mold to grow again.

What EPA Recommends

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) changed its advice in answering the question – does bleach kill mold? This agency changed its guidelines about molds after extensive evidence has been presented. Therefore, EPA no longer recommends bleach as a routine practice during mold cleanup except under special conditions.

But for your safety, using any cleaners especially if  using bleach can’t be avoided, the following important reminders are set:

  • Before any cleanup, wear protective equipment. As much as possible, wear at least an N-95 respirator, protective gloves, and goggles.
  • Always ventilate the area. Open your windows or doors when using any products for cleaning.
  • Never mix bleach solution with products containing ammonia or any other cleanser to avoid produced toxic fumes.

Does Bleach Kill Mold?

Yes. Bleach does kill mold but only the surface part and not on porous surfaces like drywall or wood. The chemical structure of bleach makes it hard to penetrate porous materials.

Moreover, mold spores will just spread their roots deep into a porous surface to avoid the chemical and survive. Then, it will continue to grow beneath and will return again in a short period of time. The mold returns and usually worse than before.

Another thing is that bleach contains mostly water and mold really loves moisture/water. When you apply this, the chlorine evaporates quickly after use leaving behind much water. Thus, stronger mold happens. To clean and remove mold deeply, mold remediation is necessary.

 

Other Safe Alternatives for Cleaning Mold

Fortunately, many alternatives that are nontoxic for mold cleanup on both porous and nonporous surfaces are available.

  1. Hydrogen peroxide- In a spray bottle, combine 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water. Apply to mold areas and allow to sit before removal.
  2. Baking soda- Combine 2 tbsp. baking soda with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and shake to completely dissolve. Spray directly to the mold and let it sit before scrubbing. Then rinse the area and apply the solution again, allowing it to fully air dry.
  3. Vinegar- Place white, undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply and allow to sit for an hour. Wipe the surface and allow air to dry.
  4. Grapefruit seed extract- Mix 10 drops of the seed extract into a cup of water. Spray onto the mold and its areas then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Tea tree oil- Mix 2 tsp. of tea tree oil with either 2 cups water or 2 cups distilled white vinegar. Spray onto the mold and let it sit for at least an hour then scrub.

 

Deal With Mold Right Away With Mold Remediation Professionals

Does bleach kill mold? Yes, bleach kills mold but on selected materials only and may not be the best cleaning solution. If you need help with mold removal or remediation, Superior Restoration will be of great help. Superior Restoration provides quality mold removal and remediation services.

Our mold remediation specialists will take care of all mold problems in your home or office. This will prevent mold damage in the future. We use advanced equipment and methods that ensure complete mold removal or remediation.

For your questions, concerns, and service requests, please contact Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga. Serving Suburban City in San Bernardino County for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also offer water damage and fire or smoke damage cleanup and restoration services.

Water Damaged Carpet Basic Facts and Tips

Water Damaged Carpet: Basic Facts and Tips

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Homeowners usually buy a carpet for its aesthetic value which makes a home look elegant and clean. However, when water damage strikes your carpet, it can be untidy, smelly, and even harmful to your family. Anyone can be a victim of this stressful event. Keep reading to learn more about water-damaged carpets as well as ways on how to prevent further problems in the future.

Reasons Why Damage to Your Carpets Can Occur

It is very important to at least have the basic knowledge on how to clean a water-damaged carpet. But depending on the severity of the damage to your carpet, hiring a professional carpet cleaner may be considered. Your carpet might be damaged due to the following reasons: 

  • Water seepage and leakage problems
  • Pet or infant/ toddler urine
  • Spillage of any beverages

Cleaning Your Water Damaged Carpet

 Ignoring your water-damaged carpets could also pose health risks to you and your family. The moisture from the carpet encourages bacteria, mildew, and mold growth. This can cause respiratory and allergy issues. Prevent water-damaged carpet from becoming a health risk and big expense. Read the following practical tips in an attempt to repair your carpet from water damage.

1. Identify the Source

Figure out the source of water first before attempting to dry the carpeting. The water that caused water damage has to be from a clean source which is called category 1 water. This is usually from rain, broken pipes, or supply lines. It’s usually dangerous to keep the carpet with any other water because of harmful contaminants. With this, you need to call a water damage expert.

2. Check furniture

Inspect thoroughly your home if you suspect water damage. Protect your furniture by getting rid of them from wet flooring. The dye from furniture can seep into the carpets and the water from your carpets can also damage the furniture.

3. Remove Excess Water

To prevent mold and mildew, dry out the water-damaged carpet and padding as quickly as possible. Ensure that there is plenty of ventilation for your carpet. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and wet/dry water vacuums. If you don’t own these tools, you can rent them to suction up the excess water.

4. Clean the Water Damaged Carpeting

For safety, carpet cleaning is important especially when it comes to water damage. But before cleaning your carpet, make sure to know the type of materials there are in your carpet. This will determine the type of carpet cleaning acceptable for the carpet you have.

To ensure sanitization and for deep cleaning, a steam clean carpet is one of the best methods. Steam clean to deodorize and sanitize your carpets properly. In addition, water-damaged carpet padding must be changed. This is much less expensive than re-carpeting the entire home.

Safety First

When a flood enters your home, ensure you’re and your family’s safety first. Take every precaution necessary so your home stays free from danger such as mold and mildew.

Just a Few Gentle Reminders

  • Assess the source of the damage.
  • Dry all of your water-damaged carpeting immediately.
  • Clean and sanitize the carpets thoroughly if possible.
  • Don’t forget to discard wet carpet padding if necessary.

Dealing With Water-Damaged Carpeting

Water damage could be very harmful and life-threatening at times. Prevent this from happening! Shamrock Restore will help in handling all of your cleaning carpet needs.

We will make sure that everything is taken care of— from evaluating to salvaging carpet whenever possible. Feel free to give us a ring today, Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga. We are available 24/7.

How To Deal With a Flooded Kitchen

How To Deal With A Flooded Kitchen

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Water damage can happen in your kitchen especially if water remains unseen or gets out of control. Moreover, water damage not only can cause exhaustion physically and emotionally but financially as well. So whether it’s a burst of water or a slow seeping, a flooded kitchen can be dreadful to homeowners. 

 

Reasons for a Flooded Kitchen

Seeing standing water in your kitchen is really annoying and can sometimes make you panic. A flooded kitchen can lead to serious problems if ignored and not taken care of immediately. In addition, a kitchen can flood for a number of reasons:

1. An inlet valve is where the dishwasher receives water from the water lines in your house. If this becomes worn out or defective, the dishwasher often leaks. Likewise, the dishwasher pump can cause water to leak at the bottom if it’s not completely sealed.

2. Clogged kitchen drain pipes in your kitchen sink can also flood a kitchen. This can also occur from a clog downstream which is not related to anything that was put down the kitchen sink drain.

3. A leaking refrigerator, either broken or malfunctioning, is one of the common causes of a flood in the kitchen. When the defrost drain is clogged or blocked, the drain hose becomes backed up and the buildup of ice will cause a leak. A broken water line or a leak around the inlet valve at the back of your refrigerator may also cause leaks.

4. A burst water line can be a result of corrosion of older pipes or freezing weather.

How To Deal With a Flooded Kitchen

  • Turn off the water supply. Stop the leak at its source by locating the shutoff valve that is usually outside the water meter or in the basement. If you’re not able to find it, contact your local plumber for help.
  • Ensure your kitchen is safe from electrical hazards. Turn off the power or the main circuit breaker if necessary. If you can’t see where to shut off and you see sparks, don’t hesitate to get out of the house and call the fire department immediately.
  • Get rid of as much water as possible with a mop and bucket, towels, or a vacuum. However, if the flooded area is large and severe, please call a water damage restoration professional.
  • Remove anything that is wet such as rugs, books, chairs, tables, etc. and hang or put them to dry to prevent molds.
  • If you are about to move big furniture, put a piece of aluminum foil between the legs and floor.
  • Open wet drawers, cabinets and get rid of all wet items.
  • Encourage air circulation to the kitchen by turning on fans and either running the air conditioner or opening windows.
  • Set up a dehumidifier as soon as possible.
  • Begin documentation and take photos of areas in the kitchen affected by the flood. Show these to your insurance company.
  • Contact Superior Restoration to help you fix water damage problems and get your kitchen back in order.

 

Kitchen Flood Cleanup By Professionals

A flooded kitchen is the last thing you want to deal with and it’s no fun at all! However, with the right water damage restoration company and know-how, you’ll be able to handle it with ease.

If you encounter a flood in your kitchen, please call our 24/7 local office, Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga

The Importance of Hiring Professional Tile and Grout Cleaners

The Importance of Hiring Professional Tile and Grout Cleaners

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People nowadays invest their time, effort, and money in remodeling their homes and making them a long-lasting sanctuary. Homeowners would do anything just to enhance the aesthetic value of their homes. And tiles are an amazing flooring option that adds beauty and elegance. However, it takes a lot of time and energy to clean tiles and grout and can be frustrating at times. Tile and grout require care for them to last for a long time. Fortunately, professional tile and grout cleaners are now available to help clean, restore, and protect tile and grout surfaces to help them stay in a good shape for a longer time.

Tile and Grout Issues

As time goes, these tiles become dark and dirty which decreases the overall appearance of your property. Grout is the lining between the tiles, which is responsible for diminishing the look of your flooring. Take a look at some issues with tiles and grout: 

  • LOOSE, DRUMMY FLOOR TILES

Drummy or hollow tiles are generally an installation issue. ‘Drummy’ is used to explain the hollow, drum-like sound released when a surface such as concrete, tiles, cement render, etc. is struck by a sounding tool. It means the tile adhesive does not have a good bond between the tiles and the wall or floor, or there are gaps where the adhesive is missing under the tiles. 

  • STAINED, DIRTY TILES

Stains, spots, and dirty tiles occur in many different scenarios. When tiles are porous, they usually stain. Textured tiles often retain dirt particles in the tiles’ surfaces.

  • WHITE STAINED TILES

Because water penetrates underneath stone or tiles, the minerals in the water crystallize, which results in white residue appearing on the surface of tiles. Using the wrong products on tiles and grout can be expensive and damaging.

  • MILKY, CLOUDY SURFACE

If tiles have a cloudy appearance, it means that the wrong cleaning product for that type of tile has been used. Serious cases would be the presence of milky appearance on tiles which is the result of the incorrect sealer being applied to tiles, or a sealer has been applied to non-porous tiles. Using wrong products can cause serious, permanent damage to tiles and grout.

  • STAINED, DIRTY FLOOR GROUT

Because all grout is porous, and stains instantly and often permanently, dirty and stained grout is often caused by the cleaning process.  As the grout joints sit lower than the tiles, dirt and other contaminants are pushed into the grout joints during the process of scrubbing or mopping tiles. 

  • MOLD GROWTH

Shower and bathroom mold growth is probably the most bothersome and frustrating tile-related problem. Wet and high humidity areas with poor ventilation provide the perfect breeding ground for mold. Oils from the body and soap residue also create a food source for mold.

  • HAIRLINE CRACKS IN TILES

Small cracks can sometimes appear on the glazed surface of tiles and are considered an inherent property of ceramic tiles. Grout removal can cause fine cracks in surfaces. 

 

Hiring A Professional is Necessary

Here are some reasons why hiring tile and grout professionals are important:

  • Prevent Water Damage

If you have a surface area like the bathroom that is exposed to water every day, then it can cause water damage. Moreover, dark and dirty tile and grout surfaces can lead to water damage as well especially if regular cleaning is ignored.  Hiring a professional can help you prevent water damage.

  • Well-equipped

With proper advanced equipment and better cleaning agents, professionals will be able to deliver astonishing services without damaging your tiles. Your floor will look as good as new.

  • Improve Tiles’ Durability

Professional cleaners will improve the durability of your tiles and grout by using the right methods, equipment, and products. They can remove all the stains and prevent any further staining so your tiles and grout will remain in good condition for longer. Though cleaning tiles and grout yourself can save money, you might end up damaging them. 

  • Total Convenience

One best reason for hiring professional help is convenience. It is quite time-consuming to maintain and clean tile floors. Though you can follow “do-it-yourself” steps in cleaning grout and tile, professional cleaners will come over to your house hassle-free and will complete all the cleaning.  

  • Cost-effective

Hiring professional help is actually more cost-effective and efficient in the long run. You don’t need to keep on spending on buying cleaning agents and equipment. It is not necessary for you to drive down to the market and there is no fear of the tiles being damaged. You don’t have to re-do the floor all over again. The more you can save money.

 

Professional Tile and Grout Cleaners of Shamrock Restoration

Don’t wait until your tile floors start showing signs of damage. Let our trained professionals do the 6-Step Process at  Shamrock Restoration. We can handle your tile and grout cleaning as well as guarantee every cleaning job we do. Please call our 24/7 office today, Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga. We also offer restoration services for property damaged by flood and fire.

MOLD GROWTH ON CARPETS

Mold Growth On Carpets

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Carpets are still the primary flooring choice for many homeowners. You can always find a carpet that will compliment any interior setting and give you years of elegant look and comfort. However, the carpet is one of the common places in a home that is at high risk for mold growth and invasion.

Causes of Mold Growth On Carpets

Mold can multiply rapidly in a damp or moist environment and other favorable conditions that sustain its growth. Here are the most common causes of mold growth on carpets.

  • Unchecked Water Damage 

Carpets are more susceptible to mold and mildew growth because they can easily absorb excess water from the walls or beneath the floor.

  • Poor Ventilation

Poorly ventilated homes allow mold spores to settle on different surfaces like the carpet. This may get worse if your home has water damage issues since it creates excess moisture that facilitates mold growth.

  • Increased Levels of Humidity

If there is a high level of humidity, it means that the moisture content in the air is also high. Thus, creating a damp environment that gives more room for mold growth.

  • Poor Home Maintenance

Plumbing issues, leaky roofs and walls, dusty surfaces, and bad window seals contribute to the growth of mold and mildew on carpets. Furthermore, they create a conducive environment that favors their existence. Not vacuuming your carpet and floors regularly will make the accumulated dust to combine with moisture absorbed from the air. Hence, allowing mold to spread rapidly on the carpet.

  • Unintentional Liquid Spills

There are times when you spill water or any fluids on your carpet accidentally, it gets soaked in the fibers before you can clean up. Other homeowners disregard the problem even after several liquid spills on the carpet. Because of this, mold and mildew can grow quickly after a few days of exposure to a moist environment.

 

Mold Prevention Tips

Some simple measures can help you prevent molds on your carpets.

  • Maintain low humidity of 65 percent or lower for a mold-free carpet. Use a portable dehumidifier or you can leave windows and doors open if necessary.
  • It’s good to invest in quality dehumidifiers to keep moisture at a constant minimum if you have a humid home. This will protect carpeting and hardwood flooring.
  • Avoid putting potted plants directly with or without a drip tray underneath onto the carpet. You can use glazed pots (not terracotta) on carpeting and a moisture barrier like a rubber mat or tray.
  • Don’t pile firewood onto the carpet. Set a moisture barrier between the carpet and wood.
  • Maintain temperatures below 80F to prevent mold in carpets. Central or portable air conditioning can also help in preventing mold growth.
  • You can use a deterrent spray for your pets to prevent them from staying on the carpet. 
  • Consider installing synthetic carpet materials. Wool carpets are prone to mold growth according to Ohio State News.
  • Regularly cleaning your carpet is necessary. Vacuum once a week is recommended for carpets to last longer and prevent mold growth.
  • Get rid of mold and mildew smells from your carpet with Superior Restoration.

 

Contact Mold Removal Professionals

Finding mold in your home is never good and you should take action to clean it up promptly. A professional mold removal company, like Superior Restoration, can help you completely remove mold from your carpet. 

Superior Restoration offers professional mold removal services. Our trained technicians use advanced methods and equipment to identify and fix the source of the problem and eventually get rid of the mold on your carpet. Please feel free to call our local office, Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga. We are available 24/7 to help you with inspection and mold damage removal.