Category Archives: Uncategorized

What is the Best Product to Kill Mold?

There are many different products available on the market that help kill mold. Let’s review a few. Please read through the following list to discover more.

• White vinegar. White vinegar is highly recommended as a way to clean, deodorize, and kill 82% of mold species. This includes black mold which can be found on porous and non-porous surfaces.
• Baking soda. This product is effective at removing odors, relieving heartburn, and removing mold. This is accomplished by absorbing the moisture that attracts mold.
• Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has a lot of benefits. It is an insect repellant, an antiseptic, and it is a deodorizer. It’s a safe method for removing black mold as well.

If you have a significant mold infestation in your home or property, it is essential to seek professional help. A professional mold remediation company will have effective tools and strategies for handling serious mold issues.

What Kills Black Mold?

Are you looking to get rid of black mold? While you are waiting for the professional attention of a mold remediation company, you should feel free to research the methods that are recommended for mold removal. These methods include combining one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Additionally, you can also use a chemical-based mold mildew remover. Bleach and dish soap are also recommended.

How Do Professionals Remove Mold?

There are a number of benefits to be aware of as it pertains to professional mold remediation. A mold remediation professional will remove all water-damaged, mold-infested materials from the area. They will also clean and disinfect walls, carpet, and personal items. If the damage is too extensive, then the drywall and studs will be removed. Finally, they will vacuum with HEPA filtration. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air filtration.

Can You Sell a House with Black Mold?

Do you have a house with black mold that you are trying to sell? While this isn’t a great reality, it is important to understand whether it is in your rights to do so. According to a leading real estate website, you have the right to sell a house “as is” with a mold infestation. However, this information must be disclosed to the buyer. When you are selling a house that has a mold infestation, then the buyer will most likely be a cash buyer. 

Will Insurance Cover Mold Removal

Are you wondering if your homeowner’s insurance will cover mold removal? The good news is that homeowners insurance will cover mold damage if the damage was caused by a “covered” peril. The list of covered perils will be itemized in your homeowner’s insurance agreement. If your mold damage was preventable or caused by something that is not established in your contract, then your insurance provider will have reason to reject your mold removal insurance claim. 

When is Mold Removal Covered by Insurance

When you need serious mold removal, it is always best to have some financial assistance when it is possible. Insurance will cover the cost of mold removal when the mold is caused by a covered peril. These perils will be listed in the terms of your homeowner’s insurance contract.

What is a Mold Removal Fogger

A mold removal fogger produces a mist of antimicrobial and odor-controlling solution that is specifically designed for mold remediation.

When you need mold removal in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties, FL, you can count on us to make the difference you need. Please reach out to us to schedule an appointment. You can reach us at (954) 548-5613 today!

• Quick Breeders: With those rodent droppings and diseases that come with them will spread fast because they breed fast. If you see one mouse, you can be sure there are others in your house too. Mice breed all year long and just one female mouse has as many as ten liters a year, each liter having as many as eight more mice. Within 90 days, you could have as many as 60 mice rampant in your home. 
• Destructive: Believe it or not, a mouse in the house can cause it to catch fire and burn. How?  Mice chew on anything and everything, from paper and plastic to concrete and wood, aluminum, drywall, rubber, and gas lines to human food and wiring. And when they get your attic and walls, that wire chewing becomes a fire hazard that you have no idea is happening, until you find rodent droppings in the attic, fireplace, under cabinets, etc. 
• Intrusive: Mice are small and they can squeeze even smaller to fit into spaces the size of a dime. They will squeeze into cracks and holes of your foundation and find entry points in the walls, window frames, doorways, and chimneys. They come off trees onto the roof and into the attic vents and around exhaust pipes. These little critters climb, jump, and swim.
• Appetites: As we’ve mentioned already, mice eat anything and then leave rodent droppings behind. In the kitchen they will feast on boxes of grains, including cereal, which they can devour in short time because they eat as many as twenty times a day. They nest where they feed, and they leave rodent droppings where they nest and feed. Yes, mice are nasty. 

What if I vacuumed mouse droppings?

Cleaning up mice nesting and areas where rodent droppings are found needs to be done with the utmost care in disinfecting and sanitizing.  Do not sweep or vacuum rodent droppings, this will stir the air and release the disease ridden bacteria into the air that everyone breathes. 

Wear face masks and disposable gloves while cleaning up mice nests and rodent droppings. Spray a disinfectant over the areas then por a bleach/water mixture over the area and allow to sit for five minutes. Use paper towels to clean it up, placing the used paper towels in a plastic bag, then take directly to your outside trash. 

Reclean the area again with bleach/water mixture and paper towels. You cannot be too cautious in cleaning up after mice or any rodent droppings. Any human food packaging they have chewed into should be disposed of immediately.

Does vinegar disinfect mouse droppings?

It is the next best thing to using household bleach and water. If you don’t have bleach available, white vinegar mixed with water in the same ratio will suffice, again using a spray disinfectant, masks, and disposable gloves. Take the same precautions as described above in removing mice nesting and rodent droppings. 

How long does virus live in mouse droppings?

Hantaviruses is the strongest disease and virus that comes from rodent droppings and has a lifespan up to three days when in a viable environment of normal room temperature. The sun’s  ultraviolet rays kill this disease and virus, but the best defense is PREVENTION. Rodent control is as important to your family’s health as anything else. Keeping rodent infestations eliminated and rodent droppings cleaned up is essential for a healthy home. 

What are the crime scene cleanup requirements?

Crime scene cleanup companies have no industry licenses to perform cleanup, but, depending on the state and city where the business is located, a variety of permits and licenses must be held. Typically, the required permits and licenses include:

• Permit for medical waste transport
• Registration for biohazardous medical waste transporter
• Registration for biomedical waste transporter
• Permit for trauma scene waste practitioner  
• Permit for infectious waste transport
• Certificate for hazardous waste transport license
• Cleanup crews also have to uphold OSHA standards

Crime scene cleaner education requirements

If you want to work for a crime scene cleanup service, you just need a high school diploma or GED, as far as education goes. Most training is provided on the job, but cleanup and restoration companies generally require their employees to obtain a variety of certificates and licenses. Among the licenses and certifications will be bloodborne and airborne pathogen certification, hazardous materials transportation, and hazardous materials waste generation. Extensive training is also provided on personal protective equipment. Sometimes, those who start these businesses or who work for them have paramedic or first responder training. Because cleanup is often strenuous, it helps to be physically fit.

Crime scene cleanup how to get started

Crime scene cleanup businesses are in demand, especially in larger cities. In addition to everything you would need to start any other small business, to start a cleanup business, you’re going to need quite a few biohazardous materials cleanup certifications such as certifications and training in how to manage bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. You’re also going to need training on how to use personal protective equipment and how to transport hazardous materials. You may need to acquire trucks or vans or special equipment to transport such material. Moreover, you’re going to have to hire and train employees and make certain they have all the certifications they need to do the job correctly and safely. Although TV shows and movies have glamorized and popularized forensic cleanup, it might be hard to find and retain employees because of the nature of the business. These are not jobs for the faint of heart or stomach.   

Who pays for a crime scene cleanup?

Most of the time, the person responsible for paying for crime scene cleanup is the owner of the property where the crime occurred. Because of this, many people ask, “Is crime scene cleanup covered by insurance?” There is no definitive answer to this question. Much of it will depend on the insurance policy the home or business owner has. Some policies cover biohazard cleanup in special cases as when there is an unattended death or a murder has occurred. If cleanup is required in your home or business, check with your insurer to see what is covered. If coverage is available, cleanup companies will often help people file their claims. 

What chemicals are used to clean crime scenes?

Various cleaning materials are used with crime scene cleanup. Enzyme cleaners are used, for instance, to break up tissue like brain matter which often hardens after a short time. All varieties of chemical cleaners are used to sanitize and deodorize surfaces, as are devices like ozone machines and hydroxyl generators. These devices can eliminate some of the worst odors such as those left by decomposed bodies.

How is the waste from the crime scene cleanup disposed of?

Waste materials removed from a crime scene are disposed of in a variety of ways. Some cities have designated biohazardous materials drop-off facilities. Most often the material is incinerated. Some materials also require chemical disinfection, steam sterilization (autoclaving), or irradiation before being disposed of. 

Does Homeowners Cover Mold?

Are you wondering whether or not homeowner’s insurance covers mold? The answer may surprise you. Mold coverage is not guaranteed to be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. That is because mold is usually only covered if it is related to a peril that is already covered in your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you do have mold damage that is caused by flooding, it would need to be covered by a separate flood insurance policy.

Who Cleans Up Water Damage?

Are you looking for water damage cleanup professionals? You are not alone. After a hurricane or a flood, it is important for homeowners to have lots of options when it comes to your disaster cleanup. If you are looking for such a company, you can easily ask a friend or neighbor for a referral to a disaster cleanup company. You can also use your smartphone or computer to conduct a search. The search terms that you will want to use are ‘water damage cleanup near me.’ If you use those search terms, you will likely come up with a lot of companies in your area. At that point, it will be important for you to review the credentials of the companies you are considering.

Does Homeowners Cover Water Damage?

If you have had sudden and accidental water damage, there is a chance that your homeowner’s insurance will cover the damages. However, it is important to consider that in standard homeowner’s insurance cases, that the insurance coverage will not cover water backup that has occurred from an outside sewer or drain.

Should You Replace Drywall if it Gets Wet?

Has your home’s drywall gotten wet? If so, it’s an unfortunate circumstance. Water damaged drywall usually needs to be replaced. If the drywall is soft or distorted, it will need to be dried and perhaps replaced. This is all because when your flooring is soaked, the wetness will wick upwards in drywall and inside of any wall cavities. Due to the devastating relationship between moisture and architectural elements, it may be necessary to remove the baseboards in order to check the total amount of water damage.

What Does Water Damage Restoration Mean

If you have water damage to your home or property, it will be urgent for you to understand what water damage restoration means. Water damage restoration is known to be a professional term to describe the process of water damage cleanup from the very first step to the last. Water restoration also goes by other names. It can be known as water remediation, water removal, water extraction, water mitigation, and finally, flood cleanup.

What is Water Damage Restoration Service

Are you wondering what water damage restoration service is? It’s important to recognize that water damage restoration service is also known as water remediation. Water remediation includes all of the following:

• Water removal.
• Cleaning up the water-impacted area.
• Drying the furniture and any impacted structures. This will include any areas or furniture that are impacted by mold or mildew.
• The final step will be restoration, which entails moving items back to where they were originally from, and repairing or replacing any architectural elements. 

Not all companies complete the entire process, so it will be important for you to review the services of the water damage company that you ultimately select.

Water Damage Restoration For

Are you wondering why water damage restoration is important? The answer is simple. Without fast water damage restoration, the areas that have been flooded in your home can pose serious health risks. That is because not only can water damage or even destroy your home, but the mold and mildew spores that accumulate due to water damage can infect your lungs and make you sick.

If you need water damage restoration in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties, FL, the best time to receive it is today. Please feel free to reach out to us at (954) 548-5613. We would be happy to help!

How Do You Clean Up After a Fire?

Are you in need of fire and smoke cleanup? If a fire has recently occurred in your home, it will be important for you to get the help you need. Here is a friendly walk-through of the steps that are necessary for cleanup after a fire.

• All furniture that has been affected must be removed. If anything can be salvaged, it should be sent to a restoration authority.
• The soot and smoke must be cleaned up from the walls. In order to clean up the remaining vestiges of the fire, it will be important to use a detergent solution that will effectively remove the soot.
• Wallpaper will need special treatment. While it is true that washable wallpaper can be cleaned in much the same way as painted walls, it is important not to wet through the paper.
• Ceilings can be washed last. When all the areas of the room are completely dry, they can be repainted. For this process, it may be preferable to consult a professional interior painter.

Is it Safe to Sleep in a House After Smoke?

If there has been a fire in the home, you may be asking yourself as to whether or not it is safe to sleep in the home. For that answer, it’s important to consult proven studies. If the smoke and fire damage has not been properly cleaned up, the fire damage is considered a safety hazard. Soot and particles can clog up the lungs of home inhabitants. Until a professional fire and soot cleaner has visited the residence and cleaned up the remains of the fire, the home will not be considered entirely safe.

Is it Safe to Sleep in a House After a Small Fire?

Has a small fire occurred in your household? If so, you will probably want to investigate whether or not it is safe for you to continue to sleep and live in the home. Unfortunately, even if the fire is small, it will still be important to have the soot and fire damage professionally evaluated. It is always important to consider any possible health hazards when it comes to yourself and your family. Smoke damage is a huge health risk, regardless of whether the fire has occurred in multiple rooms in the home or only one.

Will You Wake Up In a Fire?

It is critical that homeowners ask themselves the hard questions in terms of fires and other possible natural disasters that can occur in and around the home. Unfortunately, the odds are that if there is a fire in your home, that the smoke will reach rooms in the home before the fire does. If family members are sleeping, there is a chance that you or your family members won’t wake up in a fire.

Fire Cleanup Companies Near Me

If you are looking for a capable fire cleanup company that is in your neighborhood, one of the best things that you can do is enter “fire cleanup companies near me” into your preferred search engine. After doing so, a list of companies that are in your area will show up on the screen. At that point, you can review the credentials of each company and select one that suits your needs.

Fire Cleanup

If you need a fire cleanup for your home or property, it may be difficult for you to find the right resources. A good fire cleanup company will be insured and have appropriate credentials for the jobs they are being tasked to do. As mentioned previously, an internet search will turn up good options. You may also want to ask a friend or neighbor for a referral.

Fire Cleanup Near Me

Are you wondering what is involved in fire damage restoration? The answer is fairly straightforward. Fire damage restoration is a process that encompasses mitigating damage, providing smoke damage cleanup, and water restoration as quickly as possible to the event date. This is because homes are fragile, and need to be cleaned up as soon as possible in order to maintain the previous stipulated value.

When you need fire cleanup in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties, FL, the best company to call is Restore Experts, Inc.. Please give us a call at (954) 548-5613 to receive assistance today.

• Sediment build-up: Minerals from hard water build up in the tank over time. As the sediment builds up, it takes the water longer to heat, which, in turn, causes overheating and deterioration.  
• A rusted or corroded tank: If the anode rod in your tank has rusted out, your tank will soon begin to rust as well. Check the anode rod every two years, and replace it if it is rusted. 
• Internal pressure is too high: If the temperature is set too high, the temperature and pressure relief valve will release water too frequently to keep the pressure down. If the valve malfunctions or breaks, the same problem can occur. Too much pressure causes the water heater to burst. 

If your water heater does unfortunately burst, and you need immediate water heater cleanup in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties, FL, reach out to the professionals at Restore Experts, Inc.. We can be ready to help you at a moment’s notice. All you need to do is call (954) 548-5613.

What are the signs of a hot water heater going bad?

If you want to avoid a water heater burst, you want to keep an eye out for some signs the water heater is wearing out. Of course, age is one thing that will create problems for your water heater. If the water heater is more than 10 years old you may have begun to experience some problems with it, and the older it gets the more problems you may experience. All of these could add up a burst unit. One major sign you have a problem is rusty or brown water coming out of your faucets or shower. This is a sure sign that either your pipes or water heat tank are rusted. You can test the water heater by draining the tank into several five-gallon buckets. If there is rusty water in the third bucket, the tank is normally the problem.

If you are hearing rumbling noises or other odd noises coming from the tank, this usually indicates serious sediment build-up. This build-up can cause overheating, which can lead to a burst. Another sign of problems is leaking. If there is water on the tank or on the ground around the tank, you likely have a leak. Call out a plumbing professional to take a look at the unit. There may just be a loose connection or a more serious problem that could require you to replace the unit.

Can you still use water if water heater is leaking?

You can still use your water if your water heater is leaking. If your tank is leaking, however, you will want to get a plumbing professional out to check the unit. Letting a tank leak for too long could lead to a water heater burst. Having the unit repaired or replaced is a better option. While a leak may not seem serious, it not only could indicate your tank is damaged, the water could damage the area where the water heater is housed.

Is a broken water heater an emergency?

A broken water heater isn’t necessarily an emergency. In some instances, you may just need a connection tightened, while others you’ll want to get help immediately. Of course, the sooner repairs are made, the better. Letting problems go on too long can lead to costly repairs or premature replacement. If you have a water heater burst, you definitely have an emergency situation. Not only will you want to get help from a plumbing professional, but you’ll also need to get help from a clean-up service like Restore Experts, Inc.. Burst water heaters can cause serious damage to your property, including major water damage.

Whenever a burst occurs, whether a water heater burst in garage or a water heater burst in apartment or anywhere else, before help arrives to clean up the situation and make repairs, you’ll want to take action to prevent further damage. The first thing you’ll want to do is shut off the cold water supply line that connects the water heater to the main water line. The line is at the top of the water heater. You will also want to shut off the electricity or gas flow to the water heater. You can cut the power to the unit by switching off the breaker or switch off the gas line if it is gas-powered. If you shut off a gas unit, leave your home until the gas smell dissipates.

Should you drain your water heater?

Draining your water heater at least once per year is actually a good idea. This helps clear out sediment from hard water. Sediment build-up can cause your water heater to work harder and overheat, which can lead to a water heater burst. You can also drain your water heater to check to see if the tank is rusty. If, after three bucketfuls of water, the water appears rusty, your tank is rusted and will need to be replaced.

Hot water heater burst insurance

While homeowner’s insurance usually doesn’t cover flooding, you may actually be able to get help from your insurance company if your water heater bursts. As with a burst pipe, the event must come on suddenly, and by accident. If the water heater bursts because it’s aging and in disrepair, it won’t be covered by the insurance company.

How Do You Clean a Hoarder’s House?

Are you wondering how to clean a hoarder’s home? Please don’t worry, because there is a standard method. Please review the following list to learn more about this important service.

• Review the home, the exits in the home, and the amount of clutter. After reviewing the amount of clutter that must be cleared, and the manpower and resources available, a strategy can be deduced. Determine a time table and a goal for the project.
• Wear proper safety gear. In some cases, a hazmat suit needs to be involved. This is because there may be human waste or bacteria in the home. Googles and a face mask are also recommended. There also may be glass or traps, or falling objects from heights.
• Bring lots of cleaning supplies. It’s critical for you to bring plenty of cleaning supplies and tools so that you don’t have to run back and forth from the grocery store. Cleaning supplies include window cleaner, surface cleaner, sponges, mops, brooms, garbage bags, soap, and more.
• Start small, and work your way up. When you begin in a small room, you’re able to see the results immediately, which can boost morale.
• Remove all the furniture and belongings from a room before cleaning. This enables the room to be sanitized in a more straightforward fashion.
• Items that can be salvaged should be put aside. There are some charities that will pick up donations if you call them ahead of time.
• After the clutter has been removed, you can deep clean. This necessary step will ensure that any lingering odors or bacteria will be eliminated so that the residence can become a home.

Who Pays for the Cleanup on Hoarders?

Hoarding cleanup is important, but who pays for this service? On the syndicated tv show, “Hoarders”, the network of A&E pay for the professional cleanup service. They also pay for the experts and counselors who help the homeowners going through the process. Using this unilateral approach of therapy in combination with cleanup, people are able to get their lives back together.

Is There Free Help for Hoarders?

There are a number of different resources that are available for hoarders. If a service is not available nearby, there are websites and companies devoted to promoting more understanding of hoarding. Hoarding is known as an “intelligent syndrome” which means that it affects many intelligent people and is not easy to treat. 

What is the Best Treatment for Hoarders?

Apparently, psychotherapy is very helpful for hoarders. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy and is the primary treatment for hoarders. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy is a very popular form of psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a short-term goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that utilizes a straightforward, hands-on approach to problem-solving. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to change the associations that a person has to certain stimuli. 

Hoarding Cleanup Services Near Me

One of the best ways for you to find a cleanup company nearby is to conduct an internet search. Homeowners are advised to type in their location and the name of the service that they desire. In this case, it would be ‘hoarding cleanup services near me.’ 

Hoarding Cleanup Services

There are many different hoarding cleanup companies in the United States. However, the general premise behind what a hoarding cleanup company does is the same. Clutter cleanup service, for example, can target only a few rooms, or it can mean the whole house. Junk removal service generally entails that a cleanup company will bring a truck for a small pick-up of items or arrive with a dumpster for a lot of things. 

Hoarding Cleanup Services Cost

As previously mentioned, hoarding cleanup costs can vary. The final price will depend on the size of the home and the severity of the cleanup.

You need a company that knows how to handle hoarding cleanup services in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties, FL, with proven results. Call Restore Experts, Inc. at (954) 548-5613 to speak with our staff about making an appointment today!

Water Damage Repair and Cleanup

Restore Experts Is The Authorized Restoration Company By Most Major Insurance Companies to Deal Directly with YOUR Insurance Company concerning Damages and Claims associated with the Water Damage / Mold Claim. It also includes our Professional Team handling All necessary Paperwork and getting the Claim Filed on your behalf.

Water Damage Services

Restore Experts will bill your Insurance Company Directly for SERVICES PERFORMED on behalf of home owners water damage claim or flood insurance claim including water damage cleanup, flood cleanup, fire and smoke damage, mold removal and hurricane or storm damage repairs.

Water Damage Restoration

Peace of mind for you as a homeowner experiencing damages due to flood or mold because you have a professional water mediation company on your side fighting for all the monies due to you from your insurance claim. All this without Out Of Pocket Expense from you – We Get PAID when You Get PAID.

Reduced Stress & Help For All Insurance Claims By Restore Experts’ Profession Team Working For YOU and Only You – Not The Insurance Company. We Get You The Claim Reimbursement PAID to You from Your Insurance Company.

A house fire clean up isn’t a quick process. In addition, cleaning up the charred things, there is fire cleanup smoke damaged items too, and it is the smoke that lingers long after the charred items are gone.  If you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, your policy should have coverage to hire a fire clean up company. 

After all the charred items are out of the house, they will pack up everything from the drapes to the furniture, the clothing, pictures, knickknacks and more. Then they take it all back to their site where they do a deep fire clean up process. 

Can you die from smoke?

Fifty to 80 percent of deaths from a fire happened from smoke inhalation and respiratory system burns. The hot smoke injuries or deaths are by a combination of poisoning, pulmonary irritation, swelling, and thermal damage all caused by carbon monoxide and combustion able materials like cyanide. Therefore, occupants are not allowed back into a burned house until the fire clean up is complete.

Is it safe to stay in a house with smoke damage?

No, it is not safe to remain in a house that has gained smoke damage and fire clean up has been completed. Even after the house has been deep cleaned by a company or the occupant, there are particles and soot still around that aren’t visible. The odor alone from the smoke can travel through the vents and walls of the house, affecting everything from curtains, furniture, and belongings.

How dangerous is soot?

The particles of airborne soot are invisible and can affect you without you being aware. It enters the bloodstream and the health issues it creates can be serious and even lead to premature death. Until the fire clean up has been completed, these are some of those health issues are:

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Cancer
• Heart Attack
• Respiratory issues
• Shortness of Breath
• Stroke

How do you remove smoke damage from metal?

Soot results from carbon-based material accumulating from wood and other materials burning, such as the byproduct result of a fireplace, or in the case of this article, a house fire. This is why regular cleaning is recommended for fireplaces, grills, and ovens so they can operate as intended without causing the user any harm. 

Over time, soot bakes onto metal and can be difficult to remove. The sooner that soot buildup is removed from metal, the easier it is to clean. Therefore, after a fire, it is important to hire a professional fire clean up company to start on a house immediately. If you leave soot on surfaces, the more it penetrates things and the less likely you’ll be able to get the smell of fire and smoke out of things. 

If a fire isn’t widespread, a homeowner may do a fire clean up on their metal items themselves by following this fire clean up tips:

• Step One: In a bucket filled with hot water, add dishwashing liquid.
• Step Two: Dip a scrubbing sponge into the bucket of soapy water and rub it over the soot deposits, back and forth to break off most of the soot.
• Step Three: Mix in a spray bottle, equal amounts of warm water and white vinegar then spray over the remaining soot. The acid in the white vinegar will break up that remaining soot.
• Step Four: Using a nylon scrub brush, rub against the leftover stubborn soot. Do not use a metal brush – that will scratch it.
• Step Five: Using a damp rag, buff over the metal to remove the remaining soap or vinegar mixture, then dry with a dry rag.

How do I clean my house after smoke damage?      

After a fire, it is important to clean the smoke-damage for a healthy environment. Unfortunately, fire clean up and smoke damage cleanup aren’t easy. You can’t open a window to let it “air out”. Smoke and soot have an acidic nature challenging to remove, and the odor is not only unpleasant but breathing in that odor is harmful. So, how can you clean the smoke damage yourself? Once you have completed the fire clean up, the following will help with the smoke damage and odor removal:

• Ventilation: Open the doors and windows, even if it is cold. The sooner you get fresh air in and the smoke smell out, the better. Do not turn on the HVAC system either – it has sucked in the same smoke and will spread it through the house that you’re trying to ventilate.
• Protection: Wear proper protection, including a respirator, long pants, long sleeves, eyewear, gloves, and shoe protectors. Anything that isn’t damaged by smoke, cover it with plastic or remove it from the house.  
• Vacuum: Smoke and soot are a smelly package, so vacuum all the loose soot particles from the furniture with the upholstery attachment. A shop-vac is better if you have one.
• Dry-Clean Sponge: This is essential for success. using a dry-cleaning sponge, wipe the smoke and soot stains. Dry-Clean sponges have special chemicals that will remove stains from the walls with a gentle wiping motion. Keep turning the sponge to a clean side after a couple of wipes. Either slice the dirty sides off or use a new sponge when it is dirty all around.
• Liquid Cleaners: After the dry-cleaning sponge has done all it can, take a clean rag and following the directions on a commercial-grade smoke/soot remover, or use paint thinner, rubbing alcohol, or white vinegar, soak the clean rag and wipe down all the walls in every smoke damaged area. This includes light fixtures and light bulbs. This step may need to be repeated several times. The wipe all areas again with a clear, clear wet rag.

• Dry and Deep Clean: Once you have sufficiently cleaned all surfaces with the above steps, place fans throughout the house to speed up the drying process. You are still going to smell smoke for a few days, even a few weeks, as it takes time for it to totally dissipate.

Sewage and Water Removal Services

The Importance of Sewage Bacteria Removal

Why is it so important to clean up sewage backup? Regardless of where the sewage water came from, this water is much different from what is coming into your home for use. The sewage water that is overflowing into your space is water that should, typically, be going down and away from the home. For whatever reason, something is preventing the general flow and causing the water to go elsewhere. Unfortunately, that elsewhere direction is back up into your home. Exposure to this water can cause illness or severe health issues. 

It’s so important to clean this up as soon as possible because sewage water can contain harmful bacteria and viruses. Sewage removal from water waste and sewage removal, in general, will almost always involve disinfection. This is such a critical step to ensure that there is no harmful bacteria lingering. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does sewage clean up cost?
  • The total cost is going to depend on a number of things, such as cleaning, disinfecting, and restoration services. When everything is said and done, the total price can range between $2,000 and $10,000.
• Does Roto Rooter clean up sewage?
  • Yes, Roto Rooter can come through to cleanup any sewage backup that may have occurred. 
• Is sewage backup an emergency?
  • Yes, a sewage backup of any degree should be considered an emergency. The water can contain extremely harmful viruses, bacteria, or other microbes that can cause serious illness. 
• How do you clean up sewage backup?
  • The clean up process can feel overwhelming, but there are several steps that need to happen to ensure quality and safe cleanup. Start by having your water turned off, then call restoration experts to come through to drain the backed up water, disinfect the area, and restore the area to its original state.
• Can carpet be cleaned after sewage backup?
  • Carpet can be cleaned after a sewage backup. Restoration companies can help by drying the material out thoroughly. Then they will usually steam clean to remove stains and residual items. Finally finishing with disinfecting everything to ensure it is safe to use again.