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Archived Cleaning Blog Posts

Industry Specific Cleaning

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

We're cleaning the carpet. Explore industry-specific cleaning services from us that address unique needs while ensuring safety and hygiene.

In many industries, the requirements for cleaning go well beyond the basics. Schools, property management companies, healthcare facilities, hospitality businesses, and food service companies demand tailored cleaning solutions that prioritize safety, hygiene, and efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of industry-specific cleaning services and how they benefit these key sectors.

Schools: Educational institutions are bustling hubs with a large number of students and staff members. Industry specific cleaning services for schools are designed to maintain a clean and healthy environment, reducing the spread of germs and infections. These services include disinfection of high-touch areas, proper waste disposal, floor care, and specialized cleaning of classrooms, laboratories, and common areas.

Property Management Companies: These companies oversee a wide range of properties, including residential complexes, commercial buildings, and retail spaces. Cleaning services tailored to property management companies ensure the upkeep of the common areas, elevators, staircases, parking lots, and other shared spaces. Regular cleaning, maintenance, and waste management not only enhance the overall appearance of the property but also promote a positive living and working environment.

Healthcare: Healthcare facilities demand the highest standards of cleanliness to prevent the spread of infections and maintain patient safety. Industry-specific cleaning service for healthcare industries follow strict protocols and use specialized equipment and cleaning agents. These services encompass sanitization of patient rooms, waiting areas, operating rooms, and medical equipment to ensure a sterile environment.

Hospitality Businesses: This sector, which includes hotels, resorts, and recreational facilities, must uphold impeccable cleanliness to provide a pleasant guest experience. Industry specific cleaning services for these businesses focus on maintaining cleanliness in guest rooms, lobbies, dining areas, and recreational facilities. Attention to detail, such as stain removal, upholstery cleaning, and floor polishing contribute to a welcoming and hygienic ambiance.

Foor Services: Restaurants, cafes, and catering companies require specific cleaning services due to the potential hazards associated with food preparation and storage. These facilities require thorough kitchen cleaning, sanitation of food preparations areas, equipment maintenance, and pest control measures. These cleaning services ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Industry specific cleaning services play a vital role in maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and safety within various sectors. Whether it’s schools, property management companies, healthcare industries, hospitality businesses or food service establishments, each industry has unique cleaning requirements. By utilizing specialized cleaning services, businesses can provide a healthy and inviting environment for their clients' employees, and guests, ensuring peace of mind and a positive reputation.

Ask the Experts                                                                        

If your business requires any of the commercial cleaning services we’ve discussed, the best place to turn to is SERVPRO of Mandarin. For over 40 years, SERVPRO has been the trusted leader in the restoration industry. We are experts in providing cleaning and restoration services in the Mandarin area. We have a team of highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding quickly to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency services and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.

For additional information about our company, visit our website or call us at 904-636-0044.

Commercial Specialized Cleaning

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

We clean on your schedule. Discover the importance of specialized cleaning service from us and elevate your space with our expert solutions.

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is essential for any commercial or business property.  However, there are situations that require specialized cleaning services to address specific challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of commercial specialized cleaning and delve into various services such as duct cleaning, odor removal, graffiti removal, and biohazard cleaning.

Duct Cleaning

The air ducts in commercial properties can accumulate dust, debris, allergens, and even mold over time, leading to poor air quality. This can negatively impact the health of your customers and the productivity of your employees. Commercial duct cleaning services are done by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the air ducts, vents, and the entire HVAC system. This enhances the air quality, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment.

Odor Removal

Unpleasant odors can create a negative impression and impact the ambiance of a commercial establishment. Specialized odor removal services utilize advanced techniques and equipment to identify and eliminate the source of the odors. By neutralizing odors rather than masking them, businesses can create a more pleasant atmosphere for employees and customers.

Graffiti Removal

Graffiti on the exterior walls of your business is not only unsightly, but it can create a sense of insecurity for both employees and customers. Therefore, it needs to be removed as soon as possible. Specialized clean-up crews possess the knowledge and tools to remove graffiti safely and effectively without causing damage to the underlying surface.

Biohazard Cleaning

In commercial settings, biohazards such as blood, bodily fluids, or hazardous materials can pose serious health risks. Biohazard cleaning services follow strict protocols and regulations to safely remove, disinfect, and dispose of hazardous materials. There services are particularly essential in health care facilities, restaurants, and other environments where the risk of contamination is higher.

Maintaining a clean and inviting commercial space goes beyond regular janitorial services. Specialized cleaning service such as duct cleaning, odor removal, graffiti removal, and biohazard clean-up play a vital role in creating a safe and healthy environment while upholding the professional image of your business. By investing in these services, businesses can enhance their reputations, improve indoor air quality, and ensure the well-being of all who enter their premises.

Ask the Experts

If your business requires any of the commercial cleaning services we’ve discussed, the best place to turn to is SERVPRO of Mandarin. For over 40 years, SERVPRO been the trusted leader in the restoration industry. We are experts in providing cleaning and restoration services. We have a team of highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding quickly to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency services and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.

For additional information about our company, visit our website or call us at 904-636-0044.

Post Construction Cleaning

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

The post-construction cleanup process ends with this carpet cleaning. Learn the step-by-step process of cleaning up a building after construction and when to hire a professional cleanup service provider.

Are you in the process of renovating your home or business? After the construction crew completes their work, there remains a significant number of tasks to be carried out before the building can be considered safe and suitable for occupancy. Who holds the responsibility for the post-construction cleanup, and what are the necessary steps involved? Should you consider enlisting the services of a professional or undertake the cleanup yourself? Keep reading to find out.

Whose Job Is It to Clean Up After Construction?

In general, the construction company is responsible for the initial cleanup. This includes clearing away waste materials and construction debris and ensuring the area is safe. Any additional cleaning required is up to the home or business owner, who may choose to complete the job themselves or hire a post-construction cleanup service.

Construction Cleaning Checklist

Your newly remodeled or restored building is sure to meet your needs for many years to come. But first, you must remove any lingering debris the construction company left behind. Here is the step-by-step process of cleaning up the inside and outside of a building after construction.

Interior Post-Construction Cleanup

  • Dust and vacuum all surfaces, including ceilings, walls, floors, doors, windowsills, countertops, light fixtures, and furniture. For the best results, use a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter.
  • Wipe down dusted surfaces with disinfecting wipes to remove germs and grime.
  • Clean carpets if any stains remain after vacuuming. Consider professional carpet cleaning to help achieve the desired outcome.
  • Clean windows with glass cleaner and paper towels.
  • Re-hang drapes and blinds if you removed them prior to construction or remove them now for professional cleaning.
  • Wipe out cabinets and drawers, which may have sawdust, loose screws, and other construction residue.
  • Clean the ductwork to remove drywall dust, sawdust, and lingering debris from your air vents. This task requires professional ductwork cleaning equipment.

Exterior Post-Construction Cleanup

  • Remove litter from the yard, garage, and other areas outside the building.
  • Pressure wash exterior walls, fences, and gates to remove lingering dirt, dust, and debris.
  • Spray windows with a garden hose.
  • Clean the gutters and inspect them for signs of damage.
  • Sweep or hose down hardscaped surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, patios, and decks.

When to Call a Professional for Cleanup Services

Post-construction cleaning can be overwhelming, but it’s not always easy to tell when to call a professional for help. Here are a few signs you could benefit from handing over the task to a qualified cleanup crew:

  • You don’t have the time or resources to clean up the building yourself.
  • The construction company left excessive dust, debris, or other materials behind.
  • Safety and sanitization are top priorities, whether for personal reasons or to adhere to local standards.

Are you in need of professional post-construction cleanup? SERVPRO of Mandarin is here to help. We provide 24/7 cleanup, restoration, and construction services to customers in the Mandarin area. With our help, your home or business will look pristine following your recent remodeling or restoration project. Call us today at (904) 636-0044 to learn more about our cleaning services.

Removing Cigarette Smoke Smell

9/12/2023 (Permalink)

Witness the Remarkable Machine Tackling Cigarette Smoke Odor, Restoring Air Purity with Unmatched Efficiency If you’re moving into a home with lingering cigarette smells or need to prepare your house before selling, call a professional for cigarette smoke rem

Cigarettes produce stubborn odors that can linger in a home for years. Removing the smell of cigarette smoke is a tricky process. While opening windows and doors to increase ventilation, sprinkling baking soda on affected furniture, and setting out bowls of odor-absorbing vinegar can help, many situations call for professional cigarette smoke removal to make the house smell fresh again.

Hazards of Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, which can cause adverse health effects for anyone who inhales it. The groups most vulnerable to secondhand smoke include pregnant women, the very young and very old, and those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Cigarette smoke also leaves behind a residue that can damage walls, ceilings, floors, and furnishings. For these reasons, smokers should always step outside before lighting a cigarette.

Is it Harder to Remove Old Cigarette Smoke?

In general, new cigarette smoke is relatively easy to remove. In fact, if you keep on top of deodorization efforts, you may be able to remove recent cigarette smells with nothing but vinegar and baking soda. However, for odors that have deeply penetrated drywall, wood furniture, and fabrics for many years, professional cigarette smell removal is a must.

Steps for Removing Cigarette Smoke Smell

If you’re moving into a home with a lingering cigarette smell or need to prepare your house before selling, call a professional for cigarette smoke removal. Here’s how smoke remediation experts remove cigarette smell:

  • Assess the contamination: The first step is to learn the age and extent of the cigarette smoke damage. This helps the restoration team determine what remediation methods to use.
  • Purify the air: Air purification removes airborne particles that could be contributing to the odor. This step is performed using air scrubbers and filters.
  • Clean affected surfaces: While air purifiers are running, the crew cleans smoke residue and disinfects all affected surfaces. This is important to ensure leftover particles don’t continue emitting odors.
  • Deodorize the space: Eliminating offensive cigarette smell often involves ozone generators, hydroxyl machines, and other specialized deodorizing equipment. The goal is to reproduce the conditions that caused odor penetration in the first place, thus drawing out and removing odors from the surface.
  • Seal exposed surfaces: This step prevents a buildup of disagreeable odors in the future.
  • Restore the home: Restoration efforts may be necessary, depending on the level of cigarette smoke damage. This includes replacing excessively damaged walls, floors, and other materials that can’t be effectively cleaned and deodorized. The result is a seamless restoration that looks “Like it never even happened.”®

SERVPRO of Mandarin is available 24/7 to assist with cigarette smoke removal. Whether the smell is new or old, contained to a single room or spread throughout the house, our team will provide the most effective results possible. As an experienced disaster restoration company, we also offer fire and smoke remediation services. Call us at (904) 636-0044 today to request cigarette smoke removal in Mandarin.

Importance of Cleaning and Sanitizing After Water Damage

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

In the aftermath of water damage, a thorough cleaning and sanitizing regimen is critical for protecting the health and safety The importance of proper cleaning and sanitizing after your home has been affected by water damage with SERVPRO in Mandarin.

The Importance of Cleaning and Sanitizing After Water Damage

Water damage is a significant problem that demands urgent attention when it affects a home. Standard cleaning methods are inadequate for addressing the damage caused by flooding. Instead, the expertise of a certified water damage restoration professional is essential to resolve the issue effectively.

Failing to properly clean and disinfect your home can result in a number of unwanted outcomes, from health risks to costly damage. SERVPRO has compiled a list of reasons why adequate cleaning and sanitation services are essential following a flood.

Mold Growth

Water damage is associated with the growth of mold, which can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. Mold can grow on any surface that has been wet for more than 48 hours, including walls, floors, furniture, and appliances.

Bacterial and Viral Infections

Water damage can lead to the proliferation of bacteria and viruses, which can cause illness if ingested or inhaled. This is a particular concern if the water is contaminated with sewage or other hazardous substances.

Electrocution

Water and electricity are never a good mix. Standing water in your home can pose a serious risk of electrocution if electrical outlets or appliances are submerged.

Structural Damage

As a homeowner, you have invested a significant amount of time and money into making your home a desirable place to live. Water damage can detrimentally affect the structure of your home with damage that requires immediate repairs. Water damage weakens the structure of your home in several ways, including compromising the foundation and walls if left untreated.

Property Damage

Water damage can touch every aspect of your home, including your personal belongings. From furniture to decorations, items of sentimental value and beyond, you may be facing significant damage to your items if your home is not professionally cleaned and sanitized immediately following water damage.

Odor Removal

Floods come paired with offensive odors that alter the comfortable environment of your home. These smells cannot be eliminated with traditional cleaners and air fresheners and will instead need the heavy-duty power of industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Contact the Water Damage Restoration and Clean-Up Experts

SERVPRO offers industry-leading restoration services to homeowners who have suffered water damage in their homes. With services ranging from water removal to expert cleaning and sanitation, SERVPRO's restoration solutions encompass all essential components needed to restore comfort and peace of mind in your home. Contact our team to discuss your water damage solution today.

Spring Cleaning

5/30/2023 (Permalink)

Transforming a Worn Area Rug into a Pristine Masterpiece through Expert Cleaning The SERVPRO System offers a number of cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.

Spring offers the perfect opportunity to embrace a fresh start by engaging in a thorough deep cleaning session for your home or business. Beyond the immediate benefits of a cleaner and more pleasant environment, this revitalizing process contributes to a healthier space by eliminating harmful contaminants. Should the demands of work or family life leave you with limited time to dedicate to cleaning, consider outsourcing the task without hesitation. Nearby professionals possess the necessary materials and expertise to execute a comprehensive deep clean, effectively breathing new life into your surroundings. Allow them to work their magic, transforming your environment into a rejuvenated haven that feels brand new once again.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Even top-quality surfaces look dirty over time. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery. The SERVPRO System offers a number of cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.

We also 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 colorfastness is an issue.

Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning

Neglected ventilation systems are a leading cause of poor indoor air quality. If your HVAC has been running for some time without attention, it could be circulating:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Odors
  • Dirt and debris
  • Other contaminants

SERVPRO professionals inspect heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units. Keeping them clean extends the life of the equipment, saving you money and giving you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

  • Help restoring peak energy efficiency
  • Help eliminating offensive odors
  • Help reducing the potential for mold growth

Odor Removal and Deodorization

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO professionals are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors, which can come from a number of sources both inside and outside your building. SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in deodorization and pet odor removal. Masking and other shortcuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians use a variety of odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Other Cleaning Services

SERVPRO expertise isn’t limited to these specialties. We also do:

  • Ceiling and wall cleaning
  • Sewage and toilet overflow cleanup
  • Drapes and blinds
  • Vandalism and graffiti removal
  • Biohazard cleanup
  • Full commercial cleaning services

If your Northeast Florida home or business needs a deep spring cleaning, call SERVPRO of Mandarin. Our highly trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to thoroughly clean your Mandarin home or business and make everything fresh as a breeze. A trusted leader in the industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40 years. Call (904) 636-0044.

How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

We're using our equipment to get rid of the musty odors in this office. SERVPRO® can assist in mildew removal and provide tips to restore good indoor air quality and help your family breathe easier.

When musty odors penetrate your home, it's a clear indication that water has seeped in, leading to the growth of mold or mildew. Beyond being unpleasant, that distinct smell can pose health issues, particularly for individuals with asthma, allergies, or sensitivities to mold. To restore optimal indoor air quality and promote easier breathing for your family, follow these useful tips on eliminating mildew odor.

Identify the Source of Mildew

Sometimes, eliminating a mildew smell in the house is relatively simple. For instance, if you leave wet clothes in the washer for too long, just rerun the wash cycle, and this time, move the clothes to the dryer right away.

Other times, tackling hidden mildew is a major challenge. To find and eliminate it, you must first answer these questions:

  • Have there been any recent water events? Mildew needs water to grow, so anything involving a storm, leak, or neglected plumbing appliance could be the source of the unpleasant odor.
  • What does mildew smell like? Mildew and mold share a similar stale, musty odor that some might compare to damp, dirty socks. You should be able to follow your nose to whatever room mildew is growing in.
  • Is there standing water anywhere in your home? Check around any musty-smelling room for standing water where mildew might be present. Common culprits include windowsills, showers, under-sink cabinets, dishwashers, washing machines, and HVAC air filters.
  • Is it mold or mildew? Mildew describes a category of mold and fungus with a flat growth habit. It’s usually white or gray with a dry, powdery quality and presents as tiny dots, like a fine layer of flour, that may turn brown over time.

Treat the Mildew Smell

Before calling a professional, see if you can eliminate the odor yourself. Here’s what to try:

  • Open windows and doors to air out the house.
  • Address the source of the mildew. This may involve fixing a plumbing leak, lowering the indoor humidity level, or changing the HVAC air filter.
  • Wipe up any mildew you find, wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands.
  • Spray disinfectant on the affected area and wipe with a clean rag.

Arrange Professional Mildew Removal

If the results of your DIY cleanup are short-lived, stop mildew growth for good with help from a professional. Here’s what a mildew odor specialist does:

  • Clean mildewed surfaces: Specialty sanitizing and deodorizing products effectively remove the particles causing the smell.
  • Deodorize the space: Professionals use ozone generators, hydroxyl machines, and other specialized deodorizing equipment to draw out and remove mildew odors from the affected surface.
  • Seal vulnerable areas: This final step discourages future mildew growth and helps keep odors at bay.

Treating and removing mildew once and for all requires specific equipment, chemicals, and know-how. The experts at SERVPRO of Mandarin would be happy to help you maintain a safe, clean, and mildew-free home. Call us today at (904) 636-0044 to request mildew removal in Mandarin.

Spring Cleaning

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

We clean on your schedule. SERVPRO of Mandarin has the experience to do a full deep clean and make your environment feel like new again.

Spring is a great time to start fresh and reset by deep cleaning your home or business. It not only makes your environment more pleasant to be in, but it also makes it healthier by getting rid of contaminants that are harmful. If you’re too busy with work or family life to clean your property fully, don’t be afraid to outsource to SERVPRO of Mandarin. We have professionals nearby with all the materials and expertise to do a full deep clean and make your environment feel like new again.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Even top-quality surfaces look dirty over time. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery. The SERVPRO System offers a number of cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.

We also 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.

Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning

Neglected ventilation systems are a leading cause of poor indoor air quality. If your HVAC has been running for some time without attention, it could be circulating:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Odors
  • Dirt and debris
  • Other contaminants

SERVPRO professionals inspect heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units. Keeping them clean extends the life of the equipment, saving you money and giving you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

  • Help restoring peak energy efficiency
  • Help eliminating offensive odors
  • Help reducing the potential for mold growth

Odor Removal and Deodorization

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO professionals are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors, which can come from a number of sources both inside and outside your building. SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in deodorization and pet odor removal. Masking and other shortcuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians use a variety of odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Other Cleaning Services

SERVPRO expertise isn’t limited to these specialties. We also do:

  • Ceiling and wall cleaning
  • Sewage and toilet overflow cleanup
  • Drapes and blinds
  • Vandalism and graffiti removal
  • Biohazard cleanup
  • Full commercial cleaning services

If your Northeast Florida home or business needs a deep spring cleaning, call SERVPRO of Mandarin. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to thoroughly clean your Mandarin home or business and make everything fresh as a breeze. As a trusted leader in the industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40 years. Call (904) 636-0044.

No More Dust!

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Vacuuming Carpet. SERVPRO of Mandarin is here to make sure your deep clean gets you the results you need and want!

Spring has sprung and with it a whole host of dust, dirt, soiling, and mayhem. Many home supply stores offer carpet and upholstery cleaners for rental. However, these machines are not  frequently cleaned or sanitized, could harbor harmful bacteria, and typically don’t work well.

Conventional methods of cleaning only scratch the service. It’s time to experience the difference that a SERVPRO clean can make in your life. Our highly trained professionals are well versed in all levels when it comes to soiling on carpets, drapes, and upholstery.

Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. All carpet manufacturers agree on actions you can take between carpet cleanings to increase the life span of your carpet. 79% of the soil in carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet.

Preventative maintenance actions include: 

  • Regular vacuuming – as well as checking and changing the filter on your vacuum
  • Spot removal – this can include dropped food or drinks, or pet stains
  • Using rugs to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet from the outside

“But it doesn’t look that bad.”

The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

Professional Cleaning

Our professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, the amount of traffic you experience, and the type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months.

Offerings

  • 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.

In need of a good deep cleaning? Contact SERVPRO of Mandarin today to get started, as nobody should live with dust, mold, and soil buildup.

Can Air Duct Cleaning Help Allergies?

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

External Entry to a Dirty Air Duct When you need your air ducts cleaned, call SERVPRO of Mandarin to ensure it's done the right way!

If you are plagued by allergies, you’re not alone. More than 50 million people across the nation are affected by allergies each year, making it the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. Exposure to allergens is not always within your control, since they’re often airborne. Keeping allergens out of your house is a little bit more manageable though.

Let’s first look at some common indoor allergens.

  • Dust: Dust mites are in just about every home. They lurk in beds, upholstered furniture, and other fabric, eating the dead skin cells we shed and creating waste that triggers allergies.
  • Mold: Very common in Florida, mold is often found in damp places like bathrooms and crawl spaces.
  • Pet dander: Pets shed skin cells just like people do, and these discarded cells can trigger allergies.
  • Pests: Cockroaches are common in Florida, and their waste, saliva, and discarded skin can trigger allergies. Rodent hair, dander, urine, and feces are all allergens too.
  • Pollen: While you might think of pollen as an outdoor allergen, it travels easily into homes on clothes, shoes, and pets.
  • Air Pollutants: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful gases given off by household cleaners, building materials, and furniture. Outdoor pollutants like smog can get into your home making indoor air up to five times as polluted as the air outside!

These allergens are common, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the issues they cause. Changing your air filters regularly, vacuuming frequently, eliminating clutter, using a dehumidifier, and taking measures to deter pests can all help. However, one of the best things you can do to help promote healthier indoor air is to have your air ducts professionally cleaned.

Once allergens are in your HVAC system, they can easily circulate through your home and trigger your allergies. Further, allergens are not the only contaminant that could be lurking in your ducts. Bacteria can grow and thrive there, and so can viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19.

If you have not had professional duct cleaning services in the last five years, then now’s the time. In addition to improving your air quality and reducing allergens in your home, cleaning your ducts can eliminate odors and make your home easier to clean by lessening the dust in your home. Best of all, clean air ducts lead to greater HVAC energy efficiency. When dust and contaminants clog your air ducts, your home’s HVAC efficiency is reduced. Clean air ducts mean your system doesn’t have to work as hard, so it’s more efficient and will likely have a longer lifespan, which is particularly important here in Florida where the warm summer sun causes our HVAC systems to work on overdrive.

When you need air duct cleaning around Jacksonville, FL, call SERVPRO of Mandarin. For 40 years, our locally-owned-and-operated business has served our community, making it “Like it never even happened,” through cleaning and restoration services. Whether you need commercial or residential cleanup, restoration, or mold remediation, call (904) 636-0044 or contact us to get started.  

How Do You Remove Cigarette Smoke Smell from a Home?

6/16/2016 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Mandarin for a Quote to Remove Cigarette Odor, 904-636-0044

Cigarette smoke residue is a yellowish-brown, gluey substance that sticks to every surface in a home, making it difficult and time-consuming to remove. In order to completely eliminate cigarette smoke odor, you must thoroughly clean the tobacco smoke residue from every surface and every nook and cranny in the home.

First, allow fresh air to enter your home and then start systematically cleaning everything in the home. As a temporary solution, try using baking soda to absorb smells from the carpets and upholstery and place bowls of white vinegar, coffee or activated charcoal around the house.

However, the best way to get rid of tobacco odor is to clean your home:

§  Open all windows and doors to let as much fresh air in as possible.

§  Clean or replace the air filters, furnace filters and AC filters.

§  Clean walls and ceilings using products with ammonia and glycol - two ingredients that neutralize bad odors. Let the walls dry and check if the odor persists.

§  If you can still sense cigarette odor after cleaning, repaint the walls and ceilings with latex paint. Use a sealant designed to lock in odors before painting.

§  Clean everything in the home: floors, windows, carpets, furniture, upholstery, draperies, blinds and other household surfaces, fixtures and items. Hire a professional cleaning company if the tobacco smoke is too difficult to remove.

If you want inexpensive short-term solutions, try these tips:

§  Use an air purifier in your home.

§  Sprinkle baking soda on the carpets, leave it overnight to absorb bad smells, and vacuum it the next day.

§  Place saucers of white vinegar around the home and leave them overnight to neutralize the smell.

§  Get indoor plants which can absorb up to 87% of indoor pollutants.

§  Place small bowls of coffee throughout the home.

§  Use scented or non-scented candles.

§  Leave orange peels around the home.

§  Place pineapple slices around the room with all doors and windows closed for 24 hours.

§  Place bowls of activated charcoal around the home.

Completely removing cigarette smoke odor from a home is a very time consuming process. If the situation is severe, call the highly trained professionals with SERVPRO of Mandarin, to remove the odor, 904-636-0044.