Restoration & Mitigation Archives

May 6, 2020 in Restoration & Mitigation

How to Minimize Water Damage to Your Wood Floors

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. Unfortunately, they can be more susceptible to sustaining water damage than other types of flooring. If you have hardwood flooring in an area that frequently gets water dripped on the floor, such as the kitchen or bathroom, you will need to take extra precautions to keep your floor safe. If the floors get water damage from flooding or a leak, there are things you can do to fix it. Read on to learn more about minimizing water damage on your hardwood floors.

Rugs in Areas That Get Wet

Homes with hardwood floors in every room are extremely appealing. It can be nice to have one consistent flooring throughout the entire house. When it comes to the kitchen and bathroom, though, hardwood floors are tricky. While they certainly add to the décor of the room, these are areas where water splashes and spills can be common. Homeowners should take extra precautions by investing in a rug or bathmat to help the floor stay dry. Also, if a spill or splash does occur, wipe it up immediately with a towel or mop. Leaving wet spots on the floor can cause damage over time.

Remove Standing Water ASAP

The worst-case scenario is when water damage happens to hardwood floors. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate this damage and get your floors in good shape again. The first step is to remove standing water as soon as possible. If there is a floor or burst pipe, immediately vacuum up the standing water with a water vacuum. Keep vacuuming until you no longer see water going into the canister. Water can sometimes be hiding in between the wood planks or within the floors, so it is crucial to keep vacuuming even if you think everything is dry.

Clean the Floor

photo by stevepb on Unsplash

The next step is cleaning the floors. The standing water probably is not very clean and, in the case of a flood due to a storm, the water can actually contain toxins. Use a hardwood floor cleaner such as Clorox® Scentiva® Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths. These cloths attach to mopping tools such as a Swiffer®. The cloths kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, leaving your hardwoods clean and sanitary.

Dry the Floor

The next step is to dry the floor. Since hardwood floors are porous and have spaces between the planks, there can be moisture lurking where you don’t see it. Use a dehumidifier and fans to dry the floors. Do not use any sort of heat to dry the floors, as this can crack the wood.

Professional Restoration

If your floors are damaged beyond a simple DIY cleanup, you may need to have them professionally restored. At Extreme Carpet Care and Restoration, we restore, refinish, and repair your hardwood floors. Even if water damage has occurred, we can help get your floors back to their pre-damaged condition.

Hardwood floors are one of the most popular choices for flooring in homes. On a day-to-day basis they are easy to care for, but they can be susceptible to water damage due to their porous nature. Be mindful of taking extra care of hardwood floors in bathrooms and kitchens where water spills are inevitable. If significant water damage occurs from a flood or a leak, clean and dry the floors and consider professional restoration services. For more information on how we can restore your hardwood floors, contact us today.

April 30, 2020 in Restoration & Mitigation

5 Ways to Prevent Mold in Your Property

Mold growth inside the home is unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. Some types of mold are toxic and can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from mild to severe. The scary part about mold is that it often grows in areas where we can’t see it, such as under the floor or behind the walls. If you notice that your home feels damp and smells musty, there is a good chance there is mold growth. If your home has experienced a leak or flood damage, it is crucial to call a mold removal professional immediately. At Extreme Carpet Care, we will inspect your space for mold and begin the remediation process immediately. Read on to learn about some ways that you can prevent mold in your property.

Call a Professional After a Leak or Flood

Often mold growth is caused by a leak, burst pipe, or a flood. If your carpet or walls have been saturated with water, letting them dry is not good enough. Mold spores can start to grow, negatively affecting the air quality in your home. In order to avoid the issue of mold growth, call a mold removal service company like Extreme Rocks as soon as you have a damaging leak or flood. We will come in and dry, clean, and sanitize the area. We will also remove any damaged goods that are beyond salvaging, and check for moisture in hidden areas to prevent future mold growth. Don’t try to take care of a big leak or flood by yourself! This can be very dangerous to your home and health in the future. Call a professional you can trust and rest assured that the mold situation will be remediated.

Control Humidity Levels

Another way to prevent mold growth in the home is to control the humidity levels. According to the CDC, humidity levels in the home should be no higher than 50%. Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels down. You can also purchase a humidity meter so that you can monitor levels and know when it is time to adjust the dehumidifier.

Clean Areas Prone to Mold Growth

Photo by kevin Baquerizo on Unsplash

Another great way to prevent mold growth is by simply cleaning areas that are prone to mold. The shower and bathtub are places where mold loves to grow. The CDC recommends cleaning these areas with soap, water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Having a consistent cleaning regimen in the bathroom can prevent mold growth in this naturally damp area. Also, always dry out the shower or bathtub after using it. Water sitting around can lead to mold growth that could be prevented by simply wiping it up.

Get Good Air Flow in the House

Photo by Ava Sol on Unsplash

Does the air in your home feel stagnant? Doing things such as occasionally opening the windows or turning on a fan can keep the air flowing and decrease the chances of mold growth. This is especially important in the bathroom. Be sure to turn on the fan each time you are taking a shower to keep the air flowing.

Invest in Mold-Resistant Products

Certain materials are mold-resistant, which allow homeowners to rest assured that they are doing everything possible to prevent mold growth. Products like mold-resistant drywall are perfect to put in bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, or anywhere else that is a damp area of the house.

While the idea of mold growth seems very scary, there are actually a lot of things homeowners can do to prevent that growth from happening. Sometimes disaster strikes and a bad leak or damaging flood can be too overwhelming for a homeowner to take care of on their own. In this case, it is critical to call a mold removal company such as Extreme Carpet Care to take care of remediating mold and restoring the damaged space. For more information about the services we provide, contact us today.

April 21, 2020 in Restoration & Mitigation

Are You Taking Proper Care of Your Tiles?

Have you ever thought about the proper way to care for your tile floors? The first step is establishing a good regimen for daily cleaning. The second step is making a yearly appointment for a professional tile cleaning. Both of these things will help keep your tile floors looking as good as new. Read on to learn more about caring for tile floors.

Day-to-Day Cleaning

Tile floors are easy to maintain on a day-to-day basis. The first thing you should do is sweep up any debris. Use a broom and dustpan, or use a dry Swiffer. You can also vacuum up debris on the floor. Once the tiles are clean of debris, clean the floors with a mop, water, and mild soap. After mopping, completely dry the floor so that no water spots are left behind.

Sometimes, tile floors can get stained. Here are some of the things that cause tile floors to stain:

Coffee
Grease
Wine
Blood
Gum
Ink

For most of these substances, dabbing the stain with hydrogen peroxide will do the trick. Grease can be removed using club soda and hot water. To remove ink, lay a towel with diluted bleach over the stain until it goes away. Fortunately, most stains are easy to get out, and doing so promptly will leave your tile floors looking as good as new.

Professional Cleaning

Tile floors are easy to take care of! Establish a daily cleaning regimen and schedule a yearly professional tile cleaning to keep your floors looking fresh.

Photo by Paweł Czerwiński on Unsplash

In order to keep your tile floors looking their absolute best, professional cleaning is recommended every 12-18 months. At Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration, our expert technicians are trained to clean your tile floors. We will renew the color and shine of the tiles and rejuvenate the grout. We know how to clean different materials, including Saltillo, ceramic, porcelain, slate, granite, and travertine. Don’t forget to mark your calendar once a year to give us a call for a professional cleaning!

Fixing Damages

Over time, tile floors can become chipped or cracked. Tile that is badly damaged will need to be replaced. Another option for smaller damages is to buy matching paint and fill in the crack using a Q-tip. Allow the paint to dry, and the crack should be much less noticeable. You can also paint the tiles an entirely different color; that way, the scratch or crack blends into the new color.

Tile floors are a beautiful addition to any home. They are easy to care for on a day-to-day basis but do require a professional tile cleaning about once a year to help them look shiny and new. At Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration, we are committed to keeping your tile floors clean and beautiful. Contact us today to schedule a floor cleaning and learn more about the services we provide.

April 8, 2020 in Restoration & Mitigation

How to Restore Shine on Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. On a day-to-day basis, hardwood floors are easy to care for – but occasionally, they can start to lose their shine. This is completely normal and will happen over time. At Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration, we are more than just a carpet cleaning company! We can help clean and restore your wood floors to look as good as new.

Get Floors Professionally Cleaned

It is good practice for homeowners to clean their hardwood floors regularly, but eventually, the shine will start to fade. This is when it is time to call in a professional to clean your hardwoods. Professionals have specialized equipment and solutions that will help give your floors a deep cleaning and get their shine back.

Restore Floors

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

In addition to having floors professionally cleaned, sometimes the floors need restoration to regain their shine. Floors that are damaged and need repairs should go through the refinishing process. In general, homeowners should get their floors refinished every 7-10 years. They should also get them refinished if they are planning on moving, as it will increase the overall value of the home and help the house to show better.

The refinishing process begins with cleaning the floors. After they are clean, they are sanded down to remove the top damaged layer. An edger is used to sand tight places like a bathroom or closet. After sanding, the floors will be very dusty. Vacuum, sweep, and wipe up all of the dust. After that, the stain is applied. This helps give the wood its vibrant color. The last step is to apply the finish. The finish helps protect the floor from further damage. Once the finish is applied, allow time for the floors to dry. In the end, you will have beautiful, shiny hardwood floors.

Why Should I Get My Floors Restored?

There are many reasons why restoring hardwood floors is a good idea. Check out this list and add your own ideas to it!

Increases the value of the home
Makes living spaces more attractive
Fixes scratches, nicks, and dings
Improves the appearance after years of wear and tear
Makes floors look cleaner

At Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration, we pride ourselves on the services we provide to homeowners when it comes to hardwood floors. We can clean your floors and then go the next step by restoring them through the refinishing process. For more information about the services we provide, contact us today.

April 2, 2020 in Restoration & Mitigation

Do You Understand the Impact of Smoke Damage?

Once a fire is extinguished, it is time to hire a restoration company. Smoke damage is extremely dangerous and can be harmful to the health of the residents. It can also damage items such as carpet, furniture, and walls. Fortunately, when disaster strikes, Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration is here to help. We are available 24/7 to come begin the restoration process as soon as the fire is out. Read on to learn more about the harmful impact smoke damage can have on your home.

Smoke Damage Lingers

The fire can be long gone, but smoke damage can linger. In fact, the longer a homeowner waits to deal with the cleanup, the worse the long-term smoke damage will be. It is critical that the restoration process starts as soon as possible, because this allows the best chance for items to be fully cleaned.

Discoloration & Corrosion

Smoke can lead to discoloration. It can cause the walls and countertops to turn yellow over time. All surfaces in the home need to be cleaned as soon as possible. If cleaning is done early, the home can be saved from discoloration. Over time, smoke damage can also cause metal items to corrode and rust.

Embed in Soft Fibers

Smoke likes to embed itself into soft fibers. After a fire, you will find your soft furniture, like couches and chairs, will smell of smoke. This will also happen with bedding and clothes. In addition, it will get into the carpet. Not only will this cause the house to smell even more like smoke, but it can also damage the items. It is important to get all the soft goods cleaned in the house. Salvage what you can, but be sure to get rid of anything that is damaged beyond repair. Extreme Carpet & Care Restoration will clean your carpets so that they will be smoke-free and odorless.

Long-Term Health Issues

Smoke damage can also lead to long-term health issues. It can have harmful effects on those with asthma or other lung-related diseases. Even if you think it’s gone, smoke can linger after a fire. This is why it is crucial to start the restoration process immediately as soon as the flames go out. Waiting for days or weeks is too late! Call Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration as soon as possible.

While fire causes damage, smoke damage lingers, causing items in your home to deteriorate or become discolored over time. Smoke embeds itself in the soft goods of your house, like the carpets and furniture, and can cause potential health issues for residents. For more information about the smoke damage restoration process, contact us today.

March 25, 2020 in Restoration & Mitigation

What’s the Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. Whether the floors are new or old, hardwood cleaning is an essential part of caring for your floors. If it has been a while since they were cleaned and you notice your floors looking dull, damaged, or dirty, it is time to call in a professional. At Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration, we clean a lot more than just carpets. We return hardwood floors to their original, beautiful state. Read on to learn about the best ways to clean hardwood floors.

Call a Professional

The first step is to call in a floor cleaning expert, like Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration. While cleaning and maintaining your hardwood floors on your own is great, sometimes they need professional cleaning. We can restore, refinish, and repair your floors so they look as good as new. All homeowners will be provided with an estimate before starting services. We are also licensed, certified, insured, and available 24/7 for emergency repairs.

Restoration & Repair

Hardwood floors can get scratched, dented, and dirty over time. This is especially prevalent in older homes. At Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration, we will repair the wood floors and then clean and restore them to their original condition. This is a fantastic way to maintain the original floors of the home while making them look nicer. Restoring and repairing hardwood floors can also help increase the value of a home.

Refinishing

While your floors may not need a full restoration or repair procedure, they often need refinishing. Hardwood floors should be cleaned and refinished every 10-15 years. The first step is to remove the shoe moulding and sand the floor. After sanding, it is time to vacuum up the dust. Once the floors are perfectly clean, the wood stain will be applied. After the stain dries, the finish will be put on.

Beyond day-to-day cleaning, in order to keep your hardwoods clean and in the best condition possible, it is necessary to call in a professional. At Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration, we do hardwood cleaning, restoring, repairing, and refinishing. All of these things will help your hardwoods look brand-new again. This process is essential to do any time your floors are looking dirty and damaged but can be especially helpful before putting your home on the market to sell. Potential buyers will be impressed at how nice the hardwood floors look. For more information about the hardwood services we provide, contact us today.

March 4, 2020 in Restoration & Mitigation

How to Prevent or Mitigate Water Damage

Never underestimate what water damage can do. Water may seem harmless at first, but it can cause permanent and devastating damage to your home or commercial property. When you need to prevent or mitigate water damage, preparation is everything. With springtime on its way, it’s more important now than ever to consider the impact of water on your home. If you’re worried about water, here are a few things that you should understand.

Be Proactive

First of all, it’s always important to act fast when it comes to water damage. Whether you need prevention or mitigation, you should know that water moves quickly. That’s why you need to move quickly, too. For prevention, act before major weather issues arrive. Take a look around your home and take note of your water-related risks. For example, could you waterproof your basement? What about your crawlspace? Does your foundation have cracks or holes? Knowing these things ahead of time can make a big difference for your property.

Look Beyond the Weather

Second, keep in mind that water damage goes beyond the weather. Some forms of damage come directly from your own home. A broken appliance like a dishwasher or washing machine can send water across your floors. Take a look at your appliances, pipes, and other water-related objects. Address issues now before they become bigger problems. By the way, pay attention to your water bill. A skyrocketing water bill is often a sign that some part of your home isn’t working as it should.

Use Professional Water Damage Mitigation

Now that you know some prevention tips, what can you do if your property already has water damage? You may be tempted to handle this problem on your own, but the truth is that it’s always best to hire a professional. Water can be tricky. It causes more damage than many people realize. You can prevent long-term damage if you call a professional mitigation company as soon as possible. This way, you can also avoid troubles like mold and mildew in the future.

Extreme Measures for Water Damage

Do you need water damage mitigation? Extreme Carpet Cleaning is here to help. We take care of water damage from multiple sources. Whether your property has been damaged by a hurricane, a broken pipe, or any other source, our team is ready to respond fast. We’re also here 24/7 in case of an emergency. If you’re dealing with water damage, give us a call right now. You don’t have any time to lose.

February 26, 2020 in Restoration & Mitigation

4 Benefits of Professional Upholstery Cleaning

You probably spent a lot of effort and money on picking your furniture, so why not take care of it correctly as well? Your upholstery goes through wear and tear throughout a typical day, which can lead to damage over time. Professional upholstery cleaning is essential when you want to maintain your upholstery and keep it looking like new.

Longer Life of Your Furniture

The more you take care of your furniture, the longer it will last. Professional upholstery cleaning will not only extend the life of your furniture but will also prevent your upholstery fabric from developing stains. It helps you remove any bad odors, body oil, and dust that can adhere to your upholstery over time. You also save money in the long run by keeping up with your upholstery cleaning regularly.

Better Appearance

Over time, stains or dust can make your upholstery look worn out and dirty. When you hire a professional company to clean your upholstery, it will leave your furniture looking renewed. Additionally, a thorough cleaning will help preserve your cushions and prevent any deterioration. Your furniture’s overall appearance will be improved.

Fresher Feel

Sometimes your furniture can start to emit an unpleasant odor if you have eaten on it or have had a few spills. If you have pets, they could also contribute to bad smells or stains on your upholstery. Commercial air fresheners can only help so much, and sometimes a professional cleaning is the only way to get rid of bad odors.

Better Health

Keep in mind that your upholstery naturally collects allergens throughout its lifetime. If you are prone to allergies, it is a good idea to regularly get your upholstery cleaned so that your health is not compromised. Professional upholstery cleaning can provide a deeper clean to get rid of allergens that may irritate your eyes, nose, or throat. When you remove these allergens, it also leads to better air quality in your home.

At Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration, we offer a high-quality upholstery cleaning service. We use less water and minimize drying time, which reduces the chances of mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. Additionally, we use safe, non-toxic solutions that keep your upholstery fibers clean. Moreover, our fabric protection fortifies your furniture, and it will last longer. Feel free to contact us today for all your upholstery cleaning needs.

February 19, 2020 in Restoration & Mitigation

Difference between Soda Blasting and Sandblasting Your Vehicle

In order to remove paint, rust, oil, and grease from the steel body of your vehicle, you can use a variety of methods. Some of the common ones are sandblasting and soda blasting. Sandblasting uses sand particles to scrape your vehicle’s surface with small particles propelled at high pressure. On the other hand, soda blasting uses sodium bicarbonate, otherwise known as baking soda. There is another variation called dustless sandblasting, which is sandblasting with the addition of water and usually a rust inhibitor.

What Is Sandblasting?

Sandblasting is the process of applying sand to an object at high pressure. It is quite often used to remove paint from machinery and metal, but it has other uses as well. You can use other materials besides sand in sandblasting. For instance, you could use a glass bead, walnut shell, or coconut shell. This method is suitable for industrial applications and is more effective at removing rust from your vehicle. It is also quite fast to clean.

What Is Soda Blasting?

Soda blasting is a newer technology in the field of blasting. In this process, you apply specially granulated sodium bicarbonate at high pressure to a surface. Sodium bicarbonate is much gentler than sandblasting. Because of this, it’s suitable for use on chrome, plastics, and glass. This method is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Since it doesn’t produce much heat, it will not warp the metal surface.

Which Is Better?

There are several differences between soda blasting and sandblasting. Sandblasting may be cheaper than soda blasting. For aluminum surfaces, soda blasting is a preferable option to sandblasting because it is gentler. Sandblasting is often the preferred choice for cleaning industrial equipment because it removes grease and paints quickly. Many cars today are sandblasted since it is the less expensive option. It is better to hire a professional for sandblasting, because they will know how much pressure to apply to avoid any damage to the body of your vehicle.

Hire a Professional

At Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration, we offer sandblasting, soda blasting, and dustless blasting. You can use these methods for preparing your vehicle for a new coat of paint or cleaning rust off. You can also use it to get rid of unsightly graffiti. Additionally, our team is experienced with each of these methods. Our technicians know which method to use for which surface, whether it is wood, chrome, concrete, metals, or glass. For instance, soda blasting is suitable for copper since it is a soft metal, which would not withstand the traditional sandblasting method. Feel free to contact us today for all your needs.

February 5, 2020 in Restoration & Mitigation

How to Pressure Wash Your Deck

Whether your backyard deck is wood or composite, you should plan on cleaning it periodically if you want to maintain its beauty. This kind of maintenance cleaning, when done correctly, will add years to your deck. Additionally, it can save you valuable time and money in the long run.

Why Pressure Wash Your Deck?

The pressure washer helps to remove embedded dirt and other contaminants from your deck. When you hire a professional technician to pressure wash your deck, they will know how much pressure to apply, depending on the surface of your deck. The kinds of cleaners used in pressure washing depend on the surface of your deck. Cleaners come in all shapes and colors. Some are detergents, others are bleaches, and some are explicitly designed to treat specific wood types. Keep in mind that the right tool and cleaner can make all the difference.

Preparing Your Deck

To prep for the job, sometimes lightly watering down the deck can help you with applying and spreading the cleaning solutions. Many solutions should not be allowed to dry on the wood, which means that periodic spraying may be required. You will be able to see results either right away or after some time, depending on how dirty your deck is. Once you have scrubbed your deck, you are now ready for rinsing.

The Soft Washing Process

At Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration, we use a soft washing process that follows a specific set of steps. First, we inspect the area and identify any particular concerns. We loosen any dirt, cobwebs, and other debris using bristle brushes. Additionally, we wet the nearby plants and grass. We then begin to wash the deck using temperature-controlled water and low pressure. Next, we apply the cleaning solution and use the soft bristle brushes to loosen and remove dirt. After allowing some time for the cleaner to remove the dirt, we then rinse the deck using a low pressure of water. Finally, after the rinse, we thoroughly inspect the area to ensure that all areas have been cleaned.

Hire a Professional Firm

Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration has an incredible team of pressure washing specialists. We use a low-pressure washing method, which will not damage your deck. In addition, the solutions that we use are safe and environmentally friendly. Our skilled team has experience with cleaning solutions and pressure washing systems, and we promise high quality. Feel free to contact us today to get started with cleaning your deck.

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