Recent Cleaning Posts

5 Reasons to Hire a Mold Remediation Company in North Dallas

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

Professional mold remediation experts will accurately diagnose your particular mold problem and the appropriate course of action to get rid of it for

Mold is prevalent in the damp places, but in addition, mold spores are stubborn, and removing mold isn’t an easy DIY task. However, hiring a mold remediation company is a surefire way to remove persistent, toxic mold from your property.

At SERVPRO Richardson, our mold remediation experts have been restoring water-damaged and humid properties to a dry, mold-free condition for decades. Give us a call today at (972) 843-7879 for a free estimate on our Mold Remediation Services. 

Are you on the fence about outsourcing this all-too-important job? Here are five reasons to hire a mold remediation company in North Dallas

Reason #1: You’ll Get an Accurate Mold Assessment

Professional mold remediation experts will accurately diagnose your particular mold problem and the appropriate course of action to get rid of it for good. 

The usual cause of mold is a unique combination of air conditioning and humidity. When an HVAC system quickly cools a building in humid conditions, condensation accumulates in the air ducts. 

Result? Mold growth. 

Mold remediation experts can find mold in hard-to-see and detect areas, and thoroughly clean and remove it. Call us for Richardson mold testing to correctly identify what type of mold you’re dealing with and how to treat it for fast removal properly. 

Reason #2: Mold Problems are Treated Correctly From the Start

Think about all the times you’ve tried to do a home improvement project yourself. You spend a lot of time researching the problem, coming up with a plan, executing the plan, and spending a lot of money in the process. 

Okay, now think about all the times your DIY projects went belly up, and you had to hire a professional to fix the initial problem and any issues you caused, and the amount of money you spent in the process. 

Hiring a professional from the start ensures that you don’t waste time, money, and your efforts remediating mold. A professional team can get it done the right way right from the beginning, saving you time and money in the long run.  

Our mold remediation experts at SERVPRO Richardson have the equipment, tools, and training necessary to pinpoint the mold source, clean existing mold, and stop regrowth.

Reason #3: Correct Mold Remediation Now Prevents a Bigger Problem in the Future 

Mold proliferates in hard-to-see places. Professional mold remediation now will prevent massive mold colonies from forming behind walls, ceilings, and attics that can cause health effects to inhabitants. 

Reason #4: Pointers from the Experts on How to Prevent Mold From Coming Back

Knowledgeable professionals can give you effective pointers to prevent mold from regrowing after cleaning and removing the initial contamination. 

Reason #5: Saves Money

In the long run, you’ll save money if you hire an expert from the start. However, the longer you wait, the more expensive mold remediation will be. 

Don’t Delay. Call Us Today for a Free Estimate. 

At SERVPRO in North Dallas, we have the experience and equipment needed to assess, remove, and prevent mold contamination properly. Call us today at (972) 843-7879 for a free quote. 

DIY: Make Your Own Homemade Upholstery Cleaner

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Have stubborn stains on your furniture? Contact SERVPRO in Richardson for professional upholstery cleaning.

Fabric-covered furniture is never going out of style. Even the most modern interior design includes upholstered seating and other cloth-clad furnishings. Upholstery offers color and comfort to any living space.

When upholstery is permanently affixed to the furniture, you can’t just strip the fabric from it and put it in the washing machine. So to keep the fabric looking clean and smelling fresh, we clean textiles still attached to the furniture by using an upholstery cleaner.

Over time, the fabric will capture grime and the occasional spill. Oil and moisture make contact with the cloth surface and mix with dirt and other particles to make the fabric look dingy.

Pet owners, parents of young children, and owners of light-colored furniture are likely to seek out upholstery cleaning solutions to remove stains, smells, and dinginess. 

SERVPRO of Richardson stays up to date on the best methods of restoration. So today we share homemade upholstery cleaner tips to bring furniture back to its original beauty and hygiene.

What is the Best Way to Clean a Fabric Sofa? 

The best way to clean a fabric sofa is to use the methods appropriate for the particular material and to use products that won’t damage or discolor the fabric. The goal is for the DIY furniture cleaning process to be strong enough to resolve stubborn stains and grime, but be gentle enough to retain the original quality.

Step 1: Read the Couch Label for Washing Codes

As with clothing, fabric couches come with labels. This lets you know which upholstery cleaning method is most appropriate for the material.

On the tag or manufacturer’s directions, you may see letters that tell you what method of cleaning is appropriate.

W: Water-based cleaning is okay (and is generally compatible with a homemade upholstery cleaner)

S: Do not use water-based products. Other kinds of solvents (dry-cleaning) should be used instead.

D: Dry clean only.

WS: Water-based or solvent-based cleaning is okay, but avoid products with carbon tetrachloride or other toxic substances.

O: Material is made from organic materials, and to maintain its natural fibers, the cloth should be cleaned with eco-friendly products. A water-based natural upholstery cleaner is okay.

X: Fabric is delicate and should only be cleaned with soft brushing or vacuuming.

So before using a homemade upholstery cleaner, you’ll want to be sure that it won’t alter or ruin the fabric. These labels let you know what upholstery cleaner methods are safe to use on the material.

Step 2: Begin With a Vacuum

Before you apply any cleaners (including a homemade upholstery cleaner), it helps to remove any loose particles like dirt and hair. Hair that is the same color as the fabric may be camouflaged, and vacuuming gets hairs out of the way before you start cleaning. 

Vacuuming also loosens up some of the grime and makes it easier to remove. This will make cleaning more efficient, as loose particles mixing with wet cleaners would penetrate the fibers and adds work for you.

When you vacuum, use the upholstery attachment and gently brush over the entire surface of the sofa.

Step 3: Make Your Own Upholstery Cleaner

You don’t need to go out and buy a brand name cleaner when you already have the ingredients for a homemade upholstery cleaner on hand to make your own.

Ordinary household staples come together to be an effective solution to work out dark stains, pet stains, odors, spills, etc. The following are just a few of the many different homemade clear recipes concocted by domestic engineers. 

Method #1: Grime Remover

This homemade upholstery cleaner is ideal for grimy surfaces as it goes to work to dissolve built-up gunk.

It includes baking soda as a mildly abrasive agent that breaks down acidic soiling and odors. Cornstarch works with the baking soda in this upholstery cleaner recipe to extract moisture, oils, and smells.

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 cup baking soda 
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • A little bit of water

Tools:

  • A vacuum cleaner

Instructions: 

Blend the baking soda and cornstarch together and add water gradually until you form a paste. Apply to the fabric and allow it to dry for about half an hour. Once the paste has dried completely, remove the paste layer with the vacuum. Repeat the process as necessary.

Method #2: Stain Remover for Natural Fabrics

This homemade upholstery cleaner is well-suited for organic and natural fabrics. It helps the piece maintain its eco-friendly character.

This solution includes additive-free (“free and clear” laundry detergent), vinegar, and baking soda. This homemade upholstery mixture forms a powerful paste that works out stubborn stains. The non-toxic ingredients retain the integrity of the organic material.

Ingredients: 

  • 2 tablespoons of free and clear laundry detergent (example: Seventh Generation)
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 2 cups warm water

Tools:

  • Microfiber cloth
  • Bucket

For a supplementary extra-strength upholstery stain remover, make a separate paste of just baking soda and water for spot cleaning the tougher stains.

Instructions: 

In a bucket or large bowl, create your DIY upholstery cleaner by mixing the water, detergent, baking soda, and white vinegar together.

Dip the microfiber cloth into the mixture and wring out the excess. Using a circular motion, gently scrub the cloth along the surface of the fabric. Avoid oversaturating the furniture.

Allow the fabric to air dry and repeat the process as needed (or use the supplementary paste for remaining stains).

Method #3: Removing Pet Odors 

This is the pet owner’s homemade upholstery cleaner. A simple mixture of vinegar and water fights pungent odors left behind by your little darlings.

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 ½ tablespoons vinegar
  • Optional: fragrant essential oil.
  • Optional: baking soda (used separately from the mixture).

Tools:

  • Microfiber cloth or spray bottle (for application).
  • Additional dry cloth (for extraction).
  • Vacuum (for baking soda treatment).

For extra deodorizing power, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture. For accompanying stains, add some hydrogen peroxide to the mixture. Warning: applying undiluted hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain may cause discoloration from its bleaching effect.

Instructions: 

Mix the water and vinegar together (add about a ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide for a stain and a few drops of essential oil for fragrance). 

You can use a spray bottle or a cloth to apply the cleaner to the fabric, but be careful not to soak the material. Oversaturation of the material would allow the urine to penetrate deeper into the underlayer and make it worse.

Use the dry cloth to dab and lift away the soiling and stains. For additional pet urine treatment, sprinkle the affected area with baking soda. The baking soda works to neutralize acidic urine residue. Let the baking soda sit for a while, then vacuum it away.

Homemade Upholstery Cleaner Tips

Before you round up the ingredients and tools to apply your homemade upholstery cleaner, we have some bonus tips to share.

  • Vacuum: Vacuuming is highly effective to lift and purge waste particles from the furniture. Start and end with vacuuming (or throughout the cleaning process when appropriate). Shop vacs are ideal if you wish to vacuum while using a wet solution.
  • Spot test: Test the cleaner on a spot that is hidden (such as the underside of the couch cushion). This will determine if the cleaner is safe to use on the rest of the sofa (especially when the mixture includes hydrogen peroxide). Better to discolor only a small part you can hide than to accidentally bleach-stain the entire sofa.
  • Moderation: Gradually apply the cleaner. Applying much homemade cleaner creates a whole new problem.
  • Tool variety: Try different kinds of cloths, brushes, or other cleaning tools to lift the stains with your homemade upholstery cleaner.
  • Let it sit: Get the most from the cleaning agents in your homemade upholstery cleaner by letting it rest on the surface (about 5-10 minutes) before you start scrubbing or dabbing at it.

Professional Cleaning Services in Richardson, TX

New furniture is expensive. It’s a bummer to see a sofa you spent a lot of money on begin to look like a curbside throw-away. With knowledge about what your furniture is made of and some common household items, you can make your own potent homemade upholstery cleaner to give your sofas and chairs new life! 

If you don’t get the dazzling results you were hoping for, SERVPRO is available to come out and do your Richardson upholstery cleaning. Sometimes upholstery needs a professional touch, especially when a mold starts to grow on it. Our expert technicians will make it like the stains never even happened.

SERVPRO is also here for Richardson commercial cleaning. If your office, lobby, or restaurant needs a refresh, we’ll come out and make the upholstery like new! Call us anytime at (972) 690-1414 for free pricing!

Yuck, Gross! How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothes

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Pet odor removal picture

Cats are adorable creatures. But all good things in life come with their drawbacks. It's all very well and good when you’re besotted with your cute furbaby's monkey antics. But what goes in must come out. Most cats will happily jump into a clean litter tray and do their business. It's almost like an unwritten rule with cats that they like being clean. Phew. But not so fast. If your cat is peeing on your clothes, there are two ways to address the problem. Basically, you need a two-pronged strategy that addresses the stinky garments, and stops your cat from relieving himself outside of the litter box. Here’s how to get cat pee smell out of clothes. 



Toxins in Cat Pee 

Your cat is a cute and tiny creature, but somehow and for some reason, they excrete some of the most toxic waste known to man. You can’t even put cat litter down the toilet as it's too toxic. And the only place considered suitable for soiled cat litter is a landfill where it remains unsafe for several years. 

Cat urine contains a high concentration of ammonia even before it’s dried. Breathing in ammonia can be harmful to all humans. But it’s especially dangerous if you have respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis. Cat pee can still trigger symptoms like rashes, itching, red eyes, and a runny nose in people who don’t usually suffer from allergies. 

How to Stop Your Cat from Peeing on Your Clothes

It would be altogether better if your cat didn't pee on your clothes—ever.  Let's discuss why and how you can stop your cat from using the laundry basket as a toilet. That way, you may never have to learn about how to get cat pee smell out of clothes. 

First, let's address your cat’s typical toileting behavior. It's easy to get super busy and forget to clean the litter tray for several days. But where does that leave your cat? To not soil your house and pee on your clothes, your cat must venture with bare paws into the Trainspotting toilet from hell. So the main reason that a cat will urinate on your fresh laundry is that it seems like a perfectly adequate, cleaner bathroom solution to using an unclean litter tray. 

The first port of call is to keep on top of the litter tray cleaning. You can invest in litter trays that will clean themselves. So even if you’re busy or gone for a few days, the cat won’t be tempted to do his business on your favorite cardigan. 

Cat Behavioral Issues

If you have an unneutered male cat, he’ll invariably spray his pee around. Like all living creatures, instinct and hormones drive your cat’s (sometimes infuriating) behavior. He simply must get his scent out there to tell any lady cats he’s single and fabulous. His hormones demand it of him, and an unneutered tomcat is rarely a pleasant creature 24/7. 

The urine he is genetically and hormonally driven to spray all over your home and clothes will have a pungent odor, almost like stale onions. In Cat World, your pee is your personal eau de toilette. It's Chanel, Gucci, Jean-Paul Gaultier—it's raw—and the pungency is intended to get those ladies coming. But it actually stinks so much that you don't need cat noses to pick up the scent. 

As soon as a cat is around 8-14 months old, he will mature and start exhibiting this behavior. So have the little fellow neutered inexpensively, and he'll be much happier. And so will your clothes. 

Cats also pee to mark their territory. If you have more than one cat, there could be a few unresolved issues about pecking order among the pride. Generally speaking, though, this should be minimal if all the cats are neutered.  

Cat Urine and Veterinary Issues

If you’ve kept pristine boudoirs for your cat's daily needs, and he still chooses to urinate around the house and on your clothes, then take him to the vet. They can rule out any physical problems such as a urinary tract infection which is very common with cats. 

Your cat may also find the litter box uncomfortable. Try different designs. Some cats prefer a box that’s built like a cave. While others find an open-bathroom concept more inviting. Also, the litter you use may be too rough for your cats paws. Experiment with a softer litter and see if that solves the problem. 

Also, don’t set your cat up to fail. Don’t leave laundry lying around the house. Invest in a lidded hamper and put clothes away promptly. Leaving piles of laundry on the floor for sorting may be too tempting for a feisty tom. Now with prevention dealt with, let's tackle how to cat pee smell out of clothes. 

Cleaning Strategies for How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothes

It's never a good idea to put urine-stained clothing directly into the washing machine. Aside from the fact that standard laundering could still leave your clothes smelly, one urine-stained item may make the whole wash stink. Follow these easy steps for how to get cat pee smell out of clothes. 

  1. Rinse the affected clothes with cold water and blot dry with paper towels. 
  2. Soak the clothes in oxygen bleach. Fill a sink with water and a half cup of oxygen bleach that won't damage clothes. Leave the clothes soaking for one to four hours. 
  3. Soak the items in vinegar wash. Make a solution of one-part white vinegar to three-parts cold water and apply to the clothes for a few minutes. Then, scrub in some baking soda on the affected part and let sit for a few more minutes. 
  4. Wash the clothes on a cold setting with no detergent. Then, air-dry the clothes after washing. Washing with hot water and then drying with a heat setting risks baking in the odor before the smell is removed. 
  5. After the clothes air-dry, wash them again in cold water with detergent. Air dry once more. 

Once you’ve followed these five steps, you should be able to wash the clothes on a warm setting with detergent and the smell should be gone. 

Need a helping hand?

If the problem of animal odors in your home is a little bigger than just smelly clothes, then we here at SERVPRO of Richardson can help. If you're looking to rent out a home and you need it smelling fresh, then SERVPRO of Richardson offers professional cleaning services that will save you from rolling up your sleeves. And for a home with a lingering odor, then choose our deodorizing pet odor removal service. 

For a clean and fresh home, what are you waiting for? Our service is fast and affordable, and you can get a free no-obligation quote today when you call us at (972) 690-1414.

What’s that Nasty, Smelly Odor? How to Get Rid Nasty Odor Fast

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Nothing says home sweet home like a clean, fresh-smelling house. Have you ever walked into your home and wondered, “ew, what stinks?” Worse yet, you may have had the fear that guests could walk into your home and have the same thought. It’s embarrassing to be that friend with the smelly house. But we’re all adults here. Kids, pets, and just normal, everyday living can make your home smell less than ideal. Here’s how you can get rid of nasty odor fast so your home can smell as fresh and clean as the day you bought it. 

What Are The Biggest Culprits Making Your House Smell

Several common offenders could be causing a nasty odor to waft down your halls, into your bedroom, or linger in your kitchen, putting a damper on everyone’s appetite. Mainly, the biggest causes of bad smells and odors are:

  • Pets
  • Mold and Mildew
  • Bacteria build-up

Basically, bad smells come from bacteria and germs. Dogs and cats bring in mud and gunk inside, and anyone who has kids knows they can do a number on your carpets. Appliances can hold in mold and mildew smells. And fabrics? The worst offenders. Fabrics like carpets and curtains hold in pet odor, old spills, and odor-causing bacteria like no other floor covering. 

You might be worried that you’ll have to replace the carpets to get a fresh-smelling house again. But fear not. It’s possible to clean your carpets to remove pet odor while saving you time, money, and hassle on a carpet replacement. Below are the top odor-causing offenders and the steps you can take to freshen things up. 

Remove Odors from the Trash Can

It’s obvious - trash smells. But what if you’ve taken out the trash, and the place still reeks like three-day-old takeout boxes? What could possibly be going on? Sometimes when your house smells like trash, it’s not the trash itself, but the actual trash can or bin that’s causing you problems. 

Most trash cans are made of plastic, and plastic is a porous material. Odor-causing bacteria can become lodged into the can, causing it to smell even when it’s empty. Cleaning it and removing the odor is easy. Sprinkle baking soda in the can, especially under the led. Scrub it down with a clean sponge, then spray the trash can with a disinfectant to kill the odor-causing bacteria for good. 

Appliances

The fridge, dishwasher, and microwave are top offenders for odor-causing bacteria. Anywhere you prep and store food is going to collect a disturbing amount of germs that waft a not-so-lovely odor. For the dishwasher, be sure to use dishwasher-cleaning soaps or pods at least once per month to eliminate and prevent offensive smells. Be sure to rinse or wipe your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher to cut down on odors and bacteria from accruing inside the appliance.

The fridge is easy to freshen-up as well but will take a bit of elbow grease. Sometimes food and drinks will spill, and crumbs will gather in the corners of the shelves and drawers. Once a month or so, scrub it all down with soap and water. Leave an open container of baking soda inside the fridge to absorb smells in-between cleanings. 

Maybe you’ve wiped down the inside of your microwave, and it still reeks. Microwaves see a lot of action when it comes to cooking your food, and as such, they will absorb odors and smells. One way to eliminate them after you clean the inside with soap and water is to boil water and sliced lemons inside the microwave. 

Washing machines can trap mold and mildew and start to smell, too, especially front-loading machines. Fortunately, it’s not hard to eliminate odors here. Simply wash away the smell by pouring two cups of bleach into the empty washer, and then run it on a full load with hot water. 

Carpets and Pet Odor Removal

Carpets are an attractive home for bacteria and all kinds of smelly odors. Soft and porous materials love to trap smells and germs, and carpets do an exceptional job of it. If you have pets and carpets both, then you’ve got your work cut out for you to keep on top of things. Fortunately, it’s not that hard to freshen up the carpets. 

Depending on how much carpet you have, you will need a generous amount of baking soda to get the job done. Sprinkle baking soda on every surface of the rug. This baking soda trick for cleaning carpets also works on pet beds. You’ll need to let the baking soda sit for at least an hour. Go binge-watch your favorite Netflix show, or go visit your friend for a few hours while the baking soda works its magic. 

When you return, just vacuum up the baking soda. Mild smells and pet odors should be gone. But for severe smells and offensive odors, you’ll want to contact a professional. 

Pet Odor Removal Services: A Takeaway Message

Pets are treasured members of our family, but they sure can cause a stink, especially if you have carpets. No matter how often you clean, these smells can accumulate over time. Pets can also get old and sick and may have more accidents in the home, which can do a number on your carpets and furniture. An accident or two can be easily removed with a little bit of white vinegar mixed with water. But for bigger jobs, you’ll need the help of professionals. 

At SERVPRO Richardson, we’ve smelled our fair share of pet odors. We have successfully removed them, too, with our proprietary pet odor removal services. If you’re looking to get your home or rental property market-ready and need it smelling fresh, we can help. If your home sweet home has been smelling less than sweet lately, contact us today at (972) 690-1414. We’ll give you a free, no-obligation quote on our fast and affordable pet odor removal services

Air Duct Cleaning in Dallas: What You Need to Know

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

A home’s HVAC system is comprised of a complex array of ductwork and other components. Ducts are wound throughout the house, bringing either cool or warm air into the living space and keeping residents comfortable. Those air ducts can also become the perfect conduit for dust, mold, pet dander, and other harmful allergens. Is air duct cleaning in Dallas worth the time and investment? We’ll explore what you need to know. 

When Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

Some Dallas-based HVAC professionals will provide homeowners with instructions on how and when air duct cleaning in Dallas should be performed. A system’s unique cleaning schedule often depends on the climate, costs, equipment operating programs, air contaminants, and the homeowner’s expectations. The age of the system and any wear and tear on it will also impact when you should be cleaning your air ducts. 

New Systems

When a new system is installed, or older ductwork is upgraded, technicians will usually provide access to the system components that should be cleaned or easily replaced if they get dirty. New ductwork and equipment are kept sealed and, therefore, clean until they are ready to be installed. On extensive installation jobs, new ductwork can become clogged with construction debris and dirt. It has to be cleaned before it’s connected to avoid contaminating the indoor air. When upgrading an older system, the ductwork must be cleaned before it’s hooked up to the air handling system. 

Old Ductwork

Ductwork will naturally become dirty, soiled, and contaminated as time goes on, which is why it’s essential to have the system periodically cleaned. Dust can accumulate inside the ductwork over several years, pumping out debris anytime you turn on the furnace or AC. Clean ducts and registers will also keep dust from settling on your furniture and walls, helping to maintain the cleanliness of the home. Ductwork with dead bugs, rodents, mold, dirt, and dust won’t always result in problems with the indoor air quality, or IAQ. In fact, most ducts will be contaminated with dry dust, which is a common issue requiring periodic duct cleaning. This is especially important for home occupants that are prone to allergies and rhinitis. 

Damaged Ductwork

Periodic air duct cleaning in Dallas can also uncover damage to the system. But if you observe any of these issues, you’ll want to schedule a cleaning. In some instances, these issues may even warrant ductwork replacement. 

  • Signs of water damage
  • Mold and mildew growth
  • Debris restricting airflow through the system
  • Air supply registers emitting dust and debris
  • Strange, offensive smells coming from the HVAC system and ducts

The home should be a place of comfort and respite. It’s not good for the home occupants when the HVAC system starts emitting odors or dust and debris. Scheduling a cleaning can keep the ducts free from offensive contaminants and also uncover any issues with the ductwork that needs to be fixed. Scheduling an air duct cleaning can also help to detect mold in the air ducts, and hiring an expert for mold removal services can prevent and inhibit and further mold growth.

Signs You Should Schedule an Air Duct Cleaning in Dallas

Indoor air quality impacts the health of the home’s occupants. Growing concerns about the quality of the home’s indoor air make ductwork cleaning and maintenance a must. When people spend an average of 93% of their lives indoors, breathing in clean air is critical. The following issues and signs indicate that you should have your ductwork cleaned. 

Home Renovation

Are you remodeling the kitchen or having some work done on the interior of the house? This can kick up a lot of dust and debris. Older homes are also likely to have been painted with lead paint at some point in their history. Asbestos abatement in older homes also means the ductwork can become contaminated. During home renovations, the ductwork should always be sealed. If not, dangerous materials can get inside the ductwork and become inhaled. After a home renovation is completed, schedule an air duct cleaning for your home in Dallas. 

Pests and Rodents

Unwanted animals can wreak havoc on the ductwork if they manage to find their way into the system. Debris from pests can cause allergy-like symptoms in the home’s occupants. Plus, debris left from rodents can cause offensive odors to leach through the ductwork. Once pests have been removed, you’ll want to schedule a ductwork cleaning. 

Mold and Mildew

Signs of visible mold growth within the ductwork warrant a cleaning asap. Mold and mildew can have severe impacts on people’s health and make seasonal allergies much worse. While it’s true that mold spores are present in any air you breathe, high concentrations of mold spores in an enclosed space can be harmful to anyone’s health. 

Signs of Contamination

If pet hair, dust, and offensive smells are coming from the ductwork, then it needs to be cleaned. If you’ve already cleaned and vacuumed the registers and are still dealing with dust and contaminants from the ducts, then schedule a cleaning for ductwork in Dallas. 

Sickness

Has someone in your family been struggling with a strange, allergy-related sickness? The ductwork might be to blame. Sometimes the only signs that ductwork needs to be cleaned are if someone suffers from allergy-like symptoms inside the home. Clearing the ductwork of allergens can significantly improve symptoms. 

How to Schedule an Air Duct Cleaning in Dallas

When it comes to scheduling an air duct cleaning, avoid settling. You’ll want the company to do a full cleaning of the heating and cooling unit, not just a sweep of the ducts. Always be sure to check the company’s references, too. Look up third-party reviews and find out everything that is provided in for the price of the advertised duct cleaning. A good rule of thumb is to ask for at least three estimates from reputable HVAC cleaners. A reliable company will provide a free inspection and a detailed, accurate estimate. If you require air duct cleaning in Dallas, keep this information in mind so you can make an informed decision on when and how to clean the ductwork. 

North Texas Duct Cleaning

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

We recommend air duct cleaning every 5-7 years for homes. If you see dust rings on or around your air vents, schedule an air duct cleaning today.

When Was Your Duct’s Last Cleaning?

If you can’t remember the last time your home had its duct cleaned, or if you just looked up at a vent and see rings of dust around it, it may be time to sneak a peek inside the vent and see what’s going on in there.  

Some air vents are high up your home’s walls or ceilings while others are low on the floor.  Usually, there is at least one per room. Grab a screwdriver, ladder, and a flashlight, and then go to a room you and your family spend a lot of time in and open the vent.  Shine a light into the vent. 

What do you see?

If you see a lot of dust buildup or even dust balls, it’s time for an air duct cleaning.  

What is Air Duct Cleaning?

Air duct cleaning is the process of clearing all the debris out of your air ducts and HVAC system.  Most homes should consider an air duct cleaning anywhere between 5-7 years, and homes with multiple pets, tobacco smokers, or people suffering from allergies or asthma should consider it more often.  Air duct cleaning may lead to improved indoor air quality, and sometimes even help with general household odors. 

How Long Does Air Duct Cleaning Take?

Air duct cleaning is a simple process that takes just a few hours for most homes and apartments.  For large properties with many vents and HVAC units, the process is still simple, but it can take up to a day or two.  

What’s the Duct Cleaning Process?

When you set up your service cleaning, we’ll ask you:

  • How many vent openings do you have?
  • How high are the ceilings where those vents are?
  • How many HVAC units do you have?
  • What size filters do you use?

We’ll use this information to prepare for your service date.  When we arrive, we’ll ask you to show us a source of water and which room you’d like us to start in.  We’ll take care of everything else on our own while you relax. 

The process itself is simple and takes time to do it correctly.  

First, we will find every vent opening in your home and take down the vent.  The vents themselves will be sanitized and dried.

Then, we’ll use our professional air duct cleaning machine and insert it into the vent opening.  A specialized brush will travel into the vent, spin, and collect the dust from the vent’s walls while a powerful vacuum takes the dust and carries it into the air duct cleaning machine itself.  

After the dirt has been removed, we’ll inspect your vent and make sure we didn’t miss any errant dust balls.  If the vent is clean, we’ll spray a vent sealer and then reinstall the vent cover. 

We’ll repeat this process until every vent has been cleaned.  Then, we’ll visit your HVAC units and clear them of dust and debris, too.  

Finally, we’ll take out all of your old filters and replace each one with a new one. 

What if There’s Air Duct Mold?

Finding mold in air vents isn’t uncommon.  In fact, we’re often called for an air duct cleaning because the mold has grown enough to come out of the vent and spread onto the adjoining wall. 

If this is the case, we can still help.  We are a licensed Texas Mold Remediation Contractor, and we’ve handled air duct mold removal for many homes and businesses in our 30+ years of serving North Texas.  

We will take photos of the mold and measure it.  Depending on how long the mold stretches will determine if the mold remediation needs to be filed with Texas or not.  Learn more about Texas Mold Law and our mold remediation process here

Free Air Duct Cleaning Estimates in North Texas

Unless your project is complicated and needs a visual inspection, most estimates can be completed over the phone in a short amount of time.  In either case, the estimate is free.  

Give us a call or contact us today for a free air duct cleaning estimate.  

Full-Service SERVPRO Restoration

SERVPRO of Richardson is a restoration company based out of DFW.  We specialize in fire and water damage restoration, mold remediation, and cleaning services like residential and commercial air duct cleaning.  We are one of the full-service restoration companies in North Texas capable of handling any kind and any size of claim from start to end. 

Our headquarters is on the border of Richardson and Plano, TX.  We dispatch 24-hours a day to emergency situations, and we can arrive anywhere in DFW quickly. 

Our franchise has been serving our home of North Texas for over 30 years, and we can help you, too. 

C Diff Cleaning in North Texas

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson is an experienced biohazard cleanup company. Call us today for a free C Diff cleaning consultation and estimate.

C Diff Cleaning in North Texas

If you or a family member is experiencing a C Diff infection and need your home cleaned, give us a call.  Our franchise is experienced in biohazard and bloodborne pathogen cleanup, and we have helped families impacted by C Diff around Dallas Fort Worth clean their homes.

What is C Diff?

C Diff is an abbreviation for Clostridium difficile, which is a bacterium that can cause diarrhea. According to the Mayo Clinic:

“Spores from C. difficile bacteria are passed in feces and spread to food, surfaces and objects when people who are infected don't wash their hands thoroughly. These spores can persist in a room for weeks or months. If you touch a surface contaminated with C. difficile spores, you may then unknowingly swallow the bacteria.”

For more information about C Diff, see the Mayo Clinic’s article.  

C Diff prevention steps include hand-washing, contact precautions, and thorough cleaning.  For families looking for professional C Diff cleaning services, our biohazard team is ready to help.

C Diff Diarrhea Cleaning

When we are called to complete a C Diff cleaning, we are prepared to clean up diarrhea from the exposed individual.  Our office has established a procedure to safely and effectively clean an area exposed to C Diff infected feces and immediate surrounding areas.

Bathroom Cleaning

Our technicians will clean surface areas of the bathroom, including the toilet, with an appropriate biohazard cleanup agent.  Surfaces will be wiped clean after application.

C Diff Cleaning Services

Give us a call if you are interested in having other areas of your home cleaned.  We will visit your property for an inspection and provide a free bid. We offer the following services:

  • Kitchen cleaning
  • Bathroom cleaning
  • Communal area cleaning
  • Vehicle cleaning
  • Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning

Free Cleaning Bids

Call our office today to schedule a free C Diff consultation and cleaning estimate.  Bids are free between 8 AM - 5 PM. Our technicians are available to clean your property 24-hours a day, including weekends.  

C Diff Commercial Cleaning

If you are a business or property owner and you are concerned about C Diff spore exposure, we are available to disinfect your facilities 24-hours a day, including weekends.  Give us a call now to schedule a free consultation and estimate.

Biohazard Waste Disposal

Due to the nature of C Diff, our biohazard cleanup technicians will take every precaution to maintain your safety and their own while they clean your property.  Our technicians will wear appropriate personal protection equipment for their own safety. All cleaning instruments will be treated as biohazard waste and disposed of at an appropriate biomedical waste facility.

Trusted Leader in Biohazard Cleanup, Dallas Texas

SERVPRO of Richardson is an experienced biohazard cleanup company in Dallas Texas.  We have cleaned homes and businesses that have experienced crime scenes, unattended deaths, and other types of trauma resulting in bloodborne pathogen cleanup.  We have performed work in Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and other North Texas communities for over 30 years. With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster.  We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections. You can trust us to restore your home or business.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

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www.SERVPROrichardson.com

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

Source for C Diff Information: The Mayo Clinic

Winter Weather Pet Safety Tips

12/17/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company in Dallas Texas. Photo: Blue Cross Animal Hospital

Winter Weather Pet Safety Tips

At SERVPRO of Richardson, we are all pet lovers.  We even have an office pet -- an African Grey named Gracie.  

Whether it's our own pets or those of our customers, we’re always looking out for our furry (or feathered) friends and making sure their environments are safe and clean.

This is why protecting pets during winter is an important topic for us.

Winter Weather? Bring your Pet Indoors

If the temperature outside is uncomfortable for you, it’s also uncomfortable for a dog or cat.  

Indoor Pet Care

  • Keep your pet in a safe environment away from poisons or other items they might be tempted to chew when they’re not being supervised (e.g. exposed electrical cords or your favorite loafers).  Pet gates are great -- if your pet can’t jump over them or just push them out of the way!
  • Keep your pet in a kennel when you’re away from home.
  • Have an extra supply of cleaning supplies should an accident happen.  If the accident is too much for you to clean up or becomes a mess on your carpet, just give us a call.  We’ll take care of it.

Pet Exercise

  • Make time each day to take pets out for a walk.  This is a great time to release some energy.
  • Dry your pet’s paws and in between their toes with a towel after a walk.  The cold and any chemicals used to melt ice or snow can be irritable to their skin and poisonous if they lick it off.
  • Short haired pets may need to wear a sweater outdoors.

Pet Food

  • Place your pet’s water and food in a plastic bowl.  Their tongues may stick to a metal container.
  • If your pet can safely spend a lot of time outdoors, they also may need to consume more food since their body will need more energy to stay warm.  
  • Outdoor shelters should be big enough to allow movement but small enough to contain body heat.  They should also be a few inches off the ground and the door covered with a heavy plastic to prevent precipitation from getting inside.

Carpet Cleaning Dallas

With so much time being spent indoors, more dust and dander will accumulate in your carpets than usual.  We recommend vacuuming at least twice a week to keep your carpet clean and prevent it from getting damaged.  

For deep carpet cleaning services, give us a call.  We can wet wash your carpet and spray down a sanitizer and deodorizer to leave it smelling the way you like it.  We recommend at least one deep carpet cleaning per year.

Our carpet cleaning bids are free and cover all possible spot cleaning.  We will not give you a low bid for your carpet cleaning only to surprise you with upcharges.  We’re happy to schedule a carpet cleaning any time.

Upholstery Cleaning Services

If your pets have been taking a nap on the family couch, it may be time to get it cleaned.  We can either come to your home and clean your upholstery on the spot or we can take it back to our cleaning facility.

If your pet’s bed needs a wash but is too big for your home washer, or if you just want them professionally cleaned, we can also provide you with this service!

Our Esporta Wash System is a specialized wet wash that handles large pet beds and cleans them to food grade clean.  Our cleaning system is something commercial laundromats and dry cleaners cannot replicate. The Esporta uses hydraulic pressure to push detergent laden water through each layer of fabric in the pet’s bed.  It literally pushes all contaminants out of the fabric! This leaves your pet bed fresh and as clean as the day you bought it.

Our technicians will pick up all the pet beds you’d like cleaned and deliver them as soon as they’re done.

Air Duct Cleaning

With your pets spending more time indoors, you’ll want to make sure you change your HVAC filters more frequently.  At the most, change your filters every 3 months. They’ll need it!

If your family is sensitive to dust, odors, and other contaminants, consider an air duct cleaning.  This service will remove the dust in your air ducts and will help push only clean, filtered air through your system.  It takes only a few hours and the resulting improvement in air quality is worth it.

Give us a call.  We can inspect your home’s ducts and make a recommendation to keep your home’s air quality safe during the winter.  

Trusted Leader in House Cleaning Collin County, North Texas

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas.  We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years.  With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.  You can trust us to restore your home or business.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

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www.SERVPROrichardson.com

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

What Are Textiles and How to Clean Them

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

An ATP Meter tests the Relative Light Units given off by contaminated textiles and helps us determine the level of contamination.

What Are Textiles and How to Clean Them

Contaminated textiles happen at almost all water damages and fires damages.  Our team at SERVPRO of Richardson routinely packs up contaminated items and takes them to our in house cleaning facility for sanitation.  

What Are Textiles?

Picture your home being flipped upside down.  Everything that is not attached to the house itself will fall down.  Those items that fall are called contents.  Now imagine going through all those fallen items and sorting them by what broke versus what did not break.  The items that did not break are most likely textiles.

Textiles include items like:

  • Sheets
  • Blankets
  • Shoes
  • Clothing
  • Stuffed animals
  • Toys
  • Sports equipment, including helmets
  • Hats

We take all of these kinds of items from your property and get them ready for a specialized sanitation wash in a machine called the Esporta.  We are one of the few Esporta certified businesses in North Texas, and our technicians have successfully cleaned over 100,000 items that otherwise would have been thrown away.  Our success rate is over 85% -- among the highest in the textile restoration industry!

Testing Cleanliness in Textiles with ATP Testing

One of the first actions our textile team does is test the items for their contamination levels.  

To test cleanliness, we use ATP testing -- adenosine triphosphate.  ATP is found in all living cells. The higher the ATP number something has, the more contaminated it is.

ATP Testing Process

We take an ATP sample of your textiles before and after they are washed.   We test before they are washed to prove that your textile is actually contaminated enough to warrant professional cleaning.  If it isn’t, there’s no reason to pay us to wash it.

We also test after the item is washed to prove our team has successfully decontaminated your item.  This is how we make sure your clothes are safe and healthy to wear again.

Taking an ATP sample is simple.  

First, we use an ATP Sampling Swab and swab the surface area of the affected textile.  The swab is coated with a detergent that lifts ATP from the textile.

Then, we moisten the swab with a bioluminescent reagent, which will make the ATP create light.  The amount of light that is created is directly correlated to the amount of ATP on the textile.

Finally, we insert the wet swab into an ATP meter, which measures the light.  The result we receive is in Relative Light Units (RLU). Using this data, our technicians know the level of contamination.  

A “pass” score on the ATP meter puts the item at a food grade safe level, meaning it is clean and safe to handle or wear again.  If an item receives a fail score, it will be washed again.

How Esporta Works

The Esporta Wash System process is simple.  Our machine uses a combination of up to six environmentally friendly detergents according to the type of contamination the clothing contains.  

Textiles are placed inside the machine in separate compartments.  Inside, they spin in detergent-laden water while staying in place.  Since the items don’t move inside the machine, the textiles are cleaned by hydraulic pressure instead of agitation.  This makes the Esporta system gentle on all fabrics, even as contaminants are literally pushed out of the fabric by the detergent water.

The end result is textiles that are near neutral pH and food grade clean.

We have successfully sanitized items with the following contaminants:

Most textile cleaning projects are packed out, cleaned, and delivered back to the homeowner within two weeks.  

If emergency items are needed, we ask the homeowner what items they need and make sure to wash those on an emergency basis, which cuts down the time of delivery to less than 72 hours.  

We offer emergency items because we understand that everyone needs clothing to continue their day to day living, even in the middle of a disaster.  

Esporta

At SERVPRO of Richardson, we have invested in the most advanced wash system -- the Esporta Wash System.  With Esporta and the ATP sampling system, we can always prove our results.

An independent study by Wonder Makers Environmental took sewage contaminated textiles.  The study concluded that the Esporta Wash System is effective at removing bacterial contamination and that the ATP sampling system is an effective means of field verification.

Since textiles are what we wear, what we sleep on, and what our children play with, cleaning and making them safe to handle again is our top priority.  

We can prove it.

Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas.  We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years.  We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

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www.SERVPROrichardson.com

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

Why and How to Wash A Comforter, Bed Sheets, and Linens

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

An internal shot of the Esporta washing machine.  This shows how our machine's compartments lock items in place to ensure a gentle and efficient wash.

We’re talking about everything on top of your mattress -- sheets, blankets, and comforters.  All of these items are meant to keep your mattress clean and to keep you comfortable and warm while you sleep.

But if you don’t clean them often enough, they eventually become a bacterial mess.

What’s on Bedding?

What is on your skin rubs off onto your linens.  That includes any ointments, unwashed makeup, and whatever else you’ve carried on your skin and hair and haven’t washed off before bed.  

Over the course of just a few days, this mixture will accumulate on your linens and rub against you as you sleep, possibly causing your skin some problems like irritation or acne.

How to Clean Sheets

Sheets are easy to clean.  Throw them into your washer once a week using the warm/hot water setting.  Don’t overcrowd the machine.

After their wash, throw them in the dryer with a rubber dryer ball to make sure they dry evenly.  

Then, store them in a cool, dry place where dust won’t find them.  This is how they’ll stay fresh and clean for their next use.

How to Clean Comforters and Blankets

Blankets and comforters are usually protected by your top sheet, but eventually, they need some love, too.  These can be washed at home, however, large ones with heavy fibers can be a challenge to wash properly.

For these pieces to be cleaned thoroughly, water should penetrate the fibers to force the contaminants off.

We’ve heard about some trouble people have had at home, and we’ve had this trouble ourselves.  

  • The washing machine can’t properly soak the comforter all the way through
  • The washing machine leaves soap behind

In these cases, you need a bigger and more powerful machine.  Some people find a commercial laundromat that can fit their sized comforters, and others take them to their local dry cleaner.  

Commercial Laundromats and Dry Cleaners

We don’t prefer either of these methods for a few reasons:

  • A traditional machine, even a commercial sized one, will wash your comforter using agitation.  Imagine it in the machine getting tossed and turned. That agitation will eventually damage the fabrics and cause them to fray.  If you are trying to clean a family heirloom blanket, this is a problem.
  • Dry cleaners use harsh chemicals to wash clothing.  This isn’t something many people prefer to have to touch their skin at night.

If you’re having trouble washing your heavy comforter or blanket, we can help.

Esporta

Our Esporta Washing System will not just wash your comforter, but it will disinfect your comforters and blankets.  

Our machine looks like a huge laundry machine, but it has different compartments inside.  We will place your comforter into one of these compartments and tell the machine what kind of cycle to run.  

After we shut the door, the bottom half of the machine fills up with water that gets mixed with up to six different detergents.  Then, the machine’s compartments start to spin rapidly.

While your comforter is locked into place and doesn’t move at all, the hydraulic pressure created by the spinning literally pushes the detergent laden water through every single layer of fabric in your comforter.  This movement causes over 99% of contaminants to be pushed out.

The lack of agitation inside the machine means your comforter stays in its position and is not rubbed or twisted.  This process makes it a lot more gentle on its fabrics.

One of the best aspects of the machine is that the clothing that comes out of the wash are food grade clean and near pH neutral.  Our detergents are environmentally friendly and safe for your skin.

After its wash, each comforter is dried either in a gentle dryer cycle or air dried in a specialized chamber.  After it’s dry, we test your comforter to ensure it meets our disinfection standards, and you are always provided with a copy of those results.

We’ve successfully sanitized thousands of pieces of clothing and textiles, including those that have been in sewage contaminated water, covered in fire smoke, and even mold infested.  We have one of the highest rates of restoration success in the industry with over 85% of textiles sanitized and completely restored to satisfaction.

We pick up and drop off your textiles anywhere in Dallas, Fort Worth Metroplex.  Call or email us today if you have questions or you’d like a free quote.  

We’re ready to help!

Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas.  We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years.  With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.  You can trust us to restore your home or business.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

Follow us:

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www.SERVPROrichardson.com

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

Esporta Cleaning for Clothes and Textile Cleaning

11/1/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson is one of the few Esporta certified firms in North Texas. We clean mold, fire smoke, and water damaged clothing.

Esporta Cleaning

When someone is dealing with a water or fire damage in their home or business, there are a lot of emotions and things to consider.  The idea of handling multiple companies for different parts of the restoration process is a lot to handle. Most customers just want to call one company who can work with them from start to end.

We understand that this is a difficult time and customers need a company who take care of them properly.  

This is why we decided to add clothing and textile cleaning as part of our restoration process.  Another name for this is soft contents restoration. We can now restore clothes affected by Category 2 and Category 3 water damage, mold growth, and fire and smoke odor removal.

Esporta Wash System

Unlike home washing machines or traditional dry cleaning, Esporta is a wet wash system.  Our machine uses a combination of up to six environmentally friendly detergents according to the type of damage the clothing contains.  

Textiles are placed inside the machine, where they spin in detergent laden water while staying in place.  Since the items don’t move inside the machine, the textiles are cleaned by hydraulic pressure instead of agitation.  This makes the Esporta system gentle on all fabrics, even as contaminants are literally pushed out of the fabric by the detergent water.

The end result is textiles that are near neutral pH and food grade clean!

We are one of the few Esporta certified firms in North Texas.  Our business has the unique capability of packing your damaged clothing and taking it back to our in house cleaning facility.  

Our Esporta cleaning technicians have cleaned thousands of pieces of clothing with a success rate of over 85%. This rate of success is among the highest in the clothing cleaning industry.

  • We’ve successfully cleaned over 100,000 items.
  • Most items are ready to be returned within 2 weeks.
  • We also offer a 72 hour emergency item cleanup where we clean clothing you need to continue living your life while the rest of your wardrobe is getting finished.  We deliver all items back to you.

Soft Contents Restoration

Soft contents restoration is a specialized service within the restoration industry.  Since we clean clothing and other textiles that have been affected by mold, soot, and contaminated water, our specialists put on personal protective equipment while they proceed with the Esporta cleaning process.  We have been successful in cleaning the following:

  • Mold affected clothing and shoes.  We have cleaned all types of mold.
  • Smoke, soot affected clothing.  After a water damage, one of the first things we take out of a home is the clothing and textiles to avoid the soot from permanently staining the clothing.
  • Sports equipment, including sports with padded equipment like football and hockey.
  • Water damaged clothing from contaminated waters like category 2 water and category 3 water (gray and black water).

Water Damage Restoration Texas

There are many water damage restoration companies in Texas, but only a few offer in house Esporta services.  Choose a business that can take care of your clothing themselves instead of a company that will take your clothes and give them to another business (and possibly charge you more) to take care of this specialty item.  

The Esporta is special because it can clean items that have been in contaminated water.  You may have heard of gray or black water. This is what those terms mean.

IICRC Water Classification

  • Category 1 Water (Clean)

(Clean): The water is clean and sanitary.  It does not pose a substantial risk. Category 1 water may turn into a Category 2 or 3 water damage if it's not cleaned soon, typically within 3 days.  If your clothing has been touched by clean water, there’s no problem. A regular washing machine can take care of this for you.

  • Category 2 Water (Gray)

(Gray): This water carries waste products and is not clean, but it also does not contain human waste.  You may choose to put these clothes in your home washer if you use chemicals that can safely kill the contaminants on your clothes, but this still doesn’t ensure that all contaminants will be flushed out of the clothing’s fabrics.

  • Category 3 Water (Black)

(Black): This water poses a significant health risk.  External flooding and sewage backups are both Category 3 and contain gross contamination and present a danger of spreading bacteria and disease.  Do not attempt to put clothing this dirty in your home laundry.

Fire Damage Restoration Dallas

Many customers ask if how to get fire smoke out of clothes.  Smoke particles are tricky to get out of clothing. Home laundry machines do not have enough power to get the particles completely out, and dry cleaners may permanently leave the particles in.  The most successful rate of restoration for clothing with smoke odor is the Esporta.

Our machine uses hydraulic pressure to literally push the smoke particles out of the clothing.  In many cases, the soot that has settled onto the fabric can also be completely removed. Unfortunately, the soot sometimes leaves a permanent yellow stain if it has stayed on the fabric for multiple days.  If a stain is left, we do not consider the item recovered and we report this to your insurance company.

Time matters when restoring soot stained clothing!  This is why our technicians always gather your clothing and textiles and rush them to our cleaning facility after a water damage.  The faster we can start cleaning them, the higher the chance of everything being recovered.

Mold Remediation Dallas

We’ve successfully remediated thousands of items of clothes with mold spores in them.  When mold is allowed to live on an item long enough, it will eventually eat right through it!  Once that happens, the mold damage is permanent. If we find clothing with mold growth, we’ll immediately get them to our Esporta station for cleaning.  

We Offer ATP Testing

We use ATP testing to prove contamination levels.  ATP -- adenosine triphosphate -- is found in all living cells.  Anything alive has ATP. The greater the ATP level, the greater the microbial contamination.  

We take an ATP sample of different surfaces before and after they are cleaned, and this is how we prove:

1) if your clothing is dirty enough to warrant professional cleaning, and

2) that our team has successfully sanitized your clothing after cleanup

Our primary purpose in testing for ATP is to prove our results and ensure the safety of our customers.  If any item fails to receive a passing ATP score, the clothing is cleaned again at no added cost to you.  Our process is thorough and gives our customers peace of mind.

We Work With All Insurance Companies

We work with all insurance providers to ask for your textile cleaning to be part of your claim.  Since we do not have access to your insurance policy, we can never say anything definitive until we speak with your adjuster.  In many, clothing mold removal is covered.

Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas.  We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years.  With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.  You can trust us to restore your home or business.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

Follow us:

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin   YouTube

www.SERVPROrichardson.com

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.