Beware of Dryer Vent Fires!


Most homeowners know to clean the lint trap after every load of laundry, but what about the dryer vent? After a long winter, your dryer has likely worked overtime, handling bulky sweaters, heavy blankets, and extra laundry loads. Many people don’t realize that clogged dryer vents are one of the leading causes of house fires.
Each year, thousands of house fires are sparked by blocked dryer vents, causing millions of dollars in damage and, tragically, even loss of life. With spring cleaning around the corner, now is the perfect time to inspect, clean, and protect your home from this serious—but preventable—fire hazard.
Why are dryer vent fires common?
Dryers push hot air through wet clothes and expel moisture through a vent. Over time, lint and debris build up inside the vent system, creating a highly flammable blockage. During winter, when windows stay shut, and clothes take longer to dry, lint accumulation happens even faster. Lint is highly flammable, airflow is restricted during drying, causing overheating, birds and pests can build nests inside vents, and other issues arise.
Early action
If clothes take longer to dry than normal, your dryer feels excessively hot to the touch, you noticed a burning smell when running the dryer, there is excessive lint behind or around the dryer, the outside vent flap doesn’t open properly when the dryer is on, and other signs … this means it’s time for action.
What to do
First, unplug or turn off the gas, depending on the type of dryer you have. Then move it from the wall.
Use a screwdriver to loosen the vent clamp and carefully pull the vent hose away from the back of the dryer. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment or a dryer vent brush to clean out the vent hose and the duct leading to the outside. Be thorough … lint can accumulate deep inside the venting system. Go outside and locate the vent opening. Remove any lint, dirt, or animal nests blocking airflow. Make sure the vent flap moves freely. Then reconnect the vent hose, secure the clamp, and move the dryer back into place. Run the dryer on an empty cycle for 5–10 minutes to ensure proper airflow.
A professional dryer vent cleaning service can help if you're unsure about tackling this. But if the worst does happen and a fire does occur, you need professional help from a restoration company. Do the right thing and call them ASAP. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Dirty Patio Furniture!


As winter fades and the days grow longer, you might step outside and realize your once beautiful patio furniture looks a little worse. Winter can be brutal on outdoor furniture—metal, wood, plastic, or fabric. But don't worry—spring is the perfect time to bring your patio set back to life. As professional cleaning experts, we're here to tell you just how bad it can get and, more importantly, how to restore it to its former glory.
The winter damage report

1. Mold, mildew, and algae growth
   Mold and mildew are almost guaranteed if your furniture sits outside in damp conditions. Fabric cushions and umbrella covers are especially prone to mildew, while plastic and wooden surfaces can develop green algae that make them slippery and unsightly.
   
2. Rust and corrosion
   Metal furniture doesn't stand a chance against months of moisture. Rust forms when water and oxygen react with iron or steel, weakening the furniture's integrity.
   
3. Fading and cracking
   Freezing temperatures and constant moisture can cause wood to crack and split, while plastic furniture may become brittle. UV exposure, even in winter, can fade cushions and painted surfaces.
   
4. Dirt and grime buildup
   Leaves, pollen, and general dirt settle into every crevice over the winter, making furniture look dull and uninviting. Dust and moisture can still exist even if you cover your patio set.
   

The spring fix
Now that we've covered the bad news, here's the good news—you can save your outdoor furniture with a thorough spring cleaning. Remove any loose debris by wiping surfaces or using a leaf blower. Then start deep cleaning based on the material.

• Metal furniture: Use warm water and mild dish soap to remove dirt and grime. For rust spots, lightly sand the area and apply a rust-resistant primer before repainting.
  
• Wood furniture: Clean with a soft brush and a mix of water and white vinegar to remove mold. Avoid pressure washing, as it can damage the wood fibers.
  
• Plastic or resin furniture: A simple baking soda paste can help remove stains.
  
• Cushions and fabrics: It is best to leave this to the pros.
  

A little spring cleaning can go a long way in reviving your outdoor space, making it fresh and inviting just in time for warmer days. But when you need expert help, do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Hidden Water Damage!
Water damage is one of the most prevalent issues many homeowners face, with a few hidden dangers that will concern you. Obvious signs like stains or warped flooring indicate a problem, but hidden water damage can wreak havoc on the structure of your home and your family's health in silence.
This unseen menace can originate from leaky pipes, faulty plumbing, roof damage, or natural disasters, and it often goes undetected for months or even years.
The risks associated with hidden water damage involve mold growth and property damage. The damp and dark areas created by undetected water leaks are ideal for mold, with spores that can spread rapidly and may affect air quality, leading to allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Once mold becomes visible, the situation often reaches a point where costly remediation and repairs are required.
Water in hidden areas can also damage the structure of your house. With time, it can weaken the foundational structure, rot the wood, and erode the drywall, leading to sagging ceilings, warped walls, and unstable floors. In extreme cases, long-term exposure to water can result in dramatic structural failures, such as wall collapses or foundation cracks, which are very hazardous to your household.
In addition to health and structural risks, hidden water damages might bring financial burdens. Most insurance policies will not cover damage that is not reported immediately, leaving homeowners to pay for the repairs themselves. Moreover, the longer the damage goes undetected, the more extensive and expensive the necessary repairs become.
To protect your home from hidden water damage, consider these steps:

• Inspect regularly: Look for stains, damp spots, or musty odors in areas prone to moisture, such as basements, bathrooms, and under sinks.
  
• Monitor plumbing: Check for leaks in pipes, faucets, and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines.
  
• Proper ventilation: Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms should be well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
  
• Gutter maintenance: Keep gutters and downspouts clear and never allow water to accumulate near the foundation of your house.
  
• Invest in detection tools: Moisture detectors can be bought, or experts can be hired to find these hidden problems early for periodic home inspections.
  

Hidden water damage is a silent yet dangerous threat to your home and health. Prevention is always more cost-effective and efficient than repairs. But when you do have water damage issues, do the right thing and call your favorite disaster restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Stubborn Soap Scum!


We all know that daily bathing is essential for good health and hygiene. And with bathing comes the task of keeping the shower clean from “soap scum.”


Soap scum? What’s that? While not a scientific term, soap scum is the cloudy film that accumulates on shower surfaces, building up from the combination of soap fats, minerals in water, body oils, and dirt. Over time, this buildup hardens, becoming increasingly difficult to remove and potentially becoming a source for mold to grow.


Addressing stubborn shower scum promptly is essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic bathroom. Simply scrubbing it like a typical dirty surface won’t work.


To remove soap scum, you can purchase a cleaning product specifically for showers and baths, but if you are a do-it-yourself addict, you can create your own with one cup of white vinegar, one cup of water, and one tablespoon of dish detergent.


Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake the bottle so it is all mixed up. In a wet shower or bath, spray the solution all over the affected areas, let it sit for several minutes, and spray it again. Scrub the surface with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth (if you choose something abrasive, be very careful not to scratch the surface).


Rinse and inspect… and if there is any remaining soap scum, there is a second round of treatment to consider.


Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the areas that need more work. Spray the same solution over the baking soda. It should fizz a bit. Allow it to sit a few minutes, and sprinkle and spray again if the fizz was significant. Rinse thoroughly, allow to dry, and inspect. You should see great results from these efforts.


Another way to reduce soap scum is to have a quality water softener installed in your home. Softer water cleans better and addresses the underlying cause of most issues in baths and showers: Hard water. Hard water contains high concentrations of minerals, which react with soap and thus forms soap scum faster.


With or without a water softening system, if you focus on regular maintenance and prompt cleaning, you will keep soap scum at bay and avoid the need for extensive cleaning.


The time will come when you need a professional cleaning service to help with tough tasks. Do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Doing THIS After a Fire!


A kitchen fire can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, leaving homeowners unsure of what to do next. While it’s natural to want to jump in and start cleaning or fixing the damage, it’s crucial to approach the aftermath of a fire with caution. Making the wrong moves can lead to further damage, health risks, or complications with insurance claims.


Here are key things homeowners should never do after a kitchen fire—and what to do instead.


Don’t re-enter quickly.


After the fire is extinguished, it’s tempting to re-enter your home to assess the damage. However, doing so without clearance from fire officials can be dangerous. Hidden structural damage, lingering smoke, and hazardous air quality may pose serious risks to your safety. Wait for professionals to declare the area safe.


Don’t DIY


Smoke and soot damage require specialized cleaning techniques. Attempting to clean walls, cabinets, or appliances yourself can worsen the damage or cause permanent stains. Instead, contact a professional restoration company with experience in fire damage cleanup. They have the proper tools and knowledge to restore your home safely and effectively.


Don’t use damaged appliances.


Even if they appear functional, appliances exposed to heat, smoke, or water should only be used once inspected by a qualified technician. Fire damage can compromise electrical systems, increasing the risk of short circuits or electrical fires.


Don’t ignore the air quality.


The aftermath of a fire often includes harmful particles in the air, such as soot, ash, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Avoid spending extended time in the affected area until the air has been professionally cleaned and purified. Breathing in these particles can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.


Don’t skip documentation.


Document all damage before cleaning or repairs begin. Skipping this step can complicate your insurance claim. Take photos and videos of all affected areas and thoroughly inventory damaged items.


What you should do


Contact your insurance company immediately to start the claims process and arrange for professional restoration services. Prioritize safety, and don’t hesitate to consult experts who can guide you through the recovery process. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a safer, smoother recovery after a kitchen fire and protect your home from further harm.


And, of course, call your favorite disaster restoration company for help. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Winter Invasions!


Winter brings charm and unwelcome guests: Dirt, sludge, and grime. Between snowy boots, dripping umbrellas, and road salt, your home doesn’t take long to look and feel messy. Thankfully, a few simple strategies can keep the muck at bay and help your home spring in great shape.


The winter-ready entry


The entryway is your first defense against winter mess—place heavy-duty doormats outside and inside your door to catch dirt and moisture before they get in. Consider adding a shoe rack or boot tray to keep footwear organized and contained. Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes at the door.


Create a cleaning kit


Keep a dedicated winter cleaning kit near your entryway for quick touch-ups. Include items like a small broom and dustpan, a microfiber mop, and a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner. A quick wipe-down of muddy areas as they happen can prevent dirt from spreading.


Protect your floors


Floor protection is key during the winter months. Use washable rugs in high-traffic areas and hallway runners to prevent dirt from reaching your floors. For more delicate flooring, consider laying down protective plastic mats or area rugs that are easy to clean.


Keep pets in check


Pets can track in their fair share of dirt and snow. Wipe their paws with a towel or pet-safe paw cleaner before letting them inside. Keep a mat or towel by the door for extra messy days to catch any lingering moisture.


Regular maintenance


Vacuuming and mopping more frequently during winter is essential to staying ahead of the grime. Focus on entryways, mudrooms, and other high-traffic areas. Don’t forget to check for hidden salt or dirt that might damage your floors over time.


Prepare for spring


Start thinking ahead by decluttering and organizing areas prone to winter buildup. A little prep now will make the spring cleaning season much more manageable. With a few thoughtful measures, you can keep your home clean and welcoming throughout the winter months and be ready to embrace the fresh start of spring without a hassle.


But sometimes, the cleaning tasks you need to complete can be overwhelming. There is help for you when those times occur. Contact your favorite cleaning company for specialized tasks like carpet and furniture cleaning. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Pervasive Smoke Odors!


Smoke odors, such as wood-burning fireplaces, cooking mishaps, and nearby wildfires, can seep into homes. Once inside, these odors cling to fabrics, furniture, carpet, and even walls, creating persistent smells that may last for months if left untreated.


Understanding how smoke odors permeate a space and learning practical ways to combat them can save homeowners time and frustration.


Why so persistent?


Smoke particles are tiny, allowing them to infiltrate porous surfaces throughout your home. Once they settle, they can be challenging to eliminate, especially in materials like curtains, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Over time, these particles can become embedded in drywall, insulation, and even air ducts, lingering the smell.


In addition to being a nuisance, lingering smoke odors can pose health risks. Breathing in these particles, especially from materials burned in wildfires or cigarettes, can irritate the lungs and worsen respiratory conditions. Smoke odors can also trigger symptoms for those with asthma or allergies, making it essential to address them as quickly as possible.


One of the best ways to prevent smoke odors from entering your home is to seal gaps and cracks, use air purifiers, and maintain your ventilation system. These are three great strategies everyone should embrace.


Quick fixes for existing odors


If smoke odors have already permeated your home, several do-it-yourself methods and products can help reduce their impact:

1. Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal placed in bowls around affected areas can absorb odors over time. It’s especially effective in smaller rooms and enclosed spaces.
   
2. Steam cleaning: For carpet and fabrics that have absorbed smoke, steam cleaning can help release and remove the particles embedded in fibers. A professional steam cleaning is recommended. Renting equipment may help, but it won’t flush contaminants like a professional cleaning can accomplish.
   
3. Essential oils: Using essential oils, like eucalyptus or tea tree, in diffusers or cleaning solutions can mask smoke odors and provide a fresh scent, though it may take several applications. And this is not a permanent solution.
   

For more severe smoke odor issues, such as those caused by house fires or prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke, it’s best to consult a professional cleaning service. Professionals can use specialized equipment, such as ozone generators and thermal foggers, to neutralize smoke odors deeply embedded in the home. After all, it pays to call a pro!