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Beware of Sewage Backups
Few household problems are as nasty, or as dangerous, as a sewage backup. It’s more than an ugly mess. Raw sewage is loaded with bacteria, viruses, and contaminants that can put your health at serious risk. On top of that, it can ruin floors, walls, and belongings if it’s not handled fast and the right way. Knowing what to do (and what not to do) makes all the difference. Act quickly, but stay safe If you notice sewage coming up through a tub, sink, or floor drain, don’t rush in with a mop. That water can carry E. coli, salmonella, and other pathogens. Keep kids and pets far away. If you absolutely must enter the space, wear gloves, boots, and a mask for protection. Stop using the plumbing Running faucets, flushing toilets, or starting the laundry will only add to the problem. Backups often stem from a blocked main sewer line, and any extra water will just push more waste inside your home. Put the brakes on water use until the source is found. Call in the pros This isn’t a job for do-it-yourself fixes. A licensed plumber can figure out whether the blockage is in your house or in the city line. Specialized tools are usually needed to clear it safely. Once the line is fixed, a professional cleaning or restoration company should disinfect everything thoroughly. Without proper sanitizing, harmful germs can stick around long after the visible mess is gone. Know the common causes Tree roots breaking into sewer lines, grease buildup, and flushing things that don’t break down—like wipes or feminine products—are some of the usual suspects. Preventive steps help: Schedule sewer inspections, watch what goes down your drains, and consider a backflow valve to guard against municipal line problems. Prevention goes a long way to avoid a big disaster. The takeaway A sewage backup is both a health hazard and a financial hit. The right response—quick action, protective measures, and professional help—is non-negotiable. Don’t treat it like an ordinary spill. Protect your home and family by staying alert to the signs and prepared to call in the experts. All too often, homeowners feel they can do the cleanup themselves without realizing the dangers of contaminants that can seriously impact their health. If you ever have a sewage backup or any other type of contamination issue, call your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Sticky Stoves
Smooth glass and ceramic cooktops have become a kitchen favorite. They look modern, heat evenly, and the flat surface makes them seem like a breeze to clean compared to old-school coil burners. But anyone who owns one knows the reality: these shiny tops attract sticky spills and burned-on stains like a magnet. What should be a quick wipe often turns into a battle. The secret isn’t brute force It’s using the right approach. Start with a gentle scrape When food dries or burns onto the surface, scraping is usually the first step. A plastic or rubber scraper is safest because it clears away gunk without leaving scratches. A metal paint scraper can work, but it’s risky—hold it at the wrong angle and you’ll leave a mark you’ll never unsee. A drop of dish soap and a splash of water can help loosen things up before you scrape. Bring in a cooktop cleaner Specialty cleaners are made for this job. They break down grease, polish the surface, and leave a nice shine. The trade-off? They’re pricier than basic household products. If you choose one, follow the directions on the bottle and resist the urge to use too much, overdoing it can leave streaks. Reach for baking soda If you’d rather stick to what’s in the pantry, baking soda is a reliable go-to. Sprinkle a little over the cooktop, lay a damp cloth on top, and scrub gently. Its mild grit is just enough to cut through residue without damaging the surface. Tackle stubborn stains with a paste For spots that refuse to budge, try an old-fashioned mix of cream of tartar and vinegar. Stir them into a paste, spread it over the stain, and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, scrub with a soft pad and wipe clean with a damp towel. You’ll see the stain lift without harsh chemicals. The takeaway Cooktops may look easy to care for, but they need more attention than they promise. The good news: with the right tools and a little know-how, you can save yourself the frustration. Stick with gentle scrapers, choose cleaners wisely, and remember that everyday staples like baking soda can do a lot of heavy lifting. When you look around your home, you may notice many cleaning opportunities you just haven’t found the time for, such as your upholstery, carpeted floors, and more. Do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Standing Water
After a heavy rain or an unnoticed leak, standing water may not seem like a big deal. A small puddle in the basement, on the patio, or near your home’s foundation might appear harmless. However, these stagnant pools can quickly lead to bigger problems, both for your property and your health. In basements or crawl spaces, even a shallow puddle is a warning sign. Water sitting on concrete can seep into cracks, leading to structural damage or mold growth. Mold thrives in damp environments, and once it takes hold, it can spread quickly, causing musty odors and potential respiratory issues for your family. If standing water touches wood floors, trim, or furniture, it can leave stains, cause warping, and weaken the material over time. The longer it sits, the more expensive the repair. Outside, puddles in your yard or near patios may seem like something the sun will eventually take care of. But these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Just a few ounces of water left undisturbed for a week is enough for mosquitoes to multiply. Along with being an itchy nuisance, mosquitoes can carry harmful viruses, making them a risk to anyone spending time outdoors. Prevention is the best approach. Regularly check for clogged gutters, poor drainage, or leaky spigots around your home. After a storm, take a walk around the property to spot and address areas where water tends to collect. Inside, use a dehumidifier in damp basements and ensure sump pumps are functioning properly. For wooden decks or interior flooring, dry any spills or puddles immediately and clean the area to prevent long-term damage. The key is not to ignore it. Standing water, no matter where it appears, is a sign that something needs attention. Whether it’s preventing pests outside, protecting wood surfaces, or stopping mold in its tracks, a few minutes spent addressing puddles can save you from bigger headaches later. So, the next time you see water lingering where it doesn’t belong, don’t wait for it to evaporate. Take action. Dry it, fix the source, and keep your home safe and sound. Small steps now can prevent costly repairs and help you maintain a healthier living environment. But when something bad does happen to your home, such as a flooded basement, mold growing on the walls, whatever it is, do the right thing and call your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Dusty Ceiling Fans
Most of us don’t give ceiling fans much thought until a hot day arrives and we switch them on for a blast of cool air. What often goes unnoticed, though, is the dust. Over time, fan blades quietly collect layers of dust, pollen, and even pet dander. The moment they start spinning, all that buildup gets blown back into the air you’re breathing. While dusty fans are an eyesore, the real concern is how they affect the air quality in your home. Dust can trigger allergies, aggravate asthma, and cause irritation to your respiratory system. If you’ve ever started sneezing or felt a scratchy throat right after turning on the fan, that thin film of dust might be the culprit. Cleaning a ceiling fan isn’t exactly a fun chore, but it’s simple to do. First, make sure the fan is off and place a sheet or drop cloth underneath to catch falling dust. Slide a pillowcase over each blade and gently wipe as you pull it back, trapping the debris inside. For a more thorough clean, spray a cloth lightly with all-purpose cleaner and wipe down the blades, being careful not to soak them. Also, run a vacuum brush over any vents on the motor housing to keep it dust-free and running smoothly. A little routine maintenance goes a long way. Dust your fans at least once a month, especially during heavy use in the summer or when the heater’s running in winter. Homes with pets or lots of activity may need cleaning more often. While you’re at it, check the direction of the blades: they should spin counterclockwise in summer for a cooling breeze and clockwise in winter to circulate warm air. Taking a few minutes to keep your fans clean not only makes them look better but also helps keep the air in your home healthier. It’s a small task that can make a big difference in your daily comfort. Next time you glance up at your fan, take a moment to check for dust. If you see buildup on the blades, don’t wait. A quick clean today can mean fresher air and a more comfortable home tomorrow. But there is much more to keeping your home clean, such as with your carpet, hard floors, furniture, and more. When those need attention, do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Skipping Proper Drying
When you've had a burst pipe or rain brings water into your home, you may grab some towels, set up some fans, and think you're back in business. However, drying out the house after water has entered isn't as simple as it sounds, and skipping this step can cause long-term damage. Surface dry doesn't equal safe Among the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is believing that a surface that feels dry has absolutely no moisture in it. Water can penetrate flooring materials, drywall, insulation, and hidden structural cavities. Even trim levels of lingering moisture will cause major headaches in the long term, including wood rot, mold development, and warping. The mold you don't see can hurt you Mold will begin growing within 24-48 hours after it comes into contact with water. If you don't remove trapped moisture, spores will take hold in walls, underneath floors, and in ceilings—places you'd never think you should look. This weakens the integrity of your home but can also cause severe health symptoms, especially in people with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems. DIY techniques usually come up short Household fans and dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture content but rarely cover all affected areas. Industrial-grade drying equipment, which consists of industrial air movers and moisture gauges, is specially designed for locating and eliminating latent dampness. It's next to impossible otherwise to make sure the work has truly been done. Why expert drying matters Hiring a water damage restoration professional ensures that the job is done correctly, from drying and cleaning to restoration. They not only possess the equipment necessary to track down and eliminate hidden moisture but also maintain records, a factor generally required by insurance companies in the claims process. More importantly, they prevent mold, structural damage, and future repairs that can cost thousands of dollars. The bottom line Water damage is bad enough, but skipping the drying process can turn it into something far worse. If your home experiences flooding or a burst pipe, don't try to handle it all by yourself. Investing the time—or having pros arrive—to ensure it dries all the way now will save you some massive headaches later. Your home needs more than a superficial patch job. Get it truly dry—right down to the core. And the best way to do that is with your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Garage Door Breakdowns
Your garage door is the biggest entryway into your home. But it gets neglected when it's time to clean and maintain it, until something goes wrong. Next time you clean out the garage, take a few extra minutes to inspect your garage door, ensuring it's in good condition. Keeping your door clean and in decent repair doesn't just make it look better; it also makes it run longer and perform more efficiently. Start with an initial cleaning Close the garage door and begin by cleaning loose material, such as cobwebs, soil, mold, and bird droppings. Use the stiff brush on areas with hard patches, but be gentle when using it on painted or laminated surfaces to avoid scratching them. After loosening the loose material, use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to clean the entire surface. Then, blend a solution consisting of warm water and one cup of mild detergent, which will make five gallons. By using a soft cloth or sponge, wash the door in sections. Wash roughly one-third of the door at a time, rinsing each section with clean water before moving on. After cleaning the entire door, allow it to dry completely before opening it. Pre-painted steel garage doors can be protected with a coat of car wax for added weather resistance. Never use abrasive cleaners or full-strength bleach, especially on vinyl, laminated, or aluminum finishes, as they can cause permanent damage. Don't forget about the weather stripping Your garage door's vinyl or rubber seals keep pests, dirt, and water where they should be: Outdoors. Clean off these strips with a mild all-purpose cleaner and treat them with a silicone lubricant to keep them soft and operating smoothly. If you notice any breaking or decay, you may want to consider replacing the weather stripping to maintain a seal. Finish with preventative maintenance Now that your garage door is dry and clean, take a moment to inspect and lubricate the moving parts. Spray garage-door-safe lubricating oil on the hinges, rollers, and tracks. Spray oil onto a clean cloth and gently wipe the springs down. This reduces noise and friction, allowing your garage door to operate smoothly and safely. While you may be able to handle cleaning and maintaining your garage door, the same might not be true of other tasks, such as deep cleaning of carpet, furniture, hard floors, and more. Contact your favorite cleaning company today. After all, it pays to call a pro! |
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Copyright 2015 Thinkshortcut Publishing, LLC
Copyright 2015 Thinkshortcut Publishing, LLC