Beware of Ice Dams!


As winter approaches, homeowners must prepare their homes for the challenges that cold weather can bring. One significant danger to be aware of is the formation of ice dams. If not appropriately addressed, ice dams can cause costly damage to roofs, gutters, and interiors.


What are they?


Ice dams occur when snow on the roof melts due to uneven heat distribution and then refreezes along the edges. This creates an ice barrier that prevents further melted snow from draining off the roof. Water backs up behind the ice dam, seeping under shingles and into the home, leading to leaks, mold growth, and structural damage.


Why are they dangerous?


Ice dams can cause various problems, from damaging the roof and gutters to leaking into the home's insulation and walls. This moisture can create conditions for mold, impacting the home's structure and posing health risks to occupants. In severe cases, it can even damage the home's ceilings, walls, and flooring.


Here are some steps to prevent ice dams. A little prevention goes a long way in keeping your house protected.


Ensure proper insulation


The root cause of ice dams is uneven roof temperatures, often due to poor insulation. Ensure your attic is well insulated and ventilated to maintain a consistent temperature across the roof. This helps prevent heat from escaping through the roof, reducing the chances of snow melting and refreezing.


Clean your gutters


Before winter hits, clear your gutters of leaves, debris, and blockages. A clean gutter system allows melted snow to flow freely, reducing the likelihood of ice buildup along the roof's edges.


Use a roof rake


After heavy snowfalls, use a roof rake to remove snow from the roof, especially near the eaves. This reduces the chance of snow melting and refreezing into ice dams.


Consider heat cables


Installing heat cables along the roof's edges can help prevent ice from forming by maintaining a consistent temperature. This is particularly useful in areas prone to severe winter conditions.


Act quickly


If you suspect an ice dam is forming, act quickly by using safe methods to remove the ice or contacting a professional. Proactive measures and proper maintenance can help homeowners avoid costly repairs and keep their homes safe during winter.


If the worst happens…


Call your favorite restoration company immediately if structural or moisture issues impact your home. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Garbage Disposal Smells!


Garbage disposals are convenient for breaking down food waste, but unpleasant odors can build up over time if not appropriately maintained.


Homeowners, just like you, should be aware that food particles, grease, and bacteria can accumulate inside the disposal, leading to unwanted smells that can spread throughout the kitchen.


Why the smell?


Food scraps, grease, and organic debris that pass through the disposal can get trapped on the sides and in the crevices of the unit. Over time, these particles decompose, allowing bacteria and mold to develop, which results in foul odors. Furthermore, leftover grease and fat can harden, creating a coating on the blades and walls that is difficult to remove.


Nasty indeed.


Here is how to keep your disposal in good working odor without off-gassing malodors that will run you out of the kitchen.


Run the disposal

One of the easiest ways to prevent smells is to run the garbage disposal frequently, even when there is no food waste. This practice helps clear away any particles that may have settled and keeps the blades clean.


Clean with natural solutions

Regular cleaning is vital in keeping odors at bay. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the disposal to break down any buildup. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with hot water. Additionally, grinding up citrus peels, like lemon or orange, can help naturally deodorize the unit while cleaning the blades.


Deep clean the blades

If odors persist, it may be necessary to clean the blades. Ice cubes and coarse salt can be added to the disposal and ground together to dislodge stuck food particles. The ice and salt's abrasive action scrapes away the buildup.


Avoid certain foods

Avoid putting fibrous materials (such as celery and corn husks) or starchy foods (like pasta and potato peels) into the disposal to minimize odors and clogs. These items can get caught in the blades or cause blockages, contributing to foul smells.


Following these simple steps, homeowners can keep their garbage disposals fresh, clean, and odor-free. Regular maintenance eliminates bad smells and prolongs the disposal's life.


And when you need extra help with some specialized cleaning tasks, such as carpet cleaning, tile and grout maintenance, furniture care, or others … do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company today. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Garbage Disposal Smells!


Garbage disposals are convenient for breaking down food waste, but unpleasant odors can build up over time if not appropriately maintained.


Homeowners, just like you, should be aware that food particles, grease, and bacteria can accumulate inside the disposal, leading to unwanted smells that can spread throughout the kitchen.


Why the smell?


Food scraps, grease, and organic debris that pass through the disposal can get trapped on the sides and in the crevices of the unit. Over time, these particles decompose, allowing bacteria and mold to develop, which results in foul odors. Furthermore, leftover grease and fat can harden, creating a coating on the blades and walls that is difficult to remove.


Nasty indeed.


Here is how to keep your disposal in good working odor without off-gassing malodors that will run you out of the kitchen.


Run the disposal

One of the easiest ways to prevent smells is to run the garbage disposal frequently, even when there is no food waste. This practice helps clear away any particles that may have settled and keeps the blades clean.


Clean with natural solutions

Regular cleaning is vital in keeping odors at bay. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the disposal to break down any buildup. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with hot water. Additionally, grinding up citrus peels, like lemon or orange, can help naturally deodorize the unit while cleaning the blades.


Deep clean the blades

If odors persist, it may be necessary to clean the blades. Ice cubes and coarse salt can be added to the disposal and ground together to dislodge stuck food particles. The ice and salt's abrasive action scrapes away the buildup.


Avoid certain foods

Avoid putting fibrous materials (such as celery and corn husks) or starchy foods (like pasta and potato peels) into the disposal to minimize odors and clogs. These items can get caught in the blades or cause blockages, contributing to foul smells.


Following these simple steps, homeowners can keep their garbage disposals fresh, clean, and odor-free. Regular maintenance eliminates bad smells and prolongs the disposal's life.


And when you need extra help with some specialized cleaning tasks, such as carpet cleaning, tile and grout maintenance, furniture care, or others … do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company today. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Cold Weather!


As colder weather approaches, homeowners must prepare their homes for winter. Lack of necessary maintenance can result in costly repairs, inadequate heating, and unpleasant seasonal surprises. However, if you take the time to get your home winterized, many such complaints can be avoided.


Seal leaked windows and doors


Understandably, drafts are among the top reasons for high winter heating bills—cold air seeps in through the gaps around windows and doors, making your heating system fight hard. You must check all your windows and doors for cracks or gaps in the seal. Apply caulking or weatherstripping to seal these areas and keep warm air where it belongs.


Heating system check


Before winter, it is essential to ensure your heating system is working as it should be. This means scheduling a professional inspection and cleaning of your furnace. Regular maintenance will prevent unexpected breakdowns, so your system will run efficiently and save you money in the long run. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, now is also a great time to have those inspected and cleaned to avoid fire hazards.


Insulate pipes


Frozen pipes can be a homeowner's nightmare, generally creating thousands of dollars in water damage when they burst. Avoid all that by insulating your pipes in areas most susceptible to freezing, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Use foam pipe insulation or old towels wrapped around exposed pipes.


Clean gutters and downspouts


When gutters build up, it can cause major issues when winter hits. Water in congested gutters may freeze, damaging your roof and allowing water into your home. Clean your gutters and downspouts before the first freeze to make sure they are free of leaves and other debris. This lets water flow freely from your home, which can prevent ice dams and other winter issues.


Stock up


Finally, prepare for winter storms by stocking up on essential supplies. These would include salt or sand for icy walkways, a snow shovel, and blankets in case of power outages. It's also good to service your snow removal equipment, such as snow blowers, and have them ready before the first snowfall.


Of course, if something happens to your home and you need to be rescued, do the right thing and call your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Ring Around the Collar!


For anyone who wears dress shirts regularly, one of the biggest frustrations is dealing with ring around the collar. Many assume that removing this stubborn stain is nearly impossible, but it’s quite manageable with the proper techniques.


Here are a few tried-and-true methods that not only help you remove ring around the collar but can also prevent it from returning.


1. Shampoo Treatment


A simple and effective way to tackle ring around the collar is by using shampoo. The oils and grime accumulating on collars resemble what builds up in your hair, which shampoo is designed to remove. Before tossing your shirt in the hamper, apply a small amount of shampoo directly onto the stain. Allow it to sit until laundry day. When you wash the shirt as usual, the shampoo has worked its magic, making the stain easier to remove. This is an excellent option for tackling dirt buildup without requiring specialized products.


2. Pretreatments


Another highly effective solution is using a cleaner made specifically for pre-treating laundry. You can see several options at your favorite department store. These powerful cleaning products work wonders on stubborn stains like ring around the collar. Spray the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then launder the shirt. These products are usually bleach-free, making it safe for most fabrics. You may need to repeat the process two or three times for tougher, set-in stains.


3. Oxygen


Oxygen-boosting agents are another excellent option for removing the ring around the collar. Oxygen boosters are a type of color-safe bleach. To use, spray the collar with the mixed oxygen treatment, allow to dwell for a few minutes, and then wash as usual. After washing, if you still see any residue, repeat the process until the collar is clean.


4. Prevention


Preventing ring around the collar is easier than you think. Good hygiene and regular showering is essential. Because of this simple fact, you see more ring around the color with children than adults, as kids are more active and may not shower as often.


With these methods, removing and preventing a ring around the collar is a task everyone can handle. Using these tips is easy and efficient.


And when you have specialty cleaning tasks you can’t handle alone, do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. They can handle carpet, floors, and more. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Leaky Pipes!
Leaky pipes, often dismissed as minor inconveniences, can rapidly develop into significant problems, causing extensive water damage, structural issues, and mold growth. While most tips on water damage restoration focus on large losses, such as a burst pipe or storm damage, don’t ignore those small drips you may notice from time to time.
What starts as a small drip can lead to expensive repairs if not promptly addressed. Water seeping into materials like wood, drywall, and flooring can weaken them over time, resulting in warping, rotting, and even structural collapse. Also, leaking pipes create the perfect environment for mold, which damages your home and poses serious health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory issues.
The financial impact of ignoring a leaky pipe can be substantial. A minor repair, if addressed early, can prevent the need for significant renovations later. Persistent leaks damage your home's structure and can lead to higher utility bills due to wasted water and potentially increased insurance premiums if the issue is left unresolved for too long.
Regular inspection of your plumbing system is critical to avoiding these problems. Homeowners should be vigilant for signs of leaks, such as water stains, dampness, or a musty odor. Early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming large, costly disasters. Installing water leak detectors in vulnerable areas can also provide an early warning before significant damage occurs.
When a leak is detected, it’s essential to act quickly. While it might be tempting to attempt a do-it-yourself repair, hiring a professional plumber ensures that the root cause is identified and adequately addressed. Professional intervention not only fixes the immediate problem but also helps prevent future issues, providing a long-term solution. No one wants to fix a leaky pipe, and then when on a long vacation, something terrible happens. Don’t become a victim.
Really, leaky pipes are more than just a minor nuisance—they are a potential source of significant damage to your home. By taking preventive measures and addressing leaks as soon as they are detected, homeowners can protect their property from extensive damage and avoid costly repairs. Proactive maintenance and timely repairs are the best defense against the high costs of water damage and structural deterioration caused by leaky pipes.
When you do have an issue involving any type of water damage, call your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Bad Food!


Some people eat to exist, and some say they exist so they can eat. Some consider food a necessity, while others consider it a delicious activity.


But we often don’t eat everything when we eat, so we store some for later. That’s where food storage comes in because if not done properly, you end up with bad food, which can lead to waste, illness, and even worse.
Food storage is an important part of maintaining health and ensuring the safety of food that goes through our bodies. Proper storage helps maintain the quality of flavors in foods and protects one from foodborne illnesses caused by harmful bacteria and pathogens. The best practices in food storage greatly reduce the chances of eating poor food and health concerns.
Good food storage is built on understanding the foods you are working with and their storage needs. Generally, foods can be separated into three groups: 1. perishable, 2. semi-perishable, and 3. non-perishable.
Here are some easy tips to keep your food fresh.
Store in airtight containers
Food must be stored in airtight containers to preserve it for longer and eliminate contamination. This practice is crucial, especially for dry groceries such as flour, sugar, and cereals. Hermetic containers deny food air, which spoils the food and attracts pests.
Label and date stored food items
This method will enable you to track when food was stored. Thus, it minimizes the waste of older items, as these would be used before the newer ones.
Avoid overcrowding
Adequate air circulation is needed to ensure uniform temperatures inside the refrigerator. Overcrowding blocks air flow and results in uneven cooling, which might cause spoilage.
First in, first out (FIFO)
This means using food products according to their dates, with the oldest being used first. You can easily achieve this by rotating foods in your pantry and refrigerator.
Store food at the recommended temperature
Each type of food has its optimal storage temperature. Use a thermometer to ensure your fridge and freezer are kept at the proper temperatures. Eating improperly stored or spoiled food can lead to harmful health effects.
Besides keeping your food fresh and healthy, don’t ignore other aspects of health — such as keeping the entire home sparkling clean. Call your favorite cleaning company when you need help with specialty projects, such as carpet and furniture cleaning or hard wood floor care. After all, it pays to call a pro!