All About Steam Cleaning Carpet

Although carpet is undoubtedly comfortable, over time it collects lots of dust, dirt, and other grime - even though you may vacuum regularly. While regular vacuuming is certainly important, it can only clean so much. Over time, the leftover grime can build up and even cause damage to the carpet fibers without periodic deep cleaning. So, let’s talk about steam cleaning - what is it and how does it work?

The “Ins and Outs” of Steam Cleaning

Techniques

There is a right way and a wrong way to use steam cleaning equipment. With the wrong techniques, you could end up hurting your carpet fibers.

Cleaning Solution

In some cases, water is all you need to flush out the bacteria and other grime in your fabrics around the home. However, in some cases you may need a cleaning solution - but don’t worry! The Steam Team has just the right answer for you.

Schedule

Cleaning on a schedule is always more effective and efficient than choosing to deep clean when your carpet begins to appear dirty. Dust and dirt build up within the fibers, causing issues before we’re able to see it with the naked eye.

Effectiveness

Steam cleaning carpet is the most effective way to clean carpet nowadays. There are other options, like dry cleaning, but those other options aren’t going to reach the particles that are settled deep into the fibers. But, with the strong suction of industrial steam cleaning equipment and the heat from the machine itself, any bacteria and other grime is lifted.

Hiring a Professional

Deep cleaning your carpet periodically can elongate the carpets lifetime. Don’t hesitate to call a professional and get help with creating that schedule to keep your carpet at its optimal condition.

Dealing with Damage to Your Leather Furniture

Leather Furniture Cleaning

The last thing you want to happen is damage to your nice, expensive, leather furniture. But, mistakes happen and unfortunately, damage does occur. So, how can you deal with this so-called damage? (Ultimately returning your furniture to its original condition, of course). Let us give you some tips!

Water Damage on Leather

For the most part, a small water spill on your leather won’t cause irreparable damage. However, if you’re dealing with flooding - whether from natural circumstances or otherwise - it can be a real problem for leather material.

To care for a small water spill (even if we’re talking an entire glass of water), clean up the mess as soon as you can and keep an eye on the material itself to ensure that it doesn’t start to get stiff. If it does, it’s time to call in the professionals - it may need some cleaning or conditioning to get it back to its original condition. For larger issues, like severe water damage, be as careful as you can around your leather so it doesn’t rip, tear, or scratch and make a phone call to our leather technicians.

Tears, Rips, or Scratches

When there’s even the smallest tear, rip, or scratch on leather material it tends to make a big eyesore. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the damage, no matter what color the furniture is. However, if it’s left unattended, the problem could (and likely will) worsen - getting larger and larger with the more time that passes.

But, dealing with a tear, rip, or even scratch, isn’t the easiest problem to fix on your own. The best thing you can do is keep an eye on it and ensure that it’s treated properly as soon as possible. If you’re able to put something over it to keep it from collecting dust, dirt, or other grime that would certainly help!

How to Choose Your Professional Damage Restoration Company

Restoration 

Trusting someone to restore your home to its previous condition after suffering traumatic damage is no doubt a huge decision. That’s why we’re taking the time today to help you make that decision.

What to Look For in A Professional Restoration Company

Certification

Choosing a company that has a respected certification will help you trust them even more. To get such certifications, they need to go through rigorous training and education to qualify - meaning, their experience and knowledge is above those who don’t hold such certification.

Expertise

Professional companies that are knowledgeable to help restore your home to its previous condition will have years of expertise and experience. That goes for their technicians, too. You can find out more about each company by looking for referrals or testimonials.

Equipment

There are many different kinds of equipment, especially when it comes to cleaning and restoration. Choosing a company with state-of-the-art equipment, with innovative technology, will help you throughout the entire process. When looking for your restoration company - be sure to ask them about the type of equipment they have to take care of the job.

How a Professional Will Handle the Restoration Process

Any professional who has worked in the field at any point will know immediately that health concerns are of the utmost importance. They’ll likely tell you to be careful when choosing to re-enter your home or caring for your belongings because it’s not a safe decision without the proper precautions. After they arrive, they’ll assess the damage and take the next steps as needed. If there are compromised windows or roofing from a fire, they’ll handle those things first to protect your house as best as possible.

All in all, don’t be afraid to ask questions to your professional restoration company. If they’re anything like us, they have nothing to hide! And, if they avoid questions, find a new company.

3 Secrets About Mold

Commercial Water Damage & Mold Restoration Project

1. “Dead” mold is just as dangerous as “live” mold.

Often times, homeowners believe that if they ‘kill’ the mold they found in their home it’s treated and no longer a concern. However, this isn’t true as ‘dead’ mold spores are just as dangerous to your lungs as ‘live’ mold. Using harsh chemicals to rid of the problem will not work. In fact, the only thing that can stop mold from growing and spreading is proper mold remediation and removal by a professional.

2. Mold can cause damage to the systems in your body.

Unfortunately mold has multiple adverse health effects on multiple systems across your body. The effects you may experience may vary depending on a number of different factors; your susceptibility to mold allergies, the level of toxicity in the mold in your home, and the amount of mold surrounding you. However, it’s important to note that mold can become incredibly toxic if not dealt with properly and quickly.

3. There is evidence that mold is linked to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.

While Chronic Inflammatory Response is an autoimmune disease so not everyone will suffer - however, with mold present in the environment (work or home) those who do have CIRS can experience uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms. For someone who suffers from Chronic Inflammatory Response, present mold will cause an inflammatory response throughout your entire body - meaning symptoms can range from migraines to even numbness or disorientation. The symptoms range all over the board - but if there’s mold present, the best thing to do is take care of it as soon as possible.

Could you have mold in your home?  Often times, it’s incredibly hard to find - but, if you have water damage (or have had previous damage), it’s extremely important to have your house inspected. If mold is found, have it professionally (and properly) removed to reduce risk of growth.

The Best Way to Take Care of Tile and Grout

Restoration 

Many people think tile is an easy material to take care of, and they’re not wrong - but that doesn’t mean it can be ignored. Just like any other flooring, there are ways tile (and grout) need to be taken care of to ensure that it’s kept at it’s optimal condition. Stains can still happen, even though it may seem that it would be relatively easy to remove them from tile - it is, if tended to properly. But - many homeowners find themselves overwhelmed with many other things - whether they be other things around the house or just in general with life - to worry about the stain (or soon-to-be stain) on their tile and grout. So, what’s the best way to take care of it? Let’s explore!

Steam Cleaning and Its Benefits

• Safe for Children and Pets

The lack of chemicals used throughout steam cleaning is extremely safe for any pets and children.

• Uses Heat

Heat helps to rid of any toxins and other grime around the flooring (unlike many other cleaning methods).

• Deeper Clean

The pressure behind the steam cleaning machine makes for a much more thorough and deeper clean.

• Cost Effective

You don’t have to worry about buying different cleaning products and trying out multiple tools. Hiring a professional to steam clean your tile floors is actually very cost effective in the long run.

Hiring a Professional

You can find steam cleaning machinery and other cleaning products at many stores - in fact, you can rent a stronger steam cleaning machine from your local hardware store in many cases. However, we want to caution you against this because using a steam cleaner is only half of the process. If you’re unsure of the proper tools and techniques to use, it could end up doing damage to your tile. So, it’s always (always) recommended to hire a reputable professional.

Letting a stain go unattended is one of the worst things you could do for your floors - but, even if you do, we may have a solution. Don’t hesitate to give us a call - especially if your tile hasn’t been cleaned in quite some time. It’s in your best interest, and the interest (and longevity) of your flooring to set up a regular deep cleaning schedule with a professional.

5 Tips to Help With Fire Damage

Smoke And Water Damage

When fire damage occurs, you have more than enough decisions to make - the last thing you need to worry about is handling fire damage restoration. But, don’t worry too much just yet! We have 5 tips for you to help you (safely) make it through this process.

Let’s get started…

1. Do not enter, under any circumstances

You’re not alone in wanting to enter your home and gather any belongings that you can, however it may pose more of a risk than benefit. There are several things that could be detrimental to your health - smoke, soot, and even mold (depending on when you re-enter the premises).

1. Know your insurance - backwards and forwards

With damage to your home, comes insurance claims. While the claims process feel burdensome, insurance is here to help you restore your house to its previous condition. But, knowing your insurance coverage backwards and forwards will absolutely help throughout the entire process.

1. Prevent further damage

To prevent any further damage, it’s imperative that you get a professional restoration company involved. Many homeowners want to go through their own belongings to keep what has sentimental value - and while we understand that is extremely important to many people, including us - it can also be dangerous to your family and your health. Smoke damage can linger and without proper cleaning, soot will stick around.

1. Take proper documentation

In order to help the insurance process go smoother, proper documentation is essential. However, a professional company can help you with the process of understanding the extent of damage. From documentation to restoration - the professionals are only here to help you and your home get back to its previous condition.

1. File your insurance claim

Filing your insurance claim will not only help with the cost of cleaning and restoration but will also help you restore your home in a way that it won’t compromise your health or safety.

Do you need help with fire damage restoration? Give The Steam Team a call, today!

It's Time to Be Educated on Mold

Water Damage Clean Up 

Mold - it’s a scary word. But, an even scarier situation if someone (or yourself) discovers it growing in your home. While it is an often scary and avoided topic, it’s incredibly important to be educated about mold so you can be better prepared should the situation arise.

How Mold Grows and Spreads

The perfect environment for mold growth is one full of moisture and humidity. That’s why many homes that suffer from water damage end up having mold growth - whether they know it or not. However, on the contrary, even if you have not suffered any water damage in the recent past, you could have mold in areas like bathrooms or under sinks (even in the kitchen).

So, how does mold grow and spread?

In the right environment, mold can spread extremely quickly. Mold thrives in warm temperatures where there are nutrients available - even substances like wood act as nutrients for this fungus. Once the mold is thriving, it reproduces through spores that can spread all throughout the home.

About Mold Contamination

Mold contamination is no joke. While it may seem gross to have mold growing in your home, it’s actually an incredibly dangerous health risk (especially if it’s not stopped and continues to spread). From smaller, allergy-like symptoms to even toxic contamination, it’s hard to know how mold will affect you and your family, but it’s better to not even take the risk.

Now that you know all about mold, how quickly it spreads, and how dangerous it can be, next time you encounter mold in your home - you’ll know to call the professionals immediately.

Is it Time to Restore Your Natural Stone?

Restoration Conference 

Over time, with normal wear and tear, natural stone floors can start to lose their luster - their shine and their beautiful appeal. They may begin to look dull, like someone - many people, many shoes - have been walking on them for years, right?

So, is it time to restore your natural stone floors?

Let’s investigate this a little further.

What to Look For

There are many different signs that can tell you whether or not it’s time for natural stone restoration - not all of them have to do with their shine or scuff marks that have been left over the years. In fact, sometimes the tiles can become uneven just from different wear and tear. In more extreme cases, you could be looking at cracked stone which allows dirt and grime buildup to damage the stone itself. If you’re dealing with either of these, deep stains, or even if you don’t like the appearance of your stone - it’s time for a restoration.

How Restoration Works

There are many cleaners that can actually damage natural stone, so it’s always recommended to hire a professional when looking to clean, refinish, or completely restore your stone flooring.

Restoration involves polishing and completely refinishing your floors to ensure that they get that beautiful luster and shine back just as they first had when they were first installed.

Making the decision to restore your natural flooring may not be an easy one, but we can promise you it will save you money in the long run - instead of having to replace your floors all together. Keep in mind; the sooner you decide to restore natural stone, the easier the process will be!

Don’t wait if you’re questioning the luster on your stone floors - call The Steam Team today!