How to Take Care of Smoke Damage

HVAC Cleaning After Smoke Damage

When a fire starts, the last thing you’ll likely be thinking about is the damage the smoke will cause. Typically, homeowners don’t understand that the damage doesn’t stop after the fire is put out. Unfortunately, the smoke and ash left around the home can continue to cause extensive damage and long after the fire is gone, too. So - the important question to ask here is; what is the best way to take care of smoke damage? Our answer makes things much more simple for you: hire a professional who knows what they’re doing.

What does this look like?

A Plan

When a professional comes in to help you begin cleaning and restoring your home after fire damage, they’ll start by discussing a thorough plan with you to make sure every area is covered, clean, and safe.

Here's what our plan looks like at The Steam Team:

• Damage Assessment

It’s important to know the extent of the damage before beginning to clean the home.

• Immediate Board Up/Tarp Service

If there are dangerous parts in the flooring, windows, or roof - the professionals will add support to these spots to keep everyone safe.

• Water Removal

Since water is used to extinguish a fire, there can be a risk of water damage if excess water is left around the home for extended periods of time.

• Removal of Smoke and Soot

Removing ash, soot, and smoke after a fire is a critical part of our damage restoration plan. Smoke poses risks to further health complications and damage (deterioration) to materials around the home if left behind.

Equipment

One of the best perks when you hire a professional is the equipment they use. Not only is such advanced equipment expensive, but it's also tough to operate in most cases.

For professionals who handle smoke damage often (restoration companies), the investment in top-quality equipment is worth it. For a homeowner who may use the equipment once every several years - it's not. In this case, hiring a professional is also cost effective.

In return, you’ll get a home returned to its best possible condition - saving many surfaces from extensive (and continual) damage.

Stain Removal: Tile & Grout

Tile Cleaning 

Many homeowners elect tile flooring because of its aesthetic appeal. It looks beautiful and can brighten just about any room in your your home! And most homeowners believe that tile is generally easier to clean. However, with tile, comes grout. And grout is definitely not the easiest to clean and care for.

Grout is porous in texture, making it a primary target for stains. Keeping it clean and pristine is a struggle for all homeowners, but don’t feel intimidated. The Steam Team is always standing by with high power, professional equipment that can remove even the most frightening of stains! But before we call in the professionals, let’s make sure we cover our basics.

Target Areas

Unsurprisingly, grout can be the most difficult to clean in areas with high traffic or near access to the outside. These areas may include the entry way, living room, kitchen, and dining area.

We recommend prioritizing these areas. Start by sweeping, mopping, and dusting thoroughly, and then move on to the tile and grout stains.

Spills and messes are inevitable, but they’re not always properly or promptly cleaned. Be on the lookout for any signs of mold growth.

Stain Removal

The most basic way to remove stains begins with a simple scrub brush. Mix warm water with vinegar for a safe, mild cleaning solution. If the stain is too tough, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and peroxide. Cleaning products are safe to use, but it’s wise to start with the most mild solution and work your way up.

Steam cleaning is the preferred method for many homeowners. Using only heat and pressure, steam cleaning is completely safe for the environment and is more efficient than most techniques. If you have tile and unsightly grout stains that need to be taken care of, call in your local tile cleaning company, like The Steam Team! We have all of the expertise and equipment that you need!

Steam Cleaning Upholstery

24 Hour Water Restoration

When was the last time your living room furniture was professionally cleaned after a water damage in Austin? What about your upholstered dining room chairs, or that love seat in your home office? Over time, our upholstered furniture collects dust, dirt, and other gross specs of things- like crumbs! And eventually... an unpleasant odor “ seems to be coming from somewhere in the den.”

Every so often our upholstery begs us for a deep cleaning! And let’s face it- it’s probably best to hire a professional steam cleaning company to do the job. Doing this will save you frustration, inconvenience, and will deliver the most effective and efficient results!  It’s great to have a regular cleaning routine to keep up with natural wear and tear, and it’s true that over the counter products and rented machines make a difference. However, for a thorough cleaning that you’ll want to show off, you’ll need the impressive, industrial-strength equipment and expertise of a professional.

Steam cleaning will undoubtedly prolong the life of your upholstery, but, like anything, moderation is key! It’s important to vacuum and dust your home on a regular basis, and to clean spills from upholstered furniture as soon as they are found. Steam cleaning your furniture definitely provides the best results, but keep in mind that it should only be done when necessary. By over cleaning, you run the risk of wearing out the fabric more quickly.

How frequently your upholstery will need to be cleaned depends on the amount of traffic it endures each day. Pets, small children, and messy roommates are a number of things to take account for.

For a thorough steam cleaning that will prolong the life and performance of your upholstery, contact The Steam Team! We know you want your furniture looking fabulous. That’s why The Steam Team has all of the equipment and knowledge that you’ll need. We can help remove even the toughest of stains from your upholstery!

Causes and Effects of Water Damage

Water Damage Clean Up

When it comes to water damage, the degree of its severity can vary from water spots and spills, to catastrophic flooding. We think it’s important to know the causes and effects of water damage so that you can better protect and repair your home, in the event of a nasty leak, or even a natural disaster. And while the cleanup and restoration process can be daunting keep in mind that there are always professionals to help you along the way. The Steam Team is made up of professionals who are trained to tactfully and expertly handle these specific situations!

Common Causes of Water Damage

Let’s take a glance at the common causes of water damage. Most of the time, leaky appliances are to blame (broken dishwashers, refrigerators, or washing machines). Broken, decaying water pipes are dangerous as well. Leaky roofs or even cracked foundations are things to watch out for. Keep an eye out for these issues and repair them as soon as possible.

Common Effects of Water Damage

Water damage doesn’t play around! Remember that mold grows and spreads easiest near moisture and humidity. An increase in mold growth can affect your family’s wellness by aggravating allergy and asthma symptoms, causing respiratory diseases, and other issues. Take the safest route, and seek professional advice and treatment if mold begins to grow inside your home. The last thing you need on top of a water damage crisis, is a growing, strengthening mold problem.

Unfortunately, water damage can take its toll on our flooring, furniture, and other important possessions. Insurance policies may or may not cover damage costs. It can be devastating to lose property from water damage, or have to bear the cost of repairs in and around your home. Never let the size of this task overwhelm you. Don’t hesitate to call us, The Steam Team! We can help you through any water damage crisis!

Protecting Your Home From Mold Growth

Water Damage 

The truth about water damage is that it isn’t just unsanitary and unsightly; it’s unhealthy. Mold grows and spreads anywhere that moisture accumulates, produces allergens and irritants, and can ultimately drain our wallets in damage costs. So we want to make sure we’re protecting our homes and bodies against this smelly, musty fungus.

Let’s review some important principles about preventing mold and mildew from growing in our homes.

Control Humidity Levels

One of the most efficient ways to prevent mold from growing is to control humidity levels. It’s easiest for mold to develop in warm and damp rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. To lessen the moisture in these areas, utilize exhaust fans, air conditioning, or even a dehumidifier. Alternatively (and if the weather permits) you can open the windows and allow the fresh breeze to alleviate humidity.

Repair Leaks and/or Other Issues

You will want to be as thorough as possible as you inspect every nook and cranny for damage. Repair any leaky faucets or damaged gutters that may be present. If you have older pipes, replace them as soon as they begin to look disintegrated. This will keep moisture from needlessly leaking into your walls and causing mold to grow.

Act fast! Dry Spills and Wet Areas Immediately

Remember that mold only needs about twenty four hours to grow given the right conditions, so there’s no time to waste! Disinfect and properly dry spills and accidents as soon as you find them. Keep wet clothes and laundry off of your carpets and wash them in a timely manner.

Above all, keep in mind that if you’re ever concerned about the growth or spread of mold in your home, there are professionals available who are able to assist you. Never hesitate to contact a steam cleaning service, such as The Steam Team, to help rid your home of mold and mildew!  

When Did You Last Clean Your Water Damaged Upholstery?

The Steam Team Austin

Upholstery - furniture covered in fabric - is prone to collect allergens and other grime from around the house. Unfortunately, over time, this grime can easily build up without proper cleaning. So, our question to you is; when did you last clean your upholstery? A regular cleaning schedule is optimal, but we understand that homeowners have many other things on their plate. So, let’s talk about that cleaning schedule - if you have one. If you don’t, you’ll definitely want to get one to reduce the allergens and grime around your home.

When Do You Clean Upholstery?

The amount of traffic that your upholstered furniture experiences will determine how often it needs to be cleaned - whether that’s with regular maintenance or deep cleaning. In some cases, like with upholstery in your office, it may need to be cleaned more frequently.

Regular maintenance can be performed each week - a quick vacuum and wipe down with a dust-free rug. However, when it comes to deep cleaning your upholstered furniture, that’s where you’ll want to talk to a professional depending on your situation. For furniture that’s used heavily, you may need to have it thoroughly cleaned a few times throughout the year. For light traffic, you could be able to wait and only clean it annually.

How to Clean Upholstery

The most effective and efficient way to clean upholstery is by using a steam cleaner. However, not just any steam cleaner, as many store-bought or rented ones can actually be ineffective. A professional restoration cleaning company will have the right tools and equipment (and knowledge) to be able to properly remove any dirt, dust, or other grime. With the heat from the steam cleaner and the right solution, there won’t be any bacteria left in your upholstered furniture.

So, to keep your furniture in its best condition, the answer is simple: speak to a professional who specializes in cleaning upholstered furniture - like The Steam Team!

5 Ways Steam Cleaning Can Improve Your Home

Water Damage Clean Up

1. Air Quality and Your Health

Your health and the air quality that you live in are directly related. There are numerous places around the home that collect all kinds of allergens and other dangerous particles (like mold), but lucky for you - we have a solution. Steam cleaning uses a certain level of heat that can eliminate any and all bacteria, leaving your home with exceptional air quality - and you with good health.

1. Versatility

Steam cleaning can be used on many different surfaces and fabrics - covering nearly every inch of the house. You won’t have to worry about how to clean the different areas around the house because a steam cleaner can handle marble, tile, hardwood, fabric, carpet, window treatments - you name it.

1. Aesthetic Appeal with No Concern

The best way to maximize the appeal around your home is to keep it properly and thoroughly cleaned - however, many other cleaning options can pose safety risks to children, pets, and even adults. With steam cleaning, there isn’t any concern as the solution that may be used is entirely safe for everyone (including pets).

1. Eliminate Pet Odor

Pet odor - whether we’re talking about normal pet dander or even accidents - can be extremely tough to eliminate around the home. Even products that claim to be ‘for pets’ can’t touch the smell. However, steam cleaning reaches way down into the carpet fibers - even the carpet padding - and uses strong suction to remove any smell related to pets. It’s like you may not even have them!

1. Near Restoration

It can cost a pretty penny to completely restore your flooring or even more, replace it. But, steam cleaning can help remove any of those pesky stains and restore the original look of your flooring - whether it be carpet, hardwoods, tile, or anything else. Although it may not be to add that additional shine, it will certainly make it look as though you’ve never made a spill!

All About Refinishing Hardwood Floors

The Steam Team Austin, Texas

It’s no secret that hardwood floors can last longer than a lifetime. However, that doesn’t mean their appearance can keep up the entire time - they do require upkeep and maintenance, but with proper care, they can certainly maintain their incredible appeal. But, regular maintenance is one thing - how about refinishing? How often does that need to happen? What all does it entail? While it may sound overwhelming, rest assured - it’s not. The refinishing process can be rather simple and it certainly isn’t something you need to worry about too often - so let’s jump right in.

How Often Refinishing Hardwoods is Needed

Hardwoods often get finer with age - but, there may be a point where they need a little help to return to their original condition - especially in the instance of extensive damage. When parts of your flooring are looking warped or have been damaged with deep scratches, it’s likely time to refinish those hardwoods.

Of course, if your floors are looking dull and you are unhappy with their appearance - refinishing them prematurely is never a bad decision. The more often you care for them, the longer they’ll last and the better they’ll look.

How Professionals Refinish Hardwood Flooring

Before breaking out your own equipment or renting anything from the local hardware store, let’s talk about how the professionals refinish hardwood flooring.

After first visually assessing the flooring, the professionals will tend to the big damage first. If there are any gauges in the wood or cracks - they’ll fill them. Then, any other lighter damage (scuff marks, dull appearance) will be tended to and the current finish will be removed. Finally, a new finish is applied to complete the process and your hardwood floors will be restored to their original condition.