Don’t Use Bleach on Mold

Many people believe chlorine bleach is good way to kill mold, and for good reason.  For many years, both OSHA and the EPA recommended chlorine bleach as an effective way to remove mold.  What they have since found is that using bleach to kill mold actually does more harm than good.  Subsequently, both agencies have revised their mold cleanup recommendations to exclude the use of bleach as an effective mold cleaning agent. 

The reason for this is that chlorine bleach, even full-strength, is not strong enough to permeate porous surfaces. If you have mold in your home or business, it probably exists on porous surfaces such as wood or drywall (walls, ceilings, moldings, carpeting, etc.).  While bleach may be able to kill some of the surface mold, but it cannot penetrate down to the root of the mold.  Once the surface layer is cleaned, it’s only a matter of time before the roots of the mold spread to the surface again. 

But that’s not the worst of it.  While chlorine cannot penetrate porous materials, the water in chlorine can – meaning not only is the bleach not killing the mold, it’s actually feeding it with more water – exactly what it needs to grow.

And don’t be taken in by store-bought “mold and mildew removal” products. Most of these are just chlorine bleach with a mold removal label slapped on it. Check the list of active ingredients to see for yourself.  Another thing to check for: the label will tell you whether or not it’s suitable for use on porous surfaces.  Most of the time it’s not, and you’re back to the drawing board.

To get rid of mold on porous surfaces, you’ll have to remediate. This involves removing/cleaning the materials contaminated by the mold. Mold remediation contractors know the difference between what is salvageable and what has to be removed. They use specialized cleaning agents to disinfect and thoroughly clean infected items. Most importantly, they'll stop the source of the water that is causing the mold in the first place.

Mold is no joke – it can be incredibly harmful to you and your family. So if your bathroom countertop or bathtub show signs of mold, go ahead and try bleach. But if it’s spread to your walls or ceilings, keep your family’s health and safety in mind. Call your local mold remediation team and get the job done by professionals.

Carpet Tips for Pet Owners

They may be cute, but pets can wreak havoc on your carpets.  Whether they're shedding on it, peeing on it, or dragging fresh "kill" from your backyard onto it, your carpet is sure to suffer.  Follow these tips to keep the damage to a minimum:

• Vacuum often, even if your dog or cat doesn't shed or only sheds a little.  Chances are there's still a lot of hair and dander embedded in your carpet fibers.  Plus, dogs bring in a lot of other debris, seeing as they can't exactly take their shoes off at the door. 
• Wash your pet often, even if it thinks water is its kryptonite, as mine does.
• Brush regularly, as it will cut down on shedding. 
• Be careful with household cleaning products - many household cleaners can actually be very damaging and ruin your carpets permanently.  (Read our blog, "Some Carpet Sprays Do More Harm Than Good" to learn more)
• The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) recommends that pet owners have their carpets professionally cleaned at least once every 12-18 months.  It's cool to use your SpotBot for quick cleanups, but that shouldn't take the place of a periodic deep cleaning.  Professional cleaners are much more effective in removing stains and odors permanently.

Some Carpet Sprays Do More Harm Than Good!

I can't tell you how many customers say, "I sprayed this stain with ____ [fill in almost any household carpet spray], and now my carpet looks lighter in that area.  Can you get that out?"

I have to resist the urge to yell, "That's the worst thing you can do!"  In many cases, we cannot "get that out," because it is not a stain - they've actually removed the color from the carpet fibers -permanently.

The fact is, not all carpet cleaning solutions are safe for your rugs and carpets.  Most of the products in stores do not have the Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) Seal of Approval.  These companies can sell you potentially harmful cleaners as long as they recommend that you "spot test" your carpet before use.  Unfortunately, most people don't bother with spot testing, and their carpets are ruined as a result. 

At Renewit, we don't represent or endorse any brand of cleaning solutions, so I won't give you a long list of all the sprays that can potentially ruin your carpet while claiming to clean it.  But I can give you a link to the CRI's Seal of Approval products:  http://www.carpet-rug.org/residential-customers/cleaning-and-maintenance/seal-of-approval-products/cleaning-solutions-list.cfm?product_type=0&manuf_id=0.  Many of these products can be found in local stores: Arm & Hammer, Febreze and SimpleGreen, to name a few (and if anyone from these companies wants to send a commission check our way, feel free!). 

If you absolutely must use a carpet spray, use a CRI Seal of Approval product.  Although these products have the Seal of Approval, the CRI still recommends spot testing (sorry - the CRI has to cover their butts, too).  Just know that you are better off with an approved cleaner than without.  Apply a small amount of the cleaner to the cloth, not the carpet.  Work in gently from the edge to the center.  Blot and repeat until the spot is removed, using as little product as possible. 

If the stain just won't come out, contact your local carpet cleaning company.  With their tools and products, they have the best shot of saving your carpet from a date with the garbage bin.  If you are in the Greater Rochester, NY area, call Renewit at 585-473-7821.

How to Handle a Sewage Break

Water damage is bad enough, but sewage breaks are flat out disgusting.  Removing the sewage from your home or business is a no-brainer --- the sooner, the better.  Sewage ruins furniture, walls, air ducts, carpeting, etc.  If left unattended to for prolonged periods of time, it becomes toxis and leads to more damage, such as mold, mildew and airborne diseases.  These are serious health threats, not to be taken lightly. 

Taking care of the problem correctly requires protective gear, specialized cleaning agents, and high-tech sewage cleanup equipment.  For this reason, sewage cleanup is generally not the best DIY project.  Sewage cleanup is best left in the hands of professionals. 

If you experience a sewage break in your home or business, take the following steps to ensure that the problem is addressed safely and efficiently:

1. Turn off electricity to the affected area.
2. Shut off the main water supply and call a plumber.  Be sure to look for one that provides emergency service to ensure a timely arrival.
3. Contact a local emergency sewage cleanup service.  If you live in the Greater Rochester, NY area, call Renewit Cleaning & Restoration at 585-473-7821.  We are available 24/7/365.
4. Call your insurance company to ensure that the damage is covered under your policy.

Renewit (and any reputable emergency sewage cleanup service in your area) will send a team of experts to assess the damage and propose a comprehensive plan to remove the sewage from your home or business.  Your emergency sewage cleanup service will most likely:

1. Use water extraction systems to remove and dispose of the water and sewage overflow.
2. Remove porous, contaminated content and structural material, such as carpet/carpet padding, drywall, insulation, moldings, etc.
3. Disinfect non-porous contaminated surfaces using specialized cleaning agents and antimicrobials.
4. Deep clean any salvageable carpeting or upholstered furniture using hot water extraction.
5. Speed the drying process and remove moisture using industrial strength dehumidifiers.
6. Deordorize the affected area if needed.

If you live in the Greater Rochester, NY area and choose to call Renewit, rest assured that our team is trained, certified and experienced in sewage cleanup.  We won't leave until your property is fresh, clean and sanitized!  Remember, the longer you wait, the more serious the health risks become --- quick reaction time can save your property and valuables from the long-term effects of water damage and microbial growth. 

Call Renewit today!  585-473-7821

Choosing a Carpet Cleaning Professional

Carpets Need Cleaning.

A clean carpet is important to your family's health. Carpets collect mold, dust mites, pollen, allergens and chemicals that can be potentially toxic. They also lose their luster over time. This is why the Carpet and Rug Institute (http://www.carpet-rug.org/) recommends having your carpets professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months.

Don't try it Yourself.

The worst thing you can do to your carpet is to use household stain removers. These can fade the color of your carpet fibers, leaving behind irreversible damage. Leave it to the professionals to tackle your stains! Any reputable company will use the industry's best stain-lifting agents to remove stains and get your carpet back to new. While no company can guarantee to remove every stain, every time, the professionals have a much better shot at it than you do.

Choosing a Professional

There is no shortage of carpet cleaning companies out there, but not all are created equal. When selecting a company, make sure they are certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). Then ask what cleaning method they use. The method most recommended by carpet manufacturers is Hot Water Extraction. Unlike shampoo and dry powder, hot water extraction won't damage your carpet, fill it with chemicals, or leave it soaking wet. Extraction units inject a mixture of hot water and cleaning agents into carpet fibers, loosening up dirt and debris. Then it removes everything - dirt, dust, allergens, cleaning solution and over 90% of the water - so your carpet will dry in a matter of hours.

Use caution.

Be wary of companies that advertise rates per number of rooms. Do they really charge the same price to clean a 10x10 room as they would for a 20x40 room? If so, will be as thorough? Will they use full strength cleaning products? Legitimate companies base their rates on the area cleaned, not the number of rooms. Be forewarned: any company that blows away the competition in terms of price is probably cutting corners in other ways.

Find out what's included.

Most cleaners don't charge extra to move small furniture or boxes, but will charge fees to handle heavy or delicate furniture such as dressers or china cabinets. They may also charge for preconditioning treatments and spot removal. Odor neutralizing deodorizers eliminate foul odors and leave your home smelling fresh and clean, but are often not included in the standard price. So do a walk-through with your cleaner, making sure to point out stains and trouble spots. This will ensure you have a good idea of the total cost before they start cleaning.

If you live within the Greater Rochester, NY area and would like to have your carpet cleaned or stains removed, give Renewit Cleaning & Restoration a call at 585-473-7821. We are an IICRC certified firm, ready to take your call 24/7/365. Go to our website for more carpet cleaning information: http://renewitwaterdamage.com/carpet-cleaning-rochester-ny.htm.

What To Do in the Event of a Fire

Dealing with a fire in your home or business can be incredibly stressful. Dealing with the resulting damage doesn't have to be. Follow the recommendations below to ensure a safer, more stress-free fire and smoke restoration process:

• Time is of the essence. The more time that passes, the more time there is for smoke residues to set in and cause permanent stains, discoloration and corrosion to your property and valuables.
• Remove your pets from the home. Dogs, cats, and birds are extremely vulnerable to the damaging effects of smoke inhalation. Make sure to get your pets out of the smoky atmosphere and into a clean, safe environment as quickly as possible.
• Open the windows. Smoke is very destructive; it manages to cause damage in areas that were never even directly exposed to flames or heat. The resulting odors are pungent and difficult to remove. The longer they are left to linger, the harder it is to remove them.
• Contact your insurance agency to find out if you are covered for the damage.
• Call a certified Fire & Smoke Restoration company. If water was used to put out the fire, make sure the company you call also specializes in Water Damage Restoration and Mold Remediation. Water rapidly leads to harmful mold and mildew growth.
• Make a quick inventory of all damaged contents.
• Prevent mold growth by emptying the fridge and freezer and keeping the doors propped open.

Renewit is an IICRC certified firm serving the Greater Rochester, NY area and beyond. We are fully trained and experienced in Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration as well as Water Damage Restoration and Mold Remediation. Our mission is to remove the fire and smoke damage from your property quickly, efficiently, and thoroughly. Acting fast is vital to keeping your costs down. The faster you call, the more we can save. We are here 24/7 to take your call. 585-473-7821. Or visit us at http://renewitwaterdamage.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration-services.htm.

Pre-Loss Disaster Recovery Plan

Like it or not, floods, fires, sewage breaks and other disasters happen - usually when we least expect it. That's why every business should have a comprehensive, wide-ranging, Pre-Loss Disaster Recovery Plan.

The main goal of a Pre-Loss Plan is to minimize the impact the disaster has on your business. In order to achieve this goal, your local restoration company will meet with you to discuss critical areas of concern and devise a plan that focuses on the following objectives:

• Minimize the financial loss sustained as a result of the disaster
• Reduce the duration of downtime and get your business up and running at 100% functionality
• Expedite the restoration process by selecting service providers in advance
• Train staff on disaster procedures, duties and roles
• Assign a disaster "point person" to work directly with the restoration provider throughout the recovery process

Be selective when choosing a restoration provider; for true peace of mind, you'll need a company whose experts are trained, certified and experienced in Disaster Recovery Restoration Services. Any reputable restoration firm knows that Pre-Loss Plans are not one-size-fits-all. Rather, they should be tailor-made to meet the specific demands of your company, ensuring that your business is protected and attended to in case of disaster.

If you're within 100 miles of the Greater Rochester area, rest assured that Renewit Cleaning & Restoration is fully capable of handling all of your disaster needs and would love to discuss Recovery Plan options with you.

Our team of experts is certified and fully trained in Disaster Recovery Restoration, including Water Restoration Services and Fire Restoration Services. Whether the disaster is a flood, fire or sewage break, we've got you covered!

The best part is that Renewit's custom-made Pre-Loss Disaster Recovery Plans are 100% FREE! Remember, in a disaster, the survival of your business is on the line - let us bring you peace of mind!

Contact Renewit today at info@renewitwaterdamage.com!

To learn more about Disaster Recovery Plans, visit us at: http://renewitwaterdamage.com/pre-loss-disaster-recovery-planning.htm.