Recent Cleaning Posts

Clean Homes Sell Faster

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

Get it clean - Get it Sold

Dirty Ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout a home. SERVPRO of Port Jefferson/Stony Brook Professionals use a portable ventilation & air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

Duct & HVAC System cleaning can:

  • Reduce allergens and pet dander
  • Eliminate offensive odors
  • Improve operating conditions and efficiency  

Be Informed:

Molds are found in every environment, and mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present. An Institute of Medicine study found excessive dampness indoors encourages the growth of molds and other organisms, causing a public health problem. The EPA advised that the potential health concerns from molds are an important reason to prevent moisture problems leading to mold growth. It is especially important to clean up existing indoor mold growth to increase property appeal and retain its value. If a property has experienced a water intrusion, SERVPRO of Port Jefferson professional can inspect the damage to see whether moisture has penetrated materials or is allowing mold growth.

Control Moisture- Reduce Mold

Prior to listing a property, the following steps can be taken to reduce the potential for moisture buildup or mold growth. Should a damage event occur, timely response is the key to preventing further damage - act within the first 24 to 48 hours.

  • Correct any water leaks or standing water
  • Remove standing water under cooling coils or air handling units
  • Properly maintain humidifiers, if used
  • Replace wet or visibly moldy insulation materials
  • Steam cleaning and other methods involving moisture should not be used on any kind of duct work 
  • Install a ventilation system

Pass More Home Inspections

Your sellers may have trouble spots to address before you list a property or schedule an inspection. The clients may choose to handle these issues themselves to avoid filing an insurance claim for the damage because it may not be covered by their policy and can affect the homes CLUE report. CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is a database which records reported loss and damage information, and it is utilized by most insurance companies. Unfavorable CLUE reports can lead to increased premiums and policy renewal issues for property owners. 

Top Show Condition an Ready to Sell

It is a fact: A clean, fresh smelling home sells faster. Unfortunately, not all homes are maintained in the same way. Nearly all realtors are faced, at some point, with a difficult listing to show. 

Veteran realtors encourage clients to keep their hoes in top condition for very important reasons:

  • Increased market value 
  • Reduced list to sale conversion times
  • Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson offers a variety of services to help revive your listings to show condition:

  • Carpet, Upholstery, Drapery and Blind Cleaning
  • Ceiling, Wall and Hard Floor Cleaning 
  • Deodorization
  • Duct & HVAC Cleaning
  • Mold Mitigation and Remediation

Are Your Ducts in Order?

3/24/2016 (Permalink)

When was the last time you inspected the ductwork in your home or business? 

If you cannot remember, it may be time for some much needed attention.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units combined with dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home. SERVPRO of Port Jefferson/Stony Brook can inspect your ductwork and recommend the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.  

Keeping your HVAC system and ductwork clean not only provides cleaner, fresher air, but can also extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition. SERVPRO of Port Jefferson use a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

Breathe easier this spring. An inspection of your HVAC system and ductwork can save you money, provide peace of mind and prolong the life of your equipment. Contact SERVPRO of Port Jefferson/Stony Brook to schedule an appointment today! 631-476-5300.

It's that time again.... Spring into Clean

3/18/2016 (Permalink)

A clean environment is a healthy environment. Review these tips  to improve your living and work spaces this spring. If you need a little help, don't worry SERVPRO of Port Jefferson/Stony Brook has all of the tools to make your home or business sparkle in no time.

Clean your work space - It doesn't take long for clutter to pile up. Begin spring cleaning by decluttering and organizing your work space. Sort files and determine what you really need. Removing excess clutter will not only allow you to find things easier, but will also create a more productive environment.

Start an archive - While organizing your work space, you may come across files you don't use daily, but still need to keep. By creating an archive, you can save these files and keep your desk clutter-free. Maintain your archive by scheduling one day a month to sort through files and keep files organized

Organize your inbox - Is your inbox overloaded? Organize e-mails by creating folders within your inbox. Organizing files may require an initial time investment, but still be a tremendous timesaver in the future. Consider backing up important electronic files and programs as well.

Deep clean your facility, including the floors. - Over time, floors bear the brunt of your daily business. If not properly maintained, they can become dull and dingy. Having floors deep cleaned can improve the overall look and cleanliness of you facility

Clean HVAC units.- Most air conditioning units remain dormant throughout the winter. To ensure the best indoor air quality, consider having your HVAC and ducts professionally cleaned.

Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our environment and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer.

Contact SERVPRO of Port Jefferson/Stony Brook Today!  

631-476-5300

Do's & Don'ts - Building Emergency Tips

2/11/2016 (Permalink)

Helpful tips on what to do until help arrives....

Fire & Smoke Damage:

Do:

  • Limit movement in the building to prevent soot particles from being imbedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Blow or brush vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.
  • Place clean drop cloths on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezers and refrigerators completely and prop doors open
  • Clean and protect chrome on cafeteria and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances with light coating of Vaseline or oil.
  • Wash plants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

    • Don't:

  • Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO Professional.
  • Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO Professional.
  • Attempt to clean any electrical equipment that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.
  • Send drapes to ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

    • Vandalism Damage:

    Do:

  • Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible
  • Blot freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with dampened cloth or sponge (but don't over wet). Scrape and blot (don't rub: it may damage fibers).
  • Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
  • Save containers, which reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.

    • Don't:

  • Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetics stains.
  • Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
  • Discard wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or other art objects.

    • Harmful Waste (Sewage, Blood borne Pathogens, Etc.)

    Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
  • Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
  • Turn off the HVAC system if there is a sewage damage

    • Don't

    • Attempt cleanup of any kind.
    • Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.
    • Eat, drink, smoke apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in affected areas.

    If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

    Water Damage:

    Do:

  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and table top items.
  • Remove an prop wet upholstery for even drying
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
  • Remove oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall to wall carpeting
  • Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a safe, dry place.

    • Don't:

  • Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible.
  • Leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
  • Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.