Recent Cleaning Posts

Why have your carpets professionally cleaned?

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning can improve the appearance ofyour homeand extend the life of your carpet, but perhaps the most valuable benefit from the process is improving your family’s health.

According to the American Lung Association, if members of your household suffer from conditions that can affect their breathing, such as snoring or asthma, it’s crucial that you vacuum your carpets at least three times a week. Beyond vacuuming regularly, you may also benefit from having your carpets professionally cleaned at minimum once a year.

Here are a few ways the process leads to a healthier home:

Carpet cleaning eliminates trapped pollutants.According to theEnvironmentalProtection Agency, dirty carpet can retain several sources of indoor air pollutants, including but not limited to, pet dander, cockroach allergens, lead, particle pollution, and everyday dirt and dust. Toxic airborne gases can adhere to these particles and get trapped within the carpet. These toxic gases can be released through everyday activities such as vacuuming and walking across the carpet, which can cause them to contaminate the air in your home. Professional carpet cleaning services kills these bacteria through special shampooing formulas and can remove deeply trapped pollutants with high-powered vacuums.

Carpet cleaning can clear out dust mite infestations.Many homes have dust mite infestations, but most homeowners aren’t aware of the infestation due to the creatures being microscopic. Dust mites themselves aren’t allergens, but they often leave behind feces and body fragments which are. Because of the microscopic size of these particles, they can easily be inhaled when the area is disturbed, which can exacerbate allergies. Many professional carpet cleaning companies utilize a technique known as steam cleaning when performing carpetmaintenancework, which exposes your carpet to high temperatures that dust mites can’t survive.

Carpet cleaning can help prevent mold growth.In areas with high humidity levels, dirty carpets are at a high risk of developing moldgrowthwhen exposed to moisture. In precipitous weather, moisture can get tracked into the home and can sink deep in the carpet fibers if not dried and vacuumed immediately.Having your carpet cleaned regularly can prevent mold and mildew growth, because professional carpet cleaners have high-powered drying tools that annihilate moisture. By eliminating moisture, you can prevent mold growth that can cause health effects if ignored for too long.

Call SERVPRO of Catonsville for your next carpet cleaning: 410-242-7370

Summer is Coming!

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

Summer is getting closer and you're almost ready to turn on the air conditioning in your home or business.  You may have even replaced your air filters.  But have you considered what might be inside your ducts?

The ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality and can circulate odors, contamination such as mold, and irritating dust and allergens throughout your building or home.  In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention and it may be time for a professional inspection.

Our SERVPRO of Catonsville technicians have been trained to inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any possible indoor air quality concerns.  Keeping your HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the lifespan of the equipment by allowing it to operate in peak condition which may save you money.    

Clean Ducts = Clean Homes

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Summer is getting closer and you’re almost ready to turn on the air conditioning in your home or business. You may have even replaced your air filters. But have you considered what might be inside the ducts?

The ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality and can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust and allergens throughout your building or home.

In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention and it may be time for a professional inspection.

Our SERVPRO of Catonsville technicians have been trained to inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any possible indoor air quality concerns.

How Does A Duct Cleaning Work?

  • First, our technicians use patented equipment, including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct’s shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
  • Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a container.
  • Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.7% of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture the debris and keep the environment clean.
  • Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove and dirt.

Keeping your HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the lifespan of the equipment by allowing it to operate in peak condition, which may save you money.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

  • Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
  • Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
  • Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Catonsville today at  410-242-7370 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Our Carpet Cleaning Process

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

As you’re spending more time at home, have you noticed your carpets looking dirty or dingy? As a general rule, you should deep clean your carpets every 12-18 months.

At SERVPRO of Catonsville, our professionals use IICRC (Institution of Inspection and Restoration Certification) standards for carpet care as a guide and we will help you make best decisions to care for your carpet. This includes:

  • Showing you what cleaning option would be best for your level of soiling.
  • Giving you an estimate of time and cost for the carpet cleaning.
  • Explaining the benefits of soil protection and the advantages of a clean carpet for good indoor air quality

What are the different types of carpet cleaning?

1. Bonnet Cleaning Cleaning/maintenance method for light soiling.

  • Carpet is lightly sprayed with cleaning solution.
  • A rotary extractor with a “bonnet” pad is used to pull soil from the carpet.

2. Hot Water Extraction Cleaning for light to moderate soiling.

  • Truck mount or portable extraction unit applies cleaning solution with hot water while extracting soils.

3. Deluxe Precondition and Rinse Cleaning for moderate to heavy soiling; pre-treat and rinse.

  • Soil emulsifier sprayed on carpet, setting for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Thorough rinse and extraction of soils.

4. Showcase Premier Cleaning Cleaning for moderate to heavy soiling.

  • Two-step process:
    • Shampoo applied with rotary equipment.
    • Thorough rinse and extract of soils.

For questions about Carpet Cleaning or to schedule your service, call us: 410-242-7370

About SERVPRO of Catonsville  

SERVPRO of Catonsville specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. SERVPRO of Catonsville is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here, too and we are proud to be part of the Catonsville community.

Cleaning & Disinfecting: Soft Surfaces, Electronics, & Laundry

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

In addition to recommendations for wiping down frequently touched surfaces in your home, the CDC offers the following guidelines for Soft Surfaces, Electronics, and Laundry.

SOFT SURFACES

For soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes.

Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.

Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
OR

Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant

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ELECTRONICS

For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls.

• Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics

• Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting. (If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.)

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LAUNDRY

For clothing, towels, linens and other items.

• Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from a person who is sick.

• Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items.

Do not shake dirty laundry.

Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to CDC guidance for surfaces.

• Remove gloves, and wash hands right away.

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Questions about cleaning and disinfecting your home? Call us: 410-242-7370

About SERVPRO of Catonsville  

SERVPRO of Catonsville specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. SERVPRO of Catonsville is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here, too and we are proud to be part of the Catonsville community.

Household Cleaning Checklist

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Looking for a way to keep track of your household cleaning efforts? Use our checklist below as a guide and add additional tasks based on your own household needs.

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KITCHEN

__ Doorknobs & light switches

__ Drawer & cabinet pulls/handles

__ Appliance handles/knobs

__ Trash can

__ Sink: basin, faucet, knobs

__ Countertops

__ _____________________________________

__ _____________________________________

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BATHROOMS

__ Doorknobs & light switches

__ Drawer & cabinet pulls/handles

__ Toilet

__ Countertops

__ Shower & tub: handles, knobs, doors

__ Sink: basin, faucet, knobs

__ Trash can

__ _____________________________________

__ _____________________________________

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LIVING/FAMILY ROOM

__ TV remote controls

__ Video game controllers

__ Light switches and lamps

__ Table surfaces

__ Doorknobs

__  ______________________________________

__  ______________________________________

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BEDROOMS

__ Doorknobs

__ Drawer pulls/handles

__ Table surfaces

__ Light switches and lamps

__ TV remote controls

__  ______________________________________

__  ______________________________________

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THE REST OF THE HOUSE

__ Doorknobs: entry, closets

__ Stair railings

__ Drawer pulls/handles

__ Light switches and lamps

__ Toys & toy boxes

__ Art/Craft supplies & games

__ Tools

__ Phones

__ Computers/keyboards & tablets

__ Desks & office supplies

__ Fitness/sports equipment & bikes

__  ______________________________________

__  ______________________________________

__  ______________________________________

__  ______________________________________

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Questions? We’re here to help. Call us: 410-242-7370

About SERVPRO of Catonsville  

SERVPRO of Catonsville specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. SERVPRO of Catonsville is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here, too and we are proud to be part of the Catonsville community.