5 Helpful Tips on How to Clean your Home in the Holidays

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you want a worry-free holiday and focus on preparing delectable dishes for your family, contact SERVPRO of Sanford.

As the famous song says ‘Tis the season to be jolly and indeed it is. The holiday season is the time of the year when sumptuous food, splendid gifts, and great company are enjoyed. And since the pandemic has had us cooped up in our homes for almost two years, people are excited to attend parties and even host their own parties at home. 

Planning parties can be quite stressful and tiring from preparing the turkey for Thanksgiving up until the new year celebration bash. Many people are definitely going to be in and out of your home which means you need to keep it spotless and pristine all the time. If you are tired of juggling from cooking to cleaning, a trusted cleaning company like SERVPRO of Sanford can also help with your dilemma. 

If you like to be a hostess and enjoy planning out parties for your friends and families, here are some helpful tips on how to clean your home and keep it clean for the holidays:

• Create an organized cleaning schedule

Eliminate holiday cleaning chaos by creating a cleaning schedule that divides the house chores into segments or blocks. This can also help in avoiding procrastination since one big task is harder to complete than little blocks of tasks done in a timely manner. 

Instead of putting “Clean the whole kitchen” in the list, which can be tiring just by the sound of it, why not first put “Wipe the countertop” which could only take less than a minute, and then proceed to a major task such as “Cleaning the refrigerator”. Also, it will be easier to divide the cleaning into five- or seven-day tasks instead of doing it all in one day. 

• De-clutter the front door and entryway

The first thing your guests see is your front door all the way to your entryway. But sometimes this is the most neglected part of the house since we focus more on cleaning the living and dining rooms where we host our guests. 

You don’t need to put over-the-top decorations in your entryway but simply getting rid of shoes and boots and putting them in the cabinet will go a long way. Fresh-cut flowers or if you don’t have one, large indoor plants in the entryway will definitely take your guests breath away. And it could even be a great conversation starter.

• Don’t forget to clean your carpet

Carpets are like sponges that absorb everything that touches it. It might be doing a great job protecting your hardwood floor, but it can also absorb dust and other grimes. Therefore, don’t skip cleaning your carpet so that your kids can enjoy opening their gifts on Christmas day on a polished and good-smelling carpet. You can opt for a cleaning service if you don’t have time to scrub and polish your whole carpet. Your carpet and your back will thank you.

• Clean the toilet and bathroom thoroughly

Simply flushing down the toilet and mopping the floors is not enough to thoroughly clean it. It is important that the toilet is properly sanitized and wiped down from top to bottom. Also, remove any cobwebs from ceiling corners since spiders are particularly at home in moist places like your bathrooms. Also, you can put flowers in your bathroom or even a potpourri to keep it smelling fresh.

• Clean or replace your air filters

Since the holidays are a busy season, your HVAC unit will work twice as hard to ensure that your family and guests will stay comfortable and warm in your home. Thus, it is important that your unit is working properly throughout the whole season. Make sure to clean or replace the filters and remove dust and other debris to allow easy airflow. 

The Christmas season is a way for people to relax and spend more time with their families. However, it can also be overwhelming with the mountain of things to prepare and do. If you want a worry-free holiday and focus on preparing delectable dishes for your family rather than doing all the cleaning, why not contact a professional cleaning company like SERVPRO of Sanford to do all the cleaning for you? A hassle-free way to celebrate the holidays with a clean home and hearts full of love.

How to Store and Clean Christmas Decorations Properly

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Tips on how to store and clean Christmas decorations properly

Things last long if they are stored properly. This Christmas season, decorating the entire house is fun but it would also be better if those decorations last longer than one year. In this article, we will give you tips on how to store and clean Christmas decorations properly so you can save time by availing cleaning service. 

• Declutter every year

Most of the time, a new year means a new Christmas motif in the house. As a result, decorations accumulate quickly and it is important to store those decorations properly. To lessen the Christmas decor accumulated, you need to declutter. Does it still fit your style? Is anything broken? Don’t hold on to useless stuff. If you are short of time to clean everything up, you can always avail the service of a cleaning company.

• Categorize

To properly organize, you need to categorize everything first. There are two ways to organize holiday decor. One, categorize all items together like candles, Santas, snowmen, and the like. Two, categorize by room if you set up your home the same way every year. This will help you remember how you decorated the previous year. An extra minute to store your decorations by category is the best way to end the season in an organized way. As for the garlands and wreaths, don’t use hooks, garlands, and wreaths. Even if they seem to be an efficient way to store holiday wreaths and garlands, they can put pressure and weaken their fibers where the hook touches. 

• Invest in proper storage

Getting quality storage bins might hurt your wallet at first but if you are thinking big, you will realize that you invest for the long term. Holidays will be back year after year so make a one-time investment to buy great and sturdy storage with proper compartments for ornaments, lights, and collectibles. Aside from the money, investing in proper storage will also save you lots of time and stress. In addition, mark your holiday containers. You can use an index card to list what’s inside each bin, and tape it to whichever side of the bin faces the front. The label will allow you to keep your items looked organized, uniform, and easily identifiable.

• Separate your holiday wrapping

Separate wrapping paper from regular paper. This will help you refrain from digging through everything when you need supplies for an occasion. It is good to invest in a wrapping station or a budget-friendly option to create your own. Wrapping stations are great because they have designated pockets for paper, bows, scissors, tapes, bags, etc. 

• Keep Holiday Pillows and Blankets Fresh 

To keep holiday pillows and blankets fresh, store them in airtight containers to preserve them. You can store your holiday decor in an area where it cannot be exposed much to drastic differences in temperature like an attic or basement.  By storing them, everything will last longer, and refrain from getting musty or mildew and calling a cleaning company which can save you money. Also, always make sure the items are clean before stowing them away.

But of course, if you want it to be by the experts, you can always have a cleaning service. A cleaning company like SERVPRO of Sanford will save you from doing all the cleaning so that you can only focus on planning fun for your loved ones.

How Do I Clean Carpets Myself?

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

Call us now for a carpet cleaning company. We have a 24-hour service.

Carpets give additional designs and ornaments, especially in our living room where we welcome our guests. Being exposed to sunlight and different people make it dull and need cleaning once in a while too. And the truth is, if you don’t clean your carpet, you are putting it to permanent damage, and damaged carpet calls for replacement and does add to your expenses. Keeping it clean is just as important as cleaning any other furniture, fixtures, and fittings in your home. A carpet without regular cleaning produces unwanted smells and shows visible signs of dirt.

Is it worth getting the carpet cleaned?

Definitely yes. To avail, a carpet cleaning company is worth it. Carpet cleaners are not that cheap but hiring one has several good benefits. Here they are: 

1. They clean your carpet more thoroughly and deeply than you can. Carpet cleaners are trained and use machines to make your carpet look new.
2. They will help your carpet last longer which will make you save more money on carpet replacement.
3. Because of their equipment, they will make your carpet look better and smell cleaner.
4. You save a lot of time and hassle.

Checking out a carpet cleaning service would be the best option, but if you are too tired to use big machines and appliances, we will give you tips on how to clean your favorite carpet by yourself. 

Here are the easiest and fastest steps to clean carpets:

1. Use of baking soda. This is the simplest ingredient to clean the carpet. Sprinkle it over the carpet and vacuum thoroughly to remove loose debris. It also works to remove odors from the carpet.
2. A mixture of shampoo and warm water. Combine two drops of carpet shampoo with warm water in a clean spray bottle. Spray over the carpet slowly to not saturate the fibers.
3. Use a carpet brush to brush off any trapped dirt.
4. Soak up the area with dry towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
5. Fill a clean spray bottle with fresh water and spray on the same area.
6. Get another set of dry and clean towels to soak up and lift the remaining moisture.
7. Finish your cleaning by using a carpet grooming brush.

But how often should you clean your carpet? Well, most carpet cleaning services recommend carpets are cleaned every 6-18 months depending on the amount of traffic. If you have young children and pets, it is required to have a more regular deep clean due to the increased amount of dirt and hair that gets into them.

At SERVPRO, we have proudly served Sanford for over 40 years - SERVPRO of Sanford provides exceptional restoration and remediation services for both residential and commercial properties. Call us now for a carpet cleaning company. We have a 24-hour service.

How To Get Rid of Graffiti Vandalism

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Sanford, we offer not only mold restoration or water damage but also graffiti cleanup services. Call us today!

Graffiti vandalism is a big problem especially when your favorite stuff like a table was scratched. It also includes defacing, tagging, writing, drawing of symbols, or placing materials onto any surface without the property owner’s permission. Aside from the physical impact, it has also a financial and social impact on the community as it might the perception of safety. SERVPRO of Sanford offers a vandalism cleanup service to minimize these problems.

But if you want some DIY tips on how to get rid of graffiti vandalism on different surfaces before going to a graffiti cleanup service, we’ll definitely give it to you. 

On Metal Surfaces

1. Use thinner like mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, or acetone to wipe the graffiti off.
2. Try removing it by rubbing with steel or bronze wool or light sandpaper if the graffiti still remains.
3.  Try power-washing with a 3000psi pressure washer to further remove the graffiti.
4. Paint over the graffiti.

On Wood Surfaces

1. For unweathered and sealed with paint, stain, or sealer on woods, try to remove it by wiping with mineral spirits, but if the wood is weathered, do not use this technique as the mineral spirits will be absorbed by the wood, driving the paint further down into the wood.
2. Use a 3000psi pressure washer to get rid of the graffiti then observe carefully to make sure the pressure is not driving the paint deeper into the wood grain. 
3. Sand the wood and re-paint or simply paint over the graffiti.

On Plastic Surfaces

1. Try to use a light, penetrating oil to wipe off graffiti. Refrain from using paint thinners as they can soften the plastic and can cause clouding or permanent tackiness of the surface.
2. You can also use light rubbing with ultra-fine steel or bronze wool to remove the paint.
3. Paint over it if it is still not working.

On Masonry Surfaces

1. Power-wash the graffiti with a 3000psi pressure washer but always be careful in selecting the type of tip you use in the pressure wand. Too narrow a tip can etch the masonry surface, leaving a perfect outline of the graffiti removed.
2. The sandblasting technique is another way. Be careful with the pressure in washing not to allow the sandblasting tip to remain in one spot too long as it can permanently etch the surface. Just be sure that the tip moves over the painted area and the surrounding areas so that the surface is blended.
3. If both of the techniques don’t work (power-washing and sand-blasting), paint over the graffiti.

On Glass Surfaces

1. The use of a razor blade to carefully scrape the graffiti. Use the razor blade in a holder and scrape at a 30-degree angle to the glass.
2. Use ultra-fine bronze wool with water to gently rub the remaining paint off.
3. The use of paint thinners on glass can be effective too but razor blades are much quicker and environmentally friendly.

Final Thoughts

Before cleaning any graffiti, it is vital to take pictures in case someone asks for evidence of vandalism. The sooner the graffiti is removed, the more the offending vandals will be discouraged. If things are beyond your control, you can check the vandalism cleanup service immediately. At SERVPRO of Sanford, we offer not only mold restoration or water damage but also graffiti cleanup services. Call us today!

How To Make Your Kitchen Smell Fresh?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Professional odor removal like SERVPRO can greatly eliminate the bad odors in your home.

The kitchen is the mecca of any home. We spend a lot of time with our family, from cooking delicious meals to entertaining guests during special occasions. The smell of your house, particularly the kitchen, is the first thing that someone notices upon entering your home. Have you ever entered a home before and been greeted by the smell of freshly baked cookies? Were you instantly taken back to the happy memories of your childhood? Who would hate that, right?

We all want to keep our kitchens smelling divine and fresh all the time. However, odor removal can sometimes be tricky. No matter how clean your kitchen is, there are still times that an unpleasant smell can build up through different factors such as having pets and cooking smelly foods. This mixture of aromas cannot be resolved by simply spritzing artificial freshening sprays. Professional odor removal like SERVPRO can be ideal if you want to eliminate dreadful odors from your home fast. But there are also simple remedies you can try to keep unpleasant smells from your kitchen.

Here are simple ways to keep your kitchen smelling fresh all the time:

• Don’t forget to clean and take out your garbage regularly

This may be the most obvious but sometimes the most neglected due to our busy schedules of working all day and taking care of the kids. However, our garbage bins are the biggest contributor to unpleasant smells in our kitchen. Taking your garbage out regularly will prevent any bad odors from remaining in your kitchen.

However, it does not end with just throwing your garbage out. It is important that you also clean the bins as germs and bacteria can remain in them. This bacteria contributes to the foul-smelling odor lingering in your kitchen. 

• Clean the microwave after every use

Microwaves are one of the most used appliances in our home. From heating that leftover lasagna from last night’s dinner to popping popcorn for a movie night, microwaves are our trusted companion. But like any appliance in our home, we should make sure that we clean it every time we use it.

• Scrub and clean all surfaces

Odor removal does not end in wiping down the counter after cooking. All surfaces should be clean and free from any leftover food stain that can rot. Regularly clean the hard-to-reach areas in your kitchen such as, under the sink or corners where liquid from food may have dripped over or pieces of food have fallen. This habit ensures that nothing will rot and contribute to invisible foul-smelling odor in your kitchen. 

Don’t forget to scrub carpets and wash rugs regularly to remove any smell from the food spills and stains. Also, you can try putting baking soda in your carpets and rugs, which is an odor absorber and can eliminate unwanted smells.

• Do a regular fridge cleanout

Regular fridge cleaning is a daunting task, but it is also an important step in ensuring that any food that has gone bad will be properly disposed. This will prevent food from rotting and emitting unpleasant odors. Also, as a bonus, you will know what foods are near expiration so you can cook or consume them right away. 

Tip: Keep a bowl or box of baking soda in the back corner of the fridge to neutralize the noxious odors inside.

• Seek professional help

We all want that perfect, fresh-smelling kitchen. If spritzing air freshener, simmering orange peels, and lighting a scented candle isn't doing the trick, seeking the help of a professional odor removal company can be a lifesaver. SERVPRO is an expert odor removal technician who can identify and eliminate any odor in your home. 

For a stress-free and fresh-smelling kitchen, contact SERVPRO now!

Fire Clean Up For A Commercial Building

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a commercial building is a devastating experience.

Fire damage to a commercial building is a devastating experience. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts.  Therefore, immediate action is crucial to minimize business interruption, reduce lost revenue and productivity.

But trying to clean up the aftermath may be the last thing you feel like doing on your own. When fire, smoke and soot damage are left behind, it can create an unpleasant and permanent problems if not properly addressed. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can permanently damage contents throughout the building and may cause odors that resurface for years. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole understands how disruptive fires can be for business owners, their tenants and even their customers.  So, before you risk doing more damage to your most valuable business assets by attempting to clean it up yourself, you should consider hiring an experienced company like SERVPRO.  Our technicians have the training, tools, equipment, and experience to handle any fire damage incident to a commercial building.  They can respond immediately to begin the work to restore your business back and running.