Carrara Companies Cleaning & Restoration Services Blog

Hood Vent Cleaning

If you ever worked in a fast food restaurant or greasy spoon, then you know how bad a kitchen may get, even after a short period. In fact, if you ever thought about what goes on in a kitchen, you probably would not eat out much – if at all. Kitchens must have standards of cleanliness higher than most other establishments simply because other people’s health and safety depends on it.

A restaurant’s exhaust, or hood vent, system is one of the most important aspects, which much be cleaned, at least annually, to maintain proper health and safety. Even in the home, proper hood vent maintenance is essential to ensure a fire does not start. Grease has a tendency to build on surfaces and stay there, and unless cleaned properly, it will remain there.

• Make sure your commercial kitchen follows the standards set forth in NFPA 96, along with your local fire codes.
• Have your entire system cleaned at least annually to ensure you proactively prevent fire hazards.
• Grease buildup cannot only pose a fire hazard, it can also damage the exhaust equipment, and in some cases building structure.
• Shutting the system down for complete and proper cleaning is necessary. Ensure the fire suppression system remains active in case something goes wrong.
• For commercial kitchens, inspections are conducted according to law in regular intervals. In home situations, you should conduct your own inspection and know the proper care of your hood vent system.
• If cleaning a residential system yourself, it is a good idea to practice the highest levels of safety. Ensure the system is shut off and you are wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Make sure the degreaser is strong enough to remove all particulates from the filter when cleaning, and avoid spraying anything directly on the light bulb or in the light socket.
• Cleaning the exterior of the unit be done with any household cleaner, but if there is a ventilation system involved, it’s best to contact a professional with experience.

Upholstery Cleaning Tips for Leather Furniture

 

When properly cared for, leather furniture can last up to five years longer than most fabric upholstered furniture. Two of the most important things to know: the grade of leather, and the finish applied to the hide.

The two most popular grades of leather used for furniture are top-grain leather and split leather. Made from the top layer of the hide, top grain leather is the premium grade. Leather, which is not buffed or sanded to correct markings with a smooth appearance, is corrected leather. Split leather, from the lower layer of the hide, is stiffer and less durable than the top grain, with suede and coated split-level leather used on areas of furniture not seen.

Four different finishes of leather are aniline, semi-aniline, Nubuck, and pigment-dyed. Aniline is a dye used to give the hide color without covering over the natural markings, while semi-aniline has the same amount of dye, and has a small amount of surface coating. Nubuck has a slight nap, creating a suede look (but more durable), but is treated with chemicals to resist stains and water. Pigment-dyed refers to leather with a coated surface, much like painting. Scratches are more likely to show on this type of finish.

Check the tag(s) on your furniture for the leather's grade and finish, as they will note the different cleaning agents and conditioners required. Before the use of cleaning or conditioning products, test a small inconspicuous area, and if in doubt about a spill, stain, or mark, contact a professional cleaning company.

To further help maintain your leather furniture follow these tips:

• Keep the furniture at least two feet away from heating vents, and radiators.
• Protect the furniture from the sun, keeping it from windows and direct sunlight.
• Dust or vacuum the furniture weekly.
• Turn and fluff the cushions weekly to prevent wrinkling.
• Blot spills immediately with a dry, white cloth.
• Do not place newspapers, or magazines on the furniture due to ink bleed through.
• Clean and condition the leather twice a year.

Bathroom Remodeling: Getting Started

 

Remodeling a bathroom can be an expensive endeavor, regardless of the size. Typically, it is the second most expensive room in the home following the kitchen. The benefit to this expense is that your return on the investment is approximately eighty-five percent, meaning if your spend ten thousand dollars; you will boost your home value by eight thousand five hundred dollars!

The first thing you have to allocate is a budget. After you have decided the amount you want to spend, make a list of what you would like to change in the bathroom.  Are you doing an aesthetic upgrade or a structural change? Is your list realistic to your budget? Look through magazines, visit local home improvement stores, even check on the internet to help find ideas for your updates. Sometimes the smallest changes make a huge impact. Changing the paint color, shower curtain, sanding and refinishing the cabinets, and even just new towels can transform your old bathroom into a sparkling spa!

Utilize your personal skills; you may be able to do some or all of the remodeling yourself. If you need to hire a contractor, be sure to research several in your area, and look at previous remodels they have completed if possible. Have the contractor provide a detailed estimate showing the materials cost and the labor separate. This will help you determine if the materials may be able to be purchased at a store other than the one used by the contractor for a lesser amount. If electrical or plumbing alterations or upgrades will be completed, confirm to see if any building codes need to be met, or any permits are required.

Now that you have the ground work completed you are ready to begin your remodeling project. Keep your project on track by using your budget and the list you made for what you want to accomplish. Never hesitate to ask your contractor questions, remember he is working for you. 

Memorial Day Safety Tip Reminders from Carrara

While originally established to honor those individuals whom fell in service to their country, Memorial Day has become a family holiday where many enjoy road trips, swimming, barbeques, and boating. Whatever you and your family decide to do, here are some important things Carrara Companies wants you to remember this Memorial Day weekend.

Road Trips

• Click It or Ticket It: The national Click It or Ticket It campaign kicked off this past weekend, and will run until the end of the month. Over 950 law enforcement partners will be supporting the campaign with activities and enforcement hours. Ohio's seat belt law is a secondary law, which means a police officer cannot stop a driver for the sole purpose of enforcing the use of occupant restraints. This is not a pass to avoid wearing your safety belt, and you will be sited if pulled over or at a sobriety checkpoint. Children are required to be buckled in at all times - and that is a law in all states.
• Pre-flight Checks: Make sure your vehicle has recently had its routine maintenance, and double-check everything before you take off on the road. Proper tire pressure, working warning and headlights, topped off fluids, and emergency kit should be in great shape before you begin your trip.
• Are you sleepy?: If so, don't drive. Drowsy drivers are as dangerous as drunk drivers, and getting a good night sleep before any road trip should be an automatic requirement. A caffeinated beverage or quick exercise break is not a viable substitute for a good night's sleep.
• Don't Drink & Drive: Simple and straight to the point. Whether out at a bar, barbeque, or at home, getting behind the wheel after a couple drinks is never a good idea. Call a cab, family member, or friend - who is sober - for the safe ride home.

Barbeque

• Maintain a healthy diet, and don't over indulge. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and potato salad might sound good, but mix in some fruit and fresh vegetables as well.
• Make sure you check the hoses and tubes for cracks on your gas grill to avoid any leaks, which could be ignited by an open flame.
• If using a charcoal grill, avoid using them in the home or confined space. Not only is it a fire hazard, but the carbon monoxide can build up to toxic levels.

Swimming & Boating

• Make sure you know the depth of the water you decide to swim, and make sure there is a lifeguard on duty in case of an emergency.
• Take sunscreen with a SPF rating of at least 15, and apply it to all parts of exposed skin 30 minutes prior to going out. Taking an extra pair of UV protected sunglasses is a good idea as well.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or beverages with electrolytes. Avoid drinking alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, as they will cause you to dehydrate fast. There is very little danger however, to eating before jumping in the pool.
• When out boating, make sure you have lifejackets for everyone. File a boat plan, like a flight plan, with someone you trust in case something happens.
• Keep your eye on the weather and waves if out in open water. There are many instances of rouge waves and the weather changing without notice, turning your weekend boating trip into a nightmare.

Hot Water Extraction for Eco-friendly Carpet Cleaning

Today many people are looking for an Eco-friendly approach when cleaning their home. If this is something that you are striving for, why settle for anything less when it comes to having your carpets cleaned? With the many professional carpet cleaning companies in the industry there are numerous processes and even more types of chemicals that can be used.

What process is best?

Hot water extraction is the most utilized cleaning process in the carpet cleaning industry according to Cleanfax Magazine, the frontrunner cleaning magazine in the business.  Shaw Industries and Mohawk Industries, the two largest carpet manufactures in the world, recommend hot water extraction for the maintenance cleaning of carpet. Other processes include, but are not limited to, the application of moistened materials and chemicals to the carpet for vacuuming.

How can you determine if the process is environmentally friendly?

If the company is using hot water extraction and the water is hot enough, virtually no chemicals will be needed to clean the carpet. The water needs to reach at least 200°F to achieve optimal cleanliness. The extremely hot water penetrates the carpet fibers loosening the dirt, soil and grease while the vacuum extracts the dirty water.  Keep in mind, for every 15° increase in temperature the cleaning ability of the water doubles! Not all carpet cleaning companies can achieve this intense temperature level for cleaning and in turn, will revert to using chemicals on the carpet.

Consult your professional carpet cleaning company to find out what process they use to clean your carpets.

Smoke Odor Removal after a Fire

The remnants of a fire may linger long after the fire department has left. Soot and smoke damage remain, in addition to the damage actually caused by the fire, and it's important to recognize both as separate hazards when restoration is the next step in recovery.

Soot is a visible, oily substance, which stains easily. Smoke is the invisible threat, which intrudes into all portions of the home, and may remain if not properly addressed. Here are some basic things you should be aware of:

• Insurance Coverage: Odds are if you own a home, you have fire insurance coverage. It is a good idea to know exactly what the coverage entails before a fire incident occurs.
• Professional Results: Many websites offer do-it-yourself methods for removing smoke. Most are for cigarette smoke, but little are effective when properly removing smoke after a fire. A company who deals with professional restoration after a fire is usually the best option.
• Reputation: The professional you hire should know what they are doing, and have a reputable record of accomplishment with success. Some companies are highly recommended, while others seem to do only what they must and care little about the result.
• Trapped Odor: Smoke, like sand, seems to get into everything. The negative air space, which is the air trapped within your walls, is the most common hiding spot. Thermal fogging removes the trapped smoke from porous materials, such as wood, and is the most effective. A sealant will be used for air ducts, and there is no way to effectively clean them, and prevent the odor from returning. In the attic, insulation replacement is required as there is no way to remove the odor.
• Carpeting: In most cases, replacing the carpet and padding is best. For some lighter incidents, cleaning the carpet before and after the restoration project removes the odor.
• Clothing & Furniture: Ozone treatment offers the most thorough advantages, with the best results. The deodorization produces an oxidizing agent, which breaks down the smoke at a molecular level. Dry cleaning is recommended for best cleaning, but deodorization needs completed first to ensure the odor is not set into the fabric.
• Not eco-friendly: Unfortunately, there is not a restoration or removal method, which is completely friendly to the environment. Both soot and smoke permeate what they are exposed to, and natural ventilation and the hottest water goes only so far.
• Phantom Smell: Sometimes long after the fire, you trick yourself into thinking the odor remains. Ask someone to verify the odor is actually gone, and allow yourself to heal from the experience.

Properly trained fire restoration professionals have the knowledge and training to effectively remove the smoke damage. Once you contact your insurance agent and get the process started, all parties will work with you to get you back on your feet and back into your home.

Six Starting Points For A Disaster Recovery Plan

When a disaster occurs, it usually happens when you are least prepared, and damaging materials and equipment, you cannot afford to lose. When you know what needs to be done before, during, and after an incident, you can prevent the initial panic and overwhelming feeling of loss. A disaster recovery plan will reduce the extent of the damage, and assist you in carrying out an organized recovery effort.

Disaster plans differ from one organization to the next, but they all contain the basic principles addressing pre-loss preventative measures, emergency procedures, and post-loss recovery efforts. Here are the six starting points you need when drafting your Disaster Recovery Plan.

• Goals: Determine and prioritize the goals for your organization. They must have support and validity from the senior-most personnel.
• Simplicity: Simply put make it simple. A complex plan full of fluff will cause more of a disaster when it becomes time to execute. Keep the goals and priorities clear and simple, and the plan will be successful.
• Maintenance: Periodically schedule a review of the plan, which is usually about every six months. This is necessary as administrative information changes, along with job responsibilities, and business goals and priorities.
• Practice: Setup disaster drills to ensure the plan actually works as intended. Separate out the weak links, and make changes as necessary.
• Business Impact Analysis (BIA): Quantify the hard cost of the business or portion of the business being inoperable. This loss is cumulative dollars verses time. This will define the window of time available to renew business operations, and define the restoration project timeline.
• Risk Analysis: Vital documentation should be defined, as 5% - 7% of total documentation exists in original copy form. The location of this documentation must be written into the plan to ensure recovery. Consider either safe storage options or maintaining backups offsite. Critical assets and equipment, along with critical business partners, must be written into the plan and addressed as well.

Contact Eric Schlaubach or Jim Dunphy for more information about establishing your own Disaster Recovery Plan.

Funky Fungi: Mold Prevention

Several different elements can lead to the growth of mold; high humidity (relative humidity), water pipe leaks, flooding, mildew, leaking roof, condensation, poor ventilation, and wet materials. If you see or have these issues present in your home, you are highly susceptible to mold growth.

The bathroom is a natural area where mold growth occurs, with constant heat and moisture along with the lack of proper ventilation. Condensation has nowhere to evaporate and then absorbs into the walls, woodwork, and ceiling creating the perfect foundation for mold growth. 

Mold produces allergens, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash for allergic people.  Mold exposure can also irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of non-allergic people, and usually occurs once mold becomes airborne.

If you have a visible mold problem, first find the source of the water that is causing the mold to develop and eliminate it. Call a certified professional mold remediation company for an estimate and consultation for removal of the mold. Certified professionals have the experience, knowledge, training, and resources to identify moisture sources, evaluate the mold, and remove the contamination.

To prevent mold from growing in your home make sure that the home does not have excess moisture, and keep the relative humidity below 60 percent. Fix any leaks from the roof or pipes, and make sure the basement or crawlspace is not damp. Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed. Maintain your HVAC system with professional inspections and cleaning. Also, ensure that foundation has proper drainage to allow water to drain away and dry out.

Cleaning Outside the Home: Pressure Washing

Over time, mildew, dirt, and grime collect on the vinyl and aluminum siding of your home. Algae can grow not only on the shingles of the roof, but on brick, block, and wood as well. Oxidation may also occur on aluminum siding, due to the elements of the weather. These issues make the home uninviting, and may cause extensive damages.  A simple and economical way to help prevent unnecessary damages, which may lead to the replacement of the materials, is pressure washing.

Pressure washing is the application of water with a high-pressure spray. Using a specially designed pump combining water and cleaning detergent, the spray becomes over a hundred times more powerful than a regular garden hose.

There are two major misconceptions of pressure washing:

"Pressure washing is all the same - I will go with the lowest price."

This is not true. Some contractors bid jobs very low to ‘hook' the customer, then cut corners to save cost or do strategic add-ons.  After starting the pressure washing, they will point out extras which will increase the price of the job. Examples are: having the gutters cleaned, using special cleaning agents along with the water, covering the plants. This is something the customer assumed was included in the pressure-washing price, but not included in the low basic price.

"Honest companies should be able to give an estimate over the phone."

While this would be much easier and less expensive for us, it is not true. An honest company will want to come out to the home, to provide you an accurate estimate. There are many variables, which may affect the price of pressure washing. Landscaping, the amount of dirt, algae, mold, the type of wood (sealed or not), and is there water accessible onsite, are all things an estimator will need to see to determine the cleaning products needed, as well as, writing a correct estimate.

Many areas of the home may be pressure washed, such as the majority of decks, concrete driveways, porches, patios, siding, roofs, block, brick, and sidewalks. For best results and determination of ability to clean by pressure washing, you should contact a professional pressure washing company.

First Steps for Kitchen Remodeling

Over time, the interior of our homes needs a little attention, just as the exterior. Some rooms require something simple as a fresh coat of paint, while others need to be redesigned from the floor up. The good thing is you don't have to spend a lot of money on your remodeling job to look like a million dollars. Here are some simple tips when planning your kitchen-remodeling project.

• Plan a budget. Know how much you want to spend, and how much you are willing to spend to get the job done. If you do the job yourself, make separate accounts for materials, labor, and if necessary permits.
• Following the former, if you are going to have a contractor do the work, ensure you do your homework and hire a reputable company. Make sure they separate out costs for materials and labor, and make sure you get detailed invoices for everything.
• Check out remodeling magazines, and visit home repair and furniture stores to get an idea of what you want your kitchen to look like.
• Make sure you plan the design around the style of your home, and make sure you plan the layout on how you currently use your kitchen.
• Ensure you have all permits, if necessary.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help if begin to feel overwhelmed or have questions.