How to clean up smoke damage

Pic Credits: flickr

When a fire breaks out, even a small one, there is always some amount of smoke damage to the walls and ceilings of your home. If the damage is minimal, you can clean up the smoke residue, stains, and odour by yourself. To help you out, we have briefed down 10 steps to clean up smoke damage that will help you restore your home to a safe condition.

1. Make sure the fire is out and your home is safe

We all know that if smoke is left too long to set into your home it will make it more difficult to clean and get rid of. This may tempt you to get started on the smoke damage cleanup soon after a fire. However, before jumping at the task it is important to make sure the fire is completely out from the actual source and other potential areas.

2. Wear protective gear

Always wear protective equipment before starting any cleaning process that involves contact with chemicals or other contaminants. This is even more important when dealing with leftover soot as the particles could cause irritation to your eyes, skin and even breathing problems. To shield yourself against toxic substances and avoid health hazards make sure you wear protective clothing, a pair of gloves, goggles, and a face mask. Remember safety comes first.

3. Avoid any delay

As said earlier, the longer the soot and smoke is left to set, the more difficult it is to clean up and repair the damaged areas. Soot stains can even become permanent if smoke damage is left untreated for a very long period. Not forgetting the strong unpleasant odours emitted by soot can cause respiratory issues, and for those suffering from asthma might experience a bad attack. The sooner the soot and smoke damage cleanup is done, lesser the risk of any health problems and further damage.

4. Ensure proper ventilation

Once the situation is stable, switch off the HVAC system to prevent smoke and soot particles from spreading to other areas. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid damage from spreading throughout your home.

Once the HVAC is turned off, open up doors and windows to let soot particles out and ensure proper ventilation. Remember to change the air filters on your HVAC system once the smoke damage cleanup is complete.

5. Dispose of smoke-damaged food

Any food that is exposed to smoke may store soot particles which are hazardous to health. Hence it is important to throw away any such contaminated food to prevent health complications. If the food was left open, without any second thoughts it should be discarded. Don't forget to check the contents in your refrigerator and cupboard as well. If the seal of the refrigerator has been compromised there's a possibility of smoke getting in and affecting the contents.

Even canned food can be at risk of contamination if exposed to extreme heat as the bacteria present get activated and start growing. Thus, it’s always good to discard canned food after a fire instead of salvaging them.

If you are unsure if a food item is safe to consume, throw it out. Your health is worth more than a slice of meat or a can of baked beans.

6. Check your fabrics

While doing the smoke cleanup, check for any signs of damage on any fabric/clothing exposed to fire. Any fabric that has suffered burn holes should be discarded right away. Clothes that are not really burnt but only covered in soot may still be salvageable.

7. Inspect your electronics

Electronics (TVs, DVD players, computers, etc) are delicate items, and smoke can do substantial damage to them if left in the open. After a fire, do a thorough check on all electronic items in the smoke damaged area for signs of soot or charring. If possible try and remove the soot from these devices/appliances to prevent them from getting permanently damaged. You may also document the fire damage to file an insurance claim.

8. Use a handheld vacuum

If you decide to vacuum the smoke and soot damaged carpetings and walls, avoid using the vacuum's brush attachment. As the bristles could rub the soot deeper into the damaged surface, making the smoke damage cleaning and removal process all the more difficult.

As an alternative, you could use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum's hose attachment, holding the nozzle two inches above the affected surface. This will help to suck up soot particles effortlessly and avoid rubbing them deeper into the surface. Although a vacuum is useful, it does not remove soot particles completely. Hence, further smoke cleanup is important.

9. Prepare cleaning solutions

It is important to mix cleaning agents with water in right proportions for cleaning surfaces. Using too much chemical can worsen the damage, and too little will not be effective at all.

10. Ask for help

Cleaning up a smoke damaged area can be a tedious task. For a speedy restoration, you can always ask family members, friends, neighbours for help or call a professional cleaning company to handle the cleaning process.

If your home has suffered major fire damage, leaving it covered in soot and filled with unpleasant smoke, call Classique ChemDry on 1800 213 006. We will clean, repair and restore your home!

Handy Tips to Prevent Carpet Mould After Water Damage

Pic Credits: flickr

It’s not uncommon to have your carpets damaged from flooding, water spill, or leaks at home. If you are a homeowner, you sure must have experienced such incidents before. In cases where carpets are not so severely damaged by water spills, it can still be a serious issue if the carpets are left unattended. This is because of the growth of mould. All it needs is a little moisture and a little dark space to thrive in. Before we give you tips to prevent mould growth on carpets, learn why carpet mould is so bad.

Why prevent carpet mould?

Mould patches on carpets not only look bad but can have a serious impact on one's health too. They produce allergens which can give rise to allergic reactions in people living at home, especially if they are sensitive to mould. Inhaling or touching mould spores could trigger sneezing bouts, runny nose, red eyes, skin rashes or hay fever-type symptoms. Hence it is of vital importance to prevent the growth of carpet mould.

Here are tips to prevent carpet mould after water damage.

1) Avoid dampness at home

Carpets are one of the few items that are at high risk of damage and can provide ample of breeding ground for mould growth. All that is needed for mould to thrive is moisture, oxygen, a little food resource and a surface to grow on. Mould spores are everywhere in the atmosphere and if they land on wet surfaces like carpets, the dust on them acts as a food resource allowing them to breed in manifold. It’s best to prevent dampness as far as possible. Keep doors and windows open from time to time to let in sunlight.

2) Act immediately

In case of events like a water spill or incidents wherein individuals have stepped on carpets with wet footwear or carpets have come in contact with standing water, it’s wisest to remove the carpets from the floor and dry them under the fan. Ignoring such incidents may cause the water to seep deep through the layers of the carpet and cause more damage. In case of severe water damage, its best to call a professional carpet cleaning company to clean and restore carpets.

3) Clean the area smartly

When cleaning the floor with wet liquids, be sure to remove carpets from the area. A little touch of moisture can cause a great extent of damage to them. Use dry forms of cleaning if possible. And if there happens to be an accidental contact with water make sure to dry carpets thoroughly.

4) Install carpets at appropriate places

Avoid installing carpets in areas which are prone to coming in contact with moisture or water. Rugs near bathrooms should be cleaned on a regular basis. Hang up bathroom rugs and doormats on a rod for proper ventilation and to dry them out thoroughly.

5) Choose high quality padded carpets

Carpets with a thick level of padding (solid or rubber- slab) have antimicrobial properties that make it difficult for mould to grow on. They may be on the pricey side but are worth the investment. Choose such carpets for your homes to further reduce potential damage.

In case of mould growth on carpets, call Classique ChemDry for professional help. Classique ChemDry provides solutions for carpets damaged by water and mould. Call 1800 213 006 or visit http://www.classiquechemdry.com.au/ for more information on carpet cleaning.

5 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Pet

There is no better joy in the world than to have a pet as your companion. Pets complete our life and make every bad day seem not so bad. Who wouldn’t agree on this? If you have plans to bring home a furry friend, here are 5 reasons to adopt your next pet. Let’s together put an end to pet homelessness for good.

1. Adopting puts a stop to puppy mills

Majority of the pets you buy from a pet store, a local breeder or online come from puppy mills. A puppy mill is a commercial dog breeding home/factory where pets are bred solely for profit. Female dogs are bred over and over again, young puppies are housed in small, wire-floored cages and separated from their mothers at a very young age. Each time you buy a pet, you support these cruel puppy mills. Find out more on where you’re putting your money into the next time you plan to get a pet home.

2. Stray animals deserve better

Every year millions of stray animals are euthanized. Reason being, homes couldn't be found for them. A sad truth, isn’t it? Stray animals freely wandering the streets often have a hard time surviving on their own. Some meet tragic ends with road accidents, others are forced to live with broken limbs and health issues. Some are abused at the hands of uncivilized humans. And a vast majority of them are malnourished and don’t even make it to adulthood. Life on the streets is certainly not all rosy. It’s the survival of the fittest. But every dog or cat out there on the streets deserves a forever home and companion to love them. Why buy a pet from a store when you can give a home to the more unfortunate ones.

3. Shelter pets are cheaper on the pocket

A pet from a shelter home has already had all of its vaccinations. Some shelters also have their animals spayed and neutered before they are put up for adoption. Why go through all the hassle of spaying and neutering, when you can get a healthy pet from a shelter home. Adoption fees are also lighter on the pocket than buying a pet from a pet store. 

4. You save a Life

Adopting from a local rescue shelter gives a pet so many reasons to love you. There are millions of strays in shelter homes, some abused, some rescued from emaciation, some given up by homeowners and some made it there simply because they couldn’t find homes. Each time you open up your home to such strays rather than buying a pet, you save a life and you have something to be proud of. Adopting from a shelter not only saves one life but you also free up a spot at the shelter to save another pet’s life.

5. Shelter pets make great life companions

Often there is a misconception that shelter pets are broken and have temperamental issues. While some may, most pets are simply lonely and in need of a friend. These pets can bond really well and would love you the same way a pure breed would do. You just need to give them a chance. And even if you have an obsession for pure breeds, you can get one at a local shelter at a cheaper price.

Go visit a shelter. Find that waggy tail and wiggly butt you wish to have as your life companion and spread the word about pet adoption. #AdoptDontShop

Further to ensure the wellbeing of your pets and family members always remember to keep your carpets, rugs and upholstery clean. If you need a professional cleaning company to handle this for you, contact Classique ChemDry on 1800 213 006.

6 Tips to Avoid Carpet Stains

A new carpet is a big investment, so of course, you want to make sure that you take every precaution to maintain the carpets in their proper state for as long as possible. A properly maintained carpet can have a life as long as 10 years. Carpets undergo a lot of wear and tear in the house. Especially when there are kids and pets running around the house the whole time, some carpet spills and accidents are bound to happen. So even with all this, how do you prevent the carpet from getting spoilt soon and increase its life? Here are some tips for it.

Get a strain resistant treatment done for the carpet

Treating your carpet with a strain resistant protectant will give it an extra protection from wear and tear for as long as the protective surface holds its ground. Many of the recent day carpets come with this, but you can apply one yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

Clean/Vacuum the carpet regularly

Cleaning and vacuuming your carpet regularly will help prevent stains and remove any dirt present on it. It is very easy for dirt and debris to get trapped inside the carpet's fibres. These dirt particles get accumulated and can accelerate the aging process of your carpet. Make sure you clean your carpet at least once a week (although more often is always better).

No shoes rule for carpets

No shoes or any other footwear allowed on the carpet. Make everyone in the house follow this rule. This will result in a lot less dirt accumulating on the carpet. It will also be easier to clean it.

Make use of plastic mats and rugs

Use a plastic mat under the furniture and in heavy traffic areas of the house. This will prevent the carpet from getting worn out soon. Also, if you eat in a carpeted room, using a plastic mat will help in avoiding any accidental spills.

Immediately treat spills

Any accidental spill should be treated immediately before it sinks in the carpet. Do not rub anything on the carpet. Instead, dab up the moisture to avoid any damage.

Get your carpet professionally cleaned

Even though you can clean your carpet regularly, its best to get your carpet professionally cleaned twice every year. Since the professionals use special cleaning techniques and treating methods for carpets, a professional carpet cleanup will greatly improve the life of your carpet and give it a brand new finish.

Call Classique Chem-Dry on 1800 213 006 and get a free quote!

5 Things That Hide Deep in Your Carpets

Some homeowners believe that carpets that are cleaned regularly and look kempt need no professional cleaning. In order to avoid the expense, they prefer to clean it themselves, which is not enough. There are several things that can get embedded in the fibres of your carpets which can go unnoticed and ruin them as well as affect your health. Below are five things that settle deep into your carpets which you could probably be unaware of.

Allergens

If you or any family member goes into a sneezing frenzy soon after stepping into the house, it could be due to allergens that are trapped in you carpets. Carpets attract all outdoor allergens that are under the soles of our shoes. These allergens settle on carpets and when stirred up become airborne.

Chemicals

Factories use various dyes, glues and other chemicals in manufacturing carpets. Carpets after installation release these chemicals reducing the indoor air quality.

Mould

If the carpet is damp or installed in a high moisture area, it will soon become a home to mould. Mould grows and spreads quickly on damp surfaces and your carpet could be an ideal place for mould growth.

Bacteria

Day in and day out we walk on carpets with our shoes on, not realizing the soles of our shoes come in contact with various surfaces and carry dirt and bacteria. When we walk on carpets using the same shoes, we deposit all the dirt and bacteria on their surface making them not only dirty but also unhealthy.

Dust Mites

These microscopic organisms are responsible for large amounts of allergens in your home. Although relatively harmless, their body fragments and the waste they produce are harmful to human health. These could trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, wheezing and coughing.

The best way to get rid of the things that live in your carpets is to have them cleaned professionally. When it comes to any kind of carpet cleaning, Classique ChemDry is at your service. Call us on 1800 213 006 to know more about our carpet cleaning expertise.

Have Your Upholstery Live a Long and Happy Life

Upholstered furniture can turn a house into a home, giving it style and comfort. But upholstery suffers in the wear and tear process just like all your other furnishings. How do you keep this from happening too quickly and maintain the inviting look of your furniture?

The trick is frequent steps in maintenance, all the more so if you have young kids and pets
at home.

Choose wisely

Begin by choosing the right fabric for your home and lifestyle. There are different types of fabrics that upholstery comes in and you should understand what type would be suitable for each part of your house. For example, in high traffic areas of your house, synthetic fibres would be an appropriate choice. Avoid fabric with heavy texturing if your pets are going to make themselves at home in it.

Protect your upholstery

Turn over loose cushions frequently and change their placement on the furniture. This will delay the formation of unsightly dents in your cushions. Fluff them after they’ve been cleaned to maintain their shape.

Keep your upholstery fabric out of the sun. Frequent exposure to harsh sunlight can cause fabrics to fade. Be especially careful with delicate material like silk. Keep your upholstered furniture away from pollutants such as smoke and kitchen fumes as much as possible. Proper ventilation can go a long way in odour control, too.

Clean with care

Follow instructions for cleaning that you should find on the label of the upholstery or in the
user manual.

Spills:
Spills, spots, and stains are inevitable. Gently blot spills with a clean towel. Placing paper towels underneath the fabric that has been soiled can help keep the spill from spreading and make your cleaning process quicker.

The next step is to deal with staining if any. If you’re using a liquid-based cleaner, run a patch test in an inconspicuous part of the fabric, first. Apply it in a circular motion and remove all soap residue to prevent the fabric from attracting dust after it has been cleaned. Dry the area out and finish by vacuuming.

Vacuum:
Vacuum your upholstered furniture at least once a week to prevent dust, soil, and dirt from getting embedded in the fibres. You can even start by using a soft brush to remove dirt that’s more visible. In case of pet hair, you may find a brush sold at a pet store, especially for this purpose.

Professional cleaning

The above steps are essential for regular maintenance of upholstery. However, there’s no substitute to having it cleaned professionally every year or two.

For deep-cleaning of upholstered furniture or for restoring upholstery that’s suffered from spills and staining, call Classique ChemDry on 1800 213 006. We operate in Bungendore, Crookwell, Goulburn, Yass, Gunning, Marulan, Collector and surrounding areas of NSW. We will help your home look welcoming again.

Special Care for Special Rugs

Regular cleaning of area rugs is important for keeping them in good condition, as well as for maintaining a clean and healthy home. Some rugs require special care and your first step should be to look for a care label that might give instructions on cleaning. If instructions are not provided, here are a few tips on specialty care for rugs. 

Wool

Wool rugs are durable, soft and are a beautiful addition to your home, but are subject to wear and tear especially if placed in high-traffic areas.

Wool shed easily, especially in the first few months. Vacuum two to four times a month, but make sure not to use a vacuum with a beater bar. Over vacuuming or harsh vacuuming irritates wool and damages the fibres.

Spills, stains and your pet’s business on the rug must be given prompt attention to save the rug from permanent damage. First, remove any solid dirt, whether dried mud or food solids. Then, remove any excess liquid using a paper towel or a dry rag. With a solution of dish soap with water, and in some cases white vinegar, gently blot away the stain.
Lastly, dab the area dry, air dry or dry with a cold air fan.

Avoid placing your woolen rug in direct sunlight for long periods of time. It will cause the colour to fade, more so if it is dark. Rotate your rug periodically to protect it from damage from natural light. Use a rug pad underneath for protection and traction.

Artificial Silk

If you thought you needed to be careful when cleaning woolen rugs, artificial silk rugs require an even gentler approach because of the delicate nature of the fibres. Avoid abrasive cleaning, vacuum regularly & gently, and do not rub or scrub the rugs.

Staining and spillages must be dealt with immediately. Use a spoon to scoop up solid items that have spilled onto the rug, without scraping it. Liquid spills should be blotted with clean, white cloth or a paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. In case of staining, use a very gentle cleaner that has already been tested on the rug’s fabric. Leave the rug to air dry and do not use heat, as it may damage the rug.

Leather

Moisture and heat are no friend to your leather rugs and abrasive cleaning could damage them. Leather rugs must be shaken out to remove loose dirt instead of vacuuming. Follow up by cleaning them with a soft hand brush.

To wash, spray a solution of 5% white vinegar and 95% water and clean using a soft sponge. For stain removal, your safest bet is a leather cleaner, after running a test on a small, inconspicuous part of the rug. In all cases, ensure that you dry the rug immediately, using a dry rag. Air dry thoroughly before using.

Air drying your leather rugs in the sun once in every few months is also good, but don’t leave them out for more than an hour or two.

Similarly, avoid placing your leather rugs in direct sunlight for long periods of time, as heat and light cracks the skin.

Handmade

Place a nylon screen over your handmade rug and then vacuum over the screen, carefully.

These tips are great for regular upkeep of your rugs. But if you want your rugs to last long and serve well, do not hesitate to call a cleaning professional every two or three years. We, at Classique ChemDry, are a team of experts in area rug cleaning. Call us on 1800213006 and visit our website to find out more about our services.