Archived Cleaning Blog Posts

Carpet Cleaning | Springfield/Mt Vernon

Name: SERVPRO of Springfield / Mt. Vernon
Address: 5701 General Washington Drive Suite O, Alexandria, VA, 22312
Telephone: (703) 644-0620

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

When you have a business that your clients walk into on a daily basis, presentation is everything and having nice clean carpets goes a long way. It doesn't matter if it's commercial or residential we can do it all.

SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon 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. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Is Your Air Clean?

1/31/2024 (Permalink)

It seems that in addition to the more mainstream celebrations and holidays there are various observances that aren't as well-known. For example, did you know that February was "National Care About Your Indoor Air Month?" It just so happens that your local SERVPRO franchise is equipped to help you with that! If the air is coming out of your vents smells musty, or your air vent looks dirty, it could be time for an HVAC and air duct cleaning from SERVPRO. A healthy living environment starts with clean air. Each time your HVAC system circulates, your air ducts collect dust, dirt, and other airborne particles that were missed by the air filter. In just one year, a typical home can collect more than 40 pounds of dirt, dust and particles. Everyday house cleaning gets most of it, but it takes a professional cleaning service like SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon to clean air ducts.

As a homeowner, you should schedule a routine air duct cleaning if:

You have pets living in your home
You have allergies or asthma
You smoke
Your home has suffered damage
Your has been renovated or is being remodeled.

SERVPRO's uniquely trained technicians follow the air duct cleaning process industry standards as defined by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).

The Causes of Odor and How We Can Help

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

Odors are... well, smelly, and there are many reasons why your home or business can develop a strong odor. As experts in deodorization, we are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure. So, let's talk about the causes of odors and what we can do to help get rid of them.

Water Damage

Water damage is one of the biggest causes of odors. If your home or business deals with any kind of water damage whether it be from a storm causing flooding or a leak somewhere in the building, water will cause a very stagnate, musty smell.

The smell will get worse as the time goes by, so it's important to get your water damage dried out and restored right away. You don't want to have to live with a musty smell in your basement, living room, kitchen, or anywhere in your home.

If you suffer from any kind of water damage, give us a call. We're water damage restoration specialists and we're here to help. We'll be sure to examine the area, figure out the water source if you're not aware of it, and dry your home or business out successfully, followed by any type of structural damage restoration needed.

That's why you can trust SERVPRO. We will identify the water source and determine the situation to take the proper steps to restore drywall, floors, ceilings, walls, etc. when they fall victim to water damage.

Mold Damage

Mold damage is another source of bad odors. If there were any type of water damage that was not taken care of quickly, your chances of mold growth are much higher. Also, higher than normal humidity levels will cause mold growth as well as any kind of condensation or excessive moisture. If you're not able to physically see the mold, you'll know it's there by its smell.

If you have any kind of inkling that you may have a mold problem in your home or business building, please reach out ASAP. Mold is not safe to live with and can cause a lot of health problems down the road. We will properly remediate the mold so you don't have the smell around anymore, as well as the mold itself.

To help you understand mold a bit more:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, AV/heating systems, or even hitch a ride on your clothing or pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture and can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water but be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45%.

Sewage Cleanup & Restoration

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is very unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Not only is it very unsafe, but the odor it gives off is awful, especially if it's gray water or black water. What's the difference?

Gray water is considered "category 2 water." This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for this include washing machine overflows, toilet overflows with some urine, or dishwasher overflows.

Black water is very unsanitary and can cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact must be avoided. The source for this type of water includes flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing surface water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Egg Rot

No, we don't mean the eggs that you cook and may have left overnight. The smell of egg rot or sulfur is definitely not pleasant and is a sign that something is seriously wrong. It usually means your either have an electrical problem or a gas leak. Manufacturers of natural gas are mandated to add a special chemical named mercaptan inside so that it is easier to perform leak detection. When this additive isn't present, it won't be possible to smell, taste, or see natural gas. So, if you detect the infamous rotten egg smell, the first thing you want to do is check with your gas company.

Aside from gas leaks, the smell of rotten eggs can also result from faulty electrical systems. If you've checked for a gas leak and none is present, the next thing you'll want to do is try shutting down your circuit breaker. Additionally, the smell of rotten eggs might come from running out of hot water. This is because you probably have an aging anode rod that needs to be replaced. Experts recommend replacing anode rods once every five years or so, otherwise, corrosion can occur, but many property owners are busy, and getting a replacement is easy to forget.

Fishy Smell

If you don't actually have any seafood in the home or in the garbage, a fishy smell often results from electrical components which are overheating. If the plastic, wiring, or other electrical devices smell like sulfur or rotten fish, this means that you potentially have a dangerous situation on your hand like arcing within a switch or outlet that can lead to a fire. As you can imagine, this is not something you want to handle on your own, as you run the risk of being electrocuted or burned. So, it is highly recommended to contact an expert immediately.

Residential Cleaning Services

Odor comes with any kind of mess, generally. We have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. We use special SERVPRO products that wipe out dirt and grime with ease. If you want a deeper thorough cleaning, reach out. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also alleviate any foul odors and create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for your family.

We offer many types of cleaning that include carpet and upholstery, air duct/HVAC cleaning, odor removal - as we mentioned, sewage and biohazard cleanup, cleaning of ceilings/floors/and walls, furniture, drapes and blinds, trauma and crime scene cleanup, and more.

Commercial Cleaning Services

Let's be real, you don't have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office floors and creates odors that your employees have to live with. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the score of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan for prompt service. Whether it's removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or a carpet, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.

Our services range from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and materials to get your property back to business.

Why SERVPRO?

Whether you are dealing with water damage, fire damage, storm damage, mold, or just foul odors, we can help. We have the training and expertise to restore your home or business. As for odor removal, we have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products, capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call and leave the restoration to us.

Aside from that, we're highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes:

IICRC Training
Employee Certification Training
Initial Franchise Training
e-Learnings
Continuing Education Classes

Springfield/Mt Vernon - Carpet Cleaning

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon specialize in carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, drapery cleaning, rug cleaning, and furniture cleaning. We do carpet cleaning for residential and commercial customers. We have licensed technicians who are trained by the IICRC in the proper methods to clean different types of carpets and fabrics. We pretest fragile fabrics and make sure that we take the best care of your home or office that we can. We clean carpets for general cleaning, after water damage, after fire damage, to remove odors, to remove stains, and to clean up after pets. We pride ourselves in a job well done. We do stair cleaning as well. We have the right equipment and the right products to keep your carpets and fabrics safe. Our estimates our free and we do our pricing based off of square footage. Give us a call today 703-644-0620 !

It's Time For Spring Cleaning

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Nothing beats that feeling of accomplishment when you get a head start on spring cleaning. Spring Cleaning can be overwhelming to try and get everything done. Let SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon help lighten the load! Not only is spring cleaning a great way to reset, but the yearly chore also gets rid of any accumulated dust and dander before allergy season reaches full swing. Cleaning your home from top to bottom may never become effortless however, you can make the project more manageable by planning ahead. SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon provides general/deep cleanings, carpet cleaning, odor removal, air quality testing, and mold remediation that can help get your house sparkly clean. Take a minute and smell the fresh air on a lovely spring day and let SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon do your household spring cleaning.

Contents Cleaning

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

We know what it’s like to lose your belongings to a fire. That’s why we offer content cleaning to help you recover from the effects of fire damage. If your clothes have been damaged in a fire, our professional team will spot and clean them for you. We can also advise you on what process is best for any specific piece of clothing or item.

Content cleaning is a service that can be done by professionals if your clothing has been damaged in a fire.

Although it may seem like a daunting task, each piece of content will be pre-spotted, pre-tested and thoroughly cleaned. Contents with smoke residue may need an additional ultrasonic cleaning process.

If you're feeling overwhelmed about how to proceed with cleaning your clothing after this unfortunate event, we've got you covered! We can help you get back on track and make sure that your items are restored to their former glory so that they look as good as new!

Each piece of content will be pre-spotted, pre-tested and thoroughly cleaned.

The first step in the cleaning process is pre-spotting, which involves a thorough inspection of each item to determine what damage it has sustained and whether it can be cleaned. If an item cannot be cleaned, we will discard it. Next, we thoroughly clean all items (including furniture) using our proprietary process that removes smoke residue while also preventing any new soiling from occurring.

Contents with smoke residue may need an additional ultrasonic cleaning process.

The contents of your items can be affected by smoke residue. Smoke can make an item smell like burnt or wet wood, or it may leave behind a yellow discoloration that won't wash out. Smoke residue can also cause the ink on labels to fade, which will make them illegible.

Smoke residue may need to be removed before you clean the item using other methods such as steaming and dry cleaning (using chemicals). Ultrasonic cleaning is one effective way of removing dirt and grime from objects but not all materials are suitable for this type of cleaning process so check with your dry cleaner first!

We'll help you get your belongings back in good shape after fire damage.

We're here to help with our expert post-fire cleaning services. Whether you need help getting rid of the smell or repairing some of the physical damage left behind by fire, we'll fix everything up, so it looks like nothing ever happened. We'll even make sure all those pesky stains disappear from your carpeting so no one will ever suspect anything was amiss.

Our experience with these situations makes us uniquely qualified to handle any situation involving smoke or water damage. So, whether you've been through a kitchen fire recently or have just gotten back from vacation (and found out about another family member's house burning down), let us do what we do best: restore order after chaos has taken over!

We are proud to say that we offer some of the best prices in town for a wide range of services. We’re confident that our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee will give you peace of mind when dealing with your fire-damaged items, and we can help you get back on your feet quickly after an emergency like this!

Get your ducts in a row…

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

When was the last time you had your air ducts or HVAC system checked or cleaned? SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon is the right company for you. We will inspect your HVAC system & ductwork to make any recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.

Ventilation systems can often be the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality because many people allow HVAC systems to operate for sometime without much attention or upkeep. Keeping your HVAC system and duct work clean can extend the life of your equipment, which could save you money and provide better air quality. Studies have shown that we spend 60-90% of our lives indoors, so all of that dirt and debris is circulating in the air you breathe.

Cleaning your air ducts help eliminate these items from the air you breathe:

Dirt, dust & debris.
Mold or mildew
Pollen
Pet hair & dander

Call us today!

(703)644-0620!

Cleaning tips for Outside your home

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

With Spring approaching, it’s time to check your home and see if the wintery cold caused any damage to your home or building. Signs of winter damage start to show themselves once the weather warms up and the surrounding environment starts to thaw. This article will help you get out of winter hibernation and back into barbeque season! Here is a quick maintenance checklist focusing on the exterior of your building.

1. Start at the Top (Inspect the Roof)

A healthy roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Ensuring it is sturdy and sealed is central to keeping your entire home efficient. Damage to your shingles, flashing, or any leaks can quickly trickle down and affect other areas of your home. When looking at your shingles look for curled edges, tears, or loose stones in your gutters, these are all signs of damage and could be a signal for replacement.

2. Check the Structure (Inspect the Foundation, Walls, Windows, and Doors)

Do a walk around of your home and check for cracks/holes in the foundation. as well as inspecting the exterior walls, siding, windows, and door. If you identify a foundation issue, contact a specialist to take a look. When inspecting the windows and doors, pay special attention to the caulking and weather stripping, issues in the seal are often harder to find than obvious holes or tears.

3. Independent Structures (Garages, Sheds, Fences, etc)

Make sure the garage door is functioning properly and has a strong seal at the bottom. Sweep and vacuum dust, dirt, and debris around the doors. Also, make sure there is nothing that could fall off the ceiling and impede the doors from working properly. Look for signs of cracked or split fencing boards, especially near any gates, and ice can raise fence boards and make gates stick.

4. Spring Yard Cleanup

It is almost grass-cutting season! Before you get ready to use that lawnmower, make sure to change the oil, and get the blade sharpened. Now, head to your local hardware store to restock on supplies such as landscaping bags and grass seed. Don’t forget to pick up the tools you need to thatch, weed, and clean out your garden beds. Now that you are ready, fire up the BBQ, pull out the cooler and invite the family and friends.

Extending the life of your carpet

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you have been living in an apartment complex for 6 months or a two-story house for 10 years, everyone needs to be mindful of when they last had their carpet professionally cleaned. We realize that there are things around the house that are tossed aside and forgotten about, however maintaining clean carpets should not be one of them. Here at SERVPRO® of Springfield/Mt Vernon we understand life happens, like when your child spills a drink all over the carpet or the dog mistakes the carpet, for the grass outside. We get it, but we only want what's best for you and your health.

Why Does My Carpet Need to be Professionally Cleaned?

Many people have been exactly where you are now, thinking "I wipe up all spills and vacuum often, I am good to go." That simply is just not the case. And frankly this alone isn't good enough. It may not be evident to the naked eye, but carpets can house all sorts of dirt, bacteria, and allergens that can be harmful to your health. Carpets that are not well maintained can hold dust mites, molds, pet hair, dead skin cells, insect feces, and other particles deep-seated in their fibers. Below are three possible problems that can be the result of carpets that are not well-maintained.

Danger #1: Weak Immune System

Everyday our bodies fight to keep us healthy and strong. However, living in an unclean environment, leads to being exposed to harmful bacteria, which can cause you to be more susceptible to diseases.
Getting out carpets professionally cleaned helps to remove dust mites, bacteria and other allergens, which ultimately helps your family breathe easier and reduces the risk of colds and other health problems. As strange as it may sound, dirty carpet can negatively impact the airflow in your home.

Danger #2: Reduces the Life Span of the Carpet

Not professionally cleaning your carpet allows for dirt to stay embedded inside the fibers of the carpet. Which ultimately will lead to the fibers breaking and wearing down.
Regular vacuuming will keep your carpet looking good and prevent debris and dirt from embedding into the fibers.
Keeping your vacuum in good shape will help keep your carpet in good shape. A vacuum that is half full will be much less effective than an empty one. Be sure to keep it cleaned out and keep up on the maintenance with it as well.

Danger #3: Odor in Carpet

Professional cleaning companies can use top notch chemicals, to get out odors that regular vacuums or cleaners just simply cannot get out. A couple of these odors are dog urine and cigarette smoke. These odors almost always take a professional crew to come in and get rid of.

Do Not Worry! SERVPRO Can Help!

If you are unsatisfied with your carpet SERVPRO® of Springfield/Mt. Vernon is here to help. We are open 24/7 and work to respond quickly to calls. We care about your health and safety.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Table tent signs describing the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program on top of a wooden table.

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 Springfield/Mt. Vernon today at (703) 644-0620 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.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (703) 644-0620