Recent Cleaning Posts

Odor Removal and Deodorization

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of Vigo, Clay, Parke, Sullivan and Vermillion Counties is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure.

SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other shortcuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

 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.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program in Vigo County

5/21/2020 (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 Vigo County today at 812-242-9611 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

HVAC Spring Cleaning Tips

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

Springtime is the perfect time for HVAC maintenance. By putting a bit of maintenance into this system now, you may be able to avoid complications during the hot summer months. When you invest in this type of maintenance, it can extend the life of the equipment, saving you money on emergency repairs and replacement. And your home’s air will be cleaner as well.

How to Ensure Your HVAC System Is Ready

When it comes to preparing your HVAC system for rising seasonal temperatures, follow these simple tips:

  1. Get filters cleaned
    Clean or change the HVAC filters on your system. It’s best to replace them at least once every two to three months or more often when pollen and dust levels are higher.
  2. Remove dust from your home
    Minimize the amount of work your HVAC system must do by keeping your home dust-free. Don’t overlook the importance of cleaning your bathroom fans and exhaust fans in your kitchen. These can build up with debris over the colder months, too.
  3. Have the ducts cleaned
    The ducts in your home are the metal pathways that cooled and heated air travel from the HVAC system to the various areas of your home. Dust can build up in these areas, creating a problem for your system. Have a professional clean the ducts now.
  4. Inspect your windows and doors
    Small areas where air can get into the home through window and door leaks can cause problems for energy efficiency. They also let the dirt and debris in. Look around them to spot areas of potential concern –if you can see light or feel air, you know there’s a leak that needs attention.
  5. Get professional HVAC cleaning
    It’s always best to have a professional handle your HVAC cleaning. A service check in the springtime is the best way to ensure all the electrical and mechanical components are working. This is also a good time for your team to ensure the Freon is filled and the outdoor condensers are properly cleaned.

Keep Your HVAC System in Good Shape with Our Help

SERVPRO of Vigo County  & Clay, Parke, Sullivan, & Vermillion Counties offers routine inspections and servicing for HVAC units. When you use our services, you benefit from eliminating offensive orders, reducing pollen and mold growth, and restoring peak energy efficiency to your home. Contact us for an appointment now.

Spring Cleaning Tips

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is just around the corner. Traditionally, people feel the need to deep-clean their homes once they feel the warm air arrive and can open their windows to welcome the new season. There are many areas in your home that you will want to clean once begin tackling this spring-time chore. Here are a few tips to help you get started that you may not have considered.

Wash Your Curtains and Drapes

When you start your spring cleaning, one of the first things you should do is clean your window coverings. This includes blinds, shutters, curtains or drapes. This should be done early on in the process as dirt and dust from the coverings can fall to the floor below, so you don't want to clean your floor before the drapes.

Test Your Smoke Detectors

Another step that should be included in spring cleaning is testing your smoke detectors. Most detectors have a test button on them that allows you to ensure they are working. If they don't work, you probably just need to replace the batteries.

Replace Water and Air Filters

As part of your spring-cleaning checklist, be sure to replace water filters and air filters. Filters catch debris from water and air. When they get full, they cannot filter as effectively as they should. The filters should be routinely replaced to ensure that they can work efficiently.

Clean Your Dryer Vent

Your dryer vent can easily become filled with lint and debris. Clean the dryer vent to help improve drying time and energy efficiency and also to prevent a fire. The vent inside your dryer should be cleaned with each load, but in the spring, you should check your exterior vent as well, making sure there is nothing accumulating in the tubing from the dryer to the outside.

Clean Your Grill

Once it begins to get warmer, people start thinking about cooking and eating outside. Now is the perfect time inspect your grill, refill your tanks if it is a gas grill, and clean all the cooking surfaces so it is ready to use when you want to make delicious meals.

Check Your Windows and Doors For Leaks

As you spring clean, take the time to check your windows and doors for leaks or air drafts. If you feel outdoor air seeping in, the seals may need to be replaced.

Check Your Plumbing for Leaks

Lastly, take the time to check your plumbing for leaks. Look for leaks under your sinks and for leaking faucets. If you notice any leaks, call in a plumber to make the needed repairs.

Are you looking to get your home clean for spring but lack the time to do it all yourself? Here at SERVPRO of Vigo County, we can help you with some of your cleaning needs. We offer many services including fire and water clean-up services, mold remediation, and routine house cleaning, including duct cleaning and carpet cleaning. Give us a call at 812-242-9611 so we can get started today.

New Year, Clean Carpet

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year again when the chances of getting your carpets dirty beyond the normal day-to-day pet accidents or kid spills increases with visiting guests and holiday parties. Here are some tips to clean up those unfortunate accidents before they take the joy right out of your seasonal, festive spirits.

When it comes to wine, consider serving white. Red can be particularly disastrous to light-colored carpeting. General rules for removing stains from rugs are to blot and not rub, which can ground the stain into the fibers. Here are some common household items and how they can help:

  • Hydrogen peroxide can remove blood.
  • Shaving cream is a great general stain remover.
  • Ice can remove gum.
  • Club soda is effective on beer and wine stains.
  • Grease-cutting liquid dish soap removes grease stains.
  • To remove wax from candles, place a white towel over and then heat with iron. Scrape the softened wax off with a butter knife.
  • For candy stains, remove with a knife then follow with a sponge dipped in water and mild soap.

Pet Stains

Pets are most definitely not a carpet’s best friend. Cleaning urine up before it dries will help immensely. Once it is dry, the odor will set into the carpet fibers. Place a few layers of paper towels, or a towel, on the spot to absorb the urine. Stand on the towels to remove as much as possible. Follow with a solution of 2 cups of white vinegar, 2 cups of warm water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Place the mixture into a clean spray bottle and spritz over the area. Let dry for about 10 minutes, then blot with a soft, dry cloth. For heavier stains, cover the stain with baking soda. Then pour a mixture of even parts vinegar and water on the spot, letting it dry for a few minutes and then blotting it up with a cloth.

The acid in pet vomit can stain quickly, so again, wipe up ASAP. Remove as much as possible with paper towels or a hand towel then blot with a clean, dry towel. Prepare a solution of 2 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap and ½ cup vinegar. Dip a sponge or cloth into the mixture and apply to the soiled area. You may need to reapply and blot the solution a few times, depending on the severity of the stain. Once it is gone, remove the cleaner by placing a cloth dipped in clean water over the area and blot dry.

Odors

While family members enjoy deep, plush carpets underfoot, one of the drawbacks is they are absorbent and like to hold onto smells from spills, pet accidents and smoking. If your carpet smells bad, you may not have to replace it. A bit of extra attention and some common products most people have stocked in their households may take the offending odors away.

That wonderful cure-all that comes in the little gold box works wonders all over the house and is particularly useful for removing odors from your carpet. If a stain has left a lingering odor, try sprinkling baking soda on it and letting it sit. After a few hours, vacuum it, and hopefully, the offending aroma, right out of your rug.

Ramp up the purifying power of baking soda with some Borax, mixing them in equal amounts.

Smoke Odors

Pervasive smoking odors can be broken down by setting out separate bowls filled with ammonia and white vinegar. Do not mix the liquids because it will create a harmful gas. Allow the bowls to sit out in the room for 24 hours, then sprinkle the carpet with baking soda and let it sit overnight before vacuuming it up. Follow with a steam cleaner, filled with distilled white vinegar. Vinegar is an acidic cleaner that kills bacteria and removes tar and resin odors.

These do-it-yourself tips for removing stains from your carpets may help with some of the bothersome stains and odors that come from everyday wear-and-tear. But if they don’t, or when you are ready to get your carpets off to a fresh start for the new year, give us a call at (812) 242-9611.We can provide you with a professional, deep clean!

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, geographical location, so we are part of this community too. We have the training, equipment and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs following disasters and accidents that occur in your home and business. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us when you need help in getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.