Dirty Secret 1 – Many carpet cleaning companies utilize sub contractors to perform the work.  Most of the time this means the people working in your home do not have proper training, no background checks and no drug testing.  Be sure that your carpet cleaning company employs long-term, full-time employees.

Dirty Secret 2 – Most carpet cleaning companies do not use any type of rinse agent.  When a rinse agent is not used during the cleaning process it results in detergent being left behind in the carpet fibers.  This results in hard carpet (when it dries) and the left behind detergent is a dirt magnet! When interviewing a prospective carpet cleaning company, simply ask them if they utilize a rinse agent on all projects.

Dirty Secret 3 – Poor extraction.  Unfortunately, most carpet cleaning technicians are not properly trained.  Since they have little or no training they do not employ the correct techniques.  One of the most important steps to carpet cleaning is extraction.  Poor extraction can result in possible mold damage, musky odors, and premature re-soiling.

Dirty Secret 4 – Bait and switch advertising.  Many carpet cleaning companies run advertisements with very low pricing.  Once they arrive to the job site they inform the customer that the advertised price does not include basic steps such as pre-vacuum, pre-conditioner, and furniture moving.  These basic steps should be a part of EVERY carpet cleaning project for no additional charges.

Dirty Secret 5 – Not properly insured.  It is so important to hire a carpet cleaning company (and any service provider you may use) that is properly insured.  At a bare minimum this insurance should include general liability and automobile insurance.

Dirty Secret 6 – Dry vacuum before the Steam Cleaning process.  This is a really simple step that most carpet cleaning companies do not employ.  When you have your carpets professionally cleaned the cleaner should ALWAYS vacuum the carpet with a commercial strength vacuum cleaner.  This removes a great deal of the soil and debris before implementing the Steam Cleaning process.

We hope this information helps the next time you consider having your carpet cleaned.  Please feel free to call us if you would like to schedule a FREE carpet audit.

The Remco Team

A star map. On a clear, moonless night, a thousand or more stars are visible. To help you decipher things, pick up a star map or astronomy book at your local library.

Binoculars. If you don’t have a pair, that’s ok. Your naked eyes will be able to see quite a bit. If you feel like taking your stargazing to the next level, consider purchasing a telescope.

Lots of layers and something warm to drink! January weather can range from chilly to downright frigid depending on where you live. So be prepared with lots of layers of clothing, blankets, a hat and gloves, and a mug of hot chocolate!

Clear skies. Pick a place that has very little light pollution. Light from buildings, streetlights, a campfire, and even moonlight will make it harder for your eyes (which take about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness) to see stars and planets. The darker the night, the better the stargazing. Remote, rural areas or the tops of hills tend to offer the best views.
Here are a few tips to help you identify the celestial objects overhead:

The moon is the most prominent object in the night sky. One side of the moon is always lit by the sun, but we can’t always see the entire lighted part, which is what gives the moon its phases (full, crescent, quarter, etc.). We only ever see one side of the moon because its rotation (spin) is the same as its revolution (its orbit around Earth).

Planets orbit the sun, so they change position when compared to the stars. They also reflect a steady light, unlike the “twinkling” stars, which are much farther from Earth.

The planet Venus, sometimes called the “evening star” or “morning star,” is the second brightest object in the sky. It is generally visible early in the morning before the sun rises or later in the day, just after sunset depending on the time of year.

Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn are often visible later at night than Venus. Mars, particularly if seen through a telescope, will have a reddish color.

The night sky is divided into 88 constellations, most of which are visible from the United States at different times of the year.

Crawlspaces – If your home or business has a crawlspace this is a great place mold loves to grow.  The reason mold growth is so common in crawlspaces is due to uncontrolled moisture and elevated humidity. We recommend sealing the soil with a minimum of 6 mil plastic and sealing all of the foundation vents.  Once the crawlspace is completely sealed we recommend installing a dehumidifier.  Not only will these steps eliminate the possibility of mold growth, they will help fight rodent /  insect problems and improve the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. NOTE – when you seal your crawlspace vents, seek advice from your HVAC contractor to be sure the furnace is properly ventilated.

Control humidity – Be sure to keep humidity levels throughout your building below 60%.  If the humidity level exceeds 60%, chances of mold growth increase dramatically.

Flooding or water damage – If your home or business suffers water damage hire a professional to provide specialized drying services.  We hear stories all the time of customers who experience water damage but do not take action to ensure the building is dried out properly.  In many cases these projects turn into major mold remediation projects.  A drying project is usually much cheaper than a mold remediation project.  Additionally, most water damage projects are covered by your insurance and mold remediation projects have limited or no coverage.

Bathrooms – When taking a shower or bath, always run your exhaust fan.  This will help exhaust the moisture that is created from hot water.  In many cases if steam from the shower is not exhausted it will result in mold growth on the bathroom drywall.

Heating and Cooling – We strongly recommend using your HVAC system year round.  The reason this is so important is your HVAC system not only controls the temperature in your home but it also acts as a dehumidifier by controlling the humidity.  This recommendation is especially important for customers with unoccupied buildings.  For instance when trying to sell your home or business most people will turn off the HVAC system to save on utility cost.  This can be a very expensive mistake. If the building sits for an extended amount of time with no temperature or humidity control, mold growth is almost guaranteed (particularly during the summer months).  Even during the winter when outside humidity levels are low, we still recommend running your HVAC system in unoccupied buildings.   Why your ask – controlling the temperature will prevent frozen pipes, which in return will prevent substantial water damage.

We hope this information will help you save thousands of dollars in unneeded mold remediation projects.  The good news is most all mold remediation projects are preventable.  Remember this very important point, the key to preventing mold growth is controlling and correcting moisture problems. Mold is a plant and it cannot survive without water.

1. Mold can grow within 48-72 hours of the initial water problem.

2. Remember that every mold problem is a water problem first.

3. When indoor air sampling is conducted, the number of mold spores inside should be less than the number of mold spores outside.

4. The best means of preventing mold is to deny the spores the moisture necessary for germination.

5. All mold remediation projects are performed the same way regardless of species type.

6. If you find visible mold on soft (upholstered furniture, mattress, pillows, etc) goods follow this rule: “when in doubt, throw it out.”

7. Mold is an allergen whether it’s dead or alive.

8. Mold will come back no matter how well you clean, if the area is allowed to become moist or wet again!

9. Damage due to mold is largely preventable

10. Due to the porous nature of drywall, it must be removed and disposed if visible mold growth is evident.

11.  If the relative humidity in your home exceeds 60% it significantly increases the risk of mold growth.

12.  Mold growth presents the greatest health risks to infants, elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

In our next blog we will explain very easy steps on how you can prevent mold growth in your home.  Our hope is to provide you with simple and straight forward information on “everything mold”.  Be sure to look for our next blog on mold prevention.  In the meantime, give us a call if you need the advice of a professional.  We are here to serve you!

1. Remco Solutions used to be named Southern Remove All.  I had to change the name because everyone thought we were a disposal company.
2. Waylon started Remco Solutions with $200 in his checking account.
3. We provide trauma scene clean up services.
4. Remco Solutions is not a franchise.
5. We do not use an answering service.  One of our three managers rotate in an “On-Call” schedule and answer all after hour phone calls.
6. We do not use credit.  We believe in operating debt free!
7. Remco is going to facilitate Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University” this fall. Watch for upcoming details!
8. We are huge Dave Ramsey fans!
9. We give our customers movie tickets if they give us feedback on our service.
10. When new jobs come in we dance and scream WHOO HOO! (seriously, we love serving our customers)

However, the big city is not for everyone. For one, the standard of living can be expensive plus the fast-paced lifestyle may be too stressful for those who are starting a family. The next best thing then is to find a nearby city like Cumming, which is around 40 miles away.

As the government seat of Forsyth County, this city has a lot to offer. It is known as the “gateway to leisure living” so recreational activities abound such as boating, swimming, picnicking and fishing along Lake Lanier. The Sawnee Mountain Preserve on the other hand offers hiking trails and camping opportunities.

Living in Cumming may sound ideal, but it doesn’t happen without effort. Seasonal home maintenance, for example, is crucial in minimizing problems like water damage. Water is a dangerous element as it can penetrate most surfaces. Leaks can lead to weak structure and, before you know it, you’re already dealing with sewage clean up.

Any water problem has a potential to get bigger when not taken care of effectively and immediately. Sewage contamination, even when discovered early must be thoroughly checked to find out the real cause. It is not in any way simple even if the problem has been nipped in the bud. Whatever caused it, a solution must be found and precautionary measures must be undertaken.

When sewage contamination involves a small and isolated area, the homeowner can easily clean, disinfect and dry the vicinity. Most organic elements present in the sewage spill can be removed by cleaning it using detergent and water. Bleach or ammonia, on the other hand, is usually enough for preliminary disinfection and an essential part of sewage clean up.

Complete decontamination, as well as restoration of affected items, must be done professionally and the sooner, the better. Commonly affected when there’s sewage spill are items that are porous or highly absorbent materials like carpets.

Wet carpet in Cumming GA, especially when caused by a sewage spill, must be handled by professionals. Your local service provider can recommend a good cleaner or restorer to do this effectively. When the cleaner or restorer doesn’t have the right training or is unsure about the right tools to use, the carpet will probably need to be removed entirely.

Whatever the cause, carpets absorb liquid fast and since it can easily get penetrated, it can harbor bacteria and germs that are sometimes not eliminated during the first cleaning. The need for professional assessment is therefore a necessary step. The affected carpet is even treated with various chemicals such as fungicide, antibacterial and deodorizer to weed out deep-seated dirt and organic elements which when not removed completely can even cause health problems for people with weak immune system.

Wet carpet in Cumming GA must be analyzed thoroughly to avoid unnecessary expense. When the carpet is totally soaked in bacteria-filled water and left for even 48 hours with such elements, replacement may be the only option you’ve got. Your restorer should be able to give you various options.

To do that, you need to maintain your homes. Scheduling a seasonal inspection would help in minimizing common problems like mold buildup, roof and pipe leaks, poor insulation and water damage in Atlanta GA.

Whether your home has been submerged in floodwaters caused by heavy rains or due to defective HVAC systems, you need to take care of it as soon as possible. And the longer that water stays in your property, the more problems that are to be expected. So as soon as you discover a water spill or damage, do something about it fast. Call for professional help as well to make sure that the real source of problem is fixed right away.

Water extraction is the first step in dealing with water damage in Atlanta. Mop the floor, blot wet furniture and wooden items or use a sump pump to minimize flooding. Just do whatever you can in the meantime while waiting for professional help to arrive.

Then, you must prepare a clean and dry area where you can transfer affected items right away. Make it your priority to salvage high value and fragile items such as antiques, art pieces, paper or highly porous documents and hard-to-replace objects.

Depending on the weather, open windows to let fresh air dissipate trapped toxins inside the affected area. You can install dehumidifiers or fans to hasten the drying process and increase ventilation. When you’re dealing with flooded basement, turn off electric and water supply lines before starting any water and cleanup measures.

Water damage in Atlanta GA, when not effectively handled, can bring about more problems such as sewage contamination, health risks and even weaken your home’s structure. That’s why no matter how minor the situation is, professional inspection is an important step to ensure that no underlying problems will cause bigger damage in a few weeks or months. Just call your local service provider or your insurance company for recommendations.

To ensure safety of the occupants, evacuate those with weak immune system and children. Carpets when soaked heavily in floodwaters are usually deemed useless, hence, the importance of cleaning and drying the affected area as soon as possible. Those who are participating in the cleanup must be properly protected as well. At the least, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves. If there’s mold growth already, wear a face mask or respirator.

Another important aspect of dealing with water damage in Atlanta is the restoration process. This may take a while to complete but there’s no need to panic, especially when professionals are handling the restoration. You need to discuss thoroughly with your service provider the available options. Sometimes replacement of items is recommended.

If you’re already familiar with Atlanta climate, Woodstock has the same hot and humid summers and mild winters. That is why regular home maintenance is needed in order to protect you and your family from common problems such mold buildup and sewage backup, both of which pose health risks to the occupants.

Sewage contains many bacteria, parasites and viruses. These organic elements easily spread when there is a sewage spill or other contamination. Health implications may include hepatitis, asthma, gastroenteritis, allergy and respiratory irritation. Sometimes it takes a while to notice the signs, especially when the leak or spill did not start with frequently visited places in the house like the bathroom, but instead in crawl spaces, basement and the like.

You can follow the smell though because sewage elements are usually odorous. Paying attention to rugs, carpets and other floor covering can also help. When there are moist and wet areas and you can’t pinpoint where the water came from, call for professional help right away.

Experts can easily handle sewage clean up in Woodstock GA. Aside from modern equipment, they also have the proper training and experience so every possibility is considered and the real reason for the contamination comes out in the open.

While waiting for the cleaning crew that will take care of the sewage backup, occupants – especially children, elderly and those with weak immune systems – must be evacuated at once. Those who are staying behind to help in the cleanup must be properly protected with rubber boots, high quality waterproof gloves and clothing.

Be careful with your every move so you don’t spread the bacteria further. Avoid contact with other occupants as well. When salvaging or moving unaffected items, you must wash and disinfect your hands first.

Sewage clean up in Woodstock begins with water extraction and must be done as soon as possible to prevent further contamination and isolate the affected area. This will also minimize permanent damage. Health risks can also be avoided this way. Remove items that have been soaked in sewage, especially those made of highly porous materials such as paper, cardboard and carpet.

The process must include complete decontamination as well. Thorough inspection must also follow suit to find out the real reason for the problem. Fix the real cause to prevent this from happening again. Replace broken pipes, clear clogged waterways, repair weak foundation. If the cause is blocked main sewer line, report it to proper authorities and request for immediate action as letting this problem stand for longer than 24 hours can further cause problems.

If you’re planning to relocate to this city, you must be ready to experience hot summers, mild winters and abundant rainfall. It doesn’t take much effort to continue to enjoy a convenient lifestyle no matter what season is as long as you follow seasonal maintenance. By regular inspection and being aware of the most common household problems, you can live an easygoing life.

One of the most common household problems that a homeowner can encounter is water damage as it is caused by both natural and man-made reasons such as heavy rains, leaking roof, cracked walls and even a dripping faucet. And since water can penetrate most surfaces and materials, it usually comes with a host of other challenges like sewage spills, weak structures and mold buildup.

Calling for professional help is important especially when the water problem covers a large area and many valuable items are at stake. You may call your local service provider to ask for suggestions. It is recommended to look for a company that can be at your place the soonest time possible to avoid permanent water damage.

While waiting for professionals to arrive, you can start with the cleanup process. Turn off water and electric supply lines first to temporarily halt the problem. When the flooding or water problem is caused by heavy rains, start cleaning from the top floors. You may also open windows if the weather permits. Install fans and dehumidifiers as well.

Mold removal in Atlanta GA is one of the immediate concerns as buildup can easily set in. Mold spores can turn into colonies easily in a moist or wet area. While salvaging wet items, you should also dry the affected areas. Mop the floor, blot wooden items, wash and dry porous materials if possible, prop upholstered materials and immediately remove soaked carpets.

Clean hard surfaces with detergent and disinfect with bleach or ammonia. If you find the mold buildup, assess the damage, isolate the area and clean it thoroughly. Depending on the extent of the damage, mold can easily be removed when it has just started to form.
You’ll never be certain though of the extent of damage until you find all the buildup and inspected the affected items. Some porous materials may even have to be trashed right away. No matter how minor you think the problem is, it is always a safe and wise option to hire professional mold removal in Atlanta GA.

Mold buildup can cause respiratory irritation, colds, flu, frequent sneezing and even cause asthma attacks so the importance of removing it professionally is important. When occupants are frequently experiencing the said symptoms for no obvious reasons, have your home inspected for mold growth at once.