Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – A Defensive Cleaning Program

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving 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. When you choose 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 displays our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded within 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.

Why SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

Choosing us means you are selecting a cleanup company with specialized training and experience in handling biohazards, who knows to act quickly and effectively. We are happy to be able to provide both residential and commercial alike, so size is no problem for us.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby today at 610-352-0700 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.

The People, Process, and Products of a Higher Cleaning Standard

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Upper Darby, we’re dedicated to inspiring confidence in communities across the country as we find our way to a new normal.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 global pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes far beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. When you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard.

Based on the specific needs of your business, your location will undergo a thorough, expert deep clean rooted in the pillars of People, Process, and Product. Combining our proprietary training, cleaning solutions and processes creates an industry leading solution that will help provide your business, employees and customers the peace of mind that you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

People

The Professionals at SERVPRO of Upper Darby are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform.

Process

SERVPRO of Upper Darby’s professionals are trained to perform proactive or emergency responsive cleanups that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. 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.

Product

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned has more than 100 exclusive cleaning products to meet any need including our proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE, which is a hospital grade disinfectant that carries the Environmental Protection Agency’s lowest toxicity category and is National Sanitation Foundation certified for direct food contact surface use. All our products carry the Environmental Protection Agency’s registered emerging pathogens claims and meet the standard set by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for hospital-grade disinfectant.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby Is Here to Help®

With more than 1,800 franchises nationwide, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. SERVPRO professionals have been on the front lines of proactive and reactive COVID related cleanup and are Here to Help® as your business begins to reopen.

At SERVPRO of Upper Darby it is our duty, not our job, to inspire confidence by ensuring your business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Making community possible again. 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.

Have Questions? Call Today (610) 352-0700

Helping Pennsylvania Fight a Pandemic with Proactive Cleaning

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has been recognized as a leader in helping to clean and disinfect buildings exposed to COVID-19

SERVPRO of Upper Darby has been helping local communities across the state, flatten the curve by performing residential and commercial deep cleaning and disinfecting services.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby offers proactive and reactive cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services for commercial and residential propertieswith the goal of minimizing the transmission of emerging viral pathogens, including the coronavirus. Our crews stand ready to help minimize the spread of germs and are trained to adhere to the highest cleaning and disinfecting standards, making us the #1 choice for deep cleaning and disinfecting.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby – (610) 352-0700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby uses EPA approved products and follows the CDC guidelines for cleanup practices. We’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

SERVPRO Is Here to Help You Feel Secure

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby's cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities.

As we all come together in these times of uncertainty, many are being called on to do their part. At SERVPRO of Upper Darby, that means reaching out to our community to clean, disinfect and sanitize our homes, business and shared spaces. Our cleanup practices adhere to CDC guidelines and our use of EPA approved products means you can trust us to safely sanitize you homes or business.

Feel Secure! – Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby – (610) 352-0700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is uniquely positioned to be helping. We’ve become recognized nationally and globally as a leader in helping to clean and disinfect homes and buildings where exposure to coronavirus has been suspected or confirmed. We operate under the highest standards established and expected from the leader in the industry. It is our privilege and honor to be able to help our citizens of Delaware County in this time of great need.

Residential Cleaning & Disinfection Services

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

In these times of uncertainty, preparation is the best defense against COVID-19

The Professionals at SERVPRO of Upper Darby are trained and experienced in biohazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces - always adhering to the highest standards set by the CDC.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is Always Here to Help

SERVPRO is being called on by numerous home owners and property managers to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. SERVPRO of Upper Darby uses EPA approved products and follows the CDC guidelines for cleanup practices. We are the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration.

If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby - (610) 352-0700

SERVPRO’s Professional Disinfectant Products: SERVPROXIDE

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby professionals are trained and certified in adhering to the highest cleaning and disinfecting standards.

SERVPROXIDE™, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. In addition, SERVPROXIDE™ currently has dozens of EPA-approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1) and more.

What Is the Difference Between a Household and Hospital Grade Disinfectant?

Both cover the range of kill claims for Broad Spectrum microbes, but a Hospital Grade Disinfectant has the added kill claim for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that is responsible for many surgical and wound infections in hospitals. Hospital Grade disinfectants will have hospital use claims on product label.

What Is SERVPROXIDE Made Of?

SERVPROXIDE is a Hospital Grade EPA Registered water-based disinfectant. It contains the active ingredients of stabilized chlorine dioxide and quaternary ammonium chloride. It also contains a biodegradable, non-hazardous blend of surfactants to help solubilize the microbial proteins which allow the active ingredients to oxidize and kill the microbe more efficiently. SERVPROXIDE carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity category and is NSF certified for direct food contact surface use. It has a wide spectrum of applications on both porous and hard non-porous surfaces. In addition, it has an extensive efficacy list which includes norovirus, rotavirus and adenovirus. Finally, it is a strong and robust disinfectant without the safety issues of other disinfectants that have comparable kill claims.

Need Cleaning & Disinfection Services for Your Home or Business ?

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby – (610) 352-0700

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is Here to Help!

In these times of uncertainty, preparation is the best defense against COVID-19. SERVPRO of Upper Darby professionals are trained and certified in adhering to the highest cleaning and disinfecting standards. We are here to help 24/7.

Clean & Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces Daily

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby can help stop the spread of germs with a professional cleaning for your home or business.

As part of your daily prevention actions clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects. High touch surfaces include:

• Doorknobs
• Countertops
• Tables
• Light Switches
• Handles
• Desks
• Phones
• Tablets
• Keyboards
• Toilets
• Faucets
• Soap Dispensers
• Sinks
• Remotes
• Game Controllers

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is Here to Help!

SERVPRO of Upper Darby can help stop the spread of germs with a professional cleaning for your home or business. As the #1 choice for cleanup and restoration, we have the resources to help you immediately. Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby to see how we can help clean your home or business. (610) 352-0700

Tips and Best Practices to Minimize Your Risk

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby has years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants

Cities and states are taking increasingly drastic measures to curb the severity of the pandemic, including the closing of bars, restaurants, and public venues. In some areas, officials have issued “shelter in place” orders in order to compel residents to stay in their homes and limit movement. To further protect yourself, minimize your exposure with the following tips:

Practice Good Hygiene

• Clean hands with sanitizer and wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your face and cover coughs and sneezes
• Disinfect “high touch” surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, tables, doorknobs, and handrails regularly
• Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning

At The Office

• Stop shaking hands – use other noncontact methods of greeting
• Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible
• When not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces
• Disinfect “high touch” surfaces like desks, keyboards, light switches, doorknobs, and telephones
• Consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings

Stay Home If...

• You are feeling sick
• You have a sick family member in their home

Symptoms

Illness from COVID-19 is wide ranging, from mild to severe symptoms and death. According to the CDC, symptom may appear two days to two weeks after exposure:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

It is important to consult your medical provider if you develop any severe or concerning symptoms.

Here to Help and Ready to Respond

SERVPRO of Upper Darby professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. Our professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. 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 waste.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby at (610) 352-0700

How to Make Homemade Hand Sanitizer

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

We can help minimize the spread of germs with proactive cleaning!

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) causing concern globally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is stressing the importance of good personal health habits as a way to prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC states that you should wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol is the next best option.

With hand sanitizer in high demand right now, you may find your local stores are sold out. Here is an easy homemade hand sanitizer recipes you can use.

What You Will Need:

• 12 tablespoons rubbing alcohol (at least 60 percent alcohol by volume)
• 4 teaspoons aloe vera gel (commercial, not fresh)
• funnel
• clean liquid soap bottle, clean hand sanitizer bottle or squirt bottle

How to Make It:

1. Combine the aloe vera gel and rubbing alcohol in a bowl.
2. Mix well.
3. Put the funnel into the opening of the soap or hand sanitizer bottle.
4. Carefully pour in the rubbing alcohol mixture. 

Only use homemade hand sanitizers in extreme situations when hand washing isn’t available for the foreseeable future.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby Is Here to Help!

SERVPRO of Upper Darby can help stop the spread of germs with a professional cleaning for your home or business. As the #1 choice for cleanup and restoration, we have the resources to help you immediately. 

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby at (610) 352-0700

Pet Urine Stains & Odors Removal

3/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby's technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor.

Pet Urine Stages

Cleaning a carpet with significant amounts of pet stains can be a tough challenge in carpet cleaning. Pet urine, when it is fresh, is fairly easy to remove. With enough time, however, urine passes from a primary stage of decomposing to a secondary stage and is more difficult to clean. Fresh urine in the primary stage is in an acid state with few bacteria. The warm, moist acid state allows bacteria to multiply, and bacteria change the urine to an insoluble salt. The secondary stage of decomposing, after the water evaporates, leaves highly alkaline urine salts, which normal carpet cleaning products will not easily dissolve. Pet urine causes both appearance and odor problems. The alkaline urine salts contain ammonia, which can cause a loss of color in textile fibers. Urine salts are also hygroscopic, meaning they attract moisture, and humidity, which helps release odors to the atmosphere.

Inspecting the Problem

When dealing with animal urine stains and odors, SERVPRO of Upper Darby carefully inspects the area to be cleaned. Several factors are considered during the inspection:

What kind of animal caused the urine spots?

Male animals tend to urinate around the perimeter of areas, while female animals tend to urinate in open areas.

How far did the urine spread?

A spot on top of the carpet about 2 square feet in size could mean 6 to 8 square feet of urine on the back of the carpet, 10 to 12 square feet on the carpet pad, and 14 to 16 square feet on the subfloor.

How deep did the urine penetrate?

Urine stains visible on the surface of a carpet are like the tip of an iceberg. Most of the urine will soak through the carpet into the padding and onto the subfloor.

How many animals caused the urine spots?

Of course, the number of animals in the home will affect how much urine may need to be cleaned. Another factor is how often the animal may have urinated? Animals are creatures of habit and will mark their territory and return to the same location to urinate again.

Locating the Problem

Finding the source of a urine odor is a first step in controlling the problem. There are a few methods used to locate areas that have been affected by pet urine.

Use your nose.

The human nose is not the most scientific detection method, but it is usually how we begin to locate odors.

High intensity light might reveal damage.

Discolorations from color loss or buildup of soils may be noticeable. You can also check the carpet backing to see if there are any stains. This will require you to disengage carpet from the tack strip.

Use a black light to detect urine stains.

Darken the room as much as possible, turn the lights off, and close drapes or blinds. Urine stains will appear as yellow spots under a black (ultraviolet) light.

A moisture sensor or a non-penetrating moisture meter might work to detect stains.

Urine salts absorb moisture out of the air and stay damp. A moisture sensor or a non-penetrating moisture meter should detect this moisture.

Treatment for Pet Urine Stains and Odors

To treat pet urine stains, you should follow three basic steps:

1. Neutralize the urine residues.
2. Sanitize the affected area.
3. Deodorize the malodors.

Neutralize Residues

The alkaline urine salts can damage the dye sites of nylon fibers and damage wool fibers. As a pretreatment, clean affected areas with an acidic pH to neutralize the salts. SERVPRO of Upper Darby has professional cleaning products that will treat fabrics exhibiting color change due to high alkalinity. These products will neutralize the fabric and often return colors to normal.

Sanitize the Area

Urine stains are perfect host sites for bacteria. The associated odors are primarily caused by the action of the bacteria. Sanitizing the area might involve eliminating any materials serving as a food source for bacteria. Removing waste materials that are a source of odor is a basic step in any deodorization task. Urine-saturated carpet padding is often removed and replaced.

Sanitizing might also involve the application of an odor neutralizer that sanitizes the area of a carpet where applied. SERVPRO of Upper Darby has professional cleaning products that are effective on a wide range of malodors, including urine, and is effective for porous surfaces much as carpets.

Deodorize Malodors

After the cleaning procedures to neutralize and sanitize, counteract any remaining malodors. The deodorization task is sometimes challenging because affected materials are multilayered. Enzyme agents are a common deodorization product used by SERVPRO of Upper Darby’s cleaning professionals to eliminate odors from organic residues, including pet urine stains. The enzymes “digest” the residues and convert them to water-soluble compounds.

If you have already used a lot of detergents and spot removers, the carpet may need to be rinsed thoroughly with clean water before applying the enzymes. After the enzymes have had time to digest the soils, thoroughly rinsing the carpet with a hot water extract.

Heavy Pet Urine Odors on Carpet

If the pet urine odor in your carpet is bad, you may need to pull and discard the carpet along with the pad. The subfloor will need to be thoroughly cleaned and then clean water rinsed. After thoroughly drying the subfloor, a sealant should be applied. The sealant will lock in the odors so they will not wick back out. Once the pet urine odors are no longer detected, install the new carpet and padding.

Methods of Deodorizing the Residual Odor in the Air

HVAC Duct Cleaning

It may be necessary to have your HVAC air ducts cleaned to eliminate odors in the air. 

Ozone Machine

An ozone machine can be run to treat any residual odor in the air. Evacuate the people, plants and pets from the area before ozoning. After ozoning, ventilate your home with fans to bringing fresh air in.

There is No Guarantee

The amount of effort required to remove pet stains and odors may result in the treatment costing more than the affected material is worth. Urine that has been in a carpet for a long time will cause permanent stains and there is no guarantee that the stains or odor can be completely removed. Pet urine odors will most likely return if animals are still in house!

Reoccurring Odors

Odor problems may reoccur within a few days after cleaning. Since the basic principle of deodorization is to remove as much of the source of the odor as possible, you might have to repeat the cleaning procedure to remove more residue. Remember, most of the urine deposits are in the carpet backing and pad.

Need Animal Urine Cleanup Services?
Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby Today – (610) 352-0700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

You know SERVPRO of Upper Darby as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."

‘Tis the Season – For Flu!

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby’s cleaning specialist shares commonsense precautions to help control spread of the flu virus

Commonsense Precautions to Help Control Spread of the Flu Virus

Flu season is here. The cleaning pros at SERVPRO of Upper Darby—experts in cleaning and sanitizing—remind New Castle County home and business owners how important it is to step-up routine cleaning efforts during this time of year. The flu virus can remain viable on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Cleaning surfaces and objects that are frequently touched minimizes the likelihood of contacting the flu virus when you touch an infected surface.

According to the CDC, nearly 15% of the U.S. population suffered from the flu in 2018. More than 950,000 people were hospitalized and almost 80,000 people died from flu complications, making 2018 the most severe flu season since 2009.

Protect Yourself From the Contracting the Flu

The CDC recommends the following to help protect yourself or your loved ones from contracting the flu.

1. Get vaccinated. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important protection against this serious virus.
2. Thoroughly wash your hands (20 seconds or more with soap and water) or sanitize them frequently throughout the day, even if you are not infected, to help protect yourself and others.
3. Beware of frequently touched surfaces, like handrails and doorknobs. Keep them clean at home using a bleach and water solution and clean your hands as soon as possible if you must touch them in public.

Control the Spread of the Flu

If you or a family member comes down with the flu despite these precautions, keep in mind the flu spreads primarily through droplets from a sick person when they cough, sneeze, or talk. With that in mind, the CDC offers the following guidelines to help control the spread of the disease:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, your sleeve, or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue and clean your hands with soap or a sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol.
2. Stay home and keep your distance. Infected droplets from a sick person’s nose or mouth can travel up to six feet and land in the noses and mouths of people nearby, exposing them to the illness.
3. Wait until you are fever free – without medications – for at least 24 hours before returning to school, work, or normal activities.
4. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated

There is no such thing as a foolproof flu protection plan but frequent hand-washing and conscientious cleaning practices at home, work, and in the community are precautions everyone can practice to help keep them and their loved ones healthy.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

As an emergency response company, SERVPRO of Upper Darby understands the hidden danger of contaminated surfaces in a workplace or home. This time of year, the flu virus can be a hidden danger at home, at work, and in the community. It is a serious illness that should be taken seriously.

With advanced technology and techniques, SERVPRO of Upper Darby can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices. For more information on SERVPRO of Upper Darby’s cleaning services, please contact us at (610) 352-0700

Bed Bugs Facts: Identifying Bed Bugs

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service.

Knowing What to Look for Is the First Step in Identifying and Controlling Bed Bugs

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) can be hard to find and identify, given their small size and their habit of staying hidden. It helps to know what they look like, since the various life stages have different forms.

There are many bugs that look like bed bugs so an accurate identification is a critical first step to avoid costly treatment for the wrong bug.

There are ways to control bed bugs. Getting good, solid information is the first step in both prevention and control. While there is no chemical quick fix, there are effective strategies to control bed bugs involving both non-chemical and chemical methods.

Appearance of Bed Bugs

Adult Bed Bugs

• About the size of an apple seed (5-7 mm or 3/16 - 1/4 inch long)
• Long and brown, with a flat, oval-shaped body (if not fed recently)
• Balloon-like, reddish-brown, and more elongated (if fed recently)
• A “true bug” (characteristics of true bugs include a beak with three segments; antenna that have four parts; wings that are not used for flying; and short, golden-colored hairs)
• Smelly, with a “musty-sweetish” odor produced through glands on the lower side of the body

Young Bed Bugs (Nymphs)

• Smaller, translucent or whitish-yellow in color
• If not recently fed, can be nearly invisible to the naked eye because of coloring and size

Bed Bug Eggs

• Tiny, the size of a pinhead
• Pearl-white in color
• Marked by an eye spot if more than five days old

Looking for Signs of Bed Bugs

A more accurate way to identify a possible infestation is to look for physical signs of bed bugs. When cleaning, changing bedding, or staying away from home, look for:

• Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed.
• Dark spots (about this size: •), which are bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would.
• Eggs and eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger.
• Live bed bugs.

Where Bed Bugs Hide

When not feeding, bed bugs hide in a variety of places. Around the bed, they can be found near the piping, seams and tags of the mattress and box spring, and in cracks on the bed frame and headboard.

If the room is heavily infested, you may find bed bugs:

• In the seams of chairs and couches, between cushions, in the folds of curtains
• In drawer joints
• In electrical receptacles and appliances
• Under loose wall paper and wall hangings
• At the junction where the wall and the ceiling meet
• Even in the head of a screw
• Since bed bugs are only about the width of a credit card, they can squeeze into really small hiding spots. If a crack will hold a credit card, it could hide a bed bug

Bed Bug Behavior and Habit

Understanding the behavior of bed bugs (how they eat, live, and reproduce) will help you to find an infestation before it becomes established and to monitor for the presence of bed bugs after your home has been treated.

Bed Bug Feeding Habits

• Prefer to feed on humans, but will feed on other mammals and birds as well
• Will readily travel 5-20 feet from established hiding places (called harborage) to feed on a host
• Primarily active at night, but if hungry they will seek hosts in full daylight.
• Feeding can take 3-12 minutes.
• The rusty or tarry spots found on bed sheets or in bug hiding places are because 20% of the time adults and large nymphs will void remains of earlier blood meals while still feeding.

Bed Bug Life Stages/Mating

• Bed bugs need at least one blood meal before the individual bug can develop to the next of the six life stages

• To continue to mate and produce eggs, both males and females must feed at least once every 14 days
• Each female may lay 1 to 3 eggs per day and 200-500 eggs per her lifetime (6-12 months but could be longer)
• Egg-to-egg life cycle may take four to five weeks under favorable conditions

Bed Bug Living Conditions

• Bed bugs can survive and remain active at temperatures as low as 7°C (46°F), but they die when their body temperatures reaches 45°C (113°F).
• To kill bed bugs with heat, the room must be even hotter to ensure sustained heat reaches the bugs no matter where they are hiding.

• Common bed bugs are found almost anywhere their host can live.

Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are great hitchhikers. They can move from an infested site to a new home by traveling on furniture, bedding, luggage, boxes, and clothing.  Although they typically feed on blood every five to ten days, bed bugs can be quite resilient; they are capable of surviving several months to a year without feeding.

There are ways to control bed bugs. Getting good, solid information is the first step in both prevention and control. While there is no chemical quick fix, there are effective strategies to control bed bugs involving both non-chemical and chemical methods.

Need Cleaning Services?
Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby Today – (610) 352-0700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

Keeping a clean, tidy and uncluttered house can save you a lot of time and money by drastically decreasing your chance of bed bugs in the first place SERVPRO of Upper Darby have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

How Does an Ozone Generator Remove Odors?

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

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

What is an Ozone Generator?

An ozone generator is an industrial machine that produces ozone. Ozone generators are a common and effective way to oxidize airborne odors, but they can also be used to kill mold, remove smoke and cigarette smells, and even bacteria and viruses.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a colorless, highly reactive, toxic gas with powerful oxidizing properties. It is comprised of three atoms of oxygen rather than the two atoms of oxygen we breathe. Ozone is naturally occurring as well as man-made. An ozone generator is a man-made way of creating ozone.

Why Would We Want to Create Ozone If It’s Toxic?

Because ozone is very good at removing particles in the air that cause odors. It is the ultimate air purifier, which is why it is used by industrial cleanup companies like SERVPRO of Upper Darby.

How Does Ozone Remove Odors?

When used correctly, ozone is a safe and effective form of odor control. Ozone generators release ozone into the air to oxidize odors or just keep rooms smelling fresh.

When ozone gas is introduced to an environment with bacteria, mold or any other organic material, it readily donates one of the oxygen atoms to oxidize or destroy that material. Ozone is a top choice for odor removal because it eliminates the source of the odor instead of just masking it.

Ozone can also oxidize some inorganic materials like calcium and arsenic and a number of trace metals, such as iron. Once the third oxygen atom is used to oxidize an organic or inorganic contaminant, there is only an oxygen (O2) molecule left. This natural solution leaves no chemical residue behind.

When Should Ozone Be Used?

An ozone generator is recommended for professional use only, due to the dangers of high concentrations of ozone. Ozone generators and ozone are used to remove odors that seem impossible to remove. It is highly effective at removing odors because it can penetrate anything that oxygen and smoke can penetrate.

Due to the toxicity of ozone gas, ozone generators are used only in spaces that are unoccupied and sealed. This means that if they are used in a home or business, the space usually needs to be evacuated while the ozone generator is in use. It is highly recommended that you rely on professionals who are trained on how to safely operate an ozone generator.

Need Deodorization Services?
Call Us Today – (610) 352-0700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

If you are struggling to get rid of strong odors in your home or business, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Upper Darby. They can determine the best actions to take, including whether an ozone generator is needed.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby has the training and equipment to identify and eliminate odors from fires, flooding, mold damage, and other sources.

How to Clean Window Screens

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service

Maintaining clean screens is a necessary part of home ownership, plus it lengthens the life of the screens and makes it easier to see in and out of your windows. Add this task to your “Annual Cleaning List”, and we guarantee your house will have revived curb appeal that the neighbors can’t touch!

What you’ll need:

• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Garden hose
• Thick sponge or microfiber cloth
• Water
• All-purpose cleaner
• Towels

Step One: Begin by removing screens from the windows. If you’re removing all of your home’s screens at once, take the time to label the metal frame with marker on a piece of tape for ease of reinstallation.

Step Two: Lay the screen flat on a towel, and run a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with brush attachment over the screen gently to remove loose debris like spider webs, dust and pollen. Flip the screen and clean the other side the same way.

Step Three: In the bucket, mix 1/4 cup of liquid all-purpose cleaner with 1/2 gallon of water. Lift the screen to an upright position and gently wash over both sides of each screen from top to bottom with a sudsy sponge or microfiber cloth.

Step Four: Before the soap can begin to dry, turn on the hose to run at a low pressure and rinse the screen clean. If you have a nozzle set to a powerful setting, you risk loosening the screen from the spline (especially with fiberglass screens) rendering the screen saggy or creating gaps between the screen and the frame. If you don’t have a hose, you might consider running the screens through your bathroom shower with the shower head on a gentle setting to rinse them off.

Step Five: Use a dry towel to absorb excess water on the screen, and allow the screens to air dry. Once dry, reinstall the screens and enjoy their clean, nearly transparent state. Maintain the screens regularly between soapy cleanings by using an extendable vacuum to remove dust and pollen.

Residential Cleaning Services

Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. SERVPRO of Upper Darby has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

Need Cleaning Services?
Call Us Today – (610) 352-0700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is locally owned and operated, and serves Wayne, Radnor Township, Villanova, St. Davids, Ardmore Park, Haverford Township, Havertown, Upper Darby, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, and the surrounding Delaware County communities.

Our certified cleaning and restoration specialist are faster to any size disaster. Providing emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Conquer The Clutter In Your Home

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service

Trying to tackle a mountain of junk cluttering your home can be overwhelming. But like with most things in life, the hardest part is getting started. 

The 5 Box Method

With this simple-to-follow method and a little willpower, it is possible to conquer the clutter in your home. Start by finding 5 boxes and label them with these 5 categories:

KEEP

This box is for the items that you need or use on a regular basis. Only keep what you have a place for – A place for everything, everything in it’s place. If you do not have a place for all of these items, go back through and reassess your need for each item. If needed, create a storage solution that fits the space without clutter.

DONATE

Think about how someone else might get use out of these items versus the use it gets in your home buried in cabinets or closets. These items should be in good condition and worth giving to your favorite charity.

SELL

These items should be in good condition and worth more than it would cost to organize the sale. If you know you’re unlikely to get around to it – DONATE IT!

STORE

These are the items that you do not use regularly but cannot part with. Only keep what you have the available storage space for.

TRASH

These are the items you do not need or want, and do not meet the selling or donating standards. Damaged and broken items should be trashed. Do not hold on to items you know you will never get around to fixing, selling or donating.

The Method

Work room by room and focus on one item at a time and determine its proper place. When you come to a stopping point, be sure to throw out the trash immediately. Close up the storage boxes and place the donate/sell boxes in the garage, or out of sight.

RETALTED ARTICLES:  Stopping Hoarding Before It Starts

SERVPRO’s Residential Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Upper Darby has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

Residential Cleaning Services Include:

• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Odor Removal
• Sewage and Biohazard Clean Up

Need Cleaning Services?
Call Us Today – (610) 352-0700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is locally owned and operated, and serves Wayne, Radnor Township, Villanova, St. Davids, Ardmore Park, Haverford Township, Havertown, Upper Darby, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, and the surrounding Delaware County communities.

Stopping Hoarding Before It Starts

5/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service.

You may have seen a popular cable show about people’s whose “pack-rat” behavior got far out of hand. Sadly, hoarding is much more serious than an evening TV show makes it out to be, and it can have devastating consequences on a person’s life and the life of their loved ones.

Are You a Hoarder OR Do You Just Need Some Extra Time To Declutter Your Home?

Hoarding disorder is characterized by the persistent difficulty discarding of or parting with possessions, regardless of their value. The behavior can have harmful effects—emotional, physical, social, financial, and even legal—for the person suffering from the disorder and family members. Individuals who hoard, accumulate a large number of possessions that often fill up or clutter active living areas of the home or workplace to the extent that their intended use is no longer possible.

While some people who hoard may not be particularly distressed by their behavior, their behavior can be distressing to other people, such as family members or landlords. If you think you have a real hoarding problem, reach out to a qualified therapist for.

You Are Probably Not A Hoarder

The good news is, you are probably not a hoarder, but you may have some hoarding tendencies. Here are some tips to help with these tendencies:

Start Slow

Don't go through your home and throw everything into the dumpster at once. This may lead to strong feelings of regret and anxiety; rather, go through one small space or collection each week.

Handle Objects Only Once 

Take the time to make a decision about an item in the present so you don't have to handle it again and again each time you decide to get organized.

Scale Down Collections 

If you've kept all of your childhood report cards, choose to save 1-2 and toss the rest. A great tip submitted by a reader of this site: try framing or displaying one item from a collection so it's special, and then consign, donate, or recycle the rest.

Put It In A Box 

If you cannot decide to toss or keep an item, put it in a box for 6 months. If you don't open the box before then, you can let it go without regret. This is a great idea for people who hoard items like magazines, travel toiletries and newspaper clippings.

Toss Un-Used Items 

Owning a book about gardening does not make you a person who gardens and buying "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" and never cracking the book or trying one of the recipes doesn't mean you're a cook. Resist the urge to buy tokens of a new hobby until you are actively participating in that hobby.

Consider Consignment

It's much easier to get rid of an item if you know it's going to a good home. If donating isn't a good option for you, think seriously about consignment. This way you're getting some money back for the item.

Hoarding Cleanup

Not every disaster to strike a home comes from the weather, or a fire started in the home. Hoarding is an increasing problem for many families that require a professional cleaning and restoration service. 

Cleaning up after a hoarder is not a quick process, but at SERVPRO of Upper Darby, we try to make it as simple and empathetic as possible to everyone. If you need help returning your, or someone else’s home to a livable condition, contact us at (610) 352-0700 today.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is locally owned and operated, and serves Wayne, Radnor Township, Villanova, St. Davids, Ardmore Park, Haverford Township, Havertown, Upper Darby, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, and the surrounding Delaware County communities.

Our certified cleaning and restoration specialist are faster to any size disaster. Providing emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Tips to Keeping Mud Out of Your House During the Rainy Weather

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service.

Designate just one or two entrances for muddy feet and paws.

The first step in keeping mud out of your house during wet weather is to limit the number of places where it can be tracked inside.

Use your mud room, or create one.

The whole purpose of this room is to provide a space between the oh-so-dirty outside world and the indoor living spaces in your home.  If you do not currently have one, it is time to make one. Any spot without carpet at an exterior entrance will do, but it is usually most convenient if it is located in a garage or laundry room

Use a mat-and-rug system at every entrance.

Every entrance needs a mat on the outside and a rug on the inside. The outside mat should be a bristly or rubber mat that will trap or scrape off mud. Just inside each of your doors, you should have a washable rug.

Teach your dogs and children to stay on the rugs.

Once you have your mat-and-rug system in place, teach your children and dogs to stop on the rug and stay there until you have had time to remove muddy shoes or wipe muddy paws.

Keep muddy shoes off of your floors.

A boot tray is a simple, inexpensive solution for muddy boots and shoes and can be placed on a porch or in your mud room by the door.

Keep towels by the door.

Keep a basket of clean towels in your mud room or by your designated entrance. This will ensure that a towel is always handy when you need to dry off a wet child or wipe muddy paws.

Residential Cleaning Services

Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. SERVPRO of Upper Darby has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

You know SERVPRO of Upper Darby as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."

Need Cleaning Services?
Call Us Today – (610) 352-0700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is locally owned and operated, and serves Wayne, Radnor Township, Villanova, St. Davids, Ardmore Park, Haverford Township, Havertown, Upper Darby, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, and the surrounding Delaware County communities.

Our certified cleaning and restoration specialist are faster to any size disaster. Providing emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

24/7 Fire Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Water Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Flood Damage Service - 24/7 Sewage Damage & Sewage Removal Service - 24/7 Mold Remediation Service - 24/7 Bio-hazard Cleanup - 24/7 Suicide & Crime Cleanup - 24/7 Board-up and Roof Tarping

The Basic Spring Cleaning Tips

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Get a head start on your spring cleaning today and call SERVPRO of Upper Darby - (610) 352-0700

The tips below outline basic techniques that will help you clean almost every surface (or object) in any room, leaving your home refreshed from top to bottom.

Wipe Walls and Ceilings

Use a vacuum to remove dust. Tackle stubborn surface grime with a solvent-free degreaser.

Reseal Grout Lines

The grout on wall, floor, and countertop tiles is extremely porous and stains easily. Protect it with a penetrating grout sealer; it's best to apply it with a small foam brush.

Vacuum and Shampoo Rugs

Synthetic carpets and rugs with waterproof backings can be deep-cleaned with a rotary shampoo machine and a hot-water extraction machine. Rugs without backings, including Orientals, require professional cleaning.

Dust Books and Shelves

Take everything off the shelves, and brush them (along with the books) with duster. Use the dust brush or crevice tool on a vacuum to reach into tight spots. Wipe the spines of leather-bound books with a clean, soft cloth.

Clean Upholstered Furnishings

Take cushions outside and gently beat them by hand to remove dust. If there are stains, check the pieces for care labels. Use a vacuum's upholstery and crevice tools to clean under seat cushions.

Polish Metal Door and Window Hardware

Liquid polishes and polish-impregnated cloths work well for medium-tarnished surfaces; pastes and creams are best for heavier work. If the tarnish doesn't come off, try a stronger product.

Dust Your Home Thoroughly

This includes hard-to-reach places, such as the tops of ceiling fans and window casings. Always work from the top of a room down, vacuuming the dust that settles on the floor. Avoid using dusting sprays.

Wax Wooden Furniture

Wipe surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild dishwashing liquid. Apply paste wax, such as Butcher's wax, a few feet at a time with a cotton rag folded into a square pad. Let the wax dry; buff with a clean cloth.

Ensure Fire Safety

Change batteries in smoke detectors (this should be done twice a year), and make sure units are free of dust. Teach everyone in your household how to use a fire extinguisher, and review escape plans.

Wash Window Screens

Using warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid, scrub each screen with a brush; rinse thoroughly.

Clean Window Treatments

Many draperies and curtains are machine washable; check labels. Dry clean fabric shades. Wipe wooden blinds with a damp cloth; warm water mixed with a mild dishwashing liquid is safe for metal and vinyl blinds.

Wax Non-Wood Floors

Vinyl and linoleum floors that have lost their shine should be waxed with a polish designed for these surfaces. Most stone and tile floors can be treated with either a paste or a liquid wax designed for the material.

Residential Cleaning Services

Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. SERVPRO of Upper Darby has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

You know SERVPRO of Upper Darby as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."

Need Cleaning Services?
Call Us Today – (610) 352-0700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is locally owned and operated, and serves Wayne, Radnor Township, Villanova, St. Davids, Ardmore Park, Haverford Township, Havertown, Upper Darby, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, and the surrounding Delaware County communities.

Our certified cleaning and restoration specialist are faster to any size disaster. Providing emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

24/7 Fire Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Water Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Flood Damage Service - 24/7 Sewage Damage & Sewage Removal Service - 24/7 Mold Remediation Service - 24/7 Bio-hazard Cleanup - 24/7 Suicide & Crime Cleanup - 24/7 Board-up and Roof Tarping

10 Ways to Detox Your Home

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service.

Create a Healtheir Home for You and Your Family

The average home contains hundreds of toxins, many of which we are unable to see, smell or taste. While these toxins may be tolerated individually and in small doses, problems can arise when one is exposed to them in combination or in larger doses. Everyone’s tolerance level is different depending on genetics, nutritional status and previous or ongoing exposure to toxins.

There are many things you can do to “detox” your home, some more practical than others. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.

Take Your Shoes Off

• Go barefoot or wear slippers. Outdoor shoes bring in dirt, pesticides and even lead.
• Place floor mats vertically by your entryways to wipe your shoes. A clean mat will trap more dirt and residue from your shoes.

Keep the Air Clean

• Keep your windows and doors open as much as possible to ventilate.
• Use green plants as natural air detoxifiers.
• Remove odors with baking soda or contact SERVPRO of Upper Darby to effectively deodorize your home.
• Use fresh flowers or bowls of herbs like rosemary and sage to add a pleasant fragrance to rooms.
• Have your air ducts and vents cleaned by SERVPRO of Upper Darby.
• Get a portable air cleaner/purifier, especially for the bedrooms.

Safer Cleaning Products

• Start replacing commercial cleaning products with safer, greener ones.
• Don’t be afraid of DIY; there are many effective and safe cleaners that can be made out of non-toxic household staples like baking soda, plant-based dish soap, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide.

Use Plastic Wisely

• Most plastics contain the toxic compound Bisphenol A, a hormone disruptor.
• Choose products that are BPA-free especially when it comes to food containers
• Do not use plastic containers in the microwave.
• Choose baby bottles made from glass or BPA-free plastic.
• Stay away from children’s toys marked with a “3” or “PVC.”

Avoid Non Stick Pans, Bakeware & Utensils

• PTFE, a polymer used in nonstick cookware as well as in food packaging, can release potentially hazardous fumes.
• PFOA, a chemical used in nonstick coatings, like Teflon, is a human carcinogen that many companies plan to phase out of their products.
• Replace your pots and pans with healthier alternatives that won’t leach chemicals into the air. Try glass, cast iron or stainless steel.

Remove Dust

• More dust means more toxins. Dust your furniture using a microfiber cloth.
• Mop all surfaces at least once a week.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, for your carpets. HEPA-filter vacuums capture the widest range of particles and get rid of allergens.

Prevent Mold

• Keep moisture levels to a minimum to stop the growth of mold and mildew.
• Monitor the areas where mold most commonly grows (bathroom, kitchen and basement) for moisture accumulation or leaks.
• Regularly clean surfaces where mold usually grows – around showers and tubs and beneath sinks.
• If you see signs of mold, Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby Today – (610) 352-0700

Purify Your Water

• Filter tap water to eliminate toxins by using a carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount or dispenser).
• Use a shower head filter to remove chlorine and other potentially harmful chemicals.

Check Radon Levels

• Radon is an odorless gas that forms as uranium in rocks and soil breaks down. Check Radon levels in poorly ventilated basements that have cracked walls and or floors.

Monitor Carbon Monoxide (CO) Levels

• Leaks are most commonly found in leaking gas stoves, gas fireplaces, furnaces and chimneys and gas water heaters.
• Use a certified CO detector to check your home for carbon monoxide leaks in furnaces and other home appliances.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby: Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the duct work of your home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

SERVPRO of Upper Darby routinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby at (610) 352-0700 to schedule your air duct and HVAC cleaning.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is locally owned and operated, and serves Wayne, Radnor Township, Villanova, St. Davids, Ardmore Park, Haverford Township, Havertown, Upper Darby, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, and the surrounding Delaware County communities.

Our certified cleaning and restoration specialist are faster to any size disaster. Providing emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

24/7 Fire Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Water Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Flood Damage Service - 24/7 Sewage Damage & Sewage Removal Service - 24/7 Mold Remediation Service - 24/7 Bio-hazard Cleanup - 24/7 Suicide & Crime Cleanup - 24/7 Board-up and Roof Tarping

The Ultimate Room-By-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Get a head start on your spring cleaning today and call SERVPRO of Upper Darby - (610) 392-6000

Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes after a long winter. It is that time of year to open the windows and let the fresh air in. 

This checklist will help you get a jump start your spring cleaning.

The Basics for Each Room

• Remove cobwebs from ceiling

• Wipe walls and baseboards

•  Sanitize light switches
• Clean door and sanitize door handles
• Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Dust curtain rods and blinds
• Clean or vacuum curtains
• Wash windows and window sills
• Mop or vacuum floor
• Shampoo rugs or carpet
• Clean air vents/registers
• Replace air filters as needed
• Replace light bulbs as needed
• Test and replace smoke alarm batteries

Kitchen

• Dust top of high surfaces including fridge, microwave/range hood, cabinets
• Clean stove top
• Clean oven
• Clean microwave
• Clean dishwasher
• Discard old or expired food in pantry, fridge, and freezer
• Clean refrigerator
• Defrost freezer
• Wipe drawers and shelves in refrigerator and freezer
• Clear counter tops
• Degrease cabinet doors and backsplash
• Remove items from cabinets and thoroughly clean inside
• Deodorize and degrease the kitchen drain

Dining Room

• Dust china in china cabinet
• Launder and press table linens
• Polish silver
• Dust and polish furniture
• Vacuum or spot clean chair cushions

Bathroom

• Discard expired medication, personal care products or makeup
• Clean makeup brushes
• Clean vanity
• Wipe mirror – Try this streak-free trick
• Clean tub and shower
• Clean children’s bath toys – Try these tips
• Clean shower head—Try this plastic bag trick.
• Replace shower curtain liner
• Clean toilet
• Scrub tile grout
• Remove and replace caulk

Laundry Room

• Clean washing machine
• Clean dryer vent
• Clean lint trap
• Organize laundry supplies

Bedrooms

• Dust/polish furniture
• Donate unused clothing
• Organize closets
• Wash bedding including sheets, pillows, duvets, and bed skirts
• Flip mattress

Living Room

• Dust/polish furniture
• Wash slipcovers, blankets and pillows
• Vacuum sofa and chairs
• Clean ceiling fans
• Dust and clean lamp shades
• Dust electronics—Try using dryer sheets
• Dust and clean decor
• Sanitize remote controls

Kids’ Playroom

• Sanitize plastic toys with soap and water – Try these tips
• Wash stuffed animals and soft toys
• Donate unused toys
• Organize toys and play areas

Office

• Recycle unneeded paperwork
• Dust and polish furniture
• Dust bookshelf
• Dust electronics
• Sanitize keyboard and mouse

Garage

• Declutter tools, sporting equipment and toys
• Open up garage door to air out the space
• Clean garage door
• Clean garage door frame
• Replace batteries in garage door openers

Residential Cleaning Services

A clean environment is a healthy environment. Improve your living and work spaces this spring. If you need a little help, don’t worry, SERVPRO of Upper Darby has all the tools to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is locally owned and operated, and serves Wayne, Radnor Township, Villanova, St. Davids, Ardmore Park, Haverford Township, Havertown, Upper Darby, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, and the surrounding Delaware County communities.

Our certified cleaning and restoration specialist are faster to any size disaster. Providing emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

24/7 Fire Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Water Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Flood Damage Service - 24/7 Sewage Damage & Sewage Removal Service - 24/7 Mold Remediation Service - 24/7 Bio-hazard Cleanup - 24/7 Suicide & Crime Cleanup - 24/7 Board-up and Roof Tarping

6 Cleaning Products You Should Never Mix

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service.

Each Product Formula Is Unique and Mixing Them Can Result in an Uncertain and Dangerous Chemical Reaction.

There is a common misconception that you’ll get better results if you mix different household cleaning products. The truth is that mixing them together can be very dangerous because the combination you get can produce unexpected chemical reactions that can be very harmful to your health

Cleaning Products You Should NOT Mix

Ammonia & Bleach

Combining these two household cleaning products can create toxic chloramine vapors. If you inhale these vapors it can cause respiratory problems and throat burns. Make sure to read the labels on your cleaning products before you mix them to prevent any accidents.

For example, Windex typically has ammonia in it, and some brands of pipe cleaner, such as Drano, have bleach in them.

Vinegar & Bleach

When you mix an acidic product with bleach it releases toxic chlorine and chloramine vapors. This can cause a chemical burn, most likely in your lungs or eyes.

Hydrogen Peroxide & Vinegar

Combining hydrogen peroxide and vinegar creates peracetic acid or corrosive acid. It can create an irritant that, in high concentrations, can harm the skin, eyes, throat, nose, and lungs. These two products can be used on the same surface (making certain the area dries in between applications), but they can't be mixed together in the same container.

Rubbing Alcohol & Bleach

Mixing these two products creates chloroform. When exposed to low levels of chloroform you may become dizzy or nauseous. Higher levels can lead to damage to the nervous system, eyes, lungs, skin, liver, kidneys, and even death.

Bleach & Toilet Bowl Cleaner

If you mix bleach with a toilet bowl cleaner with an acidic formula it can release toxic fumes that will cause breathing problems and watery eyes. 

Different Drain Cleaners

Don't do it! Mixing two different drain cleaners can cause the release of chlorine gas and may even potentially lead to an explosion. Avoid mixing drain cleaners in the same container as well as using one right after another.

Cleaning Products You Can Mix

Laundry Detergent & Vinegar

By adding one cup of vinegar to your laundry cycle you can gain many extra benefits. Vinegar kills off bacteria, gives your clothes a fresh scent, keeps them lint-free, and brightens them. 

Laundry Detergent & Baking Soda

Baking soda in your laundry makes your whites whiter and your colors brighter. Baking soda softens the water so you can actually use less laundry detergent per load. 

Safety First

You never know if the mixture of two different cleaning products will give better results. Remember that each formula is unique and mixing them can result in an uncertain and dangerous chemical reaction. Safety first! So don’t forget the following:

• Keep cleaning products in their original containers with their original labels.

• Stop using or at least try to use less bleach and ammonia in your home.

• If you use bleach or ammonia, make sure to rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.

• Never mix bleach with other household cleaning products.

• Maintain safety standards, and always follow the instructions as indicated by the manufacturer.

• Keep all cleaning products out of the reach of children.

Residential Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA at (610) 352-0700 for all your cleaning needs.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is locally owned and operated, and serves Wayne, Radnor Township, Villanova, St. Davids, Ardmore Park, Haverford Township, Havertown, Upper Darby, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, and the surrounding Delaware County communities.

Our certified cleaning and restoration specialist are faster to any size disaster. Providing emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

24/7 Fire Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Water Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Flood Damage Service - 24/7 Sewage Damage & Sewage Removal Service - 24/7 Mold Remediation Service - 24/7 Bio-hazard Cleanup - 24/7 Suicide & Crime Cleanup - 24/7 Board-up and Roof Tarping.

Quick Tips on Removing Cigarette Odors from Your St. Davids Home

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby has the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors

Cigarette smoke creates an odor that is notorious for its ability to saturate living spaces and persist long after its source is gone. Inspectors may be asked by clients who recently purchased a smoke-infused home, or by sellers before their house goes on the market, about how to remedy the situation.

Facts About Cigarette Smoke and its Residue

• Smoke particles can be as small as .001% of the width of a human hair, which allows them to penetrate almost any part of a house. Cigarette smoke can easily circulate through a building’s ventilation system or come up through apartment floors.

• While cigarette smoke is a known carcinogen, little is known about the health effects of the particles that are left in the air after you can no longer see the smoke.

Odor-Absorbing Materials

The following materials are believed to be capable of absorbing or neutralizing cigarette smoke odors, at least temporarily:

Vinegar

Place a bowl of vinegar in each affected room overnight.

Citrus

Leave a large amount of citrus peels in your home for several days or until they have become desiccated.

Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda over the smoke-affected area and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. Be sure to test the baking soda on a small part of the surface to ensure that the surface or fabric doesn't react unfavorably to the baking soda.

Coffee Grounds

Pour coffee grounds into several coffee filters and tie them closed, leaving them in affected areas.

Charcoal

As you would with vinegar, place charcoal into bowls and leave them in smoke-infused rooms overnight.

Removal Strategies for Smoke Odor

• Open all windows and turn on fans. Ventilation is probably the best way to remove any odor.
• Clean light bulbs. Just as some scent-diffusers rely on heat from light bulbs to disperse the aroma of the scented oil, it's possible that the oily residue from nicotine and other cigarette byproducts is dispersed throughout the living area the same way. 
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces, preferably with cleaners that contain ammonia, although woodwork requires cleaners that are not as acidic.
• Surfaces may be painted to trap odor, although it may be possible for odors to gradually seep through paint barriers.
• Remove carpeting, as it is nearly impossible to remove smoke particles from carpet. Thoroughly scrub the flooring beneath before installing new carpet. If the carpet cannot be replaced, have it professionally cleaned.
• Soak blinds in a bathtub full of all-purpose cleaner, scrub them thoroughly, and hang them to dry.
• Send curtains out to be professionally cleaned or replace them.
• Purchase a chemical sponge to remove smoke residue from lampshades, books, and other materials.
• Use an ozone generator. Ozone, as it has three oxygen atoms, is highly unstable and will oxidize easily. When it is introduced into an area, ozone attaches itself to the odor molecules and oxidizes them into their basic elements—carbon dioxide and hydrogen, which have no odor. Beware that ozone is dangerous and ozone generators should be used only in unoccupied spaces.
• Use a HEPA filter.
• Burn “smoker candles.” Candles that contain enzymes to help neutralize and remove smoke odors are widely available. They may also be used to remove cooking and pet odors.
• Replace all heating and air filters regularly, as they tend to harbor cigarette odors and other irritants.

Here at SERVPRO of Upper Darby, we are trained to handle nicotine cleanings in homes, businesses, and cars. We are also highly trained in fire, smoke and soot restoration and cleanup, water removal and dehumidification, biohazards, vandalism, crime scenes, mold, air duct cleaning, carpet and stain cleaning, odor deodorization, and upholstery. 

Give SERVPRO of Upper Darby a Call at (610) 352-0700 and let us make it “like it never even happened.”

Rx for Hardwood Floors

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby's technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best

A Quick Guide to First Aid for Your Hardwood Floors

Special problems need special solutions—and that’s particularly true of wood flooring. When accidents happen, first aid is essential. Here are some tips from the American Hardwood Information Center that will help you maintain hardwood floors.

Food Spills

If caked or dried, use a sharpened knife blade and, working from the outer edge toward the center, scrape up the spill (while taking care not to scratch the wood surface). Rub the damaged spot first with a slightly dampened cloth, then with a dry one. If your floor has a waxed surface, re-wax and buff the area you’ve repaired.

Other Flaws

Crayon marks usually come off when rubbed with a soft cloth dipped in a mild dishwashing detergent. Removing chewing gum and candle wax, on the other hand, is more challenging. Apply a wood-floor cleaning product and let it permeate the spill to loosen, then scrape off the blemish with a plastic spatula or sharpened knife edge. You can also apply ice until the spill gets brittle, then remove in the manner described above.

Oil and Grease

On a surface-finished (urethane) floor, apply mineral spirits or TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) and wipe with a clean cloth. If your floor has a penetrating finish, applying TSP or a high-lye-content soap should do the trick.

Serious Stains

If your floor is marred by an ink spill or the remnants of a pet accident, clean the spot with No. 2 steel wool and mineral spirits or a cleaning product created for wood. Then cleanse with household vinegar and let it stand a few minutes. Depending on your floor’s finish, either re-wax and buff or apply two coats of urethane.

Stubborn Stains

Mix an ounce of oxalic acid with a quart of water, apply the solution to the stain and let stand for one hour. (Be sure to wear rubber gloves; oxalic acid is toxic.) Finally, wipe the damaged area with a dampened sponge. When dry, the next step is to refinish.

Water Damaged Hardwood Floors

Cupping occurs when water is absorbed from the sides and bottom of the wood. This normally happens when water pools underneath the wood during a water loss. The edges will slightly raise or “cup.” Cupping can often be sanded out. SERVPRO of Upper Darby utilizes advanced drying equipment and techniques to extract water and moisture from water damaged hardwood floors and restores them to their original state. 

If your hardwood floors have been affected by water damage, call SERVPRO of Upper Darby -(610) 352-0700

How to Get Rid of Nicotine Stains on Walls

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

We strive to restore your ceilings and walls without the need to repaint or refinish and to help the entire property smell fresh.

The Nicotine in Tobacco That Stains Skin and Teeth Will Also Stain Your Walls

Homes inhabited by smokers may have brown or yellow stains or streaks on the walls from years of cigarette smoke. While heavy nicotine staining may require priming and repainting the walls or applying new wallpaper, less-porous materials such as wood paneling often come clean with a good scrub. Cleansers that cut grease help cut through nicotine stains as well.

What You’ll Need

• 2 microfiber or chamois cloths
• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery brush
• 1-gallon bucket
• Dishwashing liquid
• Baking soda
• Sponge
• White vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Ammonia

How to Clean Your Walls

• Dust the walls by wiping with a microfiber cloth or damp chamois cloth. Alternatively, you can vacuum them with a hose and upholstery brush attachment to get into corners and crevices.

• Mix 1 gallon of hot water, 3 tablespoons of dish soap, and 1/2 cup baking soda.

• Use a sponge to clean the walls with the homemade cleaning solution.

• Dry each section with a microfiber or chamois cloth immediately after washing to prevent the wall from absorbing too much water.

• Mix 1 cup of undiluted white vinegar, ammonia, or lemon juice into a bowl. If using vinegar or ammonia, open the windows or turn on a fan.

• Using a sponge with the vinegar/ammonia/lemon juice, gently scrub the walls in a circular motion.

• Rinse the sponge in clean water, wring it out, and wipe the walls down. Dry them with a microfiber or chamois cloth.

• Once you finish cleaning overly stained walls, use a primer that covers stains and paint over the primer once it is dry.

Ceilings and Walls

Ceiling and wall cleaning should be part of the cleaning maintenance of your home or business. You should also clean walls before painting so that the primer and paint can adhere properly. Whether you are preparing to paint or just looking for professional cleaning, SERVPRO of Upper Darby can help.

Ceilings and walls are exposed to dirt and dust, pet dander, cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. Your heating and air conditioning system can distribute these contaminants throughout your property. Learn more about air duct and HVAC cleaning.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA at (610) 352-0700 for all your cleaning, water damage, fire damage and mold remediation needs! 

How to Remove Water Stains from Wood

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby (610) 352-0700

Methods for Removing Water and Heat Stains from Your Wood

Stains and marks made by liquid or steam are usually white or light-colored.  This means that they have not penetrated much more deeply into the furniture piece than through the waxed or polished surface.  When the stain is dark, however, it indicates that the liquid has penetrated through the finish on the wood, and possibly through to the wood itself.  If the latter is the case, you have more of a tough fix on your hands.

Those white, cloudy rings on your wood furniture do not have to stay there forever.  As with most stains, it helps to act quickly.  Try one of these methods for removing, or at least minimizing, stains on your wood:

Mayo and Ash Method

What You Will Need:

• Mayonnaise (Not Miracle Whip)
• Ashes (If not available, baking soda will work.)
• Hair Dryer
• Soft Cloths

Steps to Remove Watermarks Using Mayo and Ashes:

1. Put a small amount of mayonnaise and ashes onto the whitened area of the wood and rub using a soft cloth, following the grain of the wood.

2. As you are rubbing the area, use a hairdryer to add heat.

3. When the mark is removed, wipe away any remaining mayo and ashes with a clean cloth.

Wax Paper Method

What You Will Need:

• Wax Paper
• Iron
• Soft Cloth or Towel

Steps to Remove Watermarks Using Wax Paper:

1. Preheat the iron to a low heat/warming setting with NO

2. Place wax paper over the area with the white mark.

3. Cover the wax paper with a towel.

4. Place the iron over the area for a few seconds a time. Keep the iron moving to avoid creating a new heat mark.
5. Repeat with a fresh piece of waxed paper until the mark is removed.

Iron Method

What You Will Need:

• Cotton Cloth (A white t-shirt works well.)
• Iron

Steps to Remove Watermarks Using an Iron:

1. Preheat the iron to a warm setting (start at a lower setting and work your way up, as starting with too much heat can lead to additional damage).

2. Place the cotton cloth over the marked area.

3. Move the iron over the cotton cloth with NO Keep the iron moving at all times to avoid applying too much heat in one spot.

4. Repeat until the mark is removed.

Toothpaste Method

What You Will Need:

• Toothpaste (White, non-gel)
• Soft Cloth or Towel

Steps to Remove Watermarks Using an Iron:

1. Apply toothpaste onto a rag.

2. Rub the toothpaste onto the white area with a soft cloth.

3. You shouldn’t need to scrub very hard, or for very long to see results. To avoid causing any further damage to the furniture, it is best to concentrate your efforts only on the affected portions, because the toothpaste can wear away the finish.

Commercial Removers

There are also commercial removers available to remove marks safely from most finishes.  These products can be found at hardware and home improvement stores.

If All Else Fails

After attempting any or all of these methods, if the water stain is not gone completely, then it may have at least lightened enough to be less noticeable.  If all else fails, you can always sand the furniture down to the bare wood and refinish it.  (If you’re dealing with a prized piece, you may want to consult a pro.)  To prevent similar damage in the future, heed your parents’ advice – use a coaster!

Your Belongings and Water Damage

Water damage affects not only the structure of your house, but also your belongings.  SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA understands that your home is more than a structure.  Your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call Us Today – (610) 352-0700

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold.  Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money, while preserving precious keepsakes that cannot be replaced.  We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage.

How to Eliminate Pet Odors in Your Home

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors.

Pet Odor Is Something That Can Be Tackled with a Few Simple Actions

You may love your animals, but that doesn’t mean you have to love the way they make your house smell.  A house that smells like pets can create all sorts of problems.  You may be embarrassed to have people over,or spend less time inside.  Don’t worry, though, as pet odor is something that can be tackled with a few simple actions and changes.  The key is focusing on the source of the odor before addressing any lingering odors.

Eliminating Odor Sources

Vacuum

Your pet can leave a smelly trail as they wander throughout your home.  This trail may include fur, dander, mud and traces of urine or feces.  To help remove these odor sources, vacuum your entire house, including but not limited to:

• Floors
• Baseboards
• Carpets, Rugs & Mats
• Furniture
• Under Furniture
• Cushions

Enzyme Cleaner

Hidden or improperly cleaned messes can often be the culprit behind pet odor.  Using an enzyme cleaner where a recent pet mess has been found, can often help eliminate the pesky odor by breaking down the proteins in urine, feces, vomit and other biological elements that cause stains.

Carpet Cleaning

Spot cleaning stains will help to remove odors from specific areas, but you may have many different odors over various areas of the carpet.  Tackle odors throughout the house with a thorough carpet cleaning.  This might take time, so be patient.  An odor-free home is worth the effort.  

You can either use a powder or wet shampoo to clean your carpets:

• For a dry cleaning, sprinkle powdered cleaner over the entire carpet and allow the cleaner sit for at least 30 minutes.  Vacuum to remove cleaner, dirt – and odors – from the carpet.

• Try using a carpet shampooer.  Fill the shampooer reservoir with water and add a liquid cleaner to the appropriate compartment.  Press or pull indicated lever, and vacuum the entire carpet.  Allow the carpet to dry for at least 24 hours, then vacuum.

Upholstery Cleaning

Pet odors love to hide in furniture.  Your cat’s special chair may be a host to all sorts of unpleasant smells.  The furniture’s material will dictate the best cleaning method to be used, and you should always check the care labels before cleaning, to ensure the piece doesn’t require dry clean only.  Care labels marked with an “S” means do not clean with water, and those marked with an “X” means to dry clean only.

• Take a brush to upholstered furniture (like couches). Fill a bucket with warm water and several drops of liquid dish soap.  Swirl the water to create suds.  Dip a soft-bristled brush into the suds and brush the entire surface of the furniture.  Wipe with a barely damp cloth, and then air dry.

• Leather and leather-like fabrics are a little more delicate, but can still be cleaned. Make a solution of equal parts vinegar and water.  Soak a cloth in the solution and wring out as much liquid as you can, so the cloth is barely damp.  Then, wipe the surface of the fabric to remove any troublesome odors that are lurking.

Bath Time

Regular bathing is a good idea for dogs and other pets that have an unpleasant odor.  Get your pet into a bathtub, wash basin, or bucket.  Use a hose or bucket to wet your pet’s fur.  Apply pet shampoo to the fur and create a lather with your hands until it’s nice and soapy.  Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo, and towel dry the fur.  They should smell great, and look great as a bonus.

• When washing, pay special attention to the paws, the behind area, and any areas where your pet may have rolled in something.

• Remember to be gentle with your pet.  Do not wash your pet’s face, eyes, or ears with shampoo.  Shampoo in the eyes can sting, and water in the ears can cause a yeast infection.

Wash Your Pet’s Bed

This site of comfort can also be a site of stubborn pet odors. Luckily, most beds can be machine-washed using a regular cycle and warm or hot water.  Tumble dry the bed in the dryer.

Larger beds will likely have a removable cover on them.  Wash the cover in the washing machine.  To target odors in the stuffing, sprinkle the stuffing with a bit of baking soda.  Vacuum off the baking soda, then replace the clean cover.

Wash Your Bedding

If you allow your pets in your bed, it’s important to wash your bedding often and well, since it will likely be harboring pet odors, too.  Strip pillowcases, sheets, fitted sheets, duvet covers, and blankets from the bed.  Machine wash all the linens and blankets.  Add ¼ cup (59 ml) of vinegar to the wash for extra odor-fighting power.  Air or tumble dry all the bedding.

• While the linens are being washed, grab your handy baking soda again and sprinkle it over the mattress.  Before making the bed, vacuum up the baking soda.

Clean Pet Toys & Accessories

When unwashed and strewn about the house, pet toys and accessories can create unpleasant odors.  Wash fabric toys, ropes, towels, collars, and leashes in the washing machine.  Tumble dry them in the dryer.  Wash hard toys, bowls, and rubber toys in the sink with hot soapy water.

Clean Litter Box

To clean your box, empty its contents into a plastic garbage bag, then scrub the litter box with soap and water.  To remove stains and odors that put up a fight, pour some vinegar into the box and let it soak for about 30 minutes.  Then, scrub the box with a brush, rinse it out, and let it air dry.

When the box is completely dry, fill it with fresh litter.  Pull out your baking soda again and sprinkle some in for extra odor protection.  Change your litter monthly.

Clean Cage

If you have rats, mice, gerbils, ferrets, rabbits, and other pets that live in cages with bedding, the cage could be making your whole house stink.  Gently remove your pet and place the pet somewhere safe, such as a second cage.  Then, get to cleaning:

• Empty the contents of the cage and throw out the bedding.
• Clean all toys and bowls.
• Clean the bottom of the cage with soap and water.
• Let the cage air dry.
• Fill the bottom with fresh bedding.
• Replace all toys and dishes.
• Return your pet to the cleaned cage.

Eliminating Odors Around the House

Open Windows 

In spring, summer and fall, open windows throughout the house to create a breeze that will blow fresh air in through one window, and bad odors out the other.  During cold weather, open one window at a time, and only leave it open for a couple of minutes to help to air out the house.

Air Purifier

Trap stinky dander, fur and other odor sources with an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter.  If you have allergies, this solution is doubly awesome because these filters reduce dust and other allergens in the air.  Replace the filter in the air purifier every few months, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Deodorizer

There are lots of deodorizers that can target pesky pet odors.  You can purchase one from the store, or make your own if you’re feeling crafty and thrifty.  Two of the most popular ingredients to odor-fighting are baking soda and vinegar, which you can use around the house, on carpets, on beds, and elsewhere to help remove odors.  

To make your own deodorizers:

• Fill a spray bottle with plain vinegar.  Add five to 10 drops of essential oils if you like, such as lemon, lavender or vanilla.  Spray the vinegar throughout the house.
• Add ¼ cup (55 g) of baking soda to a spray bottle and fill it with water.  Shake well and spray liberally.

Air Freshener

Pick a commercial freshener, or make your own.  Either way, you'll have a ton of options, from warm vanilla to fresh citrus.  When you opt for commercial sprays, gels or plug-ins, be sure they are specially formulated to be safe for use around pets.  Spray it around the house to freshen the air.

You can also make your own air freshener by filling a saucepan with water, citrus peels and your favorite herbs.  Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer on the stove to infuse your home with delicious smells.

Preventing Pet Odors

Regular Cleaning Routine

The best way to stop your home from smelling like your pets is to clean regularly and stay on top of messes.  A good cleaning routine will include regular vacuuming, floor washing, laundry, and dusting.

For best results:

• Vacuum three times a week.
• Clean hard floors weekly with a vinegar and water solution.
• Dust weekly.
• Do laundry, as necessary, when you have a full load.
• Clean carpets every couple of months.

Clean Immediately

Try to act as soon as possible to avoid lingering odors.  Pick up solid waste and throw it in the garbage.  Blot the mess to absorb excess moisture.  Spray the mess with an enzyme cleaner and let it sit for 30 minutes.  Then, blot the area with a cloth and let it air dry.

Urine, feces and vomit can leave especially troublesome smells, so prioritize these cleanings for a better smelling home.

Wash Toys, Bedding, and Accessories Regularly

Pet odors build up over time, so it’s important to stay on top of cleaning and washing.  Wash your pet’s bed, fabric toys, leashes, and collars in the washing machine every month.  Wash hard toys every month in the sink with soap and water.  Water bowls need more frequent attention, so wash these with soap and water every week.

Keep Pets Well-Groomed

A well-groomed pet not only smells good, but looks good, too.  Regularly bathe your pet, clip their nails and brush their teeth.  Keeping up with regular grooming can drastically improve the smell of your house, because fur, dirty nails, and even bad breath, can make your house stink.

• Brush your pet every day to remove excess fur and dirt.

• Brush your pet’s teeth at least three times a week for good oral hygiene and fresh breath.

• Bathe your dog at least once a month, and more for dogs with particularly smelly fur.

Wipe Paws Before Entering 

Pets love to explore. This brings them a lot of joy, but also means that they can track all kinds of foul substances into the house.  To prevent this, leave a towel by the door, and always wipe your pet’s paws when it comes inside.  This is especially important on rainy and muddy days, or if your pet has rolled in something outside.

Cover Furniture

Your pet may have proudly claimed an armchair or a spot on the couch as their own.  This special space, or any other furniture where your pet lounges, will need frequent washing to keep the odors at bay.  If your pets spend a lot of time on your furniture, it’s a good idea to invest in washable covers, like slip covers.  That way, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of vacuuming and scrubbing your furniture.  Instead, just throw the cover in the wash.

• You can also invest in easy-to-clean furniture, such as microfiber, that won’t absorb odors and stains like furniture with a thick weave will do.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby Can Help You

You know SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened".

Need Cleaning Services?  Call Us Today – (610) 352-0700

Residential Cleaning Services include:

Air Duct Cleaning

We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of our priority list.  Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them.  Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency, as well as improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.

Odor Removal

Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home.  Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

Sewage and Biohazard Clean Up

Our experts are ready to assist in the clean up of sewage and other biohazard materials, and provide deep cleaning services for your home.  Find out more about our franchise professionals.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA at (610) 352-0700 for all your cleaning, water damage, fire damage and mold remediation needs! 

Ketchup Stain Removal Guide

11/25/2017 (Permalink)

Cleaning tips provided by SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA

Tips for Getting Ketchup Stains Out of Clothes, Upholstery and Carpets

Ketchup stain removal techniques are necessary skills to master if you or your family members love ketchup.  One of the keys to removing ketchup stains is to act as quickly as possible. The longer it stays on the carpet, upholstery or clothing the more likely it is to set in, and the more work and effort it will take to remove it.

Remove any excess ketchup with a spoon or knife, but be careful not to rub it into the fabric. Avoid dabbing at it as this can spread the stain.  It’s important to read all wash care labels thoroughly before washing and test any stain-removing solutions on a hidden area of the fabric first.

Fabric

1. Working from the back of the stain, flush with cold water.
2. Pretreat with a liquid laundry detergent, tap the stain, and let stand for several minutes.
3. Rinse well.
4. Sponge with white vinegar.
5. Rinse well.
6. Repeat Steps 2 to 5 until you have removed as much of the stain as possible.
7. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, and then launder.
8. If the stain remains, rub with a liquid laundry detergent, and then soak in warm water for up to 30 minutes.
9. Launder again, with bleach, if necessary. (Always review the Care Label to determine if bleach can be used.)
10. If the garment requires dry-cleaning, bring it as quickly as possible to the drycleaner and point out the stain. Remember, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the stain.

Upholstery

1. Sponge with cool water.
2. Mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent with two cups of cool water.
3. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6. Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Carpet

1. Sponge with cool water.
2. Mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent with two cups of warm water.
3. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
6. If the stain remains, mix one tablespoon of ammonia (Caution: never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia - the resulting fumes are hazardous) with 1/2 cup of warm water.
7. Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
8. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
9. Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Need Carpet or Upholstery Cleaning?  Call Today –(302) 392-6000

Residential Cleaning Services

Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

You know SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HOME Before Guests Arrive

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

If you lead a busy lifestyle and can’t find the time to clean your home, call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA –(610) 352-6000

SERVPRO of Upper Darby’s Guide to Cleaning Your House in Minutes

In an effort to help get you a little more organized, SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA is sharing this quick and easy guide to clean your home before your guest arrive.

30 MINUTE CLEANING

 10 mins.          Tidy up common areas.

 10 mins.          Wipe down sinks and countertops in the bathroom/kitchen. Load the dishwasher.

 5  mins.           Empty the garbage bin and take the trash out.

 5 mins.            Replenish guest towels, soap and toilet paper.

TOTAL CLEAN TIME: 30 MINS.

60 MINUTE CLEANING

30 mins.          Complete 30 MINUTE CLEANING

10 mins.          Vacuum and/or sweep the floors.

10 mins.          Clean toilets and tidy up bathrooms.

5  mins.           Dust all surfaces.

5  mins.           Make the beds.

TOTAL CLEAN TIME: 30 MINS.

120 MINUTE CLEANING

60 mins.          Complete 60 MINUTE CLEANING

5 mins.            Launder towels.

20 mins.          Clean floors and baseboards.

10 mins.          Clean bathtubs and showers.

10 mins.          Clean out the fridge and microwave.

10 mins.          Tidy the entryway and closet.

5 mins.            Wipe down all mirrors.

TOTAL CLEAN TIME: 120 MINS.

Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA has the expertise to provide a deeper cleaning than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

You know SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."

Need Cleaning Services? Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA - (610) 352-0700 

Residential Cleaning Services include:

• Air Ducts & HVAC
• Biohazard
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Ceiling, Floors & Walls
• Drapes & Blinds
• Odor Removal
• Sewage & Toilet Overflow
• Trauma & Crime Scene
• Vandalism & Graffiti
• Building Services

How To Protect Your Home From Halloween Mischief, Pranks & Vandalism

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

If you're a victim of Halloween vandalism, call the cleanup experts at SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA 610-352-0700

Mischief In Upper Darby, PA – More Tricks Than Treats

October is the National Crime Prevention Month, and rightly so as Halloween often brings more tricks than treats in a high volume of property damage claims for vandalism-theft occurrence in Bear, DE.

While the cleanup from mischievous tricksters who use this night to egg and toilet paper the homes of their neighbors can be stressful and un-enjoyable to clean up, there are also many other vandalism occurrences that are costly as well. Your odds for experiencing unwelcome graffiti on your garage door, broken windows, a smashed mailbox and even theft also increase on October 31 each year.

There are some things you can do to lower your risk of becoming a target. Make sure to protect yourself and your property by following these simple steps.

Tips To Keep You And Your Property Safe This Halloween

1.    Keep Your Property Well Lit – Inside & Out!

Many homeowners turn off their porch lights as well as interior and exterior lights when they don’t wish to participate in the annual Halloween trick-or-treating routine. Most crimes are committed under the guise of darkness. Even if you leave your porch light off, make sure your property itself is well-lit to deter vandals.

2.    Park Your Car Inside Your Garage And Away From Tick-or-Treat Traffic

Vandals often cruise by looking for easy targets. Your car is the easiest target for an egging. Take it out of the equation and make sure it’s not vulnerable to passers-by.

3.    Keep All Of Your Doors & Windows, Front And Back, Securely Locked At All Times

Burglars often sneak into homes through the unlocked back door or side window, while homeowners are busy handing out candy in the front. Be sure your Delaware County, PA home is tightly sealed up.

4.    Hand Out Candy From The End Of Your Driveway Instead Of Your Front Door

You can keep a closer watch over trick or treaters from the street and keep their focus off your home.

5.    Leave Your Lights On!

Even after the Halloween festivities are over and trick-or-treaters have gone home for the night, your property remains vulnerable to the late-night older crowd and more serious vandals. It’s recommended you leave your lights on to continue to serve as a deterrent. Vandals and burglars are more likely to target a dark home on Halloween night in particular.

6.    Bring Your Jack O’ Lantern In

Smashing pumpkins is a prankster’s go-to, but if you blow out the candles and bring yours inside before closing up for the night, you won’t wake to broken pumpkin guts all over your sidewalk.

7.    Clean Any Act Of Vandalism As Quickly As Possible

If you are the victim of vandalism, it is essential to remove the damage as quickly as possible, not just for you own peace of mind, but to discourage future acts of destruction (vandals love to see their work stay on display).

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA.  Our Restoration Professionals will restore your property quickly and make Halloween vandalism “Like it never even happened”

About SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA provides these Halloween safety tips so you can have a safe and fun Halloween. If during the holiday season your home is harmed by vandalism, water damage, fire damage, or damage from a late season storm, call on us to start the cleanup process. We are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. 

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA is Faster to Any Size Disaster, helping residential and commercial property owners when natural disasters, water damage, sewage backups, floods, fires, mold infestations, and other events happen.

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (610) 352-0700

Halloween Cleaning Tips: Upper Darby, PA

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

If you find yourself in a sticky situation that you can’t handle. Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA (610) 352-0700

How to Get Gum and Candy Out of Carpet

Even when Halloween is behind us, the candy will linger on for days. It is not unlikely for treats to end up on the carpet or some other unwanted location. No need to fret, candy in the carpet does not need to be as scary as it seems.  As long as you use the tips below and clean up the mess right away your carpet can be restored and ready for the next holiday festivity

Freeze It

Freezing is your best plan of attack with gum that hasn’t been stuck long. If caught before it gets too far down into the carpet fibers, this should do the trick. 

1. Put several ice cubes in a sealable sandwich bag and lay it on top of the gum. (a can of compressed air will freeze the gum just as well)
2. Once the gum is frozen solid, use a butter knife, spatula or spoon to scrape it up. Scrape in one direction to avoid damaging the carpet fibers. It will likely crack and break as you go, but if you have trouble, rub the stuck pieces with ice and try again. 
3. Once you get all the gum out, gently scrub the area with a solution of soapy water and white vinegar.

Dissolve It

When you apply a solvent to gum, you’ll break down the polymers, which will make it less sticky and far easier to remove. 

1. Choose a solvent like a citrus degreaser or mineral spirits (muscle rub products that contain methyl salicylate will also work).  
2. Test a small area first, to make sure you won’t stain your carpet.
3. Once you’ve tested, spray the gum or candy, or use a cloth to apply it.
4. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the solvent to work its magic, then gently scrape with a butter knife, spatula or spoon.
5. Just as with the freeze method, you can finish up by scrubbing with soapy water and a little white vinegar. 

Oil It

As with solvents, oils will reduce the stickiness. You can try eucalyptus oil, olive oil or even peanut butter. Just be sure to thoroughly clean up these oils once the gum or candy is gone. 

1. Test a small area first, to determine the oil will not discolor the fibers
2. Apply oil directly to the gum or candy, saturating the candy. It’s not recommended to pour the oil directly onto the carpet. Instead use a clean cloth so you can better control the amount used.
3. As with the other methods, next comes gentle scraping with a butter knife or other metal utensil.
4. Finally, scrub with soapy water and white vinegar, making sure to remove all of the residual oils. 

Regardless of the method you decide to try, there may still be a little candy color left behind from lollipops or other hard candies. If so, try scrubbing with some more white vinegar, or apply a stain remover. Then, blot the area with water to rinse the carpet fibers, and let it dry.

If you are not satisfied with the results or would rather not deal with the hassle call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA. We offers a number of cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.

Call Today – (610) 352-0700

More Cleaning Tips

Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Our professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look really dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

We will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call us today.

Need Carpet or Upholstery Cleaning?  Call Today – (302) 392-6000

Carpets After A Water Damage In Your Upper Darby, PA Home

10/10/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA if your carpet has been affected by water damage. (610) 352-0700

Water Damaged Carpet – Can it be Saved?

The answer is yes, most water damaged carpet can be saved, if it is dried quickly. When SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA arrives at a water damage loss, our Technicians will quickly begin to extract the water out of the carpet. Once they have extracted as much water as they can they inspect it for damage.

A common problem with water damaged carpet is, if not dried quickly there will be delamination and mildew damage. Our Technicians will the inspect the carpet backing to see if the carpet backing latex adhesive looks sound, or if there is any mold or delamination.

Another reason that water damaged carpet can’t be saved is damaged caused by sewage contamination. If any of these issues are present, it’s best to discard the carpet.

Having a company that can coordinate the whole process from start to finish makes your life easier, and gets you back in your home or business faster. “Like it never even happened.”

Have Questions? Call Us Today (610) 352-0700

Carpets and Upholstery Cleaning

Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery. The SERVPRO System offers a number of cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.

Need Carpet or Upholstery Cleaning?
Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA Today – (610) 352-07000

We also offer a range of specialized cleaning methods:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.

Preventative Maintenance

Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. All carpet manufacturers agree on actions you can take between carpet cleanings to increase the life span of your carpet.

IICRC states that 79% of soil in carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet.

Preventative maintenance actions include: 

• Regular vacuuming
• Spot removal
• Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
• Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

Professional Cleaning

Our professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look really dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

We will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call us today.

Fall Cleaning Checklist

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Need help with your fall cleaning? Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA – (610) 352-0700

Prepare Your Upper Darby, PA Home For Your Winter Hibernation.

It’s that beautiful time of year again. The leaves are changing, the weather is colder, and the days are getting shorter. Before you begin to transition to spending more time indoors, get your house ready for increased habitation with this fall cleaning checklist.

Kitchen & Bathroom

• Clean your grout.
• Clean your refrigerator coils, if applicable.
• Clean under your refrigerator.
• Clean the inside of your dishwasher.
• Clean and condition the wood of your bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
• Clean your oven.
• Wash and disinfect all the garbage cans.
• Seal and/or polish granite countertops.

Bedrooms

• Refresh bedding that isn't regularly washed (comforters, pillows, etc.).
• Vacuum and flip mattresses.
• Put cold-weather linens on the beds.
• Switch out seasonal clothes.

Living Areas

• Vacuum upholstered furniture.
• Vacuum under your upholstered furniture cushions.
• Polish wood furniture.
• Wash artificial plants.
• Dust living plants' leaves.
• Wipe down your screens (TV, computer, etc.).
• Clean all keyboards and remote controls.

Throughout Your Home

• Wash your walls
• Wash your windows, window sills, and all the window groves.
• Clean your washer and dryer.
• Clean your doorknobs, doors, and light switch plates.
• Vacuum under all beds, couches, and other furniture.
• Dust the tops of doors and door frames.
• Spot clean carpets and rugs.
• Clean floors underneath area rugs.
• Wash curtains or have them cleaned.
• Remove and rinse your window screens.
• Wash your washable vacuum cleaner filters.
• Clean your baseboards.

Tackle Some Seasonal Maintenance

• Change your HVAC air filter.
• Replace your fire alarm batteries.
• Dust your ceiling fans and set them to turn so air circulates upward.
• Sweep the chimney and/or have it checked.
• Clean out rain gutters.
• Check weather stripping and replace as necessary.

Need help with your fall cleaning?   Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA today -(610) 352-0700

Residential Cleaning Services

Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

You know SERVPRO as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."

Residential Cleaning Services Include:

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

The SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see, but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home.

Air Duct Cleaning

We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of our priority list. Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.

Odor Removal

Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

Sewage and Biohazard Clean Up

Our experts are ready to assist in the clean up of sewage and other biohazard materials and provide deep cleaning services for your home. Find out more about our franchise professionals.

Related Cleaning Services

• Overview of Cleaning Services
• Air Ducts & HVAC
• Biohazard
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Ceiling, Floors & Walls
• Drapes & Blinds
• Odor Removal
• Sewage & Toilet Overflow
• Trauma & Crime Scene
• Vandalism & Graffiti
• Building Services
• Commercial Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA.

Get Your Ducts In Order

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA will help you get your ducts in order

Make It A Priority To Inspect The Ductwork Of Your Havertown, PA Home And Business.

We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of our priority list. Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

The Benefits Of Servicing Your HVAC Unit Include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, (610) 352-0700.

Related Cleaning Services

• Overview of Cleaning Services
• Air Ducts & HVAC
• Biohazard
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Ceiling, Floors & Walls
• Drapes & Blinds
• Odor Removal
• Sewage & Toilet Overflow
• Trauma & Crime Scene
• Vandalism & Graffiti
• Building Services
• Commercial Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA.

 
If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (610) 352-0700

Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.

Website: www.SERVPROupperdarby.com                

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRO.upperdarby

Carpets After A Water Damage In Your Upper Darby, PA Home

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA if your carpet has been affected by water damage. (610) 352-0700

Water Damaged Carpet – Can it be Saved?

The answer is yes, most water damaged carpet can be saved, if it is dried quickly. When SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA arrives at a water damage loss, our Technicians will quickly begin to extract the water out of the carpet. Once they have extracted as much water as they can they inspect it for damage.

A common problem with water damaged carpet is, if not dried quickly there will be delamination and mildew damage. Our Technicians will the inspect the carpet backing to see if the carpet backing latex adhesive looks sound, or if there is any mold or delamination.

Another reason that water damaged carpet can’t be saved is damaged caused by sewage contamination. If any of these issues are present, it’s best to discard the carpet.

Having a company that can coordinate the whole process from start to finish makes your life easier, and gets you back in your home or business faster. “Like it never even happened.”

Have Questions? Call Us Today (610) 352-0700

Carpets and Upholstery Cleaning

Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery. The SERVPRO System offers a number of cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.

Need Carpet or Upholstery Cleaning?
Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA Today – (610) 352-07000

We also offer a range of specialized cleaning methods:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.

Preventative Maintenance

Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. All carpet manufacturers agree on actions you can take between carpet cleanings to increase the life span of your carpet.

IICRC states that 79% of soil in carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet.

Preventative maintenance actions include: 

• Regular vacuuming
• Spot removal
• Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
• Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

Professional Cleaning

Our professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look really dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

We will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call us today.

We do dryer vent and duct cleaning too!

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires are sparked every year by clothes dryers.

Here are a few of the major benefits:

This inexpensive service pays for itself!  Let SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA or SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE help you keep your family safe, help you save money on monthly utility costs and help you cut down on time doing laundry! Call us at (877) 352-0700 to schedule your dryer vent cleaning today.  We’ll have more helpful information coming next time.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it Never Even Happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

What's lurking in your ducts? Part 4

5/11/2016 (Permalink)

Ventilation systems can often be one of the biggest culprits in poor indoor air quality issues. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business ASAP!

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

Our professionals at SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE routinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC) for cleanliness prior to cleaning the ductwork.  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

Some benefits of cleaning your HVAC ductwork include:

For more information on HVAC air duct cleaning, call us today at (877) 352-0700.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it Never Even Happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

What's lurking in your ducts? Part 3

5/10/2016 (Permalink)

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process.  In these cases, your professional SERVPRO Technician can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

SERVPRO’s Duct Cleaning Process:

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it Never Even Happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

What's lurking in your ducts? Part 2

5/9/2016 (Permalink)

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork will likely be the first order of business that SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA or SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE technicians will conduct.  In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention.  Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.  Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which can in turn save you money.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it never even happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROupperdarby.com or www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

What’s lurking in your ducts? Part 1

4/27/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s Proven Duct Cleaning System is cost efficient and performed by our team of industry leaders with proven results.  We use a Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.  This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.  It will sweep away years of dust, dirt and grime.  While reducing potential for further damage and health risks, it is also improving the air quality of your business or home.  

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it never even happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROupperdarby.com or www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

Spring Cleaning Checklist for any Home or Business

4/15/2016 (Permalink)

Spring often marks the time when many homes or businesses begin to clean up after a long winter.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has compiled a list of tips for homeowners to remember this spring, but they are no less pertinent to commercial buildings.

1.     Identify and tend to high-traffic areas: Start by thoroughly vacuuming areas that see a lot of activity, such as entryways and main living spaces.

2.     Clean and rinse hard floors: One of the best ways to keep rugs and carpets clean is to properly maintain wood, stone, and tile.

3.     Carefully assess upholstery stains: Dust mites are microscopic creatures that take refuge in places like beds and upholstery.

4.     Consider a deep clean of carpets: No matter the pile, carpet is talented at hiding a build-up of oily, sticky soil-attracting residues.

5.     Check for moisture-related issues: Do a quick check of ceilings and walls for stains if you experienced heavy snow or rain.

6.     Don't forget about HVAC units: There are a number of factors that affect how often HVAC systems need to be cleaned, such as the level of filtration, how often windows are open, the presence of pets and/or smokers, etc.

For more information directly from the IICRC on these tips, Click Here.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it never even happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROupperdarby.com or www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.