Can Your Water-Damaged Carpet Be Saved?

A water-damaged carpet is not always doomed. You can save your carpet depending on the extent of damage and how long it has been wet. Considering that carpeting can be an expensive investment in homes, saving it is more cost-effective than replacing it.

To determine if your carpet can be restored, first determine which type of water damaged it. In the water damage restoration industry, we classify water into three main categories:

• Category 1: Clean water from a broken pipe or rainwater that has not mixed with contaminants. Saving a carpet damaged by Category 1 water is possible if the carpet has been wet for less than 24-48 hours. Otherwise, the water may “degrade” into Category 2. Professionals can restore both padding and carpet through proper sanitation and remediation procedures.
• Category 2: Greywater which is contaminated and can cause sickness if swallowed or if it comes in contact with the body. This typically includes overflow from washing machines or dishwashers, toilet overflows with no solid matter, broken aquariums, sump pump failures, etc. With this type of loss, the padding needs to be replaced, but the carpet can be salvaged. If, however, a Category 2 loss is not treated within 24-48 hours, it will turn into a Category 3.
• Category 3: Blackwater that’s highly contaminated with pathogens or other harmful agents and materials. Examples of this type of loss include sewage, toilet backflows, flooding from seawater, rivers, streams, and water from hurricanes, storms or other weather-related events. It’s nearly impossible to restore carpet saturated with Category 3 water, even for carpet cleaning professionals.

DIY or Call a Pro?

While trying to extract the water yourself has some benefits, professional carpet restoration is a much better alternative. A shop vacuum, towels, and ceiling fans are no replacement for professional extraction and drying equipment. Plus, a professional can evaluate the entire water damage incident and mitigate and remediate the entire loss, not just the carpet.

Moreover, the mitigation process should begin without delay; otherwise, the carpet can suffer permanent damage. To have a better chance of saving the carpet, a professional should be involved at once after the water damage incident. They have the tools and expertise to sanitize and dry the carpet efficiently.

Except for cases of blackwater flooding, professional carpet restoration can bring carpets back to life. The goal is not to replace, but to restore. A professional can help you save money by avoiding the high replacement costs.

After a flooding incident, always call your insurance company. The flood damage might be covered by your homeowners insurance, but some flooding losses are not – you might need separate flood insurance. If the loss is covered, take photos and videos of the damage right away and file the insurance claim. Your insurance agent may also recommend a reputable restoration company to come to your aid.

For any of your carpet water damage restoration needs, call the Aurora Restoration Experts professionals. Our restoration teams are trained to provide an industry-standard estimate and create a proper plan of action to restore your loss quickly.

 

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How to Repair Your Home After the First Floor Floods

Renovating a home can be an exciting experience, but repair work? Not so much. When your home is damaged by the destructive nature of water, it can be frustrating and may feel as if you’re taking a few steps back on adding value to your home. However, the repair process is essential to get your home back to its original state — or better. When it comes to water damage, first-floor flooding is not an uncommon ordeal. To rectify the situation, you will need to call in professionals who provide drying services. Depending on the reason for the flood, you may also need to have drywall, insulation, and flooring repaired or removed. But, let’s not jump too far ahead. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you with repairing your home after the first-floor floods.

The 12 Main Steps

How you react in the first few moments of noticing your home is flooding may decide how much damage it sustains. Here are 12 critical steps to help you minimize and rectify damage to your home when the first floor floods.

1. Identify the Cause of the Flood

When homeowners think of a flooded first floor, natural disasters probably come to mind. However, the first floor can flood for many other reasons, such as the following.

• Burst pipes
• Faulty washing machine hose
• Leaking appliances, such as the water heater
• Overflowing dishwasher
• Overflowing toilet or blockage in the sewer system
• Pipe left on while the drain is covered or blocked

2. Stop the Flow

If you are able to identify the source of the water and can turn it off, do so. For example, you may cut the water supply in the home, turn off the dripping or leaking faucet, or plug out the water heater. If you must wade through water to do this, call the professionals and wait outside to prevent possible electrocution.

3. Cut the Power

If you can make it to the fuse box without passing through water, then turn off the power to the affected areas in the home. This will also help to reduce the possibility of electrocution. If you cannot make it to the fuse box without passing through water, call the water damage professionals and wait outside.

4. Inspect for Damage

If the flood was caused by natural disasters, then do a thorough inspection of the home and call the relevant authorities to resolve the issue. Here are some of the things you should keep an eye out for.

• Damage to electric, gas, sewer and water lines.
• Structural damage, such as cracked foundations or warping.

5. Document the Damage

While you wait for the professionals to arrive, be sure to document the damage in the home as best as possible. This may be necessary for insurance purposes. Make notes, take pictures, and even take video footage where possible.

6. Call the Insurance Company

The best time to call the insurance company is right away, especially if the flood is due to natural disasters. Phone lines to the company may be busy, so the sooner you call, the further up the line you are on their waiting list. If you are unable to reach your local agent, consider calling headquarters.

7. Hire Water Restoration Professionals

Some insurance companies will send out their own licensed contractors to survey the damage, quote an estimate, and provide disaster cleanup and restoration services. However, in cases of an emergency, you may be asked to find your own contractors. You will then be reimbursed after the work is completed.

8. Remove the Water

As soon as you receive the go-ahead to remove the water from your home, get started. If the problem is widespread in your community, companies may have their hands full. So, get a head start on your home by doing some of the work yourself. Rent a sump pump or wet vac to begin drying water out of the home. However, avoid plugging these machines into sockets that were in the affected area, especially if the water rose to the level of those sockets.

9. Remove Wet & Damaged Items

There is no point in drying the area only to leave wet items inside. This would only provide a breeding ground for mold and harmful bacteria. Removing the carpeting and drywall will require professional help. However, you can remove soaked furniture, rugs, clothes, and appliances on your own. If any food came into contact with the water, you must throw those out as well due to possible contamination.

10. Dry the Area

Unfortunately, removing the water and wet items does not make an area dry. To ensure the area is truly dry, you must use a dehumidifier. If only one small room is affected, a personal dehumidifier should do the trick until the professionals arrive. Commercial-grade dehumidifiers, however, are larger and far more powerful.

11. Replace Material

Unlike United Water Restoration, many contractors who provide drying services do not replace the drywall, insulation, and carpeting they may remove from your home. As a result, you may need to call in another team of contractors to replace and re-install these items. This should also be covered by your insurance company.

12. Ventilate

Provided that opening the windows won’t let more moisture in, it’s a good idea to air out the home. Also, open drawers and cabinets. Ventilating will help to reduce the moldy smell that may begin to form while you wait for the drying and repair process to be completed. If you are unable to open your windows, then consider installing HEPA air filters to improve the air quality in the home.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when inspecting and repairing your home after the first-floor floods.

• Sometimes during a natural disaster, the lights go out. This may make it seem safe to venture into flood waters in or outside of your home. However, whenever possible, always turn off the fuse box.
• When documenting the damage to your home, take notes and photograph the area from multiple angles. If possible, immediately back the photos up to cloud storage online as the device may later become lost or damaged.
• Clear water does not always equal safe water. Water could be contaminated with chemicals and sewer material. Because of this, it’s important to wear protective gear when possible to enter the home. This may include gloves, water boots, and waders.
• Water increases the weight of items around the home, so take care when moving rugs, furniture, and other heavy items to reduce injury. If possible, enlist the help of others and follow best practices for safe lifting.
• If the flooding was due to natural disasters and you have lost windows and doors in the process, be sure to safeguard your home by boarding them up. This keeps out both burglars and wildlife.

If your home has recently flooded, Aurora Restoration Experts has the tools, the skills, and the team to provide drying services and repair work. We don’t believe in leaving any job unfinished, so once your home is dry and cleared of all contamination, we will begin the process of restoring your walls, flooring and any other damaged area. All you have to do to get started is call us at (720) 619-1384 or find a location near you to get immediate assistance. Our emergency services are available statewide, 24 hours per day.

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Best Way to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

The national average cost to remediate and restore a basement that has suffered water damage is $2,700. That doesn’t even begin to account for the cost of water damage to a roof or other parts of your home. If you live in a flood zone, you should be particularly wary, but water damage can occur anywhere and at any time. In the face of this looming threat, what’s the best way to protect your home from water damage? Read on to discover the answer!

Water Damage 101: The Basics

Before we delve into the best way to protect your home from water damage, and keep you from needing the services of a company with experts in water damage, we need to know what causes water damage and how you can detect it. Knowing what to look for and when to expect damage gives you a leg up in the fight to keep your home safe.

Causes of Water Damage

Here’s a list of the most common causes of water damage:

• Extreme weather events, including floods
• Pipes that have burst or are leaking
• Malfunctioning appliances, such as dishwashers or washing machines
• Groundwater seepage through cracks in your foundation or walls
• Roof damage, such as missing shingles or cracked flashing

Signs of Water Damage

The following list provides some of the telltale signs that you are dealing with water damage. Keep an eye out for these:

• Peeling paint
• Warping floors
• Ceilings and walls that show discoloration or sagging
• A strong, musty smell or mold
• Water pooling in your yard, particularly after a rain event

The Best Way to Protect Your Home

We’ll let you in on the secret. The absolute best way to protect your home from water damage is to properly maintain your home.

Inspect Your Roof

Your roof is exposed to all kinds of weather, all year long. It really takes a beating. You need to inspect your roof periodically, particularly after a large storm event, to check for broken or missing shingles. You should also keep an eye out for cracked flashing and large chunks of debris that may have hit the roof during a storm. If you don’t want to, or can’t climb up to your roof for a quick inspection, a pair of binoculars will give you a good idea of what’s going on up there from the ground.

Clean Your Gutters

Clean and functional gutters mean that water isn’t backing up on your roof, or pooling by your foundation. You want your gutters to funnel water off your roof and away from your building so that it prevents water damage. You should clean your gutters at least twice per year. In most climates, the best schedule for cleaning is after the trees have dropped their leaves in the fall, and in the spring when the snow melts. You should also add an extra cleaning if a large storm has deposited a lot of debris onto your roof and into your gutters.

When cleaning the gutters, make sure the laterals are not clogged by debris. Check that winter ice hasn’t cracked or broken your gutters. Run water down the downspouts to see where it discharges. The vertical downspouts should direct water well away from the foundation.

Caulk and Seal

Sealing your windows prevents rain and snow from creeping inside your home where they don’t belong. Other places in the house that should be caulked or sealed include:

• Bathtubs and sinks
• Drains, faucets and other plumbing fixtures
• Ceiling fixtures
• Backsplashes

You’ll want to choose caulking or sealant that is 100% silicon. Silicon is waterproof, flexible and doesn’t crack. Avoid acrylic caulk which will shrink over time leading to water damage.

Check Your Pipes

Check the plumbing in your home at least annually. Over time, pipes and hoses can rust, crack and corrode increasing your chances of a leaking pipe. Catching it early will save you in money and headaches. Inspect all of the hoses and faucets that lead to appliances, such as your ice maker. Replace hoses every five or so years.

If you live somewhere where frozen pipes are a concern, consider installing an emergency pressure relief valve in your piping. This allows you to relieve the pressure caused by freezing pipes and can prevent a burst pipe. If you don’t already know, find out where your water main shut-off is located. You may not be able to prevent a pipe burst, but you can mitigate the issues by shutting off the water as quickly as possible.

Don’t Forget the Basement

Check to see if your basement is equipped with the following things:

• A sump pump
• A backwater valve
• Sealed walls and floor

These three things will make a major difference in the amount of water damage you sustain.

A sump pump is used to pump water that collects in the sump basin out of your basement and into a storm drain. If your sump pump is not functioning properly, a pool of water will collect in the sump basin and eventually flood the basement.

A backwater valve is a one-way valve that allows sewage to flow out but not come back in. Although sewer backups are a less common cause of water damage in the basement, they are quite a bit messier to clean up and should be avoided at all costs.

If cracks in the basement floor or walls have started to let condensation or water accumulate in the basement, you need to reseal. A paint-on sealant will re-waterproof the areas that need it.

Understand Your Insurance Policy

Homeowners and renters insurance will offer some coverage for water damage. Check with your company to better understand what you are protected against and what will be an out-of-pocket fix.

As a rule-of-thumb, water damage caused by water that comes down (rain, burst pipes) is covered by your standard policy. Water damage that is caused by water that comes up (flooding) is covered by separate flood insurance. You can opt to purchase sewer backup protection in your renters or homeowners policy.

Accept that Water Damage Happens

The best way to protect your home from water damage is proper maintenance, but even this can’t always prevent water damage. No amount of preparedness can stop a flood.

When water damage does happen, call the water damage experts to clean it up right and restore your home to its original condition. Aurora Restoration Experts will be there for you.

The article “Best Way to Protect Your Home from Water Damage” was first published at: www.bmscat.com

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Black Mold On Your Bathroom Ceiling? Read This First

If you smell a sour odor in your bathroom, the solution may be above you. Bathroom ceilings are, likely, the first place your home that will develop mold. Few people notice and act on the mold immediately, which gives it the opportunity to spread to your tiles and grout. By the time you notice it, black mold will look awful, and it may even pose health risks. What do you do when you find it, and is it dangerous?

 

What Causes Mold

The bathroom is a common place for mold to first develop because most bathrooms have all of the risk factors for mold growth including:

• Water, dampness
• High humidity
• Warmth
• Low air circulation
• Low lighting
• Oils

Mold spores are always around, especially in homes, on surfaces and in the air. These spores simply take advantage of any opportunities they find to grow. Most bathrooms have ideal conditions for mold growth, especially on the ceiling where moisture tends to gather and where few people clean.

 

The Dangers of Black Mold

Usual green and white mold may have no effect on you. Or, they may cause coughs and wheezing, and exasperate asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Those who have significantly suppressed immune systems may be infected by a mold directly. New research has found that young children who are exposed to mold may be more likely to develop asthma.

However, black mold may carry more significant risks, if it is a species of stachybotrys, a toxigenic mold. According to the CDC, toxigenic molds are not, themselves, toxic. Instead, they produce toxins that may have negative health effects. It’s rare, but possible, that the toxins stachyobotrys produces may cause serious health conditions, including bleeding in your lungs, or memory loss.

Researchers aren’t sure of the relationship between toxigenic molds and these serious health problems, and many studies are being conducted to figure out just what impact mold might have on people in general. In the meantime, you should clean up mold that grows in your home. Make sure to only choose a high quality mold removal company to do the job.

If you have very dark green or black mold on your bathroom ceiling, professional mold management is necessary. The ceiling drywall and the tile grout will be infected with mold spores and will still look unsightly after you kill the mold with a disinfectant or an acid. The best long-term solution is to remove the infected drywall or grout and replace it. Tile is generally a less porous material and can usually be salvaged.

 

Mold Prevention

After your existing bathroom mold problem has been fixed, how do you prevent future mold issues?

Mostly, regularly disinfecting surfaces, reducing humidity and reducing heat will help. Here are some ways to accomplish that:

• Crack the bathroom window after hot showers
• Keep the bathroom door open to avoid humidity and heat build-up
• Clean with bleach solutions or ammonia-based cleaners (but not both—they are toxic in combination)
• Replace the lightbulb in your bathroom, and keep it on for a few hours a day
• Install a dedicated bathroom dehumidifier
• Install a dedicated bathroom fan
• Handle leaking faucets and fixtures immediately

Remember that while you should handle all mold promptly, health effects from mold exposure is very rare. There’s no need to panic. Plus, simply reducing your humidity and increasing air circulation is usually enough to keep mold from returning.

If you do have a recurring mold issue, however, be sure to call a mold removal specialist. At Aurora Restoration Experts, we offer mold remediation throughout Aurora CO, and we’re always just a phone call away.

The article “Black Mold On Your Bathroom Ceiling? Read This First” was first published at TSCRestoration.com

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Top Reasons Why You Should Make A Home Inventory Checklist

You’ve worked hard to accumulate your belongings. Would you be able to remember all of your possessions if they were stolen or destroyed in a disaster? By taking the time to document your belongings before the unexpected happens, you can help ensure that you can fully recover afterward. Learn the biggest reasons why you should have a home inventory list, plus tips on how to begin creating one, with help from Water Damage Denver.

Top reasons to have a household inventory list

Unless you’re properly prepared, dealing with the aftermath of an emergency can be costly. Here are a few reasons to keep an updated, detailed household inventory list:

1. Insurance claim reimbursement

Remembering the details of all of the belongings you’ve accumulated throughout the years can be difficult, especially if you’re in the middle of a devastating event. Without an accurate description of each valuable item, your insurance company may not be able to compensate you for your losses. Additionally, a detailed list could help you determine how much insurance coverage you need to ensure you have adequate coverage before the worst happens.

2. Provides peace of mind

After a disaster, you’ll want to have as much peace of mind as possible. Your efforts should be focused on getting life back to normal quickly. An inventory list of your belongings could significantly help to minimize your stress during an already difficult situation.

3. Comes in handy for several situations

An inventory list may be helpful in a variety of situations, including moving, filing taxes or planning your estate. It can also be extremely beneficial if you ever need to file an insurance claim due to theft, damage or disaster, as your list will already include every important item you owned along with its estimated value.

4. Aids the recovery process

Sometimes, following a disaster, people may qualify for tax breaks and assistance after a disaster. An inventory list can help determine if you qualify for these, as it can easily substantiate your financial losses.

How to create a home inventory list

A household inventory list should include a detailed account of everything in your home, from the basement to the attic. Anything you’ve purchased should be included on the list. Developing a comprehensive inventory list might take some time and effort. However, the more precise you are, the more useful it can be later on. Here are some tips to help you build a home inventory list:

1. Take all items inside and outside of your home into account
2. Walk through the home and write down each item’s age, make, model, serial number and estimated value
3. Take photos or videos of your items to include with your written list
4. Keep receipts, purchase contracts and appraisals with your inventory list
5. Consider using an app or a document within a cloud-based system to store your inventory list
6. Make copies of your inventory list and back it up online or on an external drive
7. Keep your list updated as you purchase new items or get rid of old ones
8. Check your insurance coverage for high-price items

Having a household inventory checklist helps prepare you for the worst. That way, if the unexpected does happen, you’ll be ready to react to and recover from damages. While you work to get your household items back, let the professionals at Water Damage Denver help you rebuild and get life back to normal after you experience weather damage from a range of disasters. Learn more about our fire damage removal services and water restoration services to find out how we act fast to restore your home back to pre-loss conditions.

The article “Top Reasons Why You Should Make A Home Inventory Checklist” was first published by Service Master Restore

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Fixing Water-Damaged Hardwood Floors

Water and wood floors don’t mix. If you’ve got standing water on wood floors, you’ll need to act quickly to avoid further damage and dangerous mold and mildew growth.

Wood floors are rarely the same after significant water damage, but you can reduce repair costs with a few simple steps and a little elbow grease.

Special note: Flood waters can be riddled with dangerous pathogens, dirt, and organic matter that may cause irritation or illness. If the flood water source is unknown or the result of a sewer backup, you’ll need to call a expert water restoration team to avoid potential exposure.

Remove Water & Disinfect

Wood floors have several permeable access points: between seams, breaks in top coating, under baseboards, and through heating registers.

When wood gets wet it swells and cupping can set in. Cupping is easy to spot: the sides of the boards will bow above the center. In many cases, cupping is a sign that flooring will require replacement.

Your immediate response should be to remove as much standing water as possible, and then eliminate any dirt left behind. A shop vacuum is ideal for this job. Depending on the size of the area and what’s available, towels, mops, and squeegees may also be helpful.

Once a majority of the water has been cleaned from the floors, baseboards, and other woodwork, vigorously scrub the same areas with a dry brush or broom to loosen any dirt or debris that remains.

Next, the wood floors have to be cleaned and sanitized before the drying process can begin. There are several safe detergents to pick from; TSP All Purpose Heavy Duty Cleaner is inexpensive and available on amazon.com and at all home improvement stores.

Avoid soap-based (sudsy) cleaners, wax, or steam cleaners to disinfect your hardwood floors.

Mix your preferred detergent according to package directions. Wash the floor in sections to avoid further water damage. Apply the detergent mixture to all affected areas. Use the shop vacuum to remove residual water as you go.

The Drying Process

Even after all standing water has been removed, there’s still plenty of moisture left to cause damage. You’ll need a professional-grade dehumidifier to begin the drying process—a personal use dehumidifier will not suffice.

Most people don’t have a large dehumidifier on hand, so you’ll more than likely have to call around to rent this critical piece of equipment.

Arrange the dehumidifier in the center of the affected area; leave it running undisturbed for at least 24 hours.

To aid this process, arrange several large fans to encourage air flow. Direct the fans toward the floor—move them around as needed. If you have central AC, it won’t hurt to turn that on as well.

Depending on the weather outside, open the windows. Remember, the purpose of this step is to dehumidify. So, if humidity is high outside, open windows just a few inches.

The drying process can take weeks, depending on several factors. The only way to know it’s completely dry is to buy a moisture meter and test the affected areas. There are several moisture meters available on amazon.com.

Get a Second (Professional) Opinion

Fixing water-damaged hardwood floors is no small task—every second counts, and hesitant homeowners may find the do-it-yourself approach too time consuming or daunting.

Moreover, if the water source is unknown or the result of a sewage backup, do not attempt to mitigate the water on your own. Flood waters may contain dangerous pathogens, bacteria, and organic matter. Instead, call an accredited restoration company to ensure a safe and thorough cleanup.

If you’re unable to successfully mitigate water damage on hardwood floors, you may need professional assistance removing damaged flooring, mitigating mold and mildew, and restoring your property to like-new condition.

The team at Water Damage Denver has been in business for 25 years and proud to serve residential and commercial property owners in and around the Denver Metro area. Call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week for immediate relief and emergency water damage services.

 

The article “Fixing Water-Damaged Hardwood Floors” was first published at Pro Restoration

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Extra Safety During Flood Alerts

Floods are one of the most powerful and devastating natural disasters that can occur. While some areas are more prone to floods than others, the fact is that almost anywhere there can be rain, there can also be a flood. Serious floods can range from large and foreboding to smaller flash floods. No matter what type you find your area prone to, it’s important to take safety precautions both before and during flood alerts. In fact, being knowledgeable about flooding could save your life, or the life of someone you love. If you are looking for a water restoration and repair company please visit our website.

A flood usually occurs when either heavy or frequent rain falls for hours or days at a time. When this happens, the ground usually becomes saturated. When the ground is no longer able to hold water, the water will rise. Just like with any severe weather, you will likely hear your local meteorologist use terms that describe what is occurring. When it comes to flooding, a flood or a flash flood watch means that flooding or flash flooding is a possibility near your location. A flood or flash flood warning, on the other hand, means that one of those two things is already happening or will be happening very soon. Either way, when you hear one of these warnings, it’s imperative that you begin to exercise some precautions.

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you’ll want to be prepared for an evacuation. It’s always easier to prepare yourself or your family in advance as opposed to in an emergency situation. While you can find lists of evacuation supplies online, a few supplies that are most useful include:

1. Drinking water
2. Non­perishable food
3. First aid kit
4. Flashlight with extra batteries
5. Required medications
6. Copies of personal documents (insurance policies, passport, birth certificates, social security card)
7. Weather radio
8. Emergency cash
9. Photos of your home prior to flooding

The list of supplies that you choose to pull together will vary depending on the number of individuals who will require evacuation. For instance, if you have a pet, be sure to pack pet supplies like food, a leash, and a bowl. If you have a baby, pack formula and blankets. Have your supplies packed and ready to go in an easily accessible area. When it comes to flooding, the quicker you can evacuate, the better off you will be.

There are additional steps to take in keeping yourself and your family safe during flood alerts. While some of them may seem ridiculous, following through may prove to be life­saving. For instance, when a flood or flash flood warning has been issued for your county, get to higher ground as soon as possible. It can be tempting to stay behind. After all, leaving your home can be incredibly difficult emotionally or physically. Nonetheless, it’s important to do so quickly.

Secondly, if you find that water is above your ankles, turn around and try to find higher ground using a different route. Mere inches of water may not seem like much, but if moving swiftly it can sweep you off your feet.

If you come across a flooded road in your vehicle, do not continue. Most people don’t realize that roads beneath swiftly moving water can be washed away. Most vehicles can be swept away in less than two feet of moving water. Never let your children play in flood waters. This is especially true after the rain has subsided. Water can still move quickly or worse, it may be contaminated.

Don’t be caught off guard by a flood. Instead, know how to protect yourself and your family and always exercise extra safety during flood alerts. For more information on what to do after a flooding has taken place contact Aurora Restoration Experts.

 

The post “Extra Safety During Flood Alerts” was first published at PaulDavis.com

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How to Remove Mold Stains from Clothes and Fabric

Damp clothes or fabrics can easily be infested with mold if they’re not dried in time. If you’re in this situation, there’s hope! You can still save your moldy garments if the mold has only left a few spots. Here are a few general tips to remove mold from clothes and fabric.

1. Read the labels. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about the suggested water temperature for washing and how the clothing items should be dried.
2. Scrub off the mold stain. Apply a mold stain remover, such as household soap, white vinegar or bleach, and use a toothbrush to brush off the surface mold. Be gentle and try not to damage the fabric in the process.
3. Pre-soak the fabric. Since mold stains are hard to remove, you should also pre-soak your stained garment before washing it. Saturate it for one hour in a commercial pre-soak product or in a bucket of water with one cup of white vinegar.
4. Wash your clothes in hot water. Besides being effective at removing bacteria and allergens, hot water also kills mold spores better. Of course, don’t surpass the maximum recommended water temperature to wash your clothing. If you have materials that can’t be washed, take them to the dry cleaner.
5. Use a mold killing solution in the washer:
   1. Vinegar – Add one or two cups of vinegar per cycle along with normal detergent to kill any moldy smells and brighten your white fabrics.
   2. Borax – You can also use borax in a regular washing cycle, but only with organic fabrics like cotton and linen. Dissolve half a cup of borax in hot water and add it into the machine once it has filled with water.
   3. Bleach – This substance can kill mold in fabrics but it can fade colors. So make sure to spot-test first and read the label. Some labels say “no chlorine bleach”. Once you know your clothes won’t be damaged, wash them with normal detergent and one cup of bleach.
6. After washing your clothes, hang-dry them in the sun. Sunlight has a natural bleaching effect and also helps to kill mold spores in the fabric. Avoid using the clothes dryer as heat from this machine can make spots visible and difficult to remove.
7. If mold stains persist even though you followed the above steps, repeat the whole process. Alternatively, dye your garment a darker color – this may cover the stain for good.

Mold can also grow on other textile items in your home, such as upholstery and carpet. However, dealing with mold on these items – IF they can be salvaged – is a more difficult and time-consuming job. This is why calling a team of mold removal experts for help is needed. Call Aurora Restoration Experts to properly remove mold on upholstery, mattresses, rugs, and carpet.

The post “How To Remove Mold Stains from Clothes and Fabric” was first published by ProClean.com.

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