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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Cleaning Blog Posts

Cleaning North Georgia Red Clay out of Carpet

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Dirt road leading to mountain scenery There is no argument over the beauty of the North Georgia Mountains and every beauty has its price, We pay by the clay load.

Ah, the red hills of Georgia.  We live in a one of America’s most beautiful places, the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.    That brilliant Georgia red clay adds to the striking scenery.

With that beauty comes some challenges in keeping our homes clean.  Namely keeping that Georgia red clay on the outside.  Kids, pets and even careless husbands can quickly track that red clay onto our floors and carpeting.

Red clay is bright colored and its tiny insoluble particles can work their way into the weave or knit of any fabric.  Carpet and rugs are even more vulnerable as the weight of a footstep can grind soil deeper.

The first line of defense is walk off areas.  The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) states that it can take up to 23 ½ steps to completely clean the bottom of someone shoes.

Installing a welcome mat outside and again inside the door gives each guest a place to clean their feet prior to entering.

Frequent vacuuming when carpets are dry are also critical to keeping soils from getting ground into each fiber.   The IICRC states that over 80% of dry soils can be removed thru proper vacuuming.

Some spot cleaning may be appropriate over time.  See our blog “Out Spot out!” for more specific information.

Lastly, all carpets should be professionally cleaned every two years or less depending on the amount of soiling.  

Your SERVPRO professional can recommend the best of our 5 quality cleaning methods to remove that pesky Georgia red clay from your carpets today.

How to keep Carpets Clean while Lake Living

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

photo of lake from dock point of view, mountains in the background As much as I love the energy the lake provides, I prefer to keep the soil on the shore.

Many of us are blessed to live on or near some of the most beautiful lakes in America.   Our corner of Northeast Georgia boasts so many great places to enjoy the water, sun and nature.   We have Lake Hartwell, Lake Russell, Lake Burton, Lake Yonah, Lake Tugaloo, Lake Rabun, Tate Lake, Tallulah Falls Lake, and Thurmond Lake and list continues.

Whether we enjoy a lake view from our back porch or just visit for the day, we can end up bringing the lake inside with us.   Pets, kids, and even absent-minded husbands can all track in the sand, mud and or even fish residue that we would rather stay outside.

The first line of defense is walk off areas.  The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) states that it can take up to 23 ½ steps to completely clean the bottom of someone shoes.

Installing a welcome mat outside gives each guest a place to clean their feet prior to entering.   A second walk off run inside the door will give additional help.

Frequent vacuuming when carpets are dry are also critical to keeping soils from getting ground into each fiber.   This is a most cost-effective way to extend the life and beauty of carpeting.

Some spot cleaning may be appropriate over time.  See our blog “Out Spot out!” for more specific information.

The IICRC states that carpets should be professionally cleaned every two years or less depending on the amount of soiling.   When living close to high activity areas like we do, that frequency may increase.

Finally, professional carpet cleaning can remove those soils that do invade.   Steam cleaning, shampooing, steam extraction, bonnet cleaning or rotary extraction are all effective methods to clean carpeting that has become dirty.

SERVPRO professionals can inspect and consult as to which of our 5 quality cleaning methods will restore your carpets to the clean and beautiful results that we all desire.

Enjoy the lake… but keep these tips in mind to keep your carpets fresh and clean!

A river flows through it… now how to keep your carpets clean!

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Wooded Scene with river flowing over rocks If you haven't made time to explore any of the many rivers in North East Georgia I'd highly recommend it, just be aware it is hard to go only once.

Our section of Northeast Georgia has some of the most scenic rivers in America.   We can within minutes be on the river and lost in the grandeur of creation.   Whether fishing, kayaking, tubing or just splashing under a waterfall, our rivers have much fun to offer.

The rivers that flow through us include the Savannah, Tugaloo, Seneca, Oconee, Broad, Middle, North Fork, South Fork, Chattooga, Tallulah, and the Coleman.   And of course, the hundreds of creeks and brooks that feed them.

Yet at the end of the day, we want that beauty to stay outside.  Kids, pets and all the fun gear can quickly track in mud, sand, grit and who know what onto our floors and carpets.

The tiny insoluble particles of outdoor soils can work their way into the weave or knit of any fabric.  Carpet and rugs are even more vulnerable as the weight of a footstep can grind soil deeper.

The first line of defense is walk off areas.  A large welcome mat outside and a small area rug on inside the door gives each guest a place to clean their feet prior to entering.

When carpets are dry, regular vacuuming will help keep soils from penetrating the carpet fibers.   The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) states that over 80% of dry soils can be removed thru proper vacuuming.

Some spot cleaning may be appropriate over time.  See our blog “Out Spot out!” for more specific information.

The IICRC states that all carpets should be professionally cleaned every two years or less depending on the amount of soiling.   Steam cleaning, shampooing, steam extraction, bonnet cleaning or rotary extraction are all effective methods to clean carpeting that has become dirty.

Your SERVPRO professional can recommend the best of our 5 quality cleaning methods to keep your carpets staying fresh and clean.

Enjoy the river and follow these cleaning tips to keep the outside where it belongs.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Table tent signs describing the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program on top of a wooden table. 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 back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

  • Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
  • Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
  • Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned,but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

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

Call SERVPRO of Tri-County today at  706-245-7109 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.

Carpet cleaning

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

You can see in the photo how the PH booster and emulsifiers were able to break down the soil making it easy to rinse away.

If you live near Toccoa Ga. you should well understand the challenges in keeping carpets clean. North East Georgia is known for its thick and highly visible 'red clay' which tends to stick to every object, person and place.

This customer was considering the need to replace their carpet but, in an effort to save money called SERVPRO to give a best effort in removing the clay. Our technicians have been trained with a wide variety of techniques, tools and products in order to give our customers the leading edge in carpet cleaning and restoration.  

In this situation our technician applied a pre approved solution of detergent, PH boosters and emulsifiers specifically designed for heavy soiling. Next he Scrubbed the carpeting with a soft bristle rotary machine and rinsed everything away with a hot water steam extraction. With the carpet now looking good and smelling fresh large fans were set to speed drying so it could stay that way. 

Premier Carpet Cleaning

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Built by Hydra-Master the RX20 is the premier tool to use and gives our techs the edge when a standard steam cleaning is just not enough.

With carpet cleaning on the forefront of our services in Lavonia Ga. SERVPRO would like to take the time to show why our carpet cleaning services are leading the competition. In this feature we will discuss the RX20 rotary extractor and how it improves the cleaning without adding cost to the customer.

SERVPRO technicians love the RX20 because it works hard giving 650 cleaning passes per minute, never gets tired and it delivers the same great results from beginning to end. All this work allows the carpet technician to focus more time on troubled areas and less time in your home, less time in your home = less money out of your pocket.

Our customers love the RX20 because its powerful jets and extraction ports sink deep into the fibers to clean all the way through, from tip to base without getting the carpet backing or padding wet. This makes dry times significantly lesser and allows our customers day to resume much sooner.

In our opinion the RX20 delivers the best clean results and promotes the fastest drying times making it a foundational tool for any Carpet tech.

Carpet cleaning

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

You can see in the photo how the PH booster and emulsifiers were able to break down the soil making it easy to rinse away. 

If you live near Lavonia Ga. you should well understand the challenges in keeping carpets clean. North East Georgia is known for its thick and highly visible 'red clay' which tends to stick to every object, person and place.

This customer was considering the need to replace their carpet but, in an effort to save money called SERVPRO to give a best effort in removing the clay. Our technicians have been trained with a wide variety of techniques, tools and products in order to give our customers the leading edge in carpet cleaning and restoration.  

In this situation our technician applied a pre approved solution of detergent, PH boosters and emulsifiers specifically designed for heavy soiling. Next he Scrubbed the carpeting with a soft bristle rotary machine and rinsed everything away with a hot water steam extraction. With the carpet now looking good and smelling fresh large fans were set to speed drying so it could stay that way. 

For Immediate Service in Northeast Georgia, Call SERVPRO

7/14/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Tri-County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Northeast Georgia. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 706-245-7109

Residential Services

Whether your Northeast Georgia home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Northeast Georgia commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.SERVPROtricounty.com/

  • Commercial Water Damage Restoration
  • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

SERVPRO Donating Services

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

Toccoa Falls College recently had a need for cleaning services. SERVPRO was happy to help! Here is what the President of the College wrote in response to our donation of our professional cleaning services:

Nick,

I wish to offer my sincere appreciation to you, SERVPRO of the Mountains, and your team in a generous donation of time and energy from the missionary housing project on the Toccoa Falls Campus. We appreciate the professional cleaning of the sofa, love seat and the cushions of one of the homes. They greatly enhanced the decor and "freshness" of the house. Thank you for your involvement in helping us improve these furnished homes for missionaries and international workers during their year of home assignment.

We wish to offer you our gratitude for your help and encouragement. Many of these projects we cannot complete without gifts and generosity of individuals and corporations within our surrounding area, and we are grateful to SERVPRO of the Mountains.

Thank you again for your help in making this endeavor a reality. May God bless you and SERVPRO.

Sincerely,

Dr. Roberts Meyers

President

Toccoa Falls College

Back to School Carpet Cleaning

8/15/2014 (Permalink)

Taking a moment to say thank you to our local schools for hiring SERVPRO for Carpet Cleaning during the summer break. As always we appreciate your business, and we love knowing we could help you get ready for another great year!

Call us to clean carpet at home now that the kids are back in school!