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Water Damage From a Flooded Crawlspace

Water Damage From a Flooded Crawlspace

Preventing Flooding in Your Crawlspace

There are many reasons why your crawlspace may end up sitting in several inches of water. Here are some tips we recommend to keep water away from your crawlspace:

  • Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris, and funneling water away from the house
  • Watch out for areas where water pools around the foundation of your home, and install extra measures/correct placement/consider creating trenches to encourage water to flow away from your home
  • Install a sump pump

Water Extraction Process

If water has already found its way underneath your home and into your crawlspace, immediate action must be taken to prevent further damage. There are various consequences of allowing water to sit in your crawlspace, including:

  • Mold and mildew that can spread into your home
  • Damage/erosion of foundation
  • Wood rot
  • Energy loss, higher energy bills
  • Pests
  • Toxic/contaminated water

Usually, to remove the water, a professional and efficient pump is needed to extract all the water. However, to prevent further damage, there are other steps we like to take:

 

  • Treating the crawl-space with solutions to prevent mold and mildew
  • Applying solutions to repel pests
  • Installing/repairing/replacing the sump pump
  • Setting up temporary fans to dry out the crawlspace
  • Installing a vapor barrier
  • Cleaning/reinstalling ventilation

All of these steps may not be necessary depending on your unique situation, but thorough treatment is necessary to stop the spread of damage after flooding in your crawlspace.

Superior Cleaning Solutions

At Superior Cleaning Solutions, we believe your home is just as unique as you are. We work with you to create a plan of action that meets your needs, at a fair, affordable price. Contact us to find out more about our service, or set up an appointment.

Water Damage Restoration Explained

Water Damage Restoration Explained

If a pipe leak, flooding, or other water damage has found its way into your home, you may be feeling frustrated and hopeless. Even with regular maintenance and attention towards damage prevention, severe weather and other conditions are completely out of your control. 

Causes of Water Damage

As stated above, there are two main reasons water damage occurs: conditions within the home, and conditions outside the home. Here are a few of the most common sources of water damage:

Inside the home

  • Overflowing sink
  • Overflowing bathtub
  • Overflowing toilet
  • Washing machine overflow
  • Roof leaks
  • Sewer Backup

Outside the home

  • Natural disasters
  • Heavy rain
  • Hail
  • Frozen water lines

Process of Water Damage Restoration

The process of treating water damage depends on the source of the damage, however there are some basic steps that our professionals always take:

  • Emergency response- after calling us about your situation, we strive to respond within an hour
  • We assess the damage with you, and come up with a restoration plan that you approve of
  • Our company talks directly to your insurance company, so you don’t have to!
  • Water extraction: after determining what sort of water we’re dealing with, we bring in equipment to remove the water
  • Using dehumidifiers, air movers, fans, and other equipment, we will dry out the area to begin the restoration
  • Once dry, our company handles the removal of all equipment moved, and any next steps necessary

Water Damage Prevention

Here are a few things we recommend to prevent water damage in your home:

  • Regularly cleaning gutters, downspouts, and even ditches that lead water away from the home
  • Be aware of where the water main is in your home, to be sure you can stop the water flow quickly
  • Check and maintain your appliance regularly to notice any wear on hoses or pipes that might lead to water damage
  • Install water detection devices in important areas around pipes, toilets, and sump pumps
  • Watch your water bill- if the price doesn’t look right, there might be a leak you haven’t noticed
Superior Cleaning Solutions

If you’re concerned about the safety of your home, or have an emergency water situation, we are here to help. Contact Superior Cleaning Solutions to set up an appointment, or receive immediate help in dealing with flooding, frozen water lines, or other emergency water damage situations.

5 Benefits of Dryer Vent Cleaning

5 Benefits of Dryer Vent Cleaning

Children and adults alike both love the feeling of a warm blanket or jacket from the dryer. Many Maryland residents can remember their mothers pulling clothes from the dryer just before they leave for school, running to catch the bus. But when your dryer begins to slow down, and recently-washed loads need several cycles in the dryer before getting dry, you might begin to wonder if it’s time to replace the machine. Before dropping your hard-earned cash, it might be helpful to take a look at the vents. 

Dryer Dangers

The most common issue with dryers can be found in the vents. Everyone forgets to clean the lint screen once of twice (or maybe more!), but lint and debris can build-up quickly over time, decreasing the effectivity of your machine. Not only can your loads come out damp, but there are also various dangers, including fire hazards, when vents are clogged. A thorough, professional cleaning can have your machine running as good as new, and allow you to sleep soundly at night. 

1. Allergy Improvement

Properly functioning dryers pick up tiny particles from clothing, leaving your clothes free from irritating pollens and dust that cause allergy-symptoms. If a dryer is not cleaned regularly, the allergens stay within the dryer and contaminate the rest of the clothing, rather than protecting them.

2. Improved Sanitization

Dryers not only pick up allergens, but also kill bacteria and other dangerous substances. Without reaching the correct temperatures, bacteria will continue to grow and live not only in clothing, but other fabrics (dish towels, bathroom linens, etc).

3. Clothing Protection

It’s common to leave the house with a load in the dryer, but if your dryer isn’t working properly, wet laundry will sit in the dryer. Mildew then grows in the clothing, which can do reversible damage (spotting, stains, holes, smell). 

4. Cost-Efficiency

Running the dryer costs money, and running it several times on the load costs more. Cleaning out the vents means your dryer can do its job the first time, without wasting any more electricity. 

5. Machine Longevity

We hope that our machines are an investment that will last 10 years or more! But without regular, deep cleaning, lint/debris build-up can permanently damage your machine. Getting regular, professional maintenance will save your money in the long-run.

Our Solution

At Superior Cleaning Solutions, we offer services to meet your exact needs, including dryer vent cleaning.

Contact us today to have a consultation, and peace of mind.

Does Your Home Need a Power Wash?

Does Your Home Need a Power Wash?

There are few things as satisfying as watching the grime and debris fly away, revealing the original surface beneath! Wood decks, gutters, roofs, concrete, and even the most delicate parts of your home can be restored to just-like-new condition with the help of a professional power wash. Why professional? Many homeowners have had the unfortunate experience of using incorrect pressure on wood or roof surfaces, taking off more layers than they originally planned. With expert help, you can make sure the exterior of your home is cleaned with care.

What Can Power Washing Do For You?

There are so many benefits of power washing that go beyond the improved “curb-appeal” and cosmetic improvements. While the build-up of dirt and grime is normal, it is also the perfect environment for more dangerous things to grow: moss, algae, mold, and mildew. Using water alone won’t protect your home: Superior Cleaning Solutions has unique formulas to meet your homes specific needs.

Moss and Algae

Without regular removal and treatment, moss and algae leave permanent stains on your home, which is bad enough on its own. But the damage is not only surface-level. Mosses and algae have the ability to eat away the filler substances that protect roof shingles, leaving them exposed and unprotected, ultimately causing them to fall off the roof.

Mold and Mildew

While mold and mildew may also cause stains, they can also be dangerous to your health. Washing with water will not kill the molds, which cause allergy issues, and even more serious lung problems. Instead, a specific solution to kill the mold/mildew is necessary, to make sure that it won’t grow back. Mold and mildew damage wood surfaces, shingles, and even concrete if not properly handled.

Choosing Superior Cleaning Solutions

Our experts can take proper care of the exterior of your home, whether it’s the gutters, the roof, concrete, or a wood patio. Contact us today to find out the right solution for your needs.

How Vacuuming Is Essential to the Life of Your Carpet

How Vacuuming Is Essential to the Life of Your Carpet

Before the house is ready for guests to come over, the final step is always the same: vacuuming the carpet. But this chore is not simply done for appearances alone. Vacuuming is essential to the life of your carpet, and at Superior Cleaning Solutions, we have three main concerns: presentation, purification, and prevention.

Why We Care, and How

Our team at Superior Cleaning Solutions is dedicated to helping you keep your home a clean and healthy space for your family and friends. We believe in individual and affordable cleaning, and as a family-owned business, we know nothing is more important than making sure your family is safe in your home. Our products and equipment are sure to give your carpet the deep-clean every carpet needs from time to time.

Presentation

While appearance isn’t everything, we know your carpet is one of the first things your guests notice when entering your home. We also know that, after time, certain patterns in traffic may begin to leave a trace on your floor. Contact us to get a consultation today, so our team of experts can help your carpet make a good first impression on all of your guests!

Purification

Second, cleanliness is our middle name. Superior Cleaning Solutions have the tools and treatments to make sure your carpet isn’t keeping anything you don’t want in your home. Your carpet often acts as a filter, trapping dust, mold, hair and allergens that otherwise float in the air and are breathed into the lungs. Our equipment is specially designed to remove all the particles your carpet has trapped, leaving it as clean and allergen-free as the day you bought it!

Prevention

Finally, we want to help prevent any permanent damage from destroying your carpet. Whether it’s a tough stain, or a high-traffic area, our team knows exactly what to use to make sure your carpet is protected. Preventing build-up of dirt, clay, and dust, will help keep your carpet from becoming stained by every day use. At Superior Cleaning Solutions, we want your carpet to work for you.Contact us for more information on how we can help!

Does Your Carpet Need Stain Protection?

Does Your Carpet Need Stain Protection?

Accidents happen: guests spill drinks, children find the paints, and pets do what pets will always do. Even if you have the budget to regularly replace your carpet, the time taken and interruption to your day-to-day activities does not make it an ideal solution. So how do you fight the inevitable? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Superior Cleaning Solutions

Our team may not be as powerful as The Avengers, but we’d like to think we’re pretty good at saving carpets. Our business specializes in any house or business cleaning needs you may have, and our experts are committed to helping you with your unique circumstances at an affordable price. But what can our stain-prevention treatment actually do? Take a look at our page or contact us to find out how we can help!

Causes of Carpet Stains

Not all stains come from an unfortunately placed wine glass or tantrum driven toddler. Stains can also come from regular, untouched build-up, undiscovered mold, flooding, and other sources. Often, stains seem to just appear after a few years, as it’s difficult to keep up with everything that goes on in your home. Luckily, with our stain protection, you don’t have to.

Prevention & Protection

Our solution provides a barrier between your carpet and potential stains. When cleaning up after a spill, even moments after the accident, there will more than likely be a stain. Stain protection shields the fibers and gives you the extra time you need to clean, preventing stains. Watch our video here to find out exactly what a difference out product makes.

At Superior Cleaning Solutions, we offer a multitude of treatments like stain protection to keep your carpet clean, and save you money! Contact us today to make an appointment, or to find more information on the services we offer.

Pet Urine and Smells in Carpet

Pet Urine and Smells in Carpet

Having a pet in your home also means having unexpected puddles, smells, and other gifts on your carpet from time to time. But we know you still love them, and so do we, which is why at Superior Cleaning Solutions, we have a plan for that.

Our Plan

Pet odors have a way of soaking so deep into fabrics that it seems nothing will make it go away. But, before tossing out your favorite couch, or preparing to replace the carpet, take a moment to talk with us. As pet lovers ourselves, we have learned how remove the scents that seem to reappear like clockwork, and we have the tools you need to sanitize your favorite seat in the house.

Tips to Prevent Pet Odor in Carpets 

Because we care, here are a few tricks we’ve learned to keep pet odors and accidents to a minimum:

  • Vacuum/mop regularly. Our pets are always looking for ways to claim our homes as their territory. By regularly vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down furniture, you can prevent them from becoming a little too comfortable in your home. 
  • Baking soda. While waiting for a professional clean, baking soda can help alleviate the stench, so you can continue to work, cook, and live life as normal gas-mask free.
  • Cleaning out your filters. Filters from your AC or other systems are meant to collect things floating through the air. Unfortunately, if you own a pet, that means they will usually collect and spread unwanted smells around the house. Don’t worry, we help with that too!
  • Fresh air. Nothing helps to get rid of odors like fresh, circulating air. Open the windows (and maybe some doors!) once a week, and let the fresh air do the work. Your friends and family will be grateful, and so will your pets!

Looking for more information on how we can help you and your furry housemates coexist in a happy and healthy environment? Contact us for a consultation!

6 Step Carpet Cleaning Process

6 Step Carpet Cleaning Process

Have you noticed your carpets getting a bit dull and grimy looking? Perhaps there are some pesky stains you can’t get up no matter how hard you try. It is time to seek out a professional carpet cleaning. The good thing is that Superior Cleaning Solutions is a leader in the carpet cleaning industry as we meet the carpet cleaning standards set by the IICRC. That means you can trust your carpets to us as we follow a six-step cleaning process with all of our clients.

6-Step Carpet Cleaning Process

  • Step One: Our cleaning technician will walk through your house to assess the level of soiling, any particular areas that need special attention, and carpet construction.
  • Step Two: We will give your carpet a thorough vacuuming to get rid of any bonded and insoluble soil. We will also remove any smaller pieces of furniture while the larger pieces will remain in place.
  • Step Three: Any spots are pretreated to ensure ease of removal. High traffic areas are pretreated with a biodegradable solution as well.
  • Step Four: A machine is used to agitate the carpet to thoroughly work in the pre-conditioner. This will help break up the heavily soiled areas.
  • Step Five: The technicians will use the truck-mounted equipment for the hot water extraction process. The pressure and heat will be regulated so as the carpet does not get too wet. Finally, the pH is balanced on every carpet through the extraction and rinse cycles.
  • Step Six: Technicians will do a final walkthrough to inspect and confirm your carpets are free of soil. Normal wear and tear will remain.

Superior Cleaning Solutions Cleaning Services

At Superior Cleaning Solutions, we’ve been in the carpet cleaning business for over twenty years. We are family-owned/operated and we know how important your family home is to you. We have the skills and equipment to make sure your home is properly restored. For all your carpet cleaning needs, contact us!

3 Steps to Follow If a Water Intrusion Happens in Your Home

3 Steps to Follow If a Water Intrusion Happens in Your Home

If you have a water intrusion in your home, it is important to act quickly. An intrusion can cause damage to your home and long-term health effects, but following these steps will reduce your risk when cleaning up or calling the professionals. At Superior Cleaning Solutions, we are prepared to help you with water intrusions of any size 24/7.

Find the Water Source

While it isn’t always simple, the first step to take when you experience a home water intrusion is to locate the water source. This will help you stop the water if possible to prevent any more damage. If the source is not obvious, turn off any running faucets, and take a look at your water meter. If you are not familiar with your water meter, this guide may help you.

Locate the meter that displays cubic feet and see if it is still moving. This could indicate a leak from your toilet, ice maker, dishwasher, or another plumbing fixture. A still water meter would indicate that the water is coming from an outside source like a roof leak.

Assess the Type of Water

The next step is finding out if the water in your home is from a contaminated source. Water intrusions typically come from clean water sources like indoor plumbing. Grey and black water sources are contaminated water sources. These intrusions happen less often, but cause more damage. Contaminated water sources include wastewater, floodwater, and sewage.

Contaminated water can be harmful to your family’s health and more difficult to extract and clean. If the water intrusion source is contaminated, your home cleanup will require professional equipment and techniques to be completed. A professional restoration company is your best option for safe and easy extraction and cleanup.

Extraction and Remediation

Now that you have identified the type of water and the origin of the leak, the last step in surviving a home water intrusion is extraction and cleanup. This includes removal of the water, removing any belongings from the intrusion area, drying the affected area, and thorough cleaning. If you are not sure what to do after a water intrusion, Superior Cleaning Solutions has over 20 years of combined experience in the restoration business and will have your home clean and dry in no time.

Experience Our Professional Service Today

At Superior Cleaning Solutions, our certified technicians can help you with affordable water intrusion remediation in the Baltimore, MD area. Contact us for professional water intrusion remediation today.

Choosing the Right Restoration Professional for You

Choosing the Right Restoration Professional for You

Are you looking for a restoration professional to get your home or business back to normal? Your quality of life may be impacted until your restoration is properly completed, so it is important to choose a restoration professional that you can rely on. Looking at the qualities of a good restoration professional will help you choose the right professional to work with, so you can get your life back on track.

What to Look for When Choosing the Right Restoration Professional?

Proven Track Record

Your restoration professional should have experience in the industry and a proven track record. At Superior Cleaning Solutions, we take on every task with enthusiasm in our dedication to 100% customer satisfaction. With over 20 years of combined experience in the restoration business, we strive to leave your property in perfect condition.

24/7 Restoration Support

Your restoration needs will not go away when the day ends, or the weekend begins, so finding a company that will work with you 24/7 is important. Restoration professionals should treat your project as if it were their own home or business in need of restoration. We know your restoration needs are urgent, and you cannot wait for days or even hours. At Superior Cleaning Solutions, we are ready to help you 24/7. Whenever possible, we will reach your home or business within an hour, even if it means changing our schedule.

Quality Work Within Your Budget

A restoration professional should work within your budget to ease your concerns without increasing your burden. At Superior Cleaning Solutions, we are dedicated to offering high-quality service at an affordable price. We do not cut corners or provide inferior service to meet a budget. 

Professional Equipment and Industry Expertise

The restoration company you choose should consist of well-trained professionals with professional-grade equipment to provide you with the best restoration experience. At Superior Cleaning Solutions, we are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC). We use professional equipment and techniques to ensure a thorough restoration leaving no unseen contaminants or lingering odors.

Let Superior Make Your Restoration Easier

When you need to rely on a restoration professional in the Baltimore, MD area, contact Superior Cleaning Solutions. There is no need to take a chance on an unreliable company or wait for the help your family urgently needs. At Superior Cleaning Solutions, our courteous restoration professionals are ready for your restoration concerns 24/7.