Recent Cleaning Posts

I Didn't Know You Did THAT!

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

Many times we hear, "I didn't know you did THAT!!!!"  Home and business owners are always amazed at the numerous different services our franchise offers aside from routine fire and water damage cleanup and restoration.  

As part of our detailed fire and water damage cleanup and restoration services, we often times clean personal belongings that we call CONTENTS. What exactly is a content you ask?  Well, if you could turn your house upside down, anything that would fall out and is not physically attached to the structure, is considered a content.  That goes for furniture, mattresses, bedding, clothing, draperies, free-standing appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, countertop microwaves, storage bins shelving racks, wall decorations, as well as all the "do-dads" and "knick-knacks" that we all have in our homes.  More times than not, insurance covers the cleaning of such items because it falls under policyholders' content coverage.  If you are not sure if you have that type of coverage, contact your insurance agent for more details.  

As part of the content cleaning process, our expert professionals will assess the type of item needing to be cleaned to determine if it in fact is salvageable, aka "cleanable".  Most of the time, we can save items that you may think are beyond saving!  Our proprietary cleaning agents and methods can get even the stinkiest water or fire smell out of your belongings.   The next step in the content process is to inventory and packout the contents to either a storage unit onsite, or to our warehouse where we have dedicated cleaning rooms and deodorization chambers. That includes soft contents too!  Clothing, bedding, luggage, shoes, backpacks, rugs, etc. can be cleaned as well!  We are a CERTIFIED ESPORTA operator and our patented washing system can process items of all kinds!  Football uniforms & pads, firefighter uniforms, boots & helmets, and porcelain dolls are just a few of the unique kinds of things that can be cleaned and sanitized in our ESPORTA machine.  We wash, dry, iron, and package many soft contents from all kinds of losses, even from sewage and mold losses.  Once cleaned, deodorized, and packaged, your belongings are securely stored in vaults until your home or business is repaired and ready for return.

Our trained professionals are available to remove the stress from your work load and in return, you can focus on growing your business or managing your family life during the upset of a water or fire damage.

Reach out to our office with any questions you may have & we will make sure you speak to someone that can help!

SERVPRO of Union County

704-764-3216

Carpet Cleaning Tips

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Union County offers carpet cleaning services to residential or commercial companies. When it comes to carpet stains be sure to attend to the situation as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Here are some helpful hints on spot cleaning carpets:

Always pre-test before you begin cleaning! Choose an inconspicuous spot to use your cleaning solution. Dampen a white cloth with your cleaning solution, and blot carpet and inspect carefully for dye transfer or other changes in appearance.

Food – Drinks – Blood

Rinse the area with hot water and blot with a clean white towel. Mix 1 tablespoon of #485 StainZap into 16 oz. of hot water and apply to the affected area. Allow to dry 15 to 30 minutes and the stain should “disappear”. Rinse the area thoroughly with water and blot dry.

Sticky Spills

Scrape or blot up the excess spill. Dampen a sponge with a carpet and upholstery cleaner, and blot the area with your sponge until the residue is removed. If some color remains, follow the outline above for food and drink.

Urine – Feces

Rinse the area with hot water and blot dry. Apply a carpet and upholstery cleaner to a sponge and apply to the affected area. Blot up with a damp towel. If an odor persists, apply an odor and stain remove product. If the stain remains, follow up with the steps outlined for food and drinks.

Candle wax – Nail polish

For wax, melt and absorb wax with a warm iron over an absorbent cloth and blot with SERVPRO Solvent Spotter. For nail polish, blot with a non acetate nail polish remover until the stain is gone.

Cosmetics – Ink

Rinse the area with hot water and blot. Apply a carpet and upholstery cleaner to the area and blot it dry. If any stain remains, follow up with the steps outlined above for food and drink.

If all else fails...let the professionals handle those carpets while you relax!! Call your local SERVPRO today at 704-764-3216

Removing Tobacco Odors In Your Home

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

The smell of cigarette smoke can permeate a home and give it a stale smell. Thirdhand smoke refers to smoke that settles onto surfaces of your home and they remain long after smoke has ceased. If you have recently quit smoking or have moved into a home where the former residents smoked indoors, you may be exposed to this type of passive smoke. Smoking also causes hundreds of deaths each year due to fires. Regardless of the reason behind your cigarette removal need, home deodorization is high on your list of priorities. If you have allergies or asthma, cigarette smoke can be especially irritating.

This odor can be difficult to remove. This is because cigarettes leave behind

  • Toxic and irritating gases
  • Tar vapors
  • Smoke residue

Cigarettes produce toxic and irritating gases such as phenol, ammonia gases and carbon monoxide. They also release tar vapors that become sticky. These vapors, residues and gases are able to travel everywhere.

Ozone, or O3, is one of the few home deodorization techniques that actually works to combat this. That is because an ozone generator eliminates odor by oxidizing the air. The oxidized air is circulated through the air just as smoke is and so is able to get to all the places cigarette smoke does, effectively getting rid of the smelly residue.

If you have a smelly home, you can hire SERVPRO of Union County that can help you identify the source and eliminate the problem. Many odors can be removed without a trace. Although cigarette smoke is one of the most offensive and prevalent odors, it is not the only one. Home deodorization can also include pet odors, mold growth, spill odors and other foul smells.

Oxidization is just one of many ways specialist might remove offensive smells. Sometimes special equipment and treatments are necessary to clean air ducts, carpets, upholstery and hard surfaces.

If cigarette smoke is the culprit, all of these surfaces and areas must be deodorized for your home to smell fresh and clean again. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you might benefit from a trained odor specialist at SERVPRO of Union County

Call us today, 704.764.3216 to schedule an estimate, SERVPRO of Union County

We Professionally Clean and Disinfect Business

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty and disruption both around the world and here in our community. We’re here to remind our customers that we’re cleaning experts who adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. Although the coronavirus outbreak presents a challenge. Our team at SERVPRO of Anson, Stanly, & Richmond Counties will be glad to serve you.


Local Cleaning Experts

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your business in adherence to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our staff has more than 11 years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will provide deep cleanings that go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

We also consider the health and safety of you and our employees. Our team will wear full PPE to reduce the risk of contamination.


We Clean High-Risk Areas

We work carefully to follow the CDC’s recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting. They encourage the cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:


  • Kitchen/Food Areas
    • Bathrooms
    • Schools/Classrooms
    • Offices
    • Retail Spaces
    • Water Fountains
    • Shelving/Racks
    • Sales Counters
    • Carpets and Rugs
    • Stair Handrails
    • Elevator Cars
    • Playground Equipment
    • Fitness Equipment


Specialized Products

There is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, but we are following all guidelines as approved by the CDC and local authorities. The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. As additional guidelines are made available, we will continue to adapt our cleaning process so that we adhere to the highest standards.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your place of business needs deep cleaning services, call our experts today—SERVPRO of Union County. Call us today! (704)-764-3216

Cleaning and Restoring Damaged Items

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and water emergencies can bring homeowners many checklists, worries, and questions. The question of whether they will have to replace all clothing and textile items may plague many homeowners. During the process of cleaning and restoring, personal items and valuables are sorted to determine what is salvageable and what is not. Cleaning salvageable items is a part of the restoration process.

Traditional washing machines, home-owned or industrial, do not have the capability to properly clean water, mold, or fire damaged clothing. The Esporta Washing System cleans twice as much than a dry cleaner can. The Esporta cleans 90% of all damaged soft contents including clothing, bedding, stuffed animals, leather shoes or purses, and more.

The Esporta Washing System uses a hydraulic cleaning method. This method uses water as pressure to force contaminants out of any items. This system differs from a traditional washing machine, as a traditional machine uses blades or paddles to press against the items, proving to be ineffective against organic or inorganic contaminants.

The detergent used in the cleaning process is also what sets this washing system apart from other methods. The proprietary detergent is harsh on contaminants but gentle on the environment. The blend is free of any hazardous chemicals, proving to be kind to those using the washed items, anyone operating the machine, and to our planet.

SERVPRO of Union County has accessibility to the Esporta it gives us an edge on our competitors in providing quick, quality service and ensuring as much of our customer’s contents are restored. Restoring and cleaning your salvageable items usually helps to expedite the process of dealing with an insurance claim and returning back to your normal life. SERVPRO of Union County also eases the worries and many steps that comes with a fire or water damage emergency. We offer inspection, cleaning of both buildings and items, along with restoration.

For your next fire or water damage emergency, contact the pros at SERVPRO of Union County

Removing Tobacco Odors In Your Home

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

The smell of cigarette smoke can permeate a home and give it a stale smell. Thirdhand smoke refers to smoke that settles onto surfaces of your home and they remain long after smoke has ceased. If you have recently quit smoking or have moved into a home where the former residents smoked indoors, you may be exposed to this type of passive smoke. Smoking also causes hundreds of deaths each year due to fires. Regardless of the reason behind your cigarette removal need, home deodorization is high on your list of priorities. If you have allergies or asthma, cigarette smoke can be especially irritating.

This odor can be difficult to remove. This is because cigarettes leave behind

  • Toxic and irritating gases
  • Tar vapors
  • Smoke residue

Cigarettes produce toxic and irritating gases such as phenol, ammonia gases and carbon monoxide. They also release tar vapors that become sticky. These vapors, residues and gases are able to travel everywhere.

Ozone, or O3, is one of the few home deodorization techniques that actually works to combat this. That is because an ozone generator eliminates odor by oxidizing the air. The oxidized air is circulated through the air just as smoke is and so is able to get to all the places cigarette smoke does, effectively getting rid of the smelly residue.

If you have a smelly home, you can hire SERVPRO of Anson, Stanly, and Richmond Counties that can help you identify the source and eliminate the problem. Many odors can be removed without a trace. Although cigarette smoke is one of the most offensive and prevalent odors, it is not the only one. Home deodorization can also include pet odors, mold growth, spill odors and other foul smells.

Oxidization is just one of many ways specialist might remove offensive smells. Sometimes special equipment and treatments are necessary to clean air ducts, carpets, upholstery and hard surfaces.

If cigarette smoke is the culprit, all of these surfaces and areas must be deodorized for your home to smell fresh and clean again. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you might benefit from a trained odor specialist at SERVPRO of Anson, Stanly, Richmond Counties

Call us today, 704.474.7190 to schedule an estimate, SERVPRO of Anson, Stanly, Richmond Counties

Spring Cleaning

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

With the arrival of Spring it is a great time to think about those "Spring Cleanings".  

Hear at SERVPRO of Union County, we have a large group of technicians that have extensive cleaning experience from mold, bio-hazard, post construction cleanup to everyday cleaning and maintenance of a home.  

With an extensive spring cleaning of your home you should also think about a duct cleaning.  We offer duct cleanings here at SERVPRO of Union County as well.  We can quote most residential homes over the phone.  So give us a call today!

Spring is a great time to think about these types of cleaning.  So give us a call today at 704-764-3216 to schedule your estimate today for the cleaning and/or duct cleaning services as well.  

We look forward to speaking with you.  

Carpet Cleaning Tips from SERVPRO

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Union County offers carpet cleaning services to residential or commercial companies. When it comes to carpet stains be sure to attend to the situation as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Here are some helpful hints on spot cleaning carpets:

Always pre-test before you begin cleaning! Choose an inconspicuous spot to use your cleaning solution. Dampen a white cloth with your cleaning solution, and blot carpet and inspect carefully for dye transfer or other changes in appearance.

Food – Drinks – Blood

Rinse the area with hot water and blot with a clean white towel. Mix 1 tablespoon of #485 StainZap into 16 oz. of hot water and apply to the affected area. Allow to dry 15 to 30 minutes and the stain should “disappear”. Rinse the area thoroughly with water and blot dry.

Sticky Spills

Scrape or blot up the excess spill. Dampen a sponge with a carpet and upholstery cleaner, and blot the area with your sponge until the residue is removed. If some color remains, follow the outline above for food and drink.

Urine – Feces

Rinse the area with hot water and blot dry. Apply a carpet and upholstery cleaner to a sponge and apply to the affected area. Blot up with a damp towel. If an odor persists, apply an odor and stain remove product. If the stain remains, follow up with the steps outlined for food and drinks.

Candle wax – Nail polish

For wax, melt and absorb wax with a warm iron over an absorbent cloth and blot with SERVPRO Solvent Spotter. For nail polish, blot with a non acetate nail polish remover until the stain is gone.

Cosmetics – Ink

Rinse the area with hot water and blot. Apply a carpet and upholstery cleaner to the area and blot it dry. If any stain remains, follow up with the steps outlined above for food and drink.

If all else fails...let the professionals handle those carpets while you relax!! Call your local SERVPRO today at 704-474-7190

Spring Cleaning Tips!!

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

We all know how overwhelming Spring Cleaning can be. Below are some tips, on how to make this process easier:

Work from the top down, inside to outside, to avoid getting what you just cleaned dirty again.

Do one room, at a time to avoid unfinished jobs. Spring cleaning can be very overwhelming, so if you break the home up it does not seem to be as bad. The satisfaction of seeing one room sparkle will make the hard work feel like it's worth the effort.

When tidying, reduce trips around the house by temporarily depositing items in one spot en route to but not at their final destination.

Do two things at once.

While laundry is going, scrub the shower stall. 

Make small repairs. If you're not handy, hire someone. 

Invest in good rubber or vinyl gloves to protect your hands. 

Dust before vacuuming or cleaning the floor. Use extendable dusters for reaching above window and door casings and into corners. Household rags are invaluable for jobs requiring a damp cloth (natural fibers work best.)

Buy mops with a squeeze mechanism and a decent size heavy duty bucket. One with a measuring scale helps get soap-to-water ratios correct. 

Don't stand your brooms on their bristles. It will destroy their shape and diminish their effectiveness. A solution to this issue is to get a broom holder, like the Magic Holder 5-position broom organizer. 

Use a Swiffer for light dusting, or your favorite broom or vacuum attachment to clean hardwood floors. Then damp-mop with a mild cleaner such as Murphy Oil Soap. 

**Contact your local SERVPRO today for General Cleaning** 704-764-3216