SERVPRO of Lexington/Thomasville Offers Smoke Odor Removal

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Our professionals are trained in treating smoke damage to your home or business.

Did you just recently purchase a property and a smoker had lived there previously? Have you decided to give up cigarettes for good but still struggle with your house or car smelling like smoke? Did you know SERVPRO of Lexington/Thomasville offers cigarette smoke odor removal?!?!?! Removing a cigarette smoke smell from your home will begin with a thorough cleaning to remove any tar and nicotine from walls, ceilings, and other hard surfaces. Soft surfaces will also need to be cleaned thoroughly. This will be followed by a deodorization technique, possibly using an ozone or hydroxyl machine. Once the odor is removed from your ceilings and walls, we would follow up with a recommendation for an HVAC/duct cleaning, carpet/floor cleaning, as well as a drapes/blinds/window treatment.  We are the #1 Choice in cleanup and restoration based on Commercial and Residential Attitude and Usage Tracking studies. Polling 816 commercial business decision-makers and 1,550 homeowner decision-makers on the first choice for future needs related to cleanup and restoration work. Studies were conducted by C&R Research: in October 2019 and Decision Analyst: in October 2019. The needs for each situation may vary, so contact your local SERVPRO of Lexington/Thomasville for a customized plan. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

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

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving 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 Lexington/Thomasville today at  336-224-2564 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.

What is Duct Cleaning?

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

As new homes being build are becoming more and more air tight air flow is restricted and indoor air pollution has become a growing concern.  But what is duct cleaning and how can it help my indoor air quality?  The term duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of the components of your HVAC system.  The components include items such as supply and return ducts, registers and even the unit itself.  Dirty air ducts can trap and hold many contaminates that could be of a health concern especially for those with compromised immune systems.  Some contaminates that may be found in your ducts include, pet dander, mold and even unusual smells could be a sign of your ducts needing cleaning. How does one go about cleaning their ducts?  This is one of those instances that hiring a professional is the key. It is important to do your research before hiring a company.  Many of us have had a mailer delivered claiming you can get your ducts cleaned for some obscenely low rate.  These “specials” normally will be for one specific service and will nickel and dime the homeowner with add ons. If all this seems a bit overwhelming call the trusted professionals of SERVPRO of Lexington / Thomasville.  Our highly trained staff will assess your ducts at no cost to you to determine if cleaning is needed and if a cleaning is required go over their findings with you. Our team will leave you with a turn key price if services are needed.  If you would like to schedule an appointment today give us a call.

Hoarding: Myth versus Reality

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

With the popularity of the hoarding shows on TV many think they have the knowledge and the skill set to handle a hoarding issue.  But there are a lot of things homeowners need to consider before tackling a hoarding issue themselves.

The first issue to be considered is your safety.  If the hoarding situation has been an ongoing situation there are many safety hazards to consider.  Mold, air quality, fire hazards, diseases from pests and structural integrity are just a few of the things you need to consider if choosing to handle yourself.

If, after careful consideration, you are ready to clean all or part of a situation the next stepis to form a cleaning plan and what cleaning supplies you will need. Once you are ready to begin set up a staging area to help you decide what can be saved and stored, cleaned and then stored or discarded.  Once the clean out has begun, finding a secure place to store what is salvageable, while the interior of the property is cleaned and sanitized will be critical because this part of the process can take days or weeks depending of the severity of the issue. This part can be very labor intensive so having people to help you is critical.

Once the structure is empty of its contents, it is best to have a trained professional check for structural issues before any demolition and cleaning has begun.  You may need to do this before the clean out process has started if you suspect the integrity of the structure has been compromised by water damage or dry rot. Depending on the neglect you may be able to simply sanitize and clean.  If it is a more severe case you may need to remove drywall, carpets, tile and flooring.

If this seems like a daunting task, calling the professionals of SERVPRO of Lexington/Thomasville should be your first task.  We can walk you through step by step and assist with all or part of the clean up.  Give us a call at  for you no cost assessment and we can help make this task a lot less daunting.

Remove Pet Stains and Odors

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Pet accidents can be challenging to treat and require patience.

Pet owners sometimes must contend with stains and odors. Some of these stains may be normal, while others might result from accidents. Individuals may experience a trial-and-error period as new pets become acclimated to litter boxes or grow accustomed to relieving themselves outdoors. Pet owners must remain patient as young animals learn where and where not to relieve themselves. Pets that are already trained may also suffer accidents as they grow older. PetMD says that urinary and fecal incontinence can afflict dogs of any age, but is most often experienced by middle-aged or senior dogs. Cats, too, can experience incontinence, which is most common in older cats and large cats, as age and size can make it challenging for cats to reach the litter box in time. Accidents can be troubling, as they often result in stains and smells. Treating these issues to prevent damage to flooring and deter pets from thinking a particular area of the rug is their personal bathroom requires patience and trial and error. Upon discovering an accident, pet owners should blot up as much of the liquid as possible. The carpet cleaning experts at Chem-Dry advise putting a few drops of dish detergent and a little water on the area to absorb as much moisture as possible. To treat old stains, sprinkle baking soda on the affected areas and allow it to sit overnight. Then spray the areas with white vinegar and let the two substances bubble to clean the area. Baking soda and vinegar can be an effective, homemade cleaning mixture if accidents are a frequent occurrence. Pet owners also can purchase commercially produced enzymatic cleaners. Enzymes are proteins that help spark natural chemical reactions at the molecular level, and the enzymes in pet carpet care products attach themselves to the molecules that make up the urine and bacteria that feed on it (producing the foul odors), serving as a catalyst for their breakdown. Stains from feces may take some more effort. Try to remove as much as possible without pushing the stain further into the carpet fibers. Use a stain removal product to help lift out the stain. This may take a few applications. Pet owners also may want to invest in carpet cleaners if accidents continue throughout training periods. If urine has seeped into the floorboards or padding under the carpeting, carpeting may need to be replaced, particularly if the animal repeatedly visits the same spot to urinate. This is the best way to remove the scent and prevent future trouble.

Cleaning and Maintaining Carpeted Floors

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Addressing stains quickly can prevent a stain from permanently soiling a carpet.

Much like paint, carpeting can quickly transform the look of a room. Carpeting can be a durable flooring material, but it will need upkeep to look its best. Carpeting that will be in high-traffic areas, such as halls and entryways, may require the most TLC. Routine vacuuming is necessary to dislodge dust and dirt particles. But at some point a more thorough cleaning may be necessary. Vacuuming Frequent vacuuming will prolong the life of the carpet by preventing a buildup of particles inside of the carpet fiber that can eventually cause friction and sever carpet fibers. Use of a crevice tool and other attachments can enable cleaning in the corners where the carpet meets baseboards and moldings. When vacuuming larger rooms, divide the room into separate areas and tackle each area separately before moving on to another portion of the room. Take time when vacuuming carpet. Plush carpets will trap dirt more easily than a thinner or less dense carpet, so more passes of the vacuum might be necessary. Overlap strokes in a crisscross pattern to get at dirt at different angles. Pet hair and vacuumed particles of food can create odor inside of the vacuum bag. Treating spills Spills are one thing that homeowners in carpeted homes may fear. If not addressed quickly, liquid or food may permanently damage a carpet. It is recommended to manage a spill as soon as it happens to reduce the possibility that it will contribute to a permanent stain. Carefully blot up the spill until much of the offending item is removed before adding any type of cleaning agent. Test the cleaning product in an inconspicuous area prior to using it on the spill to ensure it will not damage or discolor the carpet. Work from the outside of the stain and move inward to keep the stain from spreading outward. Use a plush, white towel to blot up any remaining moisture and spill. The towel also will help to fluff up the pile of the carpet. Remove shoes Dirt and germs can be tracked into the house on the bottom of shoes. Eventually this material can be deposited on carpets, which then becomes lodged inside the fibers. To reduce the amount of dirt tracked in, make it a rule to take off shoes upon entering the house. If pets are the culprits of tracked-in dirt, keep a towel by the door and wipe the animal's paws before allowing it to roam through the house.

If the carpet is stained beyond what you think you can do yourself contact the experts at SERVPRO of Lexington/Thomasville.  Our trained professionals are experts on stain removal.

Cleaning Ducts in Your Thomasville Home

1/5/2018 (Permalink)

In addition to making resolutions and plans, the New Year ushers in chilly temperatures in much of the country. A heating system that is working well is essential to the comfort and health of homeowners. If you haven't done so, it's a good idea to have the heating system inspected to ensure everything is working smoothly. While this is best handled prior to winter's arrival, in the midst of the holiday hustle, it can be easy to forget about home maintenance. The National Fire Protection Association says that half of all home-heating fires in the U.S. occur in December, January and February. Failure to clean equipment, primarily creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment and chimneys, is a leading cause of home-heating fires. While the majority of homeowners are safe, it cannot hurt to inspect and clean the elements involved in most home furnaces and other equipment. Not only will this help prevent possible fires or help pinpoint possible problem areas that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, this maintenance can help produce cleaner indoor air. In addition to routinely replacing the air filter on the furnace, it is commonly recommended to have the air ducts and venting throughout the home cleaned. Although there is no proven evidence that trapped dust and other debris in air ducts can pose a risk to personal health, many people prefer to keep the ductwork clear in the event particles may be hazardous or contribute to asthma or other breathing difficulties. This cleaning can be done once a year or every couple of years, depending on personal preference. The EPA does recommend duct cleaning if any of these factors are present: * There is substantial visible mold growth present. * Ducts are infested with vermin. * Dust or debris are literally clogging the ducts. * You can see dust or debris blowing into the home through supply registers (vents) in the home. There are many companies today that will service furnaces and heating systems and provide duct cleaning. As with any business, their reliability and honesty will have to be checked by the homeowner. When seeking a company to clean the ducts in your home, first ask friends and family members for referrals. Also, utilize customer review Web sites such as Yelp.com or simply conduct a Web search for the company to learn of its reputation. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau or see if the business is registered with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Research has not demonstrated the effectiveness of any chemical additives or sealants placed in or on ducts for the prevention of bacteria growth or inhibition of dust formation. It is adviseable to steer clear of companies that try to push additional services or chemical applications that actually may hinder health more than dust. An untrained person can actually damage the ducts or heating and cooling system. That is why it is important to do your research. A properly done job should include cleaning all of the components of the system, including coils and condenser parts of the HVAC system itself. The job should take between 3 and 8 hours and will range in cost from $450 to $1,000, according to EPA estimates. The "blow and go" specials advertised for $100 are likely a waste of money and may inadvertently cause damage or dislodge dust inappropriately. The NADCA says the most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ "source removal" methods of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces. The debris can then travel down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home. Although there are no proven health benefits, air duct cleaning can help improve indoor air quality and may help an HVAC system operate more efficiently. 

SERVPRO of Lexington/Thomasville can make it “Like it never even happened.”

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lexington/Thomasville 336-224-2565

When a disaster affects your home who do you turn to?  There is so much uncertainty when disasters occur it can become overwhelming and confusing.  Big issues are easier to handle such as if you have a leaky pipe, you call a plumber to repair.  Who do you call if your grandmother’s antique china cabinet is covered in smoke and soot?  When you trust the professionals of SERVPRO of Lexington/Thomasville you know that all of your possessions will be handled with the upmost care. Our repair not replace philosophy means whenever possible we restore your possession to preloss conditions.  Once repairs are made we can inventory and secure your items until repairs are completed in your home.  If a disaster should strike your home give us a call at 336-224-2565 and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”   #SERVPROLexington #SERVPROThomasville #HereToHelp

How to tame indoor odors in your Thomasville home

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

A clean home interior can make a strong first impression on prospective buyers, but only if that home is accompanied by pleasant scents. Odors can make a strong impact on buyers' perceptions of a home, including its level of cleanliness and upkeep.

Although dirt and other grime can contribute to the odor of a home, additional culprits can contribute to foul smells as well. Everything from pets to the foods cooked in the kitchen to the hidden presence of mold can impact air quality and odor inside a home. Fortunately, there are ways to remedy stinky problems and come away with sweet-smelling solutions.

It's important for homeowners to realize that foul air inside a home can be the result of poor indoor air quality - which can be a health hazard. The United States Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as a top five environmental risk to public health. EPA studies found indoor air pollutants were generally two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels. In some cases, indoor air pollution was 100 times greater. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission says the following can contribute to poor indoor air quality and also to some interior odors: combustion sources; tobacco products; building materials and furnishings; wet or damp carpet; cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance and even outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides and outdoor air pollution.

So how does one remedy poor indoor air quality and odors inside a home? These tips can improve conditions.

· Ensure adequate ventilation. Open windows and doors when weather permits to eliminate the concentration of pollutants and help air out odors. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and baths to pull indoor air to the outside.

· Increase the number of plants. Plants can brighten interior spaces, and they're also remarkable at cleaning indoor air. The Clean Air Study conducted by NASA set out to find out the best way to clean the air in space stations. The association found that the Boston fern, spider plant, Chinese evergreen, weeping fig, variegated snake plant, and English ivy, among many other plants, were ideal for filtering air and removing harmful contaminants.

If the odor is still prevalent even after thoroughly cleaning the area then it may be time to contact a professional.  Odors in a home can be embarrassing and set a poor tone when inviting company over or showcasing a home for prospective buyers. Keep odors at bay by identifying the sources of smells and taking action.