After a fire or flood, and/or smoke or mold damage, occurs on your property not only is the structure of the building damaged, but the contents within it. It can be very disheartening to be faced with losing a cherished item, a family heirloom, expensive electronics, etc. once a disaster occurs in your home. Fortunately, though, modern technology and use of professional techniques makes it possible to restore contents back to their original state prior to the damage occurring.

Most often, after a disaster occurs in the home, it is much easier to take the damaged contents to another facility to be cleaned. Therefore, the contents need to be carefully inspected, documented and packed-out to insure the items get the proper care. Depending on the type of damage, the extent of the damage and the composition of item, each item will need different types of cleaning methods and use of professional restoration equipment.

Dry cleaning is a process used for cleaning clothing and textiles using a chemical solvent other than water. The solvent used is typically tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene). This is used to clean delicate fabrics that cannot withstand the rough and tumble of a washing machine and clothes dryer; it can also eliminate labor-intensive hand washing. Dry cleaning is mostly used on clothing and textiles. Dry cleaning can be used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.

Use of vacuum freeze-drying, freeze drying, vacuum thermal drying, cryogenic drying, plasma fumigation solutions and other highly specialized methods of treatment for restoration and conservation of such items like books, documents, files and other types of materials. Also, there are electronics drying chambers for computers, televisions, gaming systems, etc.

Use of specific restorative chemicals to spray down the item and clean it. This is typically used for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.

An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues. This is a gentle washing machine, biodegradable soaps and conditioners, and various types of pressing and re-shaping equipment that may be specialized for many different fabric and fiber types.

Immersion cleaning is the process by which the item to be cleaned is placed in the cleaning solution to come in contact with the entire surface.

Involves using abrasive force on the surface of the item being cleaned to remove the remove soils, discolorations, coatings, etc.

Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.

The smells associated with fire and water related disasters are often dealt with by subjecting the item(s) to ozone treatments that break down the foreign particles that cause the odor.?In addition to concerns with an item’s smell, there are considerations such as appearance and structural integrity that are taken into account.

Deodorization equipment and supplies are used to penetrate cracks and crevices; and neutralize and eliminate smoke and odors. There are specialized facilities where deodorization occurs and the infected content is sent to these facilities for cleaning and restoration.

Ultrasonic cleaning uses high frequency sound waves through water to remove smoke residue, mold, heat scale, oxides and even microscopic dust and soot from tiny crevices that are unreachable by hand.

C leaning the entire ventilation system. It includes cleaning of the HVAC unit, blower, evaporator coil and accessible components, as well as the individual air ducts and vent covers.?