The After Effects of Smoke Damage

                                                               Pic Credits: flickr

Although the after-effects of a fire damage are obvious, the effects of smoke lingering around during the fire are something we do not take into consideration. It can be a serious factor that could affect the life and productivity of the machines and appliances in the house. The after effects of smoke can be far more serious and may take weeks to recover.

Here are some of the factors to consider while dealing with smoke damage:

Time

Smoke and other harmful off-gases during a fire can cause secondary damage, and the longer the surface is exposed to smoke, the worse the cleaning or etching process can be. Most electronics can conduct through the smoke. When the smoke sediments after the fire, it can cause short circuits on boards which can cause electronics to lead a pre-mature breakdown.

Humidity

With a high amount of moisture content in the air, there is a great risk of corrosive reactions and more subsequent damage.

Temperature and Pressure

The air volume doubles every 10 degrees. Which means that greater the pressure, the more smoke is driven into the porous surfaces in the house. It should be noted that the curtains and all other fabrics that survived the fire need to be properly cleaned and treated before being used again. 

Type of Combustion Materials

House fires are rather complex since they are fuelled by a lot of synthetic materials rather than natural materials. Complex fires cause significant damage.

The first plan of action after a fire damage is to contact your insurance agency and get a professional cleaning job done. As mentioned above, the after-effects of smoke are not visible to the naked eye and need expert cleaning job done. Even though it appears like you can handle the job, its best to hand it over to the professionals.

See Also: 7 ways to fireproof your house

Fighting the Effects of Smoke Damage

• In order to prevent any sort of secondary damage, apply a surfactant agent (e.g. cooking oil) to materials metal, glass, tile/grout and marble. 
• Provide proper ventilation by keeping the doors and windows open for as long as possible so that air flows freely and prevents soot from settling in. 
• Pre-treat fabrics by soaking them overnight in warm water and one cup of dishwasher detergent. 
• Check all the electrical appliances before using them. As mentioned earlier, smoke may have damaged these and a simple spark could give rise to another catastrophe. 

Never ignore the after-effects of a fire damage. Lingering smoke can have many health hazards. At Bio Cleanse Services, we deal with all kinds of fire damages, including dealing with smoke removal. We can restore your home to perfection. Call us on 0427 411 789.

Different Types of Mould That Grow at Your Home

Pic Credits: flickr

Hopefully, you never have to face this problem but, a little damp area and humid climate can give rise to a variety of mould which can have serious health effects if left untreated. If such a problem ever occurs to you, be sure to consult a professional cleaning agency to eradicate your home of mould and have a healthy lifestyle.

Here are the different types of mould that usually grow at your home:

Alternaria

Found indoors and outdoors, Alternaria is the most common type of mould. Alternaria thrives in damp and dimly lit areas like shower, sink or a dark outdoor area. Alternaria can give rise to health problems like asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

Aspergillus

Another commonly found, minimally dangerous mould is aspergillus. It has over 85 species occurring in different colours. Although it is an allergic mould, subject to the species and environment, this mould can pose serious health issues.

Aureobasidium

Aureobasidium mould thrives on wooden furniture, surfaces, painted walls and wallpapers as well as round windows and in caulk. A pink and black spot in any of these areas is an indication of  Aureobasidium mould. As it is commonly found, many people have known to develop allergic reactions because of it and can cause more severe reaction as opposed to any other moulds.

Chaetomium

A drywall that has experienced water damage is the perfect breeding ground for Chaetomium mould. Typically you can identify this kind of mould by a musty or old odour in your home.

Fusarium

Colder, wetter areas usually facilitate the growth of Fusarium mould. Fusarium mould prefers carpeted areas and similar fabrics as their home. Being a mould, it causes the standard allergic reactions in addition to chronic infections and inflammations.

Penicillium

Penicillium is a quick spreading mould normally found indoors inside insulations and in water damaged areas with furniture and carpets. Like every other mould, Penicillium too can cause homeowner some serious sinus infections and also allergic reactions.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

Stachybotrys Chartarum or black mould also goes by the name of Toxic Mould owing to the toxic compound it creates. This compound (mycotoxins) can cause breathing issues, asthma attacks and many more health problems. This mould is normally found in areas that stay damp most of the times like air conditioning pipes and ducts.

Serpula Lacrymans

A commonly found outdoors mould, Serpula Lacrymans can also be found growing indoors on wooden surfaces. This mould feeds solely on wooden surfaces causing dry rot within the wood, gradually ruining the furniture. It has a yellow appearance.

See Also: How can you control mould growth in your home

May it be any type of mould, having it growing in your house can have serious respiratory issues to you and your family. And although some people seem immune to mould, children and elderly can have major problems. It's best to have a professional cleaning company do a mould test and get a thorough mould cleanup done. Contact Bio Cleanse Services on 0427 411 789 for mould remediation services.

Qualities of a Good Disinfectant

By cleaning your home or office regularly, are you really getting rid of germs and bacteria or are you just removing all the dirt and stains? By spraying and wiping surfaces, you may manage to restore the place to a clean and tidy state, but there could still be a wide range of viruses, bacteria, germs, etc. lingering on surfaces.

It is not ideal to use a single cleaner to clean every type of surface as each surface may demand a different formula for cleaning. To make the right choice it is important to know the qualities of a good disinfectant. Read on to find out what those features are.

Wide usage

Instead of storing several bottles in your cabinet, opt for a disinfectant that claims to effectively kill a major variety of germs and bacteria. A solution with good cleaning properties helps to avoid the need for a separate cleaner. But don’t forget to bear in mind the type of surface while selecting a cleaner.

Stable and Effective

Ensure the disinfectant is stable in concentrated as well as in diluted states. Check for compatibility and select a cleaner that can be used in combination with other solutions. The effectiveness of the disinfectant should not be compromised even after being combined with other formulas during use.

No health risks

Pay extra importance when it comes to safety. Make sure neither the disinfectant nor its residue has an adverse effect on you, your family and your pets. This is a crucial step especially if someone in your home suffers from allergies and other health problems.

Environmental friendly

Many times, disinfectants end up going down the drains of sinks bathrooms, toilets, etc. and are quite hazardous to the environment. It is best to choose disinfectants that are bio-friendly. Beware of products that make false claims of being environmentally safe. Read product labels carefully to find out if they are truly safe or not.

Damage and odour free

You don't want your surfaces to look discoloured or start to erode after using a disinfectant. Keep in mind all cleaners are not always suitable for all surfaces, so choose wisely. Also if you notice any strong or unusual odours before buying, look for other options.

Affordable

Since eliminating germs and bacteria is of utmost importance when it comes to regular cleaning, you need to look out for a disinfectant that is not highly priced rather cost-effective. 

Clear instructions

For a disinfectant to work effectively, you need to follow the cleaning procedure mentioned on the product label. Proper instructions related to how to use the solution, how long it must be left on a surface to kill germs/bacteria. Instructions related to storage and disposal should also be covered.

If your property has become severely contaminated after a biohazardous event, leave the cleaning and disinfecting process entirely to Bio Cleanse Services. Reach us on 0427 411 789.