How To Restore A Water Damaged Mattress

When water damage hits your home, whether it is due to flooding or a burst pipe, it wouldn’t skip anything. That includes your mattresses. 

A water damaged mattress contaminated by water can be challenging to deal with, not to mention potential mold growth. And, you might be wondering whether you can save it or not. 

In this article, we will share helpful tips on how to restore your water damaged mattress. In some cases, you might be able to save your mattress. However, in other cases, you may need to completely discard it.

First: Inspect The Damage of Your Mattress

When it comes to a water damaged mattress, it is important to act fast. The longer the water or moisture lingers in your mattress, the greater the chances of discarding them. The first thing you have to do is evaluate the damage to your mattress immediately.  

If the mattress has been completely soaked or was submerged in floodwater, then the damage could be so serious that you may not have an option, but to throw it. You can also consider getting a restoration professional to save your mattress. 

A completely wet or contaminated mattress, when not cleaned or dried properly, can be a dangerous breeding ground for mold growth. Mold on a mattress is a big concern because of the health risks associated with the growth of mold. 

 

How to Restore your Water Damaged Mattress

If the mattress is not underwater for some time, you may be able to save and clean it. Whether you hire a professional to save your mattress or do it yourself, make sure to act fast or treat it within 24 hours and ensure that all moisture is completely removed to prevent mold growth. 

1. Remove excess water or moisture

Absorb as much water as possible from your soaked mattress. You can first use dry towels to remove the water. Replace the wet towels with dry ones and repeat the process to properly absorb water. 

To ensure that moisture is fully absorbed from your mattress, rent or buy a wet-dry shop vacuum. Use the vacuum on the entire surface of the mattress to suck up the water from the inside of the bed.

After that, sprinkle baking soda onto the wet mattress to completely cover it. Work the baking soda into the inside of the mattress by scrubbing it with a dry sponge. Baking soda helps absorb moisture and prevent mold growth. Leave the baking soda on the mattress for a few hours. Then, remove it by vacuuming. 

If the mattress is really wet, use cat litter, instead of baking soda, to absorb more moisture. Sprinkle it over the mattress, push it into the surface, allow it to do its magic for a few hours, and vacuum it up. 

Repeat the process of baking soda or cat litter until you feel that you’ve removed as much moisture as possible. 

2. Clean the Mattress

Even after sprinkling baking soda and using a shop vac, mold and mildew may still grow on your mattress. To ensure that it is completely clean and mold won’t appear, use an alcohol solution to clean your mattress.

Make a cleaning solution with a mixture of 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and a cup of water. Use a clean cloth, wring it out and wipe the entire surface of the mattress. The alcohol can help prevent mold from growing in your mattress. 

3. Dry the water damaged mattress completely in the sun

A great way to make sure that your mattress is dry and sanitized is to dry it in the sun.  If the weather permits, dry the mattress outside in the sun. 

Position the mattress standing on its side, supported by small blocks, or leaning against a wall for proper air circulation. You can also use a dehumidifier and fans inside to help finish the drying process. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before using it. 

Get Professional Help

The basic tips above will surely help you restore the mattress. However, when it comes to water damage, it is always best to leave the job to the professionals because you are taking a big risk doing DIY restoration. 

Water damage restoration companies, like Superior Restoration, have the proper tools and methods to properly clean and dry your water damaged mattress. 

For professional water damage cleanup and restoration services, contact us today. 

Causes of Dishwasher Water Damage

 Are you one of the unlucky homeowners who experienced water damage from a dishwasher? In movies, particularly comedy movies, it is one of the most popular scenes ( a kid puts a lot of soap, then the dishwasher explodes with bubbles ) then the viewers have a good laugh at their expense. However, when you are dealing with water leaks from a dishwasher, firsthand, you will probably panic and get stressed out. One of the important things homeowners should know is the common causes of dishwasher water damage. By this, you will know what proactive steps you can take to prevent it from happening.

The Danger of Water Damage From A Dishwasher

Dishwashers are one of the most reliable appliances one can have in a kitchen. But this time-saving, high-tech machine, when faulty, can cause significant damage to the different elements of your kitchen. These include damage to your tiles,  wood, drywall, wallpaper, laminate, paint, and even electrical wiring. 

What Would Cause A Dishwasher Water Damage

Here the common causes of dishwasher water damage;

1. Worn Gaskets

The gasket is the soft rubber or seal that prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher. However, this material can dry out, crack or become brittle over time. Accumulated foods along the edge of the gasket can also keep the door from closing tightly. 

If you notice water leaking out directly from the dishwasher, blame it on your damaged or malfunctioned gaskets. replace the gasket immediately. 

2. Unlevel Dishwasher

When the dishwasher is not level, it can cause water to pool in a certain area, instead of flowing directly to the drain. For instance, water can pool in the gasket that keeps the water inside the machine. The excess pressure can eventually cause damage to this rubber material and result in water leakage. Leveling the dishwasher is easy and can keep you from spending money on repairs. 

To level the dishwasher, you may need to adjust the legs. Check the manuals to determine how you can adjust the legs. You may also check the drain water level to ensure that the machine is accordingly level. 

3. Wrong Dishwashing Detergent

When it comes to dishwashers, it is important to use detergents specifically meant for the machine.  Regular dishwasher soap can foam a lot and may cause water leaks. Excessive suds can push water out of the machine, which eventually leads to leaking and serious water damage.

Avoid using regular soap when rinsing dishes. 

4. Broken Dishwasher Door

If you notice a leak in the door itself, even after closing tightly, it might be the door latched has been bent, damaged, or not holding tightly. Tighten the latch with a screwdriver to securely close the door. If it is damaged, you may need to install new latch systems. 

5. Damaged Tub

If you have had your dishwasher for quite a while or it is used frequently, the dishwasher tub will most likely wear out. A hole might develop in the tub and cause water to leak to your kitchen floor. This damage occurs due to corrosion from detergents and minerals. If the tub is completely damaged, you may need to replace it with a new one. 

Professional Water Damage Restoration Services

Water damage from a dishwasher can happen anytime, but knowing its causes and taking proactive actions can prevent from dealing with this stressful situation. But, if your kitchen or home suffers from dishwasher water damage, contact a professional restoration company immediately.

Superior Restoration is the leading restoration company in Temecula. We offer excellent water damage cleanup and restoration services. We have skilled professionals ready to help you in case of a water damage event. 

Contact us today for water damage restoration services. 

5 Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

Every home needs to have quality indoor air. It is critical for good health. One of the things that help provide better circulation of air inside a home is the air ducts. They help circulate the air from the heating and cooling system, which promotes constant indoor comfort, whether in summer or winter. However, air ducts are known to be filthy, cleaning it is very necessary. 

What is Air Duct Cleaning?

According to EPA, air duct cleaning is the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of a forced-air system that includes supply, diffuser, cooling coils, condenser, etc. If the air duct is not maintained and cleaned, these components might become contaminated with particles like dust, pollens, or other debris which can result in unhealthy indoor air. 

Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

There are many benefits of regularly cleaning your air duct or having it  cleaned by professionals, and this includes:

1. Creates a Cleaner Environment.

A clean air duct in your home creates a better living environment. It improves your breathing since you don’t have to worry about dust, pollen, animal dander, or even mold lying around your house. A dirty duct contains millions of dust that may be contaminated. These particles can travel through the air and might land on your furniture, bedding, or flooring. If you don’t want to live in a dusty environment, have your air duct cleaned thoroughly. 

2. Helps You Breathe Naturally.

Indoor air that is contaminated with pollens, allergens, and dirt can cause environmental illnesses like asthma, respiratory disorder, sneezing, and coughing. This can even affect a healthy household. But, cleaning your air duct can help remove the dirty particles that spread inside your home and prevent any of these diseases from occurring.

3. Removes Unpleasant Smells and Odors.

Most homeowners tend to use a scented air freshener or air purifier to eliminate odors or unwanted smells in their homes. However, this technique is just temporary. The musty smell will just flow again throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioner or furnace. The accumulated dirt and dust can also cause your duct to release unwanted smells. But, a clean air duct can help remove this stale odor and release fresh, healthy air. 

4. Improves Quality of Airflow.

The dirty air duct has the possibility of having a heavy build-up of grime or dust. This build-up can hamper the flow of the air in your furnace and air conditioner. This will cause your system to work her, reducing its efficiency in cooling and heating your home. On the other hand, a clean air duct helps your AC system to function well and boost its efficiency, as these two make a good pair. Furthermore, a good air conditioner will consume less electricity and helps you save a lot of money on your utility bills.

5. Protect your components.

Having a well-maintained air duct gives your components a better quality. It also prevents costly repairs and the long life of your systems. 

Simple Tips on How to Clean An Air Duct

1. Locate and assess all the air ducts in your household. Prepare for the right tools and equipment to use in cleaning it.

2. Cover the supply registers with a paper towel to avoid excess dust from releasing into the room.

3. Turn on the fan to avoid the flowing of dust into the room. It also prevents people from inhaling the air.

4. Check the filter and loosen up the dust covering the air duct. Use a large, stiff-bristle paintbrush to clean it.

5. After clearing the dust, remove the dirt from the supply register, and remove the paper.

6. After removing the dirt in the air supply register, turn off the fan and furnace.

7. Use a vacuum to clean the blower compartment and make sure to replace the furnace filter with a clean one.

8. Access the main air duct, and vacuum all the dirty particles.

Professional Air Duct Cleaning

Indoor air quality is a crucial thing that requires attention. For your home to have fresh, healthy air and free from any pollutants, toxins, and allergens, make sure to have your air duct thoroughly cleaned. You can also seek help from a professional like Superior Restoration.

Superior Restoration offers professional air duct cleaning services using the most advanced method of duct cleaning. Our professionals are trained and experienced in providing thorough cleaning and elimination of contaminants. Call our office for professional air duct cleaning services.

What You Need to Know About Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common indoor problems. It is also the worst problem you may encounter after a flood or water leakage inside your home. For some instances, it is also one of the leading causes of home insurance claims and is responsible for millions of damages every year. When talking about the effects, water damage contributes to the structural and foundation problems which can actually destroy your personal belongings and decorative finishes. Worst, water damages lead to another problem for it creates a perfect environment for mold growth.

 

What to do in case of water damage?

Water damage can be in the form of water leakage due to broken pipes or water lines, sump pump failures, wall leakages, or a weak structural foundation. Before these things ruin your property, it is better if you know the things you need to do when any of these occur.

1. Know where the problem is coming from. 

Before you start your water damage restoration, you have to look for the source of the problem. Mostly water leak sources can be identified depending on its classification:

a. Clean water: This classification of water comes mostly from rain or leaky pipes. It does not contain any harmful chemicals, if this is the source of your growing problem with water, it is safe to handle yourself.

b. Gray water: This is the water leak from home fixtures like your dishwasher, toilet, or washing machine. Unlike clean water, this water can be slightly contaminated. If you wish to clean this by yourself, you would have to know proper precautions.

c. Blackwater: Lastly, the most harmful type of water, blackwater. This comes from the sewer or flooding from nearby bodies of water such as rivers. The important thing to know about this water is that it often contains health hazards. It is unsafe, so you might need help handling this.

2. Disconnect outlets. 

The next thing you need to know when handling water damage is to unplug all necessary electronic appliances immediately.  Even when you still haven’t checked the damage it has caused or may cause, it is very important to be careful with the electronics and gas lines. This could prevent possible electric accidents and explosions from your property.

3. Remove damaged belongings. 

Materials, such as carpets, insulations, and the like, can cause mildew when exposed with water. Hence they should be disposed of. It is important to focus on the floor and ceiling materials first.  They are possibly made of wood and other materials that need to be addressed and replaced immediately to not affect the structural integrity of the property.

4. Dry the affected areas. 

Before the water damages a larger portion of your property, eliminate all moisture and dry out the affected areas. This won’t guarantee a hundred percent prevention of mold growth in the areas affected, but a proper drying out of the area will help lessen the damage and its cost.

5. Disinfect and restore. 

The worst part of dealing with water damage is its power to encourage the growth of mold in your property. In line with this, it is advised to sanitize and disinfect the remaining areas immediately before you begin the restoration process. Dealing with water damages unproperly could lead to health problems, so, if you are taking on your own restoration, it’s important to properly assess the situation first.

 

For a safer restoration process, or if your assessment reveals that the damage is beyond what you can handle, it’s always a good idea to look for guidance and leave water damage restoration to a trusted restoration company.

Connect today to inquire and learn more about dealing with water damage remediation.

What are the Negative Effects of Excessive Water and Moisture in Your Home?

Moisture is commonly caused by bathing, cooking, washing and even breathing. It is normal; however, excessive moisture is not for it can lead to serious water damage.

Water damage is an issue that most property owners fear. When it rains continuously or snow dissolves rapidly, the danger of this sort of damage increments. Water can cause a large number of dollars of damage by damaging wood furniture, upholstery, appliances, family unit apparatuses, and plumbing gear. Water damage additionally builds the danger of mold development, which is an over the top expensive issue to remediate. Contacting and hiring a water damage restoration company can make the cleanup procedure simpler to deal with, as these organizations utilize experienced specialists who know the most ideal approaches to fix or supplant damaged things and help with water damage cleanup.

There are a few potential reasons for water harm. Flawed dishwashers, stopped up toilets, broken channels, broken dishwasher hoses, flooding clothes washers, defective rooftops, plumbing breaks, and establishment splits are only a portion of the potential reasons for water harm in homes and organizations. Floods, overwhelming snow, and substantial downpour are other potential reasons for this sort of harm and can prompt having water in storm cellars. A lot of water can prompt minor issues, for example, water in storm cellar zones, or it can prompt the demolition of homes and organizations.

Foundation Defects

Unnecessary water leakage can possibly lead to a foundation or structural damages of a home in various ways. However, foundation damages may be structural or non-structural. Structural water damage to the home’s or building’s foundation occurs when the damage caused by water through leakages or plumbing failure is prolonged and/or extensive. The vertical stability is affected causing the structure to shift under its own weight or load, and it often sinks further to the ground. Moreover, the house basement could begin flexing inwards as it becomes structurally unsound. However, non-structural damage to the foundation ordinarily refers to the leakages through small cracks in a structure’s foundation or gaps in joints or wall cracks of a concrete wall.

Furthermore, water damage can not only be for concrete foundation or walls. Wood is a common construction and design material, and when there is unreasonable dampness in your home, water leakage or gas spillage, your wooden floors or furniture are in danger. Dampness can make wooden surfaces swell and twist. More regrettable still, presentation to such unnecessary dampness and other water damages can prompt wood rot, brought about by rot parasites that ruin the material totally.

Keeping your home free from additional dampness and water leakage, and keeping up a sound stickiness level will enable you to maintain a strategic distance from these potential dangers for your well-being and your property.

Appliance Damage

Electronic appliances can be one of the most affected of water leakages and be possibly damaged in any minute that the water spread out. Water leakage, or even excessive moisture around the said appliance, is known as the main reason for most of the electronic appliance's malfunction such as corroding contacts and reducing insulation resistance, it can lead to short circuits that may lead to the worst—fire. This is why it is recommended to protect your electronic appliances from drastic temperature changes that could cause moisture, and do not underestimate a simple water leakage.

Health Problems

Water is very much important in our lives because our body uses water in all its cells, organs and even tissues to help regulate and maintain other bodily functions. It is important for us to stay hydrated by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. However, water could also be harmful to you and your family. When water damage occurs, it would probably be a cause of moisture that promotes the growth of mold and other organisms such as bacteria, increasing the risk for a serious health problem. Water damage is one of the reasons for mold exposure in your homes. Mold, on the other hand, may aggravate allergy reactions and asthma symptoms, for both adults and children, especially those with compromised immune systems.

When a home or business sustains water damages, it is critical to begin the water damage cleanup right away. Beginning water damage cleanup as quickly as time permits improve the probability of sparing water-doused furniture, rugs, mats, garments, and different things. However, preparing your home against water damage is very necessary and will save you a lot of time, money and stress.

There are several ways to help prevent unwanted water from entering your home and/or prevent water leakages inside your home such as maintaining proper drainage pipes, always checking any leaks around the house, checking your exterior siding for possible defects and keeping your home dry to avoid water damages.


Prepare today and keep you, your family and your property safe from any possible harm and damages. On the off chance that the water damage already occurs, keep calm and contact a professional for proper maintenance and actions needed.

How To Spot Water Damage at Home

Your home is a valuable possession you have and you want it to be the safest place for you and your family. However, water damage can happen without your knowledge and can generate ample losses. Water, if given a chance to intrude your home, will attack porous materials such as wood, upholstered furniture, and others and will then do its detrimental actions such as rotting of wood, mold growth, decaying of steel, de-laminating of materials such as plywood, and many others. Moreover, water can damage the whole structure of your home making it unsafe to habitat.

Water damage is the result of leaky dishwashers, clogged toilets, broken pipes, broken dishwasher hoses, overflowing washing machines, leaky roofs, plumbing leaks, foundation cracks and some severe natural disaster such as storm, hurricane, and flooding.

Act fast before anything worse happens. Give your home a thorough inspection frequently to avoid big losses and costly repairs. Below are some methods for examining water damage within your home.

Look for Stains

Water stains are the most distinct signs of water damage. At times, they are quite difficult to remove. Check stains on the walls, ceilings, around the windows, door frames, on the floor around the bathtub, toilet, and sink. Unusual stains could be a sign that there is a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall. Some indications of serious problems are cracks from the drywalls and swollen appearance that are soft to touch. Moreover, peeling paint and wallpaper are also signs of staining.

Check the Pipes

Your home is composed and surrounded with lots of pipes. They could last a lifetime but could also be broken due to daily wear and tear and with some water pressure. Most of them are hidden that is why they are taken for granted. Check the pipes in your kitchen sink, bathroom, basement, and electric appliances.

Check the Floors

Any type of flooring can be damaged by water and there are certain signs you have to look out. Cracks, bubbling and warped flooring are signs that your tile and wood flooring have water damage. Damp spots, soft areas and a general smell of dampness and mold are some signs that you have to be wary with your carpeted flooring.

Inspect the Exterior

Go around the outside part of your home. Check for the pool of water or a puddle anywhere outside your home. This could be a result of poor drainage in the yard, leaky rain gutters and the gutter spouts that are not functioning well and delivering water far enough from the house. Moreover, check some warning signs of water damage on the roof such as broken, missing or cracked shingles and broken flushing.

Lookout For Visible Mold

Mold is another indication of water damage. Though they usually appear in black color, mold can also be blue, green and grey. Mold becomes visible when areas are consistently damp and high level of moisture is present. They can grow in every part of your home, where you can’t easily see them. Remember that all types of mold can possess health risks and the odor can be unpleasant.


If you are experiencing water damage at home, better seek a professional to remediate the damage and avoid further losses.

HANDLING SMOKE DAMAGE AFTER A FIRE

Fires occur in residential or commercial premises from time to time and cause significant damage to property. Some of the major causes of fire damage are accidents and negligence, faulty wiring, faulty construction, defective appliances, willful misconduct and natural disasters. In case you are a fire victim, the next course of action is usually fire damage restoration.

Fire damage restoration is the process of returning the damaged property to its pre-loss state. One crucial aspect of the water/fire restoration process is smoke damage restoration. Dealing with smoke damage is often the primary pain point after the fire is put out. Below is a simple guide on how to manage smoke damage after a fire.

1. IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF FIRE

Not all fires are the same. Depending on the source, every fire will have a personality and damage type. Low oxygen fires tend to leave behind wet smoke residue. On the other hand, high oxygen fires leave the drier smoke residue. 

You will find it a lot easier to clean residue from high oxygen fires. In case you used water to extinguish the fire, the humidity in the premises will typically increase. The increased moisture causes the wooden structures to absorb more smoke and residue.

2. OBSERVE SAFETY

Smoke is corrosive and can damage anything if you give it enough time. In many cases, smoke from a commercial or residential fire is not only emanating from burnt wood. It may come from other items such as plastics, chemical, and leathers.

These factors will determine how you deal with the smoke damage. The air around these charred items may be toxic. As such, you should consider wearing nitrile gloves and dust masks. Another recommended task is ventilating the premises. Open all the windows and install a fan to circulate air.

3. ELIMINATE ANY SOURCE OF ODOR

Odor from smoke damage can be particularly challenging to deal with. Start by removing all the items that you have deemed to be a total loss or beyond repair from the property as soon as possible. Doing so will mitigate a considerable amount of the smoke odor.

The next step is drying any remaining wet items. Use fans and dehumidifiers to achieve this. The smoke odor may remain in upholstered furniture, draperies, carpets, and clothing. This will be the case if you do not adequately deodorize them before cleaning. You should ideally seek professional assistance for this process.

If you cannot have the textiles professionally treated, there are two options. The first is to soak the textiles in a cup of dishwashing detergent dissolved in a gallon of warm water. The second option is to use household chlorine bleach for the items that can be bleached.

4. CLEAN SOOT STAINS FROM WALLS

If possible, use a chemicals sponge to clean soot from the walls. Chemical sponges are usually available from a cleaning supply company. You can also use other non-water based cleaner for this task. Rubbing alcohol or paint thinner also work well. 

However, you must exercise caution while using these items due to the fumes and toxicity. Wear rubber gloves and increased ventilation while you are working. Avoid using water-based cleaners on plaster walls. They cause the stains to bleed into the walls.

You should contact your insurance agency as soon as possible following a fire incident. They may provide advice on the restoration process and legalities. They may be able to recommend a professional water and fire damage restorer. Regardless of whether you enlist the services of professional fire restorers, the above actions can help minimize further damage

Help! My Home has Suffered Water Damage

One of the most damaging and devastating things any homeowner can experience is water damage. The term ‘water damage’ entails a wide range of possible losses caused by sudden presence of water in your home, where it can lead to destructive processes like rusting of steel, rotting of wooden components, etc. Water damage can be caused due to different reasons such as burst pipes or catastrophic events like storm or flood.
When your home suffers from water damage, you will suddenly panic, worrying about what you can do now and what will happen to your stuff. The most important question you’ll ask yourself is: Will the damage be covered by homeowner’s insurance?
There is no doubt that water damage can be troublesome and the more you know about it, the better you can handle it. Here are some important things you must know about water damage.

1. Insurance Policies 

You may think that whether water damage is caused by flood or a burst pipe, it is the same. However, it is not the case. Flood damage is not covered under standard home insurance policies. If you live in an area where there is a possibility of flood, then you will probably have a policy through the National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP).
You need to specify the claim you are making, whether it is water damage or flood damage, so that it can be addressed accordingly.

2. Bummer! Insurance does not cover all Water Damage 

It is important that you review your insurance coverage and find out about any exclusion related to water damage. Most policies provide insurance coverage on sudden damage, for example, if there was a bad storm then the water damage will be covered under insurance.
However, if water damage is caused due to improper maintenance on your part or gradual leaks over time, then insurance will not cover such claims.

3. Emergency Mitigation 

Once water damage has occurred, you must begin emergency mitigation to protect your home from further damage. How you handle water damage in the first 24 hours is critical for your property damage claims.
There can be serious life, health, and safety risks if water is not completely dried. It is best to contact water damage restoration companies to get the job done. They will have the right water removal and drying equipment to dry out your home and prevent further damage.

4. Contacting the Insurance Company

If your home has suffered water damage, then insurance companies should be contacted right away to make the claim. An adjuster will be sent by the insurance company to assess the damage and determine if it is covered by insurance. If your loss is covered by insurance, the sooner you contact the insurance company, the sooner they’ll pay out.
The insurance company may not send the adjuster right away so it is best to gather evidence for the claim. Take photos of the damage, the water, before, during and after clean up.
God forbid it should ever happen, but if your home ever suffers from water damage, keep these simple things in mind to prevent further damage and make the insurance claim to compensate for your loss.