When disaster strikes, it can leave your belongings in bad shape: coated in soot, soaked with flood water, or even covered in mold.
Whether it’s a flood, fire, or storm, knowing how to properly clean and restore your belongings is crucial.
Here at ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we’ve been providing disaster restoration services to Chicago residents since 1996.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps involved in content cleaning after a disaster – including when to call in the professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Disasters can cause various types of damage, from smoke and mold to water saturation and even biohazard exposure.
- If you want to save your belongings and prevent further damage, you’ve got to get started on content cleaning as quickly as possible.
- If you’re in the Chicago area, call ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for professional content cleaning services: (312) 707-8597.
How Disasters Impact Your Personal Property
When a disaster hits, it’s not just the structure of your property that suffers – your furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and personal items can be hugely impacted, as well.
Here are just a few of the types of damage you may be facing:
- Smoke and Soot: These fine particles can embed in soft materials like fabrics and carpets, creating lingering odors and lasting discoloration.
- Water Saturation: Floods, burst pipes, and firefighting efforts can saturate your carpets, belongings, and furniture, making them vulnerable to mold and mildew.
- Mold Growth: Mold spores begin to grow in as little as 24 hours in damp conditions. If not treated immediately, mold can cause health issues like respiratory issues and new or worsening allergies.
- Biohazard Exposure: Sewage backups and chemical contamination pose serious health risks and require specialized equipment and techniques to clean up.
Professional vs. DIY Contents Cleaning
