Does bleach kill mold?

For the majority of surfaces in your home, bleach won't actually get rid of your mold problem. It's the "iceberg effect. " Visible mold is usually a small percentage of the actual amount of mold growth. Bleach can't kill mold on porous surfaces like wood, and while tile or fiberglass surfaces can be cleaned with bleach, often the mold has spread far deeper. The reason why mold remediation companies don't recommend DIY cleanup isn't that they want to make more money; they know, in their experience, that a mold problem is usually far more invasive than can be seen with the naked eye. Simply cleaning the surfaces can provide false assurances that you got rid of the mold, only to have it come back time and time again.

Does carpet cleaning cause faster soilage?

There is a common misconception that cleaning your carpets causes them to soil faster. This isn’t a complete myth and has some basis in fact. Improperly cleaning of a carpet can leave behind residues that will cause faster soilage as those residues make their way out of the carpet along with any dirt and grit that was also left behind. With a proper cleaning from a professional company this isn’t something you need to worry about.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold remediation?

Sometimes mold remediation is included if the cause of the mold was a "covered peril" like a burst hot water heater or water damage caused by firefighters extinguishing a fire in your house. Gradual water damage - like from a leaking pipe or hose - will often cause mold growth, but your insurance coverage will usually not cover that by claiming that it was caused by poor maintenance or neglect. If your insurance company denies your claim, you should request an inspection from a mold remediation company that can help you document the source of the mold.

How cold does it have to get to cause pipes to freeze?

Temperatures 20° Fahrenheit or less, sustained for 3 days or more, are likely to cause frozen pipes. If the weather is also windy, any temperature below 32° Fahrenheit can also create a frozen pipe situation.

How do I clean up soot?

DIY soot removal is not recommended. Commercially available products can actually cause permanent damage to surfaces. Soot itself is primarily oil-based, but that residue also contains toxic, possibly biohazard contaminants.

How do I know for sure what caused the water damage to my property?

Identifying the source of the water damage is one of the first steps in both the insurance claim process and before beginning to dry out and repair the damaged areas. After all, if you replace a sagging, wet ceiling that was caused by a roof leak but don't fix the roof, too, the next rainstorm will start the cycle all over again. The buckling to your hardwood floor could be caused by a leaking pipe. We will pinpoint the exact cause of your water damage and make sure the source is repaired. We make sure your restoration job is done right the first time.

How long will it take to dry out my property?

That depends on the types of materials that were affected by water. Drywall, carpet, and hardwood floors will take longer to dry than other materials in the space. We use moisture meters throughout the process and in many different locations to gauge the moisture levels and will continue to adjust our fans and dehumidifiers to achieve an efficient but effective dry time. The bare minimum of "three days to dry" may only produce a surface dry, but can still leave behind moisture levels that create an ideal environment for mold to grow.

How often should I have my carpets professionally cleaned?

Carpets should be professionally cleaned once a year at a bare minimum, but that’s for a low-key, low-traffic home. When you add in things like children, pets, and regular entertaining you’ll want to be getting them cleaned every six months and as needed to treat stains and messes.

I aired out my house after a small fire, but it still smells like smoke. What can I do?

Smoke damage is rarely limited to one area of the house, and it leaves behind a residue that can hide in crevices and out-of-reach areas, and a simple "airing out" may not be sufficient. We recommend consulting with a smoke damage technician who can help you troubleshoot the next steps.

I seem to be sick all the time. Is the mold in my house making me ill?

It could be. Because mold spores are microscopic and airborne, you'll end up breathing them into your lungs. Depending on the type of mold and how well your immune system functions, you may develop some serious health symptoms that could end up being the result of mold. That's why a mold remediation company takes mold removal so seriously. The space affected by mold is isolated and contained during cleaning so the spores won't spread to other areas of the house, and the remediation team stays suited up in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the process.

The Impact of Lifestyle Changes on Carpet Cleaning Demand: Analyzing the Work-from-Home Effect

Posted by: Bolden's Cleaning & Restoration Services on January 1, 2025

In recent years, the way people work has changed drastically. With the rise of remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lifestyles have transformed significantly, leading to a ripple effect in various industries, including carpet cleaning.

As individuals spend more time at home, the demand for carpet cleaning services has evolved, bringing challenges and opportunities for businesses such as Bolden's Cleaning & Restoration.

In this blog post, we will explore how the shift to a work-from-home lifestyle has impacted the carpet cleaning industry. We'll examine the changing demands of consumers, the factors influencing these changes, and how companies can adapt to this new landscape.

The Rise of Remote Work

The pandemic forced many businesses to transition to remote operations almost overnight. This dramatic shift has changed not only how we work but also how we maintain our homes, including our carpets.

Increased Carpet Use

With more people working from home, the frequency and manner in which carpets encounter dirt and wear have evolved. Home offices are often outfitted with carpets that may not have been high-priority cleaning targets in the past. People are not just using their space for work; they are socializing, exercising, and engaging in activities that contribute to dirt and grime accumulation.

More people are spending more time in their homes than ever before. With this increased usage, there's a greater need for thorough cleaning to maintain a healthy living environment.

Heightened Concerns for Cleanliness

The emphasis on hygiene has skyrocketed across many sectors as a result of the pandemic. Homeowners are now more conscious than ever about cleanliness, not just in kitchens and bathrooms, but in every room—including those covered in carpets.

The demand for carpet cleaning services has surged, led by a desire to create a cleaner and safer home environment.

Carpet Cleaning Trends in the Work-from-Home Era

As the demand for carpet cleaning services expands, several trends have emerged. Here are a few key trends that reflect the changing landscape:

Increased Cleaning Frequency: With the awareness of germs and allergens skyrocketing, homeowners are choosing to clean their carpets more frequently. Some are even considering monthly cleaning schedules rather than the traditional bi-annual or annual services. For carpet cleaning professionals, this trend presents an opportunity to offer tailored cleaning plans to accommodate various customer needs.
Specialty Services: With the transition to remote work, there has been an increase in demand for specialty services such as stain removal or odor treatment. Pets have also been a considerable influence in this trend, leading to more requests for pet stain and odor treatments. As such, companies providing tailored services can stand out in a competitive market.
Combination Services: To meet the evolving needs of their customers, cleaning companies are now bundling carpet cleaning with other services such as upholstery and tile cleaning. Customers prefer all-in-one solutions, especially during a time when convenience is key.

Implications for Carpet Cleaning Businesses

For carpet cleaning companies, understanding these evolving demands is necessary to remain relevant and competitive in the market. Here's how businesses can adapt to the changing environment:

Enhancing Service Quality: With increased competition in the carpet cleaning industry, businesses need to prioritize delivering exceptional service. This could mean investing in advanced cleaning technology, hiring skilled labor, and offering exceptional customer service. A company's reputation for quality service is often its biggest asset for gaining customer trust and loyalty.
Transparency and Trustworthiness: In today's landscape, transparency is key. Businesses should promote clarity about their cleaning processes, the products used, and their pricing structures. This builds trust and reassurance among clients who may have concerns about the effectiveness or safety of cleaning solutions during these times when health is an urgent concern.
Connecting with Your Community: Strong community ties can enhance a business's reputation through word-of-mouth marketing. Engaging in community cleanup events, offering special promotions for locals, or collaborating with other local businesses can build relationships and increase brand awareness.

Conclusion

The impact of lifestyle changes, especially the increase in work-from-home arrangements, is changing the carpet cleaning industry in unprecedented ways. As individuals prioritize cleanliness and hygiene in their living spaces, the demand for carpet cleaning services is expected to continue rising.

As we look to the future, it is clear that the work-from-home effect is here to stay, and businesses must remain flexible in adapting to this new normal. Whether you're working from home or just spending more time with your family, ensuring that your carpets receive the proper care they need is essential for creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

To learn more about Bolden's carpet cleaning services and how we can help you maintain a clean and healthy home, contact us today.