4 Steps to Completely Removing Cigarette Smoke Odor From a Home

Trying to get rid of the harsh smell of cigarettes?  You are not alone.  Whether you just moved into a new apartment or recently quit smoking, eliminating cigarette odor can be extremely challenging and frustrating.  Here are three tips that will help.

Step #1: Scrub Everything

That’s right…the first step to getting out the smell of smoke is to start cleaning. Get yourself a pair of rubber gloves and get to work. Wash the walls, ceilings, windows, closets, cabinets, light fixtures, and all the nooks and crannies. Experts usually recommend using a common degreaser, however, some people swear by less toxic solutions of vinegar and baking soda. Either way…a little elbow grease should go a long way.

Step #2: Remove all Carpet and Fabric

The smell of smoke will never come out of carpets, drapes, and couches. Your best bet is to ditch all of these items that you can.

Step #3: Prime and Paint all Walls and Ceilings

Whether you do it yourself or hire a painter…do NOT skip this step. It is important to give all of your walls a fresh coat of primer and a fresh coat of paint in order to have a fresh smelling home.

Step #4: Clean Your HVAC Ductwork

Hiring a licensed and certified (by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association) company to clean your coils and ductwork is a critical step to removing the smoke oder from a home. All of that cigarette-infested air has been flowing through your HVAC system.  Don’t forget to throw out and replace that old filter as well.

10 Things All Floridians Need to Know About Mold

After flood waters recede, dangerous mold spores can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours on a varity of household surfaces.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Our team of Licensed Mold Assessors, Certified Mold Remediators (C.M.R.) and Ventilation Systems Mold Remediators (V.S.M.R.) can offer you solutions. With over 21 years experience in the remediation industry, Air Duct Aseptics is your best choice for mold remediation.

For your FREE estimate call us at 888.979.9564 or contact us by clicking here.

Wellington Florida – Air Quality Impacted By Sugarcane Burning

Sugarcane burning increases the efficiency of sugarcane harvests and lowers the costs of producing sugar.  Unfortunately, it also brings unwanted smoke and ash into the community.  West of the Village of Wellington, in Palm Beach County, there are 300,000 acres of sugarcane fields.  Between October and April, farmers burn the fields to rid the plants of leafy material, which accounts for about 25% of each plant.

The resulting smoke and ash leads to negative health effects for those in the surrounding communities. When the fields are burning and the air quality is poor, there is an increase in asthma attacks, coughs and itchy eyes.  The smoke and ash enters homes and offices and may affect indoor air quality long after the plants are done burning.  The Sierra Club is calling for the end of sugarcane burning,   “It’s time to end a practice that makes our community sick,” Julie Hathaway, of the Sierra Club.

As indoor air quality specialists, we are hopeful that the practice of burning the cane fields will give way to a new process that will be less detrimental to the health of the people living in Belle Glade, Pahokee, Loxahatchee, Wellington, and Royal Palm Beach.

If you live in these communities and you would like to speak to us about your indoor air quality concerns…please call us!  888.979.9564

We offer indoor air quality testing and air duct cleaning that can help ensure that your indoor air is as clean, fresh, and healthy as possible.

Source posted by Michelle