We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our founder, Ed Smith. Mr. Smith passed away on June 5, 2008 with his family by his side. Although there will always be a void in the lives he touched, Mrs. Smith and our family are carrying on along the path he forged. We will continue to keep ServiceMaster by Ed Smith the company you've come to trust and rely on.
Spotting Tips
Accidents happen. And with our current economy, not everyone can afford to have their carpet/furniture cleaned every time something is spilled. Here are some helpful tips for spotting those little accidents on carpet when they happen:
Start by blotting, not rubbing, away any excess spills with a cloth or rag. Rubbing may cause the spot to smear or spread. Always test spotting treatments in an inconspicuous spot.
Grease/Oil Marks - gently rub in talcum powder, cornmeal or cornstarch. Let is set and then brush or sponge powder away.
Mustard - Soak stained area with diluted ammonia. Then allow to dry
Pet Urine - Dampen area with equal parts white vinegar and water. Blot dry.
Blood Stains - Flush with cold water, avoid hot water as the heat may set the stain. Apply plain meat tenderizer and allow to sit. Vacuum once dry.
Gum - Freeze with ice and use a dull knife to remove.
BONUS TIP:Furniture dent in carpet can easily be removed by placing an ice cube in the dent and allowing to melt.
Help! My house is flooded!
If you find your home flooded, it can be devestating. You find yourself overwhelmed with concern for you home and belongings. But do you know what to do? More importantly, do you know where your water main is? If not, you're not alone. Many homeowners are unaware of where their water main is. Get familiar with the location of your water main in case of an emergency. Turning off your water main is usually the fastest way to stop water from further affecting your home.
*Update: If we're in the area or providing other services, we'd be happy to show you where your water main is and tag it, just in case.
If you have a water damage...
- Locate the source of the water and turn it off to prevent it from further intrusion. If this is a plumbing issue and you can't locate the source or are unable to turn it off locally, turn the water main off until a plumber can repair the leak.
- Call ServiceMaster by Ed Smith and your insurance company to begin restoration. Speed is essential. The faster we can begin remediation, the faster your home will be dry. The longer water can sit, the more it can affect the interior of your home. That can mean longer drying times and more money. That's why we suggest you call ServiceMaster and your insurance provider as soon as possible
- Move belongings out of the wet area.
- You can place aluminum foil around the feet of furniture to help alleviate any further damage.
If you're uncertain whether you'll be filing a claim or not, we'll be happy to begin restoring your home and evaluating the damage. Additionally, we will keep you and/or your adjuster up to date with progress, plans and cost.
BONUS TIP: What do we see that cause most water damages in homes? The top offenders are: Toilet supply lines, ice maker lines and water heaters.
