A nice leather couch or chair is a beautiful piece of furniture. Leather can serve as a statement piece in a room or help cultivate a design trend that’s rugged and stately. Leather is very durable and resilient, but quality leather furniture doesn’t come cheap.

Understanding how to clean leather furniture can be a challenge for those in the Greensburg, PA, area. Since leather does change as it’s used and can be impacted by the sun, regular maintenance of leather furniture is needed to keep it looking its best.

Curious about how to clean leather furniture? The professional cleaning team here at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration by Stiffey can help, and we’ve put together a brief list of things you can do:

• Start with A Vacuum: Most leather furniture can be maintained with a simple vacuum to remove loose dust, food particles, and any other debris. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment and make sure to clean the cushions, around the back, and in any cracks. Vacuuming is also an important first step if you’re aiming to carry out a more intensive cleaning.
• Wipe It Down: After an initial vacuum, use a cotton or microfiber cloth to wipe down the leather piece to help you understand what areas need more focus than others. This helps you save time by spending more time on specific areas of concern.
• Think About Soap and Water: When it comes to dealing with mild stains, consider using warm water and soap. Using rubbing alcohol or a diluted vinegar mixture can be effective at getting rid of ink and other pesky stains. If you do choose to use these types of substances, be very careful. Apply the mixture right to the stain and take care not to let it smear and spread on other clean parts of the leather.
• Invest in Leather Cleaner or Saddle Soap: Saddle soap and leather cleaner are great tools to clean and restore stained, cracked, or older leather furniture and give it a new luster. After any cleaning, it’s smart to rub a leather moisturizer on your furniture to keep the leather supple.

If you’re having trouble cleaning your leather furniture, dealing with a piece that seems to be beyond your control, or just don’t wish to tackle this type of cleaning task, contact the expert furniture restoration team at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration by Stiffey.

We’re experienced at cleaning upholstered furniture, like leather couches and chairs, and have the techniques, tools, and required solutions to remove a wide variety of stains and spots from just about every type of furniture. Our crew is also happy to provide helpful tips to business and homeowners around the Greensburg, PA, area on how to clean leather furniture.

Don’t replace your furniture – instead, give our team a call at (724) 834-8889 today!

Employees spend many hours during the workweek at their desk or attending meetings in the office. Across many companies, work is often carried out under a strict deadline that keeps everyone busy and can make it hard for staff to perform basic office cleaning in the Uniontown, PA, area.

A fast-paced or hectic work environment can quickly turn the cleanest of offices into a cluttered and dirty space, which can inhibit people’s working ability and cast a negative impression on clients or guests who come by to visit and do business.

Let a professional team like ServiceMaster Complete Restoration by Stiffey take care of the heavy lifting and cleaning at your business, and in between our cleaning, here’s a few office strategies to help keep your workplace clutter-free and organized.

• Stay Ahead of Papers: Loose papers often quickly make an office seem disorganized. To stay ahead of the mountain of paper, set up a system where you can file documents and keep them organized as you go. Getting into the habit of filing or digitally scanning paperwork keeps your desk clean and makes it much easier to find important documents when you need them.
• Invest in Cleaning Wipes: Technology accessories like your keyboard or computer mouse can be a hub for germs and dirt if you don’t keep them clean. Buying office cleaning wipes and spending a few seconds wiping down electronic devices is a great way to reduce your chances of getting sick and to keep expensive technology clean.
• Don’t Eat at Your Desk: Many offices become dirty because employees eat at their desks, which creates food crumbs and trash that can accumulate across a workplace or office. It might be difficult, but encouraging staff members to eat lunch in a common area or away from their desk can go a long way toward keeping a clean office. If there’s no other option besides eating at your desk, a quick wipe-down with a cleaning solution and paper towel removes dirt and food residue.
• Process and Remove Trash Regularly: Emptying trash cans in the kitchen and offices on a regular basis helps prevent issues with rats, mice, or bugs, and prevents the buildup of excessive waste. Plus, maintaining a clean office kitchen can incentivize employees to use the space more often so they can save money by not eating out during lunch.

When you want to make a strong impression on a big-time client or visitor, hire professional commercial cleaning by our team at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration By Stiffey, which will help you make your office shine like it’s new. Our crew always works with you on a customized cleaning plan before starting and is happy to arrange a weekly or monthly office cleaning in the Uniontown, PA, area. Just give us a call at (724) 834-8889 to get started.

Keeping a well-used home tidy can be challenging. Indeed, trying to keep up with your family can be tough, especially if you’re constantly having to pick up trash and clothes, sweep, vacuum, and dust.
Having to spend large amounts of money on cleaning supplies can also quickly become a burden on your time and your budget, especially if you feel like there’s simpler ways to keep your home tidy.

Our team members at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration By Stiffey are pros at residential cleaning and always come up with a customized cleaning plan to make sure your home seems brand-new once we clean.

However, to make your job easier on a day-to-day basis, consider implementing the following special list of savvy house cleaning tips that can benefit any homeowner in the Greensburg, PA, area.

• Use Baskets to Stay Organized: Keeping ahead of piles of clothes, toys, and other items is a smart way to keep your home clean. At the top of our list of smart house cleaning tips is the use of baskets to keep dirty clothes contained, toys in one place, and other times organized. This makes it easy to keep your floors clean and helps you know what you need to wash. You can also place a basket in each room to hold odds and ends that need to be returned to their proper place, which helps keep clutter away from shelves and tables.
• Take Advantage of Baking Soda to Eliminate Odors: Trying to figure out how to eliminate pesky odors from a couch or chair without resorting to expensive cleaning supplies? Baking soda can do the trick. Just sprinkle some on rugs, carpets, or other fabric, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then vacuum the powder and enjoy the fresh scent. Baking soda is great in a pinch, especially if you need to clean up the aftermath of an accident by your pet.
• Wipe Stainless Steel with Baby Wipes: Unscented baby wipes are a great cleaning tool, and some brands can be purchased fairly cheaply. The wipes are tough enough to be used to clean a wide range of surfaces. And, baby wipes work particularly well on stainless steel, making them a great way to make your kitchen appliances shine before friends or family come visit.

Keep the preceding house cleaning tips in mind to help make your housework easier in the Greensburg, PA, area. But if you feel like you’re out of time to clean or just need a little professional help, our team at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration is ready to assist.

Our team comprises experts at carpet and hard surface floor cleaning, and is also equipped to make your windows shine as well. Give us a call at (724) 834-8889 to learn more.

Regardless of its type or size, a fire in your home can potentially result in filthy smoke stains and grimy soot residues on every surface and item in your house.

While you might be more concerned about actual fire damage, the acidic nature of smoke and soot can make it extremely difficult to remove from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Homeowners in the North Huntingdon, PA, area often ask how to get rid of smoke stains since a smoke-damaged home is a hotbed for potentially hazardous odors and other materials. Keep reading to get a few ideas of how you can tackle the issue in a safe and effective manner.

The first step in mitigating and removing smoke stains is to take proper precautions for yourself. Open doors and windows and use fans to exhaust air out of the house and circulate clean air in to help ensure smoke particles won’t spread to other rooms.

Additionally, you need to wear gloves, long clothes, and eye protection, and you should lay down floor coverings in the affected area to help prevent the spread of soot.

After you put on proper protection and take steps to secure the area you’re working in, you might then be trying to figure out how to get rid of smoke stains on walls or ceilings.

Your first step should be removing any loose particles of soot with a vacuum, preferably one that’s equipped with a furniture or upholstery attachment. Be careful to vacuum lightly in order to prevent any soot from embedding in fabric and leading to larger issues down the road.

Next, utilize liquid cleaners or a dry-cleaning sponge to wipe away smoke stains. Just be sure to not use any chemicals before a dry-cleaning sponge so smoke and soot doesn’t spread. When using liquid cleaners to eliminate smoke stains, you will want to take care and wipe down every surface in the affected room, even if it doesn’t appear to have any smoke stains.

Once all the smoke stains have been properly treated, use a clean rag and fans to completely dry out the area and eliminate any remaining smoke odor. Working with professional crews to steam-clean carpets goes a long way towards eliminating smoky smells.

Don’t try and mask smoke smells with fragrances or air fresheners – they’re just a short-term fix for an issue that needs permanent solutions.

Homeowners across the North Huntingdon, PA, area usually wonder how to get rid of smoke stains in the aftermath of a fire. Fortunately, ServiceMaster Complete Restoration by Stiffey understands how to work in homes to completely eliminate smoke stains, soot residues, and any residual odors after a fire.

We’re available 24/7 at (724) 834-8889 and always ready to quickly respond to help you get your life back on track.

Every homeowner or property manager shudders a bit when hearing the word mold. Mold can quickly cause extensive damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture; potentially impact health; and result in a lot of stress and worry.

Fortunately, you’re not powerless against mold. Here are a few mold prevention tips to keep in mind to stay safe and healthy in the Pittsburgh, PA, area.

Mold Prevention Tips

• Keep Ahead of Moisture: Keeping areas dry is the best way to prevent the growth and spread of mold. If there’s a flood or spill, do all you can to dry out the area as quickly as possible. Invest in specialized vacuums or a sump pump to tackle basement seepage or the after-effects of a leaking pipe. Be sure to open windows to circulate air and keep floors dry to cut down on moisture.
• Invest in Mold-Resistant Products: If you’re building a new house or trying to fix up an old one, consider investing in specific products that are mold resistant, like sheetrock or drywall. Mold-resistant drywall will come in handy inside the bathroom, basement, or laundry room. These types of building materials are also often easier to replace and remove, if needed, and are rapidly becoming cheaper than more traditional options.
• Ensure Water Flows Away from Your Home: Water can flow inside your house if the outside is not sloped enough to direct water away. Inspect your property and identify areas where water could pool after a storm and then seep inside to cultivate mold growth. A simple project to help flow water away is to make sure your rain gutters are free from damage and clogging so they can do their job properly.
• Cut Down on Your Clutter: Clutter inside your home can lead to issues with your HVAC system and inhibit air from circulating enough to keep everything dry. Be sure there’s no furniture or drapes blocking grilles, which could cause moisture and condensation to develop and then create an environment where mold growth could speed up without you noticing.

Practicing some of these tips are the best way to reduce the risks of mold and keep your home healthy.

However, disaster does strike, and a burst pipe or other natural disaster can quickly flood a room or basement despite your best efforts at mold prevention in the Pittsburgh, PA, area.

That’s where we at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration By Stiffey come in. Our experienced technicians are pros at quickly removing water and completely drying and sanitizing the entire area so mold has no place to grow. We’re ready to help 24/7; just give us a call at (724) 834-8889.

Flood emergencies can strike at any time. Basements can be flooded after a sump pump stops, a bad storm occurs, a washing machine hose breaks, a water heater leaks, or even a storm sewer backs up into the room.

Trying to navigate through flooded basement cleanup in the Greensburg, PA, area can be tricky. Larger flood damage, especially if there’s mold involved, should be handled by a professional restoration team such as ServiceMaster Complete Restoration By Stiffey.

Some homeowners are able to help mitigate and reverse flood damage in a basement if there’s not a large amount of water. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make your flooded basement cleanup go smoothly.

• Start with Water Removal: The most important part of the cleanup process is to make sure standing water is removed so dirt, grime, and other debris can be cleaned. Wet vacuums and sump pumps can be rented or purchased to get rid of standing water. It’s important to carefully rinse any objects or walls that have mud or dirt on them as they will be much harder to clean once hardened. Help dry out your basement by opening doors and/or windows to let the air circulate or bring in fans to dry out the area faster.
• Tackle the Restoration Process: Water damage can destroy wooden walls and flooring very quickly. At this point in time, and especially during the water removal process, be sure to wear high-quality gloves, boots, and goggles as you’re working in the basement. These types of products can be purchased at a hardware store. If your basement has carpet, remove it to get a sense about the damage underneath that might have gone unnoticed otherwise. Be sure to carefully note any damage and repairs you make to help your insurance company with the claim process.
• Waterproof and Protect: Investing in a sump pump and drainage system will help avoid future flooding. Battery-powered pumps are especially useful since they still work even if the power is cut. Those homeowners living in a flood-prone area should look into purchasing and installing engineered flood vents that prevent water pressure buildup.

We know that flooded basement cleanup in the Greensburg, PA, can quickly turn into a large job, even if the flooding was small. Instead of adding stress and worry to your life, let our team here at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration By Stiffey help you.

Our professional restoration crews are on-call 24/7 and have extensive experience with removing water from a flooded basement and helping you restore the area to normal. We’re here to answer the phone at (724) 834-8889.

Wood floors are a unique accent to any building. They look stylish, modern, sleek, and are very easy to clean and maintain in comparison to carpet. But don’t make the mistake that all wood floors are equal.

Different types of hardwood floors in Pittsburgh, PA, need to be cleaned in different ways since floors can be covered with various types of finishes. Here’s a few things to keep in mind when it comes to effectively cleaning various types of hardwood floors.

The most important element in cleaning wooden floors is simple. Except for polyurethane-treated floors, never use water.

Water can quickly damage a floor’s finish and even lead to large stains. You should also shy away from cleaning products, oils, waxes, or sprays that aren’t recommended by the floor’s manufacturer. These can make floors slippery and leave behind a hard-to-remove residue.

The best strategy for cleaning hardwood floors is a simple broom and dustpan. These tools easily remove dust and grime without leaving any scratches behind.

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive clean, opt for two microfiber mops to dry and damp mop floors. These types of mops are more effective than cotton or sponges and are able to be cleaned quickly. The cleaner your mops are, the cleaner your floors will be.

Some choose to use a vacuum on a hardwood floor. Just be sure to purchase one that has soft bristles and a beater bar that retracts in order to prevent your floors from becoming scratched. When cleaning corners, utilize the brush attachments to remove dirt and dust.

Staying ahead of cleaning is the best way to keep your wooden floors looking good. Try to sweep on a regular basis to remove grit and grime, and mop each week to eliminate dust. On a quarterly basis, use a wet (never a damp) mop to lightly clean the wood by following the grain. Make sure the area is completely dry before you walk on it again.

It can be tough to clean different types of hardwood floors in Pittsburgh, PA. Our experienced team at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration by Stiffey can help.

We understand the special care wooden floors require and will create a customized cleaning plan to ensure your floors can look like new. Give us a call today at (724) 834-8889 so we can start serving you.

 A clean and tidy school environment helps students stay focused and learn. Also, as image/appearance is everything with a school, an atmosphere where attention to detail and organization is prioritized will rub off on students as they work.

Many schools try to scale down on their cleaning services in order to save money. This can be a risky move because only a professional cleaning crew has enough expertise and knowledge to clean a wide variety of surfaces in a school and meticulously work to keep away germs.

If you’re considering school cleaning services in the Greensburg, PA, area, here’s a brief list of why turning to professionals, like ServiceMaster Complete Restoration By Stiffey, is the right move.

• Helps Save Money: A professional school cleaning crew is able to purchase cleaning supplies at cost—helping you save money as opposed to buying products on your own. Additionally, our cleaning teams at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration By Stiffey are fully vetted and highly experienced. Schools that try to search and hire their own cleaning staff run the risk of bringing on employees who might not have the best qualifications, which may mean the schools end up allocating more money for a larger cleaning crew.

• Promotes School Safety and Eco-Consciousness: Professional school cleaning crews are experts at eliminating germs and bacteria that can make students sick. Students who are not feeling well perform worse on tests, do not easily retain learned information, and run the risk of falling behind in class if they have to stay home from school.
  Additionally, reputable cleaning teams utilize products that are eco-friendly and are free of potentially hazardous chemicals that can cause noxious odors and make it difficult for all those in the school to concentrate. Some of these professional-grade green cleaning products and chemicals might be very difficult for school administrators to purchase on their own.
  

• Helps Teachers Teach Better: A clean school helps teachers just as much as students. Teachers see school as a workplace, and if their job environment is dirty and disorganized, it’s going to cause distractions for them. Teachers who are able to do their job and interact with students in a clean environment are more effective and productive.
• Boosts Equipment Life Cycles: Cleaning services can also address areas in a school like drains and air ducts. This attention to detail can help prolong the performance of electronics and other important products that are able to work better once they are clean—saving the school money on having to replace such items.

At ServiceMaster Complete Restoration By Stiffey, we’re all about helping the next generation learn and stay safe in a clean school environment.

Our experienced janitorial school cleaning teams are ready to work with schools in the Greensburg, PA, area to come up with a customized custodial plan to take care of all your cleaning needs. To learn more, feel free to give us a call at (724) 834-8889.

There’s nothing life a soft, comfortable couch. Snuggling on the couch after a long day or lounging during the weekend for a quick nap is a great way to enjoy this useful piece of furniture.

However, couches can quickly become dirty and disheveled if they’re not properly taken care of and cleaned.

Many people in the Uniontown, PA area often wonder how to clean a couch in order to save money on upholstery services and to simply extend the life of their furniture. Here’s a few tricks to keep in mind before you call in the professional cleaners on your couch:

• Be Sure to Read the Label: Wondering where to start when trying to determine how to clean a couch? Read the label. It might seem simple, but doing so will go a long way towards making sure you use the right cleaning items on the fabric. Not reading the label can make your efforts ineffective, or worse, cause permanent damage to your favorite piece of furniture.
• Use the Vacuum to Remove Dirt: You should first remove as much dirt, dust, dandruff, pet hair, and crumbs from your couch with a vacuum. Doing so will make it easier to clean and greatly improve the appearance of the furniture. Be sure to remove the cushions, vacuum the seat, and flip the couch over to vacuum the bottom side.
• Tackle Stains: Stains on a couch can be addressed with cleaning solutions, or even baking soda if the fabric is strong enough. Some people choose to rent or purchase a steam cleaner to ensure the fabric and cushions get an extra deep cleaning. Others simply throw cushions into the washing machine if they’re able to do so.

Taking the time to keep your couch clean and free of dirt, dust, and simple stains will go a long way towards making sure it lasts as long as possible. It will also make professional cleaning easier, allowing the cleaning crew to focus on deep cleaning and addressing the upholstery.

At ServiceMaster Complete Restoration by Stiffey, we understand the importance of properly cleaning a couch with high-grade materials so the furniture can be used for a long time.

When our cleaning crews arrive, they determine a customized cleaning plan that addresses dirt, stains, and issues with the upholstery. Eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products are used to ensure your couch receives a deep clean so it looks, feels, and smells as good as new!

Still have questions about how to clean a couch in the Uniontown, PA area? Contact our professional, knowledgeable staff today at (724) 834-8889. We’re ready to help!

Mold can be found in every type of house, no matter how clean you think the building is. Many people assume mold just pops up in dirty conditions—but mold spores are a natural part of the air inside any room.

Mold spores only become an issue if they are allowed to grow and spread. Mold that piles up can quickly lead to respiratory and other health issues.

One of the most effective ways to get rid of mold in the McKeesport, PA, area is through comprehensive water damage restoration by the staff at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration By Stiffey. Our team members understand how to tackle all types of mold and safely remove it from your property.

Before you give us a call, here’s a quick primer on some common types of mold and the issues each can cause.

• Aspergillus: This type of mold is usually found indoors and can often grow on food. Aspergillus is one of the most common types of mold and can lead to allergic reactions and respiratory infections. It usually reproduces quickest in wet climates with warmer temperatures.

• Cladosporium: This mold usually grows inside homes that are located in warmer climates. Cladosporium usually appears on fabrics, carpets, and wooden surfaces. While the mold can cause some respiratory problems, it’s been known to contribute to skin and toenail infections. Cladosporium spores also trigger allergies.

• Stachybotrys chartarum: Known as black mold, this is one of the most feared types of mold due to the creation of toxic compounds that can cause major health issues. These compounds—called mycotoxins—can lead to breathing issues, sinus infections, and even fatigue and depression. Stachybotrys hartarum usually smells musty and grows best in damp locations, like air conditioning ducts or close to pipes that leak.

• Penicillium: Penicillium usually appears blue or green and is known to quickly spread from one part of a home or building to another. The mold usually appears in areas that have been damaged by water, which is why professional restoration services after water damage is vital to prevent the growth of Penicillium. Exposure to this mold often leads to lung inflammation and allergic reactions.

Think you might have one of these common types of mold in your home or building in McKeesport, PA? We at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration By Stiffey have your back, and your mold.

Our team of experienced mold technicians quickly gets to work to complete dry out moldy areas and completely clean the location so mold is not able to return. Give us a call today at (724) 834-8889 so we can start serving you.