On Location Cleaning
Deodorization
American Technologies, Inc. always begins with deodorizing the residence or facility. Deodorization is an ongoing task during the entire course of the restoration process to both the contents and structure and may consist of any of the following procedures:
• Installation of a solid odor absorption gel into the return air of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) system.
• Applying a wet fog to open spaces, attics, and/or crawl spaces.
• Dry fogging the interior of the residence of hard-to-reach areas.
• Temporary installation of an ozone generator to remove biological or difficult carbon odors.
• Use of chemicals and detergents with deodorant additives.
Air/Heat Conveyance Systems
On occasion, there may be a need to clean and restore the air conditioning and/or heating system. The HVAC representative will check for evidence of soot or particulate migration by inspecting the unit and return air filter first, and then finally check for migration at the end of the duct line.
In the event the system requires cleaning, our trained technicians remove the air registers as needed, detail-cleaning them with a degreaser, and preparing them for reinstallation. While the registers are down, they vacuum inside the duct lines as far as possible to remove any particulate matter. The registers are then reinstalled and covered with a filter media to prevent any material from becoming airborne and depositing on restored items.
The mechanical unit is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for activation. Once the unit and the ducts have been cleaned, technicians access the plenum directly above the unit to apply a sealer throughout the duct system. The sealer is then atomized by a small fogger, which allows the solution to travel down the entire length of the system and coat all interior surfaces. Once the technicians are assured that the system is adequately treated, they discontinue the operation and allow the system to run for approximately one hour to set the coating. The system then can be used for normal comfort and setting.
The Cleaning
Wall & Ceiling Cleaning
Depending on the severity of the loss, it may be necessary to clean the interior walls and ceilings and/or prep them for painting or wallpapering. The normal process in cleaning these surfaces is to use an absorbent rubber sponge to wipe over the exposed surfaces. If there are wall hangings and/or decorative items on the walls, they are removed prior to cleaning. In the event the walls will be repainted, these items may be left down and replaced once the painting is complete. Enamel walls and ceilings are cleaned with a mild degreaser to remove soot particulate matter. In the event the walls are streaked, they are repainted. Flocked or papered walls are vacuumed and dry-cleaned; vinyl papered walls will be wet-cleaned with a degreaser; and paneled walls will be cleaned and a light polish or oil applied to preserve the wood. If there are heavily textured ceilings, they are only vacuumed to prevent dislodging of the texture.
Carpet, Tile & Hardwood Flooring
Carpeted areas that are affected by the loss are vacuumed, steam-cleaned, and deodorized.
Tile, including sheet vinyl, floor tile, and ceramic materials are cleaned with a degreaser and deodorized. Unless the loss caused a discoloration to the finish, it normally is not stripped and sealed.
Hardwood floors are cleaned depending on the type of wood and finish. As with the tile floors, unless the loss caused a discoloration to the protective coating, they will not be stripped and resurfaced.
Windows, Fixtures & Appliances
The interior sides of the windows are normally cleaned if the walls and ceilings will be cleaned and/or painted. The exteriors are generally not included unless specified by the insurance adjuster.
Fixtures, such as lights, ceiling fans, bathroom fixtures, shades, etc., are cleaned using a mild degreaser and deodorized. This is normally done in place while the fixture is hanging.
Appliances, such as ovens, stoves, and dishwashers, are cleaned on exterior surfaces only, unless otherwise indicated by the adjuster. We do not disconnect or reconnect any gas-supplied appliances.
Upholstered Items
Upholstered items, such as sofas, chairs, cushions, and drapery, are vacuumed and dry- or wet-cleaned depending on the fabric. Also, depending on the age of the piece, fabric content, and wear, the cleaning may not restore the items to a “new” condition. Leather/Vinyl furniture is cleaned with a mild degreaser and a leather treatment. Every attempt is made to restore the furniture to a pre-loss condition. In the event there is discoloration due to the loss, we will make note and inform the adjuster.
Hard Surface Furnishings
Hard surface furnishings, such as tables, nightstands, dressers, bookcases, etc., are hand-cleaned with a degreaser and deodorized (a light polish is then applied to restore the luster to the furniture). The furniture is normally cleaned on the exterior only unless conditions exist where soot or particulate matter is evident inside. American Technologies, Inc. makes every attempt to restore the condition of the finish to a pre-loss condition. In some cases, there may be a softening of the finish, discoloration due to sunlight, or “cracking” of lacquer surface. These are not normally caused as the result of the loss and cannot be overcome.
Cabinetry, Bookcase & Interior Furnishings
Prior to beginning the restoration, American Technologies, Inc. will make a detailed inspection of the interiors of the cabinetry, hutches, armoires, and furniture with drawers to determine if there is soot or particulate migration to the areas. In the event there is soot or particle migration, the items will be removed from the furniture, hand-washed and replaced. We make every attempt to return the items to the proper shelf or drawer unless we are requested to rearrange the items from a previous layout.