What You Should Know About Water Damage To Carpets And Upholstery

water damage carpet

Types of Damage

Mold

The biggest risk of letting soggy carpets and upholstery sit untreated is that it can grow mold. Mold spores seep in from the water or float in on the outside air, and then wait to get wet. Once that happens, it only needs to be incubated in a warm environment for a day before it starts sprouting. It smells bad and it looks gross, but the worst part is that the spores get in people’s lungs, triggering allergies and asthma symptoms. This is especially bad for children.

Water Stains

Carpets and upholstery can acquire stains in a couple of ways, but the dark spots from water are some of the trickiest to remove. The stains come from the minerals in the water getting in the fibers.

First Steps To Cleaning Up Water Damage

Preventing water from sitting on your upholstery or carpet is the best way to keep stains and mold at bay. To do this, soak up extra water with towels and then turn on the air conditioner or run a fan. If the outside air is dry, open the windows to let air circulate over the carpet.

If mold or mildew has grown on the item, you can rub this off using a clean cloth and undiluted vinegar. You can then go over your carpet with a wet/dry vacuum and point a fan at the area.

Small water stains on upholstery can be eliminated too. First, vacuum the upholstery. Dab cool water on the stains with a clean cloth, then cover the stain with paper towels, folded to about an eighth of an inch thick. Point a fan at the papers or run a hair dryer set to ‘cool’ over it. If the stains remain, you can scrub it with rubbing alcohol.

When To Call A Professional

There are 3 categories of water damage, and what category you have comes from the type of water involved. Category 1 is from clean water, such as from a leaking sink. Category 2 is called gray water, and it might come from sources such as broken toilets. It might make people sick if they drink it. Category 3 is called black water and comes from a source such as a sewer. A water damage restoration company should be called as quickly as possible when your carpet and upholstery is flooded with gray or black water, or if the items are soaked through and the water is up to your ankles.  If gray or black water was involved, the potential health risks will have to be mitigated, and the restoration company will have the tools to do that. They can also perform an inspection to make sure the rest of the house wasn’t damaged.

There are a couple of methods that a restoration company can use to prevent water stains and mold from growing on your upholstery and carpet. Steam cleaning, sometimes called a hot-water extraction method, comes highly recommended in many situations. Dehumidification techniques will have to be employed quickly to keep mold spores from growing and furniture from warping. High-speed air movers may be used to evaporate as much water as possible from the fibers. The professionals may leave a dehumidifier on for up to 3 days, depending on how much flooding occurred.

Satin Touch has dealt with water damaged carpets and upholstery for many years and would love to help you. If you would like more information about fighting water damage, please contact us.

How to Pick Paint Colors for your Home Interiors

picking paint color interior

Interior Painting Minneapolis & St. Paul

We understand that picking colors can be tough on homeowners because they may think they are not well-versed enough in color combination ideas. Some may not be confident about paint brands or have no idea which finish is best for specific locations. Here at Satin Touch, our design professionals and our painting staff are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to interior painting. But, before you decide on your paint colors, let us share a few tips we have learned over our years of providing top-notch service in CentralEast Minnesota.

Be Bold

Most homeowners want to be careful about their color picks in their house. They don’t want to have loud colors that they tire of in a short time. Many homeowners want to stay away from too much neutral color in their dwelling, which might make their home seem drab. But “going bold” can be taken in small steps. If you’re not ready to paint your entire kitchen a bright yellow, you may want to start small; perhaps in the powder room.
Choose a yellow that might seem a little bright, and tone it down a notch. You may find yourself excited about such a pop of color. Sherwin Williams, a paint we turn to often, has a yellow by the name of Cheerful (SW 6903) that is very much like the color of a school bus. If this yellow is more than you can handle, consider going a few shades lighter to a hue by the name of Lemon Twist (SW 6909). We think you will be surprised at how cheery and pretty this yellow looks in such a small area. Accent molding, mirror frame, and towels might be gorgeous in bright white. Your guests will thank you for this experience.
By the way, Architectural Digest says it’s always a grand idea to incorporate some yellow.
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Color Combinations 101

Artists and decorators alike will tell you that blending a hot color with a cooler one is almost always an excellent choice. Some warm and more refreshing colors that complement one another are:

  • Deep orange and sky blue
  • Peacock-blue and mossy green
  • Pale pink and dark chocolate
  • Deep plum and gray-blue

The team at Apartment Therapy is taking notes from Ikea. In the color category, these are the trends that are in for 2020:

Satin Touch – Homes Reinvented

At Satin Touch, we know how vital paint can be. Our designers and skilled craftsmen and craftswomen want you to have the colors you desire for your home. And, perhaps most importantly, we want to stay within your budget and deliver your projects on time.
When you have decided on your painting project, contact our design experts for a free estimate with no obligation.
Our knowledge and previous projects tell the story. A recent client said this about our team:

“Satin Touch arrived with a large team of painters and the entire project was completed in two days.”

And, yes, we go above and beyond our clients’ expectations on every job we do. Before we begin your project, we will walk-through with you to look for any damage or restoration that needs attention. Our company is:

  • Professional
  • Accommodating
  • Flexible
  • Multi-talented
  • Neat and organized
  • Accomplished in the field of home interior and exterior painting
  • Experienced in commercial property painting needs
  • A step ahead when it comes to measuring and estimates

Contact us today and let us know more about your project and to ask any questions, you have on your mind.

Do You Need Twin Cities Fire Damage Restoration Services?

fire damage minneapolis

House fires happen far more frequently than most people realize. When you think of a house fire, you think of a destroyed home. But most of the time, the damage doesn’t even peel the paint. Little fires are incredibly common in the kitchen or from faulty outlets and appliances. These small flames caused by accidents and electrical shorts often do more smoke damage than anything else. In fact, most people don’t realize this, but homes that need extensive smoke damage restoration are far more common than actually burned walls, ceilings, or even furniture.

This is because modern home environments are made to be fire-resistant. The paint doesn’t burn, the carpets are fire retardant, and drywall has been specially formulated not to go up in flames if possible. If part of your home does burn, often it is a small section of one or two rooms and the rest of the home is fine. Except, of course, for a few scorches and a lot of staining soot.

Many people tackle cleaning up the soot themselves, but you may need fire damage restoration services to fully restore your home back to pristine un-scorched livability. Today, we’re highlighting four signs that you may need the help of professionals to get your home back into shape after a fire.

Kitchen Fires with Extensive Superficial Damage

Kitchen fires are the most common type of house fire, usually starting at the stove. A fire that begins with a grease fire or food catching alight can create a great deal of smoke but often does not spread much further than the stove and nearby wall. Once the fire is put out, your kitchen may look like a crime scene but try taking a sponge to the walls. If the walls aren’t scorched, what you mainly need is a professional smoke restoration service to help get rid of all the soot without staining anything else in the process. And a new stove, of course.

Burned Outlets and Electrical Wiring

Outlets are another cause of home fires, often related to either old or DIY wiring in the walls or plugging in a faulty appliance that does not handle electricity safely. If a spark causes a fire in your living room, bedroom, or kitchen then there may be some scorching of the all or outlet. In this case, you will need electrical repairs and potentially a few new panels of drywall but the damage is not unfixable. With a professional service, your home can be back to welcoming again in a few day’s time.

Reconstructing Partially Burned Rooms

Even if a portion of your room, or two adjacent rooms, is scorched and damaged by the fire, your home can be restored. New drywall is surprisingly easy to put up and new sections of carpet or flooring can be installed so that your home appears as if it was never burned in the first place. In fact, this is a great opportunity for you to do a little remodeling or take a look at what’s behind your walls. You can check for signs of mold, improve your insulation, or even add soundproofing between the rooms while your fire restoration service is reinstalling the portions of your home that were damaged and cleaning up all the smoke.

Getting Rid of the Lingering Smoke Smell

Finally, there’s the lingering smell. This is something only homeowners who have experienced a fire know, but the last thing to linger is the smell of soot long after all the visible black powder is gone. A professional fire restoration service can not only repair the visible and structural damage, they also know which chemicals and scents to use to fully get rid of the lingering smell of smoke in your home so that your residence is truly good as new.

Need Twin Cities Fire Damage Restoration? Call Us Today

If you need fire and smoke restoration services, contact us today! Our team will be happy to perform a consultation and build a plan to bring your home back to the place you love to live.

Why a Fresh Coat of Paint Increases Your Business Revenue

business painting minneapolis
Two of the best assets a company can have are happy workers and repeat customers. In an age where people seek the newest and trendiest, it can be a challenge to maintain your standing. We’ve all seen new businesses open, then rapidly close, and time-honored establishments suddenly close up shop.
So what can protect your company’s revenue and keep you in the running? It all starts with maintaining your image, which helps you stand out from the pack. One of the easiest, quickest, and most affordable ways to update your workplace is a gleaming fresh coat of paint.
From attracting visitors, to retaining customers, paint is an essential component. Here are a few ways fresh paint can increase your revenue and help your company thrive.

Patron Acquisition

Whether you pastor a church, manage a store, operate a restaurant, or lease to renters, your goal is to acquire patrons. Your building’s facade is the first impression you make, and it speaks volumes about who you are. A fresh coat of paint could be the difference between a person stepping inside or driving right on by. A bright exterior says you take pride in your profession, you care about details, and your business is well-managed and fruitful. Paint is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to update your space and generate new patron revenue.

Employee Performance

Multiple studies have proven how workplace environment affects employee productivity. One of the keys to maximizing performance is the mood that your workplace evokes. Bright colors elicit alertness and creativity, while dark dingy walls promote fatigue and apathy. A work space that is well-maintained suggests that the company is thriving and instills hope in employees for success and growth. Cheerful work environments create more productive employees, generating more rapid income. A quick coat of paint on your office walls can set the right tone to make the most of your staff.  

Overhead Prevention

Cracked paint is not only unsightly, it can lead to serious problems. From insect infestations, to moisture absorption, to mold, and environmental damage- paint is the first line of defense to protect your structure’s integrity. When your surface isn’t sealed, you open yourself up to costly repairs. Not only will you lose money repairing the damage, you’ll also lose revenue if your business is closed for repairs. Painting can be done very quickly, and does not disrupt your work environment. Rather than tearing down walls or tenting for termites, painters can work quietly and around your chosen schedule. Paint is an affordable investment that prevents costly overhead.

Turnover Reduction 

A primary reason people quit their jobs is unsatisfactory working conditions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person holds 10 jobs before age 40, and that number continues to grow. It costs an employer roughly 33% of the employee’s salary to fire and then replace them. Employee turnover is not only costly, it can stall your revenue while you search for a replacement. Patronage turnover is also detrimental, as it leads to unpredictable revenue. When a church loses members or a store loses customers, income destabilizes. This in turn leads to the need to reduce employees, creating a double impact. An appealing workplace is key to retaining employees, as well as patrons, and reducing frequent turnover. Sprucing up your interior and exterior is an effective way to engage employees and customers, and prevent them from seeking something new. Fresh paint says you are keeping up with the times and your company is going places.

Does Your Twin Cities Business Need Painting Services? Call Us Today

A new coat of paint can happen in one day, transforming your company overnight. Our professional team will guide you through ideal color selection and work around your schedule. With a quiet, mess-free, and seamless transition, you can create a brand-new image. Increase your revenue with a lasting investment that is proven to produce results. Contact us today to learn more!