The Cause Behind Mold Odor in Eastern Honolulu

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

It is not uncommon for mold to accrue overtime in Hawai’i especially in eastern Honolulu. On our beautiful island, the damp summers, and ocean breezes are breeding grounds for toxins like mold or bacteria. Mold is a danger to all life forms, and needs the utmost care when being remedied. Thriving in damp areas that tend to be confined, it may be hard to even spot mold growth or spores. Additionally, mold can survive both in the air and on materials. Any biodegradable material, such as wood, dry wall, clothing, and flooring. 

Before we enter the site for mold, residential and commercial owners alike can probably smell the problem. It might not be visible to the naked eye but there is a chemical that produces this smell: mycotoxin. This chemical emitted by mold spores tends to spread rapidly.  

Mycotoxins have a very distinctive, malodorous odor with musty, swampy, or grungy notes. Mycotoxins attribute dangerous properties from being a microbial volatile organic compound-MVOC. Meaning a few defining characteristics: 

• It is toxic, it is secretion from mold 
• The scents vary with each mold type 
• Potency of this toxin differs with each type and amount of mold 
• It clings to skin and hair, this exposure is toxic 

One of the main reasons as to why mold is a dangerous toxin that must be thoroughly cleaned is because of mycotoxins that mold spores release. For the sake of sanity some people simply remove the odor by masking it. Using perfumes, air freshers, or cleaning physical manifestations of mold. This only mitigates your smelling pleasures, whilst the mycotoxins are in the air. 

SERVPRO of East Honolulu utilizes the newest technology to combat natural disasters and messes. One of them being HEPA air filtration devices. Cleaning furniture, clothing, and surfaces can get rid of your mold with the proper chemicals… but with mold it is simply not enough. Mold is an airborne spore meaning that although your surfaces are clean, the mold infestation can still be there. Using a HEPA filter takes the toxins in the air to be sucked into it and stay in the filter. This filter also takes care of the lingering odor even when everything else is disinfected. Bleach is not a good cleaner for mold, it does not get into porous materials like wood. 

Call the professionals if you smell mold in your residential or commercial property in Eastern Honolulu. SERVPRO of Eastern Honolulu prides itself in holding IICRC cleaning standards. We also work with the state in passing properties as livable situations once we clean for mold. Mold remediation is no easy feat, and SERVPRO of Eastern Honolulu is here every step of the way. "Like it never even happened." 

How We Remove Pet Odor and Stains from Carpets in East Honolulu

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

It is never fun as a property owner or pet owner alike to find any kind of animal urine and fecal matter in your home.  

The hale is a place of gathering and rest, and pet urine can kind of mess up that vibe and be frustrating to deal with.  

Many different kinds of animals have nefarious hormones, enzymes, and other biochemicals that they excrete which often stay in the air and stain. Consequently continuously stinking up your property with urine, usually of a dog or cat sort.   

There can be even more to deal with if you feed your animals human food, human food is made, cooked with, and has oils. These oils- although welcome and unforiegn to our diet- our foreign to animals. It is unnecessary for them, on the occasion of salmon oil, or coconut oil…etc it is nutritious. 

Alas, these oils secrete out of animal urine, just like ours; and  

The main reason for smell issues historically with human discretion, is the food we consume.   

It will get increasingly easier to guess where your animal peed outside because of the smell that comes from eating average human foods, like hamburger steak, or meatballs with spaghetti sauce.  

As pet owners and technicians alike, SERVPRO of East Honolulu understands the frustrations that can occur when you are a pet owner. Pets are living, breathing organisms that deserve an overall good quality of life like you; but there is a conceptual and linguistic barrier that often creates fecal matter in the living room, or active defecation while petting them. Leaving you miserable and frustrated often impedes our connection with our animals. We clean carpets efficiently and successfully, and are no strangers to bad odors that accrue from pet urine. 

Here is our step to step process of odor:  

After going through the necessary steps with our wonderful office ladies, we deep clean your carpets and your soft goods affected by the malodorous scent.  

The way we deep clean carpets is like anyone with a carpet cleaner but with our secret ingredient a deodorizing agent. When placed on top of organic scent molecules it breaks down the molecule consequently its ability to create scent. This is crucial to our process, as it scientifically gets at the problem of natural odors that occur from pet waste.  

After cleansing your carpets- this not only includes odor but dirt, soot, pollutive particles, and stains. Our technicians will finish the job with an ozone machine that will finish our job in the home. This ozone machine is a deodorizer as well, it is an ionizing machine that releases free radical oxygen molecules from ozone compounds- O3. When these free radicals interact with the environment it clings to dirt and pollutants in the air, something we also use after mold remediation or other biohazard. The way the ozone reacts is similar to its reaction with UV rays in the stratosphere. This also chemically breaks down the molecules so your environment is truly clean and everyone in your property can breathe happily.  

And if all else fails we know how to replace carpet, and have contractors who know carpentry like the back of their hand. Our crews can expertly haul your old, stinky carpet away and our contractors find the carpet you want and artfully replace your space. "Like it never even happened."  

SERVPRO of East Honolulu is a locally owned and operated business that only employs the community of East Honolulu. We are a tight knit community that includes furry companions! We know the home and commercial properties, and we know how to maintain them especially in Hawaii. Where there might be elemental variables not present in other places SERVPRO franchises operate. Call us with any questions, comments, or concerns at (808) 395-9545.

How do we Biohazard Clean in East Honolulu?

8/28/2021 (Permalink)

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of East Honolulu is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.

Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (808) 395-9545

The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.

We provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations. These include the following:

• Sewage backups
• Crime scene residues
• Suicide/death accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup
• Meth lab cleanup

Common Biohazard Scenarios

Sewage Backups

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. We remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Bloodborne Pathogens

We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO of East Honolulu Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Illegal Drug Manufacturing Labs / Meth Labs

SERVPRO realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as "meth" are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. We follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

24 Hour Emergency Service

We are available 24 hours a day—our highly trained technicians are standing by. We have the qualified trained professionals who are ready to respond to these incidents. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

Our Amazing Equipment

7/31/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Honolulu is proud to present our Drying tools 

Untreated water damage whether it is big or small has the potential to snowball into more serious issues like compromised structures or air quality. 

In the mitigation process it is important to make sure every detail is accounted for. Such as dry materials, humidity levels, discoloration, mold growth, or foul order. 

Treating each damage as threatening to your commercial or residential property is integral to total restoration of the property.  

SERVPRO of East Honolulu has high-grade equipment accompanying our proficient technicians to dry any deposits of water moisture. These tools vary in expertise for any need making a significant impact on our overall quality of the job. 

Here are some of our best equipment: 

Thermal Foggers - This machine also uses a liquid-gas machine to project thick fog from a smoke deodorizer. Although the solvent works differently than the ULV foggers, the fog attaches itself to the soot, odorous particles deodorizing consequently disinfecting. Cleaning soft goods, vehicles, foundational structures and other hard places to clean.

Moisture Meters - Determines moisture content in baseboards, carpets, and walls. With highly accurate readings SERVPRO of East Honolulu can monitor the drying process.

Thermohygrometers - Which measures humidity in relation to temperatures. Upon knowing these certain statistics we then find the most efficient way to dry your property. With contaminated water damage it is crucial to know the temp/humidity levels to disinfect and deodorize thereafter drying.  

Moisture Sensors - Detects moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls. 

Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers - a deodorizing which creates gaseous cleaning agents, these fine particles penetrate all sites after a dry odor that may odorize from bacteria. Due to the liquid-gas process within the machine, we also use it to inject disinfectants, fungicides, etc… in hard to reach surfaces.  

We help make it “Like it never even happened,” using these special grade equipment and trained technicians. 

We are available 24/7 for emergencies at (808) 395-9545

Ceiling, Floor, and Wall Cleaning

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Need Professional Cleaning? Call Today (808) 395-9545

Make Your Own Air Freshener

1/1/2021 (Permalink)

Air Fresheners can  be quite lovely for the home, they can hide smells, or make your house smell... "fresher". 

But, 

These industrial air fresheners may be adversely effecting your health 

Some of these store-bought air re-fresheners contain chemicals that inhibit your sense of smell to make the product seem better. Have you ever cleaned your kid's soccer cleats with an air freshener and the next day they day they smell just as bad? The chemical inhibiting smell wore off! 

Some even cause an oily film in your nose that stops you from really smelling. This oily coat creates a barrier to your receptors which seems crazy to us here at SERVPRO of East Honolulu. 

     Even those air-fresheners that claim to deodorize and break down toxins contain harmful chemicals that are not good to breathe in. 

Conventional Air Fresheners are actually not made for smelling 

In a study done in 2018, there were over 350 chemicals detected in the air after using an unnatural air freshener. Some of these included: benzene, formaldehyde, styrene, and phthalates 

Here is a natural tired and true air fresheners we use in the office: The lemon basil spray ! 

Ingredients: 

- 1 Cup of water 

- 2 tablespoons of (60% proof) rubbing alcohol or vodka 

- 5-6 leaves of basil 

- 5 drops of lemon essential oil 

The 1 cup water to 2 tablespoons of alcohol is an universal base that can be used to create any air freshener with essential oils of your choice 

Start the New Years with Fresh Air?

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

From our ohana to yours here at SERVPRO of East Honolulu 

We hope that 2021 is a prosperous and healthy year for our community and customers. 

As many of you know, here in the Hawaiian isles it is a mixing pot of cultures. One of the most celebrated traditions is osoji or "big cleanup" a tradition brought by Japanese plantation farmers. 

Here at SERVPRO of East Honolulu we celebrate this, and to start your new years we thought we could talk about quality air. 

Clean air in your home is vital to your health 

We offer "air scrubbing" services that literally filters your air of particles, we do this in most jobs for: 

- cleaning up soot 

- mold remediation or cleaning 

- water damage 

- odor removal 

But, 

most homes don't have serious air quality issues rather, they just need a good clean to facilitate a healthier life! 

So when trying to assess your air quality, here are some things to keep in mind: 

1. Chemicals (Cleaning products, Art supplies, Kerosene...etc)
   
   1. How do you store your chemicals? Are they in the open? Do you consistently use bleach? 
2. Dust and other Allergens 
   1. Are there visible areas of dust? How frequently do you clean your soft surfaces? 
3. CO2 levels 
   1. Do you have a CO2 gas protector? Is your gas odorless? 
4. Humidity 
   1. Are there any water leaks or moisture traps in your house? Are you aware of your areas prone to water leaks or moisture traps 
5. Temperature 
   1. Does the temperature in your home affect the chemicals residing in your home?  

Some side effects of poor air quality include: 

- Hay Fever 

- Fatigue 

- Allergy-like Symptoms 

- Irritability 

- Headaches 

- Decrease/Increase of Body Sensations 

- Congestion 

- Hyperventilation/Shortness of Breath 

Your air quality in the home can cause adverse health effects 

Here are some tips/tricks to improve your air quality: 

- Ventilation!  

     It may sound cliche, or even like a no-brainer but, a good ventilation system is vital to the health of your air. Ventilating allows particles to come and go, stagnant air can harbor more toxins and even create a hospitable zone for mildew and mold. This also rejuvenates your air, we recommend for our city customers to open the windows or ventilate at odd times. Keeping your windows open during traffic or rush hour can be counter productive, try early in the morning or late night for the best results.  

- Cleaning your AC frequently 
     Your AC already has a filter that cleans air impurities and pollutants; cleaning it regularly will stop a build up of these particles and release of them. Make sure you read how to clean your AC properly as some methods can damage the air filter. 

- Keeping your Sheets and Clothes Clean  

     Soft goods are really good at holding in air toxins and other harmful particles. Regularly cleaning your sheets stops dust mites from building up and also helps with your skin health; especially for those who acne prone skin. If you have pets washing sheets and clothes frequently also helps stop hair build-up. Keeping clothes off the floor help prevent easy access for particles as well. 

- Beeswax Candles 

     Beeswax candles actually attract pollutants to it. When burned they actually release negatively-charged particles called electrons. These attract dust and impurities which are positively charged. They also smell good :) 

- Household Plants 

Plants are one of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy atmosphere in your home. Most of these plants are easy to take care and just need some sun light and water to thrive! 

     Here are some great indoor plants: 

          - Bamboo Palm 

          - English Ivy 

          - Gerbera Daisy 

          - Janet Craig Dracaena 

          - Red Edged Dracaena 

          - Corn Plant 

These are simple tricks, but if you believe your air quality is really bad DO NOT hesitate to call us 

(808) 395- 9545 

let us know if these tips helped! 

Instagram handle: @ SERVPRO_e_honolulu

What are Sump Pumps?

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Sump pumps move water from your basement out of your home. A sump is a naturally constructed pit, usually a hole carved below the main surface of your basement floor. This pit, known as a basin, holds the sump pump. The pump is equipped with valves that sense escalating water levels or pressure. When the water gets too high, sump pumps automatically pump excess water out of the basement and away from your property using a discharge line. This line, called an effluent, connects the sump pump to a designated drainage area. 

A sump pump protects your home from heavy rains and rising waters that leave behind enormous repair costs and structural damages. It's important to know which of the different types of sumps pumps best fits your needs. 

Sump pumps are typically installed at the lowest point of your home. A properly functioning sump pump will kick on when water levels get too high, sending water out to help keep your basement dry. The typical sump pump runs on electricity, but if you live in an area prone to violent storms that can cause power outages you may want to consider purchasing a battery back up-operated sump pump or a water pressure-activated sump pump. The middle of a storm is a terrible time for you to discover your sump pump has failed. 

Cost of a sump pump

Generally, a basement submersible sump will cost anywhere from $100-$400 depending on the horsepower and flow rate, with $500-$1000 prices for sump pumps with commercial uses. Below is a list of considerations for calculating the cost of a sump pump in your home:

1. Type of sump pump

The type of sump pump you choose for your home will determine your cost. Factors such as the material used to make the sump pump, size, horsepower, additional features, including backup battery or a specified switch type can all contribute to the cost. 

2. Basement material

The floor of your basement can play a part in the cost of installation. If your basement is made of cement or concrete, then the floor will need to be removed in the lowest point of your basement where you plan to install the pump. The thicker the cement, the higher the cost of labor.

3. Drainage

If your city requires a drainage point a distance from your house, yard drainage lines or extension hoses can increase the cost of installation. Not to mention, they can be hazards to your yard or even freeze in the winter.

4. Permits

The cost of a permit will vary depending on location, so it is best to consider beforehand. The guidelines will also help you factor the cost of the job.

5. Licensed professional

Installing the sump pump yourself can cut costs dramatically if you know what you are doing. But if you are unsure, it is best to go with a licensed professional. Installation cost is cheaper than treating a flooded basement. 

Performing a full maintenance check on your sump pump system is a pretty simple process that can potentially help you avoid a costly water loss.

• Before adjusting or moving sump pump, disconnect the sump pump from its electricity source.
• Remove the pump from the well and check the intake grate for any rocks or debris that could have been pulled in.
• Clear well of any debris.
• Put sump pump back in to place and reconnect to power source.
• Fill a 5 gallon bucket with water and pour in to the sump well to make sure the system kicks on and is operating as should.
• Outside your home, check the condition of the pump discharge pipe, making sure it is free of blockage and debris.

If your sump pump appears to not be operating as intended, do not hesitate to call a professional to assess your system.

August: Sporicidin Fresh

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

For the month of August we want to highlight this awesome cleaner that isn't from us: Sporicidin Fresh! This is a biocide, defined in the European legislation as a chemical substance or microorganism intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organisms. Biocides are often used as cleaners and disinfectants to clean bacteria or other harmful microorganisms for humans.  

Sporicidin Fresh is intended to be used in water damages that have the possibility of biological material existing within the water. This can kill the biological material and any of the harmful diseases or infections it may have. 

This is an EPA disinfectant, meaning that it has been approved by the United State's Environmental Protective Agency, and it ok to use for mold as well. And because of OSHA which is Occupational Safety and Health Act. This means that Sporicidin Fresh can also be used for bloode-borne pathogens. 

Are You Sure You Need a Drain Cleaner ?

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

 No one likes a clogged drain or plumbing problems, these can be ranging from horrendous to doable.

Some problems require professionals before it is too late and others need a simple fix or an at home DIY (do it yourself). There are many ways to get a drain working again, some better than others. Though reaching right away for a drain cleaner seems like a good idea, a closer look suggests pouring chemicals into your pipes should be approached with caution. These reasons clarify the dangers of resorting to chemicals. 

- The chemicals in a drain cleaner can be toxic 

     Drain cleaners are toxic to humans and to pets. Merely breathing in the chemicals can cause stinging in the eyes and discomfort in the mouth. The chemicals can also burn exposed skin. Putting them into your plumbing system may not be the safest. 

- Hazardous for the Environment

     Chemicals that go down the drain in your home or business in East Honolulu wind up in streams, groundwater, and the beach. These chemicals are toxic enough to kill fish, marine life, mammals and insects. There are less harmful ways to clear a clogged drain, including mechanical and biological options. 

- Erosion on pipes 

     Chemical drain cleaners work by creating enough heat to burn through substances causing the blockage. Whether the source of the heat is lye, bleach, acid, or some other substance, the chemicals can harm older, weaker pipes and plastic pipes. These chemicals weaken pipes and will lead to more issues in the future. 

- There is no 100% guarantee 

     In situations where the drain is completely blocked, chemicals often just sit in the pipes creating heat and not clearing the drain. Oil and grease buildup in the drain is another occasion not conducive to being cleaned with chemicals. 

What are some alternatives to store bought cleaners? 

• Vinegar and Baking Soda - The vinegar is an acidic chemical, and baking soda is a natural cleansing product. Mix these two ingredients over the clogged drain. The mixture will fizz. Let the mixture sit overnight. In the morning, flush the drain with hot water.
• Hot Water and Dish Soap - Boil some hot water and mix in a few tablespoons of dish soap. Then slowly pour the mixture down the drain. The hot water will help to liquefy the clog, and the soap will help it to slide down the drain.  

Whether your home or business has a clogged drain or a major sewage problem and happened to cause water damage, SERVPRO professionals are Faster to Any Size Disaster and are trained to remediate water damage. They are experienced in sewage cleaning methods that restore a building to excellent condition again. The franchise has been helping people recover from fires, floods, and other disasters for over 50 years. 

Do Not Hesitate to Call Us at  

(808) 395-9545

COVID-19 Cleaning as Biohazard Experts

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

As COVID-19 spreads, know that SERVPRO has your back

During this unprecedented time, there have been more than a few changes to everyday life. 

Like remembering your mask wherever you go, or temperature checks at work; COVID-19 has changed many Hawai'i residents' lives. 

As COVID-19 rates exponentially rise in our state (with the average newly reported cases topping that of March's averages) there is an increased uncertainty for the future. 

But if there is one thing SERVPRO of East Honolulu is known for, it's our readiness to serve our community as field experts. 

As you are adapting with the community we are adapting to your new issues, including COVID-19 cleanings. 

We pride ourselves on repping the SERVPRO brand, and what that means to our customers satisfaction. Our experts have years of experience cleaning biomedical hazards, viral contaminates, and high-touch areas. 

With our EPA-grade cleaning solutions that are hospitable-friendly and tough enough to kill 99.99% of germs. We can effectively sanitize an area that has been affected by COVID-19. In addition to using top quality solutions, we also use our HEPA filters to additionally clean the air from airborne particles. These HEPA filters use modern technology to thoroughly clean the air of contaminates unable to be caught by just using sanitizing solutions. 

Here at SERVPRO of East Honolulu, we pride ourselves in keeping with accordance to CDC standards and EPA guidelines for the most efficient clean for your home and business. 

Using the three C's: consult, clean, and certify we can help disinfect COVID-19 exposed surfaces and general areas. 

Do not hesitate to call us at: 

(808) 395-9545

"Like it never even happened." Our SERVPRO promise to you.

July: SERVPRO Orange

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

For the month of July, SERVPRO of East Honolulu wants to highlight SERVPRO Orange, one of the best cleaners for cleaning up protein, oil-based soot, and soiling. 

SERVPRO Orange boasts the use of only 6 ingredients to get the job done. This is a multi-purposed cleaner that is oil-based. 

Oil-based cleaners are efficient in cleaning oily things, this is because of a chemical phenomena. Water does not mix with oil because of the polarity of the water molecule. Oily substances tend to be non-polar, this has to do with their charge. They have no charge, this makes it hard to attract oil with anything besides... oil! 

The SERVPRO Orange cleaner does just that, it attracts oil from substances to the liquid and with one swipe, the oily mess if gone! That means the SERVPRO Orange cleaner is an excellent tool in the kitchen, cleaning up any greasy, meat mess and more. It is also good at cleaning light soot from a fire place or candles. 

Not to mention SERVPRO Orange also has the delectable smell of freshly-peeled oranges, so after it cleans your mess it leaves a beautiful smell!

What is Odor Removal?

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Odor removal is one of our cleaning services we offer, this includes removing the source, cleaning the surrounding areas affected and air scrubbing. 

Sometimes odor removal is essential to a demolition or project. This is the case for some water, storm, or biohazard damage. The odor removal is very simple which is removing the substance that is causing an odor. This could also be biological waste, cigarettes, mold, or bathtub drain. 

After the odor removal then there is a cleaning process, that is cleaning all the surfaces suspected to smell due to the odor substance. This can be the flooring, walls, and soft substances. Luckily, the soft substances can be cleaned from the odorous substance and get back to smelling brand new. 

The final process that we do for odor removal is the air scrubbing. To many this may sound weird, why wold you scrub the air? Well, air scrubbing is a HEPA filtration and you are running it inside a room and it scrubs the air. Any air borne particulate: dust, mold spores, soot, odor are taken away from due to the filtration and your air is clean as ever!

Most of the odor jobs don't need a demolition process, SERVPRO of East Honolulu has the top technology in the cleaning and restoration business!

Esporta Machine: the dream

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

The Esporta Wash System is the disaster restoration industry’s only wet-wash machine designed exclusively to recover “soft contents” damaged in fire and water disasters and even mold. Soft contents include items such as footwear, linens, outerwear, bedding, outdoor items, athletic equipment, stuffed toys, and almost all of your personal clothing. Practically anything that would be found in your home, that industrial cleaning products cannot clean.

The patented system breaks down unwanted organic materials and kills bacteria, viruses, and mold spores on contact. The system also removes organic and inorganic contaminants without degrading or damaging the materials. It is five times more effective than traditional front-loading washing machines. This makes it easier for us at SERVPRO of East Honolulu to restore your property! This machine also makes it plausible for less materials and home goods to be thrown away.

If you have favorite items of clothing that have been affected by any natural disaster or mold/mildew infestation, ask our SERVPRO of East Honolulu qualified team and experts about your options for salvaging soft goods!

What is Air Scrubbing?

6/6/2020 (Permalink)

To us professionals here at SERVPRO of East Honolulu, air scrubbing is actually due to an air filtration device. This is a machine that cleans the air of particles that may be in your home. This could be something as simple as dust or clothing particles and as deadly as black mold.  

Because air is such a vital source for all life sources, an air filtration device is crucial for most jobs. This is also important for cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19, and soot particles in the air.  

How does it work? 

Our air filtration device simply takes in the air surrounding and traps the particles from various sources into the filter. From there it releases the air back, this is the same concept of a Brita filter or other water filtering devices.  

We also call it a HEPA machine... why? 

Well in order to make this process most effective with a track record of 97.99% we use a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter, when air drawn through the back of the machine it is run through the HEPA filter. That is the very reason why there is no returning particulates when the air is released from the machine. The filter is extremely efficient and catches almost anything. 

These types of cleaning are great for hospitals and doctors who believe there are contaminants in the air. We also use air scrubbing after fire damages and mold remediation. But, it can also be used if one has respiratory issues.  

Here at SERVPRO of East Honolulu with the state of the art machine, we can "clean" the air so to speak for easier cleaning. 

DIY Cleaner!

5/31/2020 (Permalink)

We are facing unprecedented times during this COVID-19 season, people in the community have lost their job, or have had a significant wage cut. We at SERVPRO East Honolulu are thinking of you, and have you in our hearts. Here is a simple recipe for a spray that can be used as a general disinfectant: 

you're going to need: 

- a spray bottle, cleaned 

-1/2 cup of white vinegar 

-1/2 cup of 70% Rubbing Alcohol 

-1 cup of distilled water 

- 5 drops of citrus/orange essential oil (optional) 

To make this spray it is simple and effective, you mix all the ingredients besides the essential oil into the spray bottle. After this is thoroughly mixed, which can be done by vigorously shaking the bottle, add in the essential oil for smell. 

You can use orange peels as well this also creates a lovely aroma if you don't have access to an orange essential oil. 

And don't be afraid to experiment! Not everyone likes the smell of oranges, and that is OK; one can use also the same of amount of eucalyptus, lavender, mint, or any other essential oil lying around. The most important ingredient is the 70% rubbing alcohol, that concentration will kill most bacteria and keep you and your ohana safe.

This is an easy way to clean your household on a tighter budget, the orange also creates a lovely smell perfect for any nose! 

Chemical of the Month: SERVPROXIDE

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO East Honolulu we use all types of chemicals to clean and re-store anything. To show our extensive knowledge on the chemicals that WE use, and how they are the BEST we are doing a chemical of the month. 

For the month of June, the chemical we are highlighting is SERVPROXIDE. 

SERVPROXIDE kills harmful bacteria on hard and soft surfaces, it controls, prevents, and inhibits mold and mildew from re-growth. 

This is 100% bio degradable, and is efficient as it does not need a wipe down after being sprayed. 

There is a cool component of SERVPROXIDE, the longer the chemical is on a surface, the more potent it becomes. After 5 minutes of contact time, SERVPROXIDE kills hepatitis A. 

SERVPROXIDE is extremely versatile and with proper instructions it can be used: to sanitize, deodorize, disinfect, pre-cleaner or post-cleaner, and can be used on both porous and non-porous surfaces. 

Also, SERVPROXIDE carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating meaning that this can be used for everyday use and industrial. This is great for any need, we use SERVPROXIDE for mold remediation, water damage, and cleaning services we offer.

Fighting Sewage, Mold, and Soot

1/30/2017 (Permalink)

Imagine wading into the ocean. Living in Hawaii, it is easy to do. Feel the force of the waves pushing against your body? Now imagine that same force pushing through items inside of a washing machine. 
This is exactly what happens inside of the ESPORTA WASH SYSTEM that uses a completely different technology from a regular machine called the hydraulic water action. 
SERVPRO of East Honolulu, a local cleaning and restoration company has brought this new technology to Oahu. Now items contaminated with sewage, mold, smoke, and soot can be disinfected to food grade clean, "like it never even happened," which is in fact SERVPRO's slogan. 

"We can wash anything from teddy bears and dolls to leather boots, purses, jackets, pillows and blackets, taking out odor, as well as killing potentially harmful bacteria." -Raul Natividad, SERVPRO of East Honolulu owner who's been in the business for over 25 years. 

Ultrasonic Cleaning

1/14/2017 (Permalink)

Restored porcelain Buddha through ultrasonic cleaning

What picture comes to mind when you think of the word "ultrasonic"? Well, one of the things ultrasound waves can do is....clean your belongings from various contaminants, including mold and soot. In fact, the items can be anything from jewelry, glass, and ceramic materials to even electronics - computers and TV's. 

The high-frequency waves can be used with just water, but use of a solvent along with the soiling enhances the effect. Cleaning normally last between 3 - 6 minutes, but can also exceed 20 minutes, depending on the object.

OK, but what exactly goes on inside of the ultrasonic cleaner??? In a process called cavitation, bubbles form and grow. Prior to the bubble implosion, there is a tremendous amount of energy stored inside of them. When the implosion occurs near a hard surface, it changes the bubbles into a jet, which travels at extremely high speeds towards the hard surface. With the combination of pressure, temperature, and velocity, the jet frees contaminants from their bonds with the substrate. Because of the small size of the jet and the large energy, ultrasonic cleaning reaches into the small crevices and removes entrapped soils very efficiently.