How to Keep Your Attic and Crawl Space Bug-Free

Whether you live in the suburbs or the city, every home has one thing in common — bugs. While no house can be completely bug-free, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the number of creepy crawlers coming into your house.

• Install screens on your windows. Especially in the warmer months when we’re all trying to fill our homes with a natural breeze, flies can easily get into open windows.
• Seal cracks in the foundation. Not only are cracks in your foundation taking a toll on your energy bill, but they can also let in termites, ants, and cockroaches.
• Caulk around your doors. If air can get through, so can bugs.
• Seal your vents and have them inspected. For the health of your home and the people in it, your attic has to be ventilated. But overtime, vents can start to become loose, leaving room for insects to crawl in.
• Keep food out of your bedroom. It’s true what your mom used to tell you — eating in your bedroom will attract bugs. It’s best to keep all eating and cooking to the kitchen and dining room.
• Keep the kitchen clean. Speaking of eating, you also don’t want to leave food out for too long, even if it’s in the kitchen.
• Keep clutter to a minimum. Even in places like the attic and crawl space, which are primarily used for storage, it’s important you keep them clean and organized. Bugs love to hide, so the fewer hiding spots you give them, the less likely they are to stick around.
• Take the garbage out often. Live by the rule: If you can smell it, so can bugs.
• Rinse your recyclables. The sticky, sugary remains of a soda can sitting in the recyclables next to your house can also attract bugs. And they probably won’t stop at just the recyclables.
• Prune your trees. Even if you don’t have much of a green thumb, pruning your trees is incredibly important. Branches that hang close to your house act as a bridge for insects and small animals.
• Use a natural deterrent. Before you spray your house with traditional insect repellents that are littered with chemicals, try a few natural alternatives, like:
• Citrus oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Neem oil
• Place egg shells in the flower beds around your house.

While natural remedies are great for everyday use, sometimes at the beginning and end of a season, you need something a bit more powerful. That’s where we come in! GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. Our methods have been tested and proven to be 100-percent eco-friendly. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us today for a free quote at 631-940-8100.

What Are The Best Green Cleaning Products?

Walk down the aisle of any home goods store and you’ll find dozens, dare we say hundreds, of cleaning products, all claiming to get your house sparkling clean. But don’t be fooled by their flower and meadow-covered labels. Traditional cleaning products are filled with chemicals that can not only damage your clothes, machines, and countertops, but contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Luckily, there are a number of natural, organic products that you probably already have, or can find at your local supermarket, that can get the job done as well as (if not better than) chemical filled cleaners.

• Baking Soda. Baking soda can do a lot more than just keep your fridge smelling clean. A paste of baking soda and water can clean your oven, brushes and combs, and even patio furniture. 
• Lemon. Lemon typically doesn’t help with the actual cleaning, but it will make your home smell lemony fresh! 
• White Vinegar. From clogged shower heads, to dirty microwaves, white vinegar can cut through even the toughest scum and leave your house naturally clean. 
• Borax. Borax is a natural mineral that’s found in most cleaning products today. Years ago, most people used a scoop or two of Borax to boost their laundry detergent's cleaning power. Years later, we’ve found that it also helps to clean (and unclog) toilets, brighten countertops, clean mold and mildew stains, and wash dishes. 
• Hydrogen Peroxide. Just like hydrogen peroxide is great for cleaning out cuts, it’s a great disinfectant to use around the house. A little bit of hydrogen peroxide and water makes a powerful toothbrush and sponge sanitizer, as well as a grout whitener. 

While natural remedies are great for everyday use, sometimes at the beginning and end of a season, you need something a bit more powerful. That’s where we come in! GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. Our methods have been tested and proven to be 100-percent eco-friendly. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us today for a free quote at 631-940-8100.

5 Myths About Attic Ventilation Every Homeowner Should Know

We know — attic ventilation probably isn’t priority number one on your list of home repairs and updates. But unbeknownst to most homeowners, attic ventilation has a huge impact on the overall health of your home. That’s why we’re breaking down the most common myths surrounding this sometimes overlooked, but incredibly important, function.   

Myth #1: Only homes in warm climates need attic ventilation.

Fact: Not only is proper ventilation needed in homes in every climate, but it’s actually more important in colder climates. Where there’s cold weather, there’s moisture. And where there’s moisture, there’s an increased likelihood of mold. Meaning ventilation will actually help keep your attic mold and mildew free.

Myth #2: Ventilation drives up energy costs.

Fact: We can’t fault people for thinking this. It makes sense that having “holes” for ventilation in your roof will just let all of the air you’re paying to heat or cool straight out of the house. But oddly enough, proper ventilation actually helps keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Myth #3: One vent is enough.

Fact: There’s no set number of vents that a house should have, but it’s rarely one. The number of vents a home needs is dependent on the attic's size, purpose, insulation, and location. Typically, a four person house with an attic will need multiple vents.

Myth #4: Powered fans are the best at ventilating attics.

Fact: In some cases, a powered fan is a great addition to an attic, but they’re not universally considered the best option. If you’re using a powered fan, but don’t need to be, you can be sucking air out of other rooms in the house, and pushing it outside.

Myth #5: The type of vent you get is all that matters.

Fact: As we learned, the type of vent you have is important, but it’s far from the only thing you need to consider. You also need to pay attention to how the vent is installed, where it’s installed, and how large it is.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional attic cleaning and mold removal services to homes across Long Island. If you live in Nassau County or Suffolk County, call us to get started with a free estimate at (631) 940-8100.

What is Black Mold?

No mold is good mold. That being said, there are some types of mold that are worse than others. Yup, we’re talking about stachybotrys chartarum — but you may know of it as “black mold.”

Black Mold

Black mold is a toxic fungus that rapidly reproduces in warm, wet areas. Though mold can be found anywhere inside or outside of a home, it’s most often found in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.

Symptoms and Health Effects

Breathing in black mold can have a number of negative effects on your health, especially your respiratory system. The most common symptoms are chronic coughing, sneezing, excess mucus, fatigue, and headaches.

Identifying Black Mold

You may assume, based on its descriptive name, that black mold is pretty identifiable. But, that’s not always the case. Black mold can be dark green, brown, and even grey, making it sometimes hard to identify. To positively identify black mold, it must be tested by a trained professional through a microscopic exam.

Eliminating Black Mold

Because black mold is toxic, you should never try to clean it yourself. Instead, call a trusted team of professionals, who have the equipment and experience to handle black mold.

Preventing Mold in the Future

Dealing with black mold is a hassle that can really take a toll on your home. So your best defense against it is a good offense. Be proactive this year and prevent black mold from growing with these tips:

• Especially in the warmer summer months, you should leave a dehumidifier on in basements and crawlspaces.  
• Always keep gutters and downspouts facing away from your house, to prevent flooding and excess moisture.
• Prevent water from building up on your walls by leaving windows open during the day and improving air flow.
• Use paint and gloss finishes that are mold and mildew resistant.

Are you in need of a high-quality mold removal service for your Long Island home? Look no further than GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration! Our methods are environmentally safe and proven to work. We service all of Nassau and Suffolk County. Contact us today at 631-940-8100 for a FREE quote.

How Can I Improve My Indoor Air Quality?

With all the talk about global warming, pollution, and smog, people are trying now more than ever to keep the air they breathe clean. We tend to think of pollution as something that only really happens outside, but cleaning chemicals, mold, and air conditioners all contribute to poor indoor air quality. But have no fear! While there are plenty of things that cause poor air quality, there are just as many, if not more, things that can improve it.

Suck it Up, Then Mop it Up

Your floors are one of the dirtiest surfaces in your house, so if you’re trying to combat poor air quality, start at the ground. Vacuuming, then mopping, your house once a week can pick up pollen, pet dander, and other allergens that will get sucked into your HVAC unit and circulated around your house.

Clean Your Filters and Air Ducts

Speaking of your HVAC, that too can contribute to your home’s poor air quality. The dust and debris that gets sucked into your central air doesn’t stay in the ducts, it circulates around your house, making a stop at every room with a vent. Protect your family by having your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis!  

Add Plants

We all know that plants can “liven” up any room, but they’re good for a lot more than just being a beautiful center piece. Adding greenery to your home, especially your living room, bedroom, and bathroom (yes, many plants can not only survive but thrive in moist areas) can help combat mold and keep your family breathing easy.

Watch Your Humidity Levels

Mold thrives in moist environments, especially in bathrooms, attics, and basements. But you also don’t want your air to be too dry, since that can cause respiratory problems. Ideally, you want your humidity levels to be around 30-50 percent.

Declare Your House a “No Smoking Zone”

Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals. Even if you ask smokers to stand on the front porch or in the backyard, these chemicals can still make their way into your house.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional air duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us today to schedule a free estimate: 631-940-8100.

Is Your Air Conditioner Making You Sick?

We think it’s safe to say that as Long Islanders, we’re all very grateful for the modern wonders of the air conditioner — but did you know it can leave you feeling fatigued and sick? While these units control humidity levels and filter the air in your home, they need to be carefully maintained in order to avoid health problems.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration has highlighted a few symptoms that could be attributed to your air conditioner.

Generally Feeling Sick

Have you ever found that at the end of a long day’s work you feel generally sick? Maybe you have a headache or are just very sluggish and tired. Once you leave the building your symptoms subside. Sure you could just attribute this to laziness or not wanting to be at work — but this ailment actually has a name. It’s called “sick building syndrome.” Your air conditioner could be to blame.

If you have access to the thermostat, try setting the temperature a bit higher so your body is not shivering. In addition, step outside for a few minutes as often as possible.

Respiratory Issues

Have you neglected to clean your air conditioner’s filter? If so, you’re creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Every time you run your cooling system, you’ll be breathing in these contaminants. This can lead to countless respiratory issues including fatal infectious pneumonia and Legionnaires disease.

Be sure to clean your filters at the start of every season and regularly throughout the warm weather.

Dry Skin

Air conditioned air dries out your skin — plain and simple.

The solution, turn or the A/C or get a great moisturizer!

According to the International Journal of Epidemiology, people who spend more of their time in air-conditioned environments actually require health care services more often. They are absent from work more frequently and their ailments are predominantly related to ear, nose, and throat issues, as well as respiratory and dermatological problems.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. Our methods have been tested and proven to be 100-percent eco-friendly. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us today for a free quote at 631-940-8100.

Water Damage? What Now?

Whether it’s a burst pipe or a heavy rainfall, no home is safe from the effects of water damage. If not dealt with properly, you could be putting your home and your family at risk. That’s why GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration is here with a guide to dealing with water damage.

Cut the Power

When dealing with a flood, be sure to cut the power in the affected area. If you cannot safely reach the circuit breaker, do not wade through the water to get there. Doing so increases the risk of electrocution.

Go to the Source

Once you've disconnected the power, find the source of the flood. You may need to cover a hole in your roof or cut off the water supply to a burst pipe or overflowing toilet. Do this as quickly as possible to contain the damage.

Collect Valuable Belongings

Now is the time for search and rescue. Prioritize your valuables. do your best to save important documents, family heirlooms, and expensive electronics.

Create Ventilation

Open as many windows and doors as possible. If possible, set up a box fan and exhaust fan to further help circulate the air. This will help remove moisture from the air and minimize mold growth.

Remove Still Water

Next, use a mop or wet vac to remove flood water from the room. (Be sure not to use a dry vacuum.)

Call a Professional

You guessed it, GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration can help fix water damage in your Long Island home. Give us a call as soon as possible in order to minimize the damage and protect your family from mold growth.

Submit a Claim to Your Insurance Company

When you contact your insurance company, be sure to denote "water damage" rather than flooding. They are two different things and most insurance companies will not cover flooding.

If you suspect water damage in your Long Island home, call GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration as soon as possible. What are you waiting for? The quicker you call, the better — for the sake of your health and your home! Contact us today at: 631-940-8100.