loods, fires, and other disasters are merciless; They destroy not only homes but countless personal and prized possessions. Whether you’re seeking to restore your couch or some family heirloom, First Call is dedicated to guiding you through the process of restoring and disinfecting your items effectively and safely. But how do you know if an item can be disinfected? We’ll tackle this and other frequently asked questions we receive.
At First Call, we’ve helped families in the Greensboro, Burlington, and Raleigh areas get back into their homes as soon as safely possible. This means going the extra mile and doing whatever it takes to restore your belongings and give you peace of mind. Contact us to learn more.
3 Ways You Can Tell If An Item Can Be Disinfected
First, it’s important to distinguish between disinfecting and sterilizing.
Disinfection removes harmful organisms through the use of chemicals. Sterilization completely eliminates all forms of organisms and microbial life. The difference is that disinfection reduces the number of organisms to a safe level, while sterilization removes them entirely. Disinfection is typically used to restore items damaged by disasters.
How do you know if an item can be disinfected? The following are three ways:
1. The Type of Material
If the item is nonporous, such as hard plastics, metal, or glass, it can typically be disinfected. It’s much more challenging to disinfect items like upholstery, fabrics, or even wood. To treat those, we use specialized equipment and cleaning methods.
2. The Extent of the Damage
If your item was only mildly affected by smoke or water, it can typically be restored and effectively disinfected. We’ll have to closely examine the damage to determine the probability of restoration.
3. The Type of Contamination
Was your item exposed to smoke or water? Or were there harmful chemicals involved? If your possessions were exposed to biohazards or dangerous chemicals, they may not be able to be disinfected or restored.
What Surfaces Should Be Disinfected?
Any surface that is frequently touched—such as doorknobs – should be disinfected. In addition, any surface or object that came into contact with smoke, water, or any other contaminants should undergo careful restoration.
What Does It Mean When a Surface Is Disinfected?
A surface is disinfected when the number of harmful germs and microorganisms has been reduced to a safe level as determined by public health standards. This process dramatically decreases the chances of getting an infection.
For Professional Disinfection and Restoration, First Call Is the Right Call
We understand that your items are precious to you. They may include prized pieces of sentimental value in addition to practical items like favorite pieces of furniture. In times of need, let us restore your space to a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment. We’re committed to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction—which is one reason residents, businesses, and school systems have trusted us throughout the Raleigh, Burlington, and Greensboro areas.
How do you know if an item can be disinfected? Don’t make a guess. Doing so could damage both your health and the item. Leave it to the trusted professionals at First Call. Contact us to learn more about our services and get a free, zero-commitment quote. Remember, in times of restoration and cleaning needs, First Call’s the right call.
