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Oct 06
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Natural Stone Floor Cleaning Dos and Don’ts

By Natural Stone Cleaning

natural stone flooringNatural stone floors are a beautiful addition to your home’s interior. Stone is a natural flooring option that uses no dangerous chemicals, but it needs a little extra TLC to stay beautiful. Let’s look at some dos and don’ts for natural stone floor cleaning.

Prevention Goes a Long Way

Prevention is the key to reducing long-term damage. By reducing the amount of dirt and any spills on the surface of the tile, you can keep your floors looking beautiful for their whole life. Remember to always:

  • Remove dirt and sand from the surface of your natural stone floor to avoid scratches.
  • Clean up spills as soon as possible to avoid the liquid leeching into the surface of the stone. Liquids such as lemon juice, cola, and orange juice can cause permanent damage to the stone’s surface if not cleaned up immediately.
  • Use non-slip rugs near entryways to keep dirt from tracking through the house. Stone floors are also slippery when wet.

One of the best methods to protect your natural stone floors is to have them sealed properly. Be sure to choose the proper sealant, and use as directed, or have it professionally done. Having your floors sealed can prevent spills from soaking in and staining or damaging the floors.

Natural Stone Floor Cleaning Tips

Sweep your stone floors daily to remove dirt and grime. You can also vacuum up the dirt and dust for best results. Keeping the dirt off the tiles will slow deterioration of the stone’s surface. Some stone experts believe you should mop stone floors with clear water daily to remove day-to-day build-up.

If using cleaners, they should be designed for stone care. You can also use a solution made of vegetable soap and water. Follow up daily care with regular deep cleanings. Homes with children and pets will require more frequent deep cleanings of the stone.

Don’ts for Stone Floors

While stone floors are fairly durable, there are a few don’ts you need to observe. By avoiding these few things, you’ll be able to keep your stone floors looking beautiful far longer.

  • Don’t use lemon juice, vinegar, or other cleaners containing acids. They will damage the stone’s surface.
  • Don’t use commercial cleaners unless they say specifically they are safe for marble or stone surfaces.
  • Don’t use a vacuum cleaner with worn or missing wheels. They will scratch the surface of your floor.

With a little prevention and daily care, your stone floors will be around for a long time. They will add warmth and beauty to the interior of your home for generations to come. If you are looking for a new flooring option, consider adding stone floors to your home.

For questions about  natural stone cleaning, call Professional Surface Restoration at (419) 705-8693 today.

Sep 18
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How to Winterize Your Concrete Floor

By Concrete Cleaning, Concrete Sealing

how to winterize your concreteConcrete is a porous material, and despite its strength and durability, this means it’s vulnerable to certain weather conditions. Winter weather – especially snow – can wear down concrete surfaces by seeping into the material. Much like roads and sidewalks, concrete patio floors and driveways can experience destructive freeze/thaw cycles during the winter. As a homeowner, it’s important to understand why the winter poses such a big threat to concrete surfaces and how you can act to protect your concrete during the coldest months of the year.

Concrete’s porosity gives it the ability to absorb water. When the weather is warm, moisture in the air, such as rain or dew, can evaporate after it’s absorbed by concrete. But as temperatures go below 32 degrees, the moisture in the air freezes and expands after it is absorbed by the concrete. This not only causes cracks to develop on the concrete’s exterior surface, but it places extreme pressure on its internal foundation as well.

Once the concrete is cracked, it’s at a higher risk of damage because water can easily get into the openings and apply pressure as it solidifies and expands. This weakens the overall stability of the concrete surface and creates a potentially hazardous walking surface.

Thankfully, you have ample time to avoid the consequences of damaged concrete surfaces before the winter begins. Consider the following winterization steps to protect your home’s concrete exteriors from deterioration as the temperatures drop.

Check Your Concrete for Signs of Damage 

The first step in winterizing your concrete surface is to evaluate its current condition. If the surface is showing signs of damage, such as cracks, unevenness, or spalling, the best solution is to have these issues repaired as soon as possible. Making a point to get the damage repaired now will help prevent it from metastasizing as the temperatures drop.

If your concrete slab has cracks but is still even, you can repair the fissures with a durable sealant. However, concrete surfaces that are uneven or with cracks bigger than a quarter inch might need to be professionally repaired or resurfaced.

Seal All Concrete Surfaces 

Sealing is the optimal way to preserve your concrete and doing so before the temperatures start to decrease will help shield it from damage that occurs a when moisture from snow and ice seeps into the concrete’s surface. If your concrete is free of cracks or has just been repaired, you can protect it with an acrylic sealant to keep it safe from moisture during the winter.

If you’re not sure how much difference professional cleaning and sealing might make for your concrete surfaces, why not see an expert demonstration? Professional Surface Restoration offers free estimates with no obligation.

For additional information, visit our concrete cleaning and sealing web page, or contact us to set up an appointment.

Aug 30
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Simple Everyday Grout Cleaning Tips

By Tile and Grout

Grout Cleaning TipsYou might love your beautiful tile floors, but what about the grout? For most homeowners, grout is more of an annoyance than an asset. It can collect stains and mar the look of your floors. Luckily, there are easy ways to clean your grout and get it looking like new – and then keep it that way. Start with these simple everyday grout cleaning tips.

Daily Wet Mop

Spotless grout and tile floors require light daily maintenance. Swipe a mop, wipe, or sponge across your tile floors with just water every day to remove dirt and debris. Leaving debris on your tile floors allows longer-lasting stains to form, as feet will grind the dirt down into the grout. Mopping lightly every day to combat dirt can make a big difference in the look and cleanliness of your grout.

Invest in Powdered Oxygen Bleach

Powdered oxygen bleach is non-toxic, with no harmful fumes. It’s also color-safe. This “magic” cleaner for grout removes grease and food stains from tile and grout without a lot of scrubbing. Simply mix oxygen bleach with warm water (according to package directions) and stir until it dissolves.

Pour the solution onto the part of the grout you wish to clean. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes. Pour more if the grout absorbs all of the mixture, keeping liquid covering the grout. The longer you let it sit, the better it works. The oxygen ions break down the stain molecules for up to six hours! Mop your floors with the solution after a deep clean to keep your grout like new.

Clean Floors after Showers and Baths

Part of what discolors grout in the bathroom is condensation that collects on the tiles from baths and showers. A daily quick-clean routine after you bathe can prevent many stains and discoloration from ruining your tile floors. It might seem like a bit of a hassle, but it can ultimately save you effort in the long run.

After you bathe, use a squeegee across your tile floors to remove excess water. Then, spray tiles with a mild shower cleaner (you can make your own using a 4:1 ratio of water to vinegar) and wipe them down. This will help keep your tiles and grout clean in the bathroom.

Don’t Make Common Mistakes

When trying to clean your grout, never use acid-based products or cleaners. The acid can break down the grout between your tiles. Don’t clean your grout on brand-new floors until you’re sure it has completely cured. Avoid common grout-cleaning mistakes, get professional tips, and enjoy tile and grout that are spick-and-span.

For questions about your tile floors or more information about a professional cleaning service, contact Professional Surface Restoration

Aug 16
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Concrete Floor Maintenance Tips

By Concrete Cleaning

Concrete Floor Maintenance TipsOne of the perks of installing polished concrete floors in your home, garage, or patio is its low maintenance. Concrete is strong and durable, and part of the charm is in its imperfections. Without a bit of regular floor maintenance and care, however, you risk exposing your concrete floors to the elements. Concrete is porous and can absorb stains that may blemish your space. Use these concrete floor maintenance tips and techniques to protect you for the long haul!

Dust Mop Daily

If you want your concrete floors to look their absolute best, dust mop daily using a soft microfiber cloth. Going over your floors each day with a dust mop can remove dirt, dust, and debris that might otherwise be too abrasive for your polished concrete. You might also need to wet mop with clean water a few times per week to remove harder-to-clean spots. The more often you dust-mop, the shinier your polished concrete floors will remain.

Use a Neutral-pH Cleaner

Concrete floors are special in that cleaners that are too acidic or alkaline can deteriorate the flooring material. Don’t put your floors at risk or accidentally dull the shine of the polish with the wrong cleaner. Make sure you’re mopping with a mix of clean water and a cleaner with a neutral pH balance to prevent abrading, discoloring, and deteriorating your beautiful concrete floors. Avoid cleaners that are “heavy duty,” contain acid, or have vinegar or other acidic ingredients. The manufacturer of your floors or sealant may have recommendations.

Clean Up Spills Quickly

You don’t want to test the stain-resistance of your concrete floor sealer if you don’t have to. Clean up spills immediately to make sure your floors don’t absorb any colors, liquids, or odors. Stained concrete floors can be difficult to make like new again. The best way to maintain their clean and shiny appearance is to mop up spills right away. You might also want to consider laying down mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to catch dirt, grime, and spills before they reach your floors.

Seal against Water

Concrete floors are water- and stain-resistant, but eventually you will need to reseal them to make sure the protection from the elements lasts. Reapply the sealant every few years to keep your concrete floors looking like new. If you don’t reseal your floors every few years, they could be more prone to water damage, stains, and abrasions. Hire our professionals if you don’t think you can clean or reseal your concrete floors alone!

If you’re not sure how much difference professional cleaning and sealing might make for your concrete surfaces, why not see an expert demonstration? Professional Surface Restoration offers free estimates with no obligation. Contact us to set up an appointment.

Aug 01
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Dirty Carpet Is Hurting Your Health

By Carpet Cleaning

dirty carpetDirty carpet is a breeding ground for bacteria. It can act like a sponge, absorbing pounds of pollutants, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, dirt, dust, and allergens. Many people don’t pay enough attention to carpet cleanliness. This can lead to lower indoor air quality, even long-term respiratory problems for homeowners.

It’s important to give your dirty carpet a deep, thorough cleaning regularly to prevent carpet-related toxins and health issues.

Here are the facts…

Carpets Can Collect 40 Pounds of Dirt Per Year

Over time, your carpet can literally gain weight from the amount of foreign material it absorbs and holds. The average carpet can collect 40 pounds of dirt in a year and twice the amount of dust as the outdoor air – dust that harbors millions of dust mites. A poorly maintained carpet can harbor dirt and pollutants someone tracked into your home years ago. It’s vital to clean your carpet often to rid your home of this massive amount of pollutants. Otherwise, you, your kids, and your pets could be breathing in harmful pollutants day and night.

Carpet Pollutants Can Impact Health

Carpeting can be a significant source of indoor air pollution. Chemically coated carpet fibers can seep into your indoor air as you walk on the carpet, unless you invest in a carpet made from natural materials. Over time, the pollutants your carpet collects can fill the air, until your family is breathing in mold and mildew spores, bacteria, dust, and pet dander. Dirty carpets have been known to cause skin irritation, headaches, sore throats, itchy eyes, fatigue, and breathing problems.

Your “Clean” Might Not Be Clean Enough

Vacuuming your carpets regularly might suck up a great deal of pollutants such as dirt and dander, but it still leaves behind plenty of other allergens. It can even stir up particles to create airborne pollutants. You must clean your carpets more thoroughly than vacuuming for a true “clean.” You should also use a special HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter on your vacuum to collect more pollutants.

Hire a Professional to Really Clean Your Dirty Carpet

Pouring chemical cleaners into your carpet might kill the bacteria, but it can add an enormous amount of chemical pollution to your indoor air in the process. To keep carpets clean in a healthy way, stick to human- and pet-safe cleaning products. Vacuum and scrub your carpets at least once a week, following carpet care instructions. Keep the room well ventilated while cleaning your carpet.

Hire a professional carpet cleaning company to get the job done right. Professional cleaning can help you ensure the long-term cleanliness and safety of your carpets.

Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to request a FREE demo

Jul 24
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Construction Cleanup Services

By Construction Clean Up

Construction CleanupConstruction cleanup is often the last detail of a job, and one most often overlooked. What the client sees when they step onto the premises is what creates the first – and the most lasting – impression. You’ve delivered high quality work all through the job; don’t let the cleanup convey the impression of a haphazard, unprofessional work ethic.

The experts of Professional Service Restoration make the final step in the process just as high-quality as the rest of the work you perform.

Meticulous Attention to Detail

Professional construction cleanup requires a ruthless determination to nail down every detail.

Our expert service includes:

  • Cleaning outside and inside of cabinets and drawers.
  • Polishing fixtures and door handles.
  • Vacuuming carpets and cleaning of all floor coverings.
  • Washing windows inside and out, including catching the dust and debris in window tracts.
  • Cleaning appliances and countertops.
  • Pick up debris and trash from interior and deposit into dumpster on site.
  • Cleaning glass and mirrors.

No detail is overlooked, and we thoroughly inspect the property to ensure the best results on every job.

Here Where You Need Us

Professional Service Restoration works in Toledo, Ohio and all surrounding areas. Our technicians are certified and go through intensive and ongoing training to ensure they understand the work and best methods available to achieve optimal results every time. Professional Service Restoration uses cutting edge equipment to ensure every job site looks its absolute best.

Construction Cleanup Experience with Results

For over a decade, we’ve been delivering results for construction sites. We know what you’re looking for in a quality professional cleanup because we’ve seen it all before. We’ve come through for the most exacting clients and learned the most efficient methods for accomplishing a cleanup. Our experience benefits you in timely delivery and results that are sure to impress your clients.

Give Professional Service Restoration a call today at (419) 705-8693, and let us help you deliver a great first impression every time.

Jul 18
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What to Clean Before Putting Your Home Up for Sale

By Carpet Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Furniture Cleaning, Tile and Grout, Upholstery Cleaning, Wood Floor Cleaning

What to cleanSelling your home takes ample preparation, and not just in thinking about the financial aspects and figuring out where you’ll move to next. As you’re working on vacating your home, someone else will be determining if it is the place they want to move into. You need to make sure that everything looks as appealing to a potential buyer as possible.

You want your house to have vibe appeal – that intangible factor that makes it feel like home to a prospective buyer. Despite not having concrete elements, vibe appeal goes a long way to making a sale. While you don’t want to dig into any massive investments that won’t bring you proportionate payout, little touch-ups can make a big difference in making your home more appealing to its future residents.

Surface Cleaning

A clean home is easily one of the major components of vibe appeal, and thorough cleaning means your house will look as attractive to potential buyers as possible. Cleaning up any dust, polishing metals, and wiping down the windows can make a big impression on visitors.

Carpet

You don’t just want to stop at surface cleaning, however. Beyond general tidiness, give your carpets a thorough once-over. Don’t just stop at vacuuming; get your carpets professionally cleaned so they look and feel the best they can.

Tile and Grout

Tiles make for a great stylistic choice, but grout has the unfortunate tendency to show staining, even with regular cleaning. A full-scale deep cleaning of grout can make your tile look tip-top, giving the impression of newer tiles.

While all tiles are important, you want to take special care when tending to your bathroom. A dirty bathroom can give the impression that the whole home is dirty. Eliminating any traces of dirty grout will help your restroom contribute to the sale of your home instead of driving potential buyers away.

Front Lawn and Driveway

The adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” unfortunately does not apply to homebuyers. Before they even consider taking a tour, potential buyers will decide if they want to buy your house based on the front exterior. You need to do a little more than stick a “for sale” sign in your driveway to make people want to step inside.

Make sure you’ve tended to your front lawn. Adding a few plants and flowers helps make your house look attractive to others. If you have a driveway, keeping that in shape is essential, as well. Tend to any potential cracks and power wash the concrete.

Removing Clutter

There’s a chance your house has been your home for a substantial amount of time, and it’s filled with your belongings and memories. You need to remove as much mess as possible. Clean up any clutter for showings, so potential buyers can feel they have enough space and imagine themselves at home. For areas such as closets, removing at least half of your clothes can make the space seem roomier.

Cleaning is easily one of the most critical parts in successfully selling your home. Be as thorough as possible and watch your vibe appeal increase as a result.

Thinking about putting your home up for sale? Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to request a FREE demo.

Jun 20
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Carpet Cleaning Myths Debunked

By Carpet Cleaning

carpet cleaning myths

Whether you’re thinking about your next flooring choice for your home or you’re debating cleaning your carpets, there are many carpet cleaning myths that you may have not known about before.

Carpets Cause Allergies

Many people believe that carpets are the culprit for their allergies. However, the opposite is true. Carpets trap allergens and dirt and keep them there until the carpet is professionally cleaned or vacuumed.

Related Article: 3 Ways Professional Carpet Cleaning Protects Your Health

Carpet Deodorizers Will Make Odors Disappear Forever

Unfortunately, store-bought and DIY carpet deodorizers don’t truly remove odors inside carpets. Instead, they only mask the odor on the surface. The source of carpet odors is usually deeper than surface level, so it’s better to have your carpets professionally cleaned to permanently remove the smell.

Related Article: What’s That Smell? Dealing With Sneaky Carpet Odors

Dry Cleaning Carpets Is Better than Wet Cleaning

Dry cleaning may seem like a better idea because your carpets won’t get damp, but it doesn’t clean deeper than surface level. Steam cleaning is a better option because it’ll penetrate deeper into the carpet and extract the dirt, bacteria, and allergens.

Once You Start Cleaning Carpets They Get Dirtier Faster

This was only true in the past when improper cleaning methods left carpets dirtier because of residue. Carpet cleaning has advanced now, so it won’t shorten a carpet’s lifespan. Additionally, professional carpet cleaning services now add dirt-resistant barriers that will keep your carpets cleaner longer.

The Carpet is Still New and Doesn’t Look Dirty, So I Don’t Need to Clean It

Even if you have newly installed carpet, or it has been a part of your home for only a few months, it can get dirty quickly. Although the carpet might not show signs of being dirty, there are likely allergens and bacteria beneath the surface.

Vacuuming Carpets Too Often Will Ruin Them

The opposite is true with this myth: carpets get worse the longer you leave them alone. Carpets need vacuuming to remove dirt. Some vacuums may be aggressive, but for the most part, carpets can handle frequent vacuuming. In a home, carpets may need weekly vacuuming, but in places with high-traffic, it may require daily vacuuming.

Steam Cleaning Carpets Will Leave Them Wet and Mold or Mildew Will Grow

If a company improperly cleans your carpet, then they will be wet for an extended time, leading to the possibility of mold or mildew growing. However, when a company correctly cleans carpets, they should dry quickly. Steam cleaning is a highly effective way to clean carpets and shouldn’t create mold or mildew growth because the water will not penetrate into the carpet backing.

In addition to debunking carpet cleaning myths, we also clean hard surfaces including but not limited to, tile and grout, brick, block, concrete, granite, and marble Terrazzo. Our unique process for hard surface cleaning is revolutionizing the way you restore and maintain all floors back to their natural beauty, including carpet! Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to request a FREE demo.

Jun 14
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3 Ways Professional Carpet Cleaning Protects Your Health

By Carpet Cleaning, Uncategorized

Carpet Cleaning Protects Your HealthThe health of your family is vital. Many people go to great lengths to ensure their homes are safe. However, some forget about the dangers that may lie in your carpets. Carpets not only hide dirt and debris, but also bacteria that may be harmful to your family. It is important to get your carpets regularly cleaned by professionals for many reasons.

How Professional Carpet Cleaning Protects Your Health

Gets Rid of Dust Mites

Dust mite infestations are common in homes across the country. However, few people are aware of them because the mites are impossible to see or detect with the naked eye.

Though dust mites, themselves, do not exacerbate allergies, they sometimes leave behind parts of their body or excrement that are allergens. The debris they leave behind can fly into the air anytime people walk across the carpet. Because they are microscopic, people can inhale them without realizing and have an allergic reaction.

By having your carpet professionally cleaned, you will clear out all dust mites or debris that dust mites left behind, significantly improving any allergy problems in your family.

Gets Rid of Trapped Pollutants

Studies have shown that numerous pollutants can become trapped inside carpets. Some of the potential pollutants that could be in the fibers of your carpet include pet dander, lead, cockroach allergens, dirt, dust, and particle pollutants. Toxic gases in the air can attach to the particles and join them in your carpet. Both pollutants and gases can slowly release throughout your house each time someone walks on the carpet, vacuums, or does other everyday activities.

Professional carpet cleaners use special methods and formulas to completely rid your carpet of trapped pollutants and gases.

Prevents Mold

Dirty carpets are at a serious risk for mold, especially in areas of the country that are extremely humid. If a carpet becomes moist at any time, mold may begin growing if the carpet does not dry completely soon after. Carpets can easily become damp when people walk inside after being in the rain or from a wide variety of other circumstances. If not dealt with soon, mold smells bad and can lead to serious health problems for you and your family.

A professional carpet cleaner has the experience, skill, and tools to completely rid your carpet of any moisture, preventing mold from growing in the fibers. It is important to have them cleaned regularly so you can continue preventing any future mold from taking over your carpets.

Ready to Have Healthier Carpets (and Home)?

Professional Surface Restoration’s patented process cleans hard surfaces including but not limited to, tile and grout, wood floors, brick, block, concrete, and natural stone. Our unique process for hard surface cleaning is revolutionizing the way you restore and maintain all floors back to their natural beauty, including carpet!

Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to request a FREE demo.

May 24
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Why to Deep Clean Restrooms in Assisted Living Facilities

By Deep Cleaning

deep clean restroomsWhen looking for a assisted-living facility or nursing home, one of the determining factors of a high-standard facility is the bathrooms. On average, six people will share a bathroom, so it’s essential that each room is pristine. When an assisted-living home does not keep its bathrooms clean, it increases the chances of elderly residents contracting infections and diseases. Several health issues can occur from unsanitary restrooms. Below are 5 reasons to deep clean restrooms at assisted-living facilities.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infections among the elderly. This is because of diabetes and the use of catheters. Symptoms of UTIs in older adults include confusion, discomfort, and urinary incontinence. Antibiotics can usually treat UTIs. Having a clean bathroom is important for nursing home residents, whether they have a catheter or not.

Skin Infections

As skin ages, it becomes more susceptible to cuts and infections. Some infections can be viral, including scabies, pressure ulcers, and shingles. The elderly can also contract bacterial or fungal foot infections. Symptoms to look for are itching or pain. These infections can be treated with medicines or vaccines, but they could be prevented with access to clean bathrooms, proper hygiene, and regular help from nursing home staff to shower and clean their bodies.

Bacterial Pneumonia

Pneumonia continues to be the leading cause of mortality for nursing home residents and occurs because of an increased exposure to diseases in a community setting and a weaker immune system. Symptoms of pneumonia are confusion and delirium. Those suffering can usually treat bacterial pneumonia with antibiotics. A vaccine that helps prevent some types of pneumonia is available, and it is highly recommended that nursing home residents receive it.

Gastrointestinal Infections

Digestion changes due to age and an increase in gastric acid ups the risk of gastrointestinal infections. Two of the most common infections are Helicobacter pylori and Clostridium difficile. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, and upper abdominal pain. A doctor will treat these infections with prescription medications.

Influenza

The flu spreads through breathing, coughing, and sneezing, so a small space shared by many residents in close proximity is a breeding ground for illnesses and increases the chances of contracting diseases. This means nursing homes should always keep the environment as clean as possible to prevent illnesses. Symptoms of influenza may be different for the elderly, but can include coughing, chills, and fever. An annual vaccination can help prevent influenza, but for those who have already contracted the illness, antiviral medication may be the solution.

All these health issues are common in the elderly, especially nursing home residents, because of the compact area that many residents share together. One way that staff can help the elderly prevent these infections and diseases is by deep-cleaning restrooms. There are many places in a bathroom where bacteria can grow, so keeping them clean is vital. It is the staff’s job to ensure residents’ living area are clean, so they are able to practice good hygiene and avoid illnesses.

Have a need for restroom deep cleaning? Give us a call at (419) 705-8693 or click here and we’ll come out and take a look.

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