How Does Fingerprint Powder Work?

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Who cleans up after a crime scene?

Human hands and fingers are covered in ridges that are formed at birth. Each person has their own unique set of ridges forming a specific singular fingerprint. Because of this, fingerprints can be an excellent way to identify who was at the scene of a crime if any are left behind on surfaces. Law enforcement has been using this technique for over a century to capture criminals. But how exactly does it work? 

The ridges are made up of rows of sweat pores that are constantly secreting perspiration. This perspiration along with oil and grease from other parts of the body sticks to your fingerprints and can be transferred to other certain types of surfaces. Think of when a piece of scotch tape gets stuck to the tip of your finger, when you remove the tape, an impression of your fingerprint is left on the tape. The same thing happens when a criminal breaks into a home and touches a marble countertop or door handle. The prints will remain on the surface long after the perpetrator has left the building. Law enforcement can then lay down fingerprint powder on these surfaces to expose any prints left behind. Since your fingerprint is unique to only you, your prints prove without a doubt that you were in fact at that location. 

If your property was the scene of a crime and law enforcement covered it in fingerprint powder, SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and SERVPRO of Watertown / Weston / Wayland / Waltham can clean it up. Removing fingerprint powder is a difficult task and can often ruin wooden surfaces, carpets, and paint. SERVPRO has highly trained professionals who can safely remove the powder from your property without damaging it.

Spring Cleaning Tips

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians cleaning a bookshelf

Spring is right around the corner which means plants are blooming, the temperature is rising, and it is time for the annual deep clean we have all come to know as Spring Cleaning! This can be an intimidating and daunting process so we wanted to offer some advice to make the process more manageable. The tips below will help you clean your home from top to bottom.

• Restock your cleaning supplies
• Wipe down walls and ceilings
• Reseal grout lines
• Vacuum and shampoo rugs
• Dust thoroughly 
• Clean upholstery
• Polish metal hardware
• Wax wooden furniture
• Ensure fire safety
• Wash windows, screens, and treatments
• Wax non-wood floors

Here at SERVPRO® we have been helping residents of the Lexington, Bedford, Waltham, Wayland, Weston, and Watertown areas clean their homes for over 30 years. In addition to the list above, we recommend getting your air ducts professionally cleaned to increase heating/cooling efficiency and air quality. We can also provide an extra level of carpet and upholstery cleaning where your vacuum and shampoo just don’t cut it. Finally, if you are experiencing offensive odors and the above checklist of cleaning does not remove them - give us a call. We have the expertise to effectively clean and remove unwanted odors from your home.

Do the 5 Campaign

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Do the 5.

Many of you have heard that phrase recently, and for those who haven't, now you have. "Doing the 5" has taken on a very important meaning in lieu of recent events. As a society we are trying to slow and stop the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Doing the 5 can help us achieve that. 

Step 1. Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Make sure your rubbing your hands together well and getting all the spots. Sing a song that is stuck in your head or hum a favorite tune of yours to help time pass! 

Step 2. When you cough or sneeze, do it into your elbow or arm sleeve. Cannot stress this step enough because bacteria and germs can spread easily if you do not cover up a cough or sneeze. Try to avoid coughing into your hands. 

Step 3. Do not touch your face, nose or eyes often during this time. Humans touch parts of their face countless times throughout the day, we get it, we all cannot help but touch are faces from time to time but do your best to avoid doing so. 

Step 4. Do maintain distance from others often. Whether it is at home or in public, try to give yourself and others at least 6 feet of space apart. It can go a long way. 

Step 5. Stay Home if you can! One of the safest places we can be at this time is in the comforts of our home. If you can work from Home, try your best to do so. As a society, we need to take this pandemic seriously and flatten the curve ASAP. By having most people stay at home we can minimize the spread of the COVID-19 and get past this sooner. 

Overall, pretty straightforward steps and they are easy to follow! Let's all do all of them frequently and everyday!

Cleaning Daily Items

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

During these unprecedented times, The CDC has strongly recommended the daily cleaning of the following items: 

-Door Knobs

-Light Switches

-Keyboards

-Phones, IPads, and Tablets 

-Tables and Counter Tops

-Bathroom appliances 

Of course cleaning should not just be limited to just those items during this COVID-19 pandemic and everyone needs to be vigilant and proactive during this time. 

In recent weeks the EPA has put out a list of disinfectants that have proven to be an effective cleaning tool: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Clorox Disinfecting Spray, Lysol Clean and Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner and Oxycide Daily Disinfectant cleaner. 

If you would like cleaning assistance during this time, our SERVPRO professionals are trained to adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. 

Our SERVPRO professionals can conduct a Proactive Cleanup for your property or facility as long as there is no active known threat of COVID-19. Cleaning and disinfecting would only apply to the current state of the property and contents. It is important to know a proactive cleanup cannot guarantee killing the COVID-19 if an infected person were to enter and occupy the area that was cleaned. 

Here at SERVPRO, we can remove biohazardous material and use our specialize training and cleaning products to assist you.

Please get in touch with our office in Waltham if you would like our help. We are always ready!