It is for certain that we could not have predicted what 2020 has brought upon us. But what can we expect next year in 2021? 

We very much expect to see many of the protective measures that we have now, remaining in place for 2021, with reduced travel, increased hygiene and specialist guidance to protect the UK from harm.

Increased hygiene measures 

This year we have worn surgical masks and gloves to undertake typical duties such as the weekly shop. This doesn’t look like it’s set to change as yet. Increased hygiene measures will be sure to continue by the way of regular cleaning in general and that of high touch points.

Uncertainty 

Unfortunately, there is likely to be some uncertainty in the air because of the pandemic and leaving the European Union. This could mean that individuals and business put off large buying decisions and only look to undertake necessary works.

Staying home to stay safe 

Employers will more than likely to continue to operate a skeleton office or remote office for their businesses in hope to protect their employees.

How does the above affect the restoration industry? 

The restoration industry is a necessity. As services are operated in a methodical and hygienic manner, adjusting to change was simple to implement.

As the services of ServiceMaster Restore are reactive, they are less likely to be affected by uncertainty, because they are essential rather than desirable.

As many of us stay home to stay safe, there are many office buildings left unoccupied, leaving them open to frozen pipes risking flooding and faulty electrics to catch fire.

We are on hand 24-7 365 for all restorative matters. Give our team a call on 0845 762 6828

Tis’ the season to be jolly, but is it the season to close the office? 

ServiceMaster Restore is a business that won’t be closing over the Christmas holidays because the services offered are essential and provide urgent help in a customers’ hour of need. However, if your business offers none essential services or products, is it a good idea to close? Here’s some Pro’s & Con’s of doing so.

Why close down?

Stay home to stay safe – During the pandemic, it’s recommended that if you can, you should stay home. Closing the office helps to facilitate this

Prevent employee burn out – Everyone needs a break, particularly after such a testing year

Customer perception – Often customers think that it’s the right thing to do to close over the Christmas period, this can help you to get in the good books and have a good start in the new year

Why stay open?

Keep market share – If you close, customers may look to a competitor to get their goods/services before Christmas

Get ahead – Ready to make a kick-start to 2021, staying open can help you to facilitate this, particularly if other competitors choose to close

Christmas isn’t for everyone – Not everyone celebrates Christmas, so working may be their saviour at this time of year

It’s down to business choice whether to open or close during the festive period, but don’t worry – We are fully open 365 – 24/7 so that we’re available when you need us! 0845 762 6828

Whilst there may not be as many visitors in your home this year as previous ones, the risk of a cranberry sauce or red wine stain is still possible. Take note of our stain removal tips this Christmas to keep your home stain-free for 2021.

What you might need

Add these essential stain removing items to the  Christmas shopping basket; Clean white cloth (cheap flannels are perfect), white vinegar, soap flakes, vodka, white spirit, blotting paper, talcum powder, and remember to always test the treatment in an inconspicuous area first.

  • Cranberry Sauce & Christmas Pudding
    – Scrape away as much as possible, then with a dry cloth, apply a little white vinegar in a sponging action
    – Apply soap flakes (A teaspoonful to a mug of warm water) dab with white vinegar followed by more of the soap solution
    – Rinse with water, dry and the stain should be removed
  • Wine
    – Absorb as much of the wine as possible with kitchen towels then dampen the area with a light spray of water
    – Sprinkle with plenty of talcum powder and cover with more kitchen paper,  a piece of cling film, a heavy book and leave for 12 hours
    – The talcum powder will absorb all the wine and can then be vacuumed away
  • Gravy
    – Scrape up as much as possible.
    – Dab with a soap flakes mixture(A teaspoonful to a mug of warm water), gently sponge (don’t rub) this mixture onto the stain and allow to sit for at least three minutes
    – Absorb the soap mixture with a clean white cotton cloth, repeat until no transfer is visible
    – Rinse with clean water and absorb with a clean white cloth
    – Dry with a hairdryer or leave to naturally dry
  • Goose fat, Brandy butter or Chocolate
    – Same instructions as above
    –  Before drying wipe over with Vodka. You can get yourself a vodka and coke afterwards to treat yourself for your hard work!
  • Tea or Coffee
    – Rinse out with cold water, absorb the water with a clean white cloth until there is no more transfer
    – If any marks are left, call in the professionals
  • Christmas Tree Sap
    – Dab the tree sap with a spot of white spirit on a dry cloth, followed by soap flakes (around a teaspoonful to a mug of warm water)
    – Gently sponge this mixture onto the stain and allow to sit for at least three minutes.
    – Sponge the entire residue out while keeping the stain as dry as possible
  • Candle Wax
    – Place blotting paper over the wax; using the point of an iron warm the stain up until it is absorbed by the paper
    – Keep moving the paper over candle wax until it is all absorbed
    – Dab white spirit onto it with a clean cloth
    – If a colour stain remains, call in the professionals

With these tips on cleaning stains, we hope you have a stain-free Christmas. If you’re unsure on how to remove anything from your fabrics then get in contact with us to discuss our stain removal service. 0845 762 6828

As expected, the second wave has hit and has seen Covid-19 cases rise, despite a second national lockdown, as well as extra precautions and mandatory isolation.

There are measures that you can take to help protect your workforce, particularly in businesses where employees can’t work from home due to the nature of their role and the business.

Enhanced cleaning 

The key to helping keep Covid-19 at bay in the workplace is to maintain high levels of hygiene. This can be done through enhanced cleaning measures using specialist products, equipment and of course, increasing the frequency.

High touch surfaces 

Surfaces that are touched regularly need to be cleaned and disinfected more often. These include light switches, hand rails, controls, door handles and more.

Waste removal

Items in the waste can harbour germs and bacteria, so it’s important to dispose of them safely regularly and effectively.

Clean carpets & upholstery 

Professional carpet cleaning can help to remove germs and bacteria by thorough disinfection and deep cleaning.

Final note

The most effective way of minimising the spread is to follow the most recent government guidance on hygiene and protocols. Effective hand washing and social distancing in the work place helps the workforce to do their bit.

For any confirmed cases of Covid-19 ServiceMaster Restore are on hand to provide reactive deep cleaning and sanitisation to help return work premises back in to a safe state. Contact us on 0845 762 6828 for further information. 

We are now in to December and can begin enjoy the festivities (although it will be different this year).

‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’ – for some, not everyone.

According to the National Accident helpline, 1 in 6 house fires occur in December. It could be caused from an overcooked turkey, or faulty fairy lights, but whatever the cause, restoration businesses such as ourselves, are called out over the festivities to help get properties back to normality as soon as possible.

To avoid a visit from the emergency services and restoration companies this Christmas, we recommend that you follow our helpful tips below to stay safe this Christmas:

  • Check fairy lights for electrical faults and replace where necessary
  • Turn off all fairy lights when leaving the house and before going to bed
  • Don’t overload sockets – less is more when it comes to electrical safety
  • Keep Christmas cards away from all direct light/heat sources
  • Cook safely in the kitchen following cooking instructions to avoid overcooking/fire
  • Don’t place Christmas decorations or other obstructions near exits from the property
  • Don’t turn your heating off if you are going on a Christmas break, keep heating on a low setting if anything
  • Check guidance of packaging and dispose of safely
  • Drink safe
  • Stay safe this Christmas!

For any restoration emergencies at your property, call 0845 762 6828 for expert help 24/7 265