We were recently called by a customer in Winston-Salem with a water loss in her basement. A connection on the main water supply line had failed and sprayed all over the items in the unfinished basement.
Generally unfinished areas are very easy to treat but in this case the home was built in the 60’s and the family had been there since then. They raised their children and lived a great life. Over the years, furniture and other items were stored in the basement so they had nearly 60 years’ worth of memories in the area as well as tools, toys and some odds and ends that just didn’t really have any other place to go.
We needed to access the wet area and as we began moving items we discovered that many items had microbial growth beginning to grow and some items were already non-restorable. One item in particular was in really rough shape from the microbial growth all over its surface.
We found out it was the daughter’s old vanity from when she was a child. She had used it for years growing up, brushed her hair as young girl, playing dress up in front of its mirror that seemed so large when she was small. It had been a part of her childhood and adolescence. She had spent hours sitting at the vanity as a young lady writing in her diary, learning to put on make-up, and talking to friends on those evenings when she pulled the corded phone into her room for some privacy. We found more than a piece of furniture, this was a part of her youth and as much a part of her as the color of her eyes.
It was far too fragile for transportation so we decided to attempt cleaning on location. We tested the finish and found that it was actually quite durable and in most areas was in good condition below the growth so we gently cleaned every square inch of its surface. It took a lot of patience and detailed cleaning to remove the bacterial growth and years of dust but it was worth every second to see the look on her face and the joy in her eyes as she saw the piece again and walked over to it and traced the curve of the mirror’s frame down to the vanity top. Her eyes were beaming with joy and not because the vanity looked almost as good as it had 40 years ago but because we cared enough to take our time and do it right.
Service Team understands that when your home is affected by water damage, mold, smoke or anything else, your memories are a part of those items. We love our customers and it shows in how they are treated and how we handle their belongings. If you suffer a loss and need help with your personal items or the structure, give us a call. We’re available 24/7 at 336-829-5345.
Ben McDonald
Service Team of Professionals
