How to Prepare for Your Dry Fog Treatment

A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

The dry fog can only reach the spaces you leave open. A shut drawer or a closed closet door is a spot it skips, so most of this list is about opening things up. It takes less than an hour, and much of it can happen the night before.

If anything on the list doesn't fit your home, just ask. Your technician will go over it with you when they arrive.

People and Pets

• Plan to be away for the day. Everyone needs to be out of the home during the treatment, and for 2 to 4 hours afterward while the home airs out. We'll let you know when it's time to come back, the same day.
• Take all pets with you. That includes dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits and hamsters. A day at a friend's house, doggy day care or the park works well.
• Fish tanks: cover the tank with plastic wrap or a tight lid, and turn off the air pump until you get home.
• Anyone with health concerns should talk with their doctor before and after the treatment if they have questions about being in the home.

Plants

Most houseplants can stay. If you have plants you really treasure, move them to a porch, garage or a neighbor's house for the day to be safe.

Open Things Up

The dry fog floats into any space it can reach. Help it along:

• Open drawers in dressers, desks, bathroom vanities and kitchen cabinets a few inches.
• Open closet doors all the way, including coat, linen and walk-in closets.
• Open cabinet doors in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room.
• Open interior doors between rooms.
• Pull furniture a few inches from the wall where it's easy to do. No heavy lifting needed.
• Open under-sink cabinets, and leave the attic access where the team can reach it if they ask.

Food, Dishes and Personal Items

• Put food away. Store open food in sealed containers, the fridge or the freezer. Unopened packaged food is fine.
• Cover or put away dishes, cups and utensils that are sitting out on counters.
• Toothbrushes, pet bowls and baby items: put them in a closed bag or container, or take them with you.
• Medicines: keep them in closed bottles or take them along for the day.

The HVAC System

The fog rides your HVAC system through the ductwork to every register, so a few settings matter.

• Run the AC down to 68 degrees before we arrive. Running the AC that low pulls moisture out of the house, which helps the treatment.
• Leave the thermostat alone once the team sets it. They will set the temperature and fan the way the treatment needs.
• Make sure registers are open in every room, including closets and guest rooms.
• Know where your filter is. If it's overdue, a fresh one after the treatment is a good idea.

If your system needs a tune-up or a new filter, our sister company Gold Eagle Services can help.

Electronics and Valuables

Because the fog is dry, most electronics can stay where they are. Your technician may ask you to cover or unplug a few sensitive items. Put away cash, jewelry and anything you'd rather keep private.

Booked an Odor Treatment?

Our Odor Treatment adds an ozone shock treatment after the dry fog, for persistent odors. A few extra steps apply:

• Cool the house to 68 degrees before we arrive, the same as for the dry fog.
• Plan to be out for up to 48 hours. The ozone portion runs with no people or pets inside.
• Move live plants and fish tanks out, or ask your technician how to protect them.
• Sensitive electronics should come out or be protected. Your technician will point out which ones.
• We air the home out before you come back, and we'll tell you when it's ready.

Access and Parking

• Leave room in the driveway or out front for our van.
• Let us know about gate codes, alarms or pets that might wander back in.
• Make sure someone can let the team in and show them around before you leave.

When You Come Home

• You may notice a light vinegar smell. That's the peracetic acid breaking down. It usually fades within a day, faster with a few windows open.
• Your home will be dry. Surfaces, fabrics and papers don't get wet.
• Close drawers and cabinets and put things back where you like them.
• Wipe food-prep counters with a damp cloth before cooking if you'd like.
• Set the thermostat back to your normal settings once the team says it's okay.

For tips on keeping your home fresh after treatment day, see After Your Treatment.

Ready to Book?

Start with a free phone consultation. A Comfort Advisor will call you, learn what's going on in your home and send a written quote based on square footage. Call 512-904-4646 or email IAQ@goldeagleservices.com. We're open Monday through Saturday, 7am to 7pm.