When you call to make a carpet cleaning appointment, you'll likely hear the term "traffic areas." You'll see that phrase used frequently in online articles about carpet care as well. These areas tend to show soil and wear more quickly because they are used the most often. If you're ready to freshen up the traffic areas of your home, let us know. We can help!
Carpet Care Tip: Avoid DIY Carpet Cleaning Machines
DIY (Do it yourself) carpet cleaning machines bring to mind the saying “if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Advertisements make them look easy to use and more economical but in reality they oftentimes cause more harm than good. Home carpet cleaning machines lack the power truck mounted units provide, and with limited extraction ability, the carpet can easily be left too wet and full of solution. This can be disastrous as carpet that is overwet can mildew, grow mold, and the damage can permeate the padding and into the subfloor as well, which would result in the need for replacement (which costs $$$). Other issues lie with the products used in conjunction with the machine and the human error when using it. Carpet cleaning is a science that heavily relies on chemistry. Using the wrong chemical or mixing chemicals can result in permanent discolorations caused by the cleaning processes and set in stains that would have been able to be removed by a cleaning professional. They’re also time consuming to use so they’re not as economical as they appear to be when you factor that in. If you’ve had a mishap from a home carpet cleaning machine or want to save yourself the time/money/effort/panic by booking a professional cleaning, let us know. We can help!
How to Prepare for Your Cleaning Appointment
One of our most frequently asked questions is, "What can I do to prepare for my cleaning appointment ?". A few simple steps you can take to make the cleaning process quicker and easier are:
1️⃣ Clear a path for the cleaning technician. Ensuring no excess clutter where the technician will be working will make the process more efficient. It's helpful to move small things off carpet such as potted plants, magazine racks, etc.
2️⃣ Move furniture. Any furniture you want moved out of rooms to be cleaned should be done before the technician arrives so the space is ready for his arrival. We can clean around any remaining furniture.
3️⃣ If you have pets, please set them up in a space away from the areas being cleaned that is also secure so they can't get out.
4️⃣ Vacuum. This step is not necessary as our technicians will vacuum your carpet before they begin to clean it but you are welcome to do so if you would like to.
5️⃣ Parking. If there is limited parking where you live, it is essential to reserve a parking spot for the technician right outside the home as our equipment is truck mounted. If you have any additional questions about preparing for your cleaning appointment, let us know. We are here to help! 📞
How to Care for Your Carpet
It's true that carpet won't last forever, however, it can last a lot longer than you may think. A few simple things that you can do to give your carpet a longer life are:
1. Vacuum your carpet at least once a week. If you have kids or pets then we would recommend vacuuming two or more times a week. This allows you to catch dust and dirt particles before they become too deeply embedded into the carpet.
2. Make sure your carpet is not left in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. A simple solution would be to close your blinds or curtains when you leave the house so your carpet is not exposed to any unnecessary light.
3. Place glides underneath your heavy furniture to prevent crushing.
4. Periodically rearrange your furniture. This allows the carpet to wear in a more even fashion as it can give some of the high traffic areas a rest.
These are good ways to keep your carpet looking its best for many years to come. Remember to schedule regular carpet cleanings as well as this is an important step in caring for your carpet properly. When you're ready for a deep cleaning, let us know. We are here to help!
Upholstery Care 101
Here are some simple tips to keep your upholstery looking its very best:
1. Periodically flip the cushions as this helps to divide wear evenly.
2. Vacuum your upholstery at least once a week to keep dirt and dust particles from settling into the fibers.
3. Protect your upholstery from excessive sunlight as it can cause color loss over time.
4. Clean up spills immediately to avoid permanent damage.
Note: Be careful which products you use on your upholstery as some can cause permanent staining or color loss.
Carpet Cleaning Misconception: "Cheap" Carpet is Easier to Clean
Fact: Inexpensive, or "cheap", carpeting can actually be much more difficult to clean and tends not to clean up as well. Why? Oftentimes these types of carpet lack the fabric protection application that typically comes standard on new carpet. It also wears down much faster so while it may have been installed within the past few years, it doesn't look new with the amount of wear it shows. Since traffic wear is actually damage to the carpet fiber, cleaning cannot remedy the situation.
How to Maintain Your Outdoor Furniture Part 5- Fabric
Some cloth fabrics are machine washable. Other fabrics, such as acrylic, can be spot cleaned with water and a mild soap. However, the best way to clean your fabric upholstery is to call in the professionals. If you’re looking to clean your upholstered furniture (inside or out), let us know. We can help! 💪
How to Maintain Your Outdoor Furniture Part 4- Resin
This furniture is very easy to care for. Simply spray it down with a hose and you are good to go. ✨
