Steam Cleaning Your Carpet August 16, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Care and Maintenance, Carpet , add a commentBefore cleaning your carpets, you need to decide whether you want to use steam or dry cleaning. Then you need to decide whether to do it on your own or engage a professional.
Steam cleaning, when it is done properly is probably the best choice.
It is also the method most often recommended by carpet manufacturers.
“Done properly” means that the technician has training appropriate to your type of carpet, the water is hot enough and the equipment is in good working order. The vacuum is especially important; when operating correctly, a truck-mounted vacuum will remove up to 95% of the water used to clean your carpet. This has a dramatic impact on the effectiveness of the cleaning and the time it takes to dry.
It is probably best not to attempt steam cleaning on your own. Most of the tools or equipment available for personal use just don’t have the power to sufficiently heat the water or the ability to reclaim enough water from your carpets. They can be great for spot-cleaning, but for true, deep extraction cleaning, its better to invest in a professional cleaner, using a truck-mounted steam unit. Remember that water temperature has to reach around 250 degrees at the machine in order for steam to reach your carpet!
Remember too, that all cleaning materials must be rinsed and removed well; make sure also that your carpet doesn’t get too wet. Overwetting can cause backing separation or wrinkles, and cleaner residues left unrinsed can accelerate soiling in the future.
Nylon Carpet Maintenance June 28, 2010
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It is actually pretty easy to protect your new carpet. Start by checking the manufacturer’s warranty to see what they require. Some manufacturers now demand periodic, regular professional steam extraction to maintain their warranty in force.
According to maintenance studies, up to 80% of soil that reaches your floors arrives with the first 4-6 steps from outside. Equipping each entry with appropriate walkoff mats or entry rugs will dramatically reduce the amount of soil.
Everyone hates vacuuming, but it is your top line of defense in keeping carpet looking its best. Vacuuming needs to be done regularly, with high traffic areas vacuumed daily. Dirt particles have sharp edges that can cut and abrade the carpet’s fibers, ultimately leading to a crushed and matted appearance. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has strong beater bars and good suction. If it has bags, change them often.
Even with regular vacuuming, every carpet should receive a periodic, professional deep clean with hot water extraction. Home models are typically ineffective at removing enough water and cleaning solution, so use a professional!
Spills and spots must be addressed immediately. Blot the spill with a clean, absorbent cloth, working from the outside to the center. Use a neutral pH cleaner and rinse with clean water to remove all the residues. Dry well and vacuum before walking on the spill area.
Cover any oil-based stains completely with baking soda, baby powder or cornstarch, allowing it to sit overnight. Vacuum well in the morning and if there is residual staining, repeat this process and then follow the routine outlined above for water-based stains.
We hope this helps you feel more comfortable about how to maintain nylon carpet!
How to Remove Easter Egg Dye from Carpet March 31, 2010
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It’s almost Easter! If you love to dye Easter eggs, but hate the worry of wondering what to do if you spill the dye on the carpet, stop worrying! Below are simple and easy guidelines to follow if you have a spill with Easter egg dye. You always want to treat spills as soon as possible and follow the instructions closely.
Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.
Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.
Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.
Not sure? Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. Carpet and Rug Institute – 1-800-882-8846.
Hardwood Maintenance Video March 25, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Care and Maintenance, Hardwood / Laminate , add a comment
Removing Chocolate Stains from Carpet February 12, 2010
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Are you planning on giving chocolate this Valentines Day? Hoping to receive chocolate for Valentines? Either way, we’ve got you covered in the event that some of the chocolate ends up on your carpet. We hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day and that you are the recipient of some very fine chocolate!
Easy tips on how to remove chocolate stains:
Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.
Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.
Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar per two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution. It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.
Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.
Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.
Not sure? Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. CRI – 1-800-882-8846.
Happy Valentines Day!
Hardwood Flooring Maintenance – Reader Question January 19, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Care and Maintenance, Hardwood / Laminate, Reader Questions , 1 comment so far
Reader Question:
“I just moved into my new home with my family and before I start cleaning my new hardwood floors I wanted to see if you could clear up a debate between my mother and me. My mother tells me to clean my hardwood floors with Windex like she does (and has for 40 years) because that will help keep the shine longer. My floors are the newer type where they came already finished right out of the box. I plan to mop them with soap and water like the rest of my floors. Can you tell us which one of us is right? ”
Ashley from Yuma, AZ
Answer:
Ashley,
We are so happy that you asked us this question before you took matters into your own hands! Your mother maybe giving you advice based on the type of hardwood floors she has in her home. Hardwood floors have changed significantly in recent years and with those changes have come more advanced cleaning methods. First, here’s the answer followed by an explanation! You, especially should only clean your hardwood floors with a manufacturer approved cleaner.
Here are just a few of the reasons why:
- Using the wrong type of cleaner can void your warranty
- Cleaning with multiple products can leave a permanent film on your floors
- Your floors have a special protective coating that was carefully applied in the factory. Some chemicals can damage that finish making your floors more susceptible to damage.
- Mopping hardwood floors with soap and water can cause your wood to expand and contract and cause a variety of other unsightly issues (take a stack of paper and soak it with water – that will give you an idea of what water and wood do when they meet!)
Hardwood floors, especially pre-finished hardwood floors are designed to be very little maintenance for you. You should only have to use a liquid to clean your floors when you have a spill or stain. Using a terry cloth head mop with a small amount of cleaner should do the trick. You will also want to be sure that you keep dirt and sand off of your hardwood floors on a regular basis by having walk off mats at every door.
Hope this helps!
Your friends at Big Bob’s
Floor Care for the Holidays December 16, 2009
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Care and Maintenance, Uncategorized , add a comment
Holiday time can mean more traffic and wear on your floors. At Big Bob’s, we would like to help you protect your investment this holiday season. Below are a few simple things you can do to help keep your floors in tip top shape.
- Start at every entrance. If you don’t have walk off mats, be sure to place them at every entrance. If you do have walk off mats, be sure that they are clean and free of dirt and debris. This gives people a place to deposit the dirt from their shoes and keep it on the mat rather than on your floors!
- When doing your regular household maintenance and vacuuming, remember to check and empty your bag or canisters often and vacuum as often as possible. The more times you vacuum, the better your carpet will perform and the longer it will last.
- Invest a few minutes and check the bottoms of your chairs to see if they have floor protectors. If they do, check to make sure they are in good shape. If not, make it a priority to get these on there!
- When entertaining, be aware that guests in high heels can do severe damage to your floors. The average sized woman’s weight exerts 2000 pounds per square inch of force when wearing high heals!
- If you get a stain, don’t panic. Treat it as soon as possible and treat it properly! When in doubt, don’t try multiple cleaners. Visit our website and read the maintenance sections under the appropriate type of flooring.
- Check out the blog post from The Carpet and Rug Institute on 10 Tips for the Holidays. They have some great advice as well!
