Jute Rug and Carpet Cleaning Advice

By admin | January 24, 2011

Although some may think that rug and carpet cleaning are all the same, with the variety of materials now used there are quite a number of differences in the carpet cleaning procedures we were taught when we were younger. “Organic” or earth friendly carpets are coming into fashion and Jute carpets are but one of a number of new materials now available. Jute is a kind of plant fiber spun into coarse thread for a myriad of uses and one of which is as carpet or rug material. Since it is not synthetic material it is not as hardy as other commercial carpets and will therefore need a slightly different maintenance routine. For correct Jute rug and carpet cleaning the guidelines below need to be followed.  

In the case of Jute carpets prevention is the key. Because these organic carpets do not have synthetic materials or chemicals Because excessive cleaning can damage the rug, a homeowner should do everything possible to ensure it remains clean. Vacuum both sides of the rug thoroughly, as well as the floor below the rug. Avoid placing the rugs in high maintenance areas. Place doormats behind all exterior doors of the home to prevent dirt from being tracked through the house and onto the rug.

Stain Removal
Some jute rug cleaning can be accomplished with carpet cleaner or a mild soap and water, but always test the cleaner in an inconspicuous spot to see how the rug will react. Clean out a stain with a sponge or soft-bristled brush, but do not scrub the stain!

Dry Quickly
While cleaning your jute rug, you must work quickly. Dry the rug as quickly as possible when you are done cleaning. Because the rug must dry quickly, it’s best to clean your jute rug on a sunny, breezy day. You can drape the rug over a clothesline or porch railing to dry. This step os one of the most important because excess moisture will cause the rug to deteriorate at a much faster rate.

Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Demystifying Carpet Cleaning Consumer Products

By admin | January 21, 2011

When trying to sort through the numerous items you see on your supermarket shelves or your favorite online store you may just need a helping hand when it comes to carpet cleaning products. Product descriptions for the most part are not as helpful as we’d like them to be and are very general in nature. This more often than not confuses the buyer which kind he or she needs for their carpet and their situation. Below are short descriptions of carpet cleaning products to help you make better choices on which to buy for your needs.

Some commercial products are classified as “Dry Cleaning” or powder form. One usually sprinkles the powder over the area that is soiled, then use a brush that comes with the package to work the powder into the carpet.  Afterwards you will need to vacuum the carpet in order to remove the powder that by now has encapsulated the dirt from the carpet.   

A more common form of carpet cleaning cleaner are carpet shampoos. This product is used with water and more often than not a carpet cleaning machine. There are however shampoos that one can use manually, this means that you will have to make the shampoo foam in a pail then using only the foam apply it to the carpet. When choosing a shampoo for your carpet make sure it has lots of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. This chemical is responsible for the foaming effect and with shampoos the more foam the better the clean.

Spot cleaning are quick fixes and are not used to clean the whole carpet. This formula is used either for pre-treatment of a stain before a carpet is steamed or for quickly removing stains preferably immediately after the spill. It is usually in a spray bottle or spray can.

Topics: Carpet Cleaners Naperville, Carpet Cleaning, Tips on Carpet Cleaning | No Comments »

Renting Carpet Cleaning Equipment?-Things You Should Know

By admin | January 12, 2011

Although do it yourself rental carpet cleaning equipment will never be up to par with a professional cleaning service it could be an option for a home owner in special circumstances. An example would be if you are trying to sell your home and want the carpeted rooms to look more alive without spending too much. You can also utilize do it yourself machines to prolong the time between professional carpet cleaning visits. Experts advise that professional cleaning be done every 12 months but may need to be more frequent if one has pets or young children. Using these do it yourself equipment could lessen the need for more frequent cleaning.

Whatever your reasons for considering renting a carpet cleaner there are some factors you should always think about, the most important being research how effective it is. Since most of these rentals utilize water it is imperative that it is able to draw out about 80% or more of the liquid it used for cleaning from the material to prevent mold and mildew. It should also be powerful enough to remove a majority of the dirt, grime and stains off the carpeting. Also ask if it comes with attachments and extensions for hard to reach places.

Calculate for cost accurately and include “what if” scenarios. When calculating for cost be sure to take into consideration if the rental company will include the cleansers needed for cleaning or if you need to buy those yourself. Also think about if you need to extend your rental period as unforeseen events may hinder you from finishing on time and if it will still be cost effective. 

Last but definitely not the least is support. Does the company provide a technical support number you can call and can assist you should you have problems operating it when you get home? This may not seem but you’ll be thankful you checked when you start operating the machine.

Topics: Before Hiring a Carpet Cleaning Company Ask These Questions, Carpet Cleaners Naperville, Carpet Cleaning | No Comments »

Which Vacuums Do Carpet Cleaning Better?-Part 2

By admin | January 10, 2011

Definitely different vacums, have different carpet cleaning capabilities. Let us continue with these different types of cleaners which does what job the best.

Next on our list are canister vacuum cleaners. These are generally best used for bare floor. You must also look into the brushes they have on the vacuum cleaner. Although most models already have brushes to agitate the carpet and loosen dirt some models do not have them which make them ideal for bare floor. The upright vacuum cleaners on the other hand is the type most carpet experts or specialists will tell you to buy.  These types of vacuums are ideal for carpet cleaning because of a number of factors. It usually has a swivel system to better maneuver the cleaner, canister vacuums are notoriously difficult to maneuver.  Uprights also have the adjustable carpet height feature that makes vacuuming more efffective.

Lastly, deep cleaning vacuum cleaners or steam vacuums can be used on carpets as well as bare surface floor. These are excellent for cleaning spills and stains. Steam vacuums usually have rotating brushes which can agitate the carpet therefore getting at dirt better. These brushes can also scrub hard floors while the steam is being delivered for more effective cleaning. These models also commonly have lights that help visibility in dark corners or rooms that are not well lighted. In order to convert the vacuum from carpet to bare floor cleaner it only takes a push of a button or adjustment of a lever. It can also be used with or without a cleaning solution as some individuals prefer using only water. These models are now easy to use due to the absence of a faucet hook up and a convenient one hand tank removal feature. They also come in a variety of sizes that will suite any family’s needs.       Steam Vac

Topics: Carpet Cleaners Naperville, Carpet Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners, Tips on Carpet Cleaning | No Comments »

Which Vacuums Do Carpet Cleaning Better?-Part 1

By admin | January 7, 2011

  The choices of vacuum cleaner types have certainly increased! In fact if you go to outlets like home depot, Wal-Mart or even online like amazon.com all the choices and options will certainly make your head spin. The problem is that if you read labels or ask the store sales staff you’ll probably get very general information that will not be able to help you decide which types are the best carpet cleaning ones. Below are specific descriptions per vacuum cleaner type so that you will be able to decide which one will be best for your household cleaning needs.

The first time I saw a wet and dry vacuum cleaner believe it or not was at my father’s office. We did not have one at home so when I saw that it could suck up liquid and carpet cleaning the soda I spilled was done in seconds I thought it was quite exciting. Of course I was 5 at the time so I was quite easy to impress. These days wet and dry vacuums are quieter and come in a variety of horsepower and sizes to fit your needs. For floor carpet cleaning however it is best to get at least a 6 gallon capacity model. Also a pleated cartridge filter is not only reusable but rinsable. A big plus with this filter is that if you switch from dry to wet vacuuming you do not have to change filters like those with flat filters. But if you have a carpet why would you bother with this kind of vacuum? If you have young children or pets this vacuum will come in handy. It will save you a lot of blotting the carpet with paper towels should your child or pet have an accident. When it sucks liquids from the carpet it is almost dry. Since carpet cleaning stains or spills from carpets requires not just taking as much of the liquid off the carpet but rinsing it with water and or a cleaning solution as well, being able to remove excess moisture without repeatedly blotting the area with a rag or paper towel is a god sent.

Topics: Carpet Cleaners Naperville, Carpet Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners, Tips on Carpet Cleaning | No Comments »

Carpet Cleaning Rule of Thumb via Carpet Type

By admin | January 5, 2011

Understanding which of the many carpet cleaning methods and products is crucial to the longevity of your carpet. Some carpet cleaning systems or methods may work for some but damage or shorten the life other carpets. It is always advisable to ask the representative of your carpet manufacturer for advise on carpet care for its maximal performance. This article though will provide a basic carpet cleaning rule of thumb for those of us who are not familiar with the different types of carpet and their cleaning needs.

One of the carpet and rug types that is making waves because of its sustainability and “Green” impact are plant fiber carpets. Usually only dry extraction methods are used for these carpets. The ever popular steam cleaning system may deform or shrink it and may also cause fading. So as remember as much as possible do not use water on this type of flooring.

Next, when caring for your wool carpet make sure no products with bleach come in contact with it. Wool and silk carpets need products that are made specifically for them so read labels carefully and follow instructions well. Hot water methods should also not be used with wool or silk carpets. Wool has natural lanolin which gives it its softness that it is known for, hot water may damage this component and in so doing change the overall feel of the carpeting. 

For the standard cotton or cotton blend carpets hot water extraction is by far the most common carpet cleaning method to used. Heat is utilized with water to get rid of embedded dirt. Usually after that a cleaner is applied to remove more of the dirt. If you are wondering where all the liquids go these are sucked up from the carpeting. Some companies follow that with fans better dry the surface, ohers have equipment powerful enough that the fans are no longer needed but that there is a 30 minute to 1 hour drying time wherein people should not walk on it.

Topics: Carpet Cleaners Naperville, Carpet Cleaning, Tips on Carpet Cleaning, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Make Old Carpet Look New With Carpet Cleaning Tips

By admin | January 3, 2011

It probably has not occurred to you that if you have a well maintained vacuum cleaner then the carpet will not only be cleaner but it will also look newer. As you know dirt can make the colors of the carpet look faded and therefore older, if your vacuum cleaner is maintained so that its suction power is maximal the amount of dirt is can remove is also maximal which results in more vivid colors for your carpet. You do not however need to buy the most expensive model to get the best carpet cleaning results, good maintenance is good enough. For example if your vacuum has a bag then the bag has to be changed regularly. Change the bag when it is ¾ full, if it is has more than that in it then it will not remove dirt from the carpet as effectively. Another vacuum maintenance tip is to clean any and all filters. This helps your vacuum perform better and the machine itself to last longer.

Vacuuming techniques can also help keep the carpet cleaner and looking newer. When vacuuming pass through the area at least twice and from different directions to better pick up embedded dirt.

Another requirement for better looking carpets is having the carpet professionally cleaned annually. The deep cleaning it receives from cleaning experts cannot be compared to the routine maintenance we perform at home. Trust me it really does breathe new life to your carpet when it is deep cleaned.  

Please take into consideration that the additional time you invest into carpet cleaning can double a carpet’s lifespan by refreshing how it looks. Plus, in the long run it saves you money.

Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Carpet Cleaning and Protecting our Carpets

By admin | December 31, 2010

Carpets for our homes and offices come in numerous designs, textures and can even accommodate different budgets. These are some of the reasons why more than 60% of American households prefer carpeted flooring. With the choice of using carpeted flooring however you have to think about the kind of maintenance and carpet cleaning your home needs.

One of the techniques that experts recommend to extend the life of your carpet is to have an underlay installed. An underlay is like the cushion installed beneath the carpet. It helps stop the carpet from flattening out as well as lessening spills and stains. It also reduces noise, provides people more comfort while on the carpet and keeps the rug in place. Another tip for easier carpet cleaning is to mandate that in your household shoes have to be taken off before proceeding into the main areas. The member of the household or visitor can take off their shoes and start wearing house slippers or flip flops in a designated area near the entrance of the home where shoes and slippers are kept. This precaution will absolutely help protect your carpeting from the everyday indoor/outdoor traffic. If you are not comfortable with this setup placing foot mats at each outdoor entry is also a good idea.

A very basic but well known step in carpet maintenance is vacuuming and carpet cleaning regularly. Vacuuming will assist in minimizing the wear and tear of the rug and the annual professional carpet cleaning service will help retain its like “new look”. Another technique not often used to help reduce carpet wear and tear is rearranging the furniture. In time a common path is created on ones carpet depending on the route people take around furniture. This means that certain areas are worn out faster than others, if the furniture is rearranged then the use of different areas in the carpet is distributed throughout.

Do incorporate some of not all of the said techniques for better maintained carpets.

Topics: Carpet Cleaners Naperville, Carpet Cleaning, Tips on Carpet Cleaning, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Using Steam Cleaners for Wool Carpet Cleaning

By admin | December 29, 2010

Is steam carpet cleaning wool carpeting something we should try to do on our own? In any do it yourself project one always asks about the wisdom of doing things on your own instead of hiring a professional. When it comes to at home do it yourself appliances for carpet cleaning we must always set the proper expectations. You can ask any carpet expert and each of them will tell you that the carpet cleaning performed by professionals is composed of several stages and not just the seemingly one dimensional process that at home steam cleaning machines perform. There are pre-steaming and post-steaming treatments given to your carpet aside from the main steaming procedure done by a heavy duty machine. This means that although steam cleaning your own carpet can definitely help in carpet cleanliness it cannot be made into a stand in for a real professional cleaning. Mind you it can lengthen the time in between professional cleaning sessions but you will still need to have your carpets professionally cleaned every year or so.

Also wool is not the easiest material for carpet cleaning, in fact it is known among carpet experts that steaming wool carpeting should be done with extreme care. This is because its much favored softness is bought about by  lanolin which wool naturally has and is readilty destroyed by intense heat.

Another factor that has to be considered when steaming wool carpeting is that the backing on a majority of these rugs are hemp or hessian, these have the tendency to absorb more water than its counterparts. This characteristic of the backing makes it prone to molds if not dried out properly.  It is therefore crucial that when steam cleaning a wool rug not to over wet the backing and to dry it thoroughly.

Topics: Carpet Cleaners Naperville, Carpet Cleaning, Tips on Carpet Cleaning, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Speedy Carpet Cleaning Fixes

By admin | December 26, 2010

Everyday seems to be a race to the finish line as we are all trying to do as much as we can in the least amount of time. This is the reason why doing things “smart” is important. One does not have to spend a whole lot of time on a chore like carpet cleaning if you have “smart” methods in place. So how does one keep one’s carpet clean in the least amount of time?

One technique that helps in making carpet cleaning easier and speedier is using doormats. Using exterior doormats at every entrance of your home will lessen the dirt that ultimately finds itself embedded in your carpet. And using interior doormats ensures that moisture is not spread onto your carpets from the outside thereby making moist carpets dirt magnets. Cleaner carpets mean less time spent vacuuming them as well as removing stains. It’s also very easy to clean exterior and interior doormats, simply shaking the exterior doormat or quickly vacuuming them gets the job done and tossing the interior mats in the washer and dryer solves it’s cleaning requirements.

Using convenience products can also help you clean smarter if you are truly challenged with time. Since this season is usually very heavy on carpet foot traffic you might have ended up with gray carpet trails. Resolve High traffic carpet cleaner granules is a product that makes cleaning these areas easier. Instead of using time consuming carpet cleaning equipment like steam cleaners you can dust these on the area, work the granules into the carpet with the brush provided and leave it to set for 30 minutes then vacuum the dirt away. As you can see carpet cleaning need not be laborious, just smarter for you to conserve time and effort.

Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »

« Previous Entries