Posts Tagged carpet cleaner
Benefits of carpet maintenance
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on March 3, 2012
Maintaining carpet through regular vacuuming, deep cleaning, and stain removal has many benefits:
Extending the life of the carpet (ground in soil particles weaken carpet fibers)
Providing a fresh, clean look to a room
Making a room smell better
Helping allergy and asthma sufferers by removing germs and dust
NOTE: Carpet runners and mats help prevent soil from being tracked inside. Pads under desk chairs can prevent ground-in soil.
Vacuuming
Dirt and grit damage carpet by rubbing against carpet fibers. Carpet sweepers and rakes can remove surface dirt, but regular vacuuming (as often as possible-some manufacturers recommend one day per week per person in the household) prevents the deep abrasion that ruins carpet. Remember to empty the vacuum or change the disposable bags often.
Auckland carpet cleaning services has a large inventory of vacuum cleaners, bags, belts, and parts with free shipping, secure ordering, and friendly service.
Choose a vacuum with:
Dual motors (one motor provides suction while the other powers a beater bar that loosens dirt)
Good filtration
Correct brush height adjustment for your type of carpet
A beater bar or rotating brush which loosens the dirt and grit better than a canister vacuum
A top-loading bag instead of a bottom-loading bag
NOTE: Vacuum brushes can damage some thick loop pile carpets (such as Berbers). Follow the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations or use a suction-only vacuum for these carpets.
TIP: Sprinkling salt an hour before vacuuming brightens carpet.
TIP: Hold a steam iron over flattened carpet to pull the fiber up. Be sure not to touch the carpet with the iron.
TIP: Allow an ice cube to melt in indentations left by furniture for the carpet fibers to rise again.
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Deep Cleaning
Carpet should be deep cleaned with hot water extraction (steam cleaning) every 12 to 24 months. Steam cleaning involves spraying a high-pressure solution of water and detergent and vacuuming the dirty solution. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty for the recommended deep cleaning method.
Many grocery stores and rental stores, rent steam cleaning equipment. You may also purchase deep cleaning equipment. If you choose to have a professional clean your carpet, do your homework:
Determine what services you want (i.e. stair cleaning, furniture moving, special treatments such as stain proofing, etc.)
Ask for recommendations from friends and family
Look for membership in Carpet Cleaners Institute of the Northwest (CCINW) or The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR)
Consult the Better Business Bureau or local consumer protection office for complaints
Check for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICR)
Ask how long they have been in business and contact references
Make sure they are insured for liability and carry workers’ compensation insurance
Beware of unrealistic claims (particularly in advertisements and coupons)
Make sure they follow the correct procedure for cleaning carpet:
Vacuuming
Adding detergent and conditioners
Brushing the detergents in
Hot water extraction
Drying
Check for written guarantees and conditions
Compare prices that seem realistic ($40 per room is average)
Pay by check or credit card as a record
Before the cleaner arrives, make sure to clean up and vacuum the carpet. Hide all valuables and make sure that nothing is hanging over the carpet (e.g. curtains). When the cleaner arrives, point out stains and describe all of the past carpet cleanings. Make sure to review the written guarantee and service agreement. Amend the service agreement if needed.
After the cleaning:
Inspect the carpet
Ask about drying instructions (i.e. expected time and ventilation requirements)
Make sure not to cover the carpet until it dries
Keep moisture shields or carpet protectors under all furniture until the carpet dries
Vacuum the carpet when it dries
Call the cleaner if the carpet is still damp or any spots remain after 24 hours.
Click here to find a carpet cleaner in your area.
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Stain Removal
There are many commercial products such as Quick 10, 409 Carpet, spot removal kits, and dry cleaning fluids. In addition, many fiber manufacturers provide toll-free telephone help for stains (consult your warranty). Since stains can be better cleaned right after they happen, if you do not have one of these commercial products consider using a homemade solution:
Club soda
Nail polish remover made of Amyl Acetate (do not use polish remover on acetate fiber)
1 cup of lukewarm water and 1/4 teaspoon of mild liquid laundry detergent (non-bleach and non-lanolin such as Woolite)
2 tablespoons household ammonia and 1 cup water (apply the ammonia solution before the vinegar solution)
1 cup white vinegar and 2 cups water (apply the ammonia solution before the vinegar solution)
NOTE: Test all cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area.
Pick a cleaning solution and follow these steps:
Remove excess wet stains by blotting with a clean absorbent cloth (use a wet/dry vacuum for large stains) and dry stains by scraping with a dull edge. Always blot or sponge stains, scrubbing can spread stains and damage carpet fibers.
Apply cleaning solution to a clean absorbent cloth or paper towel. Do not soak the carpet. Working from the edges of the stain (to prevent spreading), blot until no more stain is absorbed. If necessary, use your fingertips to work the solution to the base of the stain. Always blot or sponge stains, scrubbing can spread stains and damage carpet fibers.
Wait 3 minutes for the solution to work
Apply clean water to another cloth or paper towel. Blot to remove any residue.
Carpet fibers may later absorb deep stains. More cleaning may be necessary.
Allow the carpet to dry (or use a towel or a hair-dryer at medium setting), vacuum or brush the carpet to restore its texture.
Contact a professional cleaner if the stain cannot be cleaned
Other cleaning tips:
Sponge red wine stains with club soda or white wine.
Club soda works on most stains.
Absorb grease with cornmeal or baking soda. Leave overnight and vacuum.
On a high pile carpet, shave off burn marks.
See auckland carpet cleaning at carpet cleaning west auckland for more cleaning tips for all types of stains.
Why steam carpet cleaning is still the leader?
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on March 1, 2012
Why steam carpet cleaning is still the leader?
Protecting the large investment you’ve made in carpeting for your home is motivation enough for wanting to take care of it. Keeping your carpeting fresh, clean and in good repair is a big undertaking.
Not only do you want for it to look good, you want for it to be good for the indoor environment in which your family lives and breathes.
Well known choices are available everywhere
You’re not the only one with these concerns. Carpet steam cleaning has become a major business. The yellow pages are full of service companies waiting to serve you. Equipment and supplies for DIY are right there in your local supermarket, ready to be carried off with your
Saturday morning bacon and eggs.
Until alternative cleaning methods came along, steam carpet cleaning was just an automatic maintenance and problem solving procedure that didn’t really merit much thought about how it worked or what it actually achieved. You are one of today’s educated consumers who wants to know more than what time it is. You want to know how the clock works. Thanks to you, that is why this article is here.
How it works
Steam cleaning your carpet has to begin with a very thorough vacuuming of the carpet. Be sure to give lots of attention to this step because leaving less dry soil and contaminants in your carpet means there won’t be as much clean up of the muddy mixture that results from the application of hot water.
When you vacuum, pay particular attention to the carpet nearest to entry doors because this is where the highest concentrations of dirt will be. Be sure to make numerous passes over these areas.
Steam carpet cleaning isn’t really steam cleaning at all. But, that’s OK because study has shown that high temperature moisture has a detrimental effect on the integrity of carpet fiber and the base they have been fixed to.
Steam carpet cleaning is a way of deep cleaning that integrates a hot water cleaning solution mix delivery system with a wet vacuum spent cleaner recovery system. Does that sound sophisticated to you? It isn’t really, but it probably seemed more so years ago at it’s introduction.
What has become sophisticated however, is the cleaning solutions which are available to you to run through the equipment. They are safer re has been major results oriented improvement worthy of your evaluation.
Does it get the job done right
Because the cleaning solutions are fully dissolved in the hot water, two problems are created. The dirty water recovery process cannot pick up all the solution so the carpet fibers, backing, and even the under pad remains damp. Depending on the ambient air humidity levels and the amount of water sprayed on, it can take as much as three or four days for your carpet to dry out. That is sufficient time for odor causing bacteria and unhealthy mildew to begin growing.
The second part of the problem of leaving moisture behind is that dissolved cleaning chemicals are being left on the carpet as well. When they dry, the detergent residue becomes sticky, and sticky carpet fibers will attract dirt and hold on to it. What this means is that you could have a nice clean looking carpet that is going to quickly become dirtier than it was before steam cleaning.
Most of the producers of steam cleaning chemicals and the service companies that use them have been working to develop cleaners with improved rinsing agents to overcome the sticky residue problem. Others look to ways of using less cleaning solution and therefore less moisture to pick up. Short of using trial and error, just who among them has made the greatest strides is difficult to determine.
Turning the job over to experts gets better results
As a DIY project be prepared for some work. The wheel mounted equipment, is a little cumbersome to set up but not too difficult to move around once you’re into the cleaning process. Most steam cleaning equipment consists of two tanks; one being a reservoir of cleaning fluid and fresh, hot water you fill manually from the tap.The other is a manually emptied depository for dirty water being returned from the carpet.
Water is pressure pumped into the carpet through a wand as you move it over the area to be cleaned and almost immediately sucked back up through a wet vac portion of the same cleaning wand. You can and should hold off on the spraying of more cleaning solution while continuing to wet vac until you are satisfied no more moisture can be extracted. You will easily get into a rhythm of switching back and forth.
There are several very good reasons for calling in a steam cleaning company to do your carpets. A considerable amount of carrying is involved filling and emptying tanks. If you’re not careful, it can become sloppy work as well. An experienced operator can also make a better “read” of the situation, knowing when and where to apply more solution. Let the cleaning service decide if any of your carpets are incompatible and which stains might benefit from spot cleaning. They’ll also get the work done much faster, but the best reason has to do with the equipment.
Ask some of the contractors working in your area, and you will probably find they use commercial equipment -some even truck mounted- packing more power than the machines available to you on the rental market. This alone could be enough to make a vital difference to the end result. recommended professionals related to this job, please click the following:carpet cleaners and carpet cleaning auckland.
Choosing carpet that is easy to clean
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on February 3, 2012
WHICH CARPET TYPES ARE EASIEST TO CLEAN?
Choosing a new carpet is a big decision so you need to make sure that you make a good one. Obviously you are going to want one that looks good in your house but that can’t be the only factor in your choice. You are also going to want to think about things like how resilient is the carpet and how hard it is to clean. A carpet that is easy to clean will make your life a lot easier.
The big thing that you are going to want to look at when you are trying to determine how easy it will be to clean is what material it is made out of. The easiest to clean by a pretty substantial margin is nylon. This is why you almost always see nylon carpet in high traffic areas. In most cases you will be able to keep in clean with just a good vacuuming and an occasional cleaning. Nylon is also pretty good at standing up to stains, the area where it does suffer a little bit is with moisture, it is not great in areas where it might get wet.
In areas where water is present like the bathroom you will probably want to go with a different material like olefin or polyester. These are both much more resistant to water than nylon however they are not all that easy to clean. The challenge is that when you do clean these types of carpets they have a tendency to wick the dirt to the surface. That means that after you clean the carpet as it drys more dirt will come to the surface. This usually requires a second cleaning.
The other big thing that will affect how easy it is to clean your carpet will be the loop pile. This is what determines how plush a carpet is. All carpets are made with loops however in most cases these loops are cut which makes the carpet a lot easier to clean. The ones with closed loops are very plush and very soft but they are a real hassle to clean. Therefore in most areas where you get a lot of traffic you are going to want to go with a cut loop carpet.
Obviously how easy the carpet is to clean is just one of the many decisions that you have to make (today, a lot of people even buy carpet based on how eco-friendly it is. There is a huge variation in carpet flooring prices and for most people the cost will be the biggest factor in the carpet they choose. The good news is that the carpets that are easy to clean also tend to be at the lower end of the price spectrum. You are also going to need to think about things like how the carpet looks and feels. If you want a really plush wool carpet there is really no reason to be afraid to buy one just because it can be a bit more difficult to clean.
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Paint No More on Your Carpet
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on January 26, 2012
Carpet cleaning was my obsession…
Once upon a time carpets ruled my home. Only the kitchen and the bathroom escaped my carpet frenzy.
I loved the way they the carpet felt under my bare feet…
…I loved the way they looked (when they were stain free and freshly vacuumed).
Now my love has waned. Maybe I just need a change…
…or maybe I’m tired of being nervous when someone is over for coffee…
…or maybe I just need new carpets.
Whatever the reason, the feeling is made worst with the carpet cleaning tasks that I have to perform regularly.
“Cleaning this carpet should be a part time job all on its own”, I would say loudly in the hopes that a certain person would take a hint and maybe hire someone to do the dreaded task for me.
Alas, my wailing has fallen on deaf ears. So I continue my carpet maintenance regime to keep my carpet looking presentable and help it to last longer.
Maybe you’re not like me.
Maybe you still totally love your carpets.
Or maybe you are like me and your love has waned.
Either way, as long as you have carpets adorning the floors of your home there are some cleaning duties that you can do on a regular basis to keep your carpet looking good.
* Vacuuming
* Cleaning up spills immediately
* Using dust mats at entrances to carpeted rooms
These are just some of the things you can do.
More Tips:
1. Rearrange Your Furniture
It is good to move your furniture from time to time to change the traffic pattern in your house. Your carpet is worn down faster where people walk.
2. Vacuum Regularly
Dirt helps wear down the fibers in your carpet. Vacuum regularly and place a welcome mat at your home’s entrances. Also consider a “no shoes” policy. High traffic areas can often use vacuuming once a day while low traffic areas can be vacuumed a couple of times a week.
3. Area Rugs
Depending on how your house is laid out you may have some areas that will have high traffic regardless of how your furniture is arranged. Consider a area rugs in these locations.
4. Don’t Let Dirt In
Keep the walk ways leading to your house clean. This will cut down on the amount of dirt that is tracked into your house.
5. Shampoo Rugs
Shampoo rugs at least once a year. Consult your manufacturer sspecifications for what type of cleaning equipment and/or detergents are appropriate for your type of carpet.
6. Spill Awareness
Treat spills quickly for the best chance of avoiding a stain. If you have kids, make sure they know that they need to tell you about spills immediately so they do not have time to set.
7. Snip Loose Threads
To remove a loose thread that sticks up above the fiber use scissors to snip it instead of pulling on it which can pull out more than just the thread.
8. Designate Eating Areas
Many spills can introduce oils into your carpet which attract dirt and help lead to a dingy looking carpet. The less you eat in carpeted areas the better your chances are of avoiding these types of spills.
The cleaner you can keep your carpet the longer it will last. Hopefully these tips help you get more life out of your carpet.
Below are some links which make up a carpet guide to help you maintain and care for your carpet.
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Entrepreneurship: Carpet Cleaning Industry
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on January 2, 2012
There is a huge market for a business like carpet cleaning in countries located in the Europe, Australia and the United States. These are the continents having countries with a lesser population densities. Obviously, the real estate is wide spread and there are private houses which are affordable as opposed to high rise buildings and apartments there in the suburbs of even one of the most famous cites of the world. These houses are furnished with mostly carpet flooring which are very difficult and tiresome to clean by the individuals, other than the professional services dedicated to the same. In this article, we are going to explore the various things that need to be taken into consideration while starting a carpet cleaning business.
Customer base
Determine in advance through a market research survey about how wide spread, huge and the nature of the customer base for your business. The market research can be conducted through your own company as well as you can outsource to a professional company which specializes in market research. Try to locate the geographic region where your customer base is more densely located. This will give you an idea as to where to locate your office so that you can cater these areas frequently.
Franchise/ own business
Opting for franchises is a good option because you can choose from a variety of companies which are well established. This can save you on marketing costs. But take care while choosing a franchise because going for a franchise of a carpet cleaning company can be a very costly option. Once you buy a franchise, you can have their own set of tools and devices for cleaning carpets.
Business license
Any new thing that you want to start, learn and continue it as a business will require some form of license. Carpet cleaning is a well-established business with a well-defined set of clients and customers therein. Hence you need to buy a business license in order to conduct a business for carpet cleaning. Getting a business license for carpet cleaning services is an easy task. Visit a local city hall/ municipality. You have to go to that location and register the name for your business and then pay the fee for that license. Take care to renew your license on expiration.
Startup funding
Every business, which may be big or small, requires some amount of startup costs. Startup costs are the ones which do not give you return on investment immediately but you have to recover the costs involved in the startup on a daily basis after your business is well settled and established in the market. Obviously, there is a problem in the startup financing because you are not sure about the returns of your business. Perhaps you can consider taking a business loan by establishing a good credit history and a business plan for your business in the future as to how it will operate, the mode and duration of operation, the expected income annually, how are you going to divide your income towards the amount that is to be paid for the loan etc. You might also consider investing the amount accumulated in your personal savings. You can also have an option to buy from a variety of business credit cards available in the market.
Equipment for cleaning carpets
You shall need the equipment and the supplies for cleaning the carpets. This may include the carpet cleaners, vacuum cleaners, steamers, water sprinklers, detergents, anti-odorants, gels, white washes, fabric softeners etc. These machines and other supplies will be need in advance before you proceed with conducting your business. You have to understand the market as to where be the distributors located and who can provide you the best deal on these supplies. Perhaps, there is one thing that you should remember, try to buy more things from a same supplier; this will put you in a position to bargain for a cheaper deal. The discounts provided on such items bought in bulk are usually the greatest. This will reduce the burden of your startup costs. You can also consider buying from environmentally products owing to the trend these days of “going green”.
Cleaning staff
You have to hire crew members for cleaning purposes. You have to select from a range of candidates with varied amount of experience. You can interview them and find out their expertise through a small demonstration if they are willing to give you. You have to hire more helpers as you tend to expand your business. More helpers will be able to bring in more business for you and serve more customers.
Advertisements
You have to choose from a list of various ad agencies like newspaper advertisements, banners on highways, television advertisements, distribution of pamphlets, etc. Carpet cleaning business can attract huge competition. A well-defined market strategy will serve the purpose of advertising. Offer great service to your customers to keep the business going and growing.
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What to do when the cleaner arrives
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on January 1, 2012
Getting your home’s carpets cleaned is a great way to freshen up the appeal of your home and preserve a floor covering’s life span.
While part of the joy of hiring a professional is having someone else do the dirty work, taking these pro-active steps can help make sure you get the cleanest carpet possible:
1. Vacuum, if needed – Removing as much debris and dirt from the carpet fiber prior to a cleaning can help ensure your carpet cleaner is focusing on the deep down soiled in dirt. Some carpet cleaning services vacuum the carpet prior to beginning their work. Others rely on you, the homeowner, to do so. Ask your carpet cleaning professional whether or not you need to vacuum prior to their arrival.
2. Dust and clean baseboards and HVAC registers – Clearing these areas of dirt and debris can help ensure the carpet isn’t’ dirtied quickly following a cleaning.
3. Remove fragile items – Porcelain knick-knacks, Ming dynasty vases, collectibles and any other potentially fragile or breakable items should be removed from the cleaning area and placed in a safe area.
4. Remove valuable items – While many carpet cleaning companies thoroughly screen and vet their employees, it’s still a good idea to remove any items of value from rooms with carpeting that will be cleaned. Store them behind a locked door or in your car’s trunk.
5. Move furniture, if necessary – Your carpet cleaner may offer a discount for cleaning a room that’s empty or just focusing on high foot traffic areas. On the other hand, you may want to ensure your carpet is totally clean from wall to wall. Some companies charge a fee for moving furniture, others don’t, so ask about moving furniture when making an appointment.
6. Remove smaller items from the floor – Floor lamps, waste baskets, toys, and clothing or shoes should all be moved out of the area to be cleaned. It’s also a good idea to lift up and secure things like bedspreads, drapes or dust ruffles with a clothespin to prevent them from getting in the way of a carpet cleaner’s tools.
7. Free up a parking spot – If your carpet cleaner uses truck-mounted equipment, they’ll need to park their vehicle as close as possible to an entry door to run hoses for their cleaning equipment. Make sure your family’s vehicles aren’t obstructing them.
8. Point out areas of concern – Showing a professional carpet cleaner the stains, spots or high traffic areas you’re most concerned with will help make sure they’re not missed during the cleaning process.
Keep your carpet clean using these easy-to-follow steps.
Always take off your shoes at the door.
Be sure to keep a rug at all the entrances of the home or business.
Vacuum at least three times a week.
Never use soap or any type of bleaching agent to clean a spot. Just blot and call a professional.They know which cleaning agents to use for the appropriate spot or stain. By cleaning yourself, you might set the stain.
Get your carpet stretched if it’s showing signs of being loose. A loose carpet will wear faster because the fibers overlap and rub together with the dirt buried in them, which acts like sand paper.
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Happy Cleaning.
Way Rug Cleanup Solutions Helps Maintain Your Carpet Clean
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on December 15, 2011
Are you a householder or an entrepreneur in the area? If that is so is your office or home carpeted?
If it is, there’s a reasonable chance that you could need to have your carpets cleaned. When talking of carpet maintenance, there are numerous Dallas owners who opt to do their own carpet reconditioning. Though carpeted flooring is wonderful, it can show evidence of wear or mud faster than hardwood or tiled flooring. Dallas is home to numerous retail shops that sell carpet cleaners or floor cleaners. The carpet required daily cleaning, but the old wipe up routine sure got old after awhile. After my cat’s passing, I made up my mind to spring for a new vacuum cleaner, hoping its power would at least help me get the carpet in better condition after all that it had been thru. Enter the Animal . Initially, I presumed, ‘Oh great, it needs assembling. Reducing of Allergies : Another significant advantage to regular rug washing is that carpet washing helps to get shot of dust and other stuff in your carpet that might be causing your allergies to act up pretty constantly.
While you do your rug maintenance, you may additionally want to put protecting chemicals on your carpet, also, to guard it from spills and keep it looking fine so long as practical. Most individuals don’t understand what sort of dust and dirt is buried in their carpet till they start the carpet reconditioning process and begin to see what’s actually there. Because carpet can regularly get wet and damp, this is a cool place for bacteria to start breeding and bacteria can be particularly damaging to your vitality.
Lose Bacteria : Small were you aware that your carpet could essentially be harboring lots of unhealthy bacteria. Thirdly, it is extraordinarily tough to protect carpet from spots and spills. It is believed to be one of do it yourself solutions and also eco friendly and useful in rug maintenance.
You use it on the fresh spot and clean it with some white fabric. Best rug reconditioning solutions for spots and spill is still a rug washing shampoo. And just like there’s a difference in the quality between autos, there’s also a difference between carpet maintenance corporations. To paraphrase, purchasing the least expensive does not suggest that you are getting the top deal. What technique of rug reconditioning is utilized? Does the cleaner use state of the art hardware and cleaning solutions? Are you engaging a well informed company who is certificated in all areas of the rug maintenance industry? Do they provide a refund promise if you’re not pleased with the quality of service you have received? You must ask these questions when calling around to get a carpet reconditioning company. If you do not, you are taking an opportunity that void your carpet guaranty. So what must you look out for in a rug reconditioning company? One.
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Finding non-toxic Cleaners for our Homes
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on December 2, 2011
Today’s modern home is loaded with toxic and polluting substances designed to make domestic life easier.
The cost of these commercial, chemical-based products can be high — long term health concerns for the family, and environmental pollution caused by their manufacture and disposal. In the US, for example, 1 in 3 people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis (US National Center for Health Statistics). Treatment for these conditions should include reducing synthetic chemicals in the home environment.
For many home-cleaning chores, you can make your own cleaning products using the formulas listed below.
A growing number of commercial non-toxic home cleaning products are also available, as healthier and environmentally responsible alternatives. Your use of these products helps promote the growth of green businesses which are contributing to a sustainable economy.
1. Homemade Substitutions
There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely be used in place of commercial household products. Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for a wealth of household applications.
Baking Soda – cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
Soap – unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
Lemon – one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
Borax – (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
White Vinegar – cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
Washing Soda – or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
Isopropyl Alcohol – is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)
Cornstarch – can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
Citrus Solvent – cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)
2. Formulas
Combinations of the above basic products can provide less harmful substitutions for many commercial home products. In most cases, they’re also less expensive. Here are some formulas for safe, alternative home care products:
Note: These formulas and substitutions are offered to help minimize the use of toxic substances in your home, and reduce the environmental harm caused by the manufacture, use and disposal of toxics. Results may vary and cannot be guaranteed to be 100% safe and effective. Before applying any cleaning formulations, test in small hidden areas if possible. Always use caution with any new product in your home.
Make sure to keep all home-made formulas well-labeled, and out of the reach of children.
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Another alternative are microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.
Air Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell.
• Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.
• Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.
• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
• Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.
• Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.
Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.
Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
For fresh grease spots, sprinkle corn starch onto spot and wait 15 – 30 minutes before vacuuming.
For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.
Chopping block cleaner: Rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface. For tougher stains, squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.
Coffee and tea stains: Stains in cups can be removed by applying vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To clean a teakettle or coffee maker, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool, wipe with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.
Deodorize:
• Plastic food storage containers – soak overnight in warm water and baking soda
• In-sink garbage disposal units – grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit
• Carpets – sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming
• Garage, basements – set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room for 12 – 24 hours
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Carpet cleaning, stains removal
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on November 5, 2011
What should we do for these messy, not-so-good particles, sometimes-smelly stains?
Now this cleaning isn’t easy! Training pets works only as long as your pet is fine with it. In case of bad stomach days, you are risking it all by just closing the doors behind and letting your pet stay in.
Stay on alert whenever you find your room stinking. Check your carpet and remove the dirt as quickly as possible. The biggest problem with accidents is you often times don’t even know they happen until weeks! The longer it is left, the more it sinks into fibres and the padding below the carpet. It is often a good idea, not only to clean it yourself, but also to have your cleaner come through the area with special attention. Use a cleaning solution that is formulated for pet urine. Sadly, other cleaners may not get the job done.
Discolorations of fibres is the main damage done. Even if you remove the odour, a stain may be the end result. The longer it sits, the more it deteriorates.
As with any new cleaning product, follow the directions and test the product first in the corner of a closet. Be sure that you stick to the instructions given. Still if you do not see a difference, do not lose hope. There are natural ways to clear the spot. White vinegar with lukewarm water and rubbing alcohol are two such methods that work well. If you have any major doubts just contact your carpet manufacturer and ask them. They will let you know of approved products that have been tested on their carpets. For professional care and service, click here.
Removing Pet Odour
Dealing with a new puppy or an older animal can take its toll on your carpets and floors. The best advice out there is to get to the stain as soon as possible. The longer the urine sits on the carpet, the more damages are done to the carpet fibres. Try using a dry towel first and press firmly against the wet areas. The object here is to soak up as much as possible without having to use any water. From there use your favourite disinfectant carpet cleaning chemical and follow the directions on the bottle.
Even if you get to the spot right away you may find on some hot days that odour comes back. If this is the case chances are you missed a spot or the urine has penetrated into the flooring pad. When urine penetrates into the carpet pad you may need to call a professional to come out and clean your carpets.
Of course with a young pet the best thing to do is take a proactive approach. Keep your pet on a hard surface in the home until the pet is potty trained. Cats are born potty trained for the most part. Ensure you clean their litter box often and you should have no issue.
Removing Flees From Your Carpet
One of the most irritating situation is to get rid of flees. Flees breed very fast and can lay as many as 700 eggs over their lifetime of just a week! It is advisable to catch hold of them before it is too late! There are flee traps you can use but those will only catch a fraction of the hundred or so that are roaming your home. The best viable solution is to call an exterminator. But you can always attempt it yourself by using a bug bomb that needs to be handled with care.
Another way is to purchase a high sonic device that human and animals cannot hear but the ringing noise drives the bugs crazy. Some prefer this method as they do not have dead bugs all over to deal with. Even if you use the sound device, chances are that most of these flees will still be alive and be in your carpets!
Prevention is always better than cure. If you have pets at home, ensure a flee collar for all your animals. Ensure they stay treated and are given regular baths.
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