Posts Tagged ‘maintenance’

Marble Tile Cleaning

Tile | Posted by Mike Botkanson August 23rd, 2011

Marble is truly a fashionable tile selection in numerous houses. It provides a unique beauty that can only be provided by natural stone. Whether in a kitchen, bathroom, or foyer, marble can easily add to the look of just about any area of your residence. However, with this type of attractiveness there does come a price. But we are not talking anything extraordinary. Just keep it clean.

The one thing to keep in mind about marble is that it is easily scratched. So you want to make sure to keep it swept regularly. All of the incredibly small dust particles that can so easily accumulate upon your floors can also easily produce tiny scratches galore. These types of scratches can certainly build up after some time and totally take away the natural luster and attractiveness of your marble.

Routine sweeping will eliminate the amount of dust, dirt, soil, or any other materials that can find their way onto your marble floors on a daily basis. All these materials are very abrasive, especially when they are constantly walked on. Get yourself into a habit of sweeping at least 2-3 times a week. Use a soft bristled broom or even better, one made of micro fiber. There are also vacuums on the market that are specifically made for hard floor surfaces. These types of vacuums are designed to be gentle on hard floor surfaces and thus reduce the possibility of scratching or scuffing.

Along with sweeping you also need to keep your floors mopped. The basics for this are clean warm water plus a soft or micro fiber mop. You’ll find specific cleaners that you can purchase for mopping marble tile but unless you have staining, they are not really mandatory. In case you do decide to use any one of these cleaning products be sure to read through and adhere to the instructions.

When you have an accidental spill of some kind you must make sure to initially remove all the material by using a towel or wet/dry vac. Utilize some warm water along with a clean towel to clean the area and then dry it with another clean towel. Easy. An item to bear in mind whenever you are cleaning up a spill is to rinse out the area completely with clean water after cleaning to ensure there is no residue remaining. Residue from cleaning products or through not rinsing thoroughly may actually attract more grime and dirt. So be sure you rinse and dry right after each cleaning.

Marble is not merely a financial investment; it also entails an investment of your time. However, if you take care to appropriately maintain your marble flooring, the investment will totally prove its worth with many, many years of beauty and class.

Please visit Tile Cleaning Memphis or Tile Cleaning Kansas City for more info.

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Cleaning Tips for Rugs

Interior Decorating/Design | Posted by Mike Botkanson July 31st, 2011

Whether you live in a rental or just like to change up the look of your home a few times a year, area rugs are an excellent way to add your personal touch without making any permanent changes. The versatility of area rugs allows you to quickly alter the appearance of a living space with just a few simple moves. But despite the many benefits of owning an area rug, the one thing they cannot do is take care of themselves. Here is a little info on caring for your area rugs.

Not all rugs are created equal. Area rugs can range from not so expensive to highly expensive. In any case, you should still care for them as an investment. You can easily get a fine quality area rug and not have to go bankrupt in the act. Keep an eye out for sales at retail and hardware stores. Make certain to purchase the proper type of rug for your needs. Don’t get a delicate Oriental for your back porch. Be smart. Choose carefully.

There isn’t any single, all encompassing, magic product for cleaning your rugs. Hey, it’s not hard, but it’s not always that simple either. The cleaning products and methods that you apply for cleaning up stains, mishaps, and other rug concerns will be determined by several factors. The type of rug you have, the kind of cleaning you are performing, and even how long the area has been dirty are just a few of the elements that will identify your cleaning method. Do your research and follow the cleaning directions that were included with your rug.

There is a magic solution that can work wonders for your rug. Vacuuming. It’s so easy and at the same time so effective. Vacuuming at least once a week will get rid of all the dirt, dust, allergens, and other materials that your rug can accumulate on a daily basis. If your rug is in a high traffic area you may want to increase the frequency of your vacuuming.

Stronger isn’t always the ideal treatment. Returning to the subject of cleaning products. Every item you see with product labels claiming to be “industrial strength” or “super concentrated” might not be always what you need to choose. These products may truly be what they say they are but your rug may not be able to handle the potency. Usually these “super strength” products include really aggressive chemicals that can realistically damage your area rugs. More often than not you can actually create your own cleaning products from normal household items like vinegar, baking soda, or club soda. These homemade cleaners can be equally as effective as any over the counter solution but without the risk factor.

Area rugs are going green. Many rug manufacturers are now taking an eco-friendly approach to making area rugs. Rugs are now being made from more sustainable materials. Many are being manufactured from recycled rug and carpet waste. These leftover parts are now being made into new fibers to reduce the amount of unused waste that often occurs when making rugs.

Area rugs are versatile, convenient, and an excellent option for adding your style to a room. All you need to do is to be sure to choose the appropriate type to suit your needs and invest time to take care of them correctly.

Please visit Rug Cleaning Sarasota or Rug Cleaning Denver for booking info.

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7 Things To Consider Before Buying A Steam Cleaning Machine

Carpeting | Posted by Mike Botkanson March 19th, 2011

Have you grown tired of trying to vacuum up the discoloration in your carpet? Or perhaps you are exhausted from carpet stains and spots in your carpet that just won’t go away? If this is the case then you may be ready for a steam cleaning machine. The following are just some of the many features of a steam cleaner that will convince you it is the right tool for your job:

1. It should be fitted with wheels on its bottom. Confirm that the steam cleaner you purchase is one that is equipped with wheels. Carpet cleaning is all about moving and it will be quite challenging to clean your house with a machine that you have to carry.

2. The chord should be long enough to reach every outlet in your house. Make sure to check if the power chord can extend to the farthest part of any room in your house. This way you will not have to use any extension chords.

3. Know the weight of the cleaner when filled with water. This may sound silly but it would really be a pain to move the machine all over your house if it weighs a ton.

4. Inspect the cleaner’s nozzle. This is so you have an idea as to its capacity to regulate the release of steam. Make sure there is a feature that will allow for adjustments because not all surfaces need exactly the same temperature or heat.

5. Check the temperature of the steam also. Make it a point to figure out the temperature of the steam that the cleaner will create. Bear in mind the heat recommended to clean carpet, which will be roughly 240 to 260 degrees.

6. Check if there are accessories included when you buy the machine. It would be great if you could find a steam cleaner that comes equipped with attachments such as a carpet brush or even some cleansers and detergents for cleaning.

7. Last but not least Check all the other features of the machine. Are the spare parts easy to find? Do you know the locations of their service centers so that you can bring the machine in if there is a problem? Understand the warranty and what your options are with it.

Purchasing a steam cleaning machine can be the difference between getting your carpet looking its best and having to buy new carpet. Just make sure you are aware of your machine’s capabilities and know how to use it.

Please visit Carpet Cleaning East Hampton or Carpet Cleaning Leesburg for more info.

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Quick Steps To Unclog Drain Pipes

Patios and Decks | Posted by Max Schilling February 21st, 2011

When the pipes in one’s home stop draining, it is time to take charge of the situation and find ways to unclog drain pipes. The problem can sometimes be remedied using simple techniques and some safe yet effective methods to restore the flow.

Many of the commercially available cleaners for drainpipes contain harsh chemicals. These strong chemicals can react violently when they come in contact with water. The caustic materials may also cause burns to the skin or eyes. There are also still some of the granular materials that can set up like concrete in pipes that are not flowing. In many cases use of these materials simply ensures the need to call the plumber to restore the flow.

One simple way to clear a grease plug is to pour a large pot of boiling water down the outlet. The water may provide enough heat to melt the plug and allow the water to flow freely once again. The water is a green alternative that is available in almost any home.

In showers and bathtubs, hair is a common culprit. Hair plugs are often easily removed using baking soda and vinegar. Pour about half a cup of dry baking soda down the drain and then add vinegar slowly. A chemical reaction occurs releasing carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles can boil the hair back out of the trap into the tub. Remove this hair from the tub and it may begin to drain once again. Baking soda and vinegar are mild chemicals and the products of the reaction are only carbon dioxide and water.

Blockages in the toilet are most easily remedied using a plunger. This is a simple tool that should be in every home. It can force the blockage free. It requires the use of some manual force but no chemicals are required for cleaning the blockage out of the line.

When these remedies do not solve the problem, homeowners may need to call for professional help. Plumbers can use a rooter to remove the plug manually. This machine is effective on nearly all types of plugs and can remove those blockages that are far down the main line. In some cases, it may be necessary for the plumber to remove fixtures to access the problem and remove it.

When the plumbing in a home is blocked, there are several steps to take that can help to unclog pipes. While there are several steps that the home occupant can use, stubborn blockage may require that the help of the professional.

Find out how experienced and knowledgeable professionals can unclog drain or take care of other plumbing issues fast now! When you are searching for the most effective technicians for cleaning drains or maintaining your system, you can find them today!

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Using Hot Transfer Spot Removal to Eliminate Carpet Stains

Carpeting | Posted by Mike Botkanson February 18th, 2011

Sometimes there are carpet stains that just cannot be removed by typical means. No amount of cleaning solution or blotting is going to be enough to eliminate that spot. Stains that come from red dyes are usually in this category. They are usually very difficult to remove using standard stain cleaning techniques. An aggressive procedure for these types of stains is called the hot transfer method.

This method for stain removal is almost like a magic trick. The idea is to use heat to transfer the stain from your carpet onto another surface such as a towel. Keep in mind that the hot transfer method is usually saved as a last resort. This is a delicate procedure that requires patience and a little luck. If you don’t pay attention to what you’re doing it is possible to hurt not only your carpet, but also yourself.

The items you will need for this process are a few white terry cloth towels, some alkaline spotter, carpet cleaning shampoo, a bucket, and a steam iron. Having a wet vac is a plus but not a necessity.

As with every cleaning method that you’re unsure of, it is wise to try a smaller inconspicuous area first. The various models of carpet have different burn thresholds. Evaluating a smaller, out of site area will let you know if your carpet’s is low. The worst thing you need is to recognize after the fact.

Now the very first thing you should do is give the area a proper vacuuming. You need to ensure the area you’re cleaning is clear of any kind of debris. Set your iron on a medium setting and enable it to warm up. The next thing is to apply the alkaline spotter on the stain. Spray the spotter liberally all over the stained area. You need to make sure the fibers are completely saturated.

Next grab the carpet shampoo and dilute it as per the manufacturer’s directions. Dip one of the towels totally in the liquid then wring it out. Then you are going to put the moist towel on the stain. Next put the iron over the towel and permit it to remain for around 30 seconds. Assuming everything was carried out correctly then the stain should transfer into the towel. If transfer is happening then you definitely need to make sure to utilize clean parts of the towel every time you re-apply. Additionally, don’t place the iron down in the exact same direction each time. Turn it. Simply continue doing this procedure until the stain is eliminated.

Once you have completed this process you want to make sure to rinse the area thoroughly. Pour some clean water over the worked on area and extract using your wet vac. If you do not have a wet vac then use some fresh towels to blot until dry.

If after completing these steps the stain is still visible, you may want to call a professional. Better to spend a little money to have the stain removed properly than to make a mistake that causes some serious damage.

Please visit Carpet Cleaning Akron or Carpet Cleaning La Jolla for more info.

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Tips for Maintaining Your Carpet

Carpeting | Posted by Mike Botkanson February 16th, 2011

Industry experts suggest that you get your carpet cleaned by professionals at least one time each year. But what transpires in the meantime? What about the other 364 days in between the most recent and your next cleaning? It’s usually your responsibility, the homeowner, to step up and make sure that your carpet gets cleaned on a regular basis. Maintaining your carpet doesn’t only keep it looking fantastic in-between professional cleanings, it will also help to prolong the life of it.

There aren’t any mysteries or huge revelations to carpet cleaning. It’s truly as elementary as actually getting yourself motivated enough to get it done. Vacuum regularly as well as clean up any spills immediately or as early as you are able to. The primary concept is common sense. The actions to attain clean carpet aren’t any more complex.

First thing you must do is vacuum on a regular basis. This might be the single most significant facet of keeping the carpet taken care of. It’s also the simplest. There isn’t any brain surgery involved with this task. Switch on your machine and then move it. Definitely attempt to accomplish this at least one time per week. If you’re able to vacuum more frequently, excellent.

One small thing to understand about vacuuming is the fact that the majority of the suction power occurs whenever you pull backwards on the vacuum. Therefore, be sure to push and pull the vacuum cleaner in multiple directions to get the best results.

Something else that can be done to help yourself out will be to store all your carpet cleaning goods together in one area. Place any cleaning solutions, towels, sponges, etc. in a little container or caddy and stash them away in a utility closet or a place practical for you. Doing this should help decrease time if you have to clean up a spill or a pet accident.

And how about taking care of those particular spills and mishaps? Well the most crucial element is time. The quicker you get the spot cleaned up the greater probability you have of avoiding a stain. A stain is the thing that occurs after a spill isn’t cleaned up. And stains are much harder to get out than a spill is to clean up.

The next key to cleaning spots would be to never rub on the area. Instead, blot the spill with a towel or sponge. Rubbing is only going to drive the fluid further into the carpet. If fluid enters the padding underneath the carpet then you’ll have an extra aggravation to cope with.

These two items, together with annual professional cleanings, are the cornerstone to having a well-maintained carpet. If you’re able to keep it vacuumed once a week and also be sure to clean up spills ASAP, then you should enjoy a long relationship with your carpet.

For more information For more info For a free quote To get a free quote For booking information For booking info For more info on booking in these areas please visit Carpet Cleaning Naperville or Carpet Cleaning Rancho Santa Fe

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4 Easy And Quick Do-It-Yourself Carpet Cleaning Tips

Carpeting | Posted by Mike Botkanson February 6th, 2011

The installation of carpet in your house can be easy. You just have to employ a qualified professional to carry out everything for you, and there you are, your flooring has changed into something new and delightful! But keeping the carpet clean and elegant does not end there. You’ll have to conduct regular upkeep if you want your carpet to look immaculate. Listed below are some relatively easy DIY points you can use for a happy home with clean carpet.

1. Identify the tools you should have. Being aware of what tools you will need to care for your carpet is the initial step. The key things you will need to have are a vacuum cleaner, clean towels, cleaning solutions, plus some determination. Optional accessories are a shop vac or a steam cleaning machine.

2.Know how to use your tools. When vacuuming you need to make sure the machine is set to the correct height. Keep in mind that the most suction power occurs when you are pulling back on the vacuum cleaner. So keep it moving in different directions as you use it. Be careful not to over saturate spots when you use cleaning solutions. Apply a bit each time and repeat the process as necessary. Don’t ever rub at a stain. Be sure to blot using your towels. Should you have a shop vac use it to remove whatever substances are on the carpeting before you start the cleaning treatment.

3. Do it yourself cleaning solutions for your carpet. These are cleaning products that you can create at home using items you most probably currently have. You may want to pre mix these materials and keep them stashed away with your other carpet cleaning products.

Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 bucket of water to eliminate not only stains but also bacteria in your carpet. All you need to do is to blot the solution evenly using a sponge or towel. Do not worry about the odor that the vinegar may leave because it will actually dissipate in 1 to 2 days.

* You might opt to apply some baking soda for the odor. Simply sprinkle over the spot after it has dried out. Allow it to sit for a while and then vacuum. This is a fast and simple resolution for most odor problems in your carpet.

* You might also think about using peroxide or another bleaching agents as well for more stubborn stains. They might be very effective in eliminating stains and dirt but be careful. These chemicals can also be incredibly strong and might possibly damage your carpet if they are not used carefully. It’s a good idea to use them in moderation and never without diluting with water. Always test out a little spot initially.

4. Use your steam cleaner as a last resort. Last but not least, you have your steam cleaner. You don’t want to use this too often because it’s not necessary. Vacuuming regularly and using spot treatment for stains and spills is the best way to keep your carpet maintained. Use your steam cleaner maybe once every six months to rejuvenate your carpet.

For more info please visitCarpet Cleaning Myrtle Beach or Carpet Cleaning Plano

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