Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Carpet maintenance resource site

There is a web site where most of your carpet questions can be answered.
http://www.carpet-rug.org/ The carpet and rug institute site is a one stop resource bonanza for all things carpet.

Here are some of my favorite parts of this site: http://www.carpet-rug.org/
A list of recommended and certified vacuums
A list of recommended and certified carpet spotters and cleaning solutions
A detailed and at your fingers carpet spotting guide
Lots of answers to common question and uncommon questions
A list of manufacture recommended cleaning methods

For your fastest search path:
Start by clicking the Residential tab
On the left hand side click cleaning and maintenance
Your resources topics will appear on the left hand side

If you don't feel like all that clicking here is my summary of carpet care:

1. Install effective and clean entrance mats
Keep these mats clean- they are the filters to your home
Put good mats at every entrance

2. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum
Get a good one with a HEPA filter or equivalent filter
Vacuum at least once per week
Do not over fill your filter bag
Vacuum slowly and thoroughly
(list of recommended vacuums on the carpet-rug.org site)
http://www.carpet-rug.org/

3. Spot clean- ASAP
Blot don't rub
Use mild - recommended cleaners
Like our Procyon Carpet and Upholstery cleaner
Rinse and dry
(The carpet-rug.org site has a good spotting guide)
http://www.carpet-rug.org/

4. Professionally clean your carpet
Most manufactures recommend every 12-18 months
In most cases, hot water extraction is the preferred method.
(the manufacture recommended list is on the carpet-rug.org site)
http://www.carpet-rug.org/

Wishing you a healthy and happy home,
Denise

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Residue: the number 1 thing we remove

Websters definition of residue:
Matter remaining after treatment or removal of part; something which remains.

Residue is the number one thing we remove when cleaning is done properly.

What is in this residue?

Here are the usual 3 suspects:
* Soil
* Cleaners
* Water

Part of residue is made up of soils left on the surface. In "cleaning", the soil might be smeared around by mopping or wiping but it's regularly left behind. Residue also comes from the cleaners we use. If the cleaners are not removed, then those cleaners can actually help in attracting new soil- great right? Finally, water left behind is also part of your residue. Water doesn't seem too bad but in water there are hard water or mineral deposits and moisture. You know what hard water deposits can do in a shower! But what about moisture left behind? Have you ever cleaned your car and then had dust land on it? Soil is more likely to stick to a damp surface than a dry one. Plus mold needs moisture to grow. You leave something damp long enough and soon you will also have mold as part of your residue- again think showers!!

Just imagine this: taking a mop and mopping or as we call it smearing, a window. Now let that air dry. Come back next week and do it again. Imagine what a whole year of this weekly mopping would do to a window-yuck!! Imagine 12 years!!!

Window's are obvious because we can actually see the residue left behind. But what about your floors, showers or countertops? The same residue is there, it just is harder to notice. It takes a while but before you know it your floors are brown, black; your showers are water spotted, waxing feeling and moldy; your countertops are greasy and dingy. The true beauty of your home or business is covered with soap, soils, mineral deposits and mold!!

Amazing stuff right? Residue would make a fun science experiment! It is also best removed. This is where we come in, we specialize in leaving surfaces residue free and teaching you how to keep your surfaces residue free!

Wishing you health, happiness and prosperity,
Denise

Blue Sky Services
20 years restoration cleaning experience, research and a very curious mind