Author: apluscarpetcle

Tips and Tricks for DIY Water Damage Cleanup

Written by apluscarpetcle on January 8, 2018. Posted in Water Damage Restoration.

Every year, floods kill more people than lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined. They can also wreak havoc on homes and businesses, requiring everything from new drywall and furnishings to completely new structures.
If your home or commercial property has been flooded, your first priority is safety. Stay away from the area until government officials say it’s safe to return. When you can go back, take emergency supplies and cash with you. If you can get to a phone, call your insurance company and, if necessary, a flood and water damage restoration contractor.
Then, you can get started on assessing the damage. Watch every step, because the risk of slips and falls is high. Also, be very cautious around appliances, gas lines and electrical equipment. Using them prematurely could cause electrical shocks and even explosions. And don’t forget that wet items can be very heavy. Don’t hurt yourself by overdoing it.

The Destruction Water Causes

Water gives us life, but it can also take life and ruin everything in its path. When it comes to your home or businesses, be aware of how the following items can be affected:

Wallboard and drywall: These porous materials act like a sponge and become fragile in a flood, and may remain contaminated even after they dry out.
Plaster: This thick material may not have to be replaced but it takes a very long time to dry. If it is severely cracked or warped, it will need to be replaced.
Insulation: Foam sheets of insulation just need to be hosed off and dried, but muddy fiberglass batts should be thrown out. Cellulose insulation, made of blown-in treated paper, will need to be removed and replaced.
Solid wood: Furniture and other solid wood items may warp and crack following a flood, but they can usually be saved when dried out completely.
Particle board and laminated wood: These materials may separate and weaken after getting wet and usually need to be replaced.
Wood studs and framing: These solid pillars are usually OK if they dry completely. They must be disinfected, but don’t usually have to be replaced. They are most often far from human contact, so risks of harm from any remaining contamination are low.
Floor coverings: Most carpets and laminated coverings will have to be thrown out after a flood, especially any with soaked foam rubber backing. A professional cleaner may be able to save small rugs and valuable carpets, which should be removed from the site immediately.
Pipes and electrical wiring: Floods can float or break pipes and strip electrical wiring. Unless you’re sure you know what you’re doing, work with a contractor if you see damage to these items.
Appliances: These can be shorted out during floods and can leak harmful and explosive gases into the air. They will need to be cleaned and checked by a professional before use.
HVAC: Heater and air conditioner units can become flooded, which can damage their internal electrical systems and douse pilot lights. They can also become muddy, and cleaning them will require professional cleaning. In addition, venting systems can flood and become contaminated. If that happens, they must be taken apart and hosed off piece by piece to prevent contamination from being blown through the air.

Dos and Don’ts of Flood and Water Damage Cleanup

Getting Ready

The first thing you will need to do after a flood is make sure that it’s safe for you and your family to be on the property.

DO beware of rodents, snakes and insects that might have come in with flood waters
DO smell for gas and look for damaged power and gas lines, foundation cracks and exterior damage
DO look for broken pilings, shifted stairs, slanted floors and walls
DO turn off water and power (unless you would have to do so while standing in water)

DON’T enter your home or business if you see major structural damage
DON’T walk on sagging floors or floors above sagging ceilings
DON’T use electrical appliances or turn on ceiling fans and lights if the ceilings are wet

First Steps

Once you’re ready to start the cleaning process, it’s important to prioritize. At this stage:

DO check that your running water is safe to drink and to use for cleaning
DO flush your toilet before you use it to check for clogs from mud and debris
DO check for cabinets and other items that may be ready to fall over
DO temporarily patch holes in the walls and roof with plastic wrap and repair floors and roof sections with 4X4s if you can do so safely
DO remove debris
DO remove water trapped in walls
DO open all the doors and windows to improve ventilation
DO use a wet vac, shop vac, fans, dehumidifiers and desiccants (materials that absorb moisture) to start drying out the property

DON’T drain a flooded basement too quickly, because rapid changes in pressure could cause the foundation to collapse
DON’T do structural or electrical work yourself
DON’T connect generators to the home’s power system, but plug in fans and appliances directly
DON’T use generators, grills, camp stoves or charcoal inside homes or within closed areas
DON’T use a household vacuum to remove water and mud
DON’T let garbage pile up, as it could exacerbate contamination and house pests
DON’T leave pools of standing water, which could become breeding grounds for mosquitoes

Putting it All Back Together

Once these major issues are handled, you can start on the water damage cleanup and flood restoration itself.

DO wear protective clothing, boots and rubber gloves
DO wash your hands often with soap and water
DO remove all wall coverings and throw them out, as they may harbor mold
DO remove drywall, finished ceilings and most insulation that’s been in contact with flood water
DO throw out permeable materials such as padded furniture and foam rubber
DO throw out all exposed food, beverages and medicine, including canned goods
DO disinfect dishes and other items with soap and hot water, but throw out all soft plastics
DO clean hard surfaces with hot water and soap or detergent
Do wipe down wooden items and, if possible, take them elsewhere to dry out
DO preserve items such as books, documents and photographs in re-sealable bags and freeze them to be cleaned later
DO place aluminum foil or wood blocks in between wet floors and the legs of furniture that can’t be moved
DO make a list of the damage and take photos or videos
DO keep a piece of damaged floor and wall coverings to show your insurance assessor
DO check with your mortgage holder before cashing home insurance checks, especially if the damage is extensive

Should You Call a Professional Restoration Service?

Cleaning up after a flood is a lot of work and it is possible to do much of it yourself. However, the costs in time, supplies and machinery rental escalate quickly. Furthermore, you may need professional contractors to do the work to be eligible for home and flood insurance reimbursements or to acquire building permits. If you would like expert help with your flood cleanup or simply want a second pair of eyes for safety, call A+ at 360-578-2439! Our nationwide network of flood and water damage cleanup professionals is available 24/7.

DIY Carpet Cleaning

Written by apluscarpetcle on January 8, 2018. Posted in Carpet Cleaning.

Despite your best efforts at cleanliness, your carpet will eventually become the victim of drops, spills, accidents, and whatever’s on the bottom of your shoes. To learn how professionals handle problem areas and keep carpets looking new, we spoke with cleaning expert Bob Williams, the owner of A+ Carpet Cleaning and Restoration 360-578-2439 Longview WA 98632 www.carpetcleaninglongview.com who has more than 15 years of experience.

Blot Stains, Don’t Rub Them
Dab stains with a cleaning solution and a clean cloth, paper towels, or a sponge. “The key is blotting. Blotting puts a small amount of pressure on the stain to soak it up,” Williams says. “Rubbing causes the particles to get ground into the carpet fibers, and this can lead to the premature breakdown of those fibers.” Always blot from the outside of the stain inward, as blotting outward can spread the stain

2. The Club Soda Process
You may have heard that club soda is effective against beer and wine stains. It’s true-if you use it correctly.
Blot the area with the soda on a cloth. If that doesn’t work, mix one part white vinegar with one part water and pour it into a handheld sprayer. Spray the solution on the entire stained area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to soak in. Then press a clean sponge onto the area to soak up the solution and the stain. Williams says you may have to repeat this process to eradicate the stain.

Once the stain is gone, rinse the spot with warm water. Use your hand to brush the carpet strands into their natural direction. Finally, lay white paper towels over the area and weigh them down with something heavy, like a phone book. The towels will absorb the dampness from the carpet. Leave the towels in place until the carpet is dry, usually about one day.

Try Shaving Cream
Williams says the best carpet cleaner for general stains is ordinary shaving cream—”It will remove just about every type of stain.” Apply the shaving cream directly to the stain and let it set for about 30 minutes, Williams says. Once the shaving cream has set, blot it away with a dry white cloth. Finish by spraying the area with one part vinegar mixed with one part water and then wiping away the solution with a cloth.

4. Freeze-Dried Gum
You step in chewing gum out on the street but don’t realize it until you tracked that gross, sticky mess onto your carpet. To get it out, head to the freezer and grab a couple of ice cubes. “Freeze the gum with ice cubes for about 30 seconds.” Williams said. Once the gum is frozen solid, use a spoon to lift up the glob and cut the strands of carpet as close to the gum as possible. If you cut only a small amount of carpet, the spot shouldn’t be noticeable.
Dishwasher Detergent vs Grease
The best method against difficult-to-clean grease stains is to use a drop or two of a grease-cutting dishwashing detergent, such as Joy, in a cup of water. It’ll cut through the grease in the carpet just the way it does on your dishes. “Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray it on the stain,” Williams says. “Then blot it up.” Again, you may need to do this multiple times for larger stains.
Heat Wax

Burning candles in the house can result in wax dripping onto the carpet, where it quickly dries and gets embedded. Williams recommends heating it back up to remove it. Place a white cloth over your iron, then put the iron on top of the wax to warm it up. Finally, scrape off the wax with a butter knife.
“When you are done doing that, lay a paper towel over the surface area and iron on the paper,” Williams said. “The wax is melting and binds to the paper, and the wax will be gone after a few more applications.”
Important note: Don’t use the iron this way for more than 30 seconds or you risk burning the carpet. And be sure to use a white cloth and white towels since colored ones can transfer the color onto the carpet when heated up, especially if you have a light-colored carpet.
Few carpet stains are as obvious as blood. But suffering a paper cut on your finger and getting a few drops on the carpet doesn’t mean your shag is ruined.
“Hydrogen peroxide will get out blood all day long,” Williams says. First, loosen up dried blood with water mixed with a mild detergent. Then scrape off as much blood from the fibers as you can. To get the remainder, apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. The solution will immediately foam when it contacts the blood, so don’t be surprised. Then dab the hydrogen peroxide with towels to dry the carpet.

Clean Pet Accidents Organically

Even well-trained pets can have an accident on the carpet. Williams prefers organic cleaners, which can costs about $10 for a spray bottle, rather than using chemicals. Spray the cleaner at the strain. “Some scrubbing will be necessary,” Williams says. Then wipe up the cleaner with a cloth or towels. Eco-Spot and similar cleaners can also be used to remove other types of stains, including coffee and sauces.

If you have kids in the house, it’s only a matter of time before candy ends up in the carpet. “Try to scrape it with a spotter brush or a butter knife,” Williams says. Then, using a sponge, apply water mixed with a mild soap. “It is important to get all of the sugar out of the area on the carpet,” he points out. “Failure to do so will result in that area attracting dirt and debris easily.” Once the candy is removed, dry the spot by blotting it with a cloth or towels.

Cleaning the carpet is essential to keeping it looking fresh and new. Steam cleaning involves using a cleaning solution under pressure injected deep into the carpet via water-jet nozzles. Then the machine extracts the solution along with the dirt and debris in the carpet.

“The water will penetrate the fiber all the way down to the backing and loosen any embedded soil, remove oil and grease deposits, and get your carpet cleaner than it has ever been,” Williams says. He recommends deep cleaning every six months for a family of four.

How Do Professionals Use A Carpet Extractor?

Written by apluscarpetcle on September 28, 2017. Posted in Uncategorized.

To extend the life of carpeting and keep it smelling fresh and looking brand new, professional cleaning services will often use a carpet extractor. But many wonder just how this method works. A cleaning solution is injected into the fibers via a wand. The solution then adheres to the dirt and soil, and the use of pressure and suction brings the soil to the surface. The machine then extracts the remaining water, solution and dirt. Professionals use a carpet extractor in conjunction with other methods for the most effective results.

Dry extraction is a method in which a dry solution is used on the affected areas. The solution brings the dirt to the surface and then is removed through vacuuming.

Dry foam cleaning involves adding a foam detergent to the affected areas. The foam is worked into the carpet fibers and is then extracted, trapping the dirt in the foam.

Steam cleaning, also known as hot water cleaning, uses different rations of water and cleansing agents. Sometimes the carpet is preconditioned and then a cleaning wand applies the solution using high pressure to remove hard to reach dirt. The cleaning equipment then removes the water, solution mixture and the dirt.

Any of these methods can benefit professionals because they produce effective and high-quality results. Using cleaning equipment with proper techniques and cleansing agents can extend the life of the carpet

Carpet Cleaning

Written by apluscarpetcle on February 23, 2017. Posted in Carpet Cleaning.

Whether it be from a pet, dirt, smoke, mildew, or other odor, you need to:

Prevent it
Identify it
Fix it

Before it’s too late!
Rug and carpet odors can come from a variety of sources and often we might not notice them until they get unbearable and we don’t know what to do about it! Here are a few tips to prevent odors from developing, identify them if they occur and what steps to take in order to eliminate them.

Prevent it:
Sometimes it is inevitable, life happens and your rug ends up with a mysterious odor but taking steps to prevent it can save headaches later. Be careful of food or drinks on the counters and tables because a small spill can contribute to causing an odor on your rug or carpet. If there happens to be a spill make sure you clean it as soon as possible to avoid leftover residue that could cause harmful bacteria to grow.
If you recently encountered water damage, a pipe leakage, indoor flooding or any type of water damage your rug or carpet can be severely affected if not cared for properly. You must take the necessary steps to ensure your rug is fully dried. Water left in the rug can cause bacteria to grow and can lead to mold or mildew.
This is also true for snow this time of year – make sure that you are not leaving your rug or carpet wet from the snow that is coming in from the outside!
If you have a pet they can cause many of the odors as well. A precaution you can take is to clean any mud or dirt that may be on your pet’s paws after outdoor activities. If your pet has had an accident, take the necessary steps to thoroughly clean the soiled areas to avoid bacteria growth which causes unwanted odors.

Identify it:

It can be difficult to identify an odor, but through the process of elimination, you can have an idea of what the odor might be. Ask yourselves these questions, to have an idea of what might be causing a certain odor.

Do you have pets?
Are they allowed around the carpeted area?
After outdoor activities do they come in contact with a rug or carpet?
Over time has your pet had accidents on the rug or carpet?
Was there any food or beverage that spilled on the rug or carpet?
How long was it there for?
How well was it cleaned up?
Do you have children who might walk into carpeted areas with their sneakers on?
Was there any water or smoke damage that might have occurred near or on the rug or carpet?
What was done to dry up the water?

Fix it:
Carpets and rugs capture odors and hold onto them. However, these odors can be removed, and the time and effort will depend largely on the type and intensity of the odor. If the odor is strong, be prepared to have an expert spend some time removing the odors from your carpet or rug. When possible, adding fresh air always helps to expedite the process.
Tweeds Rug and Carpet Cleaning can gently and safely eliminate most offensive odors caused by mildew, pets, smoke and other causes. If your rugs have an odor problem, ask us about our cleaning and deodorizing processes.

Professional Carpet Steam Cleaning Longview and Kelso WA

Written by apluscarpetcle on October 18, 2016. Posted in Carpet Cleaning.

Which Cleaner is Best For You?

Read Vacuum and Steam Cleaner Reviews and compare prices at Consumer Guide Products before you buy.

Vacuuming is where most people start when maintaining their carpeting. That, then, is where we’ll start this article on carpet-cleaning tips. But that isn’t where the article will end. We’ll present all sorts of guidelines for cleaning, removing stains, and dealing with various other problems.

For now, though, we’ll get to the basics:

Carpets need to be vacuumed once a week and more often in areas of heavy traffic. Frequent vacuuming prolongs the life of your carpet by preventing a buildup of gritty particles that can cut carpet fibers. Every few weeks, take a little extra time and use your crevice tool for cleaning around baseboards and radiators and in other hard-to-reach places.

To vacuum wall-to-wall carpeting, divide the floor into quadrants and vacuum an entire quadrant before moving on to the next.
Take your time when you vacuum a carpet, especially a plush carpet in which dirt is sure to be deeply embedded. One pass with a high-powered upright is not enough. Go over each section of carpeting several times, and work slowly to allow the suction to remove all the ground-in dust and dirt.
Pay special attention to the areas where people sit and move their feet. Vacuum these areas of heavy traffic with a crisscross pattern of overlapping strokes.
Soil retardants can be applied to new carpets or to newly cleaned carpets. Follow manufacturers’ advice. Apply soil retardants only with professional equipment using the recommended application techniques.
Add baking soda to the bag in your vacuum to fight odors.

Odors are one thing – spots and spills are quite another. Spots and spills happen to just about every carpet and can be difficult to remove. In the next section, we’ll offer some pointers for getting rid of those blemishes.

Professional carpet steam cleaning by a licensed business with years of experience will yield best results.

Carpet steam cleaning tips, tricks and secrets make keeping your carpets clean easier

Written by apluscarpetcle on July 10, 2016. Posted in Carpet Cleaning.

Most carpets are stain-resistant, meaning that the manufacturer has treated them to reduce staining. However, no carpet is stain-proof. Over time, the carpet’s fibers trap dirt, oils and bacteria, which can discolor the material and cause unpleasant odors and stains. Use a few tips, tricks and secrets to steam clean your carpets, as needed, and then keep them cleaner longer with some simple suggestions for the whole family.

Tips

Test a hidden area of your carpet, such as inside a closet, before using an extra-strength or homemade steam-cleaning product to make sure that it does not burn the carpet or lift the color. Steam cleaning is hard work. There’s a lot of back and forth movement and bending; you’ll also be lifting and carrying buckets to empty and refill the dirty and clean water – don’t forget to stretch before, during and after this physically demanding chore. Contact the manufacturer of your steam cleaner to ask for recommended or non-chemical cleaning solutions. If you venture out on your own and use homemade concoctions or non-recommended solutions, they could void the cleaner’s warranty.

Tricks

Loose dirt and grime hides in carpeting. Vacuum the floors before you set to work with the steam cleaner. By running the vacuum cleaner slowly and repeatedly over one area at a time, you will reduce the amount of dirt or “mud” pushed through the carpet by the steam cleaning process. As a matter of course, blot stains as they happen; club soda or a mixture of one part white vinegar with three parts water remove colorful stains, such as red wine, pop and juice.

Secrets

Sometimes the simplest cleaning solutions are right under your nose — or, in this case, right out of the tap or inside of the kitchen cupboard. Because steam already reduces or destroys most bacteria, pure water may be all you require to freshen your rugs. Use baking soda to remove odors and stains: dissolve 1-tsp baking soda in a cup of water to pour on pet stains or other smelly messes before steam cleaning. Don’t steam clean on humid summer days or cold winter days. On warm, dry days, you will be able to dry the carpeting and air out the space. This avoids an overly steamy home by opening windows.

Keeping Your Carpets Clean

Just as there are many tips, tricks and secrets for steam cleaning carpets, there are also lots of ideas and ways to keep them clean longer. The longer your carpets stay clean, the less often you will have to drag out the steam cleaner. Set doormats at every entryway and ensure that everyone wipes by hanging a friendly – or cheesy – sign as a reminder; “Please be Sweeties and Wipe Your Feeties.” Even if family members occasionally forget to wipe, the mats will catch some of the dirt as they walk over them. Vacuum thoroughly at least twice a week by running a strong-suction vacuum cleaner with a rotating power head over the floors. Have all family members remove their shoes at the door. You can keep slippers available at the door for everyone, including guests.

10 Carpet Cleaning tips

Written by apluscarpetcle on April 26, 2016. Posted in Carpet Cleaning.

1 Blot Stains, Don’t Rub Them

Dab stains with a cleaning solution and a clean cloth, paper towels, or a sponge. “The key is blotting. Blotting puts a small amount of pressure on the stain to soak it up, Rubbing causes the particles to get ground into the carpet fibers, and this can lead to the premature breakdown of those fibers.” Always blot from the outside of the stain inward, as blotting outward can spread the stain.

2 The Club Soda Process

You may have heard that club soda is effective against beer and wine stains. It’s true—if you use it correctly.
Blot the area with the soda on a cloth. If that doesn’t work, mix one part white vinegar with one part water and pour it into a handheld sprayer. Spray the solution on the entire stained area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to soak in. Then press a clean sponge onto the area to soak up the solution and the stain. You may have to repeat this process to eradicate the stain.
Once the stain is gone, rinse the spot with warm water. Use your hand to brush the carpet strands into their natural direction. Finally, lay white paper towels over the area and weigh them down with something heavy, like a phone book. The towels will absorb the dampness from the carpet. Leave the towels in place until the carpet is dry, usually about one day.

3 Try Shaving Cream

The best carpet cleaner for general stains is ordinary shaving cream – ”It will remove just about every type of stain.” Apply the shaving cream directly to the stain and let it set for about 30 minutes, Tarbox says. Once the shaving cream has set, blot it away with a dry white cloth. Finish by spraying the area with one part vinegar mixed with one part water and then wiping away the solution with a cloth.

4 Freeze-Dried Gum

You step in chewing gum out on the street but don’t realize it until you track that gross, sticky mess onto your carpet. To get it out, head to the freezer and grab a couple of ice cubes. “Freeze the gum with ice cubes for about 30 seconds. Once the gum is frozen solid, use a spoon to lift up the glob and cut the strands of carpet as close to the gum as possible. If you cut only a small amount of carpet, the spot shouldn’t be noticeable.

5 Dishwasher Detergent vs Grease

The best method against difficult-to-clean grease stains is to use a drop or two of a grease-cutting dishwashing detergent, such as Joy, in a cup of water. It’ll cut through the grease in the carpet just the way it does on your dishes. “Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray it on the stain,then blot it up.” Again, you may need to do this multiple times for larger stains.

6 Heat Wax

Burning candles in the house can result in wax dripping onto the carpet, where it quickly dries and gets embedded. We recommend heating it back up to remove it. Place a white cloth over your iron, then put the iron on top of the wax to warm it up. Finally, scrape off the wax with a butter knife.

“When you are done doing that, lay a paper towel over the surface area and iron on the paper, “The wax is melting and binds to the paper, and the wax will be gone after a few more applications.”

Important note: Don’t use the iron this way for more than 30 seconds or you risk burning the carpet. And be sure to use a white cloth and white towels since colored ones can transfer the color onto the carpet when heated up, especially if you have a light-colored carpet.

7 Hydrogen Peroxide to the Rescue

Few carpet stains are as obvious as blood. But suffering a paper cut on your finger and getting a few drops on the carpet doesn’t mean your shag is ruined.
“Hydrogen peroxide will get out blood all day long,” First, loosen up dried blood with water mixed with a mild detergent. Then scrape off as much blood from the fibers as you can. To get the remainder, apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. The solution will immediately foam when it contacts the blood, so don’t be surprised. Then dab the hydrogen peroxide with towels to dry the carpet.

8 Clean Pet Accidents Organically

Even well-trained pets can have an accident on the carpet. Most people prefer organic cleaners, which can cost about $10 for a spray bottle, rather than using chemicals. Spray the cleaner at the stain. “Some scrubbing will be necessary,” Then wipe up the cleaner with a cloth or towels. Eco-Spot and similar cleaners can also be used to remove other types of stains, including coffee and sauces.

9 Candy Crushed

If you have kids in the house, it’s only a matter of time before candy ends up on the carpet. “Try to scrape it with a spotter brush or a butter knife,” Tarbox says. Then, using a sponge, apply water mixed with a mild soap. “It is important to get all of the sugar out of the area on the carpet,” he points out. “Failure to do so will result in that area attracting dirt and debris easily.” Once the candy is removed, dry the spot by blotting it with a cloth or towels.
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10 Deep-Clean Regularly

Cleaning the carpet is essential to keeping it looking fresh and new. Steam cleaning involves using a solution under pressure injected deep into the carpet via water-jet nozzles. Then the machine extracts the solution along with the dirt and debris in the carpet. “The water will penetrate the fiber all the way down to the backing and loosen any embedded soil, remove oil and grease deposits, and get your carpet cleaner than it has ever been,”. We recommend deep cleaning every six months for a family of four.

Pet Accidents -How to Clean Carpeted Areas and Upholstery

Written by apluscarpetcle on February 3, 2016. Posted in Pet Odor, Stain Cleaning.

For “new” stains (those that are still wet):

Soak up as much of the urine as possible with a combination of newspaper and paper towels. The more fresh urine you can remove before it dries, especially from carpet, the easier it will be to remove the odor. Place a thick layer of paper towels on the wet spot, and cover that with a thick layer of newspaper. If possible, put newspaper under the soiled area as well. Stand on this padding for about a minute. Remove the padding, and repeat the process until the area is barely damp.
If possible, put the fresh, urine-soaked paper towel in the area where it belongs- your cat’s litter box or your dog’s designated outdoor “bathroom area.” This will help remind your pet that eliminating isn’t a “bad” behavior as long as it’s done in the right place.
Rinse the “accident zone” thoroughly with clean, cool water. After rinsing, remove as much of the water as possible by blotting or by using a wet vac.

For stains that have already set:

Consider renting an extractor or wet vac to remove all traces of heavy stains in carpeting (get one from a local hardware store). This machine works much like a vacuum cleaner and is efficient and economical. Extracting/wet vac machines do the best job of forcing clean water through your carpet and then forcing the dirty water back out. When you use these machines or cleaners, carefully follow the instructions. Don’t use any chemicals with these machines; they work much better with plain water.
Use a high-quality pet odor neutralizer once the area is really clean (available at pet supply stores). Be sure to read and follow the cleaner’s directions for use, including testing the cleaner on a small, hidden portion of fabric first to be sure it doesn’t stain.
Try any good carpet stain remover if the area still looks stained after it’s completely dry from extracting and neutralizing.
Avoid using steam cleaners to clean urine odors from carpet or upholstery. The heat will permanently set the stain and the odor by bonding the protein into any man-made fibers.
Avoid using cleaning chemicals, especially those with strong odors such as ammonia or vinegar. From your pet’s perspective, these don’t effectively eliminate or cover the urine odor and may actually encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area.
Neutralizing cleaners won’t work until you’ve rinsed every trace of the old cleaner from the carpet if you’ve previously used cleaners or chemicals of any kind on the area. Even if you haven’t used chemicals recently, any trace of a non-protein-based substance will weaken the effect of the enzymatic cleaner. The cleaner will use up its “energy” on the old cleaners, instead of on the protein stains you want removed.
Your job will be more difficult if urine has soaked down into the padding underneath your carpet. In some cases, you may need to take the drastic step of removing and replacing that portion of the carpet and padding.

Wax Removal From Carpets

Written by apluscarpetcle on January 4, 2016. Posted in Stain Cleaning.

Things You Will Need
– Ice
– Waterproof Ziploc Bag
– Dull Knife
– Paper bag or Clean White Cloth
– Cleaning Cloths/Towels
– An Iron
– Carpet Cleaning Solution (optional)
Steps

You need to immediately start cleaning up the spill as soon as possible; doing this will make the job of removing all the wax from the carpet fibers much easier on yourself.
Take your waterproof Ziploc bag and fill it with ice. The key idea here is to freeze the wax so you can first start scraping up the larger bits. It’s important that the candle wax is not getting wet from condensation or water leaking from the bag, since moisture can potentially make the stain a lot trickier to remove.
Take your dull knife and scrape off as much of the candle wax as you possibly can.
Now for the next process, you can either use a brown paper bag or a clean white cloth. Take whichever medium you choose to use, and spread it over the stained area. Have the iron plugged in, to ensure it is heated up to the necessary heat level. You want to keep the iron on a low setting to make sure you do not singe the carpet fibers.
Begin running the iron over the affected area. As you iron over the candle wax it will start to melt, and should gradually transfer to the warmer surface (which will be the brown paper bag or clean towel). You may have to repeat this step a couple times, and always use a clean, fresh paper bag or towel each time.
After you have removed the majority of the wax from the carpet, there still might be small remnants of wax left. These small bits are very easy to get rid of. Simply take a hot, damp clean cloth and vigorously rub the leftover stained area. If this does not do the trick, try using a store bought carpet cleaner over the stained area.

This cleaning process should help you get rid of that pesky wax stain, and also keep you informed on how to clean up next time a candle spills onto your carpet.

Wax removal from carpet

Written by apluscarpetcle on October 17, 2015. Posted in Stain Cleaning.

A flattering glow from candles can quickly turn into a hot waxy mess on your carpets. If you had a good time on Valentine’s Day, chances are you have a mess to clean up. The task of trying to remove candle wax out of your carpet might seem challenging, but here are a few tips and step-by-step instructions that will get you on the road to cleaning up the nasty spill.
Things You Will Need
– Ice
– Waterproof Ziploc Bag
– Dull Knife
– Paper bag or Clean White Cloth
– Cleaning Cloths/Towels
– An Iron
– Carpet Cleaning Solution (optional)
Steps

You need to immediately start cleaning up the spill as soon as possible; doing this will make the job of removing all the wax from the carpet fibers much easier on yourself.
Take your waterproof Ziploc bag and fill it with ice. The key idea here is to freeze the wax so you can first start scraping up the larger bits. It’s important that the candle wax is not getting wet from condensation or water leaking from the bag, since moisture can potentially make the stain a lot trickier to remove.
Take your dull knife and scrape off as much of the candle wax as you possibly can.
Now for the next process, you can either use a brown paper bag or a clean white cloth. Take whichever medium you choose to use, and spread it over the stained area. Have the iron plugged in, to ensure it is heated up to the necessary heat level. You want to keep the iron on a low setting to make sure you do not singe the carpet fibers.
Begin running the iron over the affected area. As you iron over the candle wax it will start to melt, and should gradually transfer to the warmer surface (which will be the brown paper bag or clean towel). You may have to repeat this step a couple times, and always use a clean, fresh paper bag or towel each time.
After you have removed majority of the wax from the carpet, there still might be small remnants of wax left. These small bits are very easy to get rid of. Simply take a hot, damp clean cloth and vigorously rub the leftover stained area. If this does not do the trick, try using a store bought carpet cleaner over the stained area.

This cleaning process should help you get rid of that pesky wax stain, and also keep you informed on how to clean up next time a candle spills onto your carpet.

Carpet Steam Cleaning tips A+ Carpet Cleaning

Written by apluscarpetcle on June 19, 2015. Posted in Carpet Cleaning.

Tips

Test a hidden area of your carpet, such as inside a closet, before using an extra-strength or homemade steam-cleaning product to make sure that it does not burn the carpet or lift the color. Steam cleaning is hard work. There’s a lot of back and forth movement and bending; you’ll also be lifting and carrying buckets to empty and refill the dirty and clean water — don’t forget to stretch before, during and after this physically demanding chore. Contact the manufacturer of your steam cleaner to ask for recommended or non-chemical cleaning solutions. If you venture out on your own and use homemade concoctions or non-recommended solutions, they could void the cleaner’s warranty.

Tricks

Secrets

Keeping Your Carpets Clean

Just as there are many tips, tricks and secrets for steam cleaning carpets, there are also lots of ideas and ways to keep them clean longer. The longer your carpets stay clean, the less often you will have to drag out the steam cleaner. Set doormats at every entryway and ensure that everyone wipes by hanging a friendly — or cheesy – sign as a reminder; “Please be Sweeties and Wipe Your Feeties.” Even if family members occasionally forget to wipe, the mats will catch some of the dirt as they walk over them. Vacuum thoroughly at least twice a week by running a strong-suction vacuum cleaner with a rotating power head over the floors. Have all family members remove their shoes at the door. You can keep slippers available at the door for everyone, including guests.

Carpet Cleaning

Written by apluscarpetcle on April 2, 2015. Posted in Carpet Cleaning.

Having your carpets cleaned is a chore that usually falls into the same category as spring cleaning: not very fun to do, but necessary, and should occur with approximately the same level of frequency. Most carpet owners, however, will only have their carpets cleaned once every few years (and some not even that). Carpet cleaning is not merely cosmetic. Having your carpet cleaned will revitalize your carpet and increase its lifespan. For optimal performance and duration, manufacturers recommend having your carpet cleaned at minimum every 12 – 18 months, depending on the amount of traffic in your home. In fact, many warranties stipulate this – be sure to carefully read your warranty information.

Nylon Carpet

While this recommendation holds true for all types of carpet, it is especially true in the case of nylon carpeting. Nylon contains a hydrogen molecule in its makeup – this is the primary source of nylon’s resiliency. When the fibers have been flattened down due to foot traffic, cleaning reactivates the hydrogen molecule, causing the fibers to literally bounce back. The cleaning will actually revive the carpet and enhance performance.

Hot Water Extraction

The primary method of carpet cleaning recommended by carpet manufacturers is hot water extraction – more commonly (though slightly imprecisely) known as steam cleaning. In the hot water extraction method, hot water is essentially

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sprayed on the carpet and then sucked back into the machine, along with any dirt that was in the carpet. There is usually a cleaning solution added into the water to assist in the removal of stains and soiling. Technically speaking, true steam cleaning does not spray water on the carpet, but rather heats the water and uses the resulting steam to clean the fibers. However, today it is widely accepted that the term steam cleaning actually refers to hot water extraction, the most common cleaning process.

Professional Cleaning

Professional cleaners may use either a truck-mounted unit or a portable machine. The portable machine has obvious benefits, such as being able to be used in apartment and condo buildings in units that would otherwise be beyond the reach of a truck-mounted unit’s hose. However, truck-mounted units are more powerful than portable units, and should be used whenever possible for maximum efficiency.

DIY

There is also a plethora of do-it-yourself steam cleaning machines available for either rent or purchase. If your household is prone to spills or accidents that are difficult to clean, a small steam cleaner may be a worthwhile purchase to have on hand to tackle the resulting stains. However, for more general cleaning of your entire carpet surface, I highly recommend having a professional come to do it. There are too many variables with DIY machines – the temperature of the water, the amount of cleaner to add, the exact method of use – that present opportunities for things to go wrong.
Generally, DIY machines tend not to heat the water to the same high temperature as professional machines, which could result in less effective cleaning. In addition, these machines are not as powerful, which means that they are not able to extract as much of the water (and therefore dirt) from the carpet. When properly done, the carpet should be only slightly damp after it has been thoroughly cleaned – wet carpet indicates that the machine was not powerful enough to do the job effectively. If your carpet is very wet after cleaning, use fans to speed up the drying, and be sure to stay off it until it is dry. Do not replace the furniture before the carpet is completely dry.

Cost Savings

If you are concerned about the cost of having a professional come to clean your carpets, consider having only the traffic areas cleaned. This means that your big pieces of furniture, like the sofa, bed, etc., are left in place, and the cleaner simply goes around them. Not only do you not see the carpet under these large pieces of furniture, but it is not exposed to the air, light, and traffic the way the rest of your carpet is, so it makes sense that it does not require cleaning as often. (Of course, if you frequently move your furniture around, it would probably be best to have the entire surface cleaned.) Having only the traffic areas done should result in a cost savings over cleaning the entire area.