We hope this article helps to give you some idea's about carpet cleaning costs
You can view the full article Click Here
The industry recommended time to have carpets cleaned is every 12-18 months, yet the average homeowner has her carpets cleaned every 7 years. "If it vacuums up, then it ain't dirty," as the old saying goes. The reason for the discrepancy between the time recommended and the span before they are actually cleaned results from the public not knowing how often this should be done, not to mention some misconception about costs. This article works towards solving these issues and a few others as well.
Average Carpet Cleaning Costs
The average home has about 1000 square feet (sq ft) of carpet. The national average for carpet cleaning costs on this size home is $.30/sq ft, which brings the actual carpet cleaning cost to $300. So the typical home spends around $43 a year for clean carpets, if the carpets in that home are being cleaned every 7 years.
If you happen to have more carpet than a typical home, you are likely to get a per sq ft discount, since your home is a bigger job. However, cleaning carpet costs will go up if you have less.
Less is More
In order for carpet cleaning companies to make a profit on homes with less than 1000 sq ft of carpet, they have to raise the price per sq ft. The company still has to drive out to your house, unroll all of their hoses, set up their equipment, do the work, and the break it all back down. This takes time. So don't feel that you are being ripped off if your price per square foot is higher than your neighbors'. This is an industry standard.
Trick of the Trade
If carpet cleaning costs are more than you think they should be, here are a few ways that can help you cut down on costs.
If you schedule a regular yearly cleaning with your carpet company, you are likely to be able to negotiate for a lower price. With homeowners cleaning their carpets every 7 years, you will be way ahead of the curve and in the position to ask for a discounted price, since you are such a regular customer.
Next, most companies who clean carpets also do other cleanings, such as upholstery and ducts. If you bundle all of the chores together and have them performed by the same company on the same trip, even though the entire cleaning will cost more, you will be saving money on each individual process, since they are only making one trip.
The Final Word
The items and prices listed above are just averages that we have gathered from our carpet services across the nation. Not every service will give you the same price or negotiate for the same kind of deals. However, if you think that the price you were quoted for your cleaning is too high, be sure to get several estimates so that you can see if your area just charges a higher rate.
*Remember. Carpets last longer and look better with regular cleanings, plus carpet traps dust, dander, and allergens that can cause health issues. This is an inexpensive process that does wonders for your home and family.
Matt Myers is a freelance writer for the home maintenance and remodeling industry. Formerly a contractor specializing in deck building and casework, Matt has written over 500 articles for both homeowners and contractors.
Read more: http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Carpet-Cleaning-Costs.13808.html#ixzz0f4k4wVAO
Showing posts with label carpet cleaning equipment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label carpet cleaning equipment. Show all posts
Friday
How To Rent a Carpet Cleaning Machine
We've written about how to use the Carpet cleaners that you rent from the Supermarket. However, we decided to include this article about how to rent a carpet cleaning machine. It is a great outline to follow so you don't get home with your rented carpet cleaner and realize you forgot to pick something up!
However stain-resistant your carpet is, and how frequently you vacuum it, you would still need it to give it a deep cleaning at least once a year. Instead of hiring professional carpet cleaning services
to do it for you, you can actually rent a carpet cleaning
machine and do it yourself without costing you as much. Here are the five easy steps on your way to renting a carpet cleaning machine:
1. Find store. The first step is to find a grocery store or check with a local home depot if they rent carpet cleaners. Wherever you live, chances are there would be several close locations that provide carpet cleaning machine rentals. You can check the machine out for half a day, an entire day or for as long as you want and just pay the amount of time you have rented it out.
2. Choose carpet cleaner. In picking a carpet cleaner machine for rental, there are several thing you could try to inspect to get the best one. Make sure that you get clean equipment by checking the bristles, water tank and its attachments. Double check if it has clean upholstery also. A lot of people already might have used the machine to clean all sorts of things. You may also want to consider renting either a Bissell machine or a Hoover machine that are both known for their high efficiency.
3. Purchase supplies. Renting cleaning equipment more often than not does not include other cleaning materials and supplies. You would need to purchase these cleaning solutions and other supplies yourself. To ensure deep cleaning, you can buy a urine eliminator to remove human and animal urine stains on your carpet. For high traffic areas, you can also purchase a pre-treatment. Most importantly, you should ask the rental agent or look for the equipment machine instruction manual to give you an idea of the best cleaning solution that works with the machine.
4. Ask for instructions. Ask the carpet cleaner rental company for instructions on how to operate the machine. The establishment can either explain to you the information you need or you can bring the manual home and read it there. Not all carpet cleaning equipment works the same. That is why it would be wise to ask the rental agent for operational instructions, or better yet, request for a demonstration.
5. Pay the rental. Rental agreements and rates vary depending on the rental store you go to. Some may prefer up front payments while others would charge you when you return the carper cleaner. For up front payments, you would have to give the rental company a specific time frame you would have their equipment checked out. Otherwise, if you exceed the time frame you initially signed up for, you would have to pay extra for those excess hours. It would be better if you also consider giving yourself time to purchase the necessary supplies, time to figure out how the machine works, plus travel time going to and from the store. Sometimes, it takes more time than you think trying to work out what shampoo machine is.
These are the five easy steps to follow on how to rent a carpet cleaning machine.
You can find this article at: http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garden/how-to-rent-a-carpet-cleaning-machine
However stain-resistant your carpet is, and how frequently you vacuum it, you would still need it to give it a deep cleaning at least once a year. Instead of hiring professional carpet cleaning services
to do it for you, you can actually rent a carpet cleaning
machine and do it yourself without costing you as much. Here are the five easy steps on your way to renting a carpet cleaning machine:
1. Find store. The first step is to find a grocery store or check with a local home depot if they rent carpet cleaners. Wherever you live, chances are there would be several close locations that provide carpet cleaning machine rentals. You can check the machine out for half a day, an entire day or for as long as you want and just pay the amount of time you have rented it out.
2. Choose carpet cleaner. In picking a carpet cleaner machine for rental, there are several thing you could try to inspect to get the best one. Make sure that you get clean equipment by checking the bristles, water tank and its attachments. Double check if it has clean upholstery also. A lot of people already might have used the machine to clean all sorts of things. You may also want to consider renting either a Bissell machine or a Hoover machine that are both known for their high efficiency.
3. Purchase supplies. Renting cleaning equipment more often than not does not include other cleaning materials and supplies. You would need to purchase these cleaning solutions and other supplies yourself. To ensure deep cleaning, you can buy a urine eliminator to remove human and animal urine stains on your carpet. For high traffic areas, you can also purchase a pre-treatment. Most importantly, you should ask the rental agent or look for the equipment machine instruction manual to give you an idea of the best cleaning solution that works with the machine.
4. Ask for instructions. Ask the carpet cleaner rental company for instructions on how to operate the machine. The establishment can either explain to you the information you need or you can bring the manual home and read it there. Not all carpet cleaning equipment works the same. That is why it would be wise to ask the rental agent for operational instructions, or better yet, request for a demonstration.
5. Pay the rental. Rental agreements and rates vary depending on the rental store you go to. Some may prefer up front payments while others would charge you when you return the carper cleaner. For up front payments, you would have to give the rental company a specific time frame you would have their equipment checked out. Otherwise, if you exceed the time frame you initially signed up for, you would have to pay extra for those excess hours. It would be better if you also consider giving yourself time to purchase the necessary supplies, time to figure out how the machine works, plus travel time going to and from the store. Sometimes, it takes more time than you think trying to work out what shampoo machine is.
These are the five easy steps to follow on how to rent a carpet cleaning machine.
You can find this article at: http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garden/how-to-rent-a-carpet-cleaning-machine
Tuesday
Dirt Devil Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor SE3890 Review
We've heard about this Portable Extractor that is especially for cleaning up after pets, so we thought a review was in order to see what others thought about this product.
Although specifically designed for pet owners, the Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor SE3890 by Dirt Devil is sure to be a welcome addition to any stain-prone home.
If your carpets are the victims of pet stains, or if you find yourself playing "find that smell" when you search for hidden pet odors, this portable steam cleaner is a hardworking unit that will provide some relief. It can be used on carpets and upholstery, and performs equally well -- as long as the upholstery is spot-tested for durability first.
At first glance, the Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor seems larger than some portable steam vacuums, but its lightweight 10-pound design makes it easy to carry. The 3-inch brush is about the size we'd expect, but the Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor offers one unique difference: a built-in blacklight that illuminates hidden pet stains. This integrated blacklight shines from the underside of the brush, indicating where pet stains are located -- even if they can't be seen under normal lighting conditions. Knowing where the pet stains are located is sometimes half the battle, and once they are discovered, the Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor does an admirable job of removing them. It has a 56-ounce tank and a 4-foot reach on the combination hose/hand tool. Although the 3 amps of power seem adequate, we question whether more power would improve suction. The Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor has decent suction, but we'd like to have seen a bit more power.
We like the 15-foot power cord, which gives plenty of room to move around most rooms. The onboard hose, tool and cord storage work well. The initial purchase includes Dirt Devil cleaning solution, so you can begin cleaning right away. It has dual, interlocking tanks to hold clean water and dirty water. The tanks are view-through, making it easy to see how much clean solution remains.
The Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor is often categorized as a steam cleaner, but unlike true steam cleaners, we found it necessary to use hot water for maximum effectiveness. The trial-size cleaning solutions that are included work well, and smell nice, which is certainly an upgrade from the odor of any pet-stained area in question. Overall, the Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor has a serious moniker that matches its hardworking capabilities. Even though we'd make a few improvements, like adding more power or true steam generation, it works well -- whether used on pet stains or ordinary spots.
Pros: Blacklight LED illuminates hidden pet stains, use on carpets or upholstery
Cons: Not a true steam machine
You can view this and other great reviews at: http://products.howstuffworks.com/dirt-devil-purpose-for-pets-portable-extractor-se3890-review.htm
Although specifically designed for pet owners, the Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor SE3890 by Dirt Devil is sure to be a welcome addition to any stain-prone home.
If your carpets are the victims of pet stains, or if you find yourself playing "find that smell" when you search for hidden pet odors, this portable steam cleaner is a hardworking unit that will provide some relief. It can be used on carpets and upholstery, and performs equally well -- as long as the upholstery is spot-tested for durability first.
At first glance, the Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor seems larger than some portable steam vacuums, but its lightweight 10-pound design makes it easy to carry. The 3-inch brush is about the size we'd expect, but the Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor offers one unique difference: a built-in blacklight that illuminates hidden pet stains. This integrated blacklight shines from the underside of the brush, indicating where pet stains are located -- even if they can't be seen under normal lighting conditions. Knowing where the pet stains are located is sometimes half the battle, and once they are discovered, the Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor does an admirable job of removing them. It has a 56-ounce tank and a 4-foot reach on the combination hose/hand tool. Although the 3 amps of power seem adequate, we question whether more power would improve suction. The Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor has decent suction, but we'd like to have seen a bit more power.
We like the 15-foot power cord, which gives plenty of room to move around most rooms. The onboard hose, tool and cord storage work well. The initial purchase includes Dirt Devil cleaning solution, so you can begin cleaning right away. It has dual, interlocking tanks to hold clean water and dirty water. The tanks are view-through, making it easy to see how much clean solution remains.
The Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor is often categorized as a steam cleaner, but unlike true steam cleaners, we found it necessary to use hot water for maximum effectiveness. The trial-size cleaning solutions that are included work well, and smell nice, which is certainly an upgrade from the odor of any pet-stained area in question. Overall, the Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor has a serious moniker that matches its hardworking capabilities. Even though we'd make a few improvements, like adding more power or true steam generation, it works well -- whether used on pet stains or ordinary spots.
Pros: Blacklight LED illuminates hidden pet stains, use on carpets or upholstery
Cons: Not a true steam machine
You can view this and other great reviews at: http://products.howstuffworks.com/dirt-devil-purpose-for-pets-portable-extractor-se3890-review.htm
Saturday
How To Use a Carpet Cleaning Machine
If you have carpeted floors, it is advisable to clean the carpet every so often so that the dust and dirt do not accumulate under the carpet fibers. You can clean the carpet by using a cleaning machine that is especially designed to clean carpets
. You can use an ordinary carpet cleaner or a carpet steam cleaner
. Cleaning your carpet will not only get rid of dust, it will make your carpet appear good as new and it will last longer.
Here are the steps for using a carpet cleaning machine to clean your carpet:
1. Materials. First, gather all the clean equipment that you need for cleaning the carpet. The things that you will need are a cleaning solution, a Hoover machine or a vacuum cleaner, a carpet cleaner, and a carpet grooming brush. Using the vacuum is optional but it will make the carpet easier to clean.
2. Preparation. Before starting the cleaning process, you have to remove all the furniture and objects that are in the carpeted room that you are going to clean. If your entire house is carpeted, it is not advisable to clean all the rooms at the same time. You can clean the rooms one by one so that you can place the furniture in different rooms when cleaning. Use the vacuum on the carpet to remove the dust and dirt particles that are loose on the carpet.
3. Soaping. When you have finished vacuuming the carpet, get the cleaning solution and dilute it with water according to the instructions. Put this mixture inside the tank of the carpet cleaning machine. Turn on the switch of the cleaner and run it over the carpeted area. Be careful not to overstay on one area as this will make the carpet too wet with the solution. Allow the solution to settle on the carpet for at least ten minutes.
4. Cleaning. After ten minutes, you can release the lever for water to clean the carpet. When the lever is released, the carpet cleaner then removes the dirt from your carpet. Pull the cleaning machine towards you as you clean the carpet. Do this until you have finished cleaning the entire carpeted area. You can put fans inside the room to help the carpet dry more quickly.
5. Finishing. Do another run of vacuuming on the carpet when it is completely dry. This will remove excess dirt that has not been removed by the carpet cleaner. After you have finished, use the carpet grooming brush to fix the fibers of the carpet. Brush the fibers in one direction to get the best results.
These are the simple steps for using a carpet cleaning machine to clean your carpet. If you are looking for a vacuum or a cleaning machine to clean upholstery and carpets, you can look at Bissell. Bissell is a company that manufactures and sells cleaning solutions and machines that you can use for cleaning your house and furniture.
You can view this article at: http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garden/how-to-use-a-carpet-cleaning-machine
. You can use an ordinary carpet cleaner or a carpet steam cleaner
. Cleaning your carpet will not only get rid of dust, it will make your carpet appear good as new and it will last longer.
Here are the steps for using a carpet cleaning machine to clean your carpet:
1. Materials. First, gather all the clean equipment that you need for cleaning the carpet. The things that you will need are a cleaning solution, a Hoover machine or a vacuum cleaner, a carpet cleaner, and a carpet grooming brush. Using the vacuum is optional but it will make the carpet easier to clean.
2. Preparation. Before starting the cleaning process, you have to remove all the furniture and objects that are in the carpeted room that you are going to clean. If your entire house is carpeted, it is not advisable to clean all the rooms at the same time. You can clean the rooms one by one so that you can place the furniture in different rooms when cleaning. Use the vacuum on the carpet to remove the dust and dirt particles that are loose on the carpet.
3. Soaping. When you have finished vacuuming the carpet, get the cleaning solution and dilute it with water according to the instructions. Put this mixture inside the tank of the carpet cleaning machine. Turn on the switch of the cleaner and run it over the carpeted area. Be careful not to overstay on one area as this will make the carpet too wet with the solution. Allow the solution to settle on the carpet for at least ten minutes.
4. Cleaning. After ten minutes, you can release the lever for water to clean the carpet. When the lever is released, the carpet cleaner then removes the dirt from your carpet. Pull the cleaning machine towards you as you clean the carpet. Do this until you have finished cleaning the entire carpeted area. You can put fans inside the room to help the carpet dry more quickly.
5. Finishing. Do another run of vacuuming on the carpet when it is completely dry. This will remove excess dirt that has not been removed by the carpet cleaner. After you have finished, use the carpet grooming brush to fix the fibers of the carpet. Brush the fibers in one direction to get the best results.
These are the simple steps for using a carpet cleaning machine to clean your carpet. If you are looking for a vacuum or a cleaning machine to clean upholstery and carpets, you can look at Bissell. Bissell is a company that manufactures and sells cleaning solutions and machines that you can use for cleaning your house and furniture.
You can view this article at: http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garden/how-to-use-a-carpet-cleaning-machine
Friday
Using a Blacklight (UV Light) to Detect Cat Urine Stains
We thought this was a very interesting article and decided to share it with you!
If your cat has marked in your hours you are probably dealing with a horrible stench that just won't go away. Cat urine odor is extremely pervasive, and can last for a long, long, time. Not only that, but when the odor starts to wear off your kitty may just decide to remark that spot to freshen up the smell.
Cat urine stains are usually easy enough to find if they are still wet. You can either sniff around for them or spot the wet spot to clean. If the cat urine has dried, though, it can be difficult if not impossible to locate exactly where the stain is to clean it. You can smell it and you may know the general area where the cat urine is, but pinpointing the exact location of the stain can be elusive. That means even if you clean a large area of your rug or furniture with cat urine odor removers you could still miss the stain entirely and be left with the lingering odor of cat urine.
We made the mistake of not getting our cat spayed when she was a tiny kitten, and as soon as she hit her first heat cycle she started marking things in our house. Her favorite place to mark was directly on our bed, but she had no qualms about marking elsewhere. We found stains on the carpet, furniture, books in our bookcase, any clothing that we had left on the floor. You name it our cat had probably peed on it.
We spent hours and hours trying to clean stains and eliminate odor but it just never seemed to go away. In fact, we finally wound up throwing away our expensive leather couch because we couldn't get the cat urine odor out of it.
Finally, though, we got a great tip that made cleaning up cat urine in our house and removing the odor much, much easier. You can actually use a blacklight to locate cat urine stains. Once you know precisely where the urine is it makes it much easier to clean the exact right spot and eliminate the cat urine odor.
All you need is a small, handheld blacklight. You can find them at some department stores or can order them online. They are usually around $10.00, which is a small investment for the peace of mind that you get knowing that you have gotten rid of the cat urine in your home. Next, you'll want to get an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for cleaning cat urine. Other types of cleaners will remove the color and the odor, but they will leave behind crystals that your cat can still smell that may make her want to mark that spot again. Not only that, but if the crystals get wet the smell will come back. An enzymatic cleaner will dissolve the crystals along with removing the odor and color of the stain.
Once you have gathered your blacklight and cleaning supplies together, just wait until it gets dark, turn out the lights and start moving slowly through your home with the blacklight. Any spots that have been contaminated with cat urine will glow with a green color, making them easy to pinpoint and clean. You can either clean them as you go, or you can mark them to come back and clean once the lights are back on. The more thorough you are with your blacklight sweep of your house the more likely you will be to find all of the problem areas, so take your time when searching. Also be sure to remember that your cat is small and can worm their way into any number of places, so check every little nook and cranny where you think your cat may have been.
To view this article you can visit: http://www.life123.com/home-garden/housekeeping/carpet-cleaning/using-a-blacklight-uv-light-to-detect-cat-urine-st.shtml
If your cat has marked in your hours you are probably dealing with a horrible stench that just won't go away. Cat urine odor is extremely pervasive, and can last for a long, long, time. Not only that, but when the odor starts to wear off your kitty may just decide to remark that spot to freshen up the smell.
Cat urine stains are usually easy enough to find if they are still wet. You can either sniff around for them or spot the wet spot to clean. If the cat urine has dried, though, it can be difficult if not impossible to locate exactly where the stain is to clean it. You can smell it and you may know the general area where the cat urine is, but pinpointing the exact location of the stain can be elusive. That means even if you clean a large area of your rug or furniture with cat urine odor removers you could still miss the stain entirely and be left with the lingering odor of cat urine.
We made the mistake of not getting our cat spayed when she was a tiny kitten, and as soon as she hit her first heat cycle she started marking things in our house. Her favorite place to mark was directly on our bed, but she had no qualms about marking elsewhere. We found stains on the carpet, furniture, books in our bookcase, any clothing that we had left on the floor. You name it our cat had probably peed on it.
We spent hours and hours trying to clean stains and eliminate odor but it just never seemed to go away. In fact, we finally wound up throwing away our expensive leather couch because we couldn't get the cat urine odor out of it.
Finally, though, we got a great tip that made cleaning up cat urine in our house and removing the odor much, much easier. You can actually use a blacklight to locate cat urine stains. Once you know precisely where the urine is it makes it much easier to clean the exact right spot and eliminate the cat urine odor.
All you need is a small, handheld blacklight. You can find them at some department stores or can order them online. They are usually around $10.00, which is a small investment for the peace of mind that you get knowing that you have gotten rid of the cat urine in your home. Next, you'll want to get an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for cleaning cat urine. Other types of cleaners will remove the color and the odor, but they will leave behind crystals that your cat can still smell that may make her want to mark that spot again. Not only that, but if the crystals get wet the smell will come back. An enzymatic cleaner will dissolve the crystals along with removing the odor and color of the stain.
Once you have gathered your blacklight and cleaning supplies together, just wait until it gets dark, turn out the lights and start moving slowly through your home with the blacklight. Any spots that have been contaminated with cat urine will glow with a green color, making them easy to pinpoint and clean. You can either clean them as you go, or you can mark them to come back and clean once the lights are back on. The more thorough you are with your blacklight sweep of your house the more likely you will be to find all of the problem areas, so take your time when searching. Also be sure to remember that your cat is small and can worm their way into any number of places, so check every little nook and cranny where you think your cat may have been.
To view this article you can visit: http://www.life123.com/home-garden/housekeeping/carpet-cleaning/using-a-blacklight-uv-light-to-detect-cat-urine-st.shtml
Monday
Homemade Carpet Cleaners
We found a great website that had some homemade carpet cleaning recipes that we will be featuring over the next couple of days.
The first is Homemade Carpet Cleaner:
* 1 quart water
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
Mix the ingredients together in a spray bottle, or use a bucket for a larger batch to fill the carpet cleaning machine.
Vacuum carpets before using this cleaner. Spray solution on any dirty spots and work it in with a soft brush. Let sit for 10 minutes. Wipe the area with a moistened cleaning cloth, then dry with a dry cleaning cloth. Allow to fully dry before walking on the area.
You can skip ahead and view all of the recipes at http://www.house-cleaning-howtos.com/homemade-carpet-cleaner.html
The first is Homemade Carpet Cleaner:
* 1 quart water
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
Mix the ingredients together in a spray bottle, or use a bucket for a larger batch to fill the carpet cleaning machine.
Vacuum carpets before using this cleaner. Spray solution on any dirty spots and work it in with a soft brush. Let sit for 10 minutes. Wipe the area with a moistened cleaning cloth, then dry with a dry cleaning cloth. Allow to fully dry before walking on the area.
You can skip ahead and view all of the recipes at http://www.house-cleaning-howtos.com/homemade-carpet-cleaner.html
Steam Cleaner Buying Guide Power
The Basics: Steam Cleaners
Steam cleaners, also known as heavyweight steam vacuums, use a combination of water, detergent and suction to clean carpets. Some models also have attachments to clean bare floors, upholstery, stairs and vehicle interiors. Many steam cleaners on the market today seem to have similar features, such as rotating brushes and upholstery attachments. Not all steam cleaners, however, have a built-in heating element to create steam.
Heavyweight steam vacuums are ideal for those who often need to clean carpets -- without calling in the professionals each time. Most steam vacuums will power through dirt-laden carpets and may delay a visit from the professional cleaners for some time.
To help you determine which model will work best for you, dial in your priorities. Do you need to use the steam vacuum on upholstery or bare floors, as well as carpets? Is your carpet prone to set-in stains that need pre-treatment? Is your home covered in carpets that need a thorough cleaning every few months? Answering these questions will help you sort through the available options on most heavyweight steam cleaners, and decide which model will best suit your needs.
Most people who buy steam cleaners expect them to last for many years, so it is important to gauge the effectiveness of a manufacturer's warranty. Many manufacturers offer 1-year warranties, but we recommend warranties that last at least 2 years. Some companies offer 3-year warranties. It's also important to know if a company offers separate warranties for "parts" and "labor." For example, the parts warranty could be 1 year and the labor warranty could be as little as 90 days.
A heavyweight steam vacuum is likely to cost anywhere from $100 for a basic model to more than $1,000 for a steam vacuum that offers commercial-grade cleaning. Keep in mind that unless you're buying a commercial-quality machine that costs hundreds of dollars, most models in the $100 to $300 price range perform about the same.
How To Shop
Consumers, caution ahead: Not all steam cleaners actually use steam to clean. The name of the product may have the word "steam" in it, but for many models, the only heat comes from hot tap water.
True steam cleaners have an internal heating element that raises water temperature to create steam. However, if the steam vacuum you select doesn't produce steam heat, don't despair -- it will still clean your carpets. It is simply important to know what you are buying.
There are two current trends in heavyweight steam vacuums. The first trend centers on the brushes installed in the main vacuum head. As you shop, you'll notice that many models tout rotating brushes or spinning brushes. Most manufacturers even give these brushes their own identity, such as PowerSpin or SpinScrub. These clever monikers aside, most of these brushes perform about the same. As their names suggest, they either rotate or spin, and the idea is to agitate carpet fibers from multiple angles. In our testing, we discovered that both types of brushes helped loosen dirt from fibers. Keep in mind that if you have delicate carpets, you will want to select a steam cleaner that has the option to turn off these brushes. For convenience' sake, you'll want the switch that operates the brushes to be located on the steam vacuum's handle. It just works better if you don't have to search for it.
The second trend is a bit more gimmicky. It involves attachments marketed as specialized tools for tackling specific problems -- namely, pet stains. The truth is, nearly any steam vacuum (or handheld attachment) will work similarly on carpet stains caused by pets.
Many heavyweight steam vacuums have adjustable settings for various pile heights or to control the amount of cleaning solution released into carpets, but some new vacuums have an "automatic height adjustment" feature. Many people who clean their own carpets are concerned about leaving excess water and cleaning solution behind -- and rightly so. The best heavyweight steam vacuums don't douse carpets. In fact, it shouldn't take more than a couple of hours for carpets to dry. Carpets that stay wet for extended periods become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, which is exactly the opposite effect most people desire from a carpet cleaner.
The most basic models don't have extra cleaning tools or attachments, but even the more expensive models have only one or two accessories. The most common attachment is an upholstery tool, which can be used to clean upholstered furniture or carpeted stairs. The upholstery tool releases cleaning solution, usually contains a scrubbing brush and uses suction to extract moisture from carpets. Some models also include a bare floor attachment to steam clean sealed bare floors, but we found this option is time consuming.
The majority of heavyweight steam vacuums have a two-tank system. One tank holds clean water and a cleaning solution, while a second tank collects the dirty water extracted from carpets. We prefer the cleaners with a three-tank system. This means you have the option of applying a clean-water rinse to carpets, reducing the amount of soapy residue left behind. Some models have an automatic detergent dispenser, and this is a useful tool.
Although several hundred dollars is a lot to pay for a steam cleaner, if you purchase a top-rated cleaner, it could potentially save money you'd otherwise spend on professional cleanings. You may not opt to forego the professional carpet cleaners entirely, but a quality heavyweight steam cleaner could lessen the need. And it is great for timely cleanings after children, pets or partygoers have made their presence known.
Check out and read this great article on How Stuff Works.com
Steam cleaners, also known as heavyweight steam vacuums, use a combination of water, detergent and suction to clean carpets. Some models also have attachments to clean bare floors, upholstery, stairs and vehicle interiors. Many steam cleaners on the market today seem to have similar features, such as rotating brushes and upholstery attachments. Not all steam cleaners, however, have a built-in heating element to create steam.
Heavyweight steam vacuums are ideal for those who often need to clean carpets -- without calling in the professionals each time. Most steam vacuums will power through dirt-laden carpets and may delay a visit from the professional cleaners for some time.
To help you determine which model will work best for you, dial in your priorities. Do you need to use the steam vacuum on upholstery or bare floors, as well as carpets? Is your carpet prone to set-in stains that need pre-treatment? Is your home covered in carpets that need a thorough cleaning every few months? Answering these questions will help you sort through the available options on most heavyweight steam cleaners, and decide which model will best suit your needs.
Most people who buy steam cleaners expect them to last for many years, so it is important to gauge the effectiveness of a manufacturer's warranty. Many manufacturers offer 1-year warranties, but we recommend warranties that last at least 2 years. Some companies offer 3-year warranties. It's also important to know if a company offers separate warranties for "parts" and "labor." For example, the parts warranty could be 1 year and the labor warranty could be as little as 90 days.
A heavyweight steam vacuum is likely to cost anywhere from $100 for a basic model to more than $1,000 for a steam vacuum that offers commercial-grade cleaning. Keep in mind that unless you're buying a commercial-quality machine that costs hundreds of dollars, most models in the $100 to $300 price range perform about the same.
How To Shop
Consumers, caution ahead: Not all steam cleaners actually use steam to clean. The name of the product may have the word "steam" in it, but for many models, the only heat comes from hot tap water.
True steam cleaners have an internal heating element that raises water temperature to create steam. However, if the steam vacuum you select doesn't produce steam heat, don't despair -- it will still clean your carpets. It is simply important to know what you are buying.
There are two current trends in heavyweight steam vacuums. The first trend centers on the brushes installed in the main vacuum head. As you shop, you'll notice that many models tout rotating brushes or spinning brushes. Most manufacturers even give these brushes their own identity, such as PowerSpin or SpinScrub. These clever monikers aside, most of these brushes perform about the same. As their names suggest, they either rotate or spin, and the idea is to agitate carpet fibers from multiple angles. In our testing, we discovered that both types of brushes helped loosen dirt from fibers. Keep in mind that if you have delicate carpets, you will want to select a steam cleaner that has the option to turn off these brushes. For convenience' sake, you'll want the switch that operates the brushes to be located on the steam vacuum's handle. It just works better if you don't have to search for it.
The second trend is a bit more gimmicky. It involves attachments marketed as specialized tools for tackling specific problems -- namely, pet stains. The truth is, nearly any steam vacuum (or handheld attachment) will work similarly on carpet stains caused by pets.
Many heavyweight steam vacuums have adjustable settings for various pile heights or to control the amount of cleaning solution released into carpets, but some new vacuums have an "automatic height adjustment" feature. Many people who clean their own carpets are concerned about leaving excess water and cleaning solution behind -- and rightly so. The best heavyweight steam vacuums don't douse carpets. In fact, it shouldn't take more than a couple of hours for carpets to dry. Carpets that stay wet for extended periods become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, which is exactly the opposite effect most people desire from a carpet cleaner.
The most basic models don't have extra cleaning tools or attachments, but even the more expensive models have only one or two accessories. The most common attachment is an upholstery tool, which can be used to clean upholstered furniture or carpeted stairs. The upholstery tool releases cleaning solution, usually contains a scrubbing brush and uses suction to extract moisture from carpets. Some models also include a bare floor attachment to steam clean sealed bare floors, but we found this option is time consuming.
The majority of heavyweight steam vacuums have a two-tank system. One tank holds clean water and a cleaning solution, while a second tank collects the dirty water extracted from carpets. We prefer the cleaners with a three-tank system. This means you have the option of applying a clean-water rinse to carpets, reducing the amount of soapy residue left behind. Some models have an automatic detergent dispenser, and this is a useful tool.
Although several hundred dollars is a lot to pay for a steam cleaner, if you purchase a top-rated cleaner, it could potentially save money you'd otherwise spend on professional cleanings. You may not opt to forego the professional carpet cleaners entirely, but a quality heavyweight steam cleaner could lessen the need. And it is great for timely cleanings after children, pets or partygoers have made their presence known.
Check out and read this great article on How Stuff Works.com
Vacuuming Tips to Clean Carpets
How To Vacuum: Vacuuming Your Carpet Like A Pro
I read someplace the other day about "How To Vacuum". The instructions said, "First, get your vacuum." Wow! That's probably the best advice you'll ever get! Actually, before I drag my vacuum out, there are a few other things I do first.
* Do a walk-through of your carpeted areas picking up clutter and any large pieces of debris that your vacuum cannot suck up such as leaves from shedding house plants, small toys, paper clips, anything that is obvious.
* If you have a hand carpet sweeper, give the carpet a quick "pick-me-up". You may be able to avoid having to use your heavier vacuum cleaner this time.
* Use an anti-static spray on your dust mop or dust rag and run around the baseboard where dust collects next to the carpet..
* Most vacuums will not get right up to the edge where wall meets floor, so use a good stiff broom with some elbow grease and give that area a good sweeping before you vacuum.
Vacuum Cleaning 101
Basic house cleaning rules tell you to begin on the top, at the back. That means, if you have more than a one story home, start on the top level in the room furthest from the stairwell. Since vacuuming is the job you should do last in any room, you should already have picked up clutter and put things away, removed cobwebs, dusted and polished furniture.
In areas where you use "throw" or "scatter" rugs, pick them up and shake them out-of-doors. Then fold them neatly, place on the side of the tub or on a chair until you are ready to put them back on the floor.
Draperies and furniture should be vacuumed first.
Consider the furniture that needs moved in order to do a thorough vacuuming and move it. You'll find it appropriate to move chairs and smaller tables into a central area, and then vacuum as close to the edge of the room and up to the furniture as possible. Reach under beds, couches and dressers as far as you can.
Replace the furniture and begin vacuuming in the corner that is farthest from the door and work towards the door, using gliding, even strokes, backing to the door. As you look over the freshly vacuumed floor, you should see no footprints.
"B" Is For Bathroom
Cleaning bathrooms can be tricky, as it may be partially or fully carpeted. If they are covered wall-to-wall, start behind the toilet and work your way through the room. Close yourself inside the bathroom and get behind the door, the edges of the cabinets, bathtub and shower. Again, this is a room that benefits from going around the edges with a stiff broom as hair and powders can be hard to vacuum.
Vacuum all the bathrooms first. Start behind the toilet, vacuum the floor. Do not forget behind the door, and along the edges of the cabinets and bathtubs. Make sure you get up all the hair and dust off the floor. Watch out for any standing water on the floor!
Moving Right Along ...
Make every motion count. Never use a power head on uncarpeted floors. Never use the upright to do stairs..
After all of the rooms are vacuumed, it's time do the hallway. Begin in the area furthest from the stairs and work your way backward to the top of the stair well. (Look behind yourself often!) A canister vacuum works best on stairs because you can use the wand.
If your home is only one level, you are probably ready to put your feet up and relax. That is, unless you have carpet in your kitchen that needs vacuumed. If not, you may have throw rugs that need to be shaken well and/or laundered. If they are small enough, these benefit from being tossed into the dryer with a fabric softener tissue and an old, clean pair of tennis shoes, then tumbled with low or no heat. The fabric softener freshens the fabric and the shoes work as a beater, fluffing the nap and removing lint.
Damp mop all remaining washable, hard-surfaced floors and NOW relax!
Vacuum Cleaners and Attachments
* Your vacuum is one of the most versatile, useful home appliances you'll ever own. Here are some suggestions on how to make your cleaning chores a little easier.
* When purchasing a new vacuum, make sure it has a powerful motor. Compare to the other models, and pick the one with the highest strength. The power is in direct proportion to the amount of dirt it will remove from your carpet in one or two passes.
* Compare manufacturers and read the warranty. If possible, select one that has a local authorized dealer and repair facility.
* Take a good look at the attachments. Unless you are willing to drag all the heads, wands and hoses along, and use them every time you get the vacuum out, don't be influenced by the marketing hype. Less is best.
* Overall, speaking as a professional (we are a maid service, remember?), we have found that heavier vacuums hold up better in the long run. Our vacuums really get a workout - several times a day.
To View this Article from Mrs. Clean USA Click Here
I read someplace the other day about "How To Vacuum". The instructions said, "First, get your vacuum." Wow! That's probably the best advice you'll ever get! Actually, before I drag my vacuum out, there are a few other things I do first.
* Do a walk-through of your carpeted areas picking up clutter and any large pieces of debris that your vacuum cannot suck up such as leaves from shedding house plants, small toys, paper clips, anything that is obvious.
* If you have a hand carpet sweeper, give the carpet a quick "pick-me-up". You may be able to avoid having to use your heavier vacuum cleaner this time.
* Use an anti-static spray on your dust mop or dust rag and run around the baseboard where dust collects next to the carpet..
* Most vacuums will not get right up to the edge where wall meets floor, so use a good stiff broom with some elbow grease and give that area a good sweeping before you vacuum.
Vacuum Cleaning 101
Basic house cleaning rules tell you to begin on the top, at the back. That means, if you have more than a one story home, start on the top level in the room furthest from the stairwell. Since vacuuming is the job you should do last in any room, you should already have picked up clutter and put things away, removed cobwebs, dusted and polished furniture.
In areas where you use "throw" or "scatter" rugs, pick them up and shake them out-of-doors. Then fold them neatly, place on the side of the tub or on a chair until you are ready to put them back on the floor.
Draperies and furniture should be vacuumed first.
Consider the furniture that needs moved in order to do a thorough vacuuming and move it. You'll find it appropriate to move chairs and smaller tables into a central area, and then vacuum as close to the edge of the room and up to the furniture as possible. Reach under beds, couches and dressers as far as you can.
Replace the furniture and begin vacuuming in the corner that is farthest from the door and work towards the door, using gliding, even strokes, backing to the door. As you look over the freshly vacuumed floor, you should see no footprints.
"B" Is For Bathroom
Cleaning bathrooms can be tricky, as it may be partially or fully carpeted. If they are covered wall-to-wall, start behind the toilet and work your way through the room. Close yourself inside the bathroom and get behind the door, the edges of the cabinets, bathtub and shower. Again, this is a room that benefits from going around the edges with a stiff broom as hair and powders can be hard to vacuum.
Vacuum all the bathrooms first. Start behind the toilet, vacuum the floor. Do not forget behind the door, and along the edges of the cabinets and bathtubs. Make sure you get up all the hair and dust off the floor. Watch out for any standing water on the floor!
Moving Right Along ...
Make every motion count. Never use a power head on uncarpeted floors. Never use the upright to do stairs..
After all of the rooms are vacuumed, it's time do the hallway. Begin in the area furthest from the stairs and work your way backward to the top of the stair well. (Look behind yourself often!) A canister vacuum works best on stairs because you can use the wand.
If your home is only one level, you are probably ready to put your feet up and relax. That is, unless you have carpet in your kitchen that needs vacuumed. If not, you may have throw rugs that need to be shaken well and/or laundered. If they are small enough, these benefit from being tossed into the dryer with a fabric softener tissue and an old, clean pair of tennis shoes, then tumbled with low or no heat. The fabric softener freshens the fabric and the shoes work as a beater, fluffing the nap and removing lint.
Damp mop all remaining washable, hard-surfaced floors and NOW relax!
Vacuum Cleaners and Attachments
* Your vacuum is one of the most versatile, useful home appliances you'll ever own. Here are some suggestions on how to make your cleaning chores a little easier.
* When purchasing a new vacuum, make sure it has a powerful motor. Compare to the other models, and pick the one with the highest strength. The power is in direct proportion to the amount of dirt it will remove from your carpet in one or two passes.
* Compare manufacturers and read the warranty. If possible, select one that has a local authorized dealer and repair facility.
* Take a good look at the attachments. Unless you are willing to drag all the heads, wands and hoses along, and use them every time you get the vacuum out, don't be influenced by the marketing hype. Less is best.
* Overall, speaking as a professional (we are a maid service, remember?), we have found that heavier vacuums hold up better in the long run. Our vacuums really get a workout - several times a day.
To View this Article from Mrs. Clean USA Click Here
Saturday
How Central Vacuums Clean Up
The best thing about central vacuum systems is that they don't require you to carry a heavy unit from room to room or up and down the stairs. Central vacuum systems are designed to remove all the dirt and debris from your house and send it through tubing located in the walls to a receptacle in an out-of-the-way location like a garage or basement. With central vacuums, you only carry a lightweight hose and power brush unit around the house. The power unit is permanent and out of the way.
With a central vacuum system, you place inlets around your home at convenient locations. Instead of plugging a portable vacuum into pre-determined electrical outlets and hoping the cord reaches around your home, you can move the central vacuum hose from inlet to inlet. Where you put the inlets is up to you. You can even install an automatic dustpan that lets you quickly sweep debris into a wall vent using a regular broom.
If you decide to have a central vacuum system installed in your house, there are several things that will happen.
First, you situate a central power unit in an out-of-the-way area such as the basement, garage or utility room. Then, you install wall inlet valves in various locations throughout the house. The valves are connected to the power unit through tubing. The tubing can be run through the attic, basement or cold air returns in the house.
In other words, the tubing that carries the dirt you vacuum is behind your walls. You don't have to see the dirt until you have to empty the receptacle.
Once you have chosen the location for the power unit/receptacle, you need to decide where you want your wall inlets. These inlets are where you will plug in the "power brush" or unit that you will be using to clean your home. How many inlets you want in your home is based on your own needs. For example, inlets can be based on the number of square feet. There is usually one inlet for every 600 square feet of a home. If you have more than one story in your home, you will need at least one inlet per story. If you decide on professional installation, the installer can help you determine the best inlet placement.
After installation, the system is used by plugging the lightweight hose and power brush unit into a wall inlet. The power button is located on the handle on most systems, so it is totally controlled by you. In other words, you don't have to go to the power unit and turn the system on. You simply put the hose unit in the inlet and begin vacuuming. The system then carries the dirt, dust and debris out of the room, through the in-wall tubing, to the main power unit, where it is deposited in a canister or bag. Central vacuum bags and canisters only need to be emptied an average of once every three months.
Click Here to Read this Article on Howstuffworks.com
With a central vacuum system, you place inlets around your home at convenient locations. Instead of plugging a portable vacuum into pre-determined electrical outlets and hoping the cord reaches around your home, you can move the central vacuum hose from inlet to inlet. Where you put the inlets is up to you. You can even install an automatic dustpan that lets you quickly sweep debris into a wall vent using a regular broom.
If you decide to have a central vacuum system installed in your house, there are several things that will happen.
First, you situate a central power unit in an out-of-the-way area such as the basement, garage or utility room. Then, you install wall inlet valves in various locations throughout the house. The valves are connected to the power unit through tubing. The tubing can be run through the attic, basement or cold air returns in the house.
In other words, the tubing that carries the dirt you vacuum is behind your walls. You don't have to see the dirt until you have to empty the receptacle.
Once you have chosen the location for the power unit/receptacle, you need to decide where you want your wall inlets. These inlets are where you will plug in the "power brush" or unit that you will be using to clean your home. How many inlets you want in your home is based on your own needs. For example, inlets can be based on the number of square feet. There is usually one inlet for every 600 square feet of a home. If you have more than one story in your home, you will need at least one inlet per story. If you decide on professional installation, the installer can help you determine the best inlet placement.
After installation, the system is used by plugging the lightweight hose and power brush unit into a wall inlet. The power button is located on the handle on most systems, so it is totally controlled by you. In other words, you don't have to go to the power unit and turn the system on. You simply put the hose unit in the inlet and begin vacuuming. The system then carries the dirt, dust and debris out of the room, through the in-wall tubing, to the main power unit, where it is deposited in a canister or bag. Central vacuum bags and canisters only need to be emptied an average of once every three months.
Click Here to Read this Article on Howstuffworks.com
Wednesday
Deodorizing Carpets
Carpet Odor Control Tips
Carpets are a wonderful addition to the comfort and appearance of your home but they attract dirt and odors like magnets.
You can clean up the surface appearance of the carpet with a quick superficial sweeping with a broom, or a carpet sweeper or dragging out the heavy-duty vacuum with the 30 foot cord and shoving it around on the carpets for an hour. You'll wind up with a carpet that looks cared for - maybe even looks almost new, but still does not smell to good.
Nobody wants to replace carpet that looks perfectly good, has no worn spots or holes, isn't faded. But what in the world do you do if you can't remove the odors that you smell every time you walk into the room?
If the carpeting has been overly dampened, or is in a high humidity environment, or was poorly dried after shampooing, mildew or mold is probably your problem with smell.
If this is the case, you can use a special deodorizing solution available in the grocery store or try using plain water mixed with 20% plain white vinegar. Shampoo the carpets again, dry them thoroughly. (open windows, doors, and use a fan if necessary to remove any water remaining and your carpets will smell fresh and clean when dried.
Deodorizing Smoke Odors From Carpets
First of all, if someone is smoking inside the house, encourage them to smoke outside - You cannot keep your carpet deodorized and odor control wont help if the source continues the infiltration.
* Buy a large box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda.
* Empty it into a large shaker jar, like the kind you use for shaking out ground Parmesan cheese.
* Using a liberal hand, walk around your carpet shaking the baking soda onto the carpet.
* With a corn straw broom, brush the baking soda into the nap of the carpeting making sure it gets into the fibers.
* Leave on overnight.
* In the morning, give the carpet a deep vacuuming, going over it several times to pick up as much of the baking soda as possible.
Deodorizing Carpets Due to Cat, Dog And Puppy Urine
Oh, oh! You open the front door to your home one evening and the smell hits you square in the face.
Those animals you love, the dogs, the cats, kittens, puppies, are little poop and pee machines! Even though you've picked up the waste - when you saw it - the memory lingers on. And wet urine stains often sink right in without being discovered at all, unless they leave a stain and/or begin to stink! You may try the above simple fix with baking soda for deodorizing the carpet, but - rest assured - that is not going to do the job.
Here are serious odor control tips to help you.
* Sprinkle the carpet generously with baking soda, and brush in. Allow to set for a few hours, overnight if possible.
* Then vacuum thoroughly and get ready to give the carpet a good shampooing with a steam cleaner.
* You will not be able to vacuum out all of the baking soda and that's okay.
* The residue will mix with the water in the cleaning solution and help sweeten and remove the odor.
* Either use the cleaning solution that is recommended for your particular brand of steam carpet cleaner, or buy one that is compatible off the shelf; look for one that specifically states it has odor removing properties.
* Note that you should not use any detergent/soap when steam cleaning. The soap residue is impossible to remove and will end up attracting more dirt.
* Follow manufacturer's recommended instructions for steam cleaning your carpet and allow to dry thoroughly before vacuuming.
You'll be pleased at the freshness of your home once the job is done and you are finished deodorizing your carpet!
Click Here to Read Article on Mrs. Clean USA
Carpets are a wonderful addition to the comfort and appearance of your home but they attract dirt and odors like magnets.
You can clean up the surface appearance of the carpet with a quick superficial sweeping with a broom, or a carpet sweeper or dragging out the heavy-duty vacuum with the 30 foot cord and shoving it around on the carpets for an hour. You'll wind up with a carpet that looks cared for - maybe even looks almost new, but still does not smell to good.
Nobody wants to replace carpet that looks perfectly good, has no worn spots or holes, isn't faded. But what in the world do you do if you can't remove the odors that you smell every time you walk into the room?
If the carpeting has been overly dampened, or is in a high humidity environment, or was poorly dried after shampooing, mildew or mold is probably your problem with smell.
If this is the case, you can use a special deodorizing solution available in the grocery store or try using plain water mixed with 20% plain white vinegar. Shampoo the carpets again, dry them thoroughly. (open windows, doors, and use a fan if necessary to remove any water remaining and your carpets will smell fresh and clean when dried.
Deodorizing Smoke Odors From Carpets
First of all, if someone is smoking inside the house, encourage them to smoke outside - You cannot keep your carpet deodorized and odor control wont help if the source continues the infiltration.
* Buy a large box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda.
* Empty it into a large shaker jar, like the kind you use for shaking out ground Parmesan cheese.
* Using a liberal hand, walk around your carpet shaking the baking soda onto the carpet.
* With a corn straw broom, brush the baking soda into the nap of the carpeting making sure it gets into the fibers.
* Leave on overnight.
* In the morning, give the carpet a deep vacuuming, going over it several times to pick up as much of the baking soda as possible.
Deodorizing Carpets Due to Cat, Dog And Puppy Urine
Oh, oh! You open the front door to your home one evening and the smell hits you square in the face.
Those animals you love, the dogs, the cats, kittens, puppies, are little poop and pee machines! Even though you've picked up the waste - when you saw it - the memory lingers on. And wet urine stains often sink right in without being discovered at all, unless they leave a stain and/or begin to stink! You may try the above simple fix with baking soda for deodorizing the carpet, but - rest assured - that is not going to do the job.
Here are serious odor control tips to help you.
* Sprinkle the carpet generously with baking soda, and brush in. Allow to set for a few hours, overnight if possible.
* Then vacuum thoroughly and get ready to give the carpet a good shampooing with a steam cleaner.
* You will not be able to vacuum out all of the baking soda and that's okay.
* The residue will mix with the water in the cleaning solution and help sweeten and remove the odor.
* Either use the cleaning solution that is recommended for your particular brand of steam carpet cleaner, or buy one that is compatible off the shelf; look for one that specifically states it has odor removing properties.
* Note that you should not use any detergent/soap when steam cleaning. The soap residue is impossible to remove and will end up attracting more dirt.
* Follow manufacturer's recommended instructions for steam cleaning your carpet and allow to dry thoroughly before vacuuming.
You'll be pleased at the freshness of your home once the job is done and you are finished deodorizing your carpet!
Click Here to Read Article on Mrs. Clean USA
Monday
Making Your Carpet Look New Again
Do your carpets look old and run down, even after shampooing and cleaning...we found a few tips below to help your carpet shine.
Making Your Carpet Look New Again
Remember when the carpet in your living room or bedroom was new? Remember how you admired it, and even invited your friends to admire it with you? Since then, it's no doubt taken quite a beating. Cigarettes have burned it and kids have run over it, tracking in mud and snagging it. The dog or cat has dirtied it up, and probably everyone in the family has spilled a drink on it a time or two. Unfortunately, replacing that carpet (and sometimes even a rug) can cost a lot of money. But what can you do, then, to bring back some of your carpet or rug's former glory?
Believe it or not, plenty! There are things you can do to fix those damaged spots. Let's talk about just a few of them.
1) Dropping cigarette or cigar ashes or stubs onto the carpet can be devastating. Once they touch, if you don't pick them up fast, they can cause permanent scarring. If you have a spot on your carpet that was once the victim of such an incident, take a look at it. As long as the burn did not go all the way through, you can get rid of the burnt spot by simply cutting it off with a pair of scissors. If, however, the burn is a bit too severe for this, measure how big the spot is. Now find some unneeded carpet from the same lot. For instance, maybe you've carpeted inside your closet with the same carpet. Cut enough for the spot, plus an extra half inch or so. Now you can simply cut out the burnt spot and replace it with the bit you took from the closet carpet. Remember, it's important to have a tight fit so that nobody will be able to tell that there is a hole there. Use carpet glue on the bottom of the plug, and then set something heavy on top of it overnight. If you've done this right, the formerly-burnt spot will look good as noon come morning.
2) Another common carpet problem is carpet fuzziness. This happens as the carpet's surface begins to get worn down and the rug fibers break. Also, as more and more grit and grime gets embedded, it speeds along the fuzz syndrome. over time, the carpet will lose many of its fibers. Much of the grime can be cleaned out with a to-quality vacuum. Then with a pair of scissors, you can get often even out the uneven rug fibers that normally accompany "the fuzzies."
3) Snagging is another problem that makes many carpets look old and worn. The most common causes for snagging are sliding large items across the floor rather than lifting them, as well as from scuffing from shoes and animal claws. You can easily correct snags with a pair of sharp scissors. Unfortunately, most people make the mistake of trying to pull on the thread, but this will only cause a run in the carpet. Remember: scissors not fingers.
4) If your carpet is stained by spills, remember that time is of the essence. Clean it immediately. Start by dabbing the stain gently with a wet sponge;; do not rub the stain. Now find something with a dull edge and scrape up any excess soil. After you've done all you can, use a commercial-strength carpet and rug cleaner. Test it first on an unseen spot (such as the carpet in your closet). If it does not cause discoloration, it's safe to use. Now dab some of it onto a dry cloth, and apply it to the stain. Use a gentle swiping motion, not too brisk. If the stain is still not gone, contact a professional carpet cleaner.
You can read the entire article from ehomeimprovement.org here
Making Your Carpet Look New Again
Remember when the carpet in your living room or bedroom was new? Remember how you admired it, and even invited your friends to admire it with you? Since then, it's no doubt taken quite a beating. Cigarettes have burned it and kids have run over it, tracking in mud and snagging it. The dog or cat has dirtied it up, and probably everyone in the family has spilled a drink on it a time or two. Unfortunately, replacing that carpet (and sometimes even a rug) can cost a lot of money. But what can you do, then, to bring back some of your carpet or rug's former glory?
Believe it or not, plenty! There are things you can do to fix those damaged spots. Let's talk about just a few of them.
1) Dropping cigarette or cigar ashes or stubs onto the carpet can be devastating. Once they touch, if you don't pick them up fast, they can cause permanent scarring. If you have a spot on your carpet that was once the victim of such an incident, take a look at it. As long as the burn did not go all the way through, you can get rid of the burnt spot by simply cutting it off with a pair of scissors. If, however, the burn is a bit too severe for this, measure how big the spot is. Now find some unneeded carpet from the same lot. For instance, maybe you've carpeted inside your closet with the same carpet. Cut enough for the spot, plus an extra half inch or so. Now you can simply cut out the burnt spot and replace it with the bit you took from the closet carpet. Remember, it's important to have a tight fit so that nobody will be able to tell that there is a hole there. Use carpet glue on the bottom of the plug, and then set something heavy on top of it overnight. If you've done this right, the formerly-burnt spot will look good as noon come morning.
2) Another common carpet problem is carpet fuzziness. This happens as the carpet's surface begins to get worn down and the rug fibers break. Also, as more and more grit and grime gets embedded, it speeds along the fuzz syndrome. over time, the carpet will lose many of its fibers. Much of the grime can be cleaned out with a to-quality vacuum. Then with a pair of scissors, you can get often even out the uneven rug fibers that normally accompany "the fuzzies."
3) Snagging is another problem that makes many carpets look old and worn. The most common causes for snagging are sliding large items across the floor rather than lifting them, as well as from scuffing from shoes and animal claws. You can easily correct snags with a pair of sharp scissors. Unfortunately, most people make the mistake of trying to pull on the thread, but this will only cause a run in the carpet. Remember: scissors not fingers.
4) If your carpet is stained by spills, remember that time is of the essence. Clean it immediately. Start by dabbing the stain gently with a wet sponge;; do not rub the stain. Now find something with a dull edge and scrape up any excess soil. After you've done all you can, use a commercial-strength carpet and rug cleaner. Test it first on an unseen spot (such as the carpet in your closet). If it does not cause discoloration, it's safe to use. Now dab some of it onto a dry cloth, and apply it to the stain. Use a gentle swiping motion, not too brisk. If the stain is still not gone, contact a professional carpet cleaner.
You can read the entire article from ehomeimprovement.org here
Why Steam Carpet Cleaning is Still the Leader?
We thought this was an interesting post. It doesn't really give any reason why the steam cleaner is still a "leader", however, the description of what a steam cleaner does is excellent. Hope you enjoy!
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 workssteam cleaner
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.
Why Steam Carpet Cleaning is Still the Leader Article found at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com
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 workssteam cleaner
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.
Why Steam Carpet Cleaning is Still the Leader Article found at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com
Carpet Ghosts
Great tip from Marthastewart.com on how to remove "carpet ghosts."
Carpet ghosts are those little indentations left behind when a piece of furniture has been resting in one place for a long time. If you're looking for a simple and efficient way to eliminate them, simply place ice cubes where the carpet has been crushed or matted. The fibers of the carpet will swell as they absorb the water. Once the ice cubes have melted, just blot the wet area with a dry towel, and vacuum the carpet to straighten out the fibers. Voila! Carpet ghosts are gone. Don't forget to use your Lift Buddy when cleaning moving furniture
Carpet ghosts are those little indentations left behind when a piece of furniture has been resting in one place for a long time. If you're looking for a simple and efficient way to eliminate them, simply place ice cubes where the carpet has been crushed or matted. The fibers of the carpet will swell as they absorb the water. Once the ice cubes have melted, just blot the wet area with a dry towel, and vacuum the carpet to straighten out the fibers. Voila! Carpet ghosts are gone. Don't forget to use your Lift Buddy when cleaning moving furniture
The Lift Buddy
The Ultimate Solution in Easy Furniture Lifting!
We've all heard the warnings to take care care of your back! Yet when we have to lift something heavy most of us resort to the easiest position of bending over and lifting, putting a strain on the back and possibly causing an injury! However, there is a solution, with the the patented Lift Buddy, a carpet cleaning tool used by professionals. You can lift heavy couches, dressers, tables, and beds without strain! Simply place the tip of the Lift Buddy under the edge of the piece of furniture you want to lift and firmly press down on the handle and the Lift Buddy raises the furniture so that you can place a slider under the leg. Repeat the process on all 4 legs and now you can easily move the furniture around the room, or clean the floors without any strain on your back.
Who is the Lift Buddy for?
The Lift Buddy is for everyone who wants to easily mange furniture moving or clean hard to reach places underneath furniture. It doesn’t matter if you are a tiny woman or a husky man, the Lift Buddy is a tool that will protect your back. Why run the risk of an injury when you can use the Lift Buddy?
Who Developed the Lift Buddy?
The Lift Buddy was developed by a professional carpet cleaner who knew that there had to be a better way to move heavy pieces of furniture in the homes he cleaned in. So he went to work and created the patented Lift Buddy. Thousands have been sold throughout the world to carpet cleaners and now it is available to you the home owner.
How does it work?
The handle of the Lift Buddy has a rubber grip, so that you can hold firmly. The strong metal handle is designed to give you the leverage you need to EASILY lift the corners of any type of furniture. The non-marking wheels are designed to help you move or roll slightly as you lift the furniture. The tip is tapered so it will slide under that edge of the furniture to give the lift power. Be sure to watch the video to see how it works.
Simply place the tip of the Lift Buddy under the edge fo the furniture that you want to place a slider under and apply pressure on the rubber handle. Lift just high enough to place the slider under the leg. Repeat the same process on each corner of the piece you are wanting to move and then slide it with ease.
We've all heard the warnings to take care care of your back! Yet when we have to lift something heavy most of us resort to the easiest position of bending over and lifting, putting a strain on the back and possibly causing an injury! However, there is a solution, with the the patented Lift Buddy, a carpet cleaning tool used by professionals. You can lift heavy couches, dressers, tables, and beds without strain! Simply place the tip of the Lift Buddy under the edge of the piece of furniture you want to lift and firmly press down on the handle and the Lift Buddy raises the furniture so that you can place a slider under the leg. Repeat the process on all 4 legs and now you can easily move the furniture around the room, or clean the floors without any strain on your back.
- The Lift Buddy allows you to lift the furniture with one hand, leaving the other hand free
- The Lift Buddy is easy on your back
- The Lift Buddy protects you from costly medical expenses due to injuries
- The Lift Buddy is a "one man or woman" tool. It is light weight yet heavy duty
- The Lift Buddy is great for rearranging the furniture
Who is the Lift Buddy for?
The Lift Buddy is for everyone who wants to easily mange furniture moving or clean hard to reach places underneath furniture. It doesn’t matter if you are a tiny woman or a husky man, the Lift Buddy is a tool that will protect your back. Why run the risk of an injury when you can use the Lift Buddy?
Who Developed the Lift Buddy?
The Lift Buddy was developed by a professional carpet cleaner who knew that there had to be a better way to move heavy pieces of furniture in the homes he cleaned in. So he went to work and created the patented Lift Buddy. Thousands have been sold throughout the world to carpet cleaners and now it is available to you the home owner.
How does it work?
The handle of the Lift Buddy has a rubber grip, so that you can hold firmly. The strong metal handle is designed to give you the leverage you need to EASILY lift the corners of any type of furniture. The non-marking wheels are designed to help you move or roll slightly as you lift the furniture. The tip is tapered so it will slide under that edge of the furniture to give the lift power. Be sure to watch the video to see how it works.
Simply place the tip of the Lift Buddy under the edge fo the furniture that you want to place a slider under and apply pressure on the rubber handle. Lift just high enough to place the slider under the leg. Repeat the same process on each corner of the piece you are wanting to move and then slide it with ease.
Sunday
Cleaning Buddys now available for purchase
The Cleaning Buddys website offers carpet cleaning tools used by professional carpet cleaners to consumers for a great price! These tools make house cleaning a little easier and definitely more fun.
Click to Purchase Lift Buddy
Click to Purchase Wall Buddy
Click to Purchase Hose Boss
Click to Purchase Caution Sign
Click to Purchase Lift Buddy
Click to Purchase Wall Buddy
Click to Purchase Hose Boss
Click to Purchase Caution Sign
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