This is an excellent article on how to take care of wet carpets.
If you are a homeowner you know the extra responsibility and work that comes with the territory of owning your own home. One situation that most homeowners will probably experience at least once is some type of water damage in their basement. It can be from severe rainfall which seeps in through the foundation. Another common cause of water leakage and wet carpet in the basement is through leaky or broken pipes. The collateral damage of these types of water damage includes destroyed ceiling tiles. But even more important, your carpet and padding needs to be quickly dried to prevent mold and mildew--not to mention a musty smell that won't go away.
If the problem is coming from outside the house or the source is not related to your plumbing then call a professional. Otherwise, it's likely the water is leaking, or even flowing, through the ceiling tiles in the basement. If that's the case then immediately shut off the main water valve in your house. If you don't know call a trusted neighbor who you think would know.
If the water is from a pipe that is either cracked, completely broken or out of the fitting, some water could still flow out for a couple minutes after you shut it off. Place the nearest bucket or plastic tub on the floor underneath the leak.
After turning off the water (by turning right to close='OFF' & turn left to open='ON')get the Wet/Dry Vac out to soak up as much water as possible. I used a shop-vac before and it worked just fine if you're concerned about soaking up water and your shop-vac doesn't specifically state "Wet" on it.
Use this type of attachment to cover as much wet carpet as possible. Slowly go over the area multiple times and from different directions. Depending on the size of the wet area, you should spend at least 30 minutes for a 5x5 area (feet). This attachment will create a good suction and may possibly raise the carpet a few inches from the pressure. Don't worry, this is actually good, since the pad can begin to dry that way too.
Turn the humidity down, or off, for your furnace if you have it on. Humidity is your worst enemy during this period. If you have a dehumidifier, place it in the middle of the room where the water damage is.
Set up at least two High Velocity Fans (preferably floor level). If you don't have these then find as many fans as possible. Maybe your neighbors have some. Perhaps your employer has some in their warehouse. The more powerful the fan the better. Make up for a lack in quality with quantity if you have to--take as many different lower-strength fans as possible around the circumference of the wet carpet. (Also set up your "wet floor" caution signs").
After completing the first six steps, the area (depending on the size) should start to feel dry. Don't stop the fans though! The pad is probably still a little damp even though you can't feel any dampness. Leave the fans on for another 12-24 hours. If you want to, sprinkle some Arm & Hammer baking soda (or other brand I suppose)over the area that was soaked but is now somewhat dry to the touch. Use a broom or whatever else you can find to spread it over the area. It's important to make sure at least the carpet is dry enough that the baking soda won't cluster up on you because it will be a pain when you vacuum it up. Leave the baking soda on for about 45 minutes to an hour and then vacuum it up using the shop-vac. Repeat a couple more times if necessary. You could also put a fresh layer of baking soda before you go to bed and vacuum in the morning.
This article provided by Ezine articles
Monday
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
Wednesday
What is In Your Carpets??
Most homes have carpet in them somewhere, but one problem with carpeting is that it's a perfect home to microorganisms such as mold, mildew and dust mites. It is also a reservoir for everything you track indoors on your shoes: soil, lawn chemicals, lead dust, asbestos fibers from automotive brake linings, animal feces, and anything else found on the ground outdoors.
Wall-to wall carpeting is virtually impossible to clean thoroughly, but here are some tips to help:
1. Encourage family members to remove shoes upon entrance into the home. Pesticides, pollutants and dirt come indoors on shoes and are tracked onto carpets. If going shoeless is not acceptable to family members, suggest that they wear house shoes (that don't go outside), slippers or socks.
2. Vacuum two or more times per week. Frequent vacuuming helps reduce the level of dust mites, which trigger asthma and allergy attacks. It also means getting rid of surface dirt on carpets before it has a chance to get ground in. A vacuum cleaner with strong suction, rotating brushes and a HEPA filter, so the dirt and dust won't get blown back out in the exhaust, is best. Go back and forth over the same spot several times, especially in high traffic areas, to get all of the dirt and dust!
3. Clean up spills on carpets immediately to prevent stains. Soak up liquid spills by covering them with clean white (or light-colored) towels or paper towels. Scrape sticky substances off carpets with a spatula or spoon. Don't rub the spill. That will damage carpet fibers and make the stain spread. To clean the stain, mix 1 cup warm water and 1/2 teaspoon mild liquid soap, such as dishwashing liquid or fine fabric detergent. Apply a small amount, blot by pressing a clean white towel into the carpet and lift. Then repeat the process until the stain is removed. Don't scrub. Be patient. After stain is removed, rinse the area with a solution a few teaspoons of white vinegar to one cup water and blot with another clean towel.
4. Use household ingredients to clean carpet stains. Club soda removes red wine stains. Use an ice cube to harden gum and candle wax, then scrape off. Sprinkle greasy stains with baking soda, corn starch or corn meal. Let stand six hours or overnight. Then vacuum. Mix 1/3 cup vinegar with 2/3 cup warm water and apply to the stain. Then blot with a clean towel and repeat until the stain comes clean.
5. As a last resort carpet stain remover, try rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Test first on a hidden spot of the carpet as either substance may lighten or bleach the carpet. Apply a small amount to the stain, then blot with a clean, white towel. Repeat until the stain is gone.
6. Use baking soda to remove odor from carpets. Carpet deodorizers and fresheners often contain fragrances that merely mask the smell. Baking soda soaks up the odor. Just sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the carpet. Let it stand for 15 - 30 minutes. Then vacuum.
7. Steam clean carpets with plain water. Don't bother with the detergent. Just use water and operate the machine as directed. The hot water will remove a considerable amount of dirt, even without detergent. Alternatively, use a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar and 2-1/2 gallons of water. (Add another cup of vinegar for a stronger solution.) This is an effective way to remove shampoo residues from earlier cleaning attempts.
8. Ventilate well during and after carpet cleaning. To speed drying time and prevent mold growth, keep windows open and use fans. Avoid carpet cleaning on humid or damp days.
Information provided by Web MD
Wall-to wall carpeting is virtually impossible to clean thoroughly, but here are some tips to help:
1. Encourage family members to remove shoes upon entrance into the home. Pesticides, pollutants and dirt come indoors on shoes and are tracked onto carpets. If going shoeless is not acceptable to family members, suggest that they wear house shoes (that don't go outside), slippers or socks.
2. Vacuum two or more times per week. Frequent vacuuming helps reduce the level of dust mites, which trigger asthma and allergy attacks. It also means getting rid of surface dirt on carpets before it has a chance to get ground in. A vacuum cleaner with strong suction, rotating brushes and a HEPA filter, so the dirt and dust won't get blown back out in the exhaust, is best. Go back and forth over the same spot several times, especially in high traffic areas, to get all of the dirt and dust!
3. Clean up spills on carpets immediately to prevent stains. Soak up liquid spills by covering them with clean white (or light-colored) towels or paper towels. Scrape sticky substances off carpets with a spatula or spoon. Don't rub the spill. That will damage carpet fibers and make the stain spread. To clean the stain, mix 1 cup warm water and 1/2 teaspoon mild liquid soap, such as dishwashing liquid or fine fabric detergent. Apply a small amount, blot by pressing a clean white towel into the carpet and lift. Then repeat the process until the stain is removed. Don't scrub. Be patient. After stain is removed, rinse the area with a solution a few teaspoons of white vinegar to one cup water and blot with another clean towel.
4. Use household ingredients to clean carpet stains. Club soda removes red wine stains. Use an ice cube to harden gum and candle wax, then scrape off. Sprinkle greasy stains with baking soda, corn starch or corn meal. Let stand six hours or overnight. Then vacuum. Mix 1/3 cup vinegar with 2/3 cup warm water and apply to the stain. Then blot with a clean towel and repeat until the stain comes clean.
5. As a last resort carpet stain remover, try rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Test first on a hidden spot of the carpet as either substance may lighten or bleach the carpet. Apply a small amount to the stain, then blot with a clean, white towel. Repeat until the stain is gone.
6. Use baking soda to remove odor from carpets. Carpet deodorizers and fresheners often contain fragrances that merely mask the smell. Baking soda soaks up the odor. Just sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the carpet. Let it stand for 15 - 30 minutes. Then vacuum.
7. Steam clean carpets with plain water. Don't bother with the detergent. Just use water and operate the machine as directed. The hot water will remove a considerable amount of dirt, even without detergent. Alternatively, use a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar and 2-1/2 gallons of water. (Add another cup of vinegar for a stronger solution.) This is an effective way to remove shampoo residues from earlier cleaning attempts.
8. Ventilate well during and after carpet cleaning. To speed drying time and prevent mold growth, keep windows open and use fans. Avoid carpet cleaning on humid or damp days.
Information provided by Web MD
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