Thursday, 31 May 2012

Simple and Effective Rust Removal

Wikipedia describes rust remover as "chemical solutions or primers that can be applied directly to a rusty surface on steel or iron alloy surfaces to convert initial and residual rust to barrier and adherent chemical compounds onto the surface. These chemical compounds interact with iron oxides and also protect the surface from further corrosion process. These are able to develop a protective film on the metal surface that protect against rust." Thankfully, for home improvers and DIY-ers like me we don't need to know all the science behind the process to know that rust remover just works!

Almost everyone has experienced rust in some capacity. Most of the time we see rust and we are then disappointed, thinking that it will require lots of work and the use of harsh chemicals. However, now there are products in the market that are safe and very effective. Before you buy any product, be sure to keep a few things in mind. First, you want to make sure it is safe. This is a product that you are most likely going to use in your home, perhaps near children or pets. There are many products that are non-toxic and safe. Commercial products that are harmful or scary to use are a thing of the past. It should also be something that is safe on a variety of materials. The item you may be cleaning could be made from multiple metals or finishes. Find a rust remover that is safe for metals as well as plastics or vinyl. You'll also want a product that will prevent rust in the future. Choose one that will inhibit rust for at least 4 weeks.

When you're ready to de-rust you should first clean your item. You'll want to make sure it's free from oil and dirt. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when working on the rust blemish. Some products require soaking, anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours, while others require circular spraying or wiping. As your working on your item be sure to be checking often, this will help you get the best results in the least amount of time.

Home repair stores and the internet are great places to purchase rust remover. However, going to the home store with its stocked shelves can often leave you a little overwhelmed and confused. For those who prefer to conduct research and shop from home, products like wholesale Evaporust may be a good option.

Hopefully, you're now ready to tackle that DIY project you've been putting off. Rust removal can be an easy, effective way to restore an otherwise overlooked treasure.


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Wednesday, 30 May 2012

Useful Tips for Carpet Cleaning

Most everyone would agree that it is necessary to regularly clean carpets and rugs to keep them looking good and keep one's home healthy. However often times regular Hoovering isn't sufficient to keep things looking their best. Here are some hints from professionals for keeping carpets and rugs looking new yourself, as well as some tips for hiring a professional cleaner:

Hoover at least once per week. Whilst this may seem obvious, the vast majority of loose dirt and crime is removed with a good vacuuming.

Improve your Hoovering technique. Move the Hoover with the carpet or rug's pile direction to remove the surface dirt, then again against the pile direction to get at deeper bits.

Change traffic patterns. Moving furniture even slightly on a regular basis will help prevent carpet wear and soiling in high traffic spots. Rotating rugs will have the same effect.

Clean liquid spills quickly. Immediately after a spill, blot up the moisture with a paper towel or clean rag. Blot from the outside of the spill toward the center to keep the spill contained. Never rub the carpet to pick up the spill as this pushes the liquid deeper into the pile. Once fully absorbed, use a spot remover and follow the manufacturer's directions.

Act quickly on dirt and traffic stains, too. As soon as a stain becomes apparent, work to clean it with a spot or area cleaner as soon as possible. Leaving it to sit will force grime deeper into the pile making it harder to clean later.

Most carpet, rug and upholstery manufacturers recommend professional cleaning once a year. Unfortunately most individuals wait until they begin to see noticeable issues, but this may make cleaning and bringing the carpet back to looking new more difficult. Like any fabric, regular care and maintenance is important.

When looking for a professional cleaning firm, the first priority is to find a reputable name. The best way to do this is to ask for recommendations from family and friends (in some cases it seems one can find out who to avoid, rather who to hire). You can also check the internet or the local directory.

Check consumer review websites to see if the firm has good reputation. You can also check out Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) to see if the firm has been accused of any scamming practices.

Next is to get service quotes. Many firms will provide an initial quote online or over the phone. While this will provide an initial start, it is important to make sure the firm visits the premises to give a full estimate. Be sure the firm is fully indemnified against potential damage. The estimate should be complete and include all services to be provided. Also ask for a few customer references. If the firm is hesitant or cannot provide any, consider another firm.

Another tip for choosing a firm is to check the cleaning firm's training program and equipment. Don't assume just because someone has been in business for a long while that they are using the latest technology. When the representative is visiting to develop the estimate, ask for a detailed explanation of how they clean and what equipment is used.

Then it's time to make a choice and have the work done. Most are astounded at the difference a professional cleaning can make on the look of their carpets and rugs.


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Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Taking Good Care of Your Hard Wood Floor With Wax Finish

The best advantage of having hard wood floor is that you don't have to worry about allergens getting trapped like they do in carpet. Cleaning the floor at least twice a week using the right vacuum cleaner, sweeper, dry mop and wood floor cleaner, keeps the floor from abrasive build up and keeps its shine much longer.

If stains find its way to your floor, clean it right away. This will prevent the substance from staining the hard wood floor and saves you the hassle of having to remove the stain later on. To clean the stain on the floor use a hot water, a clean cloth and a cleaning solution that is suited for hard wood floors. Do not use abrasive cleaners as it will damage the coating of the floor.

Maintenance Guide for Waxed Finish Hard Wood Floors

If vacuum cleaning, mopping or sweeping does not make your wax finish floor shiny again, buffing it is your next best choice. Buffing should be done first before you apply a second coat. Often times you would not need a new layer to coat after buffing. If buffing does not make your floor shiny, you'll have to use a liquid wax for wood floors and a wood floor cleaner. Apply the wax to the floor and buff it after it dries.

In removing stains from waxed finish floors, here are some tips that you can follow:

Ink stains and water Stains- to remove this type of stain use a #000 steel wool. If it won't work try using a sand paper with fine grain together with a wood floor cleaner and a #00 steel wool. After that make sure you wax and buff the area.

Common Surface Marks- common scratches and marks on the surface of your wax finish floor can be adhered by applying wax on the area. Buff the area to restore its shine.

Food stains- In cleaning this type of stain use a damp cloth and start cleaning on the outer surface of the stain and move your way inside. After removing the stain see to it that you dry and wax it afterwards.

Sticky Stains- harden the stain by applying a cold pack of ice. When the stain hardens it should crumble off of the floor. Use a rag or cloth to clean the stain off.

Furthermore, to avoid unwanted scratches on your floor, never drag heavy equipment and furniture across your waxed floor. Also, if your kitchen and bath room floors are made of wax coated hardwood floors, place a rug directly below the sink and on the door step of the bathrooms.


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Monday, 28 May 2012

That Insignificant Thing We Call Dust

No matter how much we clean it, wipe it, spray it, wash it, vacuum it, sweep it...it still keeps coming back! Its virtually impossible to get rid of. It gets into everything. Even inside cabinets that are closed all of the time. What am I referring to? Undestructable, insignificant DUST. We have spent hours cleaning our homes, our offices, our vehicles, our computers, our bikes, our closets, and although everything we've cleaned looks great, I'm talking white glove clean, its only for a day or so. Of course its not like the next day we see a bucket full of dust around our cleaned areas. But if you were to look close enough, its starting to show up already. What led me to write about this was because I had just used wet-wipes, for cleaning various surfaces, all around my home, like I do all the time. I was proud of my home. It looked all clean, smelled cleaned and I was happy. So I continued about my day doing whatever chores needed to be done for that day. Just a day later I had to retrieve something out of a small cabinet in the bedroom. I opened the door and reached in to grab a book I wanted. I looked at the shelf the book was on and much to my surprise I could see that wicked dust starting to accumulate there. I couldn't believe it! I ran my finger over the surface of the shelf, looked at it, rubbed my fingers together and sure enough it felt dusty. Now there's no need to get freaked out about it. Its just a little dust. I knew that all I could do was make sure to clean it again later on. But this incidence got my curiosity going. We've always seen dust, been around it all of our lives right?

But I've never made an effort to write about it or do any research about it until now. Plus the other day, I ventured onto my Facebook page, I saw a really cute picture of a bunch of dust rolled into a little pile with bunny ears on it. It was a 'dust bunny.' LOL! It was funny, in a cute gross kind of way. So I guess that was a sign for me to do a little research on this insignificant thing called dust. Looking up the word 'dust' this is what I found: Noun, Fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter lying on the ground or on surfaces or carried in the air. Eeeeww! Dust consists of particles in the atmosphere that come from various sources such as soil-dust lifted up by wind. (source of information: Dust - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia) If we really get down to all of the places where dust comes from you'll be amazed at how many different things make up dust. Skin cells for one, we loose dead skin cells all of the time. Ever wonder where all those skin cells go? You got it. Where ever we are dwelling. Dogs and cats carry their own dander and dust and it falls off of them all of the time too. Dirt-dust from outside comes in just by us going in and out of the home. So now we know where it comes from, so how do we get rid of it? Fact is we can't get rid of it. Like the definition says its in the atmosphere. So unless you live in a bubble dust is going to be around us for eternity. But that doesn't mean we can't do things to make it easier and healthier for us to live with. With the brilliance of medical science we can learn to use devices, if needed, use specific cleaners to protect our dwellings as much as possible from this irritant called dust.

So what can we do to live better with dust? If you want to spend the extra money you can purchase air purifiers, hepa air purifiers and not to forget dust-mite purifiers. Yup thats right, there is such a thing as a dust-mite purifier. I had no idea. Using a furniture polish and a clean rag is great for temporarily removing dust. Microfiber cloths are very good at collecting and holding onto dust. Those disinfecting wet-wipes work wonders but I suggest you don't use the ones with bleach in them on your fine wood surfaces. I'm not too keen on using a feather duster. I believe they just move dust around and they don't really remove it. A vacuum with those cute attachments is a great way to get dust out of corners and off the ceiling, off of blinds and furniture etc. Its also a great idea to take all of the sheets off of your bed and vacuum the mattress. Also don't keep your pillows for too long a period of time. I don't think you want to know why they really seem to get heavier over time. No dust-mites or dust-mite do-do. Ewwww! A dust mop is good too. I spray a little pledge on mine and then go over the wood floors. Not only does it clean them nicely, it smells good too. Even better, take a look at all of the items you have displayed around your home. The more "stuff" you have strewn about the house the more it'll attract dust, the more you'll have to clean. So take an inventory. Honestly too much clutter isn't really healthy for you anyway. If you're attached to all of the things you have about your home, maybe you could pack some away for safe keeping. You may be surprised how much you'll like the less-cluttered look.

If you're going to use a wet mop, that's great but be sure to rinse it in clean water frequently. I remember seeing a maintenance man lugging around a big old bucket with a huge mop. He would always be mopping the floors but I never saw him change out the water for clean water. Imagine how dirty that floor was. If you don't change out your mop water with clean water frequently, you're mopping with dirty water and that stays on your floors, yuck! So all in all we've discovers what dust is, where it comes from and what we can do to at least tone it down in our homes. I'm certain you have your own ways of resolving the collection of dust too. Because dust is eternal we will never get rid it completely. But we have discovered that there are ways to combat it and make it easier to live with. So the next time you happen to see dust floating through the air by way of the sunlight streaming in through your window, think about how insignificant as it is its not insignificant at all. It has taken over our world like an unforseen force that cannot be stopped. That insignificant thing we call dust. Enjoy the day.

Copyright(c)2012.That Insignificant Thing We Call Dust. Written by Sherrie Vitello. All Rights Reserved.


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Sunday, 27 May 2012

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Laundry Detergent

Shop with laundry detergent coupons

Whether you prefer to search through mailers and fliers on a weekly basis for coupons and mail in rebates or online at your favorite coupon website, there are numerous deals to find. Popular brands will routinely provide coupons and rebates for their various products. Often when a new product line is introduced, the manufacturer will offer some type of incentive to get you to try the new product out.

Buy in bulk

Wholesalers like Costco and Sam's Club will often sell bulk quantity detergents and cleaners, potentially saving you money. Make sure to compare the package size or the number of loads you can get from each container, both for powder and liquid detergents. Ultimately, you're looking for the lowest cost per unit or cost per load when you're trying to find the best deal.

Follow the detergent directions carefully

Even if you save a few bucks on your laundry detergent purchase, if you don't pay attention to amount you should be using per load, you're potentially using too much, which will ultimately cost you money. If a liquid detergent is supposed to be dispensed in 2 oz portions, but you don't bother to measure and end up using 3 oz at a time, you're wasting 50% of the product!

Buy only detergents are on sale

Depending on how retailers and grocery stores stock up on a particular brand or product line, they may eventually be in a position where they need to move product to make room for upcoming shipments of other goods. This means that the grocery store or shop might be offering up a sale to clear shelf space, which is a good time for you to consider make a purchase and stock up.

Search online auctions for potential deals on detergent

Sellers on eBay.com will offer up all kinds of stuff, including cleaning products and laundry detergents. Doing a quick search for your favorite brand names may reveal a good deal. Make sure to evaluate any potential shipping costs to determine if the overall purchase is a better deal than what you could get otherwise at your local grocery store.

Discount and Dollar Stores

Often times, these specialty retailers will have a batch of detergent that they buy cheap from some other retailer and in term are able to offer you the consumer low prices. Check around to see what kinds of deals are out there. Even ask the shop keepers to see if they regularly get detergents to sell.


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Saturday, 26 May 2012

Becoming Educated About the Components and Attributes of a Filter Press

You will need an efficient filtration to keep the property spotless and secure. These equipment get rid of metal chips, burnt off carbons, other components from your main pipelines. What's more, it sustains the cleaning material of the principal valve and prevents water contamination. If you need to keep the water system spotless, make sure your filter press is doing the job.

What exactly is a filter press?
The purpose of this device is to fix the volume of water and keep its pressure when made use of. It secures and eliminates unwanted components in the pipe. In this process, the filter determines the amount of solids inside the system. For max purification, the press need to generate more pressure to get rid of the waste materials. A highly effective filter need to have its own pulp to improve the pipelines and dry the filtration.

Changing volume
The filter press additionally eliminates waste materials by using a filter plate generally known as diaphragm or membrane plane. This device has a variable drain-field, which absorbs solids as well as other waste materials. It's closed around the edges and forms an essential "bladder" or diaphragm, which can also inflate to spotless up the pipe system. This is very efficient in reducing the quantity of waste materials in the pipe. It can also minimize the normal elapsed time for a press cycle.

Parts of the filter: How do they do the job?
The two principal sections of the filter is the skeleton and the filter pack. The primary capability of the skeleton is to hold the filter pack together against the pressure developed during the filtration process. These sections are attached either by sidebars or overhead beams.

The filter pack is where the waste materials separation process takes place. It consists of a series of filter components that form chambers when held together in the press skeleton. Each chamber has a series of cylinders or "pips", covered by porous cloth to protect the head of the filter.

These pips form a cycle for the liquid draining from the press. There are also small holes in the drain-field to reduce waste materials and other components. When the plates are held together in a plate pack, the pips discharge the filtered water.

While filtering, the pressure in the chambers generates the flow of water in the pipe. It holds the head of the filter to make sure it eliminates the waste materials. The filter or cloth media then supports the structure for the filter cake when there is too much pressure.

Initially some waste materials may pass through the cloth media causing slight turbidity in the filtrate. This gradually removes larger particles and maintains the bridge of the pipelines.

What is dewatering sludge treatment?
This is another form of filtration. The most common method for dewatering sludge is to squeeze the water out of the sludge. You can also put the slight in a screen to spin the water out. One good example for this is the strainer. It prevents the solids/waste from entering the surface.

These are just some of the things you need to learn concerning filtration. Examine on-line or consult a professional to learn more details on unique filtering units.


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Friday, 25 May 2012

Cash For Clutter - Decluttering Tips That Earn You Money

What could be better than getting decluttered? Fame, a genie in a bottle, a new car? Ok, ok, that might be a little out of reach right now, but we can make money from our clutter! How nice would it be to get rid of some of your extra things that are taking up space and making your house cluttered and end up with extra money?!?

The best way to go about this is to integrate it as part of your "normal" decluttering. For instance, let's say that you are cleaning out your basement and going through all the shelves of games, books, and other items that have accumulated. Odds are that you have some items that someone will want; our goal is to make some quick money from these items. What we need to remember is that the end goal is still to be decluttered, we don't want to wait weeks or months for someone to buy our $3 book when we would gain more from donating it and getting it out of the house.

An interesting side note - if you are considering selling your home in the near future, you should really be decluttering now! On top of the fact that no one wants to come into a home that is full of clutter and think about the work that will need to be done before they move in, the value of your home (as well as the perceived) value is increased by keeping it free of clutter and organized. A study conducted in 2003 showed that at a cost of around $400 (which we can do by following the Get Rid Of Clutter program for a tiny fraction of that cost!) home owners realized a profit of $2,000 - that's a 500% profit! That is quite a good return for the time and money used, not to mention the fact that a decluttered house is much more likely to sell quickly instead of staying on the market costing you money in bills, taxes, and more.

Ok, back to the task at hand - making some money from our decluttering efforts! Keeping this in mind as we go through our decluttering can really help to focus us on getting rid of items that we might otherwise make up a reason to keep. Remember, ask yourself these questions as you go through the process of decluttering an area:

Is this item useful? If it is useful, is it used? An object that is not used is not useful.Does this item make me happy to see it? If it is hiding in the back of a closet, how happy does it really make me?Does this item bring back joyful emotions when I see it, hear it, or smell it? Again, if it is hiding in the back of a closet or shelf somewhere, how important is this to me?

If the things that we are going through do not fit into one of those three categories, then we really need to consider putting them into the clutter pile and moving on.

After deciding what it is that you want to sell, you need to develop an idea of the price that you want to sell it for - remember, the idea is to get rid of clutter AND make some extra money. Do not price items too high or you will end up holding onto them. Selling used items usually means selling them cheap. Make life easy on yourself and discount your items so that they sell fast - you will be happier in the end instead of holding out for the sale that might not happen with a higher price.

If you have trouble deciding what to charge for your item, look at the same places where you might sell to get an idea of what prices other people are charging. Go ahead and look at the list below to get an idea of where to look.

So, how can we turn the clutter into cash? We have many options! Here is a short list - each one of these could be a short article, or book chapter on its own (several of these are discussed in the book and via our training course). Some of these work better for others, sometimes it can take a little trial and error to see what works best for you. Look at the options and comments below to see what you think could make you the most money from your decluttering.

Craigslist - a great online site for selling anything and everything. Great for selling furniture and large items locally. Pro: you can sell just about anything from Craigslist and there is likely a buyer out there for it. Con: You will have to meet in person, whether at your house or at a meeting spot.Amazon - Amazon can sell your used items and takes a small fee. Pro: great for selling books and you only need to mail the item once it sells. Con: Setting up the item to sell can take a bit longer and Amazon takes a cut that is proportional to the sale price.eBay - eBay lets you set the price in its auction environment, a good place for some electronics and other niche items. Pro: Fairly easy to setup, if you have a good item you can start a bidding war and get top dollar. Con: Competition can be fierce in certain categories.Garage sale - The tried and true way to get rid of clutter in a local fashion. Pro: No need to post anything online (except for advertising your garage sale). Con: Dependent on things like weather, your neighborhood, etc.

Most people have enough clutter in their homes to make them a decent amount of money. From good condition books to extra furniture, it is not unusual for people to find that they have several hundred dollars or more or surplus items sitting around their homes not being used. Think about what you could do with that extra money! Enjoy!


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Thursday, 24 May 2012

Ionized Water for Effective Cleaning - No Chemicals Needed

It has been said that water is life. This is a basic and undeniable truth. Without water, life as we know it can not be. You need water for just about everything. Our own bodies need water to sustain the countless metabolic reactions that go on all the time and we need water for cooking and cleaning as well. No wonder a large percentage of our bodies is actually water! However, several environmental factors make it difficult for water to maintain certain properties necessary for its different uses. For this reason, ways have been devised to make water even more useful by ionizing it. A lot has been said about the benefits of ionized alkaline water. But what is the ionized alkaline water? Ionized water is liquid that has undergone a process known as ionization. By the use of appliances called ionizer machine, we can get both alkaline and acidic ionized liquid. Ionized liquid can be used both for cleaning and drinking.

A water ionizer is an appliance capable of ionizing and separating water into alkaline and acidic streams through a process called electrolysis. Ionized alkaline water is better known for its benefits from drinking as it helps the body to maintain alkaline levels and to neutralize excess acids. It also enhances metabolic reactions and the removal of waste, acids and other toxins that may have been inappropriately retained by the body. This, in its own unique way, is a kind of internal "cleaning". Most people also know that ionized acidic water can be used in managing most common skin conditions including treatment and nourishment of the scalp. However, what remains unknown to most users is that ionized water can also be used for many other household purposes.

Ionized water, particularly ionized acidic water, is great for cleaning kitchen surfaces. Strong acidic water will kill most germs and bacteria on contact. It's acidic properties are vital, not only for cleaning, but disinfecting surfaces as well. Ionized water contains no chemical additives and when used for cleaning, it will clean and sanitize as well.

On the other hand, ionized alkaline water is not used entirely for drinking only. It can be used for cleaning as well. Strong alkaline water can be used for removing tough stains from fabrics. When soaked in strong alkaline water, the same properties it uses in expelling toxins from the human body will be used to remove dirt and tough stains from fabrics.

When used for cleaning, this water can be used to clean just about anything. It's cleaning functions can not only be restricted to sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces and fabrics. You can also use ionized alkaline water for cleaning and storing fruits and vegetables. It has been proved that when cleaned with alkaline ionized water, fruits and vegetables will retain their freshness and tenderness for longer.

In conclusion, ionized water is not only suitable for cleaning and drinking, but it is also a green way to keep your home clean, safe and healthy. It's a worthy investment.


Carpet Cleaning Watford, Carpet Cleaning Harrow, Carpet Cleaning Hampstead, Office Cleaning London, Cleaning Services London, source

Is Snow Shoveling Dangerous?

Snow shoveling used to be simple. Pick up a shovel and get to work clearing that driveway. These days it's much more complicated. Many new models have come to the market for manually clearing snow because of health risks. Several studies have been done recently that show a strong correlation between increased risk for heart attack and shoveling snow. For sources on this, simply search the web, where plenty of studies are outlined on credible websites such as ScienceDaily. Besides heart attacks, many other injuries are correlated, such as strokes, broken bones, injured neck and back, pulled muscles and even strained ligaments.

What's the science behind these studies? I mean really, how could snow shoveling lead to heart attacks? Well, it is usually done in bitter temperatures, and for those who are not exposed to strenuous workouts on a regular basis, shoveling can be a real shock to the heart, just like any other workout that you are unaccustomed to. Undergoing a strenuous workout with the addition of cold temperatures is what leads to increased strokes and heart attacks.
What does this mean for you? If you are older, it can be extremely dangerous and it is highly advised to find an alternative to conventional snow shoveling. There are a few easy alternatives to doing it yourself. Either have a younger friend or relative do it for you, or if that is unavailable, buy a snow shovel that will help lead to an easier, less exhausting experience. Buying smaller snow shovels and working at a slower pace is recommended, since that will lead less exhaustion than shoveling huge amounts of snow per shovel.

Since recent studies, there is a very important new shovel on the market named the "wovel." The wovel has been tested to be the safest snow shovel on the market because of its unique design. It is named the "wovel" because of the wheel the shovel rests on. It acts as a wheel barrow of some sorts, and allows people to move snow with much greater ease and efficiency. There are many other safety benefits to the wovel because of its design, and will overall reduce stress on your body.

Shoveling snow in the winter is a daunting task sometimes. We all know that aching feeling of looking at a menacing amount of snow to be cleared in your driveway. It's easy to grab the shovel and overexert yourself out in the cold, and I warn you against that. The last thing you want is suffering a major injury while spending some time outdoors in the snow. Once again, snow shoveling accidents are much more common than the average person would imagine, so take the necessary precautions by either buying a snow shovel that fits your needs or going at a slow and steady pace.


Carpet Cleaning Watford, Carpet Cleaning Harrow, Carpet Cleaning Hampstead, Office Cleaning London, Cleaning Services London, source

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

Intelligent Questions to Ask a Carpet Cleaner

When choosing a carpet cleaner... ask questions.

I have owned a carpet cleaning business for more than 34 years. Over the years I have learned what questions people should be asking their carpet cleaners.

All carpet cleaning companies are not created equal. There are very significant differences in methods of cleaning, knowledge and experience, quality of equipment and cleaning solutions used, attitude towards customers and pricing.

So how do you know which company uses the best cleaning method for your needs, has the knowledge and experience to eliminate any problems in your carpets, is using quality and effective equipment and cleaning solutions, who has an attitude that you are comfortable with who fits within your budget?

You ask. Understand, in any business if you ask them if they can get the job done they will all say, "yes, no problem. We are the best." This means you need to ask specific questions to know if they really are who you want in your home.

Here are some questions you should ask.

What cleaning method do you use and explain to me exactly how your system works.

Think about any situations you might have in your carpets, bad traffic areas, urine stains, odor problems or any other concern that you have and ask them...

I have (name the concern/concerns) How specifically does your method take care of my concerns? Ask to speak to the owner or manager and then ask him/her detailed questions about this. Questions include what cleaning solutions do you use? How exactly does that cleaning solution work?

What you learn from their answer is their method, their knowledge and their attitude. If they give you incomplete answers or seem hesitant to answer your questions then I would call a different company.

Are you licensed and Insured? If not call somebody else. If a company is not professional to be licensed and insured then they most likely are not a very professional company.

Tell me about your guarantee. If they do not have one call someone else. Some companies have a guarantee that says, "best cleaning ever, or it's free". Think about it, this is not quantifiable. Who is to say that it is or is not the best you have ever received. I dislike these guarantees based on marketing hype. The best guarantee is the one where if you are not satisfied that they have done everything they could reasonably do to they will reclean the areas of concern for free. If you are still not satisfied then you will not be charged for those areas.

Of course you will ask about the price. Here is some advice about pricing. Just because one company charges a lot of money does not make them good and conversely just because a company charges a lower rate does not make them less competent then their more pricey competition. I believe that a company that charges close to the middle in your areas pricing for carpet cleaning is usually a good choice. Remember that if you have situations like urine, large stains or a high number of stains you will most likely need to pay extra for those situations. Always be clear before you schedule the work how much they charge for these situations. I would be cautious about a company who did not charge extra for these kinds of situations.

In summary- Ask detailed questions about how they can take care of the concerns you have with your carpets, make sure they are licensed and insured, ask about their guarantee and choose less on price than on how comfortable on how you felt about how they answered your questions.

Use this guide and you will find a carpet cleaner who will be able to take care of the concerns you have with your carpets.


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Tuesday, 22 May 2012

How Should I Clean My Carpets?

Carpet cleaning like cooking can be done using different recipes and getting satisfactory results. Lets look at some of the methods currently being used. A skilled carpet cleaner can get the job done using almost any machine or method. Hot water extraction commonly called steam cleaning uses the hottest water possible to get the soil out of a carpet. Pressurized hot water is sprayed onto the carpet and immediately vacuumed off. The pressurized water provides agitation. Water can be heated to as high as 300 degrees f in the carpet machine. After the water passes through hose and wand and hits the carpet it can be as hot as 120 to 250 degrees f. The more suction the carpet machine has the better. The dirty water is vacuumed into a tank for latter disposal. Pre-spraying the carpet and agitating heavily soiled areas with a carpet rake helps get the carpet cleaner. It is beneficial to rinse the carpet with an acidic rinse to return the carpet to a neutral state. Also air movers can speed drying.

During steam cleaning if the furniture is moved and the carpet is cleaned, the following should be done to protect the carpet when the furniture is put back into place on the damp carpet. Foam blocks or plastic squares can be put under the furniture legs to prevent varnish or rust stains from developing.

Bonnet cleaning or absorbent pad cleaning is used when a carpet is not too heavily soiled. For example between steam or restorative cleanings. This is referred to as maintenance cleaning. Some popular methods of bonnet cleaning mix club soda (carbon dioxide and water) with a bonnet cleaning solution and spray it onto the carpet as a mist. This is not technically dry cleaning but it is a lot drier than steam cleaning. A cotton pad is rotated on top of the carpet using a low speed floor machine at 175 rpm. The pad is lubricated by the cleaning solution and picks up soil. The pad is then soaked and rung out in a bucket of bonnet cleaning solution. The pad can be used again until it is filled with soil. At this point a new pad is put into service. The bonnet or absorbent pad can be use again after washing.

The bonnet cleaning method can be used in conjunction with steam cleaning to improve the overall cleaning. Soil which can wick back in heavily soiled areas can be pulled from the carpet fibers while helping the drying process.

The cleaning methods just described are just 2 of the more popular methods currently being used in 1 form or another. Shop around and experiment and find the one that pleases you. Happy cleaning!


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Monday, 21 May 2012

From the Mouths of Maids: Health Risks of a Messy Home

When life gets busy and hectic, parts of a person's normal routine have to be skimped on. There are only so many hours in a day, and even the most organized have to cut some corners now and again. Often times the chores around the home are the first to be neglected, especially without the help of maids. Dishes pile up in the sink and laundry goes unattended when things get too fast paced. While a little untidiness can be harmless, recent studies show that a messy or dirty household can negatively affect the health of you and your family.

For some, a cluttered house can lead to stress. When clothes are scattered about the floor and dishes are piled on the kitchen counter, life at home seems a little more chaotic. Studies have shown that high blood pressure is linked to individuals whose homes have become domestic disaster areas. Patients surveyed were found to have increased stress levels and blood pressure, but not while at home. Most of the patients' stress actually came from anticipating doing the cleaning and not having the time to do so. By setting aside a little extra time for cleaning or enlisting the help of maids, high-strung individuals can eliminate one of the stressors that leads them to discomfort.

Too much clutter around the house also creates falling hazards. Households with children or elderly are especially at risk, though an unlucky person of any age could fall victim to a stray object in the dark at night. If your house has multiple stories a staircase can become a serious danger when left unattended to. Confining your dirty clothes to a laundry hamper can easily keep your floor space clear, and a little extra time spent putting your groceries or purchases when you get home will go a long way. Spend some time determining where all of your possessions belong. A little organization ahead of time means that you won't have to decide what to do about your clutter when you're low on time. Bringing maids in for a weekly visit can also keep your belongings neatly tucked away and walking spaces open.

Of course, a house left unattended to is a safe haven for germs. Food left out after meals and uncollected garbage are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria that cause sickness. Without the regular cleaning and upkeep that maids are used to, the surfaces and basins in your home will turn against you. Dishes left in sinks are prone to growing colonies of E. coli and salmonella, while infectious bacteria like staphylococcus are fond of bathtubs. These infections aren't hard to prevent, but many Americans don't realize the danger because these threats are invisible.

An unkempt home can cause health risks of all kinds, but a little extra time or planning can go a long way in bringing peace to your hectic life. A little planning for your home's organization and perhaps some help from a few maids will keep you feeling better and able to focus on what's most important in your life.


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Sunday, 20 May 2012

How to Get the Most Out of Your House Cleaning Service

Anyone who has his or her home or apartment regularly cleaned by a professional service crew knows how nice it is not to do the tough cleaning. But a cleaning service isn't cheap, so it pays to know a few tricks to get the most out of your crew.

Most people do a little straightening up before the cleaners arrive, but it pays to do a little more. First, if you have not yet put jewelry, cash, and other valuables out of the way, then you need to do it right away. If you've done a thorough job screening your service, the risk of outright theft is probably low. Taking things out of sight will eliminate any problems or misunderstanding, all the more.

Also try and reduce clutter around the house before the cleaners come. Kid's toys or art projects on the counters, paperwork on the kitchen table, blow dryers, and even makeup on the bathroom sink all slow things down where cleaners will just take care of them. Take a moment and put them aside so that the team can get to every spot easily.

If you want hard-to-reach areas cleaned, like behind furniture and such, move items before the cleaners come. Provide a note to direct them what you want done. In the course of normal cleaning, most services do not move furniture or heavy objects.

Be specific about how you like things cleaned and what is important to you. Most services strive to do a good and thorough job, but everyone seems to have one cleaning pet peeve or a spot they like cleaned in a certain way. Instead of being frustrated, you need to be specific. Talk with the group supervisor and show to him or her specifically where or what it is you want done and its value to you. Most cleaners will gladly adapt their routine.

While it's not necessary to leave your house or apartment while the cleaners are there, try and stay out of the way. Most cleaners have a routine they follow, so try, and avoid redirecting them to other rooms or tasks. The same goes for kids and pets. With fewer disruptions, the cleaners will do a better job.

Try not to offer cleaners food or drink, or engage in some chit-chat. While you might feel this is a polite gesture, understand that the workers are there to do their job where they need to move on to the next client, in the most efficient means. Again, the fewer the disruptions, the better cleaners can be.

If you use the same group on a regular basis, don't forget to show your appreciation. This is especially important if you've asked them to do extra work. While tipping is not required, it is appreciated. Also, don't forget the end-of-year gratuities and thanks.

Lastly and most importantly, you need to keep up with the communication. If something is not being done the way you like it, provide constructive feedback right away. Cleaners rely on pointers where they want to keep their clients happy and satisfied with their work. That being said, if the same problems keep cropping up and the work isn't being done to your satisfaction, it may be time for you to look for a new provider.


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Saturday, 19 May 2012

Benefits of Using Carpet Shampoo Machines With Hot Water Cleaning Features

Choosing the right type of carpet shampoo machines can cut down your carpet cleaning time dramatically. Carpet cleaners are used not only for spot cleaning and general maintenance of carpets at home but when large stretches of carpets and huge numbers of rugs need to be cleaned quickly and efficiently in a commercial establishment. The sad story is that while there are a number of carpet cleaners available on the market, only a handful of them are designed with the customer's convenience in mind.

Most carpet shampoo machines come with powerful and impressive cleaning powers. However, the biggest downside is that they use a lot of water which increases drying time. It can take as much as 24 long hours for even a small carpet to dry completely. Another disadvantage is that the carpets become perfect breeding places for mold and mildew as it remains damp for a prolonged period.

Machines with Advanced Features for Comprehensive Cleaning

Carpet cleaners with advanced cleaning features are now available from reputable dealers. These machines have changed the way rugs are cleaned for both residential and commercial types. Steam carpet cleaners are used extensively to clean commercial carpets but are not recommended for cleaning of heat sensitive carpets and rugs because the extreme high temperature of the steam can damage the sensitive threads of the rugs and damage them permanently. Non heated carpet shampoo machines are ideal for cleaning such carpets.

Cleaning machines with heated output improves the efficiency of the cleaning process and also speeds up the cleaning task significantly. The best heated cleaning machines are designed to deliver temperature output of up to 210°F and can remove stubborn stains and grime from commercial rugs quickly. Carpet shampoo machines also come with low flow technology which reduces the use of water drastically. This eliminates the risk of mold formation and foul odor as the rug gets dried in as little as two hours.

Hot Water Carpet Cleaners for Quick, Meticulous Cleaning

It is important to use the right type of carpet cleaning machines for different types of cleaning tasks. Rug steam cleaners for instance, are used to clean high end rugs that are heat sensitive and cannot withstand the extreme heat from powerful steam cleaners. Carpet cleaning machines equipped with heating features are perfect for cleaning rugs and carpets with heat sensitive materials and threads.

If you are looking for rug steam cleaners that clean your rugs, quickly and more efficiently than conventional carpet cleaning equipment, it is advisable to go for hot water carpet cleaners because they have the capability to clean the most stubborn of stains and grime from carpets comprehensively.

Carpet shampoo machines, that offer hot water cleaning, are able to break the bond between the dirt and the surface to which they are attached. Cleaning with conventional carpet cleaners will not break this strong bond and leave traces of dirt behind even after the rugs are cleaned. The high temperature output helps dissolve the dirt easily after which they can be easily removed from the rug surface.

Rug shampoo machines from reputable dealers can help you clean any type of carpets, rugs and upholstery with a greater degree of efficacy. They are also convenient to handle.


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Friday, 18 May 2012

Home Cleaning Service For Chores You Don't Want To Do

It can be hard to find the time in the course of your busy day to address some of the domestic concerns of owning a house. At the end of a long day of work the last thing you want to do is to come back to your place and have to clean and straighten up everything. While it can be hard to find time to do it, there is no denying the fact that it needs to be done. Fortunately, for those with busy lives who are in need of assistance there are home cleaning service professionals who are happy to come out and do the menial tasks that are so often overlooked.

Home cleaning service allows property owners to feel at ease and comfortable in their space. A clutter free and dirt free living area offers peace of mind, but on the other hand when things are messy it can be stressful. These companies are skilled at coming in while you are away at work and doing all the little chores that are so hard to schedule time for. They will scrub out bathroom walls and sinks and also wash kitchen counters and stovetops. They will sweep and mop the floors and perform deodorizing tasks. When a person gets come back everything will be washed and smell fresh. This allows a person to simply enjoy their space in the evening and not worry about trying to stay abreast of domestic needs.

The trick to finding a home cleaning service to offer this incredible assistance is that it is difficult to find someone who can be trusted to be alone in the house during the day. This is a most sacred space and when a stranger is there alone it can be disconcerting. By hiring a professional company you get the added protection of knowing that a larger organization is standing behind the trustworthiness of a person. Hiring a local person does not assure this protection.

On the other hand while a larger home cleaning Service Company is more likely to protect a person against theft or damage, they have their drawbacks as well. They are generally more expensive for the same work and they also do not always send the same people to the house every week. That means that special requests or preferences may go unheeded. With a local person you have the benefit of dealing with the same person every time and you can instruct them to your needs and wants as necessary.

Home cleaning service from a professional company or a local contractor gives peace of mind and comfort while offering a much-needed service. Each have their benefits but both will give a person the satisfaction of knowing that their house will be in order when they return.


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Thursday, 17 May 2012

5 Ways to Cut Your Household Costs - Stain Removal

There is a huge diversity of specialist cleaning products available to tackle specific stains encountered on clothing or upholstery. Finding the appropriate product for a specific stain cannot only be time consuming, but also expensive. Most people do not realise that by utilising items commonly found in the kitchen cupboard at home, they can avoid spending money on expensive specialist stain removal products. Here are five items that are great at removing stains:

Bleach:
Most people have a bottle of bleach in the home. Bleach uses a process called "oxidisation" to remove stains from fabric. Bleach is particularly effective on white cotton items. A little dilute bleach can be dabbed on a stubborn stain on a white cotton shirt before washing. White cotton or linen items that have become discoloured over time can be rejuvenated by washing them in bleach diluted in plenty of hot water, or soaking for a few hours before washing the items as normal. The combination of bleach and sunlight is a powerful stain remover, so items treated with bleach should be hung outside in the sunshine to achieve the best stain removal effect.

Care must be taken with bleach, as it is not suitable for use on all fabrics and should never be used on delicate fabrics or dark coloured materials.

Hairspray:
Hairspray is a great stain remover for ink stains. If a child gets ink onto upholstery, the area can simply be sprayed lightly with hairspray before wiping gently with a cloth. It also works well on shirts if a pen has leaked into the pocket. A spray containing alcohol works best. A damp rag should be placed under the stain and then the hairspray should be sprayed directly onto the stained area. By blotting with a damp cloth, the stain should be lifted out of the fabric.

Methylated Spirits:
Methylated spirit is a strong solvent, and good at removing a variety of stains from fabrics. It is especially good at removing greasy food stains or stains from cosmetics, such as lipstick. The stain should be dabbed with spirit and left for five minutes before rinsing in warm water. This method should only be used on colourfast fabrics. Methylated spirit is also useful for removing felt tip pen stains.

Washing Up Liquid/Soap:
For everyday stains, the simple action of rubbing the area with a little soap or washing up liquid can be enough to break up the stain and allow it to be washed away easily in the laundry. Soap is also particularly effective on felt tip pen stains and bloodstains. Hair dye splashed on fabric is best treated with a cup of warm water containing a good squeeze of washing up liquid. Soap is also effective at removing lipstick stains from clothing.

White Vinegar:
White vinegar has a variety of cleaning applications in the home and is a fantastic stain remover. This is because the acetic acid is able to cut through grease and dirt. The best way to use white vinegar is to dilute it and put it in a spray bottle for pre-treating items before washing, such as grubby cuffs and sleeves on shirts or the underarm areas of garments. Items can also be soaked in dilute white vinegar before washing. White vinegar is also effective at removing mildew stains from clothing and shower curtains.

As you can see, many effective stain removal products can be found in the home, simply by looking in the kitchen and bathroom cupboards. These basic items can tackle a variety of commonly encountered stains, minimizing the need to purchase expensive chemical stain removal products.


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Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Is It Necessary to Go for Roof Cleaning?

All of us know that the roof is one of the most important parts of a home or commercial building. In addition to keeping out water, a roof contributes to the look of a home and helps with a structure's energy efficiency and comfort. A well-installed roof is meant to last decades, unless of course it pre-maturely deteriorates due to environmental conditions. This is when it might be well-worth investigating, getting the roof professionally inspected and cleaned.

As a home or building's roof ages, problems can crop up due to exposure to moisture, wind and sun. This leads to the accumulation of dirt and grime, algae, moss, fungus and other organic growths. If left unchecked, these issues slowly degrade the roof material and lead to damage and ultimately roofing material failure. Regular cleaning and maintenance keeps damage at bay and significantly extends the life of the roof. It is generally much more economical to regularly inspect and if necessary clean a roof, then to wait until it needs repair. For in addition to the roof repair itself, one may find themselves needing to repair rotting interior portions of the building due to moisture exposure. Some preventative maintenance can save significant pounds later on.

Each climate condition brings on different potential issues. With the UK's frequent rain and moist atmosphere things are more often damp. Exposure to wet conditions in and of itself isn't necessarily the biggest factor in organic growth accumulation, however. A home or building that is surrounded by trees is more at risk: shade from trees block sun exposure which keeps the roof moist; trees spread a higher than normal number of algae spores carried by wind; and leaf accumulation can clog gutters and roof valleys leading to water retention. All of these situations contribute to faster roof deterioration and damage. In addition to keeping the roof clean to add to its useful lifespan, a clean roof also makes a home look much more inviting and eye-pleasing. This is key component to maintain a home or building's long-term value.

Whether cleaning a roof one's self or using a professional, it is important to use the right approach for the roofing material on the building. Amongst the common methods used, cleaning solutions are often applied to kill and loosen moss and algae that accumulates on the roof. A sturdy brushing of the surface followed by a fresh water rinse leaves shingles clean. In some cases another solution is applied to help inhibit future organic growth. For more stubborn organic growth and grime, a power washing is often recommended. With this method a high-pressure jet of water removes material. This approach is best left to professionals as too high a pressure can damage the roof or poor technique can force water under shingles.

One must also be cautious about the type of cleaning solutions applied. It is important that the chemical ingredients in the cleaning fluid be appropriate for the roofing material. Also of more consideration these days is the potential environmental hazard associated various ingredients. A diluted solution of chlorine bleach is a tried and true method; however the application and run-off must be properly handled to avoid streaking and staining. In consideration of the environment, many now prefer organic solutions or opt to simply forgo cleansers at all and rely on brushing or power washing.

No matter what one's personal preference though, it is important to give attention and care to the roof. Regular inspection and cleaning by a professional firm will certainly pay off in the long run.


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Tuesday, 15 May 2012

What to Consider Before Hiring Carpet Cleaning Services

Having a carpet is equivalent to hiring the most competent carpet cleaning professional to handle the tedious job of maintaining the soft texture and colorful nature of the carpet for the longest time possible. It is a lot more affordable to hire the services of a cleaner for two deep-cleaning sessions a year than keep the carpet uncared for only to purchase a new one just a few years later.

Indeed, there are many carpet cleaning companies that would be glad to do this task for you. However, it is of great importance to choose the carpet cleaner with care. You cannot just pick out a carpet cleaner from a multitude of others without prior research. Some of the things you may want to consider would be reviews by past clients, years of experience in the field, working equipment, cleaning method and so much more.

Taking these points into consideration will not only help you get the best cleaner but also give you the satisfaction of knowing that you gave the best shot for one of your choicest furniture. Nevertheless, to stay in the right frame of mind about professional carpet cleaners, you need to get your mind off the cost of getting professionals and focus on the end results. Cost, as many would think, is not nearly as important as choosing the right person for the job. There are even other things that come before the cost issue.

To start with, you must check out the track record and general reputation of the company you want to hire. They should have a website with reviews of past clients and all. You may also do some mouth to mouth research. Simply ask friends, family or colleagues about how they care for their carpets. Whether or not they use professional help, and if they do, which company's services they hire for the cleaning job. You could also do a simple Google search on company reviews to see what people are saying on various sites. Doing this homework would be a good stepping stone to deciding which company you want handling your carpet.

Furthermore, you would want to check that the company you are considering is legitimate and not prone to lawsuits. They should be able to provide proof of this and not just word of mouth assertions. They must have legal backing for their company to run in the country.

After considering legality, you will want to check out the kind of material and equipment used by the company. Such equipment should range from cleaning machines to chemicals. They should demonstrate professional know-how in the field, not just profess it. You may also want to verify if the cleaner has experience cleaning a carpet with fabric like yours. You don't want your carpet destroyed because it would cost you money to get another one. Internet is your best ally to finding such relevant information.

To conclude, I want to insist that these are not the only things to consider before choosing a carpet cleaning company. There are several other things to note and with some internet research, you can come up with your own list of priorities.


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Monday, 14 May 2012

Flooding Damage Control Tips

If you or someone you know has recently become the victim of flood damage, you know exactly how traumatic such an experience can be. In addition to causing substantial emotional and mental duress, a flood causes physical damage to property and can prove incredibly expensive.

When a flood strikes, the most significant thing that a homeowner can do is to act quickly. The damage caused by a flood can grow exponentially worse if left untreated. Fortunately, there are a number of effective actions you can take immediately if your home has been affected by flood water. Adhering to the following flooding damage control tips can help you salvage a large portion of your possessions and help to expedite the process of reclaiming your home.

Insurance: First and foremost, it is crucial to protect your home and your possessions with a flood insurance policy. Homeowner's insurance does not pay for loss of property due to flood damage. Regardless of where you live, it is important to understand that heavy rains and flash floods can occur without warning, even in areas in which flooding is not common.

Carpets: If your home is affected by flood, the carpeted areas will most likely be the primary focus of your concern. This is because water that seeps into carpeting can quickly form mold and mildew, both of which can be harmful to you and your family and are expensive to remove. Carpets and rugs should be dried as quickly as is possible after excess flood water has been removed. Open all windows in the house in order to allow faster drying and to further prevent mold formation. After the carpet is completely dry, vacuum with an effective carpet cleaner to remove odors and stains.

Flooring: If left untreated, flood damage to floors can eventually cause major structural issues within the foundation of your home. When saturated for an extended period of time, wooden floor boards can harbor moisture for months following the flood. Mold spores are often found in concentrated amounts beneath tiles and stone flooring, as these types of floors are difficult to replace without the assistance of a proficient flooring expert. Take care to remove as much water as possible quickly after flooding has stopped. Use a sump pump to remove excess water to avoid damage and potential injury.

Furniture: Though the majority of flood damaged furniture is relatively difficult to salvage, certain pieces can be saved with thorough cleaning and care. Leather furniture is most frequently counted as a total loss, but if the damage is minimal, it may be possible to replace certain parts and save the entire piece. When treating upholstered furniture that has been submerged in flood water for an extended period of time, consider the fact that cushions and other fillings will most likely need to be replaced. Even if dried completely, this type of stuffing can harbor millions of microscopic mold spores. If possible, remove all exterior coverings and launder them as directed by the manufacturer's labeling. Use a quality rust inhibitor to protect all metal components, such as springs and frames. Wooden frames should be left outside in the sun to dry before you attempt to reassemble furniture.

Safety with electrical appliances: Electrical appliances that have been submerged, even for a short period of time, should not be used until they are serviced by a certified electrical repair professional. Never turn on electrical appliances that have been damaged by flood water, as this can result in overheating, fire or injury by electric shock. An electrician should also be consulted before turning on fans, lights or other appliances operated by a wall switch, as water can remain within the walls of your home and cause major malfunction of wires and circuits.

Safety with gas appliances: Gas appliances that have been damaged by flood water should also be inspected and repaired by a certified professional before they are used. Even if a gas appliance appears to be functioning properly, it is possible that its safety features have been disabled by the presence of standing water, making them extremely dangerous to operate. Gas leaks, also often caused by flood water damage, can cause fires and explosions if exposed to flame. Always turn off the main valve to your water heater if you suspect a gas leak and call your gas company immediately to remedy the problem.


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Tuesday, 8 May 2012

Carpet Care - Wet and Dry Carpet Cleaning

Carpet is a popular type of flooring used in both commercial and residential buildings. A lot of people love carpet flooring for its aesthetic appeal and the comfort it provides. The only things keeping everybody from using carpet flooring is the high maintenance required.

It's a good thing there are professional carpet cleaners that can take care of the major carpet care activities. Carpet cleaners can use different cleaning methods, but all of these can be classified as wet or dry cleaning. Wet cleaning is distinguished from dry cleaning simply by the amount of water used in the process. Water used for cleaning may either be hot or cold, depending on the method of cleaning used.

In hot water extraction, a wet carpet cleaning method, hot water mixed with cleaning chemicals is sprayed or splashed onto the carpet. The carpet is scrubbed to help disturb particles and later vacuumed to extract dislodged dirt and soil. Hot water extraction is for dealing with carpets that have deep-seated stains that typical vacuum cleaners won't be able to get out.

While hot water extraction is effective for thorough cleaning, it might damage more delicate types of carpet, creating wrinkles and other unpleasant types of damage on the wool. Carpet colors also fade faster when soaked with hot water. Furthermore, the drying period after hot water extraction and other wet cleaning methods takes some time.
Large and frequently occupied facilities such as hotels and restaurants in highly industrialized cities like Indianapolis have no time to wait for the carpet to dry after wet cleaning. They prefer dry cleaning methods, which only lasts for a few hours, yet produce almost similar results. The types of dry carpet cleaning Indianapolis experts recommend include dry compound and encapsulation. Both methods use absorbent compounds that do not need solvent like water to be able to extract dirt from deep down the pile.

Some dry cleaning methods still require water, but only enough to mix up cleaning agents. However, dry carpet cleaning Indianapolis IN professionals offer is only ideal for slightly soiled carpets and should not be an alternative for extremely dirty carpets. Otherwise, only the dirt on the surface will be extracted and the dirt underneath the piles can still serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

If you want to read more about carpet cleaning in Indianapolis, you can find interesting information at About.com. On this website, you can further understand the difference between wet cleaning and dry cleaning and at the same time effectively choose which method best fits your carpet needs.


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Monday, 7 May 2012

Professional Window Cleaning Means Opportunity for Window Advertising

The windows of a building not only allow your employees to see out, but they also allow your customers to see in.  Getting professional window cleaning is important to make sure customers can actually see inside, but there are other reasons your company might need to hire window cleaners regularly.  If you have large windows on your storefront, you can use them as much more than sneak peeks or enticing temptations for customers, they can become great advertising opportunities.

Window Displays

Many stores create great displays to show off their products to customers.  These displays could just be architecturally stacked products that attract the eye.  They could also be entire scenes that use a variety of products to tell a story a passer-by might relate to.  A display might even incorporate moving parts like waving mannequins or toy trains to catch people's attention.  Whatever you choose to put in your window, it's important to keep the window clean, so the display is easily viewed and appreciated.  If you are displaying tasty morsels or fun toys, you might get a few fingerprint smudges from kids who want to come in for a closer look as they drool over your work.  This gives you yet another reason to make sure both the inside and outside of your windows are professionally cleaned.

Window Art

Large panes of glass also make great advertising space as a flat surface.  Window paints offer all kinds of opportunities for letting the public know what's in your store.  You can advertise sales, create seasonal pictures involving your products or promos, or invite artists to create beautiful murals inspired by your company's motto or service.  In between each of these works of advertising art, it's important to make sure the window gets a good cleaning.  When you hire CIA for professional window cleaning in Melbourne, you can be sure no trace of the advertising is left behind, so you have a fresh canvas to start with when you're ready to start a new promotion.

Window Demos

Some places even go so far as to conduct demos right in their front windows.  People can stop on the street to watch, which will cause others to stop to see what they're so focused on.  Eventually, you can gather quite a crowd.  Restaurants in New York have been known to put their pasta makers or pizza dough tossers in the windows to show that their ingredients are made fresh.  Other companies, particularly toy companies, enjoy putting an employee in the window playing with their latest and greatest toys to get kids to pull their parents over to the store.  Whatever you decide to demo in your window, just make sure window cleaners like those at CIA have left it clear and clean, so everyone can enjoy your product and service before they stop in to buy it.  And always remember, professional window cleaning should mean great window advertising.


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What Are The Positive aspects Of Hiring Specialist Cleaners For the Office Rather than Employing Your own Cleaners?

Acquiring specialist cleaning services for your offices is going to be considerably better than hiring your personal staff do this job for you. Most cleaning services companies offer you with a lot of benefits that will be tough to ignore. There's usually a threat of harm to your possessions whenever you let a person inexperienced carry out the cleaning for you. To help keep your points protected and sound you have got to pick a proper business that will ensure that that your possessions are clean and secure. They're going to also have insurance cover in case of any breakages. Right here are a couple of in the advantages of applying these skilled cleaners.



They are Available All the Time



These expert providers are prepared to serve you twenty four hours every day. Whenever you need their services, you just need to call them and they're going to present the service you call for. Furthermore, if you have any problems then they'll be prepared to enable you to in any way attainable. In addition, they ensure that the service they deliver is 1 hundred percent ideal and you'll have no complaints at all. They'll be sure that you simply are content with their service. Even if you do possess a complaint then they are going to make certain it truly is their 1st priority to set it appropriate.



The Suitable Tools And Cleaning Supplies Might be Utilized


These companies will use the appropriate cleaning supplies along with other tools to create your premises totally clean. Some items need particular care and handling and they're going to use the ideal tools to ensure that there is certainly no harm done and also the object is cleaned to a high normal. You will not have faded sofas, spotted rugs and spotted carpets when you hire a cleaning organization to complete this job. You could take this matter within your hands but you'll be responsiblefor the consequences. You are able to simply harm your possessions with no even realizing it.



A number of Services Are Offered By These Organizations



These organizations are readily available in pretty much each town and city of most nations. This can be also a further convenience to be gained from applying these cleaning services. These organizations present you an enormous range of services. These businesses will deliver you with services like carpet cleaning, domestic cleaning, office cleaning, mattress cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, upholstery cleaning, right after party cleaning and so significantly a lot more. Furthermore, these businesses also offer services like ironing as well as the washing of curtains. You just must give them a call and they'll arrive on your doorstep to supply the most beneficial possible service to you.



On the other hand, several considerations which you need to keep in thoughts before you employ any enterprise for these services. Make sure that they have at least ten years of experience. The more expertise they have the greater service they'll present. Ensure that that the corporation possesses insurance coverage, in order that if any injury occurs to a worker or for your items then the company will be in a position to pay for it. Check their website and examples of their perform before you employ them. Ask about to find out when the business features a fantastic reputation and you'll want to be in excellent hands.


Everybody is trying to save money today and it is actually incredibly tempting to attempt and cut corners on your workplace cleaning costs. The use of professional cleaning services Cardiff can be a great thought and has several advantages of hiring your own staff. You don't have the headaches that employing staff brings like the added administration function. Also cleaning providers provide workers that happen to be extremely trained and have all the most current cleaning supplies and tools to perform the job effectively.


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Sunday, 6 May 2012

Different Seasons Require Different Commercial Cleaning

Whenever the seasons change, people tend to have a change of heart as well.  That includes your customers.  Some seasons bring them out to shop, while others cause them to want to stay holed up in their homes.  You should schedule regular commercial cleaning with CIA to make sure no matter what season they come to your business, you'll be prepared.  You might also want to consider a few specific types of cleaning to add to the list whenever the seasons do change, since changing weather patterns can mean changes in dust and pollen levels as well as air quality.

Spring Airing

Once winter is over, it's a good idea to open your building and let it air out.  Often we keep everything so sealed up in the winter, that the air becomes dense and almost suffocating for your customers and employees.  By taking in some fresh air, you get a new scent flowing through your building that can invigorate everyone inside.  This also means it's time to air out your window coverings.  We can make sure every curtain and blind gets a good disinfecting, so that it adds to the fresh smell in your office instead of adding to the heaviness of it.  You may want to switch to linens that use lighter colours in order to reflect more spring light instead of soaking it all up and blocking it out.

Summer Dusting

When summer arrives, it tends to dry everything out.  Then, when the wind blows, dust gets everywhere and settles in places you might not expect.  By hiring a commercial cleaning service like CIA, you can be sure that we will dust every nook and cranny regularly, so you don't have dust mites and other allergens flying around making your workers sick.  Have you ever thought about all the dust that settles into your electronics?  Overtime, they can make your computer run slower.  If your building gets a regular dusting by professionals though, less dust will be able to settle on your technology, keeping it running smoother longer, so your company can too. 

Fall Debris Clearing

Fall means there will be a lot of debris falling around your building.  Dead leaves can clog gutters, get caught in walkways, and cause problems in gardens and hanging flowers.  We take care of exterior cleaning too.  CIA will make sure your garden, as well as the rest of your building exterior, is well cared for throughout the seasons.  That means, when fall arrives, your building will still look great, which will encourage people to come inside.

Winter Fabric Washing

When you're ready to seal everything up for the winter, it's important to make sure all your fabrics, including chairs and couches with material on them, are nice and clean.  Otherwise, when all those people spend more time inside, they'll be spending it on dirty linens, which is more likely to make them sick.  If your materials are clean, your building's interior will smell better too, which is nice when you're heating and recycling the same air.  That's just one more reason why hiring a commercial cleaning service in Melbourne year round is so important.


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Saturday, 5 May 2012

Get a Deeper Clean with Commercial Cleaning in Melbourne

If you've hired a commercial cleaning company in the past, but all they did was pull a vacuum cleaner and empty the waste bins, then you were wasting your company's money.  A professional service offering commercial cleaning in Melbourne should do a lot more than that.  In fact, they should make sure your business is cleaned from top to bottom and inside and out.  That way, not only will it look great for you and your employees, but for your customers too.  CIA can provide thorough cleaning like commercial window cleaning and commercial floor cleaning, but that's not all.  We offer a wide array of services to keep your company looking its best.  Those services also include blind, curtain and upholstery cleaning, pressure washing, façade detailing, builder's cleans, vacate cleans, landscaping, gardening and reticulation, waste management, pest control, maintenance and repairs, and even graffiti removal.  With a company that provides all of these services, you can be sure not detail will go unnoticed.

Window Care

Unlike other companies, we make sure that both sides of the windows are clean.  Pollution from the outside can cause a film to appear on your windows over time.  We will clean this so that it is streak free and get rid of oils from pollutants and fingerprints.  On the inside, there are a lot of indoor pollutants that cause windows to look steamed up.  We will make them look crystal clear so your customers can see right through to the products and services you provide.  You want your windows to be welcoming, portraying the best parts of your business.  If they are all smudged, customers will worry about the interior cleanliness.  By hiring CIA, you will get high quality, commercial window cleaning whenever you need it.

Floor Care

Hopefully, your company brings in a lot of business, and consequently, a lot of foot traffic.  All that traffic also means a lot of dirt though.  That's why it's important to get commercial floor cleaning regularly.  Not only does that mean vacuuming on a regular basis, but also steam cleaning and mopping when necessary. There are bound to be more than few stains that will need spot cleaning too.  You don't want your customers distracted as they wonder what on earth could have made that stain, when you're trying to get them to focus on buying products.  With regular, deep cleaning though, your floors can look professional all the time. 

Just make sure you get the best when it comes to commercial cleaning in Melbourne.  That way, you don't end up paying more in order to have the same job done twice.  With CIA, you'll get our quality assurance every time at a price you can afford.  Because you can't afford not to keep a clean company, both for your employees and your customers.


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Friday, 4 May 2012

Carpet Cleaning Techniques to Deal with Common Carpet Stains

One of the biggest disadvantages of carpet flooring is its tendency to get easily stained. Compared to concrete or tile flooring, carpet is made of textile, a very porous material that pretty much acts as a dust and stain magnet. Fortunately, there are various techniques that can help deal with unsightly carpet stains.

Carpet stain removal techniques vary depending on the type of stain. One of the most common types of stains are pet stains like dog or cat urine. If you have carpet flooring and you allow your pet to stay in your house, you must find a good way to get rid of urine stains on a regular basis. Moistening and scrubbing the stained area using water-detergent solution is usually more than enough to remove the stain while water-vinegar solution applied in the area can help neutralize the smell.

Carpet stains are a common sight for kitchens in homes with full carpet flooring because there are always different types of liquids that can get spilled anytime. To deal with oil, you can make a simple mixture of water and detergent will do since the only substance that can mix water and oil is soap. Dealing with other types of carpet stains in the kitchen usually require the same cleaning agents, particularly vinegar-water and water-detergent solution.
Blood is the most misunderstood type of carpet stain. Blood stains should be removed using cold water. Hot water causes the blood to clot even more and set even further. This why even the most potent hot water extraction methods don't work well on blood stains.

In children and study rooms, the most common type of carpet stains are ink blots. Expert carpet cleaners Indianapolis has to offer recommend dampening the stained area with isopropyl alcohol-saturated cloth. Ink blots dislodge or dissolve in alcohol by scrubbing the surface mildly, but too much alcohol can damage the carpet dye and create faded spots.

Some stains like battery oil and mercury cannot be dealt with using home techniques. In fact, carpets that are stained with mercury must be disposed immediately. Indianapolis carpet cleaning professionals strongly advise homeowners to leave mercury stains to the professionals since the substance is considered highly.

To know more about carpet stains that Indianapolis commercial carpet cleaning experts handle, carpet-cleaningtips.com is a good website to visit. This website provides in-depth information about the common types of carpet stains and how to deal with them.


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Thursday, 3 May 2012

Keep Your Technology Running Better with Commercial Cleaning

Most businesses these days are full of technology.  In fact, many office buildings rely so heavily on their technology that their business would slow to a crawl if they didn't have it.  If this is the case with your business, you've probably experienced more than a few occasions when business doesn't go quite as planned because your machines just weren't running right.  Sitting around and waiting for a repair technician can be very frustrating, especially when the problem could have been prevented by making sure you had regular commercial cleaning.

Computers

Commercial cleaning in Melbourne isn't just for the building itself, it's also good for your technology.  Computers have a lot of little nooks and crannies that attract dust like magnets.  When dust clogs keyboards for instance, keys can end up sticking or slowing down the person who is typing.  Dirty hands, dust in the air, and crumbs from between break snacks make this even worse.  It's important to make sure keyboards are cleaned regularly along with other computer parts.  If the room itself is kept cleaner, less dust will settle on hard drives.  Because hard drives spin, dust can cause them to become unbalanced, making them work inefficiently and loudly.  If you hear your hard drive making some odd noises, it's probably due for a cleaning.  Monitors should also be wiped down with soft cloths that won't scratch them.  Hiring a professional cleaning service will make sure less dirt gets caught in your computers and that they are cleaned properly.

Copiers

Your copy machine has a lot of moving parts.  These parts usually require oil, ink, and other sticky substances that attract dirt.  If you have a lot of dirt in the air at your office, your copier is more likely to go on the fritz.  That's why hiring a commercial cleaning service can save you money.  Instead of constantly waiting for a repair man who will simply clean the parts that seem to be jammed and replace them again, a cleaning service will keep the environment cleaner and consequently, your copier functioning properly for longer periods of time.

Fans

Most buildings have a lot fans working to circulate air through them, whether for heating or air conditioning purposes.  Filters make sure these fans move cleaner air, instead of simply pushing dirt around.  When these filters get clogged though, your fans have to work extra hard top push air through them.  Also, after a while, dirt builds up on the blades of the fans, causing them to spin less efficiently, and much more noisily.  Eventually, all they're doing is pushing dirt through the air, which can make your employees and customers sick.  By keeping your environment cleaner with regular commercial cleaning, these fans will be more likely to work properly and your filters won't need to be changed quite as often.   In the long run, a commercial cleaning service will save you a lot of money through technology that last longer and works better.


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