Dust, mildew, pet dander, mold and other debris collect within carpet fibers, contributing to respiratory issues. Regular Carpet Cleaning El Dorado Hills CA eliminates these contaminants and extends the carpet’s life.
Prevent problems between cleanings by taking simple precautions. Vacuum regularly, and change or clean your HVAC filter to keep dirt from circulating in the home and settling on rugs and carpets.
Your carpet is like one giant air filter, trapping debris and allergens in the fibers. Regardless of what type of fabric your carpet is, natural or synthetic nylon carpeting, it collects everything from dirt to dust to pet dander to pollen. In many cases, this debris gets airborne and is inhaled which can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma attacks in people who already have these conditions.
The same goes for any stains on your carpet. The longer they stay there, the more embedded they become, making them more difficult to remove. The best way to minimize the impact of allergens in your home is regular cleaning, but if you aren’t able to get professional carpet cleaning services on a schedule that works for you, there are some DIY steps you can take to keep these pollutants at bay for longer periods of time.
Vacuuming your carpet regularly can prevent the accumulation of debris and allergens. If possible, designate a family member or roommate to take charge of the vacuuming and stick to a weekly routine. Also, invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure it captures microscopic allergens rather than blowing them back into the air when it reaches the end of its path through your carpet.
Another way to prevent the build-up of allergens is by washing your carpets using a bonnet cleaning method. This method uses a rotary brush or rotating disk to clean your carpet, and it’s usually much faster than other methods. However, it can leave your carpet wet which allows mold and mildew to grow.
Allergens in your carpet can make your home a breeding ground for pests that cause other problems, too. The best way to avoid these pests is by keeping your pet groomed and brushed, especially around areas where they tend to shed the most. You can also use special flea shampoos to kill their eggs, reducing the amount of shedding your pets do.
The only real way to deal with allergy-causing debris deep in your carpet is by having it professionally cleaned. All Star Chem-Dry can help you keep your allergies under control by providing thorough deep cleaning of your carpet, rugs, and soft furnishings.
Stubborn Stains
Stubborn stains like red wine, pet accidents, and coffee spills can make your carpet look dirty and discolored. Different types of stains require special cleaning solutions and techniques to be removed from your carpet fibers without damaging the fabric.
If a stain is not treated promptly, it may become permanent. Begin by blotting the affected area with white paper towels or cloths to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Follow up with a solution of two teaspoons of dishwashing detergent in one cup of water. Dip a clean white cloth into this mixture or the cleaning product you’ve purchased and dab repeatedly. Let the spot sit for 15 minutes and blot it again with a dry white cloth or paper towel until the excess liquid is gone.
Different types of stains require different pretreatments. Before using any chemical spot remover, test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your carpet. Be sure to use a clean white cloth or paper towel as the dyes in some fabrics can be transferred and leave indelible marks or stains. Always work with small amounts of the spot remover. Avoid excessive rubbing and agitation, as this can distort the color of the carpet fibers. If you’re unable to get the stain out, call a professional.
The best way to prevent the formation of stubborn stains is to have your carpet professionally cleaned regularly. In addition to removing dirt, stains, and allergens from your carpeting, regular professional cleaning will help prolong the life of your flooring.
When selecting a residential carpet cleaning company, ask how many rooms or areas they service for a set price. Some companies charge by the room while others may have a minimum price per square foot. Also, find out what extra treatments they offer and how effective they are.
Before the professionals arrive, move as much furniture as you can. Heavy items can be costly to move, and you’ll save time by preparing the room yourself. It’s a good idea to move personal belongings out of the way, as well.
Dirt
Carpet gets dirty fast, especially in busy households. Children, pets, and frequent guests track in dirt that can make stains and damage carpet fibers if not removed promptly. Frequent vacuuming helps, but it may not be enough to prevent ground-in grime. Many professional cleaning companies offer hot water extraction (also known as steam cleaning), a highly effective method for removing ingrained dirt and stains. Some offer other services, such as encapsulation and dry cleaning, which use less moisture and can reduce recurring stains.
When shopping for a carpet cleaner, check the company’s credentials and prices. Prices vary by company, and some companies charge extra for add-ons like soil retardants or deodorizers. Also, be wary of any company that quotes prices per room rather than by square foot. The former method allows companies to overcharge for cleaning smaller rooms that are actually larger than others, while the latter gives homeowners a more accurate estimate of costs.
Some companies provide additional services, such as upholstery cleaning or air duct cleaning. This allows them to meet customers’ holistic maintenance needs and become one-stop destinations for all of their cleaning needs.
Before starting the carpet cleaning process, it’s important to prepare the area. Vacuuming the floors and moving any heavy furniture will help the cleaning process go more smoothly. It’s also helpful to point out any areas with heavy traffic or stains so that the cleaning professional can take special care in those spots.
A carpet cleaning technician will pre-treat the flooring with a special solution to help break down stains and make them easier to remove. Once the treatment is applied, a machine is used to apply high levels of heat and suction to the carpet, which loosens the dirt and extracts it with the vacuum. The process should be finished quickly and with minimal disruption to the household, but the underlying padding and carpet must be allowed to dry thoroughly before people walk on it again.
Other methods for removing deeply-embedded dirt are available, but they may require more time and patience. For example, carbonated cleaning involves spraying a powdered cleaning agent onto the carpet that then fizzes up and dissolves oily residues. This method is highly effective and requires very little water, making it ideal for delicate or moisture-sensitive carpets.
Damage
Many carpet cleaning processes use harsh detergents that if not rinsed completely can leave a slightly sticky residue that attracts dirt. This causes carpets to look dirtier than they really are.
Vacuuming your carpets at least once a week is the right amount for most households. Homes with pets or heavy foot traffic may need to vacuum more often.
Damage to your carpet can be caused by water damage. This includes clean, grey or black water. Clean water can come from rainwater flooding your home, malfunctioning household appliances or even a spill you caused. Grey water typically comes from dishwasher discharge pipes or toilet overflows. Black water is contaminated and usually the result of sewer backups.
Water damage can also occur from not having your carpet cleaned fast enough or the wrong way. This can lead to rotting or mildew under your carpet. It may also be caused by hiring a company that uses do-it-yourself machines that don’t have the power to extract all the water or doesn’t know how to properly use the equipment. If the carpet padding remains wet it could lead to mold and mildew in your walls, under furniture or in other places that you don’t see.
