Carpet cleaning is a must for most homes. It removes dirt, grime, allergens, and bacteria that collect within carpeting fibers. Before cleaning begins, move any furniture you want to keep off the carpet. Also, remove prized valuables, as cleaning personnel may bump them or cause damage.
Allergies are a major problem for many people, especially during peak allergy season. They can cause sneezing, coughing, and other unpleasant symptoms in those who are sensitive to the offending particles or spores. Allergens can be found on many surfaces in a home but are particularly attracted to the plush fibers of the carpet. Clean carpets are essential to controlling allergies, and professional Carpet Cleaning El Dorado Hills CA can play an important role in that effort.
It may seem counterintuitive that a soft material like carpet would be a good choice for those with allergies, but it’s been shown to act as one of the best healthy filters in a home. This is because the soft fibers trap and hold onto irritants like dust, pet dander and pollen until they can be properly removed. This is the opposite of what happens with hard floors, where irritants like these can become airborne and cause reactions.
The type of carpet you choose will also make a difference in how it holds allergens. Berber and Saxony carpets, for example, tend to hold more allergens because of their big lush fibers. Carpets with smaller, tighter fibers are less inviting to allergens and will be easier to keep clean.
Another key to maintaining a healthy carpet is regularly vacuuming and using an allergy-rated air filter. Be sure to spot clean any stains as soon as they happen, too, since a stain can draw in bacteria or mold. Also, be sure to remove your shoes before entering the house to prevent tracking in grit or other debris that can cause reactions.
Those with serious allergies should consider using a premium steam cleaning service that is designed to reach deep into carpet fibers and eliminate hidden allergens. The hot water reaches between the tiny fibers and breaks up the protein that is the source of most allergic reactions. This can be especially helpful in reducing allergies in kids, elderly family members and those who are highly sensitive to allergens.
Allergies can be a real pain but they can be minimized with regular professional cleanings and simple lifestyle adjustments. By vacuuming frequently and utilizing an allergy-rated air filter, keeping the carpets as clean as possible, and getting professional steam or dry cleaning treatments on a regular basis, your family can get through the spring and fall without suffering from a host of annoying allergies.
Disinfection
Aside from routine cleaning, which can help prevent the spread of germs, disinfecting your carpet is another way to keep them clean and healthy. However, there are a few things you should know before getting your carpets disinfected.
First, it is important to note that there is no such thing as a sterilized carpet. Sterilization refers to an environment that is free of harmful elements, which a carpet cannot achieve because it is a porous material. The best that a carpet can be is disinfected, which will reduce the number of harmful elements to a negligible level.
Some cleaning chemicals, particularly those that contain oxidizers or bleaching agents, can damage the fibers of your carpet. They can also leave a residue that attracts soil. In addition, some disinfectants can create corrosive fumes that are hazardous to humans and pets. Therefore, it is recommended that you use a cleaner with a low PH level.
If you are considering using a disinfectant, it is important to test it in an inconspicuous area of your carpet before allowing a professional to apply it. This will ensure that the chemical doesn’t damage the carpet or affect the appearance or color of your carpet. It is also important to understand that the chemicals used for disinfection may void any manufacturer’s warranties that are currently in place.
Most cleaning companies will request that you remove all personal belongings from the room before they start. This will make the process easier and faster. In addition, it will help you save money since the company will only need to move light furniture.
Besides removing stains, a professional carpet cleaning can disinfect the carpet and deodorize it. This can improve air quality and prevent the growth of mildew and mold. It can also alleviate symptoms of allergies and asthma.
It is also a good idea to vacuum the carpet regularly to prevent dirt from becoming embedded in the fibers. This will prolong the life of your carpet and will help to keep it clean and healthy. You can also stop the flow of dirt into your home by taking off your shoes at the door, using doormats and changing the air filters in your house.
Deodorization
Carpets can become dirty and smelly with time, especially in busy households with kids, pets, and smoking. Simple, regular vacuuming prevents much of the dirt that makes carpets smell by removing it from the surface of the fibers. However, the quality of your vacuum matters – a dirty or clogged filter can actually contribute to carpet odor by trapping dirt and debris deep inside the fibers.
Odor-eliminating products can help remove mildew and mold spores from the fibers, but you can also try using home remedies to deodorize your carpet. Baking soda, alone or in combination with borax or essential oils, is a great choice for a natural and inexpensive way to freshen up your carpet. Simply sprinkle the powder liberally over your carpet, and then spritz it with water. Leave the baking soda to sit for an hour or so, then vacuum it up. Repeat as often as needed.
Professional cleaning services are another excellent option for reducing the build-up of dust and other irritants in your carpet. When choosing a company, ask about their methods and equipment. If they offer steam cleaning, make sure the process is SOA-certified to ensure results and warranty protection. If they clean rugs as well, look for a service that uses hot-water extraction with truck-mounted equipment.
Commercial carpets see a lot more wear and tear than residential ones, which is why they need to be cleaned more frequently. A heavy volume of foot traffic means more dirt and grit is being dragged into the carpet daily. In addition, many of these dirt particles are ground-in and can be difficult to remove without a deep clean.
Carbonated cleaning is an effective and affordable option for commercial carpets that requires minimal moisture to get the job done. This process uses powerful chemicals and bubbles to break down embedded dirt and stains, which is then extracted by the cleaning machine. The carpet is then vacuumed, and post-treatment chemicals are applied to enhance its appearance and durability. Finally, air movers are used to speed up the drying process.
For the best results, hire a professional to clean your carpet and rugs regularly. Keeping up with this maintenance will extend the life of your flooring and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Rug Cleaning
Rugs should be cleaned regularly to protect the fibers, prolong their lifespan and to keep them fresh and clean. The average rug can hold a lot of soil that doesn’t show on the surface but is still detrimental to carpet health. This can cause odors, discoloration, damage to backing materials, and even structural damage to the rug. A regular cleaning may be enough for some stains, but for the most stubborn or deep-seated stains the best option is a rug washing service. This specialized cleaning process is performed using hand or machine scrubbing techniques. It involves a pre-conditioning process that softens the pile and helps to remove the most stubborn stains. After the rug is washed and rinsed it is dried in a controlled temperature room to prevent any shrinking or damage.
Before the actual cleaning begins a rug inspector looks over the rug and removes any items such as woodwork, furniture, or long pieces of string that may damage the professional vacuuming equipment. The rugs are then “dusted” to loosen up the heavier dry dirt particles. They are placed upside down and mechanically vibrated to further break up the dry soil. This is a very important step, as the dusting helps the washing and drying processes to be more effective.
Next the rugs are soaked in hot water and expert cleaning solutions are injected into the fibers of the rug. Then the rugs are thoroughly rinsed using powerful suction techniques to extract 95% of the moisture and cleaning solution. This helps to ensure the lowest possible amount of re-soiling.
This is a very thorough cleaning process that uses both hand and machine scrubbing methods to thoroughly clean the entire rug. It is a very effective way to remove deep staining, dirt and grime. It also helps to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in a rug, which can cause odors and health issues.
A rug protector can be applied to the rugs after the wash and rinse cycle to help prevent future stains. This is an excellent option for homes with pets and children as it can help to keep stains and odors from developing and causing further health problems in the household.
