Tips and Hints
Everyone knows that having your carpets regularly cleaned extends the life of the carpet, sometimes up to fifteen years; but did you know that there are also health benefits to having a clean carpet?
Carpet holds odors from pets, cigarette smoke and cooking, among other things. It also holds indoor pollutants from cigarette smoke, air fresheners, and dirt and pollen that have been tracked into the home. Indoor air quality is 10 to 100 times worse than outdoor air quality. Having your carpets cleaned can do something about that!
Steamatic’s patented hot-water extraction system gets your carpet clean fast without the use of soap or harsh chemicals. Our system uses less water, reducing the chance of mold, mildew and bacterial growth and is safe for your entire family, including pets!
Tip #1
VACUUM, VACUUM, VACUUM...
Dry soils are abrasive and damaging. Over time, they abrade the fibers causing them to look dull and lifeless. Soils accelerate the damaging wear we all know as ‘traffic lanes’. Regular, daily vacuuming helps arrest this damage BEFORE it happens, extending the life of your carpet and making the most of your investment.
Tip #2
Clean spills when they happen.
Get spills when they happen! Many carpets are stain-resistant, so acting quickly often avoids permanent damage. Try tap water first. Wet-dry vacs are indispensable. Use professional spotters. Over the counter spotters may cause damage, cause a stain to become permanent or lead to stubborn re-soiling problems. Not sure what to do? Excellent Care offers a variety of professional spotters. Call our office first to determine the spotter that fits your need.
Tip #3
Clean spills when they happen.
Always remember, if you have a spill, BLOT it up with a white towel. Be gentle. Work from the outside of the spot towards the center this way it doesn’t get bigger. Don’t scrub it, don’t rub it, don’t be too aggressive or you’ll end up with a permanent visible fuzzy spot.
Tip #4
Always use door mats!
About 80% of the dirt in carpet is brought inside on shoes. Well swept sidewalks and steps, along with mats placed at entrances can help keep dirt from reaching your carpet. Outside, doormats help knock dirt off your shoes before you enter your home. Inside, door mats and runners help catch soils, preventing them from entering your carpet. Just be sure to keep these mats and runners clean.
Tip #5
Bare feet are not as clean as you think.
Believe it or not, body oils from your feet can actually leave your carpet dirty. Rather than walking around with bare feet or in socks, you may want to use a pair of house slippers.
Tip #6
Rearrange your furniture.
The repeated foot traffic to your favorite place to sit causes those ugly, matted traffic lanes. So, a couple times a year, why not just move things around? it is a good way to break up those use patterns and spread the wear around more evenly. You will notice the difference.
Tip #7
All carpets are not alike.
For longevity, cleaning and comfort, nylon can’t be beat. It is unanimous among carpet cleaners that nylon will outperform polyester and olefin every time. Choose the best nylon carpet your budget allows.
Tip #8
Last but not least…
Don’t forget to maintain your carpets. Read your warranty, manufacture’s recommended professional cleaning every six to twelve months. If you have children and or pets even that may not be enough. Vacuum, spot clean and monitor the overall condition of your carpet. Embarrassing levels of soil actually contribute to permanent damage.
