Check out all our videos on our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIg1wWwD1nd7evzGdsZpohQ
Learn how to clean different types of stains, how to choose the right backing for your home and how to use carpet tiles to make different designs as well as see how easy they are to install!
While out on the lake this summer have you found that your boat needs new carpet? YES! We even have boat carpet!!
Every home keeper knows their trusty vacuum cleaner is the best weapon against a dirty, smelly carpet. When pets are part of the household or to remove infrequent spills, proper spot removal is in order. Modern carpet is stain-resistant, making it easier to keep accidents from becoming permanent stains. Be mindful, stain resistant does not mean stain proof. You’ll still need to be vigilant and attack offenders timely.
Carpet cleaning products bearing the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) seal of approval are generally safe to use on any type/color carpet. Still, it would be wise to test it on a small concealed area of carpet. Follow manufacturer’s directions, remembering not to scrub the area vigorously.
Preventive measures go a long way toward keeping carpets clean. By placing mats inside and outside doorways, a great deal of dirt stays outside where it belongs. This may sound strange, but scheduled changes of your HVAC air filter allows it to remove dust that would otherwise fall on your carpet.
Beyond preventive measures, regular vacuuming and timely spot removal, carpets should be professionally deep cleaned every 12-18 months to get rid of the ground-in grunge, which is invisible to the human eye. It is the only method that prolongs the life and beauty of your carpet.
Deep cleaning systems target embedded grime resulting from air pollution, outside dirt that travels inside and cooking vapors. If allowed to remain in your carpet, it eventually will look lackluster as its color disappears beneath layers of soil.
It’s your personal decision whether to employ professionals to clean your carpet, or rent/buy home equipment and do-it-yourself (DIY). However, home carpet cleaning equipment is not as powerful as commercial systems. Cleaning an entire house is quite labor intensive.
When you engage a professional carpet cleaning service, it’s important to select a system that does not leave residue behind, which exacerbates the intent of deep cleaning in the first place.
Hot Water Extraction
Commonly known as deep steam cleaning, this method is recommended by the CRI as having the best potential for cleaning. First, the carpets are pretreated with a chemical agent, which is applied using high temperature.
Professional carpet cleaners use an external truck mounted extractor. A hose attaches to the extractor and a handheld pressurized wand is attached to a hose. The wand is used to rinse the pre-treated surface, extract particles and residue of the pretreatment solution and vacuum.
It generally takes from 4-12 hours for the carpet to dry thoroughly. However, it can dry within 6-7 hours when professionals use optimal equipment.
Be mindful if your carpet is still under warranty, you may be required to validate periodical hot water extraction cleanings. Whether you prefer to DIY or hire professionals, all cleaning equipment must carry the CRI seal of approval.
Advantages of Professional Carpet Cleaning Services
When a carpet is deep-down dirty, it holds debris such as: cockroach allergens and pet dander. Eventually toxic gases stick onto to debris and pollute the air. Professional carpet cleaners kill and rid your carpet of them with powerful extraction equipment.
Your carpet dries quicker, which helps prevent harmful growth of mold.
Why Dirty Carpets are Harmful to Health
Extremely dirty carpets breed dust mites, which kick-up allergies in most people. Breathing the residue of dead dust mites can cause irritation to eyes and nose and/or rashes.
Did you know athlete’s foot can be caused by walking barefoot on carpets containing parasitic organisms?
Inhaling various volatile compounds from dirty carpet can result in asthma attacks, coughing, runny noses and breathing problems.
It’s not the dirt you see on your carpets; instead deep-down dirt is the core of many health issues. In this light, hiring a professional carpet cleaner is definitely not a luxury, it is a necessity.
Very few things can add beauty to your home more than new carpeting. It can brighten a room and give it a sense of warmth to any who enter. Likewise, there are very few things that can detract from a room like a dingy, worn, or dirty carpet. While vacuuming helps to keep your carpet looking good and extends its life, vacuuming alone is not enough. Your carpets need a deep, thorough cleaning at least once or twice a year, more often if you have children, pets, or smokers in the home. While most people have a rug shampooer in their homes, it is recommended that you have the job professionally done at least once in a while. A professional carpet cleaner can get the job done in about half the time it would take you and they have specialized equipment to make sure that the carpet is truly clean. In addition to that, most professional carpet cleaners are able to treat your carpets so that they remain stain resistant. However what do you do if spills or accidents happen between cleanings?
Having a carpet cleaning machine in your home is a good start, but you can’t always drag it out immediately to deal with stains. In cases like this, it is helpful to know how to spot clean your carpet, or at least treat the stain immediately so that it doesn’t become permanent before you can clean it properly. If you have a bottle of commercial spot remover you can use, then by all means do, but if you don’t have any on hand there are some common household items that will work just as well. The easiest and gentlest on the carpet is cream of tartar. Mix about ¼ cup cream of tartar with enough lemon juice or vinegar to moisten it Using clean, dry towels, blot up as much of the spill as you can and then spread the paste over top of the stain and work it in thoroughly. Allow the paste to dry completely and then vacuum any residual powder out of the carpet. This works very well on stains like red wine, grape juice, or spaghetti sauce. Much as you would with a commercial spot cleaner, test the cream of tartar paste on an inconspicuous area to make sure that the carpet is colorfast. While this will remove small stains completely, you should still clean the area thoroughly as soon as possible.
New carpets can contain a lot less chemicals than older ones. It’s worth your time to trade in your carpet if it is more than five years old.
To remove stains from your carpet, you can scrub a wine stain with club soda. Let it absorb the wine and scrub. If it remains, wipe it down with a few drops of white wine vinegar and it should remove all of the residual stain.
To remove muddy footprints or to clean your carpets well and make them a lot brighter, sprinkle them with ordinary table salt and let the salt stand for about an hour on the carpet. Then vacuum normally with a hepa filter vacuum for better suction.
When properly cleaned and maintained, your carpet may actually help to prevent allergic reactions. Carpets are highly effective places to trap dust and allergens and prevent them from staying airborne. When you vacuum correctly and regularly your household air quality may actually be better than without a carpet.
To get gum out of your rugs, press and hold an ice cube on the carpet to freeze it. Snap off the gum and then use a spot cleaner to get out the remainder. If small bits or particles remain, a VERY light going over with a safety razor may remove the residual.
IF you have a large water spill it is imperative that you remove all residual water and place a fan on your carpet or have it professionally cleaned. Stachybotrys is a household mold that can grow rapidly on wet carpeting and can cause dermatitis and other problems.
If you have depressions in your carpet that are left there by heavy furniture sitting on the rug, you can use a steam iron to remove them. Hold it close to the rug but not touching it and allow the steam to hit it until it is slightly dampened. Using a popsicle stick or flat craft stick lift the carpet fibers gently.
Removed dripped candle wax from your rug by covering it with a paper bag and ironing over the bag. Most of the wax will be ironed into and absorbed by the bag. Clean the rug below with vinegar or club soda. Remember to clean your iron.
Installing carpets is the perfect way to beautify your home while introducing your own character in to your interior design. Modern carpets are highly durable, comfortable, and best of all they can be surprisingly inexpensive.
The actual installation of your carpets is just as important for the look, feel, and durability of the carpet as the quality of carpet that you choose. A lot of times you will find installers offering cut rate prices for a basic installation.
Because it can be easy to be misled, and eventually caught out by sub-par carpet installers, we’ve put together this short list from Best Value Carpet explaining what you should look out for when you choose an installer for your next project.
Are You Purchasing Your Carpet from a Big Box Retailer?
Many of the big box retailers offer an accredited ‘basic’ carpet installation, sometimes for less than $100 for a full home. Surely there must be a catch? The catch is that ‘basic’ literally means the most bare-bones carpet installation service possible. Therefore these deals often don’t include installation materials, glues, and even certain requests like the carpeting of stairs or split level steps.
If possible, avoid big box retailers, or if you do decide to buy your carpets there it’s best to arrange for your own professional to install them. You might pay a little more but your carpets will be installed to a higher standard. This will help them to last as the manufacturer intended, and prevents follow up work resulting from poor installations.
Is Your Installer Licensed and Insured?
All installers should be licensed and bonded. This not only tells you that you’re dealing with real professionals, but it will also protect you from liabilities from on-site accidents and unforeseen events.
Ask for References.
No matter how great a company or private contractor might seem, you need to do some research to choose the right installer. Ask for two or three references so that you can get an idea of the work the installer has completed. An installer who is cagey about references is not worth the risk.
Choose an Installer Who Provides a Comprehensive Installation Warranty.
Carpet installation is a critical aspect that contributes to how good your carpet looks, and how long it will last. Carpet that is installed incorrectly may void manufacturer warranties, and may bunch up, be misaligned on corners and walls, or in the worst cases may even fray and unravel at certain points.
Ask about a warranty on the installation. This will protect you from poor workmanship, and also gives an indication of how confident the installer is in their work.
With the right installation, carpets can transform your home. The installation is just as important as the carpet itself, so exercise caution when choosing your installer. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal that sounds too good to be true, or that doesn’t offer protection for you in the way of licensed installers, references, and installation warranties.
Need ideas for choosing nursery carpet? You can try several great options to create the right atmosphere and to keep the room comfortable and warm.
Type of Fiber
Carpets made of natural materials like wool are usually the most expensive varieties on the market. Investing in this kind of carpet, however, is a good idea for the nursery.
Synthetic fibers like nylon could be treated with some toxic chemicals. This is why you should avoid choosing artificial fibers for your baby’s room. Apart from wool, you can go for other natural carpet fabrics like cotton and jute.
Pick a Thicker Carpet
Thick and plushy carpets tend to be more expensive but they will protect your little one from bumps and bruises.
Softer and fluffier carpets are great for nurseries but make sure that the quality is high. Threads and pieces coming off the carpet could potentially endanger your baby – you know that little ones tend to put everything in their mouth.
Ease and Cleaning Convenience
Choose a flooring option that comes with easy installation. Carpet tiles are a great possibility, especially if you have decided to change the flooring shortly before the baby’s arrival. The carpet tiles are a peel and stick variety, which is excellent for a DIY project.
Wall-to-wall carpeting is something that you should avoid for the nursery. You will find it difficult to clean the carpet located underneath furniture and in the edges of the room. Dust will start accumulating, and there will be higher risk of having mold or mildew in the room. All of these could potentially lead to respiratory issues like asthma.
These are some of the basics to keep in mind when choosing a carpet for your nursery. You have a lot of freedom when it comes to style, material, color and pattern. Pick something that will enhance the interior design of your baby’s room but keep the practical considerations in mind, as well.
Come over to the store and check out our discount carpet tiles deals. First quality carpet tile at bargain pricing.
Great prices on carpet tiles that we have in stock. We carry a wide choice of colors, styles, and patterns. Carpet tile is a great choice for many rooms in your home or business.
Green living gains more and more popularity because of the favorable environment it creates and the cost-effectiveness of such home modifications. Think about several green possibilities, if you are about to start a home redecoration project soon.
Eco Carpet Tiles
Get rid of the old carpet, especially if it is made of artificial fibers. These could be treated with harsh chemicals. New carpets are much more environment-friendly and easier to install on your own.
Carpet tiles are a great possibility because they come in many colors and different styles. You can use several kinds to make your own custom rug. Some carpet tiles are made from recycled materials, which turns them into an environment-friendly option.
Carpet tiles are easy to install. You simply need to peel and stick the tiles to the bare floor in each room.
Recycled Items
Environment-friendly furniture and accessories can be affordable. You will simply need to do your research in advance.
Many stores offer items made of recycled materials. Alternatively, you can make your own accessories from old jars, plastic bottles and cans.
Reupholster and Re-purpose
Throwing old furniture and cabinets out will result in a lot of waste. Give your old pieces a second life through an easy and enjoyable DIY project.
Old wood is very easy to re-purpose and freshen up. Sand the cabinet doors and varnish or paint them. You will immediately transform their appearance.
When it comes to couches and sofas, you can have those reupholstered. Leather restoration is also a viable possibility. Apart from being environment-friendly, these projects are much more affordable than the purchase of new furniture.
Air Purification and Scents
Candles and air fresheners are very popular but you should avoid the commercial varieties that are made of petroleum-based paraffin. Soy candles are a great natural possibility for giving your home a nice scent. Homemade natural wax candles are another great idea.
Potted plants will keep the air in your home naturally fresh. The plants will contribute to the interior design, as well. Choose flowering plants that require little care and that have deliciously-scented blossoms.
Getting rid of your old carpet to install carpet tiles can be an exciting experience for the home or business owner. Unfortunately, as you tear out the previous carpeting, you will notice you have a lot of padding and material to dispose.
One option you will have is to sell it to someone else, assuming it is in relatively good condition. Placing an ad online or offering it at a yard sale can be a good way to connect with someone who is looking to purchase inexpensive carpeting. This can help you to avoid dumping fees, give you some extra cash, and keep old carpet out of a landfill.
Some communities have places where you can donate old carpet. A couple examples include 1)Animal shelters can use it to bottom cages. 2)Habitat for humanity offices will resell it at an affordable price to the less fortunate and use the income to help build homes. Make sure you check on the requirements that these companies have, to ensure that you are meeting their minimum requirements.
If you prefer to take a green approach to the carpet removal, consider recycling. You will find that some roofing shingle companies, furniture batting professionals and others will repurpose the carpet so it doesn’t go to waste. You can check with local carpeting companies as they will usually have a list of providers who will recycle carpet in your area and ensure that your waste is put to good use.
There will be more than one use for your old carpeting. Take a moment to determine the approach you want to take with your carpeting and then proceed to ensuring that the carpet is disposed of in the best manner possible. This can help to re-purpose the material beyond the dump and potentially help others in the process. With the old carpeting out of the way, you can then install the new carpet tiles that you have purchased.
