Pet Odors Inside our Homes
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The pet odors can be over whelming this time of year in Arizona due to the increased humidity. Urine dries to a crystal form in the padding and backing of the carpets. When moisture is introduced it liquidifies and releases the odors. Pet puddles are unfortunate but they do happen. An easy fix is to pour a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water onto the spot and blot up with WHITE towels. Continue blotting up until the towels aren’t absorbing any moisture. Then place a small fan on the area to continue drying.
If your not sure where the odor is coming from you can use a black light to identify the problem areas. Darken the room and use the black light. So you don’t have a black light, I’ve recently seen them in pest and weed stores- the black lights are also ideal for finding scorpions on the outsides of your home.
We also carry a commercial pet spotters for pet urine. If you would like more information just call 480-821-1481.
Guaranteed Clean Carpet Systems creating Healthy Indoor Environments for the past 18 years. Located in Gilbert we service the entire Valley of the Sun.
Indoor Air Quality
By · CommentsWhat I once assumed safe and environmental friendly – just isn’t so. A large portion of day to day cleaners are filled with toxins. Currently there is no universal recognized definition for “cleaning”. With this in mind the public’s awareness of effective cleaning has been hampered. Ask ten people, “What is clean?” and the results may be 10 different definitions for clean. Effective cleaning comes down eliminating harmful germs, bacteria and microorganisms, while the use of environmentally preferable cleaning products is a secondary goal. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed 2983 chemicals used in OUR personal care products – shampoos, soap, lotions and deodorants. The RESULTS were astonishing!! 884 were found to be toxic, and of those 778 can cause acute toxicity, wait it gets worse -146 can cause tumors, 218 can cause reproductive complications and 376 can cause skin and eye irritation. Chemical toxins gradually build up in our systems. The toxins aren’t just limited to personal care products and cleaning products, aerosols can linger in our indoor air for hours.
In a recent study California Fish and Game Department found household bleach, laundry detergent, dish soap and all purpose cleaners to be the most toxic substances in their aquatic waterways. The EPA has stated that INDOOR AIR QUALITY is one of the nation’s most important environmental problems. The facts now show that more than 60 MILLION Americans, that is roughly 1 in 4, experience respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies resulting from indoor substances – often cleaning products. To reduce the risk associated with cleaning products and help protect indoor air quality observe limited exposure ,improve ventilation during and after the use of products, rinsing surfaces liberally and controlled amounts of products applied. These simple steps can be taken to help improve our home environments. The GREEN effort is now on the move and more products are being tested for toxicity and performance ability.
How safe is your home? For further information regarding cleaning products and Air Cleaners please feel free to contact us at 480-821-1481.
Clean, Healthy Indoor Air
By · CommentsUntil recently you never heard about Indoor Air Quality. More and more we hearing about the effects of poor indoor air quality. How serious is this issue around air quality and should we really be concerned?? My background has always been in cleaning – from private homes to commercial buildings, carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, upholstery cleaning, not to mention parking lot sweeping. I’ve seen dirt on many different areanas.
I think like most people we assume the hype about indoor air quality was all a marketing gimic and it fit the build. As I began to reflect on issuses regarding dirt I realized that it starts with the simple things like the air tight homes that TRAP all those germs, odors and dander, the film we find on our surfaces, the dirt on the fan blades and the haze that builds on the inside windows. Where’s it all come from? The truth is that we bring it in on our shoes, our clothings, our pets – we create it inside with our cooking, our candles and air fresheners, perfumes, and yes even our cleaning products. All those continue to build inside. The outdoor air has mother nature to thank for it’s cleansing with the rains and sunshine, but inside we are the ones to regulate it’s cleanliness.
As homeowners we can take steps to clean the indoor air we breathe :
- Place walk off mats at all entries to trap the loose soils from our feet.
- Clean entry areas freguently from dirt and soils.
- Vacuum carpets regularly, using a high efficiency vacuum bag.
- Change HVAC filters monthly, or invest in high quality reusable electrostatic filters
- Clean Carpets and Upholstery Professional cleaned on a regular basis
- Clean Soft surfaces – bedding, drapery and other fabric surfaces
- Control Moisture and humidity
Recent studies from Sweden find that there is a link between Poor Indoor Air Quality and heart disease. Now is a great time to consider cleaning the air you breathe.
Upholstery Cleaning Tips
By · CommentsWhat once was the PERFECT piece of furniture that totally set the stage, no longer fills its purpose. Reality set- in as well as the oil from the dogs coat as he rubs along the edge, or the cat hair that clings and impregnates the very fibers, and don’t forget the kids, they’ve left their permanent mark also.
Can a home be furnished with family and pet friendly fibers? – you BET. Today’s fibers are more resilient and sturdier then ever. Most fabrics used for upholstery come treated with fabric protector. Not the silver bullet against spills BUT certainly it allows us the opportunity to respond, and need I say QUICKLY. Quick response is the key. PLACE a small white cotton towel under a seat cushion to use for emergency spills. If needed, gently place the towel over the spill to absorb the spot, No rubbing, scrubbing or smashing necessary.
The protector is the key to prolonging the life of our furnishings, BUT it will wear off with use, (and who doesn’t use their Furniture?) Exactly, reapplication is essential. When searching for the IDEAL piece be sure to check the fibers you are considering and their cleaning recommendations. Outdoor furniture is durable and cleans up easily. We can NOW protect your carpets and furnishings with Solar Shield Protector which prevents sun fading (pretty good for us Arizonians).
Visit our website at www.cleanNfreshcleaning.com to download your FREE copy of “The Smart Consumer’s Guide to Carpet Cleaning.” Call the experts at 480-821-1481 or send an email to Norma@cleanNfreshcleaning.com. Norma McCormick , owner of Clean NFresh Cleaning Service and Norma’s fine Oriental Rug Cleaning is a certified Master Textile Technician with more 18 years experience in the cleaning industry.
Flooring – Tile, Wood Or Carpet, Which is right for You?
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The latest trends ALWAYS keep us yearning. When it comes to flooring needs the latest is GREEN technology like the bamboo wood flooring, or the carpets giving off less off gases. BUT what really works for you and your family? Ceramic tile is nice and comes in an array of colors, sizes and textures. Natural stone leaves a regal feel throughout the home, and wood gives that timeless safisticated look.
The real question is WHAT works for YOU and your lifestyle? I have heard alot of sad stories regarding the new flooring that was the end all. The beautiful Cherry wood flooring for $35 ,000 – only to find out every time the dog ran across the floor he left large gouges in the floor. Or the travertine flooring for $20, 000 – to find out to have the look they wanted cost approximately $3,000 on a regular basis to keep up the look they wanted. I think we all love the look the designers create but let’s face it – we all have to live in it. Most of the time maintenance and cleaning don’t come into question until after the fact. Before installing a new flooring ASK about cleaning and durability, what about kids and pets? the right time is prior to the installation. When considering changing the flooring in your home, talk to some professionals about the pros and cons. Good luck with your purchases, and most of all your cleaning.
Carpet Protectors keep Carpets Looking Newer
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Why should I apply carpet protector?? We all wonder if it’s really worth the cost- or does it work? Carpet protectors make a big difference in cleaning up spots and keeping carpets looking cleaner longer. The Carpet manufacturers have been applying protectors to new carpet for over 20 years. So why are so many people asking if it’s really worth it?? Why do the manufacturers belief so much in it ,that we question the effectiveness. Scotchguard and Dupont Teflon are common names in the industry today. If you think about teflon skillets, then you probably understand the concept behind the product.
Protectors for carpet are designed to keep the nylon fibers from holding on to the soil and allowing the soil to easily slide off the fibers when vacuumed. Though the protectors don’t prevent carpets from becoming soiled in the first place – they make spot cleaning and professional cleaning more effective.
The protector doesn’t wash off with regualer cleaning BUT it does wear off with heavy traffic. Once the protector is worn off it allows dirt to the opportunity to grab hold of the fiber and stick. Now the carpet appears to soil faster. The great NEWS is that protector can be reapplied to freshly cleaned carpets. After 2 years carpet manufacturers suggest that there can significant loss of the original protector applied.
Depending on your own cleaning frequency, you may want to consider the application of protector after having your carpets professional cleaned. For a list of qualified cleaners visit www.carpet9.com. The Carpet Fabricare Institute is a non profit association of locally qualified carpet cleaning firms. Protect your investment with the proper cleaning and protector applications to extend the life of your carpets!!
Carpet Care Tips for Lasting Beauty
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The question always arises – What can I do to maintain my Carpets?? Vacuum carpets regularly. Insure lasting beauty and healthy carpets by vacuuming weekly for the number of occupants. For instance if there are 2 adults, 3 children and 2 pets, you should vacuum high use areas 7 times a week. Remember our carpets are acting like an air filter and actually trap and hold on to the soil in our air, tracked in soil and odors within the home (or building). The loose soil actually scratches and etches the fibers, giving them a dull look. Due to the damage caused by the soil the fibers no longer bounce the light off of -them leaving a dingy appearance. You can check the Carpet Rug Institute,www.carpet-rug.com for a list of vacuum cleaners included in their Green Label Program.
Placing mats at all entries will reduce the amount of soil brought into the home. Keep outside entry areas clean as well. Blot spills quickly. We all get those unexpected spills from time to time, try to keep white terry towels close for quick clean ups. By placing clean towels under couch cushions they’re always in easy reach. Blot spots NEVER rub and scrub.
Be sure to clean other soft surfaces regularly – upholstery, curtains, area rugs, and leather. This helps remove those stale odors. Change the air filters on a consistent basis – I pick a day a month (ie. first Monday of the month) and that helps me remember to change them regularly. Airing out the house/building will also help remove trapped odors.
We spend alot of time on our carpets. Start a maintenance program to enhance the beauty and life of your carpets. Through proper care your carpets will give you years of enjoyment.
Shopping Local Businesses Benefits our Community
By · CommentsIt seems as if everyone is watching what they purchase and in some instances putting off purchases if they can get by without. It reminds me of a local office supply store promoting buying local first. We actually put 50 cents on every dollar back into the local community verse using a nation wide company that only puts 13 cents back into the local community. So while all of us are watching and spending wisely, I encourage you to use local businesses FIRST. I find that the quality is just as good and often times the customer service far out weighs their competition. Happy shopping and bargain hunting!!
Carpet Cleaners Get Hands On Training
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Education and training are important in any trade you’re in. We believe strongly in training our technicians in all aspects of carpet and upholstery cleaning. Recently we hosted a hands on training session for fellow carpet cleaners. It was refreshing to get to see the experts teach about their fields, like carpet repair and installation. As the cleaners of your carpet we get occasional questions regarding ripples on the carpets after washing. Some of the time this is attributed to improper installation. Some of it is due to the age of the carpet and the backing wearing down. It flattens out as the carpet dries but can be pretty mind blowing for the home owner. We even discussed new backing material being used in the industry that allow the backing to grow with age -again adding to the rippling. We are in hopes that as an industry that we can encourage all members and partners to be more cognizant of their role in the flooring industry. You have any questions regarding carpet and flooring needs please feel free to contact me at 480-821-1481.
Navajo Rug Reunion coming to Tempe Az
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I am so EXCITED!! We are hosting a Navajo Rug Reunion on the 28th of February. Mary Walker, with Weaving in Beauty will be giving FREE informal appraisals of Navajo Weavings. This will be so dynamic to see all the beautiful weavings. I know that alot of our clients have obtained rugs from family, friends, and even swap meets and garage sales and are concerned with their authenticity. Now you have the opportunity to find out a little of the history behind your rug. Every Navajo rug has a story, COME find out your rug has to SAY!! Call now for your appointment, 480-814-1657.
I had the opportunity while on the Navajo nation and visit a weaver in her home. The time and detail spent on these rugs are incredible. Come and enjoy the art of Navajo Rug Weaving. The shop is located at 2120 E. 6th Street #16 in Tempe Az. We will be scheduling appointments from 10 am until 4pm.
