Welcome to our blog

 

Here you will find helpful tips for dealing with spills and stains, and answers to frequently asked questions.

For more information, please feel free to contact us at email: info@carpetcleaners.co.za 

 

Carpet and Furniture Cleaning Tips:

 

Tip 1: Prolonging the life of your carpets

Carpets are expensive to replace, so the number one tip to prolong the life of your carpets is to vacuum them frequently, using a vacuum cleaner with strong suction power. If you are purchasing a new vacuum cleaner do not be fooled by the fancy brand names, and salesmen trying to sell the latest special. Look for one that is at least 1900w. And if you have pets, ask for a vacuum cleaner that has special adaptations that help remove pet hair.  

 

The reason frequent vacuuming is so essential is because when dirt is allowed to remain in the carpets for a long time, it will get rubbed further deep into the carpet by shoes walking over it. The result is what we like to call the "walkway". This shows up as an ingrained dirt pathway, frequently found at room entrances, leading from doorways, and darker than the surrounding carpet. If the carpets have not been professionally steam cleaned for a while, this "walkway" can be permanent, and replacing the carpets will be the only solution. 

 

Tip 2: DIY do's and don'ts

Do not try renting a steam cleaning vacuum machine and cleaning your valuable carpets yourself. It might seem like a cheaper option at first, but there is a good chance it will land up costing you the price of a new carpet. We can not count the number of times we have been called in to fix the damage caused by cheap steam cleaning machines that leave dirty muddy water marks in carpets, because their suction power is insufficient. And leaving excess water in carpets will cause the underfelt to mould and rot. If this does happen to you, call a professional steam cleaner in immediately, or the muddy water marks will become permanent stains.

 

Tip 3: More DIY do's and don'ts

Do not use liquid shampoos and other common household soaps on your carpets. They will not only leave a residue which will collect dirt, but can also leave permanent stains in your carpet. If you need to remove a spill, use an absobent cloth and warm water.

 

Tip 4: How often to steam clean?

We recommend calling in professionals every six months, to deep steam clean your carpets. And every three months, if it is a commercial property, or if you or your children suffer from allergies.

 

Tip 5: Dealing with stains and spills:

Accidental stains are unfortunately unavoidable, especially if you have children or pets.

 

The important thing is to act quickly. Use several paper towels or an absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the liquid as possible. Press downwards and blot up the spill. Do not scrub it, as this only causes it to spread and go deeper into the carpet or fabric.

 

Next use a clean absorbent cloth soaked in warm water to rinse the stain. Use the same blotting method, working from the outside of the stain inwards, frequently rinsing out the cloth. Be careful not soak the carpet or furniture with excess water, as too much water left in carpets or cushions will cause them to become mouldy and rot. Depending on the severity of the spill, call in professionals as soon as possible to deep clean and remove it.

 

Frequently asked questions:

 

Q: What cleaning method do you use?

A: We use a hot water extraction system, also known as professional steam cleaning, or deep steam cleaning. It is a cleaning method which uses equipment that sprays heated water, as well as detergent chemicals, deep into the carpet or upholstery. While at the same time the suction nozzles vacuum up the sprayed water along with the dirt that has been dislodged or dissolved. The waste water is then discarded. Hot water extraction is widely recommended by most carpet and upholstery manufacturers, as the most efficient method to clean and remove stains, from most types of carpets and upholstery.

 

Q: Does your cleaning process leave a residue?

A: No, the specially designed detergent chemicals we use do not leave a residue on the carpets or furniture.

 

Q: Will your cleaning method remove dust mites, fleas, pollen and       other allergen causing problems?

A: We recommend our steam-cleaning system for all allergy sufferers, as it removes dust mites, pollen, and other harmful allergens from the material and carpets. Plus the detergent chemicals we use are all eco-friendly and are safe for babies, pets, and allergy sufferers.

 

Q: How long will the cleaning process take?

A: An average cleaning of carpets in three rooms, or of a lounge suite usually takes approximately two to two and a half hours. Although the process can take longer, depending on the state of the carpets or furniture, and the space in which we are working. For large areas of office carpets, the cleaning time depends on how many square meters, and the state of the carpets. 

 

Q: How long will the carpets or furniture take to dry?

A: Even though our cleaning system uses water, the majority of the water is extracted. Therefore both the carpets and furniture will be dry in 24 hours, provided there is sufficient ventilation in the room. The drying time will be a lot less on hot days, and if we are able to leave the furniture in the sun to dry.

 

Q: Will deep steam cleaning remove pet urine, and the smell from the carpet of furniture?

A: It is important to proffessionally clean the urine as soon after it occurs as possible, from the carpets and furniture. The detergents we use, along with the powerful suction power of our machines, are usually successful in removing the urine. As an extra we also use special odour-removing detergents to help remove the smell. In extreme cases we recommend rather replacing the carpets or inner cushions of furniture.

 

Q: What will happen to the furniture while you are cleaning the carpets?

A: Our staff are well trained to move the furniture around while cleaning, and replacing it back in place after they have finished cleaning. Some smaller items we might recommend leaving off the carpets for 24 hours until they are completely dry. For office carpets, we can work around desks, so it is not necessary to unplug computers, monitors, printers, etc.

 

Q: What will you require in order to steam clean the carpets and upholstery?

A: We only need access to electricity, and water (preferably hot water).

 

Q: How often should I have my carpets and furniture professionally steam cleaned?

A: We recommend having them cleaned every six months for private homes, and every three months for office carpets, and if you suffer from allergies.