With so much information, claims, sales pitches and cleaning products available, how can you know what is true and what really works? Here are some tips to getting and keeping carpet clean and facts about cleaning.
Question: Does carpet protector really work and is it worth the extra money?
Answer: Yes and No
Yes, carpet protector works and can be very effective. However keep in mind that carpet protector only protects against wet soils. It has no affect on dry soil. If you have an environment where spills happen frequently, like soda, coffee or juice, carpet protector is a viable option. In other areas, it may be money you do not need to spend. And remember, it is not a forcefield against dirt! Spot cleaning and good vacuuming are still needed!
Protector is also typically over priced. An add for inexpensive carpet cleaning is usually suplemented by items like carpet protector, many times marked up 100% or more. Ask for a discount on the quoted price.
Yes, carpet protector works and can be very effective. However keep in mind that carpet protector only protects against wet soils. It has no affect on dry soil. If you have an environment where spills happen frequently, like soda, coffee or juice, carpet protector is a viable option. In other areas, it may be money you do not need to spend. And remember, it is not a forcefield against dirt! Spot cleaning and good vacuuming are still needed!
Protector is also typically over priced. An add for inexpensive carpet cleaning is usually suplemented by items like carpet protector, many times marked up 100% or more. Ask for a discount on the quoted price.
Question: How do I remove a spot or stain without calling a service?
Answer: Follow these simple steps. If the stain is still present, ECO Advantage can help.
1) Identify what the spot is. Coffe, juice, food, etc..... (See "What is the difference between a spot and stain" below for more information)
2) Remove any substance. Blot or vacuum. Never brush or rub.
3) Use a small amount of a general purpose spotter. If a professional one is not available, store bought can be used. DO NOT over saturate the area. This can push the stain into the backing and/or pad of the carpet.
4) Agitate the spot with a spoon, working from the outside into the middle. (If spreading the stain is a concern, wet the area around the stain with a 50/50 mix of peroxide and ammonia).
5) Give the cleaner time to work. For most stains, 5-10 minutes is sufficient.
6) Blot the area with a clean, white towel. Depending on the size, press down with your thumb, rotating to a clean part of the towel each time.
7) If the stain is still present, repeat steps 3 - 6 again.
8) Rinse. Using small amounts of water, apply to the area and blot as you did before. Repeat this 4-5 times or until no residue is left. A carpet spotter such as a bissell can also be used. If using a machine, rinse with clean water 2-3 times and then make several "dry" passes (vauum only) to get the area as dry as possible.
If your stain is still present, call us for advanced help in getting it out. Using mutiple cleaning products and excess water can make the stain worse.
1) Identify what the spot is. Coffe, juice, food, etc..... (See "What is the difference between a spot and stain" below for more information)
2) Remove any substance. Blot or vacuum. Never brush or rub.
3) Use a small amount of a general purpose spotter. If a professional one is not available, store bought can be used. DO NOT over saturate the area. This can push the stain into the backing and/or pad of the carpet.
4) Agitate the spot with a spoon, working from the outside into the middle. (If spreading the stain is a concern, wet the area around the stain with a 50/50 mix of peroxide and ammonia).
5) Give the cleaner time to work. For most stains, 5-10 minutes is sufficient.
6) Blot the area with a clean, white towel. Depending on the size, press down with your thumb, rotating to a clean part of the towel each time.
7) If the stain is still present, repeat steps 3 - 6 again.
8) Rinse. Using small amounts of water, apply to the area and blot as you did before. Repeat this 4-5 times or until no residue is left. A carpet spotter such as a bissell can also be used. If using a machine, rinse with clean water 2-3 times and then make several "dry" passes (vauum only) to get the area as dry as possible.
If your stain is still present, call us for advanced help in getting it out. Using mutiple cleaning products and excess water can make the stain worse.
Question: What brand of vacuum is best and how often should I use it?
Answer: The brand of vacuum is less important than the right features and maintenance. For commercial settings, a good dual motor upright with a wide vacuum path and on board attachments is best. For large areas, a wide area vacuum (not just a "sweeper") can cut time down dramatically. For residential vacuums follow these guidelines:
> Belt driven brush head. Even though you will have to replace the belt, it is worth the expense and labor. Air driven brush heads do not have enough power to agitate the carpet.
> "HEPA" or "HEPA Like" filtration. (See HEPA Filtration below for more information of filters. If you do not have pets or allergies, HEPA Like should be fine and will save money. If pets, kids or allergies are an issue look for "True HEPA" filtration. These filters will keep the dust you vacuum from being put back into the air. REMEMBER: True HEPA filters cannot be washed, they must be replaced!
> Bag or Bagless: Bagless is best as you can empty the dirt more often and easier, preferably after each use. >
> Edge cleaning. Look for vacuums that have edge or edge to edge cleaning capabilities. Edges are often missed, and this can be an area where dust gathers.
> Tools & Turbo brush. Get a vacuum with on board tools for detail and edge cleaning. A Turbo brush is great for vacuuming tight areas and furniture. Don't forget to vacuum your furniture!!
> Clean it! Be sure to clean all filters, check your belts and hoses often so the vacuum works to its optimal efficiency at all times.
More important than the type or brand of vacuum, is how often you use it. Using a $50.00 vacuum daily is better than using a $500.00 vacuum monthly. You should vacuum at a minimum 2 days per week. If you have Kids, pets or heavy soil and traffic, 3-5 days a week may be needed. REMEMBER: Dry soil removal (vacuuming) is up to 70% of carpet cleaning. Keep your vacuum clean and use it regularly!
> Belt driven brush head. Even though you will have to replace the belt, it is worth the expense and labor. Air driven brush heads do not have enough power to agitate the carpet.
> "HEPA" or "HEPA Like" filtration. (See HEPA Filtration below for more information of filters. If you do not have pets or allergies, HEPA Like should be fine and will save money. If pets, kids or allergies are an issue look for "True HEPA" filtration. These filters will keep the dust you vacuum from being put back into the air. REMEMBER: True HEPA filters cannot be washed, they must be replaced!
> Bag or Bagless: Bagless is best as you can empty the dirt more often and easier, preferably after each use. >
> Edge cleaning. Look for vacuums that have edge or edge to edge cleaning capabilities. Edges are often missed, and this can be an area where dust gathers.
> Tools & Turbo brush. Get a vacuum with on board tools for detail and edge cleaning. A Turbo brush is great for vacuuming tight areas and furniture. Don't forget to vacuum your furniture!!
> Clean it! Be sure to clean all filters, check your belts and hoses often so the vacuum works to its optimal efficiency at all times.
More important than the type or brand of vacuum, is how often you use it. Using a $50.00 vacuum daily is better than using a $500.00 vacuum monthly. You should vacuum at a minimum 2 days per week. If you have Kids, pets or heavy soil and traffic, 3-5 days a week may be needed. REMEMBER: Dry soil removal (vacuuming) is up to 70% of carpet cleaning. Keep your vacuum clean and use it regularly!
Question: What is the difference between a spot and stain?
Answer: See the chart below to identify and decide what should be done.
Spot Substance added Gum, tar, food Remove substance, blot with carpet spotter, rinse.
Stain Color added Wine, red dye (Kool Aid), mustard Blot with damp white cloth. Do not use carpet cleaner. Remove as
much liquid while it is still wet. Call Eco Advantage for advanced stain
removal.
Discoloration Color removed Bleach, acne cream, medicine Call Eco Advantage. Color dying is needed.
Damage Repair required Bowl cleaner, burns, runs Call Eco Advantage. Repair is needed.
Spot Substance added Gum, tar, food Remove substance, blot with carpet spotter, rinse.
Stain Color added Wine, red dye (Kool Aid), mustard Blot with damp white cloth. Do not use carpet cleaner. Remove as
much liquid while it is still wet. Call Eco Advantage for advanced stain
removal.
Discoloration Color removed Bleach, acne cream, medicine Call Eco Advantage. Color dying is needed.
Damage Repair required Bowl cleaner, burns, runs Call Eco Advantage. Repair is needed.
