Archive for December, 2007

The 7 Principles of Upholstery Cleaning

Thursday, December 27th, 2007

The world’s most recognized body of certification (IICRC) publishes standards for safe, effective cleaning for upholstery. Our company follows these standards to insure that you get the maximum soil and spot removal in the safest manner possible. WARNING: Most upholsetry cleaners are NOT certified and do not use these standards! Here are the seven important steps that should always be taken in caring for fine fabrics…

1. Fabric Inspection: A simple test which involves taking a tiny swatch of the fabric reveals the fiber content.

2. Dye Testing: A small amount of upholstery cleaner is applied to an inconspicuous area of the fabric to test for dye stability.

3. Dry Soil Removal: In cleaning any textile, the first step is always to remove as much dry soil as possible. This improves the following cleaning steps greatly.

4. Soil Suspension: A preconditioning agent is used on most fabrics to “suspend” the soil for more effective extraction.

5. Soil Removal (Extraction): A water or solvent based solution is used to whisk away the suspended soils.

6. Pile Setting/Grooming: Textiles that have a “pile” are set after cleaning with a special grooming brush.

7. Drying: High velocity air movers are used to promote faster drying.

 

Pets Gone Wild On Your Carpet

Thursday, December 27th, 2007

What should you do when your pet “goes on the carpet”? Are puppy puddles putting you in a particular predicament? Well, not to worry, that’s what we are here for.

First of all, if you have a pet that is prone to urinate on the carpet, take a quick walk through your home each day when you get home. The quicker you get to a pet stain the better.

Some technical tips on urine: When urine is first excreted, it is on the acid side of the pH scale and very easily removed. Within hours of being exposed to oxygen it turns to an alkaline pH. When this happens it will coninue to increase in alkalinity to the point of becoming practically ammonia. This explains the ammonia like odor. At this stage the urine dramatically affects the dye structure of the carpet.

To clean the urine spot: Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water and clean with a white terry towel. If you have a small extraction machine, it would be ideal to use it. DO NOT USE OVER THE COUNTER SPOT REMOVERS OR ALL PURPOSE CLEANERS ON URINE! YOU MAY SET THE SPOT PERMANENTELY! IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE REMOVING IT, CALL US IMMEDIATELY.

Get Your Free Consumer Information Guide to Carpet Cleaning

Thursday, December 6th, 2007

Don’t be victimized by uninformed, uneducated, or downright unscrupulous carpet cleaners. Call to get your copy of Mr. Steam’s Valley Steam’s Consumer Information Guide to Carpet Cleaning. In it you will find out what you need to know to keep your family’s home it’s healthiest and avoid unethical cleaners and common rip-offs! To receive this valuable resource at no cost to you simply call 208-735-0386 or 208-788-2220.

Free Trial Offer

Monday, December 3rd, 2007

If you’ve never used the excellent services of Mr. Steam’s Valley Steam Carpet Clean this offer entitles you to 100 Sq. Ft Free!! No Charge, No Obligation! No high pressure sales pitch to listen to, just clean and healthy carpet! Call Today, 208-735-0386 or 208-788-2220!

Restrictions: Must be a new customer, must own home if residential or person in charge if commercial, must be present at time of cleaning. Not valid with any other offer.

Merry Christmas,

Brian and Kelly Ritchie