Carpet, Rug and Tile Cleaning Tips by the Expert in Sun Valley

Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.

Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white paper toweling (no printing).

Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing may cause pile distortion in the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed. If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in the spot removal computer and follow the directions carefully.

Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to be certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected.

Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white terry cloth and work in gently.

Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot in order to absorb as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.

Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill.

Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times. After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed.

A dry, absorbent, cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to accelerate drying time. For more detailed information on a specific spill please go to www.mrsteamsvalleysteam.com. Many fiber manufacturers provide a toll free cleaning assistance and advice (consult your warranty).

A spot is defined as “foreign particles on the carpet that have not affected the dye sites of the fiber that can be removed.” A stain, on the other hand, is “when the dye site of the carpet fiber is permanently altered with the addition of dyes.” Damage is “when the carpet is physically damaged or color has been removed permanently by bleaching.

There are many factors that influence the outcome when attempting to remove spots and stains from the carpet such as: the fiber type, the age of the carpet, the length of time a spot or stain has been on the carpet, previous cleaning attempts, improper cleaning and using the wrong solution.

Our technicians have all the most technologically advanced tools and education to not only determine whether you are dealing with a spot or a stain but also what type of treatment the concerning area may need. After a thorough inspection and some questions for you like, “Do you know what was spilled here?” and “Did you try to remove the spot yourself?” The technician will be able to determine the possible outcome of removal with you.

With the experience and expetise our company has, we are known for being able to get out difficult spots. If a spot is removable, we have what it takes to get it out. However, if there is a permanent stain, which can be caused by any of the factors mentioned above and more, the likelihood that it will be completely removed is greatly reduced. Remember carpet cleaning does not reverse previous damage to the carpet.

With the expertise our company has, we are known for being able to get out difficult spots. If a spot is removable, we have what it takes to get it out. Our vans are stocked with every specialty spotting agent known to our industry. However, please understand that there are many things that can cause a permanent stain. They include, but are not limited to things with color, like red, yellow, blue or green. For a detailed description and percentage of removal likelihood, please talk to you technician at time of service or call the office.

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.