Month: April 2023

Keeping a clean home office

In recent years, working from home has become increasingly common. Many people prefer to work from home as it provides them with more flexibility, saves time and money, and allows them to work in an environment that is more comfortable and conducive to productivity. However, when working from home, it can be easy to neglect the cleanliness of your home office. A clean and organized workspace is not only essential for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment but also for promoting mental clarity and reducing stress. In this post, we will discuss some tips and tricks for keeping your home office clean and tidy.

Create a cleaning schedule:

It’s easy to let cleaning tasks pile up, but by creating a cleaning schedule, you can ensure that your home office stays clean and organized. Set aside a specific time each day or week to clean your workspace, including dusting surfaces, vacuuming the floor, and organizing your desk. Stick to your schedule, and your workspace will remain clean and clutter-free.

Keep your desk organized:

Your desk is the centerpiece of your home office, and keeping it organized is key to maintaining a clean workspace. Make sure that everything has a designated place, and avoid cluttering your desk with unnecessary items. Keep the essentials within reach, such as your computer, notebook, and pens, and put away items that you don’t need, such as old papers, books, and other office supplies.

Use storage containers:

Storage containers are a great way to keep your office supplies organized and easily accessible. Use clear plastic containers to store items such as extra pens, paper clips, and sticky notes. Use file folders or a file cabinet to store important documents, and label each folder or drawer to make it easy to find what you need.

Keep surfaces clean:

Dust and grime can accumulate quickly in a home office, and it’s essential to keep surfaces clean to prevent the buildup of bacteria and germs. Use a microfiber cloth to dust your desk, shelves, and other surfaces regularly. Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to clean your keyboard, mouse, and other electronics.

Keep the floor clean:

The floor is often overlooked when it comes to cleaning a home office, but it’s essential to keep it clean to maintain a healthy and hygienic workspace. Vacuum or sweep the floor regularly to remove dust, dirt, and other debris. If you have carpet, all the foot traffic and chairs rolling on the carpet can cause soiling and wear so have the carpets professionally cleaned periodically.

(Customer’s home office carpets we cleaned)

Keep food and drinks away:

Eating and drinking at your desk can be tempting, but it’s best to avoid it to maintain a clean and hygienic workspace. Crumbs and spills can attract insects and pests, and can also create unpleasant odors. Instead, take regular breaks to eat and drink in another area of your home.

Discard unnecessary items:

Over time, clutter can build up in a home office, and it’s essential to get rid of items that are no longer necessary. Go through your office supplies, papers, and other items regularly, and discard anything that you no longer need. This will not only free up space but also make it easier to keep your workspace clean and organized.

In conclusion, keeping a home office clean requires a little effort and commitment, but it’s worth it in the long run. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create a clean, organized, and healthy workspace that promotes productivity, mental clarity, and reduces stress.

How to tell when it’s time to clean the carpets

Carpets are a common feature in many homes and businesses. They provide warmth, comfort, and add an aesthetic appeal to the interiors. However, they also accumulate dust, dirt, and other allergens over time, which can pose a risk to our health if left uncleaned. Regular carpet cleaning therefore, essential to ensure that they remain hygienic and in good condition.  Carpet manufacturers require proof of professional carpet cleaning every 12-18 months to maintain their warranty.  But frequency varies from house to house.

Here are some warning signs that may indicate that it’s time to have your carpets cleaned:

1. Stains and Spots: Stains and spots are some of the most apparent signs that your carpet needs cleaning. Spills and accidents happen, and if not addressed immediately, they can leave unsightly stains that can be difficult to remove. Moreover, the longer you leave the stain, the harder it becomes to remove it. Therefore, if you notice a spot or stain on your carpet, it’s essential to have it cleaned as soon as possible.
2. Bad Odor: If you notice a bad odor coming from your carpet, it’s a sign that it needs cleaning. Over time, carpets can absorb dirt, dust, and pet dander, which can create an unpleasant smell. Additionally, moisture can also get trapped in the fibers, leading to mold growth, which can cause a musty odor. Regular cleaning of carpets can help eliminate bad odors and improve indoor air quality. If you have pets then a special pet treatment may be needed to treat the stains and odors.
3. High Traffic Areas: High traffic areas such as hallways, entryways, and living rooms tend to accumulate more dirt and dust than other areas of the carpet. This can result in the fibers looking dull and worn out. Regular cleaning of high traffic areas can help restore the carpet’s appearance and extend its lifespan.
4. Allergies: If you or your family members suffer from allergies, it’s crucial to have your carpets cleaned regularly. Dust mites, pollen, and other allergens can get trapped in the carpet fibers and trigger allergic reactions. Vacuuming alone may not be enough to remove these allergens, and professional carpet cleaning can help eliminate them.
5. Carpet Age: Carpets have a lifespan, and as they age, they tend to accumulate more dirt, dust, and other pollutants. If your carpet is more than five years old and has not been cleaned in a while, it’s time to have it cleaned. Regular cleaning can help extend the carpet’s lifespan and improve its appearance.

In conclusion, regular cleaning and maintenance of carpets are essential to ensure that they remain hygienic, odor-free, and in good condition. Particularly with light colored carpets, the longer you go between cleanings, the more permanent the soil becomes as the soil grinds into the pores of the fibers causing permanent discoloration.

If you notice any of the above warning signs, it’s time to have your carpets cleaned. Professional carpet cleaning services can help remove dirt, stains, and allergens, leaving your carpets looking and smelling fresh. It’s recommended to have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year, depending on usage and foot traffic.

Tough stain removal

Over the last 37 years I’ve worked on every conceivable stain you can get on a carpet in the Redmond-Kirkland area. While professional carpet cleaners can get out a lot of tough stains, there are some unfortunately that can be permanent. Back when we used to do mostly apartment carpets, permanent stains were common and to take care of them we would simply use a carpet knife and cut a square around the stain and cut a piece from a closet and seam it in to make it look like new.

I know many people think a professional carpet cleaner should be able to clean out any stain, but that isn’t the case. Some carpets tend to stain easier than others.  Polypropylene carpets resist many stains but hold on to oily stains, whereas a good quality Stain Master carpet will almost always clean up like new. So while we can remove all sorts of stains, there are a number of variables that affect the cleanability of certain stains. So before removing a stain it’s important to know what exactly caused the stain, for example red juice stains are removed differently than red wine stains.  It’s also important to know what kind of carpet it is, is it nylon, wool, polyester, polypropylene, wool blend, olefin etc. Also the construction, is it a cut pile or loop pile or commercial glue down. Certain types of cleaning products can only be used on certain types of carpets without damaging them.

Here we’ll discuss a few types of the more difficult stains that can usually be removed by professional carpet cleaners:

Coffee Stains
Coffee stains are one of the most common stains found on carpets. They are notoriously difficult to remove, especially if they have been left untreated for a long time. Professional carpet cleaners can remove coffee stains using various methods, such as hot water extraction, and low moisture cleaning. The method isn’t as important as the product used and depends on the severity of the stain and the type of carpet. They will usually use special cleaning solutions that penetrate the fibers and break down the coffee stain molecules.

Pet Stains
Pet stains are another common type of stain found on carpets. These stains not only leave unsightly marks but also produce unpleasant odors. Professional carpet cleaners use specialized equipment and solutions to remove pet stains from carpets. They use enzymatic or peroxide cleaners that break down the organic matter in the stains, neutralizing the odor and removing the stain from the fibers. The cleaner is applied to the stain, allowed to sit for a few minutes to break down the stain and odor.

Ink Stains
Ink stains can be difficult to remove from carpets, especially if they are not treated immediately. Professional carpet cleaners can remove ink stains using specialized solvents and cleaning agents. They apply the solvent to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the ink to dissolve.  The process is repeated until the stain is completely removed. The type of ink and type of carpet make all the difference here as there are many cases where ink can prove to leave a permanent stain especially if it’s in liquid form and spilled to the base of the carpet fibers.

Blood Stains
Blood stains can be challenging to remove from carpets, and they can also leave unpleasant odors. Professional carpet cleaners use specialized cleaning solutions that break down the protein molecules in the bloodstains. They apply the solution to the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the fibers. The process is repeated until the stain and the odor are completely removed.

Red Wine Stains
Red wine stains are some of the toughest stains to remove from carpets. Professional carpet cleaners use specialized cleaning solutions that break down the tannins in the red wine. They apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the fibers. The process is repeated until the stain is completely removed.

In conclusion, as professional carpet cleaners, we can remove various types of stains from carpets, making them look as good as new. We use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions that penetrate the fibers and break down the stains. If you have tough stains on your carpet that you can’t remove yourself, it’s always best to call in a professional carpet cleaner to do the job. They have the knowledge, equipment, and experience to remove even the toughest stains from your carpet, leaving it clean, fresh, and hygienic.

How often should you clean your carpets?

This is one of the most common questions I’ve received over the years in the Seattle-Bellevue area. The answer varies depending whether you are a retired couple who don’t wear shoes in the house and have no pets, or you have a busy household with kids and pets and white carpets. So there’s several factors to consider.

Carpets are a popular flooring choice in both residential and commercial settings. While carpets provide warmth and comfort to any space, they are also prone to accumulating dirt, dust, and other particles. Over time, this build-up can cause discoloration, odors, and even damage to the carpet fibers. That’s why regular professional carpet cleaning is essential to maintaining the health and appearance of your carpets. But how often should you have your carpets cleaned by a professional? In this article, we’ll explore the recommended frequency for professional carpet cleaning and the factors that affect it.

Factors That Affect the Frequency of Professional Carpet Cleaning

Before we delve into the recommended frequency for professional carpet cleaning, it’s important to understand the factors that can affect it. These factors include:

Foot Traffic
The more foot traffic your carpet experiences, the more frequently it will need professional cleaning. This is because foot traffic grinds dirt, dust, and debris deeper into the carpet fibers, making them harder to remove.

Pets
If you have pets, especially dogs and cats, you’ll need to have your carpets professionally cleaned more often. Pet hair, dander, and other debris can accumulate in your carpet fibers, leading to odors and discoloration.

Allergies
If you or any of your family members have allergies, you’ll need to have your carpets professionally cleaned more often. Carpets can harbor allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and mold spores, which can trigger allergic reactions.

Stains
If your carpets have a lot of stains, you’ll need to have them cleaned more often. Stains can set in and become more difficult to remove over time, making professional cleaning necessary.

Recommended Frequency for Professional Carpet Cleaning

Now that we know the factors that affect the frequency of professional carpet cleaning, let’s look at the recommended frequency. In general, it’s recommended that carpets be professionally cleaned at least once a year. However, the frequency of cleaning may need to be increased based on the factors mentioned above.

For example, if you have a high-traffic area in your home or business, you may need to have those carpets cleaned more often, perhaps every six months. Similarly, if you have pets, allergies, or a lot of stains, you may need to have your carpets cleaned more frequently.

It’s important to note that waiting too long between professional cleanings can lead to damage to your carpets. Dirt and debris can grind down the fibers, causing them to wear out faster. Additionally, the longer stains are left untreated, the more difficult they become to remove, leading to permanent discoloration.

Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning

Regular professional carpet cleaning offers a range of benefits, including:

Improved Indoor Air Quality
Carpets can harbor allergens and other particles that can negatively impact indoor air quality. Professional carpet cleaning removes these particles, improving air quality and making your space healthier and more comfortable.

Extended Carpet Lifespan
Regular professional cleaning can extend the life of your carpets by removing dirt and debris that can cause damage to the fibers.

Improved Appearance
Professional cleaning can restore the appearance of your carpets, removing stains and discoloration and leaving them looking fresh and clean.

Reduced Odors
Carpets can absorb and hold onto odors from pets, food, and other sources. Professional cleaning can remove these odors, leaving your space smelling fresh and clean.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regular professional carpet cleaning is essential to maintaining the health and appearance of your carpets. The recommended frequency of professional cleaning is at least once a year, but this may need to be increased based on factors such as foot traffic, pets, allergies, and stains. Investing in regular professional cleaning can extend the lifespan of your carpets, improve

What to look for when hiring a carpet cleaning service

Carpets are a great addition to any home, office, or business. They add warmth, comfort, and style to a space. However, with use, they can accumulate dirt, dust, stains, and other pollutants that can pose health risks, damage the carpet, and affect the overall appearance of the space. Regular cleaning and maintenance of carpets are essential to keep them looking and smelling fresh and to extend their lifespan.

While there are many DIY methods of carpet cleaning, hiring a qualified and reputable Bellevue-Redmond area carpet cleaning company is the best way to ensure that your carpets are cleaned thoroughly and professionally. However, with so many carpet cleaning companies out there, it can be daunting to find one that meets your needs and standards. In this post, we’ll discuss some tips on how to find a qualified and reputable carpet cleaning company.

Ask for Recommendations
Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective ways of finding a reputable carpet cleaning company. Ask your friends, family, or colleagues who have recently used a carpet cleaning service for recommendations. They can give you first-hand information about the quality of service, pricing, and customer support. You can also check online reviews and ratings of carpet cleaning companies in your area.

Get Quotes and Compare Prices
Before hiring a carpet cleaning company, it is important to get quotes from several companies and compare prices. A reputable company will provide you with a written quote that outlines the services they will provide and the cost. Beware of companies that offer low prices but do not provide a detailed breakdown of the services or have hidden charges. It is important to ensure that the company you choose provides value for money.

Ask About the Cleaning Process
Before hiring a carpet cleaning company, ask about their cleaning process. A reputable company should be able to explain their cleaning process in detail and answer any questions you may have. They should also use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and equipment that do not pose health risks to you or your pets.

Check for Experience
Experience is another important factor to consider when choosing a carpet cleaning company. A company that has been in business for a long time has more experience and expertise in handling different types of carpets and stains. They are also likely to have invested in the latest equipment and technology to provide the best cleaning service.

Customer Service
Finally, customer service is an important factor to consider when choosing a carpet cleaning company. A reputable company should provide excellent customer service from the first contact to after-sales support. They should be responsive to your inquiries, provide clear communication, and address any concerns or complaints promptly.

In conclusion, finding a qualified and reputable carpet cleaning company can be a daunting task, but it is worth the effort to ensure that your carpets are cleaned thoroughly and professionally. Check for credentials and certifications, ask for recommendations, get quotes and compare prices, check for insurance, ask about the cleaning process, check for experience, and consider customer service when choosing a carpet cleaning company. For more tips on selecting a carpet cleaning company see our Consumer Message.

Carpet cleaning residue – Is it even an issue anymore?

Residue left from carpet cleaning used to be an issue in Seattle-Bellevue area homes.  In the 1960’s and 70’s many companies were using shampoo which was left in the carpet and turned the carpet into a sticky dirt magnet.  In the 1980’s truck mount steam cleaning really took off but many of the cleaning solutions used still left a soapy residue.  I still remember a local carpet cleaning company (who’s still in business) and they were using Tide laundry detergent back then. But by the 1990’s and into the 2000’s most all carpet cleaning companies were using technologically advanced products and issues with residue in carpets has really become a thing of the past.

Most all residue issues today are caused by homeowners using their own machines to clean their carpets.  The idea usually is if the carpets really dirty “more soap is better” so often times home owners use more detergent than recommended.  Unfortunately once all that soap is in the carpet it’s nearly impossible to remove it all.  The carpets then attract soil so they are cleaned more often with more soap and it becomes a vicious circle.

Still today some carpet cleaning companies have based their whole business model on scare tactics about outdated concerns regarding residue.

Residues from carpet cleaning agents can pose significant risks to human health and the environment. These residues can be left behind due to improper cleaning or inadequate rinsing of the carpet. Some of the most common residues include chemicals, detergents, and solvents that are used in the cleaning process.

Chemicals and Detergents

Carpet cleaning agents often contain chemicals and detergents that can leave behind residues on carpets. These residues can be hazardous to human health, especially for people with allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivities. The chemicals and detergents can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, respiratory problems, and allergic reactions.

One of the most commonly used chemicals in carpet cleaning agents is sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). SLES is a surfactant that is used to remove dirt and stains from carpets. However, SLES can leave behind a residue that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Solvents

Solvents are used in carpet cleaning agents to dissolve dirt and stains. These solvents can also leave behind residues that can be harmful to human health and the environment. Some of the most commonly used solvents include perchloroethylene (PERC), naphthalene, and benzene.

PERC is a chlorinated solvent that is commonly used in dry cleaning and carpet cleaning. PERC can cause respiratory problems, neurological problems, and cancer. Naphthalene is a solvent that is used in mothballs and carpet cleaning. Naphthalene can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and liver damage. Benzene is a solvent that is used in some carpet cleaning agents. Benzene can cause cancer, leukemia, and other health problems.

Environmental Concerns

Residues from carpet cleaning agents can also pose significant risks to the environment. These residues can contaminate soil, water, and air. The chemicals and solvents can also harm wildlife and aquatic life.

Sodium laureth sulfate and other surfactants can harm aquatic life by reducing the surface tension of water. This can interfere with the ability of aquatic organisms to float, swim, and breathe. PERC and other solvents can also contaminate soil and water, leading to environmental degradation.

Precautions to Take

To minimize the risks of residues from carpet cleaning, it is essential to take some precautions. Firstly, choose a reputable carpet cleaning company that uses environmentally friendly products.

Secondly, The carpet should be dried completely to prevent mold growth. Open windows and doors to ensure proper ventilation during and after cleaning.

Lastly, vacuum the carpet regularly to remove dirt and debris. This will reduce the need for deep cleaning and limit the use of carpet cleaning agents.

In conclusion, residues from carpet cleaning residue can pose significant risks to human health and the environment. It is crucial to take precautions when cleaning carpets to minimize the risks of residues. Choose environmentally friendly products, and vacuum regularly. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy clean carpets without compromising your health or the environment.

Carpet cleaning technology

Carpets have been a staple of Bothell-Mill Creek home decor for years. They provide warmth, comfort, and aesthetic appeal to any room. However, with the many benefits of carpeting come the challenges of keeping them clean. Fortunately, over the last 60 years, advancements in carpet cleaning technologies have made it easier and more effective to maintain the cleanliness of carpets.

Back before wall-to-wall carpeting became popular in the 1960’s rugs were used and the common cleaning process was shampooing them.  With all the soap residue left in the rugs it unfortunately turned the rugs into dirt magnets.

I still remember back when ads for homes for sale would mention the “wall-to-wall carpeting” as a deluxe feature.

In the 1960s, the primary method of carpet cleaning continued to be shampooing. This involved using a rotary machine that spread shampoo onto the carpet fibers and then removed the dirty solution with a wet vacuum. While this method was effective at removing surface dirt and stains, it was time-consuming and required a lot of water, making it difficult to dry the carpet properly and left a lot of residue.

The late 1960s also saw the introduction of steam cleaning, which is also known as hot water extraction. This method involved injecting hot water and detergent into the carpet fibers, loosening dirt and debris, and then removing the solution with a high-powered vacuum. This method was more effective at removing dirt and stains and used less water than shampooing. Drying times were improved but still took a long time.  Initially this was done with portable machines, but soon the truck mounted machines became popular.

In the early 1980s, carbonated cleaning technology was introduced. This method involved using a carbonated solution that lifted dirt and debris to the surface of the carpet fibers, where it could be easily removed with a vacuum. This method was effective at removing deep-down dirt and stains and was environmentally friendly.

In the late 1980s, encapsulation technology was introduced. This involved using a low-moisture solution that encapsulated dirt and other debris. The carpets were scrubbed clean using a rotary or counter-rotating brush machine. This method became  popular as it allowed for faster cleaning times, faster drying and reduced downtime for the space being cleaned. The advancements with crystalizing solutions resulted in a revolutionary low moisture carpet cleaning cleaning process.

The 1990s saw the introduction of dry powder cleaning. This method involved spreading a dry powder onto the carpet fibers, which absorbed dirt and debris. The powder was then removed with a vacuum. This method was effective at removing surface dirt and stains but was less effective at deep cleaning.

In recent years, advancements in technology have led to the introduction of new carpet cleaning methods. One such method is the use of ultraviolet light to clean carpets. This involves using a machine that emits UV light, which kills bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause odors and stains.

Another new technology is the use of robotics for carpet cleaning. Robotic cleaners use sensors to navigate and clean carpets, eliminating the need for human intervention. This method is still in its early stages but shows promise for reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency.

In conclusion, over the last 60 years, advancements in carpet cleaning technologies have made it easier and more effective to maintain the cleanliness of carpets. From shampooing and steam cleaning to encapsulation and carbonated cleaning, each new technology has built upon the successes of the previous one. Today, new technologies like ultraviolet light and robotics are changing the way carpets are cleaned, and we can expect even more advancements in the future.