Five Upholstery Cleaning Myths – Newport Beach CA

Five Upholstery Cleaning Myths

It”s been said: “It ain”t what a man don”t know that gets him into trouble, it”s what he knows that just ain”t so!”

So, it seems to be with some of the myths that continue to be perpetuated in our industry.

Each of the following myths have basis in fact — as do many cultural myths — but also have flaws in them that can cost you time, customer goodwill and often money if you fall into the trap of believing them.

1. Dry cleaning is always the safest way to go

Since problems related to upholstery cleaning — such as texture distortion, cellulose browning, color bleeding and color fading — are often associated with cleaning with water-based solutions, it seems that dry cleaning with solvents is the logical method to use when there is any doubt as to the possibility of damaging a fabric.

While this is sometimes. true, it”s not often true.

Dry cleaning solvents are the least likely to damage delicate textures like a chenille fabric made from rayon, but there is no guarantee that dry cleaning solvents will not cause color bleeding.

There are several ways to stabilize dyes, some of which use dye setting agents that allow for cleaning with water-based solutions.

While these methods are not 100 percent safe at all times, neither are dry cleaning solvents.

All cleaning and spotting products should be tested on the fabric that is being cleaned to assure that it is colorfast to those materials.

2. Always clean with the hottest water possible

Synthetic fibers, especially oil-loving fibers such as olefin and polyester, release oily soils readily when cleaned with hot cleaning solutions.

The use of hot water speeds cleaning and lessens the need for highly buffered alkaline cleaning detergents that might otherwise cause bleeding or fading of colors.

However, there are two distinct situations where “hot is not so hot:”

• Non-colorfast fabrics: Depending on the cleaning agents used and the dyes that are present, there are times, contrary to popularly held belief, that hot water may contribute to color bleeding when warm water may not.
• Synthetic fiber velvets: Under certain circumstances, such as heat spikes in equipment with poorly regulated heat systems, permanent distortion can occur when a burst of heat contacts some synthetic fiber velvet fabrics. Very warm, consistent temperature is safer on such fabrics than extremely hot water that might not be easily controlled.

3. The tags are accurate cleaning guidelines

There are two tags commonly found on furniture: Fiber content tags and cleaning code tags.

Both can be misleading.

Fiber content tags most always describe the material used for “fill” or “stuffing” in the furniture. If you see a tag that says the material is some percentage of cotton/polyester felt, it”s likely to describe the materials under the fabric you are cleaning. There are cases when you might discover tags that do list the fiber content of the fabric that you are cleaning, but this is very rare.

Cleaning code tags are actually colorfastness code tags used by furniture manufacturers to assist the consumer to determine which products they might use to maintain their fabric. These codes do not eliminate the need for you to do your own inspection and testing of the fabric.

While many cleaners find that the “S” code, which means “dry clean only,” is rarely accurate, you cannot overlook the fact that these codes do create questions and concerns for your customers.

You should discuss the codes, remind your customer that those codes are not a guarantee of cleanability and that, in the end, it is you and your customer who must agree to what method best suits their needs.

Never for a moment should you believe that blindly following these codes will release you from responsibility if you damage the material in any way. These codes are merely guidelines, not guarantees.

4. Fiber ID tests are useless

Many cleaners become frustrated when they attempt to perform burn testing on upholstery fabric.

Because a variety of fibers may be blended when making upholstery fabrics, there are often conflicting results when such materials are burnt together.

In addition to the issue of blended fibers, there is also the fact that many fabrics have material applied to the back of the fabric to stabilize it that also creates false reads when a cleaner attempts to identify a specific fiber.

However, completely overlooking the benefits of understanding at least which fiber family is to be cleaned is not wise.

If your burn test can tell you, at the very least, if the fabric is made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers or blends of both, you have a better understanding of the risks of cleaning such a fabric and what soil removal levels might be possible than if you do not know how to determine the basic fiber family.

5. Synthetics are “trouble-free”

While it is often true that synthetic fiber fabrics — those that contain nylon, olefin, polyester or acrylic — are easier to clean and are very unlikely to experience color or fiber distortion problems, this “rule of thumb” is not always true.

A few examples include:

• Heat damage to synthetic velvets: As described earlier in this article, synthetic velvets may be permanently distorted by high temperature cleaning.
• Color bleeding: Some synthetic fibers, especially acrylic and sometimes nylon, may not be as colorfast as you might expect. Surprisingly, more than a few acrylic fiber fabrics have been found to bleed to dry cleaning solvents and solvent-based protectors.

Debunk the myths

Debunking these commonly held myths is not meant by any means to frighten cleaners away from cleaning upholstery.

Instead, it is meant to protect you from needless and potentially expensive claims and to remind you that the best way to prevent these problems is to rely on your own tests and evaluations and not on some things that “just ain”t so” — or, at least — not so all of the time.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

What are the best carpet cleaning methods? Newport Beach CA

Carpet cleaning runs the gamut from store-bought products to rented steam cleaners and professional cleaning services. You have several different options when it comes to refreshing your carpets, but how do you know which is best for your home?

At-home carpet cleaning methods

There’s a wide range of carpet cleaning products for under $10 that use a combination of chemicals to break down and lift stains out of your carpet. Popular examples include spray-on products and carpet cleaning powders that can be applied and then vacuumed up.

One benefit to at-home carpet cleaning products is they can be used to remove small stains and for spot treatments. They’re also less expensive than other methods, and they have a short drying time.

However, the chemicals in these products, including perchloroethylene and naphthalene, can cause damage to the central nervous system if inhaled in large amounts. Some store-bought cleaning products have been know to bleach carpets, so it’s always wise to test a small section of carpet before applying it throughout your home.

Renting carpet cleaners from a store

To deal with larger stains or clean the entire house, some homeowners choose to rent a steam-cleaning machine from their local supermarket or hardware store. These machines are often available for $20 to $30 per day, and usually require a security deposit. You may also have to purchase cleaning chemicals separately. Be sure to follow directions that come with the cleaner to make sure it isn’t damaged during use.

It’s also important to note that despite the name, these machines don’t actually use steam to clean. Instead, they use hot water in combination with detergent to soak your carpet, and then use powerful suction to suck the water back out.

Some of the benefits to renting a carpet cleaning machines is they are inexpensive and are typically more effective than store-bought carpet cleaning products. However, they also have a long drying time, and the tanks need to be changed periodically as they fill with dirty carpet water.

Hiring a professional service

Another option is to hire a professional cleaning service. These companies use steam-cleaning or dry cleaning methods to refresh your carpets.

Professional steam-cleaning machines are similar to the type you can rent, except that actually use high-powered steam to remove stains. Dry cleaning methods use almost no water, instead relying on chemicals to break them down. Once destroyed, the stains can be vacuumed up.

Professional companies may charge per square foot or by the room. Some charge extra for cleaning stairs or moving furniture.

Many companies now use eco-friendly products. In addition, they know how to effectively remove chemical residue and can recommend specific cleaning methods based on your carpet type, its age and the type of cleaning you need.

Professional services are generally more effective and removing stains than other carpet cleaning methods. The main drawbacks include the higher cost and longer drying time.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

Clearing up your carpet cleaning choices – Newport Beach CA

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices offered by carpet cleaning companies.

How’s a consumer to know whether hot water extraction, bonnet, or “dry” carbonation techniques are best? A reputable carpet cleaner can break it all down for you and help you make the right choice, and you will find great guidance from your carpet manufacturer. But here’s a quick translation of some of the most commonly bandied about terms.

Hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, is the most universally used carpet cleaning technique. This process typically involves spraying a solution of warm or hot water and a cleaning agent into the carpet, then extracting it all with a powerful vacuum. This can be a truck-mounted system or a portable unit. The truck mounted system ensures the dirt is removed outside the home.

“Hot water extraction is what (many of the major) carpet manufacturers recommend just because it gets rid of everything,” said Tony Taylor of PGF Carpet Care, Inc. in Camby. “I vacuum if needed; do a pre-spray to break up some of the dirt and then come right behind that with the hot water extraction. All of the dirt and water is being sucked out of your home, right into my truck.”

A downside to hot water extraction cleaning is a long dry time, which typically ranges from four to 10 hours, Taylor said, depending on the carpet type and the humidity level in the home.

Randy Carter, owner of Eco Carpet Cleaning, LLC in Indianapolis, offers both steam cleaning and “bonnet” — or low moisture — cleaning methods. He prefers the low-moisture approach.

“With low-moisture cleaning, there is less of a chance for mold and mildew,” Carter said. “When carpets get soaking wet, if moisture stays behind, let’s say, in a corner where there’s not good ventilation, it could create mold spores.”

The bonnet method consists of a round cleaning pad that fits like a cap over a rotary brush to help loosen dirt from the carpet. The method works particularly well in homes with pets, Carter said. Carter’s company uses plant and vegetable based cleaners, which are safe for children and pets, he said.

Kevin Jones, owner of ChemDry by Kevin Jones in Indianapolis, prefers his eco-friendly hot carbonating extraction method. It uses carbonation to create effervescent bubbles, which lift dirt from the carpet before extracting it with a strong vacuum. Though frequently referred to as a “dry” method, it actually does use water, but requires just a fifth of the water needed for traditional steam cleaning, Jones said.

“We heat our solution up before we apply it to the carpet, which gives it more reaction to the carpet versus using just plain water,” Jones said. “That gives us another edge in cleaning.”

While most carpet types can withstand any of these cleaning methods, it’s important to follow your carpet manufacturer’s recommended method. Some manufacturers will not honor the carpet’s warranty to cover damage if their specified method is not followed.

To keep your carpets cleaner longer, vacuum them regularly yourself with a good, household vacuum cleaner and have them professionally cleaned by a qualified and reputable company at least once a year and in accordance with your manufacturer’s instructions. Clean more often if you have pets or heavy foot traffic.

Professional cleaning costs typically start at around $59 for a small area and go up from there, depending on the size of your home and the type of cleaning you choose. According to Angie’s List reports for the past year in the Irvine area, the average carpet cleaning job costs about $300. This investment will pay off in the long-term by extending the useful life of your carpets. Avoid the temptation of offers from companies offering super-cheap cleanings: for example, a $49 whole-house cleaning. Generally speaking, these deals are too good to be true.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

Dry Carpet Cleaning vs Steam Cleaning Methods – Newport Beach CA

The time has come. Despite your best efforts, years of stains, dirt and grime have accumulated in your carpet. You need to clean the carpets, but how do you know which carpet cleaning method to pick?

Steam cleaning and dry cleaning are both popular methods for cleaning carpets, but does one have an advantage over the other?

Steam won’t clean your carpets

In the dry carpet cleaning vs. steam cleaning debate, it’s important to clear up the myth that steam is actually used to clean your carpets. While home and commercial machines use hot water, which gives off steam, the steam itself does not clean carpet.

Instead, the machine sprays detergent onto your carpet. Hot water activates the detergent on the carpet fibers — alkaline for synthetic carpets and acidic for wool or natural fiber carpets. A wet-vac is then used to suck up the bulk of the water on the floor.

Rent a steam cleaner, but prepare to wait

You can buy or rent a carpet steam cleaner for your home. These models typically rely on hot tap water to work properly, while machines rented from a hardware or grocery store may have a heating element.

Both operate by placing a cleaning solution in the machine and moving it slowly and methodically over the carpet. The machine will then suck up and dump out the water.

After you’ve cleaned the carpets, stay off of them for about 12 to 24 hours while they dry. In some cases, the carpet shrinks after the leftover water dries. However, unless your carpet is made entirely of natural, untreated fibers, this will not be a problem.

Professional steam cleaning dries more quickly

You can also hire a professional to steam clean your carpets. They often use a more powerful machine or one attached to a vehicle.

Because a professional carpet steam cleaner contains more power, it can spray more detergent into the carpet and suck up more water. Carpets take less time to dry if you use a professional carpet steam cleaner.

Dry carpet cleaning takes least amount of time

You can also dry clean carpets by using dry chemical compounds. Place these chemicals on a carpet and they will break down whatever soil they find.

The name of the dry cleaning method is also misleading because the professional use a small amount of moisture in the form of application solutions, which complement the dry compounds used.

Dry cleaning offers the advantage of time; floors can be used again almost instantly after cleaning is complete. Dry cleaning compounds are often used in industrial and retail settings for this reason.

Steam or Dry: Pros and cons of both techniques

Steam cleaning your carpet yourself means you need only hot water, a rented machine and detergent. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait between 12 and 24 hours to walk on your carpet again.

Ground-in stains typically reappear in the first few days after cleaning. Commercial solutions can eliminate some of these problems, but there are certain stains — pet stains or chemical stains, for example — that require multiple treatments or cannot be removed.

Dry cleaning, meanwhile, offers the advantage of almost no drying time and an effective cleaning through chemical agents and application solutions.

The chemicals used, however, can often be harsh, and homeowners are advised to speak with a commercial cleaning company about the products they use and any strong odors they may have.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

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