In November of 2009, Eileen Wosnack, a Canadian interior designer and author who specializes in “green interiors,” made this suggestion: “Tear up that old unhealthy carpet and paint your floor.”

In fact, she so strongly believed this to be good advice, she even used this recommendation as the title of an article.*

Among the reasons for her position, Wosnack stated that carpet harbors “dust mites, mold, mildew and fleas.”

Further, she wrote that debris gets trapped in the carpet fibers and underlay, which is usually not removed by normal vacuuming.

Additionally, she said, “deep cleaning,” which typically refers to hot-water extraction, “will only remove [surface-level] dirt, [all of which contributes] to the problem of poor air quality.”

This view is not uncommon.

In fact, going back nearly 40 years, entire school districts and many administrators involved in facility management believed carpeting negatively affected indoor air quality (IAQ).

We know that carpet absorbs contaminants like a sponge, but once saturated, they can become airborne with use and foot traffic.

However, according to Werner Braun, former president of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), these beliefs are based on old data.

He agrees with Wosnack that carpet by its intrinsic nature does hold and trap settled materials such as dust particles and other allergens.

However, he says, “This has long [been] considered a good thing. If these particles and allergens are in the carpet, they’re certainly not being inhaled to aggravate allergies and asthma.”

As far as use and foot traffic releasing these trapped contaminants, Braun says that studies indicate that once they are in the carpet it actually takes a “tremendous amount of subsequent activity to re-suspend materials in to the air … [and that] several more current studies link the use of carpet to reduce asthma and allergy symptoms.”

This would imply that carpet actually protects human health and indoor air quality instead of contributing to the problem.

Where The Truth Lies

Both Wosnack and Braun have their share of supporters.

Many of the people who, like Wosnack, oppose carpeting, do so mainly because of the way some carpet is made and because the majority of carpet, once removed, ends up in already-crowded landfills.

And even those who cite studies that prove the health benefits of carpeting might still take Braun’s view with a grain of salt.

After all, he formerly was the head of an organization that represents the carpet and rug industry, which advocates the benefits of carpeting.

So who is right, and is there even a right or wrong?

Fortunately, a January 2014 study conducted at Airmid Healthgroup appears to offer answers in this debate.

The 200-page report concluded that “effectively cleaned carpet have the capacity to trap allergens and microbial particles, making these particles less available to become airborne and thus maintaining [enhanced] indoor air quality.”

To perform the study, Airmid Healthgroup created different chambers in which new and used carpet were installed.

In addition, one chamber contained a hard-surface floor.

Each section of the carpet was individually laid under controlled temperature, relative humidity and air changes per hour.

The new carpet was contaminated by introducing aerosolized house dust mite and cat allergens into the chambers.

“The introduction of allergen test dust was not necessary for the used carpet,” according to Vivienne Mahon, Ph.D., from Airmid Healthgroup, one of the researchers involved with the study, “because they contained ‘natural’ levels of house dust mite and cat allergens.”

After this, the researchers then created “room disturbance” in the chambers, with the goal of making the now-settled contaminants airborne.

Finally, airborne contaminant counts were taken in all of the chambers.

These were the findings:

• The types of floor coverings and even the different types of carpeting do have a significant impact on airborne particulate concentrations.
• In general, these airborne concentrations “were lower with carpet as opposed to the hard surface floors.”
• One of the carpet, a 100 percent nylon, medium-pile broadloom carpet, consistently performed best in trapping contaminants.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nylon is the most popular fiber used as the face fiber in commercial carpet in the U.S.

As to the validity of the findings, while the study was carried out under test conditions (such as controlled temperature, relative humidity and air changes per hour), “they replicated those found in real-world setting,” said Mahon.

One More Crucial Finding

This debate is not over without discussing one further finding.

According to the report, carpeting can help protect health and indoor air quality; however, that is dependent on regular and proper cleaning.

This is because the researchers also concluded that should the carpet become saturated with contaminants, the positive benefits reported will be reduced.

For proper cleaning, regular vacuuming with high-performance, high-quality, air-filtered vacuum cleaners is the first step to remove dry top-surface soils.

However, to remove soils that have been pounded deeper into carpet fibers, the researchers recommended the use of hot-water extraction.

As opposed to using cold water, hot-water extraction, according to the researchers, was able to more thoroughly clean carpet and remove deeply embedded soils and contaminants, helping to prevent them from becoming airborne.

The study indicated that proprietary hot-water extraction cleaning — which typically refers to heating water/solution to 212-degrees F when using portable extractors — is highly effective at reducing allergen levels in carpet.

Who’s Right?

In a sense, both Wosnack and Braun are right in their beliefs and conclusions.

Braun rightly believes that carpet prevents contaminants from becoming airborne.

And Wosnack is right that, unless they are properly cleaned and maintained, there is a possibility that carpet will become saturated and foot traffic and other disturbances will cause dust and allergens to be released.

However, ultimately the conclusion of the study is that carpet does help protect human health and indoor air quality … it simply has to be properly maintained.

Hiring a professional carpet cleaning service is a great way to deal with general wear and tear or to remove a particularly tough stain. Homeowners often wonder, however, what to expect for a carpet cleaning cost and how to know if they’re being overcharged.

The two common pricing types

Every carpet is different and every home a different size, which means there’s no “one size fits all” carpet cleaning price. There are, however, two common ways companies determine cost when you hire a carpet cleaner.

The first is “per room,” meaning they offer a flat cleaning rate for each room in a home. There are typically size caps on this method, and rooms over the maximum square footage are treated as two rooms. This lets companies offer quotes over the phone, but can artificially inflate the price to compensate for inaccuracy. It’s also important to consider just how low a rate may be: anything under $20 per room probably won’t come with quality service. Moving furniture is often an extra charge on top of this rate, meaning homeowners need to move couches, entertainment centers and other large objects if they want to keep costs down.

Members who had similar jobs done in 2013 reported paying an average of $45.68 per room with a general range of $43.18 to $48.18, not counting discounts many service providers offer to  List members.

The other estimation method is per square foot. This is more accurate but requires a visit to your home before work can begin. If you own a smaller home, you will typically pay more because the company needs to offset travel and material costs; those with larger homes will pay slightly less per square foot because equipment set up and material requirements are fixed. Average rates run between $0.30 and $0.50 per square foot, and should include all labor, products and a guarantee about the standard of clean – for example, in compliance with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) guidelines.

Different types, different costs

The type of carpet cleaning you choose also affects the cost. Hot water extraction cleaning, known as “steam cleaning,” is the most popular method. This kind of cleaning doesn’t actually use steam but instead uses high pressure to push very hot water, along with a cleaning solution, into carpet. The resulting moisture is then removed via suction, and the carpet needs at least 24 hours to fully dry. This is the method recommended by most carpet manufacturers for deep cleaning and is often required of homeowners to keep the warranty on their flooring valid. Companies may use either portable electric cleaners or vehicle-mounted equipment for more powerful suction.

Dry cleaning, also known as “low moisture” or “encapsulation” cleaning, uses a chemical solution and minimal water for a quicker clean, but can’t reach as deep as powerful wet cleaning methods. Homeowners don’t need to wait as long before walking on their carpet, but are often asked to vacate the home during cleaning to prevent accidental chemical inhalation. Dry cleaning typically costs less than wet cleaning, as it doesn’t require as much labor or equipment.

Considering extra costs

While most carpet cleaning services now offer an upfront fee that covers all basic costs, it’s still possible to incur some add-on costs. The first is for targeted spot cleaning: in some cases, a standard service won’t be able to remove a stain completely and will require further followup. This may be covered under an initial contract, but homeowners need to know exactly what they’re paying for and what requires an added cost. Many companies have also added extra services, such as color repair and dyeing, as well as dry and steam cleaning services. For a cost, typically assessed at an hourly rate, the company will correct carpet discolored by a stain or restore portions of a carpet to its original color. Always ask for references and guarantees if you choose to use this kind of service.

Carpet cleaning costs depend on the way a company determines rates, the type of cleaning requested and the number of add-ons purchased by a homeowner. No matter the final total, however, homeowners should always receive a transparent, easily understandable invoice detailing what they owe and exactly what it covers.

What is Your Floor Telling Your Clients and Customers?

Dirty Carpet and Furniture

GET NOTICED!

Spills And Spots

GET NOTICED!

Having Clean, Spotless Carpet and Furniture Announces Your

Professionalism with a Visual Bullhorn!

Commercial Carpet requires special care.  If you are leaving the care and maintenance of your carpet to a janitorial services, chances are that you are being overcharged for a substandard job.  Pacific Carpet Cleaning has specialized carpet and furniture cleaning equipment that is specifically designed to handle even the most challenging soil and staining conditions found in the commercial environment.  In addition, Pacific Carpet Cleaning’s equipment was designed and purchased to increase cleaning efficiency and results, while reducing cost.   There technicians are trained, tested, and certified by an independent third party to recognize fiber and soil conditions, proper industry procedures, and cleaning chemistry.

Properly Maintained Carpet Lasts Much, Much Longer

 Key Benefits

• • • Pennies Per Square Foot – Truly Easy on the Budget
    • Easy Pre-Determined Highly Accommodating Scheduling – Including Nights and Weekends
    • Amazingly Clean Carpets and Office Furniture – ASK FOR YOUR FREE “PROVE IT” DEMONSTRATION
    • Clean carpets day-in, day-out by people who specialize in carpet and furniture maintenance
    • Cleaning with an anti-resoiling agent
    • Recurring spill stains eliminated
    • An exceptional “service experience”
    • Professional polite technicians
    • Total satisfaction guaranteed
    • Productivity and profitability are enhanced in a clean building
    • A clean building promotes better health
    • Environmentally responsible cleaning is better for our planet
    • Properly maintained carpet lasts longer
    • You can see, smell & feel  the difference

We have found consistently that in most situations, there are two cleaning methods that work most effectively – high performance Commercial Hot Water Deep Extraction or “steam” Cleaning, and Pacific Encapsulation Maintenance Cleaning. Each method has distinct advantages in certain situations and can be totally inappropriate in other situations.

 Call the Office ToExperience the Ultimate Carpet Cleaning Difference. 949-545-5205

How To Clean And Polish Marble Floors

Tips On Cleaning And Polishing Your Marble Floors

In my opinion, marble is one of the most beautiful materials you can ever have incorporated into your home decor – with proper care and maintenance, it will maintain its pristine condition throughout the life of the home. It will always add value both in visual appeal and in financial worth.

In order to know the “how and why” that upkeep of marble is so important, you need to know a little about its origin. No. It’s not decayed jungle flora a hundred-million years ago, changed by pressure and heat into some lovely expensive, light refracting gemstone!

Marble is rock that is actually formed by sea shell deposits billions of years ago. In the areas or regions where marble is now mined, the miners also find fossils of sea creatures along with chunks of limestone which is also a by-product of sea shells. More evidence that the oceans once covered the earth? I think so!

In early civilization, marble was sought after for it’s durability and beauty, plus the added bonus that it was more amenable to carve into shapes for bricks and statues!

How To Clean Marble

Because marble basically is made of sea shells (calcium carbonate) cleaning compounds that contain acid will destroy it. The acid will find its way under the highly buffed polish or finish, get into the cracks the porous rock, and you’ll eventually wind up with a big pile of white sand. A common household cleaning agent that contains acid is …. Vinegar! NEVER CLEAN MARBLE WITH VINEGAR!

A good way to perk up a marble counter or coffee table is to start by washing it with a clean soft cloth dipped in a special solution. Use 3 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of warm water. Dip the cloth into the solution, wet thoroughly, then wring out and wipe all over the marble. You may use a little elbow grease on stubborn spots but do not use an abrasive cleaner (such as Comet, or a scrubber). Allow it to air dry for at least a couple of hours, then wipe with clear water to rinse. Grab a clean soft absorbent cloth and dry it off.

To give marble a quick shine, try crushing a child’s stick of common white chalk into a fine powder. Dampen a clean white wash rag and dip it into the chalk powder. Rub it on the marble with smooth, overlapping back and forth strokes. Allow to dry for a moment, then rinse with fresh water on a damp rag, and dry thoroughly.

Taking Care Of Polished Marble Floors

As with most highly polished stones (excluding diamond), marble will scratch. You don’t want that to happen so take a few precautions with your other furniture and – the other residents of your home.

Keep furniture from scratching the marble surface by placing them on rugs or carpets. If that’s not feasible, be sure to use pads or furniture protectors under the feet of the tables, chairs, or china cabinets. These products are available in various sizes and dimensions at most hardware stores. It’s also possible to cut felt pads and glue that onto the bottom of the furniture. That way, if you need to move a heavy chair, it will not scratch the surface of the marble, and you’ll be able to easily push it to its new position.

Use dust mops – not brooms – to sweep up surface dirt or dust from marble. Spay with dust mops with anti-static spray so they will more easily attract and hold the dust particles.

When the marble needs a “mopping”, use a clean, new sponge mop dipped in fresh clean water. Squeeze out as much water as possible and lightly damp mop the whole surface of the marble floor. You’ll need to dip your mop frequently into the clean water and rinse out the dirt. Don’t use this sponge mop for any other floors, except the marble floors.

Don’t leave water on the surface of the marble when you are through damp mopping. Use either clean terrycloth towels or soft paper towels to wipe up the moisture from the whole surface of the floor. After the floor is completely dry, you may buff it with dry paper towels to restore the shine.

Spot Cleaning Marble Floors

Occasionally, there will be small stains either on your marble counter top or on your floor. You may not have the time to do a thorough cleaning or mopping but, if you use caution, you may make short work of stains before they are set in.

1. For sugar based stains, moisten a household sponge in warm water that has a few drops of liquid dish detergent added. Scrub the spot, rinse well with clean water, and dry with a paper towel.
2. For dropped on food stains (tomato sauces, sauces with oil) , get to it quickly with a household sponge dipped in warm, soapy water, with a little hydrogen peroxide added. Rub first, then flood the stain, and immediately wipe up excess water. Repeat.
3. As with all stains, we recommend quick action before the stain is absorbed and dries on your marble floor.

Polishing Marble Floors

If you’re a stubborn, died-in-the-wool, do-it-yourselfer, and want to tackle the refinishing job on an older marble floor, there are a number of great products available to help you out.

One is a Marble Vanity, Countertop Restoration & Maintenance Kit that contains materials to remove etching and water spots, and helps all kinds of problems. We haven’t tried it but it sounds good. Check at your local home hardware improvement store.

At Mrs. Clean, we don’t get into refinishing marble. We clean and restore stone materials to a clean condition, as best we can. However, leave serious marble refinishing to the experts.

Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning of Newport Beach, CA preforms Steam Carpet Cleaning, Tile Floor Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, Marble/ Travertine Floor Polishing and our new service, Wood Floor Refinishing.  Pacific Has been servicing the Newport Beach, ca area for over 25 years and we offer the most Affordable Carpet, Tile & Upholstery cleaning in Newport Beach and the Orange County area. Check out our Up-Front Pricing!  Our BBB A Rating and customer references speak for themselves.

Our company has over 25 years of experience in the carpet and tile cleaning industry. We provide customers with reliable solutions for all of their carpet cleaning and tile & grout cleaning needs. Our company also offers upholstery cleaning, marble/travertine floor polishing, and wood floor refinishing services that our customers can count on. Our BBB rating is an A, and we are happy to have over 12,000 satisfied customers. Our customer reviews are positive, and we always believe in offering quality services. We have powerful industrial strength cleaning equipment that we use for all of our services.

If you need our carpet cleaning expertise, we are ready to assist you. We will pre-vacuum, pre-condition, and offer spot treatments so that your carpet looks as good as it did when you first bought it. Our steam extraction process is done by highly trained personal. Our technicians know what type of cleaning products and supplies should be used on each carpet or rug material. We will safely clean one room of carpet or an entire house or building full. We understand the importance of having clean and deodorized carpets to help your building look its best.