Enzymes

Enzymes digest protein matter in waste and soil. Most enzyme products are heat activated and must be used with carpet cleaning equipment that provides a heat source. The most common applications for enzyme treatment is pet urine, odor, vomit and feces. Enzymes are basically good bacteria that consumes the bad bacteria. Most carpet cleaning companies use enzymes to elimiate odor and bacteria problems. Enzyme products are typically environmentally safe with no adverse affects on humans and animals.

Teflon

Was invented in DuPont Jackson’s Laboratory in 1938, and is a substance called polytetrafluoroethylene which is non-sticky and slippery. Teflon works as a carpet protector repelling stains when they hit the carpet. This super protector creates an invisible barrier over the carpet fiber protecting it from dirt and debris. Carpet with teflon protection is typically much easier to clean than with no protection at all. Teflon is also safe to use with no adverse affects.

Anti-Microbial

Usually used in carpet cleaning solutions, antimicrobial destroys and reduces the growing time of microorganisms. Most anti-microbial solutions are used by companies that specialize in hot water extraction, therefore eliminating soil and bacteria in carpet. This potent bacteria buster is good for eliminating bacteria from drink spills, food contamination, dust mites, dander and allergens. Typically, the potency of the anti-microbial mixture and application process determine it’s result.

Carpet Soap/Powder

Carpet powders can be used with several different carpet cleaning methods, but best used with hot water extraction. Carpet cleaning powders are a raw material and need hot water to dissolve the powder into liquid form. Once liquified, the carpet solution works best in removing dirt and soil from carpet. If mixed improperly, carpet powders can leave a soapy residue behind causing the carpet to become stiff and attract dirt. The two types of carpet cleaning powders are solvent and natural based powders. Solvent based powders are typically used to clean high traffic and super soiled carpet. Whereas, natural powders are used as a genral purpose carpet cleaner.

P.O.G (Paint, Oil, and Grease) Solvent

This solvent is helpful when trying to clean up hard to remove paint, oil, and grease stains from carpet. Most POG solutions are pre-mixed but can be diluted for a less potent application.

Carpet Deodorizers

There are two different types of carpet deodorizers. They come in both powder and liquid forms. Powder freshners are used to leave behind and vacuum-up after time to dwell. Liquid deodorizers are used in carpet cleaning equipment (hot water extraction) and leave fragrance in the carpet. Liquid freshners can aslo be diluted and sprayed into the air for deodorizing. Carpet freshners help freshen your carpet from any kind of smoke, pet, or food odors.

Mildewcide

Is a chemical for destroying mold and mildew spores.

Aqualux Carpet Cleaning
10777 Turbeville Dr. #100
Dallas, TX 75243
(214) 607-8562

The Mechanics of House Cleaning Prices.

House cleaning services aren’t as expensive as you might think, and are not restricted only to the rich. With the proliferation of house cleaning services around, prices have gotten cheaper.

Prices can be charged based on the number of rooms available, the square footage, or the time taken to clean. In addition, most house cleaning services will give you a discount if you are their regular customer.

What does house cleaning consist of? A typical house cleaning service will do the following:

1. Vacuuming of the floors
2. Dusting of furniture, shelves, and any other flat surface on which you might keep things
3. Scrubbing the sink, and floors

Various services will offer different things. Some will clean the dishes, and some will do up your bed. You must find out from each service for the specific things that they will do. The cleaning service brings everything that is necessary for the house cleaning including the Vacuum cleaner, the cleaning solution, and the necessary brushes.

In addition, there are some heavy tasks that will not be included in the regular house cleaning, but will be available for a price. These will include deep cleaning of the kitchen, as well as defrosting the refrigerator, cleaning the baseboards, and cleaning out the oven.

Typical Prices.

Your typical house with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom should have a cleaning price tag of between $75-$200, depending on the service, and what they offer. The price scales up more or less proportionately with the size of the house.

This comes to around $0.08 – $0.22 per sq. foot of house cleaning. The price can change depending on the actual condition of your house. The price will increase if you have pets as well. For specific cleaning tasks like cleaning out the refrigerator, the prices should be around $25.

Regular cleaning means that the prices charged can drop by as much as 30%. This is so, not only because it means regular business, but also because the house is easier to clean if it has been cleaned recently. In addition, the cleaning staff will be familiar with your home.

Benefits of House cleaning.

The average person isn’t aware of the proper ways in which to clean certain areas like the bathroom, or hardwood floors. If you try and clean your tiles intuitively using Vinegar for example, you risk loosening the grout between your tiles.

When you hire a professional service to clean your home, you ensure that you’re home is getting the care that it deserves. A properly maintained home’s value on the market increases as well, though the increased hygiene, and aesthetic value might be enough persuasion for you to engage a professional.

To be honest, I don’t mind washing dishes. But I don’t know how anyone can do dishes without a good sink brush. I mean, it’s not just the pots and pans or dried-on food or even washing the fruit and vegetables that “require” a good sink brush, but how in the world do you clean peanut butter and jelly off the knife, the remaining mashed potatoes from the pan or bits and pieces of lasanga from the casserole?  With a sponge?  Or worse yet, a dish cloth? Ewww! Then you have a yikky sponge or dish cloth to rinse out because you know that if you don’t, your sponge or dish cloth will be smelling pretty bad pretty quick!  You could have used a good sink brush, kept your hands clean and dry and saved yourself a lot of time. Now doesn’t that make more sense?

This is definitely the way to go.  A great sink brush can be yours for just a few dollars. Once you try one you’ll never go back.

The  Lola brush I used for years is great and it’s still on the market. However, I’ve sinced changed to one by Casabella which I like just as well and it’s way cuter. Two different looks. One will surely suit your personality. I’ve tried two or three other brushes from the supermarket, but they’re worthless as far as I’m concerned. (Both are available from Amazon.com).

So give one of these brushes a try. You’ll never go back to your old ways!

Comments?  Please share.

Filed under: housecleaning tips Tagged: dried on food, sink brush, sponge, washing dishes

DO NOT MIX CLEANING AGENTS.

Pet stains (urine and feces):

First, remove solid matter if possible. Use an over the counter carpet cleaning solution to get rid of the stains; they also sell a cleaning solution specifically for cleaning up pet urine. It’s very important that you clean up as much as you possible can because harmful bacteria will linger. If an odor is still left, use a carpet deodorizer to eliminate the strong odor. For more information read our tips on removing pet urine from carpet.

Makeup

Both liquid and powder types of makeup will leave a stain on the carpet; you need to determine the makeup’s oil content in order to sufficiently remove the stain. Powder makeup is typically non-oily. Liquid foundation, lipstick, and mascara have oil in it. Majority of stains can be removed by spraying a household carpet cleaner. Allow the carpet cleaner to sit for 10 minute and break the stains down, and this will cut down on having to scrub the carpet. After the stain is removed gently dab away the solution. For oil based cosmetics try using Goo Gone, if you don’t have Goo Gone try alcohol. Take a clean white cloth and moisten it with the alcohol, gently blot the lipstick stain.  More tips on removing makeup from carpet.

Remove Fingernail Polish Stains.

Paint, Oil and Grease

If the stain is only a small, sizeable amount keep the area wet and covered with a moist towel to avoid drying. It is essential to keep the spot moist for as long as needed until the cleaners come. Call a professional carpet cleaner immediately!

Plant Stains

Remove the remaining soil off of the area. Soak the carpeted area with a moistened cloth with warm water. It’s best to use an over the counter carpet cleaning solution, make sure you let the area sit for 10 minutes before wiping up the cleaning solution.

Food & Beverage Stains

When cleaning simple spills try to remove all solids first, and pat dry with a clean towel .It’s important not to scrub, you can even fold up a towel and stand on it. For simple food stains use a good over the counter carpet cleaning solution. Coffee stains are very concentrated and will require a professional carpet cleaning. For best results use steam cleaning to penetrate the sub layer of the coffee stain.

Removing Ketchup and Mustard Stains.

Remove Kool-Aid Stains.

Upholstery Stains

First consider what kind of fabric your upholstery is, check with the manufacturer. For grease stains, first apply baby powder to absorb the grease. After the grease has soaked up, remove the powder then reapply. Before treating the stain, test a small piece of fabric to make sure it will not damage the furniture. After absorbing the stain, use a brush and gently scrub the area with upholstery cleaner. Dishwashing liquid also can work well to eliminate the grease. Continuously blot the excess cleaner with a damp cloth, repeat as much as needed. If the stain will not come out, call a professional carpet cleaning company that uses hot water extraction, this process will be the most effective and very gentle for majority of upholstery fabrics.

Removing Furniture Stains.

Ink, Crayon and Marker Stains

Use an over the counter foam or dry chemical cleaner, and use as directed. If the stains haven’t set (dried) yet, the easier it will be to clean them up. You can also try using hairspray on the area, and wash after treating the area. For ballpoint ink use rubbing alcohol on the stained area.

Read more on removing crayon stains from carpet.

Vomit

Keep the spot moistened and covered until you can get a professional carpet cleaner to come, due to the biohazard that could produce harmful bacteria. Steam cleaning would be recommended because it will penetrate the surface and the bottom layers.

Red Wine Stains

Blot the liquid as much as you possibly can. Use an unflavored club soda to treat the area, carefully blot the club soda on and off, it’s important not to scrub the stain! Second, make a mild detergent solution (dishwashing soap) with warm water in a bowl. Then alternate using a ½ glycerin and ½ water solution, continue to dab the stain.

High Traffic Stains

Before cleaning the area, make sure you thoroughly vacuum to get all the debris that is trapped into your carpet. If the area is small try wetting the area with a warm wet cloth. Use a specific over the counter carpet cleaning spray or high traffic powder to clean the designated area.

Water Damage

If the water that has leaked onto your carpet is sanitary you may be able to restore your carpet back to its original condition. If dirty, contaminated water has flooded your carpets need to be replaced as soon as possible.

Smoke Damage

If only a small fire occurred all that’s needed is a thorough cleaning and deodorizing. If major smoke damage is left on the carpet and someone is able to salvage and professionally clean your carpet this would be the better choice. It’s going to always be more expensive to buy new carpet and have it installed. Disinfect your carpet with a homemade bleach solution using a few tablespoons of bleach dissolved in warm water

Fiber Damage

With only minor fiber damages (small burn or stain) it may be easy to carefully trim the damaged carpet fibers off. Using a sharp pair nail clippers or scissors cautiously trim the stained carpet ends. If you have major carpet damage you will either need to replace the carpet area or get your carpet professionally cleaned. Getting your carpet professionally cleaned tends to be much less expensive than buying new carpet.

Carpet Yellowing

Yellow is usually the strongest dye in carpet. Carpet yellowing is a result of urine, pesticides, mill oil (loom/yarn oil) Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) yellowing which mostly occurs in homes with very low air circulation. Detergents with a pH over 10 on stain- resist nylon fiber carpet will create a yellow effect on your carpet. Optical brighteners are used by some carpet manufacturers who don’t know about the effects of carpet yellowing. Optical brighteners are special dyes that are applied to carpet making it brighter than it really appears. Direct sunlight and ozone fading can remove the colors out of your carpet and leaving a yellow color. Chlorine bleach can strip various colors from carpet fibers leaving behind a yellow color. Also, an application of a silicone protector on stain resistant nylon fiber carpet can also yellow.

Carpet Darkening

Causes for carpet darkening include water damage, high traffic, pets and soil. The best alternative to cleaning your carpet would be to hot water extraction or “steam cleaning”, because this process will not only clean the surface but get to the bottom layer of dirt and debris embedded into your carpet. Izf

Fire Damage

In a house fire if a lot of plastic was burned, enormous amounts of an oil residue will be stuck into the carpet fibers. The burnt carpet will have to ultimately be replaced. It’s recommended to call a professional carpet cleaner that uses hot water extraction because this involves a gentle process that will work well with the different residues that have been burned into the carpet.

Hot Water Extraction

Also called “steam cleaning”, although steam is not actually used, this cleaning process uses high pressured hot water to force soil and dirt out and the vacuum sucks the dirt up. The hot the water temperature helps escalate the reaction time. The carpet is thoroughly cleaned with some type of grooming brush, next the carpet is rinsed with a cleaning apparatus. The carpet must be given a sufficient drying time in order to avoid saturation.

Advantages of Hot Water Extraction

Many carpet manufacturers state this is an effective way to clean their carpets. Also hot water extraction is the only safe method to clean your carpets. Hot water extraction is more effective at moving strong odors and stains rather than surface cleaners, it offers a deeper clean. Hot water extraction also leaves fewer residues behind on carpets compared to alternative cleaning methods using shampoos or powders.

Disadvantages of Hot Water Extraction

Even though hot water extraction is effective it is one of the more difficult carpet cleaning techniques. Make sure to hire from a professional and experienced company, over wetting make occur from technicians not properly trained.

Spin bonnet

The Spin bonnet cleaning method uses an oscillating brush that can have wet, damp or dry pads. There are two different ways, either the carpet s sprayed with a shampoo/solution, or the pads can be soaked in the cleaning solution before placing on the driver brush. The spin bonnet is supposed to lift the dirt and debris off of the carpet.

Advantages of Spin Bonnet

This method of carpet cleaning can remove only a certain amount of debris off of the carpet.

Disadvantages of Spin Bonnet

Many carpet manufacturers’ states this process causes fiber fraying, and damage. It offers a limited capability of cleaning since there is virtually no extraction. Also the detergent can be left in a pile, and re-soiling is common.

Dry Cleaning

Virtually no water is used in the dry cleaning process. In this method, a powder containing solvent, water, and cleaning solution is sprinkled vigorously over the carpet area, then worked in with a mechanical brush. The dry cleaning process is supposed to draw and absorb the debris and soil. After the brush has worked over the carpet, the excess dirt and powder is vacuumed off the floor.

Advantages of Dry Cleaning

Since very little water is used in this process, you do not have to wait on the carpet drying time.

Disadvantages of Dry Cleaning

Thorough vacuum cleaning is a must in order to eliminate all the powder and debris that is on the floor. Powder that is left on the floor can leave white residue behind, white powder may start to show on clothes, and dark colored shoes.

Encapsulation

This process uses an encapsulation chemical solution that is sprayed onto the carpet, and then using a machine brush or a bonnet, the solution is worked into the carpet. The encapsulation surrounds the debris particle and crystallizes it so the soil can’t attach to more soil. Last, normal vacuuming is required to pick up the crystallized particles.

Advantages of Encapsulation

The encapsulation method uses the crystal chemistry to keep carpet clean longer since the dirt attracting residue is removed.

Disadvantages of Encapsulation

When low-grade encapsulation products are used, the cleaning is not scrubbed deep enough. This method is very difficult for grease filled carpets. Also, a thorough vacuum is required in order to fully obtain all the particles left in the carpet.

Mayor Boris Johnson announced a 25p increase to the London living wage stressing that the 3.3 per cent rise in the unofficial minimum wage for Londoners will guarantee employees receive a fairer wage.

The news couldn’t come in a better time for contract cleaners and cleaners’ alike working in London. Contract cleaners who were working on the minimum hourly wages in the capital will get £7.85 per hour.

The living wage reflects the fact that those working and living in London need an hourly wage rate that is set at 17 per cent above the national minimum wage rate of £5.80 to take them above the poverty level.

Speaking on the subject Mayor Johnson said:

“The capital relies on the work of many who carry out the city’s essential functions on a daily basis – from office cleaners to care workers in social services,”

and added:

“It is right that their skills and commitment to London’s success are recognised and one of the most fundamental ways of doing this is to ensure that all Londoners are paid properly.”

The pay raise announcement was published in the Living Wage Unit’s sixth annual report by the Greater London authority. Mr Johnson is urging all employers in the capital to follow Greater London authority’s lead.

Mayor Boris Johnson announced a 25p increase to the London living wage stressing that the 3.3 per cent rise in the unofficial minimum wage for Londoners will guarantee employees receive a fairer wage.

The news couldn’t come in a better time for contract cleaners and cleaners’ alike working in London. Contract cleaners who were working on the minimum hourly wages in the capital will get £7.85 per hour.

The living wage reflects the fact that those working and living in London need an hourly wage rate that is set at 17 per cent above the national minimum wage rate of £5.80 to take them above the poverty level.

Speaking on the subject Mayor Johnson said:

“The capital relies on the work of many who carry out the city’s essential functions on a daily basis – from office cleaners to care workers in social services,”

and added:

“It is right that their skills and commitment to London’s success are recognised and one of the most fundamental ways of doing this is to ensure that all Londoners are paid properly.”

The pay raise announcement was published in the Living Wage Unit’s sixth annual report by the Greater London authority. Mr Johnson is urging all employers in the capital to follow Greater London authority’s lead.