Carpet Cleaning: A Vital Element for a Healthy Home
The importance of a clean and hygienic home cannot be overemphasized. A clean home not only gives a feeling of comfort and well-being, but it also helps to prevent the spread of germs and illness. Carpets play a crucial role in determining the overall health of your household. However, they can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, dust mites, and other allergens, which can pose a serious threat to the health of the inhabitants. This is where regular professional carpet cleaning comes into play. By removing dirt, grime, and harmful substances from your carpets, you can keep your family healthy and reduce the risk of illness. Dust Mites in Carpets One of the main reasons why carpets need to be cleaned regularly is to remove dust mites. Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in carpets and upholstery and can cause a range of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Dust mites feed on the dead skin cells that we shed and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Professional carpet cleaning, by removing dust mites and their allergens from the carpet fibers, can help to keep your home healthier and reduce the risk of allergies and respiratory problems. Reduce Germs and Allergies Another reason why carpet cleaning is so important is that it helps to prevent the spread of germs. Carpets are exposed to all sorts of dirt, grime, and bacteria from foot traffic and spills. Especially if you allow shoes in your house! This means that carpets can easily become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Carpet cleaning, by removing these harmful substances, helps to reduce the spread of germs and keep your family healthy. Allergens are another major concern when it comes to carpets. Carpets can trap allergens like pet dander, mold spores, and pollen, leading to allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. Professional carpet cleaning removes the allergens and provides relief to those who suffer with allergies. Improves Indoor Air Quality Improving indoor air quality is another important reason why carpets need to be professionally cleaned regularly. Carpets can trap and hold onto dirt, dust, and other pollutants, affecting indoor air quality. Professional carpet cleaning removes these pollutants, improving the air quality in your home and reducing the risk of respiratory problems. This is particularly important for people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems, as indoor air pollution can trigger symptoms and make their condition worse. Regular professional carpet cleaning is essential for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of germs and illness. By scheduling a professional carpet cleaning service with A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, you can take the first step towards creating a healthier home for you and your family. Have your carpets professionally cleaned by one of our IICRC trained professionals to create a safer and healthier environment for your family. A clean home is a happy home, so call for a quote or schedule your service today. Remember at A Personal Touch, we don’t cut corners, we clean them!
Include Carpet Cleaning in Your Flood Cleanup Process
Although we’re in the midst of winter here in Colorado, spring will be here before you know it, and with it come spring rains and flooding. Flooding can be a devastating event for homeowners, causing extensive damage to floors, walls, and personal belongings. Flood Water Can Be Dangerous to Your Health It’s not just the water that’s a problem – flood water typically contains contaminants such as mold, bacteria, and sewage. These contaminants can spread quickly throughout your home and put people at risk of illness. According to the CDC, contact with flood water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, rashes, and a number of other health problems. If you experience flooding in your home that results in waterlogged, dirty carpeting, you may be tempted to just throw it out and purchase new carpeting to replace it. That can be an expensive option, however, not to mention time-consuming. Having your carpet professionally cleaned instead can actually be an effective way to restore your carpeting after a flood. Professional carpet cleaning can remove the contaminants found in flood water and restore your carpets to a safe, clean, and healthy condition. Our technicians are trained and certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), a non-profit organization that sets standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. They are able to identify contaminants resulting from flooding and then remove them using our truck-mounted, steam-powered cleaning machines. In addition to removing contaminants, professional carpet cleaning can also restore the look and feel of your carpet. Flood water can leave carpets looking dull, but a thorough cleaning can help restore the color and vibrancy. Your carpets will look as good as new! Carpet Cleaning Is Just One Step in the Flood Cleanup Process While carpet cleaning can help restore your carpets following a flood, it’s only one part of the flood cleanup and restoration process. It’s essential to take steps to remove any standing water and dry out all affected areas as soon as possible after a flood; this will help reduce property damage and prevent mold from growing and spreading throughout the home. A sump pump will help get any standing water out of your home, as will a wet/dry vacuum. You’ll also need to disinfect any surface that has come into contact with flood water, as well as dehumidify your basement or crawl space. It may be a good idea to contact a restoration services company to help you get your home back in order after a flooding event. Once the area is properly drained and dried, then you’ll be ready to have your carpets professionally cleaned. At A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning Services, we have experience in cleaning and restoring carpeting that has been affected by flooding. Save time and money, and let us make your carpets fresh and clean once again! By investing in professional carpet cleaning from A Personal Touch during the flood cleanup process, you can help protect your family’s health and keep your carpets looking beautiful for years to come. Contact us today! Remember at A Personal Touch, we don’t cut corners, we clean them!
Professional Carpet Cleaning Is Good for Your Health
It’s a brand new year, and many people are making the resolution to get healthier in 2023. Eating right, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep – all of these things can improve your personal health. But have you ever thought about making your home healthy in the new year, as well? Dirty carpets can affect indoor air quality, which in turn can affect the health of our lungs. Here’s how professional carpet cleaning can help you improve the health of your home (and that of you and your family)! Removes Pollutants and Allergens Over time, carpets accumulate a variety of pollutants and allergens, including dust, dirt, pet dander, and mold spores. This is a particular problem in high traffic areas, where the dirt and other contaminants can get ground deep into the carpet fibers and become extremely difficult – if not impossible – to remove by just vacuuming. If you or someone in your family has allergies, asthma, or other lung conditions, these contaminants can make it hard to breathe. Professional carpet cleaning can remove these pollutants and allergens and improve the air quality in your home for you and your loved ones. Eliminates Bacteria and Germs In addition to dust and dirt, bacteria and germs lurk in carpets, especially in areas that get a lot of heavy use. Most professional carpet cleaning services utilize high-temperature water and specialized cleaning solutions to kill these microorganisms, thus helping to prevent the spread of illness. This is especially important during the cold weather months, when we’re spending a lot more time indoors! Reduces the Risk of Pests Pests such as fleas and dust mites are a major health hazard; they thrive in dirty carpets and can cause allergies and other respiratory problems. Fleas can also bite and cause skin irritations. Keeping your pet up-to-date on its flea medication will help, but to rid your carpet of both fleas and dust mites, your best bet is to have it professionally cleaned. Extends the Life of Your Carpet Your carpeting is a major investment in your home – keeping it clean beyond just vacuuming will not only make your home healthier, it will extend the life of your carpet by removing built-up dirt, dust, and grime that can wear down the fibers.You won’t need to replace your carpets as often, saving you a significant amount of money in the long run. Add Professional Carpet Cleaning to Your New Year’s Resolutions Want to have a healthier home in 2023? Make a New Year’s resolution to have your carpets professionally cleaned by A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning Services! Yearly cleanings will keep your carpets clean and allergy-free, and as an added bonus, they’ll look better, too. And by the way, we offer upholstery cleaning and area rug cleaning, as well – just like carpeting, these items are subject to dirt, dust, bacteria, germs, dust mite, and other contaminants. Having them professionally cleaned along with your carpets will go a long way towards keeping your entire home healthy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! Remember at A Personal Touch, we don’t cut corners, we clean them!
Know Your Upholstery Before Cleaning It
No matter how careful you are around your upholstery, it happens – you spill a drink or food, resulting in a stain or your sofa or favorite chair. When this occurs, you might be tempted to run and grab some soap and water to remove that nasty stain before it sets in permanently. But wait – before you attempt to clean your upholstery, you need to know a few rules on how to do so properly. Rule #1: Check the Label Always check the care label on your upholstery before you try to clean it; it will indicate exactly what cleaning methods you can use on that item. You can typically find the care label sewn into a seam on the bottom or back of furniture items. You’ll see one of four different codes on the label: W – This code means that you can spot clean your upholstery with a water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner; it does NOT mean that the item is machine washable. Fabrics with this code are usually the easiest to clean. S – This code means that the fabric can only be cleaned with solvents (i.e. dry cleaning). If you do it yourself with a water-free solvent or dry-cleaning product, make sure to clean the item in a well-ventilated room and keep away from open flames. W/S – This code means that you can use a mild detergent, steam or dry cleaning. Whichever method you use, it’s always a good idea to do a spot test on a hidden area of fabric in order to make sure that you don’t make things worse. X – This code means that only vacuuming or light brushing are permitted. Using water, water-based cleaners, or solvents may end up staining the fabric. If the upholstered item has a W or W/S code, you can try a do-it-yourself cleaning solution. Dilute a gentle detergent with water (1 part detergent to 4 parts water) and gently blot the stain with a sponge or soft brush. Blot any remaining water with a dry cloth. Remember to check the care label first before trying this method! Rule #2: Blot, Blot, Blot Always blot a stain or spill on upholstery with a clean, absorbent cloth – never scrub. Scrubbing can drive the dirt deeper into the fabric fibers, and can sometimes damage the fabric. Rule #3: Vacuum Regularly For everyday cleaning of your upholstered items, vacuum them on a regular basis (ideally once a week). Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to do this, and be sure to vacuum underneath those sofa and chair cushions, as well, where dirt and crumbs love to hide. Rule #4: Apply a Protectant As the name suggests, fabric protectants can help protect fabrics on upholstery from stains and dirt, and are especially good for pieces of furniture that get a lot of use. You can apply fabric protectants yourself, or better yet, get a professional to do it. Rule #5: Get Regular Professional Upholstery Cleaning Even if your upholstery is free from stains, it will get dingy and dirty from everyday use, so it’s a good idea to have it regularly cleaned by a professional upholstery cleaning company like A Personal Touch. From sofas to armchairs to pillows, we’ll treat your upholstery with care no matter what fabric it’s made of. We can also apply a fabric protectant to extend the life of your furniture and make everyday cleaning much easier. If you need upholstery cleaning and are in the Centennial, Littleton, or Greater Denver, Colorado area, contact us any time for a free estimate! Remember at A Personal Touch, we don’t cut corners, we clean them!
How to Remove Candle Wax From Carpet
There’s a chill in the air and the leaves have fallen off the trees – these are signs that winter is on the way, and with it the holiday season. Now that it’s getting colder, it’s tempting to light a few candles. After all, what’s not to love about candles? Their ambiance and scent can make any home feel warm, cozy and inviting. There’s a downside to candles, however, aside from the fire hazard – melted candle wax can drip onto your furniture or carpets if you’re not careful. So what can you do to remove candle wax from carpet? Here are the steps you need to take to prevent that melted candle wax from becoming a permanent stain. 5 Simple Steps to Remove Candle Wax from Carpet 1. The first thing you want to do is to get the melted candle wax to harden as quickly as possible. Grab an icepack, a bag of ice, or even a bag of frozen vegetables and use it to freeze and harden the wax. This will help to keep the wax from seeping further down into the carpet fibers, which will make it even more difficult to remove. 2. Once the wax has hardened, scrape as much of it off as you can with a butter knife or other dull object (don’t use anything sharp – you could end up cutting the carpet fibers). You can even break off the larger chunks of wax and scrape the rest off as best as you can. 3. Get out your vacuum cleaner and vacuum up the wax pieces. Still have wax in the carpet fibers? Try using heat to get the rest of it out. 4. For this step, you’ll need an old (but clean) cloth or T-shirt, if you can spare one. Otherwise you can use a paper towel or brown paper bag. You’ll also need to use an iron set to the lowest heat setting. Put the cloth, T-shirt, towel or paper bag on the wax and slowly run the iron on top of it. The heat from the iron will soften the wax, while the cloth or paper will help draw the wax out of the carpet fibers. You may need to do this step more than once to get all of the wax out. Remember to put the hot iron on a book or baking sheet to prevent it from burning your carpet if you accidentally knock the iron over. We have repaired burned carpets from hot irons, so this step is critical! 5. If the above steps fail to remove the melted wax from the carpet, then call A Personal Touch for professional carpet cleaning. We serve the Denver metro area including Littleton, Parker, Castle Rock and more! We use a powerful truck-mounted steam cleaning system that can help remove not only candle wax from your carpets, but also gum, tar, rust, pet stains and odors. We also offer upholstery cleaning services, so if you’ve spilled candle wax on a sofa or chair, we can clean that, too. Having your carpeting professionally cleaned once a year is your best bet for keeping it clean and allergen-free all year long. If you’re due for a professional cleaning, contact us today so that your home will be ready to welcome your holiday visitors! Remember at A Personal Touch, we don’t cut corners, we clean them!
Cleaning Carpets Yourself May Do More Damage
Carpeting is one of the most valuable assets in your home, adding beauty, warmth, and comfort to any room. However, it also takes a beating from spoils, pet accidents, dust, dirt tracked in from outdoors, and constant foot traffic. If your carpets are beginning to show their life with some wear and tear and dirt or grime, you’ve probably thought about cleaning them yourself. Maybe you’ve walked by the carpet cleaning machines in your local store, or seen commercials for them on TV, and thought to yourself, Why not just clean the carpeting myself with one of these machines? It’ll save me some money and get the carpeting just as clean as a professional cleaning will. Yes, it’s tempting to rent a carpet cleaning machine and do the job yourself in order to cut costs and not have to hassle with hiring a professional carpet cleaning company. But hold on – you may be doing more harm than good by taking the DIY option. Let’s take a closer look at carpet cleaning machines and what they can do to your carpets (and you!). The Downside of Carpet Cleaning Chemicals While you may think you are saving money by renting a carpet cleaning machine, keep in mind that you also have to buy the cleaning chemicals, which adds to the expense. If you have a large house with a lot of carpeting, that added cost can pile up fast! And have you ever thought about exactly what’s in those cleaning chemicals? The exact formula will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but carpet cleaning solutions generally contain solvents, surfactants, foaming or defoaming agents, optical brighteners, emulsifiers, dyes, fragrance, and a host of other ingredients that if not handled correctly may be hazardous to your health. If you or anyone else in your household has asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems, these chemicals can irritate the lungs and cause breathing problems. DIY Carpet Cleaning Machines Can Damage Your Carpets, Too Let’s move on to how these carpet cleaning machines work and how that can affect your carpeting. Typically these machines saturate your carpet (and the padding beneath) with water and cleaning chemicals. If the carpet gets too wet, or the padding gets wet and cannot dry thoroughly, then you are at risk of mold and mildew. As with harsh chemicals, mold and mildew can cause breathing problems for those at risk. Not to mention the fact that walking on wet carpeting is not fun! Carpet cleaning machines also use brushes to agitate, brush and loosen dirt and stains, while their vacuum suction lifts it away. Depending on how the machine is used, the brushes could damage the carpet fibers. Professional Carpet Cleaning to the Rescue! Carpets can last as long as 20 to 25 years in good condition as long as they are maintained properly. Unfortunately, improperly cleaning them yourself can cause damage, and using unapproved cleaning methods can even void the warranty. That’s why it pays off in the long run to have your carpeting professionally cleaned. A pro will know how to properly clean and treat your carpets so that they will keep looking fresh and beautiful. At A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, we use a powerful steam cleaning system that eliminates the need for extra chemicals, removes tough stains and odors, and leaves your carpets looking like new. We serve customers throughout the Denver, Colorado area and offer carpet repair, upholstery cleaning, and rug cleaning services, as well. If your carpet is showing its age, don’t be tempted to go the DIY route – contact us today for a professional carpet cleaning and let us bring your carpets back to life! Remember at A Personal Touch, we don’t cut corners, we clean them!
Carpet Styles – What’s Best for Your Home?
If you’ve ever done any remodeling or redesign in your home, you know there are lots of decisions that must be made. Paint colors, furniture styles, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures…the list goes on! And if you’re thinking of replacing your carpeting (or adding carpeting to a room), there are decisions to be made there, as well. Six Carpet Styles to Choose From First you need to decide what carpet style you want. There are 6 basic carpet styles to choose from: Textured: This carpet style features alternating twists of yarn, resulting in a two-toned appearance. It’s durable, hides footprints and vacuum marks, and is a great choice for anywhere in the home, especially high-traffic areas. Plush: This style is similar to the textured carpet style, but the fibers are generally longer, and it has a “velvety” look. It also shows footprints and vacuum marks more readily than the textured style, so while it’s still a good choice, it’s better for low-traffic areas (think bedroom or dining room). Frieze: This carpet style features a high-cut pile with a twist that curls at the end; it’s sometimes referred as the “modern shag” carpet. It’s durable, resists showing footprints or vacuum marks, and is a great choice for high-traffic areas. Cable: This style features long, thick yarn, and is best for low-traffic areas, since it can become crushed with lots of foot traffic or heavy furniture on it. Berber: This carpet style features bulk yarn that is looped but not cut, and it tends to be shorter than other styles. It’s very durable and is perfect for high-traffic areas (it’s also the easiest to keep clean!). Cut-and-Loop: This style is made of a combination of cut and looped yarns, which can be used to create a wide variety of patterns in the carpet. It’s quite durable and is great for areas that get a lot of traffic. Carpet Fiber Material Options In addition to choosing the carpet style, you’ll also need to choose the pile height, color, and carpet fiber material. Here are some of your options for fiber materials: Acrylic: This synthetic material offers the look and feel of wool, but without the high price tag. It’s a great choice if you have family members with allergies, as it is also hypoallergenic. Nylon: This synthetic carpet material is extremely durable, making it perfect for high traffic areas. Like acrylic, it’s also quite affordable. Olefin: This synthetic fiber is created from melted plastic, and is mold and moisture resistant. It also resists staining – great for areas where you tend to have accidents! Wool: This natural material can last for years if cared for properly, but it will cost you quite a bit more than carpeting made from synthetic material. No matter what type of carpeting you choose, you need to take care of it properly – that means following the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically you’ll want to have it professionally cleaned at least once a year – that’s where A Personal Touch comes in! We’ll have your carpeting looking as good as new in no time, so that you can enjoy it for years to come. If you’re in the Denver area and are ready to schedule a professional carpet cleaning, contact us!
Tips for Carpet Protection in High Traffic Areas
Every home has them – high traffic areas with lots of foot traffic and activity. Entryways come to mind here, as well as kitchens and hallways. High traffic areas tend to get dirtier than other areas of the home, and if those areas are carpeted, the carpeting can look grimy and worn down in no time. So how can you keep carpeting in high traffic areas clean and in good condition? Here are a few tips that will help. Use Door Mats and Area Rugs Be sure to use door mats at all doors and entryways – they can help catch much of the dirt, debris and germs that can be tracked in from the outside. Otherwise the dirt that gets brought into the house will get trapped in the carpet fibers, and in high traffic areas that dirt will be ground in especially deep and will be difficult to get out. Oh, and pets can bring in dirt from outdoors, as well – wipe their feet after bringing them inside. Area rugs can also help prevent dirt and debris from getting into carpeting. A few strategically placed rugs can help prevent premature wear and tear of carpets and keep them cleaner. Take Off Your Shoes We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – not wearing shoes on your carpeting is the best way to keep it in tip-top shape. Leave your shoes at the door and go barefoot, or walk around in your socks or a pair of indoor slippers. And make sure your guests follow this rule, too – who knows what kind of grime they have on the bottom of their shoes! Keep a shoe rack by each entryway as a reminder to remove your shoes before coming inside. And if for some reason you need to keep your shoes on indoors, at least try to keep a “no shoes on the carpet” policy. You can also set aside a pair of indoor-only shoes to wear around the house if you need extra support for your feet and can’t go barefoot or wear slippers. Vacuum Daily Vacuum high traffic areas once a day, if at all possible. We know it’s a task most people don’t enjoy, but it will really help keep your carpet cleaner. If you have area rugs, be sure to vacuum both them and the carpeting beneath them. You’ll want to shake your area rugs outside first to loosen up any dirt and debris, then vacuum thoroughly. Clean Up Accidents Immediately Spills on your carpeting? Dirt tracked in on your shoes? Clean it up right away! If you wait too long, the stains can set in and become harder to get out. This is especially important for high traffic areas, since foot traffic can grind the dirt deeper into the carpet fibers. These spot removal tips can help prevent stains from sticking around in your carpeting permanently. Rearrange Your Furniture Channel your inner interior designer and move your furniture around every so often. This will create new high traffic areas and give your old ones a break from the constant foot traffic. It will also ensure that your carpeting will wear more evenly. Get Professional Carpet Cleaning A professional cleaning can bring those high traffic areas in your carpeting back to life. We offer both carpet and area rug cleaning throughout the Denver metro area. Our powerful truck-mounted steam cleaning system removes tough set-in stains and odors, and can help your investment last longer. Contact us today to schedule a professional cleaning and we’ll have your carpeting looking as good as new in no time!
Our Favorite Upholstery Cleaning Tips
Upholstered furniture adds a lot to the look of any home by making it cozy, warm and welcoming. However, it’s a big investment – recliners, sofas and sectionals can cost thousands of dollars. You’ll want to make sure to protect that investment by keeping your upholstered furniture clean. Here are some of our favorite upholstery cleaning tips that will keep your furniture ready to welcome family and friends all year long. Vacuum Your Upholstered Furniture Regularly Upholstered furniture should be vacuumed at least weekly, and even more often if it gets especially dirty (particularly if you have kids or pets). Be sure to vacuum under the cushions and in the creases in order to pick up all the dirt and debris – you never know what’s hiding in there! Oh, and don’t forget to vacuum the throw pillows, as well! These days, vacuum cleaners come with an assortment of attachments that are perfect for cleaning upholstered furniture, such as upholstery tools (with or without brushes) and crevice tools. Do your furniture a favor and use them on a regular basis when you vacuum. Check the Information Tag Did you know that most upholstery comes with a “manual”? That’s the little tag attached to the bottom of chairs or the back of sofas. Not only odes that tag contain information about the upholstered item (where it was manufactured, the manufacturer’s name, etc.), but it also has information about the upholstery fabric and its care. Here are some of the symbols you may see on the information tag and what they mean: WS: Use a mild detergent with steam vacuum or dry-cleaning detergent. S: Use a dry cleaner detergent only. X: Use a vacuum only. Do not use water on upholstery as it may stain. W: You can use water or a water-based solution on the upholstery. Blot, Don’t Scrub No matter how careful you are around your upholstered furniture, stains sometimes happen. When they do, make sure you blot them – don’t scrub them. Scrubbing the stains can loosen the upholstery fabric fibers, not to mention the fact that it can push the stain deeper into the fibers. Remember – blot, blot, blot! You may also be tempted to add water to the stain in an attempt to remove it, but don’t. The goal is to dry out the stain and keep the padding under the upholstery dry. Simply blot it with a dry, absorbent cloth instead. Get Your Upholstery Professionally Cleaned If your furniture is especially dingy or dirty, or you have stains that just aren’t coming out no matter what you do, it’s time to get your upholstery professional cleaned. In addition to carpet cleaning services, we offer upholstery cleaning services in the Denver metro area. We take extra care with delicate fabrics and trim, and can make your upholstered furniture look like new again. We’ll also apply a fabric protector to further protect your investment. Contact us today to get your upholstered furniture clean and ready to welcome friends and family this holiday season! Remember at A Personal Touch, we don’t cut corners, we clean them!
Tips to Maintain Your Carpet Between Professional Cleanings
As we’ve mentioned before on the blog, professional carpet cleaning should be done at least once a year. It not only keeps your carpet fresh and clean, but it also extends the life of your carpet. But what can you do the other 364 days of the year to keep your carpets in tip-top shape? Here are a few tips on how to maintain your carpet between professional cleanings. Leave your shoes at the door Your shoes track a lot of dirt, mud, pollen, and other grime into your house and onto your carpets, often getting ground in and trapped in the carpet fibers. The pollen can cause allergies to flare up, and can even affect those with asthma. The germs, bacteria, and viruses in the mud and dirt can also cause respiratory problems if inhaled. You can prevent outdoor grime from getting into your carpets by taking off your shoes when you come inside. Step into a pair of slippers – or just walk around in your socks or bare feet – and you’ll be doing a lot to keep your carpets much cleaner (you’ll be keeping your indoor air healthier, too!). The carpet cleaner will wear their shoes in the house during the professional cleaning. Don’t forget your furry friends Humans are not the only ones who track in dirt and mud from outside – our pets, do so, as well. Make sure to wipe off their paws when they come in from outdoors, whether or not it’s been raining or snowing. You’ll be thankful you gave their paws a good wipe-down the next time they get up on the furniture! Wipe up stains, spills or other accidents immediately Be sure to clean up any stains, spills or other accidents right away – the longer you wait, the much harder it will be to remove any stains that set in. There are a variety of DIY solutions available for simple stains – check out our handy tips for removing stains at home here. Note: You should not attempt to clean stains from fragile or antique rugs yourself – these require professional handling. Vacuum weekly Another tip for keeping your carpet clean between professional cleanings is to vacuum regularly – at least once a week. And don’t forget to vacuum the upholstery and curtains, as well – dirt, dust, dust mites, viruses and bacteria can hide in the fibers. These contaminants can reduce the quality of the indoor air, possibly resulting in allergy attacks and other respiratory problems in those who are susceptible. We know vacuuming is not a fun job, but it’s necessary to keep your carpets clean! Following the above carpet cleaning tips will help keep your carpets fresh and beautiful, but it’s not quite enough – don’t forget to get them professionally cleaned at least once a year. Even if they’re not stained or visibly dirty, professional carpet cleaning rids your carpets of any deep-down dirt, germs, and dust mites that can cause health problems and shorten the life of your carpet. If it’s been over a year since you’ve had your carpets professionally cleaned, contact us today, and we’ll get them clean and fresh in no time!