Tips for Fixing Water-Damaged Carpet
Fixing water-damaged carpet may seem like a tall task, but the water damage experts at A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning in Littleton have the tools and the know-how to do the job. With our help, you can rest assured we’ll not only clean the carpet and salvage anything reusable, we’ll also assist with mold prevention and removal. Let’s explore the steps we take to fix water-damaged carpet and make it healthy again. Turn Off Your Water If you haven’t already done so by the time our veteran service team arrives, we’ll help you locate your water turn-off valve and stop the flow of water in your house. This is specific to internal flood sources of course, i.e. a burst pipe or overflowing sink. Confirm the Water Source Confirming the water source is vital for determining what kind of water damage we’re dealing with. Water damage caused by an internal source, i.e. an overflowing bathtub or washing machine, is far different from damage created by an external source, for example groundwater or sewage water, also known as black water. The biggest difference is contamination. Carpet damaged by an internal source (either clean water or gray water, which includes washing machine water, dish water, and even toilet overflow water) can be salvaged, whereas black water should always be considered contaminated, and any carpet damaged by it should be thrown out. Clear the Area and Commence Dehumidifying Remove all furniture and other items in or around the affected area, and make sure nobody walks through. Then open all windows and doors adjacent to the water damage so that the room gets good airflow. Additionally, bring in as many fans as you can, along with a dehumidifier. The main goal here, aside from drying the carpet, is to circulate as much dry air as possible in order to inhibit bacteria and mold growth. Remove the Padding Beneath the Carpet Once your drying implements are in place, remove the tack strip holding the carpet down and remove all wet padding. This must be done quickly since wet padding under the carpet is exactly the kind of damp, warm environment where mold thrives. Remember to buy new padding for installation. If the area is small you might be able to do the install alone, but if the water damage is extensive it makes more sense to contact a professional carpet cleaner. Vacuum Thoroughly and Shampoo The next step is to thoroughly vacuum the affected area, ideally with a water-extraction vacuum since it will absorb significantly more water than a standard vacuum. Depending on how wet your carpet is, the vacuum process could take half a day or more. When the carpet is completely dry, shampoo it so that you kill any lingering fungus or bacteria. Note that if the carpet is still damp after 12 hours of vacuuming, it’s probably beyond saving and should be thrown out before mold starts growing under the carpet and beneath the floorboards. Bear in mind that the cost of new carpet is far less than the price of mold removal. Call us today at 720-344-2870 or use our online contact form to schedule an appointment for expert water damage restoration near Littleton. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”
Four Methods for Cleaning Tile and Grout
Everyone loves clean tile, whether it’s the kitchen backsplash, bathroom floor, or shower wall. But dirt and grime build up over time, and “hard water” adds another layer of crud. Keeping your tile sparkling requires consistent cleaning of the tile and the grout surrounding it. The following tile-cleaning solutions from A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, the foremost cleaning company serving Littleton, CO, are guaranteed to make your tile shine. Option 1: Use a steam cleaner All you need to accomplish this effective, eco-friendly option is a steam cleaner. After heating the cleaner to 350 degrees, turn it on and move its detail brush in a forward motion over the tile and grout. Go side to side, working from front to back in a continuous motion. The combination of heat and pressure does an outstanding job of loosening and destroying grime. When you’re finished, use a rag to clean up any leftover residue. Caveat: steam-cleaning old or broken tile can cause further damage, so use one of the following options instead. Option 2: The bleach + baking soda combo Since this option involves bleach, be sure to dress appropriately (old clothes), wear rubber gloves and safety glasses, and open a window. When you’re ready, mix a ¼-cup of bleach with ¾-cups of baking soda. Use a painter’s stick to stir the mixture until it has a paste-like consistency. Spread the mixture over your tile and grout, then wait 5 – 10 minutes depending on how dirty the tile is. After waiting, take a toothbrush or scrub brush and rub the mixture into the grout and over the tiles. Pause 5 – 10 minutes more and rinse. Warning: Bleach’s presence means this option only applies to white tile/grout. Don’t try this on anything colored. Option 3: Vinegar or baking soda: take your pick This is a particularly effective solution for light-duty tile and grout cleaning, and it can be used on tiles of any color. If you use vinegar, mix equal parts vinegar and water, pour it into a spray bottle, and apply to the tiles and grout. When the solution stops bubbling, scrub the tile and rinse. If you choose baking soda, take ¾-cups of baking soda and mix it with a little water in order to form a paste similar to option #2, and follow the same application steps. For hard-to-remove dirt and gunk, apply the baking soda paste and then spray the vinegar solution on top of it. Option 4: Oxygen bleach + water Just like option #2, this method is only applicable for white tile/grout. Mix a cup of oxygen bleach with warm water (see the bleach’s packaging to confirm the exact amount, since it varies by brand/strength required). For 30 minutes, pour the solution over the tile, pausing every minute or so to let it seep in. When you’re done pouring, take a stiff brush and start scrubbing, adding more solution if necessary. When finished, rinse the surface with clean water. Oxygen bleach is also handy when you’re mopping – just add some to the water in your mop bucket for a consistent shine. For more tips on tile and grout cleaning or to make a service appointment, contact the specialists at A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning today. Call us at 720-344-2870 or use our online contact form to request your free estimate. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”
Repair Options: Carpet Patching vs. Carpet Stretching
Carpet patching and carpet stretching are two common remedies that A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaners has years of experience with. If you’re in need of carpet repair near Littleton, CO, you may be wondering how these two solutions differ, and which one is right for you. Let’s look closer at both approaches. Carpet Patching Carpet patching is the process of replacing a section of wall-to-wall carpeting that’s been permanently damaged by a spill, fire, or other accident. Instead of purchasing all-new carpet and dinging your budget, the goal of carpet patching is to isolate the affected area, remove it, and replace it with a matching section of good carpet. The process typically works like this: Our experts measure the damaged area in order to determine the exact size for replacement. After measuring the replacement space, we’ll tape around the area, ensuring that the tape’s inside edge matches our measurements. At this point, we’ll also procure a replacement piece. Ideally, you’ll have extra carpet left over from the installation – maybe in the attic or crawlspace. If not, we’ll “farm” the replacement piece from another part of the room – an inconspicuous area such as under a bed or inside a closet. With a special cutting tool, we’ll cut out and remove the damaged section, being careful not to cut the padding beneath. Using the measurements taken earlier, we’ll cut the replacement patch. Then we’ll prepare the existing carpeting to receive the patch, carefully set it into place, and use a carpet brush to smooth the entire area in order to conceal the patch’s seams. Carpet Stretching Wrinkled, loose carpeting isn’t just ugly to look at – it can also be a safety hazard, especially if you have small children running around. The best way to remove those wrinkles is to have a professional carpet company like A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaners stretch your carpet and make it look brand-new again. Here’s a summary of how this works: Our carpet experts pull up the ends of the carpet and stretch it until it’s taut. The carpet is lifted by employing a few different tools that help separate the carpet at its edges and detach the carpet from the tack strip. Stretching the carpet requires a large power stretcher to remove the folds, followed by a smaller power stretcher (aka, a “kicker”) to take care of any particularly stubborn wrinkles. Once the carpet is taut, we’ll use our tools to remove any excess material around the carpet’s perimeter, and then put the carpet back in place. The carpet is then secured with an industrial-grade staple gun that prevents it from “relaxing” again in the future. Due to the labor and tools necessary for carpet stretching, we highly recommend hiring A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaners for the job. Trying to do this by yourself or with a friend could permanently damage the carpet, or even worse, lead to injury. If you need help with carpet patching, carpet stretching, or carpet cleaning near Littleton, CO, contact us today for a free quote.
Protect Your Furniture: Four Expert Tips for Upholstery Cleaning
For more than 30 years, A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaners has provided expert carpet cleaning to customers in Littleton, CO and the greater Denver, CO area. We’ve successfully completed thousands of upholstery projects, so we think we’re qualified to provide our many loyal customers with expert tips for upholstery cleaning. Without further ado, here are four things you can do to ensure your upholstery looks pristine year-round. Address Stains Immediately Whenever something spills on your couch, loveseat, etc. it’s critical that you take care of it post-haste. Grab a paper towel or clean white cloth and blot (don’t rub) the spill, working from the outside to the center. Rubbing a spill could make the stain bigger, an effect known in the upholstery biz as “blossoming”. Keep blotting until the stain is completely dry. Also, be sure not to over-wet the upholstery, as this could not only enlarge the stain but also dampen the padding beneath the cover, leading to mold or mildew. Regularly Clean Your Upholstery A pinch of prevention is worth an ounce of cure, and most things can be kept looking good (upholstery, floors, your car) with regular cleanings. Every week, pull out your vacuum, engage the upholstery attachment, and vacuum your soft furnishings. Of particular use is the angle-tipped “crevice tool” – if your vacuum comes with one of these, it’s perfect for cleaning folds and creases where dirt and crud collect. We also recommend taking your cushions outside once a month and hand-beating them. This keeps dust from getting too comfortable within the cushion fibers. When you’re done, flip the cushion before putting it back – this helps maintain even wear on both sides. Invest in Extra Protection Home furnishings often constitute a significant investment – and like any investment, you want to keep it well-protected. To this end, consider buying and applying a professional-grade upholstery protector. These products don’t guarantee 100 percent protection, but they will drastically reduce the chances of permanent damage from spills and discoloration. Our upholstery cleaning experts are happy to provide you with a quote for this service, and talk further with you about the cleaning products we recommend. Treat Your Upholstery to a Deep Clean Just like your body benefits from a yearly massage, your upholstery will benefit from a yearly deep-cleaning treatment. If your cushion covers are removable and machine-washable, throw them in the washing machine and put the water setting on cold. To prevent fading, turn the covers inside-out before washing. If your covers are “dry-clean only”, or are particularly dusty/dirty, we recommend having them professionally cleaned. This is the best way to ensure everything is cleaned thoroughly and correctly, especially when dealing with big spills that may be even larger in the padding beneath the cover. A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaners brings a friendly, knowledgeable approach to upholstery cleaning near Littleton, CO. No job is too big or too small, so contact us today for a free quote.
Top 5 Tips for New Home Owners
As a brand new home owner, the appearance of your house is probably a high concern. You’ll want to decorate and add touches that are specific to your family and taste. You’ll also want to keep the appearance of your floors and walls as pristine as possible. One question we often get from new homeowners is “How do I keep my carpets looking new?” Carpets can be beautiful and very comfortable. They also help to keep the heat inside during the winter, adding as further insulation in those rooms. But for any busy family, carpets can get worn easily. Over time, without proper care, carpets can start to look dingy. These tips can help you keep your carpet looking its best throughout its lifespan. Top 5 Tips to Keep Carpets Looking Like New Vacuum Regularly. Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your carpet looking its best. For an area with heavy traffic, vacuum several times per week. If you have a room that people rarely use, you might only need to vacuum once every week or two, just to remove dust. It’s important that you vacuum regularly in high traffic areas. Dust and dirt will become ground in over time, if the carpet isn’t regularly attended to. Purchase a Door Mat. The best way to keep carpets clean is by removing as many of the outside elements as possible. Dirt and dust from outside your home attach to your shoes. Purchasing a simple door mat can help keep these things at bay. Make certain all visitors wipe their feet when they enter and take the mat outside to shake out the dirt every time you vacuum. Take Shoes Off. If you’d really like to keep the look of your carpet, outlaw shoes inside the home. You can leave outside shoes in the doorway so that you’re not tracking dirt throughout the house. Many homeowners keep separate shoes or slippers to wear only inside, or you may prefer socks. Even if you let visitors keep their shoes on, you’re still cutting down on a major amount of the outside dirt that makes its way into your home. Clean Spills Immediately. Any stain left to set will be far more difficult to remove. It’s important that you clean any spill the minute you know it’s there. There are a number of techniques you can use, from purchased stain cleaners to green friendly items. If you can’t remove the stain on your own, a professional cleaning service can help you return your carpet to its best shape. Regular Professional Cleaning. Another part of your maintenance includes a regular cleaning. A professional cleaning can get to the dirt and dust that simple vacuuming can’t reach. In most cases, you can schedule a cleaning for once a year. The process is simple and often you can walk on the carpet again within a day. Looking for Carpet Cleaning Services in Littleton? If you’re looking for a carpet cleaning service to help you maintain the look and quality of your floors, contact A Personal Touch today at 720-344-2870.
Tile and Grout Cleaning Tips
Tile flooring is a beautiful and long lasting selection. Tile can also be an excellent choice for bathroom walls, kitchen back splashes, and even decorative accent pieces in a room. But grout can be notoriously difficult to keep looking new and clean. That’s because many types of grout are porous, which means that the grout actually takes in dirt, grime and mold. Grout can also be difficult to reach with normal cleaning routines. You might easily wipe up spills from a laminate floor in one motion, but a rag will wipe right over the grout, missing the stain and, more importantly, the dirt. Tips for Tile and Grout Cleaning Tile and grout can be easy to maintain as long as it’s cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis. Like anything in your home, the better you take care of it, the longer it will last. You’ll find a million cleaning options, from cleansers to age old household cleaning tips. Overall tip: grout will need to be scrubbed with a brush, rather than a rag or mop, no matter what cleaning method you’re using. Favorite Floor Cleanser. There are many cleansers on the market that are great for regular cleaning and maintenance. You should verify the type of tile and grout you have to make sure there are no limitations on the type of cleansers you can use. For instance, some surfaces should not be cleaned with abrasive cleansers. Bleach. Bleach is a favorite cleanser because it will kill mold and bacteria and whiten the grout. Many cleaners contain bleach or you can use bleach mixed with water. Baking Soda / Vinegar. You can make a paste with baking soda and water to scrub into your grout. Spray a diluted vinegar solution over the paste after you’ve scrubbed. This solution will bubble up, helping to remove dirt and grime. Then mop the floor using plain water. You may need to mop more than once to remove all of the baking soda residue. Steam Cleaners. There are steam cleaners on the market for floors which are incredibly effective at both cleaning and sanitizing your grout and tile. Your Grout and Tile Still Looks Dingy After Cleaning What happens if you’ve already tried the traditional cleaning methods and nothing’s worked? Maybe you need a little more elbow grease – no stain cleaner will do all the work for you. You do need to take some extra effort in scrubbing really set in stains. What if you know you’ve scrubbed as well as you possible can? Does that mean you’ll need to replace the tile? No. Not necessarily. If the tile and grout are intact, they can be professionally cleaned and restored. At A Personal Touch, we specialize in tile and grout cleaning. Our technicians can assess your surfaces and take great care in the restoration process. Often we can repair issues that you might think would need a full replacement – saving you renovation costs and improving the look and feel of your home. Contact us today for more information.
The 5 Types of Stains That Require Professional Carpet Cleaning
Unless the room is relatively unused, your carpet takes more abuse than most areas of your home. After all, the carpet gets regular foot traffic and that might include many different types of shoes, that are tracking in any number of things from the outdoors. There’s a reason most people’s grandmothers had plastic runners in their “good rooms” and didn’t let anyone in the house without taking off their shoes. Todays carpets, if well maintained, can last many years and look just as beautiful as the day they were installed. It’s usually recommended that you vacuum at least once a week to maintain the look of your carpet. If the room gets a lot of foot traffic, you may need to vacuum more often. For a room that’s rarely used, you may only want to vacuum as is necessary to keep dust at bay. It’s also recommended that you have your carpets professionally cleaned once every year or two. In the case of stains, it’s highly recommended that you treat them immediately. We offer care instructions that work great for stain removal when an accident is taken care of immediately. However, even the most diligent maintenance won’t always work on every stain. In those cases, a professional carpet cleaning and stain removal will help you restore your carpet. 5 Types of Stains That May Need a Professional Carpet Cleaning There are a number of stains that can be difficult to remove from carpeting without the right expertise. You also want to be very careful with removal products because they can cause discoloration or damage to your carpet. Here are a list of some of the most common types of stains that can be too difficult to remove without a professional cleaning. Red Wine / Dark Juices. Red wine and dark juices can leave a very noticeable stain that’s exceptionally difficult to remove. These spills are also very common, which is why many parents switched to white grape and lighter juices. Coffee. Many coffee drinkers will take it everywhere with them but because of the color, it’s a difficult stain to remove. Treating the stain immediately will help your chances. However, if you don’t notice the stain until it’s set, a professional cleaning might be your best option. Grass. Grass stains are notoriously difficult to treat on any type of fabric, especially carpet. It’s preferable to make sure people take off their shoes, especially if they’ve been working out in the yard. But that’s not always possible with children and a lively household. Blood. Blood stains are very common and exceptionally difficult to remove. There’s no real way to protect your carpet from these stains because, obviously, these are often caused by an accidental cut or injury. Grease. Grease might come from any number of areas. This might be from spilling greasy food or from someone working with machinery. Grease spills happen more often than you might think. Use the removal method linked above but, in many cases, you’ll want a professional cleaning to keep your carpet looking its best. Are You in Need of a Professional Carpet Cleaning? If you’re in need of a professional carpet cleaning to remove spots or just to maintain your floors, the experts at A Personal Touch can help. Contact us today to discuss your needs: 720-344-2870 or send a message online.
Moving Season is Upon Us!
Moving season is here. March and April bring warmer weather, spring flowers and houses hitting the market for sale! Are you looking to sell your home? You’ll want your carpets in great shape when prospective buyers start looking at your home. The housing market in Littleton and the surrounding area is hot, so you’ll want to pull out all the stops to get your home to show as best as it possibly can. This means cleaning your carpets, upholstery and fixing those snags, ripples or bare spots on your carpet. Why you should clean your carpets before selling your home Dust, dirt, pollen and other allergens can collect in your carpets over time. This buildup can also cause odors, which may be a turnoff to prospective buyers. You’ll want your home to smell clean and fresh and professionally cleaned carpets can do just that. Professional carpet cleaning can also remove those spots and stains that may cause buyers to think they have to replace their carpet. New carpet is expensive, so bringing in a professional to clean your carpets can be a lot less money. Adding carpet protection spray can help keep stains from setting in. Think of it as an invisible shield for your carpet! Carpet frays, ripples and seam repair If your carpet is fraying, rippling or showing splits or tears at the seams, then you’ll need our expert carpet restoration service. Carpet damage may turn off prospective home buyers. A Personal Touch recommends repairing split seams, carpet tears and ripples before putting your home on the market. Our expert carpet repair services can make your carpets ripple-free, remove burn spots and apply transitional strips to help restore your carpet to nearly new condition! Wool rugs If you have wool rugs but don’t want to clean them before moving due to high traffic of buyers viewing your home, then you’ll want to utilize our pickup and drop-off service for your wool and area rugs. On moving day, we’ll come get your wool or area rugs, clean them using our Rug Badger technology, and hold your rugs until you’re moved into your new home!* Call us today at 720.344.2870 or use our online contact form to request your free estimate or to schedule your carpet cleaning, carpet repair or wool rug cleaning service appointment. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.” * Delivery and drop-off within our service area only.
A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning Services in Littleton
Carpet Cleaning in Littleton, CO A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning Services is proud to serve the neighborhood of Littleton. To learn more about the various carpet and upholstery cleaning services we offer, call today at (720) 344-2870. The key to combating seasonal allergies is preventing them before they set in. A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaners offers comprehensive carpet cleaning services to Littleton, CO homeowners. From industrial buildings to finely upholstered antiques, we will work with you to ensure that your items are as clean and allergen-free as possible. Annual Carpet Cleaning An annual carpet cleaning is the best way to keep your flooring in top condition while preventing allergens from accumulating. In addition to bedrooms and living rooms, we also offer cleaning services for carpeted stairways and halls. Enhance the beauty of your home and extend the life of your carpeting with a professional cleaning. From set-in dirt and pet odors to major spills on a specific area of your carpet, our technicians are trained to offer the comprehensive services you need to keep your flooring looking and smelling like new. Properly maintained carpets can last up to 25 years, so the upfront cost you pay to keep them maintained pays dividends in the long run. Preventative Care The best way to care for your carpets and upholstery is preventively. Our technicians are equipped with a high-quality Teflon spray that protects fibers and other materials from sustaining damage in the future. Whether you want to keep your upholstered furniture safe from stains or to extend the life of your carpet, this service can save you significant time and money. Carpet Repair If an area rug or section of your carpet has become damaged, A Personal Touch offers full restoration services. From burn repair after a localized fire to patching and seam repairs, we will have your damaged carpet looking like new as soon as possible. Whether your carpet has been damaged by a flood or fire or you simply want to extend the lifetime of the carpets in your home, call A Personal Touch today at (720) 344-2870 for carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning you can rely on.
A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning – Serving Centennial and Castle Rock
Carpet cleaning is big business in Colorado! With March typically being the snowiest month in Colorado, it’s no wonder carpet cleaning services are readily available online, in newspapers, and flyers left on your front door. With all the different cleaning companies in town, how do you go about selecting the right one? A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning has been serving Colorado for over 30 years and we are one of the original carpet and upholstery cleaning companies in Centennial and Castle Rock. Phil Dreessen, founder of A Personal Touch Carpet cleaning, has seen firsthand the confusion and misconceptions around the carpet cleaning process and carpet care. Common Misconceptions You don’t need to clean your carpets often. This is simply not true! Dirt, dust, pollen and allergens can become trapped in carpet fibers and cause damage that may be wearing out your carpets faster than you want. The more dirt that becomes ground into the carpet fibers, the sooner you may be replacing the carpet entirely. Carpet cleaning only removes dirt. False! Professional carpet cleaning can help remove bacteria, pollen, fungi, smoke and other particulates from your carpet. Common household cleaning chemicals can also get into the carpet fibers and may even lead to breathing issues like allergies or asthma! Dry cleaning methods are all the same. False! There are two types of carpet cleaning: dry cleaning and hot water extraction. Dry cleaning carpets involves using dry foam shampoo applications to the carpet fibers, allowing it to dry and then “vacuuming” it up. This typically leaves a residue on the carpet that can actually attract dirt rather than repel it! The dry chemical method is similar to the dry foam shampoo but a cotton bonnet is placed on the carpet first that absorbs the dirt as it spins around on the carpet. Once the cotton bonnet is full of dirt then a clean bonnet is used to “rub” the dirt out of the carpet. This method can also leave behind a residue and if it’s not vacuumed out properly then it can also attract dirt and dust. Hot water extraction is recommended by Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer. Hot water extraction means we wash your carpet and then rinse it out with hot water to completely remove all shampoo residue. Questions? We are happy to answer any questions you may have about carpet cleaning and the process we use. Call us today at 720.344.2870 or use our online contact form to request your free estimate. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”