How To Maintain Your Upholstery After It’s Cleaned
Maintaining your upholstery after it is cleaned is a simple, quick project that keeps your furniture looking great. At A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, our professional carpet cleaners serving Denver have some thoughts on the best approach. Pick the Right Fabric Picking the right fabric for the right piece of furniture makes it easy to maintain your upholstery, and can actually help extend the piece’s lifetime. For example, upholstered furniture that sees heavy usage derives far more benefit from synthetic fibers than, say, vinyl. Also, if you have pets, you’ll want to pick fabrics that don’t have loose weaves or too much texture. Protect Your Fabric Before it ships from the manufacturer, upholstery fabric is usually treated with water and soil repellents, and an anti-mildew coating is applied. You can purchase additional fabric protectors from a store, but the best form of fabric protection is in fact prompt attention to spills. Even though the upholstery protectants will delay spills from being absorbed into the fabric right away, an immediate cleaning of the soiled area is essential. Spills should be blotted immediately and gently with a clean folded towel. If the upholstery fabric was pre-treated with a fabric protector blotting might be enough to completely remove the spill. Before you blot, check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if you need a water-based or solvent-based cleaner. Also, it’s a good idea to test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before you apply it to the upholstery. In most cases, the best choice is to use a mild cleaning product applied with a soft brush. Move the brush in a circular motion to work the solvent into the fibers, and then vacuum the spill area when it’s dry. If you’re unsure how a certain fabric should be cleaned, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions or contact our local carpet cleaners in Littleton. Turn the Cushions Periodically turning over your furniture’s loose cushions is a simple way to extend your upholstered furniture’s life. Akin to a tire rotation for a car, turning the cushions promotes an even distribution of wear and tear, and helps keep your cushions from developing indentations. And while you’re turning the cushions, give them a good fluffing to help maintain their shape. Also, swap the position of your cushions so the cushion in a popular sitting place doesn’t get overused. Vacuum Another easy way to maintain your upholstery is by committing to a weekly vacuuming. This is an effective way to keep your furniture free of dust and pet hair, while also removing surface soil and preventing dirt from embedding in the fibers. Another option is to use a brush to whisk the dirt away. If you go this route, make sure you use a soft bristled brush so you don’t damage the upholstery. Trust Our Experts Along with frequent upholstery maintenance, it’s a good idea to contact our nearby carpet repair company for a professional upholstery cleaning every year or two. Don’t wait for your furniture to show visible signs of dirt and wear. The dirtier a sofa or chair gets, the harder it is to clean. Call us today at (720) 344-2870 for your free quote and consultation. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”
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!
How Upholstery Stains Can Ruin a Room Quickly
The Importance of Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning A beautiful home is a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation, where you can unwind after a long day. However, it takes just one mishap to turn this haven into an eyesore. Upholstery stains, whether caused by a clumsy spill or an energetic pet, have the power to ruin a room’s aesthetic appeal and overall ambiance. In this article, we will explore the reasons why upholstery stains are a significant concern and delve into the benefits of professional carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning services in maintaining a pristine and inviting living space. The Impact of Upholstery Stains Upholstery is an essential component of any room, adding character and charm. It serves as a canvas for expressing personal style through different fabrics and colors. Unfortunately, accidents are inevitable, and when spills or stains mar the upholstery’s surface, they can quickly become the focal point of the room, overshadowing its other appealing aspects. One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with upholstery stains is that they are usually noticeable right away. Whether it’s a splash of wine on the sofa or a coffee spill on the armchair, these blemishes can be incredibly frustrating, especially in rooms where guests frequently gather. Stains send a message of neglect, creating a perception of an untidy and uncaring living space. Furthermore, untreated upholstery stains can seep deep into the fabric, making them more stubborn to remove over time. The longer they remain, the more they become ingrained, leading to discoloration and permanent damage. This deterioration can significantly decrease the lifespan of your furniture, forcing you to invest in replacements prematurely. The Role of Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning When facing upholstery stains, immediate action is essential to minimize their impact. DIY cleaning methods may offer some relief, but they often fall short in truly restoring the fabric to its original glory. This is where professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services shine. 1. Advanced Cleaning Techniques: Reputable professional cleaners like A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaners possess the knowledge and expertise to employ advanced cleaning techniques that are specifically tailored to each type of upholstery fabric. We have access to state-of-the-art equipment and eco-friendly cleaning services, ensuring a deep and effective clean without causing harm to your furniture. 2. Stain Removal Expertise: Different stains require different approaches for effective removal. Professional cleaners are well-versed in identifying the nature of the stain and applying targeted treatments to eliminate them without causing damage to the fabric. 3. Prolonging Upholstery Lifespan: Regular professional cleaning not only helps remove stains but also extends the life of your upholstery. By keeping your furniture clean and well-maintained, you can avoid premature wear and tear, saving you money in the long run. 4. Comprehensive Cleaning Solutions: A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning offers a comprehensive range of services, including both carpet and upholstery cleaning. This holistic approach ensures that your entire living space receives the attention it deserves, leaving your home fresh, clean, and inviting. Upholstery stains can ruin a room quickly, casting a shadow over the entire space’s beauty and comfort. To maintain a pristine and inviting living area, investing in professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services is a smart decision. The expertise, advanced techniques, and commitment to quality that our professionals bring to the table ensure that your upholstery remains stain-free and in top condition for years to come. Call now to schedule your appointment or request a quote online. 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!
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 keep your furniture and upholstery fresh
The sky is a brilliant blue. The fragrant lilacs and roses are in full bloom. You’ve cleaned the barbecue and restocked your ceramic briquettes or loaded up on conventional charcoal. You’ve worked hard on your yard or patio and want to host a barbecue or friend get-together and have the family over for dinner. It’s truly summer in Colorado! As you celebrate the bounty of our glorious state with gatherings, make sure the inside of your house looks and smells as good as the outside. Cushion patrol What do you usually do to usher in the freshness? Perhaps you air out the house, vacuum, dust, or give the windows a vinegar rinse? As you vacuum your floors, don’t forget to vacuum your upholstered furniture as well. Loads of odors and dirt can be trapped there. Remove cushions from couches and loveseats. As you do this, take note of which side of the cushion was facing up and what part of the couch or loveseat it occupied. We’ll circle back to this later. If it’s been awhile since you’ve cleaned the couch, have a small trash bag and box handy as you go. Place change, lost jewelry, socks (yes, sometimes that’s where they went!), and toys in the box. Throw away large food debris like popcorn and chips or wrappers in the bag. No shame! It happens to all of us. Vacuum underneath the cushions thoroughly. Next, vacuum the arms, back and sides of each piece of furniture. If you have a sofa bed, this might be a good time to vacuum the mattress and check to see if used sheets need to be replaced for the next guest. Vacuuming the throw pillows is a great idea too. Once everything is clean, vacuum and replace the cushions, making sure to flip them over and rotate their positions as you go. This will ensure more even furniture wear and tear and prevent the dreaded “sofa divot,” that deep, broken down spot on Uncle Larry’s couch where you can tell he sat for 23 years! If you have upholstered dining room chairs or easy chairs, don’t leave them out. Entertainment room leather chairs can also be a treasure trove of leftover snack crumbs and coins. Now that you’ve done your summer spruce up (it feels good, doesn’t it?), you’ve likely become more acquainted with your upholstered furniture. Did you notice a particular couch or chair was pretty dingy or dull? Did getting your face close to the recliner make you want to gag because of an unpleasant, uh, odor? If so, consider regular professional upholstery cleaning. Professional cleaning can remove layers of dirt and brighten used furniture. Regular upholstery cleaning can also protect your health and safeguard your family from molds, bacteria, fungi, pollen, pollutants and tobacco smoke residue. Professional upholstery cleaning can even extend the life of your furniture and keep it looking newer. Guest management Everything looks and smells great. Now you’re ready for the party, barbecue or book club. But what happens if Veronica decides to bring her beloved Schnauzer, Bowser, the night you are all supposed to discuss All the Light We Cannot See? Don’t let Bowser lounge on the sofa or the chairs you just cleaned. No. Down boy. Allowing pets on furniture, whether your own or Veronica’s, can further break down and soil your upholstery. The next time you host a barbecue and guests come in from the inevitable afternoon rain, make sure to clean up any spills that happen immediately. Blot the stain with a clean cloth, and if you’re not sure how to treat the particular stain, call A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning. We can give you phone advice that might just save your favorite chair. Click here for more spot removal advice. Certain types of stains like red wine, blood and oil can require professional cleaning for removal. A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning services Parker, Castle Rock, Englewood, Littleton and more. We are happy to help with any kind of carpet cleaning or upholstery cleaning and offer emergency stain advice. We have serviced the Denver metro area for more than 30 years. Several of our employees have worked with us for over a decade. Contact us at 720.344.2870 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation.
Bring Joy to Your Home with Professional Upholstery Cleaning
You may sit on your furniture every day and not really think about what it goes through. What if you were a couch or perhaps an easy chair? Put yourself in its, ah… armrests. Did you imagine, for just one moment, what a day-in-the-life of a couch might be like? Did you picture coffee spills, splattered yoghurt, popcorn showers, or puppy drool? Your upholstery is regularly subject to all of that and worse if you have a busy life and an energetic family. Summer pool parties, graduations, and birthday celebrations or that first backyard cookout to test grandpa’s secret Texas barbecue sauce: Each event brings friends, family members and a new onslaught of wear and tear to chairs, ottomans and couches. Pick up the Hoover As the first line of defense, we’ll remind you of an old adage: A vacuuming pass makes upholstery last! Don’t remember that saying? Well, honestly that’s because we just made it up. But, it is true. Vacuuming your chairs and couches keeps food and grit from being ground into the upholstery fibers. Consider vacuuming weekly or as often as your schedule allows. You can also remove dust and dirt from upholstered surfaces with a soft-bristled brush. When possible, consider turning and rotating your cushions to give the fabric a break as well. Treat that spill When they come from the factory, many upholstered furniture pieces have a protective coating. However, such protectants will only delay spills from being absorbed into your furniture, they don’t mean a spill will bounce off the couch like Elastigirl. If your overexcited teenager or enthusiastic friend flings soda, tea or chili all over your sectional sofa, it’s important to clean it up immediately. Blot the spill gently with a clean, folded towel. The blotting may help you remove the spill completely, if you do it quickly enough. Before spills happen, it’s good to check your furniture manufacturer’s care instructions. Do you need to use a water or a solvent based cleaner for stubborn stains? Many times, a mild cleaning product (test it first) can be applied in a circular motion with a soft brush to remove a spill. Vacuum the area when it is completely dry. If you need help, call your local carpet cleaning professional in Denver, Parker or Littleton. Schedule a steam cleaning Next, consider refreshing your furniture with a deep, professional upholstery cleaning. Truck-mounted steam cleaning can be like a face-lift for your furniture. Regular steam cleaning is just as important as consistent vacuuming. Upholstery cleaning with a truck-mounted steam cleaning system: Helps restore dulled colors to their original luster and resurrects flattened textures. Can eliminate odors from guests or pets who use couches or loveseats for sleeping. Aids in removing dust, dirt and germs trapped deep in your upholstery fibers. According to Statista.com, consumers spent $114.5 billion on bedding and furniture in 2019! Quite clearly, we invest so much in our homes because they are important to us. How important? In an April 2012 article “Why Our Homes Make Us Happy,” U.S. News and World Report said, “Humans, however, add layers of significance to home and place. Physical places endure while memories and people fade, so homes and neighborhoods become ‘memory machines’ that help us keep alive some of the strongest sources of what has given our lives meaning, well-being, and happiness.” It may seem dramatic to say your upholstery can affect how much you enjoy life, but it seems a clean, well-maintained home can make you, your guests and your loved ones feel better now and far into the future. Reach out to APT A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning’s technicians are thoroughly trained to care for many upholstery varieties. Whether you live in Denver, Parker and Littleton, we can help you with your professional upholstery cleaning needs. Reach out before birthdays, reunions, anniversaries, or if your house needs a good sprucing up. We are happy to answer any upholstery cleaning questions, or to give you a free, written estimate without cost or obligation. Contact us at 720.344.2870 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation.
Welcome Graduation Guests with Clean Carpets and Upholstery
When our kids graduate, it’s the culmination of years of hard work, family support, obstacles overcome and joy all rolled into one. That’s why so many parents, aunties, brothers and grandparents tear up when they hear “Pomp and Circumstance” float out of the speakers at the graduation ceremony. Graduation marks emotional growth as well as academic achievement. So, when it’s time to celebrate, it’s time to do it up big! You’ll need to order food to feed a crowd and maybe get one of those cakes with the graduate’s picture on it (though it’s a little strange to cut into). Before you stock up the party supplies, start with a good whole house spruce to welcome your guests. Deep clean the kitchen. Dust off the patio furniture and scrub the grill. Don’t forget to eliminate dust, germs, pollen and stains with a springtime carpet and upholstery cleaning too. Freshen up the carpet Let’s start with your carpeting. It’s one of the first things guests notice when you open your front door. If it’s in good shape, your guests may ask if they need to remove their shoes when entering. If it’s not, your guests may think all sorts of thoughts (What’s that smell? How old is that carpet?), but they won’t let you know what those are! Regular carpet maintenance can help ensure your house is inviting and it can also save you money. Of course, vacuum your carpet weekly to keep your carpet fibers in top shape. Then, hire a professional carpet cleaner to deep steam clean your carpets and upholstery. The care will restore your carpet texture and ensure your furnishings are renewed for guests. A Personal Touch steam cleaning technology removes nasty germs, even coronavirus, deep down into your carpet and upholstery fibers. Our cleaning water is heated up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit. According to our industry guidelines, just 125 degrees Fahrenheit kills 98 percent of household germs including colds, flu and bed bugs. Our deep soil carpet cleaning with a potent truck-mounted steam cleaning system removes tough stains and odors, including cat and dog urine stains and smells. Sanitize the upholstery Dining room chairs, recliners, couches, loveseats, armchairs and throw pillows all need an occasional deep cleaning too. This will ensure your guests don’t encounter any surprises when sitting down to chat about impressive achievements and future plans. Remember the time your graduate had friends over for raucous games in the family room? The spills on the chairs are still there, as are the ones on the couch cushion that was just flipped over to hide them! Those are memories you don’t need to keep. Stains, dinginess and even pet odors can be removed with a thorough cleaning performed by A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning. Disinfecting and deodorizing after cleaning can help you keep your furniture looking newer longer too. Get in touch A Personal Touch can help you make your house extra welcoming for all the celebrations you’ll have this spring and summer in Denver, Parker and Littleton. Reach out before big birthdays, weddings and anniversaries too. We are happy to answer any carpeting or upholstery cleaning questions you might have and give you a free, written estimate without cost or obligation. Contact us at 720.344.2870 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation.
How can regular carpet and upholstery cleaning help you through the cold and flu season?
It snowed! We celebrate, not only for our ski areas, but because our recent temperature drop brings much-needed moisture to Colorado. Our hearts are with our neighbors in Boulder County who recently suffered catastrophic fire loss. Unfortunately, our colder temperatures also firmly place us in the heart of cold and flu season. The best ways to prevent illness Why are colds and flu so common in January and February? As you know, when it’s chilly outside, we retreat indoors, crank up our thermostats and close our windows. We hang out more with our family and friends. Our physical closeness passes around germs in enclosed spaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this is especially true if we: Don’t stay away from others when we are sick: Gone are the days of “powering through” a cold or sickness. Stay home when you feel rotten and don’t gift your crud to others. Also, rest and let yourself truly recover. Your immune system will thank you by staying strong. Touch our faces a lot: This one got hilarious meme treatment early in the pandemic, but frequently touching your face, nose and mouth for whatever reason (mask, itchiness, fidgeting) is a serious habit to break NOW. Forget to wash our hands often: Plain old soap and water (yup, for 20 seconds) are still the best defense against sickness. Use hand sanitizer when you cannot access a sink. Don’t cover our mouths and noses when we sneeze or cough: This is disrespectful to others and gross. Neglect other good habits: The CDC recommends getting enough sleep, exercising, eating right and ensuring our living spaces are properly cleaned and sanitized. Reduce infections at home Which brings us to our main subject. As Sir Isaac Newton discovered in 1665, what goes up must come down (AKA don’t sit under a fruit tree in the autumn). Gravity enables all those viruses and bacteria to drift down and eventually settle into our carpets and upholstery. Some viruses, like norovirus (think nasty stomach bug) can stay in carpeting and upholstery for up to a month if not removed, according to the National Institutes for Health (NIH). Thankfully, studies show the COVID-19 virus does not typically cause infection from soft surfaces after 72 hours. According to livehealthily, the flu virus sticks around for 24 hours and the jury is out about just how long strep bacteria can survive on a surface to make you sick. Fear not. Our houses help us out and there are things we can do to reduce infections! Carpets are actually our friends. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), carpeting “plays the role of an air filter: carpet traps dust, pollen and other particles, taking them out of the breathing zone until they can be removed easily…” Regularly vacuuming your home, 1-2 times per week, as well as routinely cleaning and disinfecting your upholstery and carpeting can help keep your family well during the cold and flu season. Fight the flu and other bugs with steam A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning recommends steam cleaning your carpets every 18 months with a reputable high-temperature, truck-mounted steam cleaning service. One of our own employees testifies that regular carpet cleaning keeps his family healthier, “I have 5 kids and 2 dogs and now 5 grandkids. We don’t get colds and flu like other families.” But, don’t take our word for it. Recent studies like this one at the NIH report steam cleaning works to minimize germs in carpets. The NIH reports, “…our results support a previous finding that steam vapor can reduce viruses beyond the EPA standard in short contact times…” A Personal Touch can sanitize your chairs, ottomans and couches as well. Our trained technicians are knowledgeable about many different kinds of upholstery from canvas and corduroy to silk, lace and leather. They will clean your upholstery’s fragile trim and piping with care. Upon request, they can apply a special fabric protector to help extend the life of your furniture. Stay healthier during cold and flu season. Call us at 720-344-2870 for a free estimate or simply schedule an appointment.
17 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your House
Selling your house can be both exciting and stressful, especially if it’s your first time. Regardless of why you decided to sell your home, there are a number of pitfalls you can easily fall into, making your home selling experience less than ideal. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the most common home selling mistakes people make so you can sell your home knowing you have your bases covered. Underestimating the cost of selling your house While you should ultimately profit from the sale of your home, many home sellers forget about the costs associated with selling a house. For starters, you should expect to use five to six percent of the total sale price of your home to cover the commissions of both the seller and buyer agents. For example, if you sell your home for $300,000 you could wind up paying upwards of $18,000 in commission. Furthermore, this hefty cost doesn’t include possible concessions homebuyers might want you to make during the negotiation phase, such as making repairs suggested by a home inspector. Not budgeting for your move When you consider the moving process, you have two options: hiring a moving company or borrow your buddy’s truck and doing it yourself. By hiring a moving company, rather than doing it yourself, you’re getting someone who will pack, move, and then unpack your belongings. This means that a full-service mover can be well worth the investment when you’re preoccupied with all of the other tasks associated with selling your home. Not to mention, when you hire movers your belongings are insured so you’re covered if anything breaks. Selling a house you owe more on than what it’s worth If you still have a remaining balance on your mortgage, you’ll most likely use a portion of the sale proceeds of your home to pay off the existing mortgage. Make sure you don’t owe more on your mortgage than what your house is actually worth or you won’t make enough money on the sale to pay off your mortgage. The best option is almost always to wait on selling your home so that it can build more equity. This way you can sell your home and buy a new one without having two mortgages at the same time. Pricing your home incorrectly If you price your home too high, your home may fall into seller’s limbo, sitting on the market for what feels like an eternity. On the other hand, if you price too low then you will likely sell your home quickly but you risk missing out on a significant amount of money. The first step to understanding how much your home is worth is utilizing an online calculator. Afterward, meet with your real estate agent to discuss a good pricing strategy for your home. They will look at other comparable properties in your neighborhood that sold recently as well as bring keen insights into what the housing market is currently doing. Together, you’ll determine a good starting price as well as a pricing strategy that will incentivize buyers if your house begins to sit on the market for too long. Skipping a pre-listing home inspection before selling your house Selling a house is stressful enough, even when everything goes right. But if a homebuyer hires an inspector who catches an issue like mold, pests, or a cracked foundation, then your stress levels will multiply as you risk losing a potential sale entirely. Given the affordability of home inspections, there’s not much reason to avoid them. Getting a pre-listing home inspection will put your mind at ease as you’ll either know that your home is in sound condition or you’ll be able to tackle problems before homebuyers have the chance to bring them up during the negotiation phase. If an issue does arise, you can either fix it or you can let buyers know and then make a concession during the negotiation phase by reducing the price of your home accordingly. Not refinishing hardwood floors or cleaning your carpet If you’re reading this at home, look down. How do your floors look? Even if they don’t look terrible, there’s a pretty good chance they’re starting to show their age. Since potential buyers are going to be inspecting every aspect of your home, you should start thinking of refinishing your hardwood floors and cleaning your carpet. Whether you’re selling in Atlanta or Portland, the best time to have your carpet cleaned or hardwood floors refinished is right before you stage your home. Since you’ll already be moving most (or all) of your furniture to either a new home or a storage unit, this is a great time to get your floors done (like the floors above) and make them a selling point to potential homebuyers. Not staging your home for a quick sale The main point of staging your home is to allow potential homebuyers the chance to picture themselves living in your space. They get to see a home with furniture and art that’s arranged in a way that highlights key features of your home, rather than an empty house that echoes every sound. Staging your home pays off too as 21 percent of agents told the National Association of Realtors that staging a home increased its’ sale price by as much as 10 percent, making it a worthwhile investment. Forgoing professional real estate photos With the advent of cameras on smartphones, everyone likes to think of themselves as a photographer these days. Even though that picture you took of your dinner last week looked like it could be featured in advertisements, you’re still probably not ready to take your own real estate photos. A real estate photographer will make sure that your home looks great when you list it because not only do they have the equipment, they understand the angles that best sell a home. If you have a large home, a stunning view you want to show off, or a large amount of land, you