Protecting Your Home’s Carpet From Furniture
As a leading provider of professional carpet cleaning services in Englewood, A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning fields plenty of carpet-care questions from customers. One of the most popular is, “What are some things I can do to protect my carpet from furniture?” Here are a few tips from our experts. Use Furniture Coasters Sometimes simple objects are the most useful – for example, furniture coasters. These are nothing more than small discs placed under the legs of heavy furniture, everything from beds and armoires to entertainment consoles and couches. It may seem surprising, but coasters actually minimize the chances of furniture making permanent dents in the carpet beneath. The discs absorb and redistribute the furniture’s weight, thus preventing the furniture from pushing directly into the carpet’s pile. Rotate Your Furniture While it’s true that using carpet coasters will reduce the frequency at which you should rotate your furniture, we highly recommend continuing a periodic rotation. Doing so goes a long way towards ensuring your living room is free of spots where the furniture has permanently crushed the carpet/pile into the nap. Of course, the fact that carpet manufacturers nowadays can make carpets with different “crush resistance” is something that shouldn’t be discounted – but even if you’ve invested in carpet with a high crush resistance, rotating your furniture still offers plenty of peace of mind. Rearranging the furniture can seem like a pain, but it’s something you only need to do once every year or two. An annual rotation can extend your carpet’s lifespan by a factor of years, and it’s also a good opportunity to give your room a fresh look. Choosing The Right Padding Even though nobody sees a carpet’s padding, it’s still a vital component for reasons such as sound insulation, cleaning, and comfort. The padding also matters in terms of a carpet’s “dent potential” – specifically, a thin, firm pad is better at preventing carpet dents than a thicker, softer pad. On the flipside, the latter type of padding delivers superior noise-reduction and underfoot comfort. So it’s a matter of personal preference, as long as you remember that a thick-padded carpet will require more diligence on your part in terms of furniture coasters and rotating. Consider Caster Caps Caster caps serve a function similar to that of furniture coasters, but with a different approach to the dent problem. One side of the cap is a rubber circle that attaches to the feet of the furniture. The other side is comprised of numerous small “spikes” that separate the carpet strands, instead of indenting. Like coasters, very heavy furniture may still leave dents in the carpet, but vacuuming over the dents will restore the carpet to its original look. All Of Your Carpet Questions, Answered Whether you have questions about carpet cleaning, carpet repair, or new carpet installation, A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning has the answers. And along with helping you get the most out of your carpet, we also assist with upholstery cleaning, spot removal, and much more. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”
Tips for Removing Simple Rug Stains
Stains happen, and when they do we hope that they’re easy to remove. For simple stains, that don’t require the carpet cleaning services of an expert, a variety of DIY solutions exist. Here we cover a variety of methods, some well-known and others not so much. Solutions for Simple Rug Stains Note, we do not recommend these solutions for fragile or antique rugs. Be also aware that colors could bleed if the treatment is not done properly. Ammonia Pour one cup of clear ammonia and mix it with a ½ gallon of warm water. Then take a sponge and apply the solution to stains in your carpeting or upholstery. Let the spot dry completely and then reapply if necessary. Shaving cream Not only does shaving cream work on simple stains like food and dirt, it’s also a good option for oil and grease stains. First, blot the stain with a damp sponge and pat it. Then squirt some shaving cream on the stain and wipe it clean with the damp sponge. For tougher stains like oil and grease, apply the shaving cream to the stain and work it in as much as possible. When you’re finished, let the area dry and then rub it clean with a soft cloth. Salt Red wine stains will send most homeowners into a panic, but if you act quickly and have a bottle of salt and a bottle of white wine handy, you can get the stain out. While the red wine is still wet, pour some white wine on it until the color is diluted. Then grab a sponge, wet it with cold water, and clean the area. Once the area is clean, cover the area with salt and wait 10 minutes. Then vacuum the area and prepare to be impressed with this unusual but effective stain-removal trick. WD-40 WD-40 has an established reputation as a multi-use product, and you can add carpet stain removal to the list. Spray WD-40 on the stain, wait two minutes, and then apply your household carpet cleaner to the stain/WD-40 combo. You can also use a sponge and warm soapy water. Scrub the area until the stain is 100 percent removed. Baking Soda This is the mother of all household carpet cleaners, and has been a trusted solvent for generations. The aftermath of puppy accidents and upset stomachs are well-addressed by baking soda. After cleaning the area as best you can, cover the spot in baking soda and pat it into to the damp rug. Let the area dry and then vacuum the spot. Baking soda not only cleans the stain, it also deodorizes and sanitizes the affected area. When combined with salt, baking soda can remove grease stains. Mix equal parts of both substances and sprinkle the mixture on the stain. Then use a rigid brush to work the solution into the rug. Wait five hours and then vacuum the area. When It’s Time to Call a Professional A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning is all about helping our customers save money. There are plenty of DIY opportunities for various household needs, including simple stains. But for more complex matters like carpet stretching, carpet repair, and bed bug eradication, make sure to contact our expert team. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”
How to Care for Area Rugs
Rugs can beautify the home, but it takes special care to keep them looking their best. By keeping up with the following, you can ensure that they continue to look great for years to come. In addition to hiring professional carpet cleaning in Denver and the surrounding areas, you can do a lot at home to maintain your rugs. Vacuum regularly. Dirt and grime can get lodged into your rug. This grit can rub against fibers, causing premature wear. Vacuum the rug regularly to get dirt out, concentrating especially well on high traffic areas. Experts recommend four to six passes in most areas, up to a dozen in areas that are high traffic. Get deep cleanings periodically. You should also consider deep cleaning periodically to get what vacuum cleaners can’t. Hire a professional company for carpet cleaning. A company that uses heavy duty equipment like the RugBadger can get out deep grime and keep your carpets in good condition. On average, you should get your rug deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months, or more often if they are showing wear and grime. Shake out small area rugs. If you can easily pick up a rug, take it outdoors to shake out dirt and dust. You will find that a lot of what your vacuum misses comes out this way. Ensure that you are in an area where debris will not cause irritation to neighbors. Brush out pet hair. If you have animals in your house, you may wind up with fur in your rugs that your vacuum can’t remove. A stiff brush can help get this out. Alternately, try rubbing the surface of your carpet with a rubber glove. The hair catches on the glove, allowing you to easily scoop it up and out. Special Treatment for Wool Rugs Wool rugs can be delicate and need special care. Never use a vacuum head that has a beater bar on your wool rug, as these can cause abrasions on your rug. Vacuum regularly to prevent dirt from causing wear and damage. Blot up all spills immediately to avoid staining. When it comes time to deep clean, trust these rugs to a professional to avoid shrinkage or damage. Interior rugs need protection from the rigors of daily traffic to keep doing their job. With just a bit of special treatment, including regular carpet cleaning in Littleton and the surrounding areas, you can protect your rugs and keep them looking great for years. 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.”
Sure March comes in like a lion…
Have you heard the saying, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb?” Well, it could be truer than you think. Snow and sleet often blast through Colorado in March. Tracked in, they can make your floor look like a pride of lions charged through the living room, and we know what kind of havoc our own little lambs can create. Kids build snowmen, hunt for Easter eggs in the bushes, play outside with the family dog and then track their slushy fun inside. Baa-aad news for the dirt patrol. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure Silly puns aside, a few rules can help you tame the mess. Think about: Placing sturdy welcome mats outside and inside your entryways; ask everyone to wipe their feet before coming inside. Requesting that family and friends simply remove their shoes at the door before coming in for hot chocolate. Stopping Fido at the door and wiping his paws with a soft cloth before he leaps on the sofa. Wiping up and spot-cleaning any drips or spills on carpet or upholstery immediately. Cleaning your carpets and upholstery regularly to keep them in prime condition. As clean as a whistle Despite possible snow, March can be a perfect time to get ready for the joyous changes that spring can bring. The first green buds are appearing on trees outside. We’ll have to “spring forward” on March 13 and the spring equinox will take place on March 21–which means our nights and days will become equal in length. We’ll all welcome the longer days to come. Any way you look at it, spring will soon be here and you’ll want your great indoors to be as fresh as the great outdoors. So, don’t wait for summer schedule A Personal Touch to clean your carpets and upholstery. Check out this month’s service special. It includes: Teflon carpet protector at no extra charge, twelve percent discounted off of your total cleaning bill and up to 120 square feet of free touch-up service after Easter. …let it go out with your carpets and upholstery as fluffy as a new lamb! ENJOY A FRESH, CLEAN, HEALTHY CARPET! If all you want is a cheap, brush-the-dirt-off clean, then we respectfully ask that you call another carpet cleaner. But if you want to protect your health – if you want to protect your family from countless bacteria, fungus, pollen, pollutants and tobacco smoke residue in your carpet, then you’re invited to call us. We’ll answer your questions and give you a free written estimate without cost or obligation of any kind. Call us today at 720-344-2870. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”
Buying and Caring For Your Oriental Rug
Oriental rugs are a great way to add class and style to any room in your home. Oriental rugs can be expensive, but generally the price of a carpet is figured out by the amount of labor and art put into the rug and can be well worth the cost and value. When purchasing a rug you will want to consider the quality of the wool and the dyes used in the construction of the rug. Some rugs that are passed off today as oriental rugs are actually machine made. Experts can tell the difference by looking closely at the rug. The machine made rug fringe is usually sewn directly to the carpet backing and is not an actual part of the rug as it is with a handmade rug. Make sure that you are dealing with a reputable carpet dealer who specializes in handmade rugs. This is one of the ways to avoid paying more than you should. Remember to purchase a good quality padding to help to protect your rug. It will also help to prevent it from wrinkling or moving. A good quality pad can add many years of life to a rug. Rotate the rug frequently. This will help prevent any obvious over-wear on one part of the rug. Try to keep the sun off the rug as much as possible to prevent fading. Remember, this rug will probably outlast any other furniture or rugs you have in your home, and twenty or twenty-five years worth of strong sun can fade wool rugs. Cleaning your rug is also a consideration. Vacuum it once a week to pick up dirt and particles. If you find your rugs needs something other than a mild surface cleaning with water find an expert such as A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning to do the cleaning for you. We are your Oriental Rug Cleaning Experts! 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.”
Cleaning Your Rugs Regularly Can Help Remove Germs and Bacteria
To achieve a clean carpet that’s free of germs and bacteria, you’ll need to have it cleaned by a professional on a regular basis or every six months or so. Regular carpet and rug maintenance can help in between professional cleanings. Keep an eye out for spills and take care of them in a quick manner to keep your carpet clean. Simply using water on a spill will help most of them. If that doesn’t work, you can also use a mixture of water and vinegar or club soda to help you get tough spot stains out. By taking immediate action you can prevent spills from becoming stains that leave you with a dirty and messy carpet and can help prevent germs and bacteria from building up in the fibers. You should also take the time to vacuum your carpet often and make sure you do a thorough job. This means going over the floor in several directions to allow the vacuum time to pick up all it can. High quality vacuums are the best choice, as they get up the most debris, dust and pollen. Here are a few tips to help keep germs, bacteria, dust and pollen out of your house and carpets: Use entrance mats outside of your doors and make sure that anyone who enters your home use the mats to help get debris and dirt off of their shoes before they enter. Request that guests do the same, prior to entering your home. Consider removing your shoes and leaving them outside or on a mat just inside your door to help prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto carpets. Vacuum carpets and rugs on a daily basis to pick up dry dirt and debris. Spot clean other stains or soils as they happen. Maintaining and keeping a clean carpet is more than just healthy, as it can also help to prolong the life of the carpet. A clean carpet can help add value to the home if it is maintained on a regular basis. 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.”
Caring For Your Wool Rugs
Wool area rugs are a great addition to your home. They can add class, beauty and even safety to your home. Wool and area rugs are one of the most popular floor coverings available. Typical maintenance can include regular cleaning with a vacuum about once a week (twice a week if it’s in a high traffic area!) and regular professional cleaning about once every few months. Using your vacuum on wool and area rugs is very important and regular cleanings can help prolong the life of your wool or area rug. Using a vacuum can help reduce the amount of dirt that settings in the rug fibers and keep your rug from collecting dust, pollen and even germs. A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning now offers the RugBadger, which is a powerful, portable machine designed to vibrate loose dirt, soil and sediments trapped both in the foundation and in between the rug fibers themselves. Sand, dirt and dust all disappear and allergens and pollen are removed from your rug. October 2014 Service Special Wool & Area Rug Special: Free pickup & delivery! That’s a $50 value! Call 720-344-2870 or request a free quote online to schedule your wool rug cleaning special today. Read more about our Wool & Area Rug Special »
The RugBadger Has Arrived
At A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, we strive to offer you the best service available. We take pride in offering a higher level of service than most carpet cleaning companies and we are constantly improving our service offerings. Our newest arrival is the RugBadger! The RugBadger is a powerful, portable machine designed to deliver 40,000+ penetrating harmonic vibrations/min deep into the back of a rug. It shakes loose any dry, heavy, damaging soil & sediments trapped both in the foundation and in between the rug fibers themselves. Sand, dirt and dust all disappear and allergens and pollen are removed from your rugs. Post by Phil Dreessen.
Protect Your Oriental Rugs with Regular Cleaning and Care
Oriental rugs add a bright, sophisticated element to the décor of any home or office. They can also represent a substantial investment. That’s why it’s important to protect that investment with regular care and cleaning. Oriental rugs add a bright, sophisticated element to the décor of any home or office. They can also represent a substantial investment. That’s why it’s important to protect that investment with regular care and cleaning. Caring for oriental rugs properly starts with identifying how they’re made. While most oriental rugs are made of wool, some have cotton backing that can be ruined by dampness. If the backing of your oriental rug seems stiff and brittle, chances are you have a moisture problem. The most frequent culprit is a potted plant that has been overwatered. Any small crack or hole in the pot that allows water to leak onto the rug will result in dampness that can result in irreparable damage in as little as a few days. Concrete floors pose another threat to your rugs, particularly in basements and with on-grade slabs. Even though your concrete may seem dry to the touch, enough moisture can wick up through the concrete to damage your floor coverings. A good-quality pad can be helpful in preventing moisture wicking from damp floors. A high-density polyester felt pad about 3/8” thick and about an inch smaller than the rug all around is a good choice. It’s soft underfoot and stands up to age and wear quite well. Rubber and synthetic foam pads can crack and tear, and some can become gummy or brittle, actually damaging the rug rather than protecting it. If you have or suspect water damage to your oriental rug or any other fabrics in your home or office, the pros at A Personal Touch can accurately appraise the situation and help you take actions to remediate it. If you find gritty, sand-like material in your rug, you may have a moth problem. Other signs of a moth infestation are broken or loose pile, bare spots and fine white filaments that are the webs left by moths. Weekly vacuuming of the rug is the best defense against moth damage. Clean the top thoroughly with gentle vacuuming (power brushes and beater bars can cause excessive wear and damage, so turn them off if you can, or take it easy if you can’t). If you’re using an upright, stop short of the edge and fringe to avoid catching them in the machine. Vacuum the back of the rug and the pad and floor every couple of months. For large rugs, flipping up the edges and cleaning a foot or two in will usually suffice since moths and larvae generally don’t penetrate the underside farther than that. Mothballs and crystals don’t work on rugs, nor does cedar scent. If you have hard-to-reach areas such as under furniture or wall-hung rugs, there are some non-staining insecticides for household use that contain pyrethrins, compounds that poison insects but break down quickly for safe use around humans and pets. Carpet beetles can also attack your oriental rugs. They are less common than moths and generally do less damage, but the steps you take to guard against moths are just as effective against carpet beetles. Moth larvae can linger for up to 30 months before they emerge as adults and start a new generation of vandals. So anytime you suspect an infestation is the time to call for help. If you need help treating water or moth damage to your oriental rugs, or any of our professional cleaning and remediation services, A Personal Touch, Denver’s carpet and upholstery cleaning experts, are at your service. We’ll answer any questions you may have and give a free written estimate without any cost or obligation on your part. Give us a call at 720.344.2870 or visit the Contact page on our web site for complete details. You can also request a free estimate right on the Contacts page. Our staff is personally chosen and trained by our company’s founder and the technicians are IICRC-certified to deliver the finest carpet and upholstery cleaning available. That’s why at A Personal Touch Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning we say, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”