Do you clean Berber carpet?
Absolutely! Berber is a weave, not a particular type of fabric. Berber is simply a type of loop construction carpet that has face yarns which can be made of olefin, nylon, wool or a blend. Berber requires a more thorough cleaning than other carpets because more "flushing" action needs to take place to get under, around and through the loops. This also necessitates more dry vacuum passes with the wand in order to allow the carpeting to dry as soon as possible.
How do I maintain my carpeting between professional cleanings?
When it comes to interim carpet maintenance you should concentrate on two critical areas - traffic lanes and spotting. The traffic lanes need to be vacuumed as often as possible (several times a week or more) to remove the abrasive soils that can excessively wear carpet fibers causing a permanently soiled look. Traffic lanes should be vacuumed in two directions using slow and repeated strokes to ensure maximum removal of abrasive soils. Spotting procedures should be performed as soon as possible after the spill. Red wine, red beverages, urine, blood, etc. can cause a permanent stain if not treated immediately. For a complete list of spotting procedures to remove spots and spills, please refer to THE EMERGENCY SPOTTING GUIDE. How often should I have my upholstery cleaned?
As with any fabric, upholstery needs regular cleaning to keep it looking and performing at it's best. I always recommend that upholstery be cleaned every 12 to 18 months. If you have formal upholstery which is not used regularly, it may not need cleaning as frequently as upholstery in a family room which is used every day. Irregardless of how often your upholstery is used, you should never wait until it appears dull and soiled before having it professionally cleaned. And remember, gentle vacuuming and immediate spot removal is the best way to maintain your upholstery in between professional visits.
Does burning candles add to indoor air pollution?
The concern with the effects of burning candles on indoor air quality is more prevalent now than ever. This is only natural as 7 out of 10 U.S. households now burn candles regularly. Most of the concern with candles is the ever present by-product of combustion, soot. Certain varieties of candles have been shown to produce indoor concentrations of soot that exceed levels allowed in outdoor air by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Candles with improper trimmed wicks or lead centered wicks can indeed add to problems of indoor air pollution, they can add large amounts of soot, or even worse, lead into our indoor environments. You should make sure you purchase only candles made with lead free wicks, also keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch in length and never burn candles in a draft.
What is the best way to care for my protected leather upholstery?
Protected leather (as opposed to Aniline or Nubuck leather) is relatively easy for the homeowner to care for. Here are a few tips on proper care for protected leather upholstery:
- Do not place leather furniture closer than 2 feet to a heating source (radiator, vent, etc.)
- Avoid placing protected leather furniture in direct sunlight
- Dust regularly every week with a slightly damp cloth
- Use only approved Leather Master cleaning agents when needed
- Wipe up any food spills as soon as possible with a damp cloth
- Have your upholstery professionally cleaned and protected every 12 to 18 month
Which vacuum cleaner do you recommend for home & office?
No matter which brand name you choose to purchase a vacuum cleaner should be able to perform well in three basic areas: To remove soil effectively, to keep dust in the vacuum and out of the air and to keep your carpet looking good. In order to achieve this a vacuum should be equipped with a beater bar to agitate the carpet fibers, have separate motors for both the vacuum and the beater bar and have a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Remember a vacuum can only perform as well as it is maintained; keep brushes clean, and replace them when worn, change the vacuum bag when it is half full (when the bag is half full soil removal efficiency is reduced by 80%), keep vacuum hoses and attachments free of obstructions that restrict air flow and Inspect belts frequently to make certain they are working properly.
Does your cleaning process kill dust mites?
Normal maintenance cleaning of both residential and corporate interiors is not intended to kill any living organism. However, during the cleaning process we will remove large numbers of dust mites as well as their eggs and food source. By removing the dust mites and their eggs we can slow down the rate of reproduction and thus reduce the chances of an allergic reaction. Dust mites can never be totally eliminated from an indoor environment, but with proper housekeeping techniques and timely professional fabric cleaning they can be held to a manageable level.
Do regular cleanings relieve the symptoms of allergies?
Common household allergens such as dust, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and cockroach can trigger allergies. Dr. Mary Lasley, a pediatric allergist, explains, ?Simple changes in your routine house cleaning can reduce allergies and help your family live more comfortably.? Cleaning is the best way to reduce allergens. Done regularly, cleaning stops allergens from accumulating, which helps minimize allergy and/or asthma symptoms.
Regular professional cleanings coupled with a comprehensive cleaning plan by the home owner can greatly reduce allergy symptoms.
What is the best method for cleaning carpet?
After being involved with the cleaning and restoration industry for over ten years now, there is one thing that I can say on this subject without the least fear of contradiction. Almost every person engaged in the carpet cleaning profession has their own opinion of what is the best method of cleaning carpet.
The factors which affect the selection of which method to use include: the fiber content of the carpeting (natural of synthetic), the soil level of the carpeting, the frequency of cleanings, the amount and type of foot traffic, etc. There are five methods approved by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), Absorbent Compound, bonnet, dry foam, shampoo and hot water extraction. Each of these methods have advantages and disadvantages which make them appropriate to use in different situations. However, the one thing that all the methods have in common is that they can only be effective when performed by trained, professional technicians.
At Regal we offer a comprehensive evaluation of our client's situation and then follow cleaning guidelines using the most appropriate method.
Why should I invest in Teflon? protection for my furnishings?
Teflon fabric protector offers the homeowner three distinct benefits when properly applied to carpeting, upholstery or window treatments. First, because soils find it hard to stick to a fiber coated with Teflon, your regular maintenance vacuuming will remove more of the dry particulate soils which can scratch and permanently dull fibers. Secondly, a fabric treated with Teflon will allow the homeowner more time to address a spot or spill before it has time to become a stain. Thirdly, when the fabrics are ready for professional cleaning more soils will be removed than could have without the Teflon protector application.
