Essential Tools Necessary for Professional Carpet Cleaning

[ad_1]

Carpet is an integral part of floor decor, uplifting the visual appeal of the space with its sleek texture. However, these carpets are prone to wear and tear due to daily foot traffic, dirt, dust mites and occasional spills. To ensure a clean and well-maintained carpet, periodic carpet cleaning using the right tools and equipment is of paramount importance. Cleaning with the standard home cleaning supplies simply does not produce the desired result.

Here are the five most widely used equipment used by professionals for a thorough carpet cleaning.

Portable Cleaning Tools

For smaller areas, carpet cleaning experts use portable equipment, which are relatively large machines but is easy to carry. These machines are available in various types depending on the purposes of their uses. The portable equipment is designed for various methods of carpet cleaning based on the kind of carpet and the customer’s preference like carpet shampooing, bonnet cleaning, encapsulation, hot water extraction or dry carpet cleaning. Professional companies carry most of these portable tools with them to perform cleaning, adopting various approaches with the machines for the different methods.

Some other portable types of equipment that professional services use are as follows:

Vacuum Cleaner: A vacuum cleaner is an essential carpet cleaning tool to tidy up the carpets and complete the cleaning procedure.

Defoamer: Foam can reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning process. Hence carpet cleaners use defoamer to remove the foam and speed up the drying process. These defoamers are a mixture of silicone or oils that are effective in removing the foam.

Air Scrubber: This device works as an air filtration system and is used during dry cleaning to get rid of airborne particulates, fungi, and foul odours from the carpet. The scrubber is used after a deep cleaning job to increase the air quality in the room.

Carpet Cleaning Wand: This is the primary tool in the cleaning process. The wand is used to spray the cleaning solution as water jets, which is then sucked back through the vacuum slot in the equipment. While rotary cleaners work best for shaggy carpets, wool carpets are best cleaned with wands to prevent any kind of damage to the carpet fibres. It is not possible to use a pro extractor without one.

Crevice Tools:These are special tools to clean crevices like those between the stairs, areas that are difficult to reach and upholstery cleaning.

Protective Tools: To protect furniture and other items from suffering any kind of damage while cleaning, professionals use these protective accessories like furniture protectors, caution signs, straps, corner guards, and chemical racks.

Ventilation Assister: On completion of wet cleaning methods, service providers may blow fans to expedite the drying of the carpet.

Truck-Mounted Cleaning Equipment

These are heavy-duty cleaners suitable for cleaning larger spaces. However, it must not be inferred that truck-mounted cleaners are only used for larger commercial workspaces. There are many homes that opt for them due to certain advantages like these powerful cleaners do not mess the area cleaned since the machines draw water out of the building as the cleaning process continues instead of draining them into the toilet or sink.

These are some of the vital equipment necessary for deep cleaning of the carpet. It needs mentioning that the use of tools depends on the nature of the carpet and the type of cleaning service chosen. Before hiring the services of professional cleaners, it makes sense to find out the kind of carpet cleaning your want and if the service provider has the right tools and equipment to perform the job successfully.

[ad_2]

Source by Subhashish Bose

Improving Your Computer’s Performance – How It’s Done

[ad_1]

Mostly, people are inclined towards expensive software to optimize their machine which most of the time create more problems. I will tell you about some of the basic tips to make your windows running smoothly without going more complex.

1) First of all, you don’t need to download any expensive software like “System mechanic”, “Avg Tuneup” etc to optimize your windows as they most of the time create more trouble rather than doing what they should do. So, try avoiding this software and look for the free alternatives.

2) Use the “Windows Disk Cleaner”. It is a simple and effective tool to clean the system and it does a fair job in doing what its name implies. The engineers of the Microsoft Windows are clever enough to make their “Windows Disk Cleaner” effective for their users. There are a variety of options to choose for cleaning the PC as required.

3) Use the “Windows Disk Defragmenter”. It looks very simple but, believe me, it will replace all your other defragmenter software. It also has an option for scheduling the time for defragmenting.

4) If you prefer a system cleaning software then “CCleaner” can be a good option for you. It is such a wonderful cleaning software and also includes a registry cleaner. Just use the free version and it will be sufficient for your whole system. The great feature of the “CCleaner” is that it has the option to let you find out about your startup programs in detail. You can turn off useless extensions of browsers, or disable scheduled tasks which take the precious memory of the system.

5) You can also use the “Defraggler” for defragging the system. It’s another great software from the same company of CCleaner “Piriform”. The best thing about this software is that it can make your system’s fragment almost zero. You can also confirm this by defragging from this software and then checking from the “Windows Disk Defragmenter”. Just click on the “Analyze” for checking. Aside from defragging effectively, it can also defrag locked system files. For using this, open the Defraggler and click on the settings. From there select the option “Boot Time Defrag” and there you can select the time when to perform.

Note: These tips are very basic, but they are effective. I personally follow these tips and my system is running smoothly. Also, these expensive cleaning software creates more problems. You may find this kind of software have a very good rating on reviewing websites like the “Top Ten Reviews” etc but have you see free software on their website. So, what this implies is that these kinds of reviewing websites charge a huge amount of money from the pricey software making companies and in turn rank them on top.

[ad_2]

Source by Khizar Ahmed

Water System Vacuum Cleaner – The Pros and Cons

[ad_1]

Purchasing a new vacuum cleaner can be a daunting task. There are so many makes and models to choose from. This doesn’t take into consideration all the different styles. Should you choose an upright or a canister? Does bagless vacuums work any better? Do some vacuums actually use water to clean your carpets? The answer to that last question is – yes.

Water system vacuum cleaners have become very popular in recent years. By forcing the air through the water in the machine, you can be insured that 100% of all the particles are filtered out of the air. This means that not only will they stay out of your carpet, but the air as well. This insures that the air you breathe will be cleaner and healthier. This makes it a great choice for people who are allergic to dust, since having clean air is so important for people who suffer from allergies. Another advantage is that they don’t require bags. In the long run this will save you time and money. You won’t have to worry about wasting water, since most models require very little water and it’s very easy to refill the tank.

These types of vacuum cleaners are not for everyone though. They can be messy if you do not fill the tank up correctly. The can also be heavy and balky. This means that storage may be a challenge.

It’s important to do all your homework before making any purchasing decision. Each model will be slightly different and it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you.

[ad_2]

Source by Tim Bock

Top Five Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

[ad_1]

A number of factors motivate people to maintain their homes. These include keeping it looking good, having a safe and healthy environment for their loved ones, preventing costly repairs and replacements and preserving the value of their home. Undoubtedly, the health and safety of your family is the most important of these reasons. The benefits of air duct cleaning make it one of the most important steps to include in the maintenance routine of for your home.

Having your HVAC systems serviced regularly is one of the most prevalent home maintenance routines because if an air conditioner breaks your home will be uncomfortable and replacing them is quite expensive. Servicing your heating and air conditioning systems is vital to keeping them operating efficiently and should entail cleaning the cooling coils, drain pans, fans and heat exchangers. Cleaning these components can result in dust, debris, mold or allergens getting into your air ducts which will subsequently be released into your home. For this reason it is important to clean your air ducts at the same time your heating and cooling system is cleaned.

5 benefits of regular cleaning and servicing of your heating and cooling system and your air ducts:

1. Savings. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that removing even four-tenths of an inch of dust from cooling system coils will reduce energy usage by up to twenty one percent. This can save you considerable money on your utility bill.

2. System durability. Estimate are that nine out of ten central heating and air conditioning systems fail or breakdown because a proper maintenance routine was not performed. Replacement parts and labor for heating or cooling system can be very expensive and total replacement costs thousands.

3. Your home’s air quality. Many people consider air duct cleaning essential to maintaining healthy indoor air. Dust, allergens (pollen, pet dander) and toxins (mold, mildew, rodent droppings) are commonly found in air ducts. If air vents are not cleaned regularly these particles can be released into your house. Even if family members do not have allergies many of these particles have the potential to cause severe illness.

4. Allergies. If family members have allergies, air duct cleaning is often required to provide a healthy environment for allergy sufferers. Air vent cleaning can significantly reduce the amount of allergens in a home.

5. Remove odors. A musty odor in your home can mean that dust, mold or mildew may be present in the air ducts that no amount of air fresheners or candles will eliminate. Air duct cleaning will eliminate the smell almost completely.

In addition to regular cleaning, it is recommended that you consider having your air vents professionally cleaned after any of the following events: water entering your ducts (leaking water pipe, leaky roof, faulty condensation management by your air conditioner), a flood (in your home or in your town), a fire nearby, mold was found during servicing of your heating or air conditioning system, rodents or insects are known to have been in the ducts, major home remodeling, moving into a new home.

[ad_2]

Source by Kevin Johanson

The History and Future of Window Cleaning From a Window Cleaner’s Perspective

[ad_1]

For as long as glass has been used in window systems it has been necessary to clean it. The first modern development in window cleaning was the squeegee. The very first squeegee was used by fisherman, it was a wooden bladed tool called a squilgee used to clean fish guts etc off their boat decks. This was probably the inspiration for the first window cleaners blade called the Chicago squeegee.

The Chicago squeegee was used in the early 1900s by cleaning professionals. It was a bulky tool with 12 screws which all required loosening to change the two pink blades. In the U.S.A, an Italian immigrant by the name of Ettore Steccone patented the modern squeegee in 1936. Initially he had to give these away to sell the concept. People quickly realised this tool was superior to the Chicago squeegee and the Ettore company was born. Ettore are still considered the leading manufacturer of window cleaning equipment today with an annual turnover of millions of dollars.

Up until the early 1990s window cleaners were still using the squeegee as their preferred choice, until the arrival of pure water fed pole cleaning systems. These systems use deionised, purified water fed through long poles which brush and rinse the dirt away, drying naturally to leave no streaks, smears or spots. The poles are usually made from glass fibre or carbon fibre, which can reach heights of 70 ft allowing operators to clean tall buildings from the safety of the ground. These systems are not only much safer they also keep the windows cleaner for longer and are now considered the superior choice for many different applications within the industry. Most commercial cleaning companies prefer to use this system particularly since the introduction of tighter health and safety laws governing ladders.

Some companies are currently developing robotic window cleaning systems but at present these are not widespread and I think it will be some time until we see these commonly used within the industry. Self cleaning glass has been developed by Pilkington and other glass manufacturers. A thin layer of titanium oxide is applied to the surface of the glass which has a photocatalytic reaction with the suns UV rays causing the breakdown of dirt. This reaction also makes the glass hydrophilic, which means rain does not form water droplets on the glass, it creates a curtain effect instead helping to remove the broken down dirt particles more effectively. This technology certainly ensures the windows stay much cleaner but it is no substitute for a proper window cleaning service which will leave the glass crystal clear and gleaming.

[ad_2]

Source by Mark James Meaney

How to Clean Your Airbrush Makeup System Like a Pro

[ad_1]

Airbrush makeup systems are notorious for getting clogged, particularly if the incorrect type of foundation or moisturizer is used. For those new to airbrushing this may appear to be a little tough to take seriously but if you adhere to a handful of simple steps you can keep your stylus and compressor in great condition for many years.

An ideal place to begin is definitely the manual which came with your system. You just spent a considerably large sum of money on the unit and now is the time to resolve to keep it like new. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and do not cut corners. Several systems, for instance, will warn you to only use distilled or filtered h2o rather than tap. Standard water from your faucet carries minerals which include lime scale that may block up your stylus wand over time. If you have ever lived in an area with hard water and checked out the underside of your bathroom faucet, you’ll know what we mean. You do not want that inside of your airbrush!

Airbrush make-up is made up of two types and 2 cleaning methods: silicone-based and water-based. Naturally, silicone is more challenging to clean. Water-based makeup can easily be removed with filtered or distilled water and rubbing alcohol. There is a product available on the market now which is an enzyme concentrate which will work on both types, though. It is actually non-toxic, ph balanced and made with food-grade ingredients so it is safe to use in your airbrush. Simply Google the phrase, “Nurturing Force NF” to find out where you may purchase.

Essentially you want to concentrate on keeping the airbrush stylus, or wand particularly clean. The wand includes a needle and misting nozzle that are in constant exposure to makeup as well as the cup that holds the droplets. Making use of a little cleaning brush or Q-tip, wipe out residual makeup from the cup. Rinse with distilled water or cleaner by a process known as back bubbling. This is the technique used to blend makeup where the trigger is partly pushed causing air to percolate back up into the cup. If you do this by using only water, the bubbling effect will wash out the airbrush and have a cleaning result. Simply obstruct the mist nozzle of the stylus using your finger and push the trigger which causes air to be introduced through the cup rather than the nozzle. Once you have done this a couple of times, go ahead and unblock the nozzle and spray the rest of the liquid out through the nozzle. Perform repeatedly as necessary. This will completely make sure that any kind of residual makeup is removed.

Next you will need to concentrate on the needle. Remove it according to the manual and use your enzime cleaner or just distilled water and liquid soap. Work with a soft, lint-free material to keep from left over threads from sticking to the needle. Do not use tissues for this reason as well. You can use a Q-tip dipped in cleaning solution to carefully roll on each side of the needle.

Soaking your airbrush on a regular basis is another good idea, given you continue to avoid tap water. Simply place the stylus inside a nice and clean container and fill up with filtered h2o. Let this sit overnight and any left over makeup is going to be dissolved. Occasionally, you will probably wish to disassemble the stylus for a thorough washing but be careful in resetting the needle correctly. Stick to your maker’s instructions.

Trying to keep your airbrush clean and free from clogs will ensure you get the perfect spray as well as the finest coverage. You do not have to do a deep cleaning of the needle after every use, but getting in the habit of taking care of your investment will save you disappointment later.

[ad_2]

Source by Anne Carruth

What Is Caltex Mold Removal and How Does It Work?

[ad_1]

Not all mold remediation solutions are the same. Find out how cleaning mold off works with the Caltex system, and how it’s different from other methods.

There are as many different methods for home mold and mildew removal as there are types of mold and mildew. However, there is one innovative system that stands apart from the others in terms of its ability to thoroughly eliminate mold, and to preserve the integrity of the surface in question at the same time. Read on to learn how the Caltex system works, and what it offers that other mold cleaning systems don’t.

The basics of solving home mold issues are the same regardless of what system you turn to. You need to get the existing mold cleaned off, you need to restore the room or surface to as close to its original condition as you can, and you need to locate and resolve any moisture sources that may have contributed to the mold problem in the first place.

Mold can grow on any organic surface. All it needs is a food source and a little bit of moisture, and it’s good to go. Sometimes it grows on surfaces you can see, and sometimes it does its work behind the scenes. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to identify a mold problem in your home via sight. If you’re not, you may end up suffering from mold-related symptoms (allergies, difficulty breathing) for weeks before you determine that you have mold growth on the back side of your drywall or the underside of your carpet.

If you think you have a mold problem, call a pro so that you can get your home tested and can get the problem dealt with as quickly as possible. It can be dangerous to your health and to the integrity of your home’s structure to leave mold issues untreated. When you choose a mold professional, you have the option of choosing a certified Caltex technician. This can be an excellent choice for many reasons.

Caltex mold remove action involves a specialty low volume, low pressure (LVLP) application system, as well as USDA-approved, environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. To remove mold, a Caltex technician will apply a fine spray solution to the affected area, which allows the solution to gently but comprehensively cover and penetrate the affected surface. Because the application is LVLP, there’s minimal streaking, surface damage, or runoff.

Whereas other mold removal systems can actually damage your home by using high pressure liquid solutions to force the mold off, Caltex’s LVLP application is exceptionally gentle and seeks to preserve your surfaces while removing the mold. And, while many companies use bleach-based solutions or other harsh chemicals, Caltex uses proven, environmentally safe cleaning solutions to accomplish the same end.

If you need mold remediation in your home, looking into what a Caltex technician has to offer is a great choice. The Caltex system is gentle, yet effective, and can remove mold growth safely.

[ad_2]

Source by Aglaia Rara

Do You Need an Automated Timekeeping System for your Cleaning Business?

[ad_1]

As your cleaning business grows and you add employees, keeping track of time sheets and adding up hours can be a big headache. If you have just one or two employees a paper time sheet where employees “clock in” and “clock out” for each location they clean may be all that you need to track their hours. However, deciphering data and adding up hours from numerous time sheets can take time away from other profit-making activities as you burn up your time doing payroll.

There are options available to your cleaning company other than hiring a full-time bookkeeper. Telephone timekeeping systems are ideal for cleaning companies. They allow employees to call from any location they are working at and “clock in” and “clock out” by using their employee pin number and location pin number.

These timekeeping systems have many time-saving benefits and features:

1. Tracks each employee’s time down to the minute.

2. Reassurance that there’s no cheating, as there can be with a handwritten time sheet.

3. Tracks travel time between buildings.

4. Caller ID capabilities to ensure employees are calling from the correct location.

5. The ability to leave messages for employees. As soon as they call into the system they receive their messages.

6. Employee scheduling and management.

7. Tracking of no shows or late arrivals. The system alerts supervisors with a call to their cell phone or pager.

8. Supervisors can call into the system to see who is clocked into a building at any given time.

9. The ability to track by job number as well as employee.

10. Easy way to import payroll information. Hours are automatically added up for you, including travel time. Various reports available. Two such automated timekeeping systems are: Express Time from A&B Express Products LLC, http://www.expresstime.net/index.html, and MITC’s Telephone Timekeeping Software, http://www.mitcsoftware.com.

MITC’s software has a one-time fee. You can buy added blocks of support time from them. Express Time is different in that it has a monthly charge as well as a per call fee. The MITC program does require added hardware and software installed on your computer or you can buy a ready-to-use computer from them.

Express Time has two different systems available: Express Time and Express Time Online. Express Time has a one-time fee, and you can buy added support hours. Express Time Online has a recurring monthly fee as well as a 12 cent per charge for each incoming call. Each system has software that must be downloaded on to your computer. They do not have hardware that is installed on to your computer, but they do have specific computer recommendations for the software to work efficiently. Express Time also states high-speed broadband is needed for technical support.

On either system, employees can call in any time of day, seven days a week, as long as you have the software is running on your computer. The MITC system has different modules that can you can add depending on your specific needs.

Either software, MITC or Express Time, will require a time commitment on your part to learn the system, which may seem overwhelming at first. But after a couple of weeks using the system you will be flying around it like pro.

Adding an automated timekeeping system may be the next step to growing your cleaning business. Any type of automated system you buy will require a financial investment, but it will free up your time from doing the mundane tasks of timekeeping and allow you to spend your time in more productive ways.

Copyright 2006 The Janitorial Store

[ad_2]

Source by Steve Hanson

Simple Carpets Cleaning Tips

[ad_1]

Carpet cleaning could be an hard and exhausting task however it’s essential to maintaining a clean home. Even though professional help is available, it’s important that one knows how to keep their carpets clean and long-lasting. As a carpet cleaning professional myself, I have compiled the following tips to educate consumers and carpet owners on how they can better maintain their carpets-even those carpet owners who don’t enjoy the task of vacuuming!

1. Only use club soda or water to spot clean your carpets

Club soda isn’t just for mixed drinks when entertaining, nor is it just an old wives’ tale. It is a natural product that can remove even the harsh stains of red wine and fruit juice spills. It acts as a stain remover that instantaneously lifts stains and returns your carpet to the way it was previously. Plus, it leaves behind no residue, the way spray products do.

2. Move furniture

This one goes without saying. You want to make sure you get all those hard to reach areas, so moving things around eases this a great deal. Also, by moving furniture around, you ultimately lengthen the life of your carpet by avoiding permanent dents in the padding underneath.

3. Vacuum the carpet in different directions-

This little trick allows you to remove ground-in soil and dust particles from all sides better because it agitates the individual carpet fibers and loosens dirt more effectively. Constantly running the vacuum in the same direction or pattern can actually help trap dirt in the deeper layers of your carpet.

4. Buy quality carpet

Despite its higher initial cost, invest in nylon carpet. There are reasons why it is the most popular synthetic carpet in the US: it is more durable, resilient, and stain resistant than other fibers. Though polyester is cheaper and comes in a wide variety of colors, nylon is much less likely to mat down in a short period of time. Treat carpet as you would a car or real estate purchase: the carpet salesman has a quota to fill, so as a consumer you should be wary of him and trust a cleaner’s recommendations.

5. Carpet warranty may be voided if you do not regularly clean your carpet

This is an oft-overlooked aspect of not only carpet purchases but the home owner’s experience. So be sure to keep this in mind with your decisions regarding carpet cleaning Toledo.

6. Using a non-professional carpet cleaning system is fine for taking care of spots, but it doesn’t do the same job as an industrial-strength machine

When customers are educated about carpet cleaning, it enables professional carpet cleaners to do an even better job in servicing their customers. A good carpet cleaner will take the time to investigate your needs, educate you on how to best maintain your carpets, and give your carpets the professional cleaning they need.

[ad_2]

Source by Ted Mosbii

How to Clean Your Neff Built Under Double Oven

[ad_1]

The double ovens that are available from Neff feature two oven cavities and each has at least three different cooking options- the number of options increases, the higher the series of oven he model is. For example, the series six Neff ovens will have more cooking options than the more basic series one ovens, but all have at least three.

Neff seem to have done a pretty good job of making the maintenance of their built under double ovens as easy and the least time consuming as is possible and have built in or provided accessories that are designed to make keeping your oven clean with the least effort from you.

One of these accessories is the CeramiClean® Liners that can be placed on the back, sides and ceiling of each of the oven cavities. They work by absorbing and oxidising the grease particles that can build up over time inside your oven to prevent them from getting out of control and leaving you with a really grimy oven. This is a one off purchase from Neff and the CeramiClean® liners should never need replacing, making them a pretty good investment in the cleanliness of the inside of your Neff built under double oven.

A cleaning function that is built in to some of Neff’s ovens is the AquaCleanse® technology, which works by softening greasy residues that can then be wiped away. This feature does require a little bit of elbow grease from whoever’s job it is to clean the oven, but not as much as you might expect. To clean your Neff built under double oven using this feature, wait until the oven has cooled down immediately after cooking. You will need to add three quarters of a pint of water and some washing up liquid to the base of your oven. You then need to select the Q symbol on the control panel of your oven. This function works by activating the bottom heat function and heating the water that is mixed with the washing up liquid to a temperature of 60ºC. This produces steam throughout the oven cavity and effectively steam cleans the oven by softening any greasy deposits that may have built up over time. When the water cools down, you then have to wipe out the inside of the oven with a sponge or a cloth- a process that is made far easier by the AquaCleanse® function, but does not eradicate entirely the need for some manual input. But another benefit of this function is that it is very environmentally friendly and does not use much energy.

Unlike the other two cleaning options, Pyrolytic cleaning is a self cleaning system and requires very little manual work. It is only available on the B4562 and B4472 models. The process works by heating the oven to around 500°C, which burns off any deposits from baking, roasting and grilling as you can imagine at that heat. You are left with a perfectly clean oven and a little bit of fine ash residue that is easy to remove with a damp cloth. Because of the high heat that the oven reaches during this process, the oven door automatically locks until the oven has cooled to a safer level. This takes about an hour or two and can be run overnight by using the timer.

[ad_2]

Source by Braeg Heneffe