This site is best viewed using Mozilla Firefox browser.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Chris Mazzacco

2013-04-29 15:01:41

Q-Does professionally cleaning your carpet and air ducts reduce allergens?

A-The short answer is yes, it does. Here are a few quick numbers to help you see what we are dealing with. The American Lung Association reports most people spend 60% to 90% of their time indoors. According to the United States E.P.A. levels of hazardous pollutants in indoor air have been found to be up to 70 times greater than in outdoor air. Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies or asthma. With so many people spending the majority of their time in environments where there is a high level of trapped and recirculated pollutants, we see a steep rise in allergy sufferers today. These allergens must be removed. Dust, dirt, pollen, animal dander, and other airborne contaminates are pulled into your air duct system every time the furnace or air conditioner runs. These contaminants build up inside the ductwork over time and will eventually make your duct system an ideal breeding ground for mold spores, bacteria, fungus, mildew, and other potentially harmful microbes. Each time the HVAC system is turned on, these contaminates are spewed out and circulated throughout your home or business and affect the health and comfort of those inside. Many of those contaminates will find their way down to the carpet, where they may become trapped with the rest of the contaminates already existing in the carpet brought in by you, your family or employees and pets. You can cut the levels of contaminates yourself with simple maintenance. Changing the filter in your HVAC system regularly with a quality filter will do a more effective job of trapping allergens as they enter the air flow system. Regularly vacuuming the carpets with a HEPA vacuum will remove many allergens found there as well. These methods however are only so effective. Your HVAC duct work system is extensive and only a professional can ‘snake’ through the entire system and dislodge the hazardous debris that has collected inside your air ducts and remove them with the use of a powerful HEPA-Aire vacuum system. Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, exclusively recommends hot water extraction, or ‘steam cleaning’ as the way to properly clean your carpet or rugs. Hot water extraction requires a minimum water temperature of 140 degrees to effectively kill dust mites and other harmful microorganisms. Small rental carpet cleaners found around town lack the proper water temperature or extraction power and filtration to effectively remove allergens.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jason Jabara

2012-11-01 15:08:31

Q- I read Josh’s article last month when he talked about things to consider when putting floor covering in a basement. Tell me, how can we get rid of a “musky” smell in our basement. What about carpeting?

A- There are quite a few options available to you. The musky smell is caused by moisture and bacteria. It is important to make sure your basement is well ventilated. Check the drainage around your house and try to landscape the water away from the house as much as possible. It may also be advisable to have a dehumidifier installed. This is a machine that actually pulls the water out of the air. Once you have these things done, the selection of the proper padding and carpet is crucial. There are some pads that will actually resist the growth of bacteria. So when you start the decision process on selecting you flooring, it is important to select an anti-bacterial carpet pad that is specifically made to be resistant to bacteria growth. This way it is neutralized before it can grow and start to smell. There are also carpets that are infused with colloidal silver. The colloidal silver kills the bacteria and keeps the room smelling fresh. These are premium carpets and they are offered in a variety of styles and colors. With these techniques and all of the different varieties and different styles available to you, you will be able to have a beautiful basement free from that annoying musky smell.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jason Jabara

2012-08-29 14:17:24

Q- I have young children who constantly spill their drinks, drag in mud from the outside, allow their pets in unapproved areas, and are involved in a number of different spots and stains that end up on the carpet. We are thinking of getting some new carpet. Can you tell me about spots and stains before we embark on such a mission.

A- Unfortunately when there are small children involved, there is no carpet that is totally stain-proof. Many times retail salespeople will indicate that their particular product will allow most spills to clean up with just water. That is not an entirely true statement. However, once you get educated about proper carpet cleaning solutions, with a little practice you will be able to remove the majority of spills before they become permanent spots. This will take a bit of practice and lots of patience. Let’s start by distinguishing between spills, spots, and stains. A spill is a fresh mishap. On most types of carpet, fresh spills will come out easily if the soiled area is dealt with swiftly. With most spills, it takes time before they attach themselves to the carpet fibers making it difficult to remove them. If, however, the spill is not dealt with quickly, a spot will most likely develop. A spot will be noticeable after the spill has dried and may require additional measures such as carpet cleaning solutions in order to get rid of the spot. Allow some extra time to deal with this problem. An example might be the can of soda which spills and which has a high sugar content. If the spot is not removed properly, the sugar will continue to attract dirt. You have seen after a time that a spill will reappear. This is because the spot was not removed properly at the time. You might expect that red drink spills might be even more difficult to remove but not know why. The reason is that the carpet industry uses the same dyes that are in red drinks to dye its fibers. Because of that, such spots may require professionals using special cleaning agents or the spots may become a permanent stain. Unfortunately there are some permanent stains that are…well…permanent. Examples of these would include a stain where color is added to the fiber like with iodine or betadine. Opposite examples would include stains where the color has been removed, like with bleach or skin medications. Sometimes you will be able to find a carpet cleaning professional who will remove all the color by bleaching and then re-dye the area. The re-dye experts can restore the area to its original color with very little, if any, noticeable color difference. Some stains might be removed and yet still reoccur. Stains that reappear can be caused by a number of reasons, one of which is the use of a detergent solution that attracts soil. Wicking is another factor which might occur. Wicking happens when the stain draws up from the base of the carpet fibers or the carpet backing itself. A red food dye stain may be absorbed by the carpet backing and actually spread. That is why any stains should be treated quickly and thoroughly. A good idea is to bring in a specialized carpet cleaner every two to three years who will reapply a fresh topical treatment. This will help to prolong the time before stains attach. Such a treatment increases the surface tension and thus spills just bead on the surface. These treatments do diminish over time because of wear and tear and carpet cleaning, so reapplication is necessary ever so often. These suggestions are general rules of thumb for most spills. If you follow these recommendations, the number of permanent stains that you encounter even with your young children and pets will be limited.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Mel Lorg

2006-10-01 11:02:00

QUESTION: Does an unclean carpet affect a person’s health?

ANSWER: Unclean carpets will be difficult to live with if you have allergies or chemical sensitivities . An area of concern for many individuals is the number of allergens contained in existing carpet. The role of indoor air quality has become an important environmental issue to many people. Allergies affect nearly 20% of Americans, common symptoms to be aware of are stuffy nose, runny nose, teary eyes, dry cough and even aches and headaches. Many people don’t even realize that they are suffering from these allergies. Without exception, allergens can be found in all households and businesses. Research has examined allergen removal and few cause and effect studies have been undertaken to identify risk from specific identified allergen sources such as upholstered furniture and carpet. So, having clean carpets and furniture should be a practice to avoid places where allergens can be held and eliminated. Consumers have the impression that carpet cleaning should only take place when the carpet appears soiled. Carpet should be cleaned before it begins to exhibit signs of soiling. Failure to regularly clean carpet could allow build-up of soil and allergens. Carpets and furniture provide a perfect haven for allergens. They may collect more lint and dust than hard surfaces, but this could be an advantage because particles are held down in the carpet and furniture until it is vacuumed. Yet, allergists routinely make recommendations of allergen avoidance by removing these sources even though a direct link of allergen exposure from these sources has never been established. Fortunately, there’s hope. Carpet cleaning is an effective way of allergen removal. Carpet should be cleaned a minimum of every twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months in normal situations. Carpet cleaning is effective in removing and trapping allergen and preventing its quantifying airborne allergen content above carpeted surfaces. Constant upkeep will also improve your breathing zone.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Mel Lorg

2006-08-01 09:43:00

QUESTION: I read your article last month about making my carpet last longer, and I thought you might like to expand your knowledge about removing common household stains from my carpet.

***image1:left***

ANSWER:There are a lot of products on the market that promise to remove stains from your carpet, but there are many different “home remedies” that are specific for certain types of stains.  There are a couple of definitions that will help with the treatments listed below.  Blotting the stain is much more effective than rubbing.  To blot a stain, cover the area with a clean towel or a thick pad of paper towels and use the heel of your hand to blot.  Repeat the blotting process until the stain has been absorbed.  Soapy water is created by mixing a few drops of CLEAR hand or dishwashing soap with water.  Do not use laundry detergent or “creamy” soap.  Rinse the area of a stain by misting with water or blotting the area with a wet towel.  Repeat this process until there is no more residue, and remember not to rub the carpet.  These few definitions will help you effectively complete the following home remedies.
For stains such as blood, berries, candy, chocolate, soft drinks, coffee, gravy or ice cream use hydrogen peroxide because it will bleach these stains without breaking down the dyes from the carpet.  First, scoop up the solids with a spoon, next blot the liquids and rinse repeatedly.  If the stain continues use soapy water, rinse and repeat.  If the improvement stops using this technique, dab on hydrogen peroxide (3 percent solution), wait one hour and repeat as needed.
   For beer stains and cat urine use a mixture containing one cup white vinegar and one cup water.  First blot up the spill and rinse, if the stain does not go away, use soapy water, rinse and repeat until the stain disappears.  If this does not work, apply the vinegar and water mixture with a spray bottle, blot with a dry towel and rinse.  Repeat if necessary. Ketchup, cough syrup, mixed drinks, soy sauce and watercolor paints can be removed by first blotting up the spills or scooping up the solids with a utensil.  Mix one tablespoon ammonia with ½ cup of water and apply the solution to the stain with a spray bottle, blot the extra solution with a dry towel and rinse.  If the stain does not go away, use soapy water, rinse and repeat.  You may also try the hydrogen peroxide method if the ammonia does not work. For stains such as asphalt, tar, wax, crayon, metal polish, grease, hand lotion, ballpoint ink and makeup first blot or scoop up as much of the stain as possible. 
For wax spills, cover the area with a brown paper towel, and use it to “transfer” the wax by ironing on warm.  Apply rubbing alcohol (full strength) with a towel or a cotton ball.  If the stain is deep, blot with a clean towel and repeat until the stain is removed.  If the stain is only on the tip of the carpet, gently rub the stain in one direction because blotting the stain may push the stain deeper into the carpet.  If neither of these methods works, blot the stain with soapy water, rinse and repeat until the stain is gone or use the hydrogen peroxide method from above. Some stains and spills call for special methods.  Chewing gum is one of these cases.  First, freeze the gum with ice, break the gum off in bits and pick them out of the carpet.  For rust stains, apply soapy water, rinse and repeat.  For nail polish stains, apply a non-oily nail polish remover to a cotton ball and touch lightly to the stain, blot and repeat.  Be careful not to get the nail polish remover on the carpet backing. These at home remedies will help with the everyday spills and stains that each household encounters, but for professional carpet cleaning and stain removal it is in your best interest to call a professional so your carpet is not ruined because of a small spill or stain.
  
 

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Melvin Lorg

2006-07-01 09:38:00

Question: How do I care for my carpet properly in order to make it last as long as possible?

ANSWER: Carpet is one of the components to many homes that cannot be left alone if you want it to last, and many people want to care for their carpet because the cost of replacing carpet is so expensive.  Proper care and maintenance are important to the appearance and longevity of your house’s carpet.  Some areas of your house are heavy traffic areas while others are not.  One suggestion is to change the traffic pattern of a room in your house by rearranging the furniture so that different areas of the room get exposed to different traffic patterns.  You can also use carpet runners, not plastic runners, to absorb dirt and debris that is brought in from the outside without it reaching the carpet.  It might also be in your best interest to get into the habit of removing your shoes before walking on your carpet.  Shoes trap and hold a lot of debris that can make your carpet even dirtier.  Ultraviolet rays from the sun can also be harmful to your carpet, and in some cases this cannot be avoided because all houses have windows.  However, if you have drapes, blinds or other window treatments in your house, close them before you leave for the day in order to block the sunlight and prevent carpeting aging.  This is an excellent tip if you have darker shades of carpet.  Vacuuming on a regular basis is also important, and you cannot vacuum enough.  In fact, vacuuming your carpet daily is ideal, but two or three times a week is sufficient.  It is also recommended to have the carpets in your house professionally cleaned at least once a year.  There are some things that cannot be avoided when caring for and maintaining clean carpets.  Spills are one thing that you cannot avoid from occurring, but you can treat the stains in order to remove them properly.  The first rule is to blot the stain as soon after the spill happened as possible.  The longer you wait to clean up a spill, the harder it will be to remove.  You must blot, NEVER rub, scrub or brush the stain because it might cause the stain to be pushed deeper into the carpet, therefore not removing the stain.  If you rub the stain it may also damage the carpet fibers.  Carpet maintenance takes some changes to your daily routine, but if you follow these helpful tips the carpet in your home will look better and last longer. 

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Melvin Lorg

2006-06-01 09:12:00

Question: Are ‘specials’ always special?

ANSWER: There are so many carpet cleaning promotions in today's market place, how does one avoid getting one that he or she is less than satisfied with?There are over one hundred carpet cleaning businesses in and around Wichita, with lots of promotional offers. Here are some tips on what to look for in regards to them:  1.  UNBELIEVABLY LOW PRICE: To some degree, all of us are attracted by low price because we want to work within a budget. But some carpet cleaners use price as the bait-usually between $6.95 and $12.95 per room-and then, once they're in your home, they pressure you into buying "add-ons."  It's as if you were buying a car and found that the dealer was charging you extra for the tires and steering wheel. Carpet cleaning is not as cheap as some carpet cleaners would like you to believe.2.  BAIT AND SWITCH: Dual process carpet cleaning describes the process of shampooing or heavy preconditioning, followed with hot water extraction cleaning. Unfortunately, some carpet cleaners often use dual process as a bait-and-switch technique. Here's how it's done: First, they "bait" you with a basic cleaning (single process) at an unbelievably low price. Then, when you call, they try to "switch" you to more expensive dual-process cleaning. If you don't fall for their switch and choose their basic service, you may receive poor workmanship using little or no chemicals and they will not guarantee their work.3.  UNSUPPORTED CLAIMS: "THIS CLEANING METHOD IS THE BEST." You'll read this in almost every ad. You'll hear this from virtually every carpet cleaner. Remember this: The method that's best for you is the method that achieves your goal. If you want a method that dries quickly, then a method that takes a long time to dry isn't for you. So before you choose a carpet cleaner, identify your objectives. Then select the method that best reaches those objectives.4.  OUTDATED BELIEFS: ‘HOT WATER DAMAGES YOUR CARPET’: Years ago, many people believed this was true because their carpets were damaged by "technicians" who didn't know how to properly clean using hot water. But today, we know it's false. By washing and then rinsing your carpet with hot water, your carpet is thoroughly cleaned in the same way that the person who showers and then rinses off the dirt and soap will be much cleaner than the person who takes only a sponge bath. Obviously, each method does have its advantages. So you should look to what carpet manufacturers say. The largest carpet manufacturer in the world recommends hot water extraction.  They should have a pretty good idea what works best considering all angles.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Mel Lorg

2006-02-01 15:19:00

Answer: Life’s full of surprises in our everyday world with kids, pets, spills, and splatters.  None of us have time to worry about the daily mishaps that could threaten the beauty of your fine furniture or carpet. When you protect your carpet and upholstery with a good quality carpet or fabric protector, you can gain some piece of mind that your carpet and upholstery will stay cleaner, brighter, fresher longer knowing that a quality carpet protector is guarding against soil and stains so you don’t have to.How does it work, you ask?   The same technology that prevents food sticking on your pots and pans can also prevent stains on your carpeting. With your carpet and upholstery being freshly cleaned, your professional carpet cleaner applies a quick-drying silicone based product (again imagine non stick cookware.)  With each application a quality upholstery carpet protector will create a powerful, invisible shield around the fibers that keep dust, dirt, and liquids from becoming absorbed into the fabric.  And because of the repellency of a good quality fabric protector you would have more time to clean up and remove and spills or dirt before they can permanently stain your carpet. Here are suggested tips for an easier clean up:• Solid and semisolid spills should be scraped lightly with a table knife or similar tool to remove excess debris.• Liquid spills should be blotted up immediately with a towel or absorbent cloth.• If a stain is allowed to dry or ground into the carpet, they should be removed using a normal cleaning procedure.   Remember always rinse your fabric thoroughly with water to remove excess cleaning solutions. All carpet and upholstery protectors should be used on all types of carpet, and water-safe upholstery fabrics.  Also keep in mind that even with your carpet having built-in soil and stain protection you should have a professional carpet cleaner apply a quality after market protection after your carpet or upholstery has been professionally shampooed or cleaned.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Melvin Lorg

2005-12-29 10:13:00

: How often should a carpet be cleaned and why?

ANSWER: No doubt this question has surfaced at one time or another during the years you've owned carpeting. The frequency of cleaning will vary from one household to another depending upon the number of occupants and level of usage. At a minimum, you should clean once a year. Some homeowners express their fear that once the carpet is cleaned, it will re-soil quicker. This fear is the result of improper cleaning on the part of many cleaning companies. Some companies, in an effort to cut costs and save time, buy the cheaper cleaning solutions, won't provide the proper training for their technicians, and will not offer a separate rinse step to remove detergent residues. If detergent is left in the carpet, accelerated re-soiling will occur.  Using a more thorough method of cleaning that uses a rinse step after the pre-spray process, removes deep down soil and leaves no detergent to accelerate the re-soiling process. The fact is, the best thing you can do for your carpets is have them regularly cleaned by a qualified professional carpet cleaning company. It is the buildup of soil that promotes wear to your carpet, far more than the foot traffic that travels on the surface of the carpet. Foot traffic grinds the soil against the carpet fibers and causes a sand-paper effect. This causes the fibers to dull and become worn looking. Major carpet manufacturers such as Dupont and Shaw Industries recommend that you have your carpets cleaned every 6-18 months, and with most of today's carpet, in order to satisfy the warranty requirements, you must save receipts from your cleanings. There are other considerations that can increase the frequency of cleanings, such as smoking habits, number and ages of children, soiling conditions, humidity, health status of occupants, allergy conditions, and number and types of pets just to name a few. Heavily traveled areas may require quarterly cleaning, while other less frequented areas may not need cleaning more than every 18 months. Either way, it makes good sense to have your carpets cleaned regularly-not only from an appearance and investment protection point of view, but also from a health standpoint. Regular deep cleaning removes bacteria, dust mites, germs, and the substances upon which these organisms live. Bio contaminants, volatile organic compounds, combustion products, asbestos, chemical contamination, outdoor pollutants, pesticides, allergens, grease and oil deposits, sand, soil, food particles,  and a host of other really gross stuff will make its way into your carpet. Quite simply, your carpet acts like a sink. It collects and filters all of the above mentioned contaminants. This collection and filtering process traps these contaminants within your carpet, which in turns cleans the air you breathe and allows you to live a healthier life. Hard surface floors may allow contaminants to "roam" throughout the indoor environment. But like any other filter, your carpet needs to be cleaned on a regular basis, or it will lose its filtering ability. If these contaminants are in your home, they could be contributing to your family's health and allergy problems. Dr. Michael Berry, Deputy Director of the Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office of the Environmental Protection Agency stated, "Based on what I have learned from researchers working in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, I have reached the conclusion that carpeting and fabrics that are not properly cleaned and maintained have the potential to cause a variety of health problems inside the building and home environment.”

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Melvin Lorg

2005-11-01 16:19:00

: What are some questions I should ask when qualifying a carpet cleaner?

ANSWER: If you're thinking about having your carpets cleaned, I encourage you to follow these four steps:Step #1:  Make a commitment to yourself to get your carpets cleaned. The longer they remain dirty, the sooner they'll wear out. Plus the longer you have to breathe all the pollens, fungus, and chemicals that hide in your carpet.Step #2:  List your objections. Do you want only the dirt removed, something you could do with a rented shampooer, or do you want all the bacteria, fungus and chemicals removed, which will require hot water truck-mount cleaner? So you want to work with an honest, reputable company, or are you willing to risk working with the company that offers you the lowest price?Step #3:  Ask questions. The way you learn about a company is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to the answers. Here are seven tough questions to ask a carpet cleaner before he begins to clean your carpet:1) What method of carpet cleaningdo you recommend? 2) What type of equipment do you use to clean carpet?3) What will your equipment remove from my carpet?4) How often should I get my carpets cleaned?5) What training have you had in cleaning carpets?6) Are you a member of a Carpet and Fabricare Institute?7) Are you certified by the IICRC and will you show me your certificate?Step #4:  Once you're satisfied that you're working with an honest, competent professional, invite him into your home and ask for a specific quotation in writing. A written quotation gives you the assurance that you know exactly what you job will cost, with no surprises. By following these four steps, you'll gain all the information you need to make an informed, intelligent decision. If you want a quick, cheap carpet cleaning job, many companies in the phone book can help you. Or you can rent a shampooer from the grocery store and do the job yourself.If you want your carpeting to be completely and healthfully cleaned - removing the bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollens, and tobacco products - then call a professional that meets the requirements that I mentioned earlier.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Melvin Lorg

2005-11-01 16:19:00

: Which method of carpet cleaning is best?

ANSWER:  There are several ways to clean carpets, some being more effective than others.  A dry foam method applies shampoo to your carpet, allows it to dry, and then, without rinsing, removes the dried shampoo via a vacuum. Can you imagine applying shampoo to your hair, allowing it to dry and then removing the shampoo from your head with a vacuum?  This method leaves a dirty residue in your carpet, and is one of the reasons dry foam is not very effective. Another method is Absorbent pad or Bonnet cleaning.  This method is similar to dry foam, except that a large cotton bonnet is set on your carpet.  The rotating motion causes the bonnet to absorb dirt from your carpet.  Absorbent pad or Bonnet cleaning is like trying to use a large cotton towel or mop to rub the dirt out of your carpet.  As you can imagine this method is not very effective either.Hot water extraction is a way of saying that a hot water cleaning solution, under high pressure, is forced into your carpet and then extracted from your carpet. In a recent Technical Bulletin by the world's largest carpet manufacturer, Shaw Industries recommends the hot water extraction method.  There are two different types of hot water extraction:1. Truck-mount which is done with a large machine mounted in a truck or van.2. Portable extraction, which is done with a small, portable, or hand-held unit.Shaw Industries Technical Bulletin also states that cleaning should be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the facility with only the hose and wand brought inside. However where a truck-mounted unit cannot reach, a portable, self-contained system may be brought in to the facility.Shaw recommends the truck-mounted unit first.  The truck-mounted unit cleans much better because it heats the water to a higher temperature, and shoots the cleaning solution into the carpet at higher pressures.  This breaks up the dirt, bacteria, and pollens that are in the carpet.  Truck-mounted extraction systems also use a high powered vacuum to draw the dirt and chemicals out of your carpet.Some people believe that hot water damages your carpet; however this is a myth. By washing and then rinsing your carpet with hot water it cleans your carpet completely in the same manner that a person who showers and then rinses off the dirt and soap will be much cleaner than a person who takes only a sponge bath.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Melvin Lorg

2005-10-01 14:59:00

: Carpet cleaning seems simple enough. Are there some tips one should know?

ANSWER: In the September issue, I began answering this question by addressing three of six costly misconceptions about carpet cleaning. Now for the remaining three misconceptions:Misconception #4: Having the right equipment is all a company needs to clean your carpets properly. Not true! Many companies own hot-water cleaners but very few companies teach their employees how to use them properly. This is why it's important that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully. The best cleaning companies are those that have been certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, (IICRC). Before you choose a carpet cleaner, ask to see written proof of the company's IICRC Certification.Misconception #5: The Company that offers the lowest price is the company you should hire. No. NEVER hire the company that quotes the cheapest price. So many problems can arise from lowest-bid companies. The two most common problems are:1. The price may not be for the services you want performed. The company may be equipped to remove only the dirt from your carpet. But you may want bacteria, fungus, pollens, and tobacco residues removed as well.2. The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many homeowners have learned that the low price they saw advertised lasted only until the carpet cleaner got in to their home. Then they were pressured into paying a lot more for a variety of add-ons. Some carpet cleaners even break the law by using illegal bait and switch tactics.Misconception #6: Any honest carpet cleaning company should be able to give you an exact price quote over the telephone. No. Honest, reputable carpet cleaning companies almost never price carpet cleaning by the room. Instead, carpet cleaning is usually priced by the square foot. So in order to give an exact cost of cleaning your carpet, you would need to know the exact number of square feet that you wanted cleaned. There are three things to consider in estimating the cost of cleaning carpet:1. The type of carpet. Certain types of carpet are harder to clean than other types.2. The amount of soiling. Carpet that hasn't been cleaned for ten years will take longer to clean than carpet that was cleaned within the last six months.3. The amount of furniture that will need to be moved. If you move your own furniture, it will save you money.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Melvin Lorg

2005-09-01 14:36:00

: Carpet cleaing seems simple enough.  Are there some tips one should know?

ANSWER: First, know your carpet facts. There are six costly misconceptions about carpet cleaning.  We will cover three of them in this issue.Misconception #1: You should wait as long as possible before cleaning your carpet. No. Dirt is an abrasive, like sandpaper. Every time you step on your carpet, you grind dirt into the carpet fibers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you had used a knife. This cutting causes your carpet to wear out faster. A dirty carpet will not last as long as a clean carpet. And while vacuuming helps - by itself, it's simply not enough. The longer you wait to have your carpet cleaned, the more damage you do to your carpet and the faster it wears out.Misconception #2: The only reason to clean carpets is to remove the dirt. No. As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and hundreds of other chemicals. When you come into your home, you carry those pollens, bacteria and chemicals in your hair and on your skin, clothing and shoes. Not surprisingly, all those chemicals and toxins wind up in your carpet. If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems, one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, smoke and chemicals in your carpet.Misconception #3: One method of carpet cleaning is just as good as another. No. The dry cleaning methods, which are dry foam, dry chem., and dry compound, do not rinse your carpet in any way. Instead, they leave a dirty residue. You might say they clean your carpet only halfway. The most effective cleaning method is hot water extraction. Hot water extraction means a hot water cleaning solution, under high pressure, is forced in to your carpet and then sucked out of your carpet. Shaw Industries, the world's largest carpet manufacturer, recommends hot water extraction as the primary method of cleaning carpets. Carpet cleaners use one of two types of hot water extraction. If they use a large unit that operates from a van or truck outside your facility, it's called truck-mount extraction. If they use a small unit that can be brought inside, it's called portable extraction. Shaw's first choice is the truck-mounted unit - and it recommends the small, portable unit only in areas where the truck-mounted unit won't reach.The truck-mount extraction cleans much better because it heats the water to a higher temperature and shoots the cleaning solution in to the carpet at higher pressures, which breaks up the dirt, bacteria, chemicals and pollens in the carpet. Then the machine uses high suction to draw the dirt and chemicals out of your carpet.More next time.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Melvin Lorg

2005-08-01 08:22:00

:   There are so many carpet cleaning promotions in today's market place, how does one avoid getting one that he or she is less than satisfied with?

ANSWER:  There are over one hundred carpet cleaning businesses in and around Wichita, with lots of promotional offers. Here are some tips on what to look for in regards to them:  1.  UNBELIEVABLY LOW PRICE: To some degree, all of us are attracted by low price because we want to work within a budget. But some carpet cleaners use price as the bait-usually between $6.95 and $12.95 per room-and then, once they're in your home, they pressure you into buying "add-ons."  It's as if you were buying a car and found that the dealer was charging you extra for the tires and steering wheel. Carpet cleaning is not as cheap as some carpet cleaners would like you to believe.2.  BAIT AND SWITCH: Dual process carpet cleaning describes the process of shampooing or heavy preconditioning, followed with hot water extraction cleaning. Unfortunately, some carpet cleaners often use dual process as a bait-and-switch technique. Here's how it's done: First, they "bait" you with a basic cleaning (single process) at an unbelievably low price. Then, when you call, they try to "switch" you to more expensive dual-process cleaning. If you don't fall for their switch and choose their basic service, you may receive poor workmanship using little or no chemicals and they will not guarantee their work.3.  UNSUPPORTED CLAIMS: "THIS CLEANING METHOD IS THE BEST." You'll read this in almost every ad. You'll hear this from virtually every carpet cleaner. Remember this: The method that's best for you is the method that achieves your goal. If you want a method that dries quickly, then a method that takes a long time to dry isn't for you. So before you choose a carpet cleaner, identify your objectives. Then select the method that best reaches those objectives.4.  OUTDATED BELIEFS: "HOT WATER DAMAGES YOUR CARPET: Years ago, many people believed this was true because their carpets were damaged by "technicians" who didn't know how to properly clean using hot water. But today, we know it's false. By washing and then rinsing your carpet with hot water, your carpet is thoroughly cleaned-in the same way that the person who showers and then rinses off the dirt and soap will be much cleaner than the person who takes only a sponge bath. Obviously, each method does have its advantages. So you should look to what carpet manufacturers say. The largest carpet manufacturer in the world recommends hot water extraction.  They should have a pretty good idea what works best considering all angles.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Patrick Goebel

2003-08-01 11:28:00

: We are remodeling. We are struggling between carpeting and hardwood floors. What are the benefits of carpets and rugs as compared to hardwood floors?  

ANSWER: While the aesthetics of hardwood floors is hard to match, carpet and rugs do have a lot of other advantages. Often times, these advantages are not thoroughly considered. Here are some of the benefits of carpeting.   Nothing looks like, feels like, or performs like carpet. Carpet is a key decorative and functional element in a home or business. Carpet just feels better.  Comfort - Carpet provides an added measure of warmth and insulation with its millions of fibers and places between them to hold warmth or to insulate against extreme heat or cold. It's warmer to sit on or work on, providing more stable temperatures for foot and leg comfort near the floor. In colder climates or seasons, it retains warm air longer, an important benefit in our energy-conscious world. In warm climates, it also insulates against invasive heat. When the insulation value is important, the carpet's label may offer an "R-value," and a cushion label may offer one, as well. When the carpet R-value is not available, you may multiply the total carpet thickness measured in inches by a factor of 2.6 to approximate the carpet's R-value. The R-values are additive for any combination of materials. For example, a combination of carpet with an R-value of 1.3 and a prime polyurethane cushion with an R-value of 1.6 will yield an overall R-value of 2.9.   Aesthetics -  Because carpet is a foundation of decorating, covering a large quantity of the surface of our living spaces, it is an important consideration in the overall scheme of color and texture. It can provide simplicity and casualness for softness and liveability; or it can provide pizzazz with vibrant color and heavier textures for making a decorating "statement." Carpet can be one of the easiest ways to personalize an environment - its color can be a neutral foundation "in the background," or it can be a vibrant focal point.   Safety - Safety in the home, especially for small children, seniors, and generally the entire family is a primary focus. Most of us seek a stable, non-slick walking surface that prevents slips and falls and for the time when someone does trip, a surface that protects from bruises and other injuries. Carpet is great for cushioning our footsteps, minimizing slips and minimizing injuries from falls. It's hard to watch a toddler take his first steps on a cold hard floor. Carpet's softness and cushioning nature is ideal for family activity - whether it is the first steps of a toddler, the slow steps of the grandparent, or the fast action of the mother or teenager.   Sound Reduction - Carpet is as easy on your ears as your feet. With the introduction of computers, speaker telephones, big screen TV's and video games, our homes have become a lot noisier. Fortunately, the solution to this problem of airborne sounds can be found right below our feet - carpet. Carpet not only serves as a beautiful floor covering, it also provides sound insulation. Additionally, carpet creates an aestheticambiance conducive to lowered voices and heightened privacy. The sound-reducing qualities of carpet include sound absorption. Recently, home builders have moved towards reshaping the home by combining all of the living area rooms into one big, open space. This layout promotes the family togetherness, but also creates a noisy atmosphere. With the addition of carpet, sound is absorbed rather than bounced off the floor and back onto the walls and furniture. Results from tests show that there is a pronounced "hush" in carpeted rooms. Carpet and cushion reduces noise better. Carpet serves as an effective noise-reducer because it absorbs the sound of foot traffic within the home. These results are even more pronounced with the addition of carpet cushion. Research shows that properly specified carpet and cushion combinations produce better noise-reduction than carpet alone. Carpet cushion also increases comfort and ergonomic qualities, adds insulation, and extends the life of your carpet by protecting it against wear and tear.   Carpet and cushion also insulate between floors. Carpet works as a sound barrier between floors by helping to block sound transmission to rooms below. Carpet and carpet cushion are especially effective in masking the "hollow" sound from foot traffic often associated with staircases. Specific noise reduction data can be obtained from the manufacturer.   Next month, we’ll continue our discussion on floor covering options.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jeff Chester

2003-06-01 10:13:00

:  Why is it that carpet seems to get dirty much more quickly after it has been cleaned once?

ANSWER:  This view unfortunately is a common misconception. I should first begin by saying that I am a firm believer that the customer is always right and that we in the service industry are called upon to meet the needs of the customer.  One of the problems in the Carpet Cleaning industry is that there are a lot of companies that offer rock bottom prices and in turn deliver rock bottom results.  I do believe in price shopping but when it comes to full service carpet cleaning; training, the proper equipment and experience have to be factored in and those don't always translate in to the lowest price.   When a reputable cleaner performs a carpet cleaning I believe that the problem is not so much the cleaning process as much as it is the expectation of the customers. The following excerpt is from a research study on consumer perception.   This research focused on the development of instrumental techniques to quantify textural change in carpet. Perception Analysis was performed to assess consumer's perceptions of the appearance of the carpet under study. Homemakers were interviewed to develop a list of words commonly used to describe carpet appearance. Since carpet cleaning is a major concern, almost half of every interview was spent on this topic.    Twenty-nine homemakers (primarily members of Cooperative Extension Homemaker groups) were interviewed. The purpose of the interviews was to compile a listing of terms to describe carpet appearance. The listing was later used to develop a rating sheet for carpet evaluations. The interviews were open-ended, so the homemakers felt free to discuss all aspects of carpet, including likes and dislikes and factors relating to wear and cleaning. Since consumers consider staining and soiling a major reason for replacing a carpet, they were vocal about successes and failures related to carpet cleaning. Some of their comments should be of interest to you.    About half of the homemakers who mentioned cleaning were happy with the results, stating that it made the carpet look cleaner and raised the pile. The homemakers reported that spot cleaning was performed on an as-needed basis. Over-all cleaning was performed after traffic patterns became unsightly.  The consumers with positive comments were less adamant than those with negative comments. This may be because the latter (negative commentaries) EXPECT cleaning to restore the "newness" of their carpet. This is an unreasonable expectation and will depend on such factors as the level and frequency of maintenance and the soiled condition prior to cleaning. Cleaning improves the appearance of carpet but does not make it look NEW. Cleaning, for example, cannot restore texture that has been lost due to foot traffic. Texture loss and matting will alter the reflectance of the carpet and thus a truly "new" appearance can never be restored.    Of those homemakers who talked about carpet cleaning, half of them gave negative comments. Most of these women had the perception that resoiling occurs more rapidly after cleaning. Homemakers who had not actually experienced this problem themselves mentioned it because they felt it was "common knowledge." Most of these homemakers would recommend then to wait as long as possible before the first cleaning. These homemakers believed that the problem occurred either because detergent was not completely removed, or because some type of anti-soil finish applied by the manufacturer was removed as a result of cleaning. These homemakers also complained that after cleaning, the carpet "never bounces back the way it did before." Again, this was attributed to the removal of a finish or some residue left on the carpet from the cleaning process.    There was no consensus as to which method of cleaning was best. Some homemakers felt that rotary brushes worked better than steam cleaning because they brought the pile back up. Others were concerned that rotary brushes made the carpet look "fuzzy." Consumers were equally divided between do-it-yourself cleaning and professional cleaning.    The homemakers consistently described new carpet as being "bright" and "lively." Several consumers noted that cleaning often leaves a carpet "dull-looking." Carpets that lacked sheen were often described as looking like they had been cleaned.   Why do consumers have these negative perceptions about cleaning'? To date, there is no research that conclusively shows that resoiling occurs faster after cleaning. The women interviewed in this study are not "average" homemakers. Since they are active in Cooperative Extension, they are interested in keeping abreast of new ideas and techniques related to homemaking. If these "educated" homemakers have these misconceptions about carpet cleaning, what does the "average" homemaker think'?    In conclusion, consumers often delay cleaning for fear of more rapid resoiling. This practice in itself will work against achieving what consumers expect after cleaning, a "new" looking carpet. This appears to be a vicious cycle that can only be broken through education aimed at dispelling these carpet cleaning myths.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jeff Chester

2003-05-01 11:00:00

:   I have seen a 'household tips list' for getting certain stains out of carpeting, but I can't seem to find it.  Do you have anything that might help?

ANSWER:  I get a lot of phone calls from people who have stains on their carpet and need advice.  The most common issues are pet related, juice spills, candle wax, assorted beverages and so on.  With the increase of do-it-yourself programs on TV and articles with household do-it-yourself tips it is important to realize that the wrong method of treatment can permanently set a stain and ruin your carpet.  While I'm not against people doing things on their own and becoming more and more resourceful in their abilities, home remedies more often than not make the problem worse.  The best advice I can give someone who has a serious stain or spill on their carpet is to hire a professional to take care of the problem. The cost of a carpet cleaning compared to the price of replacing carpet makes the choice an easy decision. When people use household items such as vinegar, hot irons and over-the-counter spot removers the ph levels of the fibers are moved to extreme and over time can degrade the carpet prematurely. A reputable carpet cleaner will invests in state of the art cleaning equipment and training.  When choosing a carpet cleaner, look for certifications from the IICRC "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration”. When a technician completes their training they will understand and be able to identify different types of carpets and fiber characteristics, the proper Ph levels, how to treat oil based spots verses non- oil, how to treat protein stains such as food and beverages and most importantly they will have products, tools and cleaners that are designed specifically for carpets and the type of stain in question.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jeff Chester

2003-03-01 14:09:00

:  It seems as though there is more preoccupation with mold now than ever. What is the big deal? Hasn't mold been around forever?

ANSWER:  This is a question that I'm faced with on a daily basis.  As a certified mold remediator I am called upon to visit homes with mold issues, and more often than not the customer will ask me "What's the big deal about mold?"  Twenty or Thirty years ago if somebody had mold in their home the typical response would be to get out the Clorox wipe it off and get on with your life. Twenty or thirty years ago a lot of people smoked.  Over that time we have learned more about smoking and its effect on our bodies and in the same manor we have learned more about mold and its effects.The preoccupation with mold dates back to Old Testament times, in fact Leviticus 14:45 says "A house desecrated by mildew, mold or fungus would be a defiled place to live in so drastic measures had to be taken."  So it's clear that the Good Lord had a head start in mold remediation services.  Why is mold such a big deal today?  Several factors have contributed to this.  In Cleveland there were a couple of very high profile cases where infants arrived at an Emergency Room with respiratory complications all within the same time period.  The Doctor that handled the cases was unable to properly diagnose the problem.  What he did know was that the children suffered from the same symptoms, lived in the same housing projects and were dying.  This prompted him to contact the center for disease control and a subsequent investigation revealed that in the apartments where the children lived, there were water intrusion issues and severe mold contamination.  Certain types of mold produce a substance known as mycotoxins.  These toxins have been known to effect the immune system.  People who are in the highest risk category are the very young, the very old, people who have had recent surgeries, people with weakened immune systems such as HIV and people with allergies and asthma.  The media along with high profile court cases have raised the awareness of mold.  Another reason that mold is more prevalent in homes and buildings today is the way buildings are being built. In the early to mid seventies the energy crisis caused us to reexamine the way we build.  Houses were built tighter, windows and doors were sealed and insulation was every where.  This caused our heating bills to go down but it also made it difficult for moisture to leave the building and for walls to breathe thus creating ideal living conditions for mold.  One thing to keep in mind is that mold is only a symptom and that water is the cause whether it be an indoor flood, elevated humidity or some type of ground water intrusion.  It is important to remember that when dealing with mold it needs to be dealt with and has the potential to cause harm to individuals and the building or home that is affected.  There have been many advances in both the methods and equipment used in mold remediation and trained professionals can safely and effectively remove mold with out the threat of contaminating the entire structure.In closing, mold has been around a long time and doesn't seem to be leaving any time soon.  There are many things that can be done to prevent the growth of mold and its effect on people.  It is important that individuals educate themselves on mold and its causes and not just take the word of someone claiming to be a mold professional.  The library and the internet can provide a wealth of information on this subject.  One particular web site that should be looked at is the governments recommendations for mold remediation located at http://www.epa.gov/.  

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jeff Chester

2002-12-01 11:12:00

:  We recently had a fire that damaged lots of furniture (a lot of it was sentimental) and the carpet in our home.  Structurally we should be okay but we felt we could have saved lots of the furniture were we to have known what to do at the right time.  Is there such a thing as a checklist to follow after a fire or flood?

Jeff Chester Question:  We recently had a fire that damaged lots of furniture (a lot of it was sentimental) and the carpet in our home.  Structurally we should be okay but we felt we could have saved lots of the furniture were we to have known what to do at the right time.  Is there such a thing as a checklist to follow after a fire or flood?Answer:  The question of whether or not a checklist exists for fire damaged items is one that needs to be looked at from two perspectives. From the insurance company's point of view, if an item cost more to clean and restore than it would to replace, the insurance company would most likely pay to replace it. From the view of the homeowner many of the items in a home are not easily replaced because of sentimental value. In that case a professional restoration company can be most helpful in restoring each treasured belonging back to life. 

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jeff Chester

2002-12-01 11:12:00

:  Why is it that carpet seems to get dirty much more quickly after it has been cleaned once?

ANSWER:  This view unfortunately is a common misconception. I should first begin by saying that I am a firm believer that the customer is always right and that we in the service industry are called upon to meet the needs of the customer.  One of the problems in the Carpet Cleaning industry is that there are a lot of companies that offer rock bottom prices and in turn deliver rock bottom results.  I do believe in price shopping but when it comes to full service carpet cleaning... training, the proper equipment and experience have to be factored in... and those don't always translate in to the lowest price.When a reputable cleaner performs a carpet cleaning I believe that the problem is not so much the cleaning process as much as it is the expectation of the customers. The following excerpt is from a research study on consumer perception.This research focused on the development of instrumental techniques to quantify textural change in carpet. Perception Analysis was performed to assess consumer's perceptions of the appearance of the carpet under study. Homemakers were interviewed to develop a list of words commonly used to describe carpet appearance. Since carpet cleaning is a major concern, almost half of every interview was spent on this topic. Twenty-nine homemakers (primarily members of Cooperative Extension Homemaker groups) were interviewed. The purpose of the interviews was to compile a listing of terms to describe carpet appearance. The listing was later used to develop a rating sheet for carpet evaluations. The interviews were open-ended, so the homemakers felt free to discuss all aspects of carpet, including likes and dislikes and factors relating to wear and cleaning. Since consumers consider staining and soiling a major reason for replacing a carpet, they were vocal about successes and failures related to carpet cleaning. Some of their comments should be of interest to you. About half of the homemakers who mentioned cleaning were happy with the results, stating that it made the carpet look cleaner and raised the pile. The homemakers reported that spot cleaning was performed on an as-needed basis. Over-all cleaning was performed after traffic patterns became unsightly.  The consumers with positive comments were less adamant than those with negative comments. This may be because the latter (negative commentaries) EXPECT cleaning to restore the "newness" of their carpet. This is an unreasonable expectation and will depend on such factors as the level and frequency of maintenance and the soiled condition prior to cleaning. Cleaning improves the appearance of carpet but does not make it look NEW. Cleaning, for example, cannot restore texture that has been lost due to foot traffic. Texture loss and matting will alter the reflectance of the carpet and thus a truly "new" appearance can never be restored. Of those homemakers who talked about carpet cleaning, half of them gave negative comments. Most of these women had the perception that resoiling occurs more rapidly after cleaning. Homemakers who had not actually experienced this problem themselves mentioned it because they felt it was "common knowledge." Most of these homemakers would recommend then to wait as long as possible before the first cleaning. These homemakers believed that the problem occurred either because detergent was not completely removed, or because some type of anti-soil finish applied by the manufacturer was removed as a result of cleaning. These homemakers also complained that after cleaning, the carpet "never bounces back the way it did before." Again, this was attributed to the removal of a finish or some residue left on the carpet from the cleaning process. There was no consensus as to which method of cleaning was best. Some homemakers felt that rotary brushes worked better than steam cleaning because they brought the pile back up. Others were concerned that rotary brushes made the carpet look "fuzzy." Consumers were equally divided between do-it-yourself cleaning and professional cleaning. The homemakers consistently described new carpet as being "bright" and "lively." Several consumers noted that cleaning often leaves a carpet "dull-looking." Carpets that lacked sheen were often described as looking like they had been cleaned.Why do consumers have these negative perceptions about cleaning'? To date, there is no research that conclusively shows that resoiling occurs faster after cleaning. The women interviewed in this study are not "average" homemakers. Since they are active in Cooperative Extension, they are interested in keeping abreast of new ideas and techniques related to homemaking. If these "educated" homemakers have these misconceptions about carpet cleaning, what does the "average" homemaker think'? In conclusion, consumers often delay cleaning for fear of more rapid resoiling. This practice in itself will work against achieving what consumers expect after cleaning, a "new" looking carpet. This appears to be a vicious cycle that can only be broken through education aimed at dispelling these carpet cleaning myths.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jeff Chester

2002-12-01 10:08:00

: We have an ionizer that runs all of the time in our house.  It produces a smell like the smell after a thunderstorm.  Does ionization kill mold and mildew too?

ANSWER: The smell of a "thunderstorm" you mentioned is the smell of ozone being produced through electric discharge. The health effects of concentrated ozone exposure to people and pets have been debated over the years. We do not recommend long term exposure.  For many years ozone has been used as an effective deodorizer in the fire restoration industry. Over the past few years, experimentation with concentrations and use of ozone as a possible chemical-free process for microbial mitigation has been attempted with varying degrees of success. To date there has not been conclusive evidence that ozone or ionizers kill mold and mildew.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jeff Chester

2002-11-01 14:20:00

:  I have been told that once you have a fire in your home, you can never get rid of the smell of smoke.  Is this true?  What if you have your home restored after a fire and you find that the smell returns months after the insurance company has settled.  What do you do?

ANSWER:  If you are the unfortunate property owner who has experienced a fire loss in his or her home you know that it can be a stressful situation. The good news is that your home can and should be returned to its "pre-fire condition". Thirty years ago when a home fire would occur a construction or remodeling company would come in and paint, seal, sand and stain until the smell was gone. The only problem was when the smell of paint and varnish was faded, more often than not the smoke odor would return. This reoccurring problem led to the need for specialized contractors that focused primarily on damage restoration.  Each house fire is a little different depending on what was burning and to what extent it burned. A qualified restoration company takes several steps to complete a job.  If you are not satisfied with the work performed in your home you need to communicate your concerns to the contractor. There are many ways to remove odor from a home and the first attempt may not be affective. If you stay involved with the restoration process most reputable restoration companies will work until you are satisfied

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jeff Chester

2002-09-01 13:33:00

: What exactly is mold? Is it always visible? How dangerous is it? How do you get rid of it?

Jeff Chester Question: What exactly is mold? Is it always visible? How dangerous is it? How do you get rid of it?Answer:  This month's question is one that will be hard to answer in one article but we will go over the basics.  Next month we will finish.Mold is a fungi and can come in different sizes and colors. There are numerous species and types of molds, some of the most common are Aspergillus, Penicilliun, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Memnoniella and Stachybotrys chartarum.Fungal contamination is not always visible. The next part of the question is how dangerous is it and how do we get rid of it. Much of the following information comes from the City of New York Department of Health.On May 7, 1993, the New York City Department of Health, the New York City Human Resources Administration, and the Mt. Sinai Occupational Health Clinic convened an expert panel on Stachybotrys atra in Indoor Environments. The original guidelines were developed because of mold growth problems in several New York City buildings in the early 1990's. The following excerpts are from that report.Many fungi can produce potent mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that have been identified as toxic agents. People performing renovations/cleaning of widespread fungal contamination may be at risk for developing Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS) or Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP). ODTS may occur after a single heavy exposure to dust contaminated with fungi and produces flu-like symptoms. It differs from HP in that it is not an immune-mediated disease and does not require repeated exposures to the same causative agent. A variety of biological agents may cause ODTS including common species of fungi. HP may occur after repeated exposures to an allergen and can result in permanent lung damage.Fungi can cause allergic reactions. The most common symptoms are runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, and aggravation of asthma. There have been reports linking health effects in office workers to offices contaminated with moldy surfaces and in residents of homes contaminated with fungal growth. Symptoms, such as fatigue, respiratory ailments, and eye irritation were typically observed in these cases.Fungi in buildings may cause or exacerbate symptoms of allergies (such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and eye irritation), especially in persons who have a history of allergic diseases (such as asthma and rhinitis). Individuals with persistent health problems that appear to be related to fungi or other bioaerosol exposure should see their physicians for a referral to practitioners who are trained in occupational/environmental medicine or related specialties and are knowledgeable about these types of exposures. Decisions about removing individuals from an affected area must be based on the results of such medical evaluation, and be made on a case-by-case basis. Except in cases of widespread fungal contamination that are linked to illnesses throughout a building, building-wide evacuation is not indicated.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jeff Chester

2002-07-01 12:22:00

Question:  Can flood damaged carpet ever be salvageable?

Answer:  Flooded carpet can be salvaged if the source of the water is clean i.e. water line break, tub overflow or washing machine hose leak. The other important factor is that the correct drying procedures are followed.  Carpet that is flooded by water that is not clean i.e. sewage, river or lake water should not be saved and dealt with on a professional level. Sewage water can be especially dangerous to humans and animals because of the bacteria and pathogens

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jeff Chester

2002-06-01 15:05:00

Question:  We apparently had a mother skunk and her babies as residents below our porch.  My husband discovered them two weeks ago and was sprayed by the mother skunk.  What can be done to get rid of the smell?

Answer:  Skunk odor is not an uncommon problem, especially for folks residing in the country. Restorers often are called to provide relief from skunk emissions, and have tried to deal with the problem in various ways: ozone, tomato juice, acetic acid and assorted perfumes, none of which really does the job. So for most situations, the remedy has been to get over it, an economical, if time consuming procedure. A chemist by the name of Paul Krebaum had been doing research on Thiols, a particularly smelly category of chemical. He applied his analytic powers to skunk emissions and came up with a formulation that neutralized the odor with great success. In an act of generosity, he bestowed the formula on mankind by way of the Chemical and Engineering News. Here is his recipe: I quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon liquid soap. Apply the mixture in saturation quantities under the slab, using a pump sprayer. The skunk's fragrance should disappear before nightfall.

X

Carpet Cleaning & Restoration

Jeff Chester

2002-05-01 08:53:00

:  We recently purchased an older motel. Many of the rooms have the smell of old cigarette smoke. Is there a sure way to get rid of the smell? We have been told that ozone will work. What is it? How do you use it?

Jeff Chester Question:  We recently purchased an older motel. Many of the rooms have the smell of old cigarette smoke. Is there a sure way to get rid of the smell? We have been told that ozone will work. What is it? How do you use it?Answer:  Ozone is one of many methods available for odor control. The best place to start for your motel is the normal cleaning process. Cleaning or replacing the carpets, cleaning or repainting the walls and cleaning the AC/Heaters. If you are planing to keep the beds and soft furniture you should have them professionally cleaned as well. As far as the ozone is concerned it can be very effective in controlling smoke odor.  Some companies use commercial ozone generators for fires and other odor problems, where each job is evaluated on a case to case basis. What Is Ozone? Well the technical answer is:  Ozone is known in the chemical chain as 03 or the third atom of oxygen. Ozone can be produced in several ways: (1) corona discharge (ozone generator), (2) ultraviolet lamps, (3) lightning, and (4) sunrays. Most commercial ozone equipment use the corona discharge method, which uses oxygen from our atmosphere, and passes it through an electrical charge which splits the oxygen atom to create a third atom. The third atom combines with the opposite atom, making three atoms of oxygen (03). This third atom is a very powerful oxidizing agent. When this atom comes in contact with a smoke odor (hydrocarbon), it breaks down the hydrocarbon into carbon dioxide and moisture. Any excess ozone will revert to oxygen in a very short time and then combine with the normal air in our atmosphere. It works well!