Pro Steamer Cleaning & Restoration is located in Roswell, NM and provides carpet cleaning, tile & grout cleaning, upholstery cleaning and protection, oriental rug cleaning, air duct cleaning, mold
remediation, water damage restoration, smoke damage restoration and
contents cleaning in the communities of: Roswell, Dexter, Hagerman, Lake Arthur, and Artesia. Smoke Damage Restoration and Mold Remediation services also provided in Ruidoso and Cloudcroft. www.pro-steamer.com
Eek! I can't believe its been so long since I posted. It's been a busy month--lots of end of the year stuff to deal with as well as things I've been putting off. (bad me) Anywho, here are some more stain removal tips.
Removing fruit punch, red wine, grape juice, decaf coffee, mustard & related stains
Use a general purpose spotter - (e.g., Perky Spotter®, R2X Stain and Soil Remover by Shaw Industries®, Spot Shot®, Arm & Hammer™ Odor and Stain Remover for Carpet, Mohawk Floorcare Essentials Carpet Spot Remover®, Spot Chomp®, etc.)
Agitate (tap, rub gently, or distribute chemical evenly), then blot. Continue blotting until the stain no longer transfers to your cloth, or until the stain disappears.
If needed, reapply cleaning chemical evenly, agitate, then blot again until the stain no longer transfers to your cloth or the stain disappears.
Rinse with warm water or flush with a personal extractor (such as a carpet cleaning machine with water-only rinse setting).
Dry the spot with a hair dryer or fan.
If stain remains, or if color is lost, call Pro Steamer at 623-0993. If you don't live in the Roswell, NM area, contact your nearest IICRC-Certified professional.
It's that time of year when many have lots of guests in their home...and most likely spots and spills. So here are some easy spot removing tips to get your carpet looking the way it should. These are just three of the most common stains we come across when cleaning carpets.
Vomit
SCRAPE off excess material.
COVER with BROWN PAPER.
APPLY WARM IRON until material is absorbed. Be sure paper is large enough to cover the stained area. Take care never to touch the Iron to the carpet as the fiber may melt.
CHANGE PAPER or ROTATE to clean area and Repeat until all material is absorbed.
Urine- Dry
SCRAPE or BLOT up excess spill.
APPLY DETERGENT - use damp towel.
BLOT - don’t rub.
APPLY AMMONIA – use damp towel.
APPLY White Vinegar (undiluted)- use damp towel
BLOT – don’t rub.
WATER – apply with damp sponge.
BLOT – finish with weighted pad of towels.
Coffee
Use above method. If it doesn't work try this:
SCRAPE or BLOT up excess spill.
APPLY DETERGENT SOLUTION – use damp towels, leave 3-5 minutes.
BLOT – don’t rub
APPLY HYDROGEN PEROXIDE SOLUTION – let stand 20 to 30 minutes under a weighted pad of clean, dry, white paper towels.
REPEAT application of Hydrogen Peroxide and dry under weighted pad until removal is complete.
APPLY WHITE VINEGAR (undiluted) – use damp towels
BLOT – finish with weighted pad of towels.
Please note that hydrogen peroxide may cause discoloration of carpet so test in a non conspicous area before using it on the stain.
As much as 90 percent of our time is spent inside, especially during colder weather. Yet the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the air inside homes is two to five times more polluted than the outside air. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) recommends the following tips to help maintain a healthy indoor environment for you and your family:
Maintain a humidity level below 60 percent. Higher humidity creates an environment for mold growth and produces allergens.
Vacuum frequently. Carpet and furnishings can hold dust and particle soil, mold spores and other allergens.
Have furnishings cleaned professionally once per year by an IICRC-certified firm to ensure the use of proper extraction procedures, to make certain that soil is not just redistributed, but removed.
To locate an IICRC-certified inspection, cleaning or restoration professional, visit www.certifiedcleaners.org or call (800) 835- 4624. If you live in Roswell, NM or the surrounding areas, visit www.pro-steamer.com or call our toll-free consumer awareness hotline at 1- (888) - 509-3974
This weeks tip is about air duct cleaning. Not all air duct cleaning companies are the same, and having you ducts cleaned incorrectly can actually be worse than not having it done at all. No doubt you’ve seen or heard a lot of advertising for air duct cleaning. Many of these ads offering incredible deals are very misleading. Often times your are quoted a price that sounds good until all the “add on charges” are applied.
Due to increased awareness of the importance of having your air duct system cleaned, many states have set standards for how the works should be performed. New Mexico has not yet done this, so everyone with a vacuum cleaner can say they are in the HVAC cleaning business. As a way of introducing you to Pro Steamer and helping you protect yourself, I have provided some information for you.
A company with the right equipment and training will remove the molds, bacteria, fungus, original construction debris, and dust from your air ducts and furnace, to be sure the air you breathe is the cleanest possible. (BONUS: by removing the dust and debris, your heating system will operate at peak efficiency.)
Step 1: A trained technician will inspect the HVAC system to determine performance and degree of contamination. (Before, we get started we will protect your floors and furnishings from any escaped debris)
Step 2: The technician connects a powerful vacuum to the main trunk line, then seals off the outlets in each room to create a vacuum within the air duct system. Then uncovering one register at a time, he cleans just the air duct.
Step 3: Next, he inserts specially designed air tools into the air duct to loosen dirt and lift debris into the vacuum stream for removal of the contaminants that are clinging to the walls of the air duct. The air duct is cleaned from the register, through the entire duct--all the way back to the furnace. Contaminants are removed.
Step 4: An access door is installed in the plenum to access the return side of the air duct system. Now the technician can clean the cold air and return and plenum. This is where we find the majority of contamination. (NOTE: This step requires very powerful vacuum system that most air duct company’s DO NOT HAVE)
Step 5: Attention to the furnace--Vacuum out the inside of the furnace chambers, remove dust and debris from blower and blades. Clean your filters, or if you choose install new filters, and inspect.
Step 6: Sanitizing of the air duct system. Sanitizing reduces odors, kills molds, bacteria and fungus.
THOROUGHLY CLEANING YOUR HOME WILL GIVE YOU A SENSE OF WELL BEING AND ADDED HEALTH BENEFITS.
PLUS, only the Video-Aire has a built in camera system that allows you to watch the cleaning process as it is taking place!! Keep a video-tape of the cleaning to show your spouse--or your insurance company.
If you live in Roswell, NM or the surrounding areas such as Artesia, Dexter, Hagerman, or Portales, call us at 575-623-0993 to schedule your air duct cleaning.
Avoid positioning furniture in direct sunlight to minimize fading, and keep it at least 10 inches away from vents or fireplaces, which could cause over-drying and cracking (especially in the case of leather upholstery).
Cleaning
Have your upholstered furniture professionally cleaned by Pro Steamer every year or two, before it becomes visibly soiled.
Except for emergency cleanups, never remove the fabric cushion covers to wash separately. Have the entire piece of furniture cleaned to prevent uneven fading, wear, and discoloration.
Don’t remove that tag. You won’t be arrested, but it may have cleaning code that will help you determine the best method for cleaning your furniture. For more information on manufacturers’ cleaning codes, see this HC-Pedia entry: Upholstery.
Spot Removal
Test spot-removal products in an inconspicuous area, even if the cleaner has been recommended for your particular upholstery. Vacuuming is your first line of defense against big cleaning hassles. Do not over-saturate upholstery fabric, even if it is water-washable. Never scrub or use vigorous motions, which could damage the fabric.
Blot up spills as soon as they happen with a dry, white cloth or white paper towels, using a light touch. Turn or replace the cloth or towels frequently. Excessive pressure can push liquid deeper into the fabric.
Mud should be allowed to dry, and then gently scraped away before vacuuming.
For peanut butter, lotion, or other oil-based messes, lift excess carefully using a plastic scraper. Do not use any liquid cleaner until all of the surface substance has been removed. If an oily stain remains, dab a manufacturer-recommended spot cleaner from the outer edges of the spot to the center.
It's been a while since I've posted but now we're back to our regularly scheduled weekly tips and tidbits...
Area rugs should not get the same treatment as your wall-to-wall carpet!
Many area rugs such as fine oriental rugs are very costly and are made from fragile natural fibers, dyes, and foundation materials that cannot be cleaned in the way we usually clean synthetic carpets (such as nylon, olefin, and polyester).
Most professional carpet cleaning systems involve the use of high heat, high water pressure, extreme agitation, and intense chemical activity. Most area rugs cannot be cleaned using these tactics. A more gentle “hand washing” process must be used to safely clean area rugs.
Because more time is involved in hand washing and more complex cleaning products must be utilized to avoid damaging the fibers and dyes, you would expect that area rug cleaning would be more costly than standard carpet cleaning. It is.
WHY AREA RUGS ARE MORE DIFFICULT TO CLEAN…
Because of the dense pile construction of area rugs, dirt particles work their way down through the fibers - to the backing foundation of the rug where they cannot be removed by ordinary vacuuming.
This loose grit wreaks havoc on your rug’s delicate fibers, causing a cutting abrasive action as you walk on the rug. Abrasion accounts for fiber loss (wear) and embedded soil stains.
Other types of soil including food particles and pet oils “hide” in the dense pile, making your rugs an ideal haven for germs, bacteria, and other nasty creatures such as dust mites!
Dust mites are too small to be seen but are the most common cause of year-round allergy and asthma. They live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, rugs, furniture, bedcovers, and clothes – anywhere they can feed on dead flakes of human skin.
All foreign pollutants in your rugs should be removed by professional cleaning on a regular basis to keep your rugs “healthy”.
We use a unique and thorough high-volume clear water rinse extraction process. You see, the amount of water used to clean area rugs is directly proportional to the amount of soil removed in the rinsing process.
HOW TO GET YOUR RUGS PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED
We can arrange for a pickup and delivery of your rugs for a small fee. Please call 575-623-0993 for an appointment. Your high traffic rugs should be lightly cleaned several times a year and thoroughly cleaned at least once a year professionally. Low traffic area rugs should be cleaned every 2-3 years to rinse away accumulated dust and soil. Even if the rug doesn’t LOOK dirty…it should be routinely washed.
We're back from the conference! Boy was it a fun but exhausting time. Before I forget all the details, I have to tell you guys a hilarious story about us catching our flight home....
So Victor, Soco and I are at the Platinum Meeting Lunch eating away and listening to Joe's team. I look at my watch and it's 1:30. They said they were only going to stay 30 min and it's been about 30 min and nobody is making a move to leave. So I go back to eating. I check my watch again. It's 1:45 and I'm thinking I better say something or else we're gonna miss our flight. So I ask Soco what time we're leaving and she says 1:30. I tell her it's 1:45 and she freaks out and tells Victor. So we say our goodbyes to everyone (still didn't get our pic taken with Joe and Lisa) and rush out the door.
[Cut to freeway]
We're driving around trying to figure out where to drop the rental car off. We finally get to the drop off point and begin the process of trying to get all the stuff we can't take in our carry-ons into one bag to check in. Than we literally run through the terminal to the shuttle bus. (I still haven't crammed my books into my carry on so I'm having to run with them)
Now picture this. How many of you remember the part in the Home Alone movies where the family is running through the terminal to catch their flight? Ok, that was us. LOL! It was hilarious. I wish someone had been there to get it on tape. And what's even funnier is I had the exact music they play during those scenes in my head.
So we make it to the bus, which by the way is so crammed full of people we have to stand up.
{cut to airport}
We're running like the McAllister's towards the check in counter only to find out they can't check the bag because we were supposed to have done that 40 min. before our flight was scheduled to leave. So we stand there debating whether to let them chuck our stuff, some of which is expensive, or to take the next flight out at about 6 and not get home till after midnight. (stupid 3oz rule)
{cut to inside terminal}
Yup. We decided to let them chuck our stuff. (Thankfully, they didn't toss my clinique so I'm happy about that. And I'm getting reimbursed for the rest so it's good.) So we're running AGAIN towards the security checkpoint and arrive sweating like pigs and thirsty as camels. (Lovely visual image eh?) and...AND the escalator is broken so we have to drag our luggage up the stairs. (can you say Body for Life?)
After finally making it through security, Soco and I take off towards to gate while Victor stays behind to watch them chuck our stuff.
By now your probably wondering what else could possibly go wrong. Well.....Soco and I were in such a hurry that we weren't paying attention to the signs and went the wrong way. And THAN she thought she heard them paging her for final boarding. So we take off in the right direction a la McAllister yet again. Only Soco can't really run too fast in heels so she yells at me to go ahead of her. So I'm going as fast as I can berating myself for not being in better shape the whole time. I get to the right gate this time and it turns out they've only started to board.
Now keep in mind that by this time I'm feeling like I'm gonna pass out so you can imagine how perturbed I was to learn that we had done all that running FOR NOTHING!!
And all this just to stay as long as possible for the Platinum meeting lunch. You guys should feel reeeeally special. LOL!
This is actually last weeks post. There won't be one this week since we're going to the Rich Cleaners Conference in Phoenix, AZ which is sure to be fun and informative. If you want more information about the conference, visit http://www.richcleaner.com/ruiz . And now on with the show...
Here are 4 things you should consider before getting your carpets cleaned.
Recommendation #1: Make A Commitment To Yourself To Get Your Carpets Cleaned. Carpets should be cleaned at least annually if not more often for a healthier indoor environment! Take action.
Recommendation #2: List Your Objectives. -Do you want only the dirt removed, something you could do with a rented machine. -Or do you want the bacteria, fungus and chemicals removed, which will require a hot water truck mount cleaner, like we use. -Do 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 -- knowing that company might not be in business tomorrow.
Recommendation #3: Ask Questions. The way you learn about a company is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to the answers.
Here are the questions we suggest you ask:
1. What method of carpet cleaning do you recommend? 2. What type of equipment do you use to clean carpet? 3. What does 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 any trade associations and, if so, which ones? 7. Are you certified by the IICRC and will you show me your certificate?
Recommendation #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 (in our case we offer A FREE carpet audit) gives you the assurance that you know exactly what your job will cost -- no surprises. Instead of giving you a low ball rough guess on the cost of cleaning your carpets over the phone just so I can get my foot in the door like so may companies do, we offer an In-Home Carpet Audit. Now this is not like a simple estimate, where some guy comes and measures your home and gives you a one size fits all price. No.
Here's exactly what we do: We cover all the problems your carpet has. We check for 'unwanted' stains abd tell you whether or not they can be removed and how. This includes pet stains and other difficult stains.
By following these four recommendations, you'll gain all the information you need to make an informed, intelligent decision.
Here's one last point: I know that many consumers are skeptical about carpet cleaning companies. So be sure you choose a cleaner that guarantees their work. For example, our guarantee is that “You will enjoy the most professional, thorough cleaning experience OR we will return and clean any area again, Free! If you still aren’t pleased, we will pay any other competitor in town to re-clean your carpet!”
I want you to avoid common misconceptions exploited by uneducated, uninformed, & sometimes downright unscrupulous carpet cleaners!
Mistake #1: The Company That Offers The Lowest Price Is The Company You Should Hire. This is the most common mistake that can lead a consumer into trouble. To some degree, all of us are attracted by low price because we want to work within a budget. Here are two important points to consider.
Point #1: The Price You See Offered May Not Be For The Services You Want Performed. Low price can mean cheap equipment, supermarket soaps or detergents and probably a self-taught carpet cleaner. So, if you want to remove the harmful dirt, bacteria, pollens, chemicals and tobacco residues -- so for starters, you need to hire a company that uses a state of the art truck mounted unit.
This equipment is not cheap! I have invested over 75K on my equipment alone for good reason: More and more families want the good-health benefits that come from having fresh, clean carpet.
Secondly, you want to consider the delivery of the service. Meaning… Have you ever had the feeling that a company doesn’t care about your busy schedule? We see that in all industries. Or that you’re being overcharged for unsatisfactory work or the cleaning takes days to dry? Does the technician’s poor dress and grooming make you feel uneasy? Do you have to take time off to supervise?
So remember that the price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed. Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.
Point #2: The Price You See Advertised May Not Be The Price You Pay.
Some have learned the hard way that some carpet cleaners offer a cheap price -- as low as $9.95per room -- and then pressure you into paying a lot more once they get inside your home. Some of them may even break the law by using illegal bait and switch tactics. If you don’t fall for their switch and choose their basic service, you’ll likely receive poor workmanship using little or no chemicals, and they will not guarantee their work.
I take no pleasure in telling you this, but some are unethical -- and, sadly, a few are dishonest. By their misleading advertising and false promises, they cast a dark shadow on our entire industry. Then you'll find other carpet cleaners -- professionals who work hard to earn your trust and respect. You can find ethical carpet cleaners by visiting http://www.ethicalservices.com/.
Mistake #2: Any Honest Carpet Cleaning Company Should Be Able To Give You An Exact Price Quote Over The Telephone.
I wish this were true, but it isn't. First, honest, reputable carpet cleaning companies consider several factors when pricing carpet cleaning.
One factor is the exact square footage. So, to get an accurate measurement, a laser device or measuring wheel is used to calculate the exact size of the carpet area. The price is based on at least 3 factors: the type of carpet, the amount of soiling, because heavily soiled carpet takes longer to clean; and the square footage.
Beware that a quote should not be given on the phone. Read on for Mistake #1... Plus I'll offer four recommendations, and I'll give you seven questions you should ask a carpet cleaner before you invite him into your home.
Mistake #3: The Only Reason To Clean Carpets Is To Get Out The Dirt. No. As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust -- and hundreds of other bad things.
When you and your family members 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, pollens and bacteria wind up -- you guessed it -- in your carpet. If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems -- one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, and bacteria in your carpet. If you're sensitive to dust mites (who can lay 60-80 eggs a day!) and their feces, you might find that you'll breath easier after you hire a company to get those nasty creatures out of your carpet. So in addition to getting rid of dirt, another important reason to clean your carpet is to get rid of pollens, fungus, bacteria, chemicals and the tars and residue from tobacco smoke.
For a recent news story on bait-n-switch tactics take a look at the video below.
We interrupt our regularly scheduled carpet cleaning tip to bring you this important message...
Broken pipes, leaky appliances and heavy rainstorms can teach an unexpected lesson on the destructive power of water. A little knowledge about what to do, combined with qick action, can help salvage your home and personal items.
In most cases, only a professional can repair water-damaged flooring and furnishings. Do not attempt to treat these items yourself--that may only contribute to the problem and cause further damage. The IICRC recommends the following actions to minimize damage while waiting for help to arrive:
Foremost stop the water leak and attend to obvious safety hazards, like electrical shock and personal injury from slips and falls.
Increase airflow with open windows, fans, and heating and air conditioning systems.
Open doors, drawers, cupboards and closets to maintain optimal air circulation and promote drying.
Move furnishings out of wet areas or protect furniture legs from absorption and damage with triple-folded aluminuim foil.
Hang draperies and pin up upholstery skirts.
Wash wet clothes, sheet and linens immediately and hang to dry.
Do not store damp items in plastic bags where mold can grow.
Pro Steamer is an IICRC certified firm that will dry both your structure and furnishings to acceptable industry standards. Evaluating all the water damaged materials properly requires specialized tools, common sense, and more experience than evaluation of carpet. Our job is to dry and restore all affected materials. An essential part of the restoration is to monitor and record both humidity and moisture content levels for best results and to avoid secondary damage.
You love the look and feel of your carpet. And you love the way the color complements the other furninshings in the room. So, how do you protect your carpet and keep it looking like new for years to come? The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) offers the following tips to prolong the beauty and life of your carpet:
Keep walkways and entries clean.
Use walk-off mats at all entrances.
Vacuum regularly: at least twice a week.
Treat spills immediately.
Have carpet professionally cleaned annually: Light colored carpet may require more frequent professional cleanings.
The IICRC recommends hiring an IICRC-certified professional to clean your carpet because they will adhere to the S100 Carpet Cleaning Standards and recommended cleaning procedures. To learn more visit http://www.iicrc.org/
Before I launch into some carpet care and cleaning tips, I'd like to say a word or two about our services...
Pro Steamer, Inc. has provided professional services in Roswell, NM for 16 years. Our company differs from ordinary cleaners in 7 important ways:
We are firm believers in client education, and have spent years informing clients about all aspects of carpet cleaning and carpet care.
We are experienced and trained in the cleaning industry. We’re a certified firm by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, which is the national non-profit organization that sets and promotes the high standards for our industry.
The IICRC is recognized by major insurance companies and the US Environmental Protection Agency. You may contact them at (800) 835-4624.
We are members of the Better Business Bureau (800) 873-2224.
Our 200% No Risk Guarantee. We pledge that you will be satisfied that our work is complete and done to the highest professional standards. If for some reason, you are not happy we will re-clean any area(s) asap. If you still aren’t pleased, then we will allow you to choose any other local competitor to re-do the carpet cleaning at our cost! What could be more fair?
We use an environmentally friendly process that improves indoor air quality and removes: pollens
dust mites
allergens
fungus
bacteria
Our method of cleaning (truck mounted steam cleaning) is THE recommended method by carpet manufacturers.
Excellent customer service!
We also provide the following services:
Upholstery Cleaning
Tile & grout cleaning
Air duct cleaning
Color Repair (bleach, pet urine & red stains)
Water Damage
Fire& Smoke Damage Restoration
Mold Remediation
Now that you know a little bit about us, I'll get to the carpet care and cleaning bit.
P.S. Oh and don't forget to call our 24 hr toll Free Recorded Message to learn 6 costly misconceptions about carpet cleaning and 7 questions you should ask before inviting them into your home!
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