March is nearly upon us and soon (or so we hope) Old Man Winter will be blown away. Even when we get those occasional "nice days" that crop up here and there as winter begins to break, you can almost feel the energy of spring! What a perfect time to clean up around the house.
Today we can put together some of the advise from our previous postings to help you get an effective and healthy spring cleaning.
As we talked about, regular vacuuming is very important not just to the life and appearance of your carpet, but also to your health. Now is the perfect time to rearrange the furniture to alter traffic patterns and reduce wear marks in your carpet. And while you're moving the furniture about, you can do some intensive dusting and vacuuming in places you don't normally get to.
Of course all that cleaning might kick up some dust too, or get you breaking a sweat, so open the windows! If it's a nice day out, nothing is more refreshing than a change of air. It will do wonders to improve the air quality in your home, which is likely been shut up tight all winter.
Speaking of air quality, a duct cleaning might be in order. Having your ducts cleaned once every five years is highly recommended. Not only does it reduce the amount of dusting you have to do, it also removes contaminants from your ventilation system, creating a much healthier environment. Liberty does not provide duct cleaning, but we do recommend Safety King for those of you in south east Michigan. We use them in our own homes and they do a GREAT job!
Now that you've cleaned up, got some fresh air and refreshed your living spaces, it's time to relax! But wait! How clean is your furniture? Regularly vacuuming the furniture will help too. Most vacuums will have an adequate tool for this. We also recommend that you pick up the cushions and get in all the cracks and crevices. You might find some sofa change! Like your carpet, the upholstery will last longer if the soils are vacuumed out often.
With all the rain and melting snow, it's sure to make a mess on your floors. Make sure you use indoor AND outdoor entry mats and take off your shoes in the home. Even so, stuff still gets tracked in. If the spring slop has stained your grout lines, we can help you out there. Not only can we clean the grout up, we can also color seal it so it NEVER stains again! How cool would that be?
Of course with rain comes flooding. Hopefully not for you, but if it does, we are available 24 hours a day for flood cleanup. You can always reach the emergency line at 586.872.3112.
Liberty also offers profession pest control, rodent control, lawn care and window cleaning. You can call for more info on any of these services: 586.294.3111.
Here's to spring! Hope to see you soon!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Spring Is The Perfect Time To Clean Your Upholstery
We talk alot here about your carpeting and other flooring, but I bet you that there are things siting on your floors that need just as much love and attention....
The upholstery of course!
Just as with carpets, upholstery fabrics can and do hold a great deal of soil. Further, they can be released into the air with use, just as with carpeting. Not to mention all the possible contaminants, contagions, and other nasty buggers that could be harboring just below the surface.
Regular vacuuming of your upholstery with a gentle agitating attachment will certainly help, but just as with carpeting, you'll want a deep cleaning at least once per year. Most common pieces can be cleaned with steam extraction, but certain pieces require "dry" cleaning methods. You can check any tags the furniture might have, but its better and easier to have a professional evaluate your needs and inspect the upholstery for any flaws, defects or special needs.
If you do have a spot or spill you want to try to get out right away, the BEST thing to do is gently scrape away any solids on the surface. Next, blot LIGHTLY with a white cotton towel. Don't press too hard or you'll push the liquids deeper in! Also, ALWAYS test any cleaner on an inconspicuous spot BEFORE using it on an open area. Many special fabrics can be very sensitive to chemicals, and you don't want to cause more damage!
The best thing to do is call your local professional (Liberty Services in south east Michigan) and have them clean it for you. They can address any special needs and have a trained professional staff.
Anyways, spring is around the corner and now is the time to schedule your clean, BEFORE your cleaner's schedule is full!
The upholstery of course!
Just as with carpets, upholstery fabrics can and do hold a great deal of soil. Further, they can be released into the air with use, just as with carpeting. Not to mention all the possible contaminants, contagions, and other nasty buggers that could be harboring just below the surface.
Regular vacuuming of your upholstery with a gentle agitating attachment will certainly help, but just as with carpeting, you'll want a deep cleaning at least once per year. Most common pieces can be cleaned with steam extraction, but certain pieces require "dry" cleaning methods. You can check any tags the furniture might have, but its better and easier to have a professional evaluate your needs and inspect the upholstery for any flaws, defects or special needs.
If you do have a spot or spill you want to try to get out right away, the BEST thing to do is gently scrape away any solids on the surface. Next, blot LIGHTLY with a white cotton towel. Don't press too hard or you'll push the liquids deeper in! Also, ALWAYS test any cleaner on an inconspicuous spot BEFORE using it on an open area. Many special fabrics can be very sensitive to chemicals, and you don't want to cause more damage!
The best thing to do is call your local professional (Liberty Services in south east Michigan) and have them clean it for you. They can address any special needs and have a trained professional staff.
Anyways, spring is around the corner and now is the time to schedule your clean, BEFORE your cleaner's schedule is full!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What To Look For In A Vacuum
We get a lot of clients who ask us "what sort of vacuum do you recommend?" or "Do you like [those] vacuums?" usually after we bring in our Dyson to perform the pre-vacuuming prior to cleaning.
The short answer is: yes, we do. ;)
To get a bit more in-depth, the very first thing we recommend, and the most important feature to any vacuum, is that it can be set to the proper height. Proper agitation of the carpet fibers is essential to good vacuuming. Without it, you are either doing nothing at all or possibly damaging your carpet! To obtain proper agitation, the bristles of the beater bar need to brush the tips of the fibers, creating a vibration that shakes the soil loose from the fibers. If your vacuum is set too high, then there is no contact, or insufficient contact and you are removing topical soils at best (most likely though, you're just moving air around). The one tip you've likely heard from us (if we've had the honor to clean your home) is to place your foot in front of the vacuum and lower the bar setting (if you have an adjustable setting) until you can feel the vibration on the floor.
NOTE! this does NOT mean "all the way down." If you have a particularly low pile, that is a possibility, but not likely in most homes. If you have a self-adjusting vacuum, all the better. Of course regular maintenance should be performed to ensure that this function is in working order. Our vacuums are self-adjusting. It just makes it easier.
Next we look for good suction. Alot can be made of this, and many gearheads will rattle off all sorts of numbers, sizes, powers and so on, most of it rather unimportant. Most vacuums of similar types have similar suction. So long as it is sufficient to capture the soils you are releasing, that is whats most important. You don't need the suckingest vacuum that has ever sucked, but neither will the cheapest vacuum do the best job of capturing soils. These days, most quality vacuums will have acceptable suction. We use a cyclonic system that does a great job.
After loosening the soil and capturing it, of course you need to keep it contained. This is where the differences lie. A good vacuum will not re-release the soils back into the atmosphere. This is why we do not recommend any bag vacuums, even double bag systems. The simple fact is that the even if the bags themselves are not easily permeated (and many of them are, at a certain size), the connection point where the bag attaches is often the point of release, causing recontamination. We only use bagless vacuums with HEPA filters. This ensures that we aren't just spreading the soils around the house.
As I mentioned, we use Dyson vacuums on all our jobs. They are more expensive than many common vacuums out there, but they also do a MUCH better job at the three above criteria than said other vacuums. Dyson vacuums are bagless cyclonic vacuums with HEPA filters and a self-adjusting beater bar. They are also light-weight and easy to handle, perfect for home use. Of course there are other comparable brands out there, so feel free to shop around and find what you like. Though I will say that we did do a fair amount of legwork before making our choice, and we've been very satisfied.
So while all you husbands are doing the house work for your lovely wives this Valentine's weekend, and while all you wives are admiring your hard-working husbands, consider how much easier your cleaning could be if you had the right vacuum. ;D
The short answer is: yes, we do. ;)
To get a bit more in-depth, the very first thing we recommend, and the most important feature to any vacuum, is that it can be set to the proper height. Proper agitation of the carpet fibers is essential to good vacuuming. Without it, you are either doing nothing at all or possibly damaging your carpet! To obtain proper agitation, the bristles of the beater bar need to brush the tips of the fibers, creating a vibration that shakes the soil loose from the fibers. If your vacuum is set too high, then there is no contact, or insufficient contact and you are removing topical soils at best (most likely though, you're just moving air around). The one tip you've likely heard from us (if we've had the honor to clean your home) is to place your foot in front of the vacuum and lower the bar setting (if you have an adjustable setting) until you can feel the vibration on the floor.
NOTE! this does NOT mean "all the way down." If you have a particularly low pile, that is a possibility, but not likely in most homes. If you have a self-adjusting vacuum, all the better. Of course regular maintenance should be performed to ensure that this function is in working order. Our vacuums are self-adjusting. It just makes it easier.
Next we look for good suction. Alot can be made of this, and many gearheads will rattle off all sorts of numbers, sizes, powers and so on, most of it rather unimportant. Most vacuums of similar types have similar suction. So long as it is sufficient to capture the soils you are releasing, that is whats most important. You don't need the suckingest vacuum that has ever sucked, but neither will the cheapest vacuum do the best job of capturing soils. These days, most quality vacuums will have acceptable suction. We use a cyclonic system that does a great job.
After loosening the soil and capturing it, of course you need to keep it contained. This is where the differences lie. A good vacuum will not re-release the soils back into the atmosphere. This is why we do not recommend any bag vacuums, even double bag systems. The simple fact is that the even if the bags themselves are not easily permeated (and many of them are, at a certain size), the connection point where the bag attaches is often the point of release, causing recontamination. We only use bagless vacuums with HEPA filters. This ensures that we aren't just spreading the soils around the house.
As I mentioned, we use Dyson vacuums on all our jobs. They are more expensive than many common vacuums out there, but they also do a MUCH better job at the three above criteria than said other vacuums. Dyson vacuums are bagless cyclonic vacuums with HEPA filters and a self-adjusting beater bar. They are also light-weight and easy to handle, perfect for home use. Of course there are other comparable brands out there, so feel free to shop around and find what you like. Though I will say that we did do a fair amount of legwork before making our choice, and we've been very satisfied.
So while all you husbands are doing the house work for your lovely wives this Valentine's weekend, and while all you wives are admiring your hard-working husbands, consider how much easier your cleaning could be if you had the right vacuum. ;D
Friday, February 6, 2009
10 Myths About Carpets
Today I'm going to share some info with you from our friends Len and Annette at PCS Niagara. They have a great info sheet that dispels many often-held myths about carpeting. Read on and see if you've been fooling yourself!
Myth #1: "There are health risks associated with carpet installed in the home."
The Truth: An extensive toxicological assessment of components of carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet pose no health risks of public concern.
Reference: In 1994, Environ Corporation of Arlington, Virginia, prepared a study, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets. The conclusion was: "For the chemicals identified as being present in, but not emitted from carpet, there is no reason to believe that they present any health risk of public concern. For chemicals identified as being from carpet, no cancer risk of public health concern is predicted for any chemical individually, or when the predicted upper limit on risk is added for all potential carcinogens. Similarly, no non-carcinogenic effects of public health concern would be anticipated."
Myth #2: "Mold and mildew can grow in carpet."
Truth: Mold and mildew exist ONLY where there is excess moisture and dirt coupled with poor cleaning and maintenance habits. Mold growth can occur on any surface—from windowpanes to carpet—that is not properly maintained and when moisture is extreme. Eliminating sources of excessive moisture, such as water leaks, and controlling humidity greatly offset the potential for mold to grow.
Reference: In a study conducted by HOST/Racine Industries, six Florida schools were checked for indoor air problems triggered by high humidity and reduced ventilation. Dust-lined, moldy ducts and plumbing leaks onto ceiling tiles allowed mold to grow and released millions of spores into the air. The research supported that mold and mildew are not associated with a particular surface, such as carpet.
Myth #3: "Carpet is a cause of the asthma and allergy increase."
Truth: Comparison data from Sweden supports that there is no link between carpet usage and the incidence of asthma or allergies. We are not aware of any published scientific research demonstrating a link between carpet and asthma or allergies.
Reference: A study, based on historical figures for ten years, was reported by scientists at the Swedish Institute of Fibre and Polymer Research. They found that while the use of carpet in Sweden had steadily decreased since 1975, the occurrences of allergic reactions in the general population had increased.
Myth #4: "Carpet is a sink for allergy-causing substances."
Truth: This is true as stated. The critical point, however, is often missed. Carpet holds allergen-causing substances tightly and, as a result, keeps allergens from becoming airborne, minimizing the level of allergens in the breathing zone. This translates to lower exposure potential. The allergens held by carpet’s filter-like effect may be removed by vacuuming, refreshing the filter-like properties of the carpet to allow more material to be removed from the air. Vacuuming mattresses, carpet, and upholstery once or twice a week removed allergens, including dust mite feces—a known source of allergen. It is important to use the proper type of vacuum to minimize re-suspending allergens.
Reference: In Carpet and Airborne Allergens, A Literature Review, Dr. Alan Luedtke refers to the results of a study aimed at determining the effect of routine vacuuming cleaning that indicate frequent vacuum cleaning over a short time significantly reduces house dust and mite allergen levels in carpets.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies indicate the effectiveness of carpet in reducing airborne particles. This data indicates that soil in carpet is significantly reduced following cleaning.
Myth #5: "Carpet is a source of indoor quality (IAQ) problems."
Truth: As noted previously, an extensive toxicological assessment of components of, and emissions from, carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet "present no health risks of public health concern." Further, allergens in carpet may be removed by vacuuming.
Reference: EPA/RTI Total Building Cleaning Effectiveness Study states, "Organized cleaning contributes to reduction of particle VOCs and biological pollutants 50%+." Also referenced is the previously mentioned 1994 report from the Environ Corporation, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets.
Myth #6: "Carpet is more expensive and harder to maintain than hard-floor surfaces."
Truth: Properly maintained carpet only needs vacuuming once or twice weekly and periodic extraction cleaning. The sweeping, mopping, stripping, waxing, and buffing that hard surface floors demand are more laborious and costly.
Reference: A Building Office Managers Association (BOMA) study found hard-surface floors require two-and-a-half times more annual cleaning than carpet.
Myth #7: "Carpet is environmentally non-sustainable."
Truth: CRI member companies, representing over 90 percent of the industry’s manufacturers, have an excellent track record over the last dozen years of decreasing wastes produced and energy consumed, improving the industry’s sustainability.
Reference: The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Sustainability Report, 2001 details the industry’s environmental efforts.
Myth #8: "Carpet is a major emitter of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)."
Truth: Most new interior furnishings and building materials emit VOCs for a period of time. Emissions from new carpet are among the lowest of any household’s indoor furnishings, and most VOCs dissipate within 24 hours—even faster with good ventilation.
Reference: To further minimize other IAQ concerns, specify low-emitting products, including CRI Green Label carpet, cushion, and adhesive, when selecting household products and furnishings.
Myth #9: "Formaldehyde is used in the production of new carpet."
Truth: Formaldehyde is not used in the carpet manufacturing process. It is not emitted from new carpet.
Reference: An article published in 1989 in the American Textile Chemist and Colorists Journal stated that research conducted by the School of Textile Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, under Dr. Wayne Tincher and other researchers dispelled this widely-held myth.
Myth #10: "Latex in carpet produces allergic reactions."
Truth: The latex that holds the fibers and backing together in broadloom carpet is synthetic. Synthetic latex is not associated with the allergic reactions of natural latex, which are caused by the proteins found in natural latex.
Reference: Carpet is made primarily of the same innocuous materials found in clothing and other everyday fabrics, including polyester and nylon.
--------------------------------------
Undoubtably some essential info to have when deciding on which sort of floor coverings you'd like to have in a new home or if you are adding an addition or renovating! Be sure to check back often, as we here at Liberty are committed to providing you the best resources and information availible regarding your flooring! We are your one-stop shop for any carpet, tile or stone needs!
Myth #1: "There are health risks associated with carpet installed in the home."
The Truth: An extensive toxicological assessment of components of carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet pose no health risks of public concern.
Reference: In 1994, Environ Corporation of Arlington, Virginia, prepared a study, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets. The conclusion was: "For the chemicals identified as being present in, but not emitted from carpet, there is no reason to believe that they present any health risk of public concern. For chemicals identified as being from carpet, no cancer risk of public health concern is predicted for any chemical individually, or when the predicted upper limit on risk is added for all potential carcinogens. Similarly, no non-carcinogenic effects of public health concern would be anticipated."
Myth #2: "Mold and mildew can grow in carpet."
Truth: Mold and mildew exist ONLY where there is excess moisture and dirt coupled with poor cleaning and maintenance habits. Mold growth can occur on any surface—from windowpanes to carpet—that is not properly maintained and when moisture is extreme. Eliminating sources of excessive moisture, such as water leaks, and controlling humidity greatly offset the potential for mold to grow.
Reference: In a study conducted by HOST/Racine Industries, six Florida schools were checked for indoor air problems triggered by high humidity and reduced ventilation. Dust-lined, moldy ducts and plumbing leaks onto ceiling tiles allowed mold to grow and released millions of spores into the air. The research supported that mold and mildew are not associated with a particular surface, such as carpet.
Myth #3: "Carpet is a cause of the asthma and allergy increase."
Truth: Comparison data from Sweden supports that there is no link between carpet usage and the incidence of asthma or allergies. We are not aware of any published scientific research demonstrating a link between carpet and asthma or allergies.
Reference: A study, based on historical figures for ten years, was reported by scientists at the Swedish Institute of Fibre and Polymer Research. They found that while the use of carpet in Sweden had steadily decreased since 1975, the occurrences of allergic reactions in the general population had increased.
Myth #4: "Carpet is a sink for allergy-causing substances."
Truth: This is true as stated. The critical point, however, is often missed. Carpet holds allergen-causing substances tightly and, as a result, keeps allergens from becoming airborne, minimizing the level of allergens in the breathing zone. This translates to lower exposure potential. The allergens held by carpet’s filter-like effect may be removed by vacuuming, refreshing the filter-like properties of the carpet to allow more material to be removed from the air. Vacuuming mattresses, carpet, and upholstery once or twice a week removed allergens, including dust mite feces—a known source of allergen. It is important to use the proper type of vacuum to minimize re-suspending allergens.
Reference: In Carpet and Airborne Allergens, A Literature Review, Dr. Alan Luedtke refers to the results of a study aimed at determining the effect of routine vacuuming cleaning that indicate frequent vacuum cleaning over a short time significantly reduces house dust and mite allergen levels in carpets.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies indicate the effectiveness of carpet in reducing airborne particles. This data indicates that soil in carpet is significantly reduced following cleaning.
Myth #5: "Carpet is a source of indoor quality (IAQ) problems."
Truth: As noted previously, an extensive toxicological assessment of components of, and emissions from, carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet "present no health risks of public health concern." Further, allergens in carpet may be removed by vacuuming.
Reference: EPA/RTI Total Building Cleaning Effectiveness Study states, "Organized cleaning contributes to reduction of particle VOCs and biological pollutants 50%+." Also referenced is the previously mentioned 1994 report from the Environ Corporation, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets.
Myth #6: "Carpet is more expensive and harder to maintain than hard-floor surfaces."
Truth: Properly maintained carpet only needs vacuuming once or twice weekly and periodic extraction cleaning. The sweeping, mopping, stripping, waxing, and buffing that hard surface floors demand are more laborious and costly.
Reference: A Building Office Managers Association (BOMA) study found hard-surface floors require two-and-a-half times more annual cleaning than carpet.
Myth #7: "Carpet is environmentally non-sustainable."
Truth: CRI member companies, representing over 90 percent of the industry’s manufacturers, have an excellent track record over the last dozen years of decreasing wastes produced and energy consumed, improving the industry’s sustainability.
Reference: The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Sustainability Report, 2001 details the industry’s environmental efforts.
Myth #8: "Carpet is a major emitter of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)."
Truth: Most new interior furnishings and building materials emit VOCs for a period of time. Emissions from new carpet are among the lowest of any household’s indoor furnishings, and most VOCs dissipate within 24 hours—even faster with good ventilation.
Reference: To further minimize other IAQ concerns, specify low-emitting products, including CRI Green Label carpet, cushion, and adhesive, when selecting household products and furnishings.
Myth #9: "Formaldehyde is used in the production of new carpet."
Truth: Formaldehyde is not used in the carpet manufacturing process. It is not emitted from new carpet.
Reference: An article published in 1989 in the American Textile Chemist and Colorists Journal stated that research conducted by the School of Textile Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, under Dr. Wayne Tincher and other researchers dispelled this widely-held myth.
Myth #10: "Latex in carpet produces allergic reactions."
Truth: The latex that holds the fibers and backing together in broadloom carpet is synthetic. Synthetic latex is not associated with the allergic reactions of natural latex, which are caused by the proteins found in natural latex.
Reference: Carpet is made primarily of the same innocuous materials found in clothing and other everyday fabrics, including polyester and nylon.
--------------------------------------
Undoubtably some essential info to have when deciding on which sort of floor coverings you'd like to have in a new home or if you are adding an addition or renovating! Be sure to check back often, as we here at Liberty are committed to providing you the best resources and information availible regarding your flooring! We are your one-stop shop for any carpet, tile or stone needs!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Happy Birthday Joe Polish!
Pardon us for a moment while we wish a very happy birthday to marketing guru to carpet cleaners everywhere. Joe is a great guy and has helped us, and many other quality cleaners like us, to improve our businesses and increase our services. Many of his genius ideas are what helped us find new and innovative to put ourselves in a place where excellent clients just like you could find us!
We think you deserve the very best service we can offer. So does Joe. Nobody likes a "splash 'dash" cleaner or a lowball price that inflates once they're in your home. That's why Joe helps good companies promote their services in the best way possible, all for your benefit.
You can check out Joe's site at: http://www.joepolish.com/, watch some of his interviews here: http://www.geniusnetwork.com/, or check out his blog here: http://www.richcleanerblog.com/.
Or you can always shot him a Tweet on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JPolish.
Joe's birthday is Wednesday, February 4th. Drop him a line. :)
We think you deserve the very best service we can offer. So does Joe. Nobody likes a "splash 'dash" cleaner or a lowball price that inflates once they're in your home. That's why Joe helps good companies promote their services in the best way possible, all for your benefit.
You can check out Joe's site at: http://www.joepolish.com/, watch some of his interviews here: http://www.geniusnetwork.com/, or check out his blog here: http://www.richcleanerblog.com/.
Or you can always shot him a Tweet on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JPolish.
Joe's birthday is Wednesday, February 4th. Drop him a line. :)
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