Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Tip: Removing Watercolor

Saturday, February 12th, 2011
  • Blot to remove excess liquid or stain.
  • Wet fabric with minimum amount of water, soak 1 minute, and blot with paper towel. Repeat water/blot procedure until no stain is evident on towel, and then blot dry.
  • If fabric stain is persistent, wet stained area with water. Apply small amount of detergent/water solution, work into stained area with sponge and blot. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel.
  • Rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. It is important to remove all traces of detergent to prevent rapid resoiling.
  • Rinse with 3% acetic acid or 50/50 vinegar/water solution. Blot dry.Important - ALWAYS read and follow the care instructions and any warnings provided by the carpet or upholstery manufacturer. Carpeting and upholstery with natural fibers and/or certain dyes or finishes may require special treatment. If in doubt contact Mr. Steam’s Valley Steam for advice/service first. NEVER PROCEED with any stain removal instructions without knowing the exact nature of the stain involved. NEVER USE any retail products to remove stains from carpet or upholstery without seeking the advice of the manufacturer or you could void your warranty.
  • Dateline News and BBB Team up to expose Air Duct Scams

    Saturday, February 5th, 2011

    Visit MSNBC.COM to watch the videos

    Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and

    As they began to connect the dots, they saw that some attorneys general and judges have ordered these companies to be shut down, forbidden their owners from doing business in their states, and ordered them to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. But most of the time, the scammers simply took off to set up shop in another state.

    If you think you need your air ducts cleaned, check with both the Better Business Bureau and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association before answering the cheap ad in the newspaper.

    Don’t Overclean

    Monday, January 31st, 2011
    • Properly mix solutions so you don’t create too strong of a concentration
    • Use the right amount of water and don’t keep the carpet damp for long
    • Use the right solution on stains and spills
    • Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. And also test spotters in a hidden spot before applying where it’s out in the open for everyone to see ( in case it has a bad effect)

    What to do if you don’t have a safe carpet spotter handy?

    Saturday, January 29th, 2011

    Use plain water- water often works better than untested carpet cleaners

    Use a detergent solution : mix 1/4 teaspoon of a clear (non-bleach, nonlanolin) dishwashing liquid with 1 cup of warm water. Try this on spilled wine and smeared chocolate. Don’t use laundry detergent, most contain bleach and it may bleach your carpeting.

    Use a white vinegar solution: Mix 1 cup white vinegar ( 5% acetic acid)  with 1 cup of water. It’s effective on tannin( vegetable dye found in tea and coffee), and it leaves no residue. Be careful because acids , can also set in other dye stains.

    Please Wait for Carpet to Dry after Cleaning

    Friday, January 21st, 2011

    You must stay off the carpet until it is completely dry. And don’t move furniture back in until it is completely dry. Because if the furniture goes back too soon, rust or stains ( from paint or finishes) could mark the carpet permanently. At Mr. Steam’s Valley Steam we will provide you with a pair of shoe covers( so you can still walk on your carpet if needed) and place disposal blocks and tabs under your furniture ( this prevents any stains from furniture pieces to mark your carpet).

    Removing Fingernail Polish

    Friday, January 21st, 2011

    It can be removed by using a non-acetone fingernail polish remover. Apply a small amount of remover on a white cloth and work it in from the edges of the spill to the center. Blot the area using lukewarm tap water. Dry with a clean cloth. If still unsuccessful contact a professional to get it out.

     

    Can you clean carpet or rugs over hardwood floors?

    Monday, January 17th, 2011

    Yes, we have our system set up where the backing of the carpet or rug is not saturated, therefore no problem with wood floors underneath. No problem with edges either, our rinse does not affect hardwood floors, however if you prefer, we can use plastic under the edge of the rug while cleaning to prevent any solution from coming into contact with the floor surrounding the rug.

    Tip to Care for your Oriental Rugs

    Sunday, January 16th, 2011

    Jan

    10

    Tip to Care for your Oriental Rugs

    Padding- A utility pad used under your rug helps protect it from dirt , wear and spillage. We can provide you with a custom pad to fit perfectly for your oriental rugs . Most of the padding come with a warranty. That are not sold  in stores.  We have different types of padding to meet your needs. Here are some of the types we can provide you with.

     Firm padding- provides a firm, even base for area rugs on uneven surfaces

    Blue padding - for any smooth floor and any size and type of rug

    Please Wait for the Carpet to Dry after Cleaning

    Saturday, January 15th, 2011

    You must stay off the carpet until it is completely dry. And don’t move furniture back in until you’re sure it is completely dry. If the furniture is put back too soon , rust or stains ( from paint or finishes) could permanently mark your carpeting. At Mr. Steam’s Valley Steam a pair of shoe covers are provided (so you will be able to walk on the carpet if needed), also disposal blocks and tabs are placed under your furniture (this prevents any furniture marking to occur).

    Myth: Knot count is the best indication of value

    Saturday, January 8th, 2011

    The value of only a few traditional Persian rugs is partially determined by knot count. Example is Isfahan. The value of silk rugs is also partially based on knot count. New, mass-produced rugs from China, India and others come in a variety of qualities and designs. The more knots per square inch, the higher the price per square foot. Once these mass-produced rugs are used, their value in the secondary market is not based on knot count.