Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

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.

Myth: Never clean or vacuum oriental rugs

Saturday, December 11th, 2010

About 80% of soil in rugs is dry particulate matter. It acts as sandpaper and wears out the rug. Because some rugs are thick, if they are not regularly vacuumed and cleaned, the soil will become so embedded that it is impossible to remove all of it. Beware of anyone selling rugs who say they should not be cleaned. They are really meaning the rug will not withstand cleaning due to condition, foundation painting, or some other hidden defects.

Remember Mr. Steam’s Valley Steam is  a certified Master Rug Cleaner, only a few people nationwide are certified in Master Rug Cleaning.

Consumer Buying Tip: “Painted” Rugs

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

“Painting “refers to rugs that have been “cosmetically enhanced” by applying color to the foundation of the rug as it becomes worn. It is done to cover or conceal wear on older rugs, often without the buyer’s knowledge. Painting is far less expensive than re-knotting, usually not colorfast, and an expedient way to make a worn rug look better than it actually is. When buying older rugs, test for painting by applying water to a white towel and rub any suspicious worn areas. If color transfers to the towel, the rug has been “painted”. Never buy “painted” rugs as they will wear quickly and cannot be cleaned without the paint bleeding all over the rug

Myths About Oriental Rugs: All old rugs are worth a lot

Saturday, November 20th, 2010

Condition is important when determining value. An old rug in poor condition is just an old rug. An old rug in good condition may also be without value if it lacks artistic merit. However, some old rugs are worth repairing and its value will increase with proper restoration.

How to Prolong the Life of Your Carpet

Saturday, November 13th, 2010

1. Cleaning The easiest and most effective way to care for your carpet is to keep it cleaned. Take off your shoes when walking on the carpet. Wearing socks or soft slippers is actually better than going barefoot. When barefoot, oils from your feet can find its way into your carpet and attract more dirt later. Also, vacuum regularly.
2. Be Prepared. Accidents happen, especially if you have children or pets. Always keep your basic carpet cleaning materials somewhere easily accessible. The key to cleaning up any spill or stain is how quickly you can treat it. If you have an incident you want to first extract as much of the material as possible before treating. Use a shop vac or some clean towels with a weight placed on top and absorb as much of the liquid as you can. Make sure you blot at the area rather than rub at it. Rubbing a stain will only make it worse. Do not use too much cleaning agent at once. Try a little at a time and repeat the process until the spot is gone.

3. Hire a Pro. Carpet experts recommend you hire a professional carpet cleaner at least once to twice a year to clean your carpet. . Having a professional give your carpet a good once over will give it that deep, thorough clean that will help rejuvenate it. Plus it makes your routine maintenance much easier.
Keeping your carpets looking their best and keeping them healthy are both part of the same process.Follow these simple steps and your carpet should look fantastic and last for a very long time.

Carpet Tips: Toothpaste

Saturday, November 6th, 2010

First, remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting with a white paper towel or scraping with a dull knife.

  • Neutralize with an ammonia solution (1 tablespoon of clear household ammonia and 1/2 cup of water). Saturate spot with ammonia solution using spray bottle. Do not wet backing. Blot with a white paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. (To make the detergent solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dish washing detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with 1 quart of water; examples of safe detergents are Dawn® and Joy®.) Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If spot is being removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper towel until spot is removed.
  • Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess moisture.
  • Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.
  • If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for on (1) hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water so no rinsing is necessary. Apply pad of paper towels and weight down with brick.

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. 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. For best results contact us at mrsteamsvalleysteam.com.