Would you drive your car for 100,000 miles without changing the oil? Of course you would not. To keep your engine in good working order, you change the oil and do a tune up once and a while, right?

Your carpet is the same way. Just like regular auto maintenance, carpets require regular cleaning to keep your warranty valid.

What are the warranty requirements?

Depending on your type of carpet, stain resistant warranties can vary from 5 to 20 years. Most manufacturer warranties require professional carpet cleaning at least every 11-18 months. Check your warranty. ALL STAIN RESISTANT WARRANTIES REQUIRE REGULAR HOT WATER EXTRACTION CLEANING, REGULAR VACUUMING, AND IMMEDIATE STAIN REMOVAL.

Hot Water Extraction otherwise known as “steam cleaning” is the preferred method of carpet manufactures. This is because other methods don’t truly extract deep down embedded dirt.  Truck mount hot water extraction carpet cleaning systems are not required, however they do proved the best results and quicker drying times.

It is said that the three most important rules for maintaining carpet are vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Vacuum your carpet often. Once or twice a week at least. Vacuuming removes the sharp soil that can cut and slice the fiber causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye.

Carpet stains that are not immediately removed can turn into permanent stains very easily. Always use a spot cleaner that is recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your certified professional cleaner. Many “over the counter” spotters leave too much soap residue that leaves a sticky residue behind that will make your spots return!

Major Carpet Manufactures Warranty Coverage Summary

Shaw® Nylon Carpet Warranties offer lifetime* (10 Year limited) stain, soil, pet urine, plus 15-Year texture retention and abrasive wear. Shaw carpets must be “Professional carpet cleaning every 6 – 24 months.”  The Fine Print: Excluded from this limited warranty are color changes to the carpet fibers.

http://shawfloors.com/Tips-Trends/Carpet-Warranties

All STAINMASTER^® carpets feature lifetime* (10 Year limited) warranty protection against: food and beverage stains — no exclusions, pet urine stains, soiling and even static shock! Carpets require professional cleaning by trained, qualified carpet care professionals at least every 24 months. Failing to do so can void your warranty. The Fine Print: Excluded from this limited warranty are color changes from grease, pile reversal, asphalt, tar, ink, rust blood, pets, urine, and mud.

http://www.stainmaster.com/page/warranties

Mohawk^® has extensive coverage limited to acids that add to or take away from the carpet fiber. Mohawk’s Carpet Care Guidelines include professional carpet cleaning every 18 months using cleaning products, equipment, systems and services specified with the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval. The Fine Print: Excluded from this limited warranty are damage or stains caused by vomit, feces, urine other than pet, , but not limited to tar, shoe polish, lipstick or mascara.

http://www.mohawkflooring.com/customer-care/warranties.aspx

Karastan^® Carpet and Rugs pairs its high standards of excellence with outstanding warranties that guarantee your satisfaction. Karastan ^® has the most extensive almost total coverage, with many different many packages. The Fine Print: You are financially responsible for the labor charges associated with “non warranted characteristics”. Karastan^® carpet and rugs require cleaning every 12 to 18 months, by a Carpet & Rug Institute professional

http://www.karastan.com/customer-care/warranty-information.aspx

In summary: Vacuum frequently, treat stains immediately, and clean your carpets before it looks visibly soiled. To keep your carpet cleaner longer, have Scotchgard protector reapplied.

The post How To Keep Your Carpet Warranty Valid appeared first on Natural Cleaning & More, Philadelphia PA.

A: My advice is simple: avoid those low-ball offers. Companies offering a super low price on air duct cleaning might do more harm and no good. The fact of the matter is this: The average air duct cleaning for most homes costs between $300 and $500, with factors like the size of the home, the number of ducts and their configuration affecting the price.

Here’s the problem with those $99 specials (we’ve actually seen them advertised for as low as $49): What typically happens in those scenarios is the company offers this great price, usually in the form of a coupon, to get in the door. Once inside, they almost immediately find other problems — black mold is a common scare tactic used by unscrupulous contractors — or they try to up sell the homeowner on additional services. Those who fall prey to these ploys often pay upwards of $600, even into the thousands.

I’ve talked to many homeowners who have been victimized by these scams. Even the ones who don’t succumb to the high-pressure techniques are still frequently wronged, as these low-ball companies often use inadequate tools and equipment — like handheld vacuums and drills — to do the work. They quickly go through the house, vacuuming out a few vents, and are gone in less than 30 minutes. A legitimate air duct cleaning should take three to four hours to complete, according to reputable duct cleaning companies that I’ve spoken to.

The majority of good air duct cleaning companies use outdoor vented equipment, so all the dust and debris they capture is vented and contained outside the home. A duct cleaner who uses inferior equipment can actually cause more harm by agitating and releasing more dust into your home, or worse, damaging your ductwork.

If a company tells you that you have mold in your air ducts, that could be a red flag. I recommend sending that company on its way before any work is done and having a qualified mold testing firm out to your home to verify if in fact mold is present. If so, the tester can provide that information — and a protocol for removing the mold — to a separate mold remediation firm.

Unfortunately, the air duct cleaning industry doesn’t have many regulations. Most states don’t have licensing requirements for air duct cleaners – Connecticut doesn’t — so it’s important to do your research and hire a company with a good reputation. Check online reviews and ask for referrals. Ask potential air duct cleaning companies to provide you with a written checklist of exactly what they will do, and if you hire them, ask them to verify each task as they complete it. Qualified air duct cleaners will follow strict standards set by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association and should be happy to show you their credentials.

Angie Hicks, MCT

Copyright © 2013, The Hartford Courant

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Are you thinking about getting your carpets cleaned and tempted by ads offering rock bottom prices? But how many of those ads are too good to be true? In this week’s Angie’s List report, Jim Donovan explains what you should know so that carpet cleaning doesn’t end up ruining your budget.

Wendie Zeller’s dog, Jack, isn’t exactly easy on her carpets. So when she saw an online deal for professional carpet cleaning, she jumped at the offer.

“Good price, I needed the bedrooms done, and for four rooms, so I just bought it,” said Zeller.

It was exactly the deal Wendie needed. That is, until the cleaner showed up at her door.

“It was awful. You know, he had told me that because my carpets were so dirty that they would need to do a deep cleaning, and that would be extra,” said Zeller.

And Wendie’s experience isn’t unique.

“One common complaint we’ve heard over the years when it comes to carpet cleaning companies is suggesting a price that just seems too low to be true. What happens is they get there, and the consumer ends up paying more than they expected,” said Angie’s List founder, Angie Hicks.

In order to avoid added extras, homeowners should insist on a written, detailed estimate of what the company will do for the advertised price. And never be shy about sharing your own family’s details.

“Do you have pets? Do you have kids? Do you have special areas that need treatments because you’ve had spills? The more information you give them, the more prepared they can come to do the actual project in case you need special cleaners for some difficult spots,” said Hicks.

More from Angie:

A professional cleaning will help rid your home of hidden dust and allergens that regular vacuuming can miss, and it will help preserve carpet fibers and keep colors brighter. But getting this work done sometimes comes at too high a price because of disreputable companies who dangle get-in-the-door prices that don’t generally hold up once you let the company inside your home.

The two most common tactics:

• Bait and Switch – This is the offer to get your carpets cleaned for $5 to $10 a room. Usually, the homeowner is told their carpet is in really bad shape and the offer didn’t include pre-spray, deep cleaning and sometimes even using hot water – all essential to a proper carpet cleaning.

• High-pressure sales – This tactic preys on the homeowner’s desire to get the job done right. Homeowners are told there are some spots that need additional cleaning because of how dirty they are, and that without the extra attention, those areas of the floor will stand out and make the floor look bad.

Angie’s List tips to avoid getting scammed:

• Insist on a written estimate that details all charges – and read the fine print.

• Don’t guess if you don’t understand anything on the estimate. Do they charge by the hour or for the square feet of the room? Are they going to charge you for the square feet where your master bed is that you just want cleaned around? Do you need to move your furniture, or will they charge you to do that? Are all pre-sprays and other tasks included or add-ons?

• Your carpet cleaner should be certified by the IICRC (Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.) You can check at www.iicrc.org.

• Is there a guarantee? A good company will return to clean spots that reappear within a short period of time.

• Watch out for those companies who come in and out in a hurry. It takes time to go through the process from start to finish.

• Does the company use hot water from its truck? Or will they be using your water?

• Do they have liability and insurance? If they break something in your home, will they pay to fix it or leave you with the cost?

• Ask how much experience they have with cleaning carpets.

• Make sure they use the right type of solution on your carpet.

Types of Cleaning Methods:

• “Steam cleaning” is probably the most well-known type of carpet cleaning. To the pros, it’s better known as hot water extraction cleaning, because it involves a pre-treatment and then a blast of water (up to 250 degrees!) going on and off of the carpet simultaneously. This is usually the only type of cleaning covered by a carpet warranty.

• Carbonated cleaning allows cleaning agents to get to the carpet fibers with very little wetting. The solution doesn’t contain the oil or detergents that typically leave a dirt-attracting residue, and dissolved dirt is removed with a machine that rubs cotton pads over the carpet.

• The HOST system is the only all-dry, all-natural cleaning system that is currently Green Seal certified. It uses an absorbent to pre-treat and clean the carpet by trapping grease and dirt, which then extracting it. It leaves the carpet ready for immediate use, with no downtime. It’s completely non-toxic, with no threat of moisture of harsh chemicals.

• “Bonnet” cleaning uses spray foam that is removed by a rolling/buffing machine that has a bonnet-like attachment. This is mainly for commercial carpet and is similar to what buffing a hard floor surface is like.

We spoke with some highly-rated carpet cleaners on Angie’s List about keeping your carpet looking great:

• The number one way to keep your carpet looking fresh between professional cleanings is to vacuum regularly – about three times a week. This keeps dirt from settling in.

• Don’t walk around with bare feet – you’ll transfer body oils and contribute a considerable amount of grime to the carpet fibers.

• Don’t leave your furniture in the same place forever; change traffic patterns if you can. Leaving furniture in one position for the life of the carpeting creates worn, dirty paths throughout the home and leaves pristine carpet in areas you never see. Carpet that wears evenly will last and stay cleaner longer.

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Choosing the right carpet means making the wisest investment that helps you achieve harmony in terms of interior design while affording you simple cleaning and care.

Here are several tips and factors to look into to bring the greatest bang to every buck.

How Much Does New Carpet Truly Cost?
For most new carpet shoppers cost is a major issue, and one that often leads people toward “buying cheap carpet.” These People soon realize that their purchase wasn’t really economical. Cheap carpet tends to stain easily and wear badly, requiring premature replacement. So,
spend wisely not cheaply.

The area in your home where you plan to install the carpet will determine the potential wear and tear. Don’t forget to factor in other elements that it will be exposed to.
Lifestyle
Do you have the time, and will you invest the effort, to maintain the beauty of your carpet? Ideally, your choices should mirror your lifestyle.
Wall-to-wall or area rug
An area rug is ideal for families or homeowners who want to compliment an attractive hardwood or stone floor. The colors of area rugs can also add a touch of ambiance to any room. For renters area rugs can be an excellent choice, because it can travel with them when the move out.
Wall-to-wall carpeting, however, is a popular option that can provide any room with luxury and style. One of the most overlooked benefits of wall to wall carpet is it can improve the air you breath. As air moves through your home, carpets act like an air filter, catching and trapping air contaminants. Carpet fitting requires skills and expertise. For the best quality fitting, hire IICRC professional installers. If you buy your carpet from a big box store, remember they use the cheapest subcontractors to install it. If they are not IICRC certified carpet installers, make sure they use carpet power stretchers.

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PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 13, 2012 – The value of education cannot be overlooked. The ability to adapt, learn, and master new skills is more important then ever. Cleaning technician, John Kutch has just completed an 18 hour carpet cleaning training class in Philadelphia, PA. “It was a lot to learn, and the exam was not easy”, says’ John.

“John is a proven leader. I’m excited he’s now of the best carpet cleaning experts in the world. For our company this is great news. This year we passed the EPA LEED Safe certification, designed a new oriental rug cleaning plant, and now this. I’m excited for John,” said manager Dennis Myers.

Founded in 1999, A1 Sparkles is a natural carpet cleaner. Instead of heavy chemicals they use green products and pure steam carpet rinsing. Located in King of Prussia, PA they serve the Philadelphia area. The company claims “from maid service to air ducts, area rug cleaning, carpets, tile, floods and marble. We make it sparkle”.

The IICRC started in the 1970’s, by Ed York, who designed and sold the then new “Carpet Steam Cleaning” truck-mount system for deep cleaning carpet cleaning. The new carpet cleaning system attracted so many members, Ed started a training school. The IICRC became a trade school for people all over the world looking to learn about the carpet, rug, and fiber cleaning business.

As of 2012 the IICRC became known as The Clean Trust.

— End —

http://www.prlog.org/11998835-carpet-cleaner-earns-10th-clean-trust-certification.html

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If you are in the Philadelphia area internet search will show over 1000 carpet cleaning companies. How do you know what one to hire?

But there are things that you need to consider.

Carpet cleaning is very personal and hiring a carpet cleaning company means allowing a stranger into your home. Probably many questions are going around your head like “Nobody cleans my home like me.” or “what happens if something goes wrong?” or “Can I afford it?” or “How will they know what I need doing?”

We have compiled a check list of the most important factors for hiring a carpet cleaning service. When shopping for a carpet cleaning company you must get answers to the following:

1. Physical Location – The most important feature is you need to know that your cleaning service has an office. Not just a home office or PO Box, but a local location that you can visit or drive by. They should own the building, because all too often fly by night companies move from site to site to avoid customer complaints, IRS, and local authorities.

2. The Owners – Do you know who owns company? Can you talk to them? What is the ownership’s education level, personal experience, and over all involvement in the company. Look for owners that are active in the company and the local community.

3. Insured – If you are going to have any carpet cleaning service or contractor enter your home or business they must be insured, or you’ll be at risk. If not, you might need to be insured against them!

4. Reputation – Professional affiliations, Better Business Bureau, Angie’s list, certifications, references, and online reviews.

5. Staff – Can they clean? What is the companies training and hiring procedure? Employee retention, tenure, and training are vital. Are they employees or subcontractors?

6. Products and Equipment – What kinds of cleaning products is a cleaner introducing into your home? Do you have children and pets you need to worry about? Compare a $500 portable carpet cleaning unit to a $50,000 truck mount unit. Or compare dollar store carpet spotters to certified green cleaning products. HEPA vacuums are an absolute must.

7. Guarantees – What kind of guarantees do they offer? What is their complaint procedure?

8. Price – Professional carpet cleaning companies charge more because they invest more in their cleaning equipment and staff. Cleaning takes time, training, and professional equipment. Time is money so avoid hiring the cheapest service. As a general rule you get what you pay for. Avoid hiring the cheapest or most expensive carpet cleaning service.

9. Trust – If you are going to hire a professional carpet cleaning service you must ensure you know who they are and you can trust them! Anything less and you’ll be cutting corners.

We hope you’ll hire A1 Sparkles Natural Carpet Cleaning or Philadelphia!

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1. Keep windows, doors, and garage doors closed.
2. If you keep your windows open, buy allergen screens. Run HVAC Fan to ciculate and clean air inside.
3. Buy high end filters for your home that minimize dust.
4. Take off your shoes before coming into your home and leave them by the door.
5. Don’t let guests wear their shoes in your home.
6. Purchase a micro fiber cloth for dusting; it cleans without chemicals.
7. Make sure to dust weekly, including all fabrics.
8. Have all your supplies on or near you to save time. (Wearing tools cuts cleaning time in half.)
9. Look for Swiffer dusters
10. Buy a HEPA or high efficiency filtered vacuum to capture allergens.
11. Use a vacuum cleaner attachment to clean electronics and furniture.
12. Start at the top with your HIGH DUSTING.
13. Work your way around the room MID DUSTING.
14. Lastly, you can begin your LOW DUSTING.
15. Dust light fixtures, ceiling vents, floor vents, and doors.
16. Vacuum at least weekly and use multiple passes.
17. Vacuum all hard and carpeted floors with a hi-filtration vacuum.
18. Have your air ducts cleaned at least every 3 years.
19. Clean you carpets every year.
20. Have your HVAC system serviced regularly.

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As many as 10 percent of the general population and 90 percent of people with allergies and asthma are sensitive to dust mites. Recent studies in the United States suggest that at least 45 percent of young people with asthma are allergic to dust mites.

People who are allergic to dust mites react to proteins in their decomposition and feces. These particles are found in the highest concentrations in pillows, mattresses, carpets, rugs, and upholstery. They are so very light they can float in the air for hours. When disturbed by: air flow, vacuums, foot traffic, ruffled bedding, pets, they settle out into the air again.

Dust mite-allergic people who inhale these particles experience more frequent allergic symptoms. In fact, a dust mite allergic patient who sleeps for 8 hours every night spends one third of his or her life with their nose in direct contact with a pillow loaded with dust mite particles!

There may be many as 19,000 dust mites in one gram of dust, but usually between 100 to 500 mites live in each gram. (A gram is about the weight of a paper clip.) Each mite produces about 10-20 waste particles per day and lives for 30 days. Egg-laying females can add 25-30 new mites to the population during their lifetime. Dusty mite critters eat particles of skin and dander, so they thrive in places where there are people. Dust mites don’t bite, cannot spread diseases and usually do not live on people. They are harmful only to people who become allergic to them. While usual household cleaning and insecticides have no effect on dust mites, there are ways to reduce exposure to dust mites in the home. Make it Sparkle.

Philly, NJ, DE Area Professional Cleaning Service.

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Local Cleaning Company Now Offer Hardwood Floor Cleaning.

Philadelphia, PA- March 27th, 2012- Philadelphia based house cleaning and carpet cleaning company, A1Sparkles, has just launched its much anticipated hardwood floor cleaning and refinishing service. The announcement by the ever growing cleaning company is meant to inform customers of the entirety of its services and its importance to your home.  For over three years and thousands of dollars invested in unsuccessfully trying various hardwood floor cleaning systems the company finally found a system that works. After attending server training seminars at Inter Link Supply in Philadelphia, sponsored by Basic Floor Coatings, the company is now offer its customers a solution to maintaining hardwood floors without the cost or mess that conventional hardwood floor sanding company’s offer.

The training workshops help professional carpet cleaning companies with the specific procedures and cleaning challenges to overcome when performing hardwood floor cleaning and refinishing. Additionally the training went over the features of its new hardwood floor cleaning equipment and its possible residential and commercial hardwood floor cleaning applications. One such example is to use the system to beautiful and prolong the life span of gym hardwoods.

The goal is to provide customers with an inexpensive method to clean and refinish their hardwood floors while extracting tiny dirt particles that if left untreated will result in permanent damage to all hardwood floors.

More information about A1 Sparkles hardwood floor cleaning can be found at the company’s newly redesigned website www.a1sparkles.com.

PR log Hardwood

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Friendship has its benefits. If you are a fan of the http://www.facebook.com/CarpetCleaningPhiladelphia, you are already automatically entered to win the cleaning supplies package Giveaway. Drawing will be held on September 1st, 2012.

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