Best of Marin, Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning I Marin County - Articles

CURRENT RAINY SEASON POLICY FOR WINDOW CLEANING* (November 15 thru April 15 Only)

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:17:00 GMT

Except for some unusual situations, rain doesn't affect clean windows in any significant way.

As in any other season, you do notice the windows getting dirty after a few months. If you want to have your outside windows done, during the rainy season, we will have the following rainy season policy:

1. If any of the outside window panes that we have cleaned get significantly messed up and you let us know within 2 weeks of the original cleaning, we'll come back when in the area and re clean those window panes (up to 30 minutes only without charge).

*Exceptions to this are skylights and solariums.
*Other Exceptions to this are windows under a deck, next to trees and next to bushes.

2. If they get significantly messed up after the 2 week period and you let us know within 4 weeks of the original cleaning, we'll come back when in the area and re clean those window panes for a minimal price:

$30 for 15 minute
$45 for 30 minutes
$60 for 45 minutes

(Usually such a visit would cost a minimum of $160)

(November 15 thru April 15 Only)

Carpet Deep Cleaning in Marin County: How Often Should You Really Schedule It?

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 15:41:30 GMT

Quick Summary

Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning recommends professional carpet deep cleaning in Marin County every 12–18 months for most homes. Homes with pets, children, or heavy foot traffic benefit from cleaning every 6–9 months. Marin County’s coastal climate traps allergens and moisture in carpets, making professional deep cleaning essential for indoor air quality and carpet longevity. With over 30 years of experience and multiple ‘Pacific Sun’s Best of Marin’ and ‘IJ Readers’ Choice’ awards, including over 200 online 5 Star Reviews, Atlas delivers trusted carpet and upholstery cleaning services across San Rafael and surrounding communities. If you’re wondering how often to schedule carpet deep cleaning in Marin County , the answer depends on your lifestyle, home traffic, and local conditions. While vacuuming helps, it cannot remove the deep-down dirt, allergens, and bacteria trapped in carpet fibers.

At Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning , we help Marin County homeowners protect their carpets, improve indoor air quality, and extend carpet life with expert deep cleaning services.

What the Carpet Industry Actually Says

So here's the thing—when carpet manufacturers like Shaw and Mohawk tell you to get professional hot water extraction every 12 to 18 months, they are not just throwing numbers out there. According to The Carpet and Rug Institute , which is basically the go-to authority on everything carpet care, there's solid reasoning behind this schedule.

Here is why sticking to this actually helps your wallet:

● Your warranty stays valid (most of them need proof of this)

● Dirt doesn't get the chance to wreck your carpet fibers permanently

● All that gritty stuff that acts like tiny pieces of sandpaper gets removed

● Your carpet ends up lasting way longer than it would otherwise

We've been taking care of homes all over Marin County—everywhere from Sausalito to Fairfax—for more than 30 years now. What we've learned is that yeah, 12-18 months works great for a lot of families, but your home might need something different. That's why choosing the right carpet cleaners in Marin County who understand your specific needs makes all the difference.

How Often Do Experts Recommend Carpet Deep Cleaning?

According to carpet manufacturers and the Carpet and Rug Institute, most homes should schedule professional carpet deep cleaning every 12–18 months .

However, homes with pets, children, or heavy foot traffic benefit from more frequent cleanings.

Why Marin County Homes Need Special Carpet Care

Marin County’s coastal climate creates unique challenges:

● Fog and humidity trap allergens in carpet fibers

● Outdoor lifestyles track in dirt and sand

● Pollen levels are higher in spring

● Marine air can cause musty odors

Check out how we handle carpet cleaning with techniques we've developed specifically for conditions here in Marin County.

What Are the Signs Your Carpet Needs Deep Cleaning?

Your carpet may need professional attention if you notice:

● Dark pathways showing up: Those traffic lanes that won't go away no matter how much you vacuum

● Stains that just won't budge: You've tried everything under the sun, but they're still sitting there

● Your allergies are going crazy: More sneezing and congestion whenever your home

● Smells that stick around: Especially that unmistakable pet odor that will not quit

● Carpet feels rough now: Used to be soft and plush, now it feels crunchy or all matted down

● Colors looking washed out: Your once-beautiful carpet looks tired and faded

Health Benefits of Professional Carpet Deep Cleaning

Studies show carpets can hold thousands of bacteria per square inch. Professional cleaning:

● Removes dust mites, pollen, and pet dander

● Improves indoor air quality

● Reduces asthma and allergy triggers

● Creates a healthier home environment

As a trusted carpet and upholstery cleaner in Marin County , Atlas uses deep extraction methods that go far beyond surface cleaning.

What regular professional cleaning actually does:

● Kicks out dust mites, pollen, and all that pet dander

● Removes pollutants and bacteria trapped way down deep

● Dramatically cuts down on asthma and allergy triggers

● Makes the air everyone is breathing cleaner and healthier overall

● Creates a way better environment for kids who play on the floor

If anyone in your San Rafael or Tiburon home struggles with allergies, bumping up cleaning to every 3-6 months can make a real difference. We have had customers tell us it changed their lives. As a trusted carpet and upholstery cleaner in Marin County , we have seen firsthand how clean carpets transform indoor air quality.

Professional Equipment vs. That Rental Machine

We totally get it—those rental machines at the grocery store look like they will save you some cash. But after doing this for 30 years , here is what we've learned:

The honest comparison:

● Power difference: Our truck-mounted systems pull out way more water and dirt than those portable units could ever dream of

● Technique actually matters: We know exactly how to avoid over-wetting and leaving behind that sticky residue

● Better cleaning products: Commercial solutions can target specific problems your store-bought stuff just cannot handle

● Drying time is huge: Professional extraction means you are waiting hours (12-24 hours) instead of literally days

● Your warranty needs it: A lot of manufacturers require documentation from certified professionals

At Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning, we use intensive cleaning methods that get your carpets thoroughly clean without beating them up in the process. It's about doing it right, not just doing it cheap.

How to Maintain Carpets Between Cleanings

● Vacuum high-traffic areas 2–3 times weekly

● Blot spills immediately

● Use entry mats

● Remove shoes indoors

● Rearrange furniture occasionally

Why Choose Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning?

With over 30 years of experience and multiple “Pacific Sun’s Best of Marin” and “IJ Readers’ Choice” awards, including over 200 online 5 Star Reviews , Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning delivers:

● Professional hot water extraction

● Pet odor and stain removal

● Upholstery and area rug cleaning

● We also clean Windows, Rain Gutters, and Solar Panels.

�� Serving San Rafael, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Novato, and beyond.

We also handle upholstery cleaning so your whole home gets the proper care it needs.

What Happens If You Keep Putting It Off

Nobody likes thinking about this stuff, but putting off carpet cleaning ends up costing you:

● Stains become permanent: Old dirt bonds to fibers and won't come out at any price

● Carpet wears out way faster: That grit literally saws through fibers with every single step

● Air quality goes downhill: Built-up allergens make it harder to breathe comfortably

● Your warranty becomes worthless: Manufacturers will deny claims if you don't have maintenance records

● Replacement comes early: Neglected carpets die years before they should have to

Working with trusted carpet cleaners in Marin County protects what you have invested and actually saves you money when you look at the long term.

Ready to Get Your Carpets Looking Fresh Again?

Stop letting dirt, allergens, and bacteria take over your home. Our team at Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning knows exactly how to bring your carpets back to life and make them look amazing again.

Let's get started today.

Reach out to Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning at (415) 256-8321 or shoot us an email at atlaswindowcarpetcleaning@gmail.com to book your professional carpet deep cleaning in Marin County . We're proud to serve San Rafael and every single community in Marin County with award-winning care.

Check out our current deals on carpet and upholstery services. We generally have introductory specials during the Winter Months (January, February, and March).

This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.

The Browning Effect - A common carpet cleaning glitch

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 07:00:00 GMT

We want our carpet cleaning customers to be aware of this common problem that may occur after a carpet cleaning. If you do notice the signs mentioned below, after reading this article, you will know what to do and why it happened.

Recently, we cleaned a new client's very soiled carpeting. After we were done, they looked great and were stain free! The client was very happy.

A couple of days later, we got a call from that same client, telling us that some of the areas weren't looking too good. We suspected that the browning effect could have occurred because the carpet was in bad condition and needed an intensive cleaning AND because the heater didn't work well in that room.

The issue here is not that she called us about this situation. The issue here is that she almost didn't call us and was going to settle for how it looked. She could have assumed that her carpet wasn't going to improve.

Thankfully, she called us so that we could handle and eliminate the browning. She was happy again.

Therefore, the reason we're writing this article is so that you don't come to the same conclusion if you're in the same situation.

The most common glitch we encounter after carpet cleaning is what we call browning or wicking.

Browning can appear as a brown, yellow or orange discoloring on the tips of the carpet fibers.
It can also appear as if the area has been re-soiled.
One of the most common areas where this happens is on stairways.

Browning and Wicking usually shows up when carpets take too long to dry, the area has been wetter than usual, or the carpet has a cellulose or jute backing. As the carpet dries, water from the tips of the fibers dry first and what is below rises to the surface bringing with it everything dissolved within it. You might be seeing the residue of spills that have now risen to the top. Most of what spills is resting in the backing of the carpet and is now rising.

The main reason we ask our customers to turn

their heat up high (on cool, cold, on rainy days) after we finish cleaning carpets (as high as 80 degrees when possible) is to avoid browning. The efficient drying of the carpet helps prevent the browning effect. REMEMBER If you encounter the browning effect, it is not irreversible.

Browning does cause alarm if you're not aware of the probability of it appearing. If you do discover areas or spots that look off to you, give us a call. If it's a small spot, you can spray it yourself with the spotter called "STRIP", included in your Carpet Confidence Kit.

(test an area to see if it is the problem)

If you have browning problem,

Strip will be the solution.

Are we eco-friendly?

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 07:00:00 GMT

How Atlas Window & Carpet chooses their carpet cleaning product

Many people want to use products that are eco friendly. We get people calling asking if we use such products. Elliot has been cleaning carpets for many years now. He is a sensitive guy. When he first started cleaning carpets he tried out different products knowing that he would be working with them constantly over the years. It was very important for him to find products that were not harmful. If you are conscience of your health, as Elliot is, you want something that is gentle to humans, such as himself, along with pets, kids & babies too. He has chosen to use cleaning products that he feels work best for him and his clients. They are gentle yet effective.

Testing for the best products sometimes involved the simple sniff test. Some products with strong scents are just not what you want to be inhaling all day long. You can tell by the smell. Some things are so strong you can taste them or you can feel them in your throat or they give you a headache. After much trial and error Elliot found a company that created it's own products. The creator had cleaned carpets for many years. He made formulas that clean effectively and safely. Elliot still uses these products and after using them in many homes over the years, he gladly stands by them...

Are they certified green? No. You must remember certification is new and there are different standards applied to each certification, depending on the company offering it. All cost money. Therefore our source for cleaning products, being a small scale company, decided to stay clear of that expense and just make an honest product with consumers in mind.

We stand by our cleaning method and products

Since 2001, Elliot has been using these particular products (the pre-spray and general spotter) and has not had one complaint. Again, keep in mind, that Elliot has to breath in this stuff all day so he wants to be real careful. On top of that, as a high quality carpet cleaner, he wants to be able to remove as much soil, spots and stains as possible using the best cleaning method and products.

If you have special needs, beyond the norm, we can use a Green Certified Product. It's called Procyon. It is something we use but not exclusively. There are a few companies in Marin which use and market this product as Green Certified. Elliot has been using this product for 15 or more years because of its safety, well before Going Green was even popular. The issue that Elliot had with Procyon was that it was good, not great. At spotting strength, it would handle only about 75% of the spots. Many of you may have used this spotter. We've given it out as a sample spotter over the years. Even one of the suppliers of Procyon agrees that it's good yet not great.

Window Cleaners in Marin County: How Does Expert Cleaning Protect Your Windows From Long-Term Damage?

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 21:28:25 GMT

If your windows look cloudy, streaked, or worn—even after regular cleaning—you’re not imagining it. Homes in coastal areas like Marin County face constant exposure to salt air, hard water, and airborne debris. Over time, these elements can permanently damage glass. That’s why working with professional window cleaners in Marin County isn’t just about appearances—it’s about protection.

At ATLAS Window & Carpet Cleaning , expert window care is designed to extend the life of your windows while keeping your home bright, clean, and energy-efficient.

Why Are Windows in Marin County More Vulnerable to Damage?

Marin County’s coastal climate creates unique challenges for homeowners.

Common local threats include:

Salt residue from ocean air , which corrodes glass surfaces
Hard water mineral buildup that causes permanent etching
Dust, pollen, and pollution that grind into window panes
UV exposure that weakens seals and frames over time

Without proper removal, these elements slowly degrade your windows—leading to costly replacements.

How Do Professional Window Cleaners in Marin County Prevent Long-Term Damage?

Expert window cleaning goes far beyond soap and water.

Professional window cleaners:

Use purified water systems to prevent mineral spotting
Apply non-abrasive tools that protect glass coatings
Safely remove corrosive salt and debris before etching occurs
Inspect seals and frames for early signs of wear

ATLAS Window & Carpet Cleaning uses proven methods designed specifically for Marin County homes , ensuring windows stay clear and structurally sound.

What Happens When Windows Aren’t Professionally Cleaned?

Skipping professional service can cause long-term problems that DIY cleaning can’t fix.

Potential consequences include:

Permanent glass scratches
Cloudy or hazy windows
Reduced natural light
Higher energy costs due to seal failure
Lower property value

Regular professional cleaning helps avoid these issues before they become expensive repairs.

Why DIY Window Cleaning Often Causes More Harm Than Good

A lot of window damage comes from good intentions.

Using abrasive paper towels or sponges
Harsh store-bought chemicals
Cleaning in direct sunlight

These leave residue, scratches, or streaks that attract more dirt.

How Clean Windows Improve Comfort and Energy Efficiency

Clean windows do more than look good. When glass and seals are maintained:

Natural light improves indoor comfort
Drafts are reduced
Heating and cooling work more efficiently

It’s a small step that makes a noticeable difference.

DIY vs. Professional Window Cleaning: What’s the Real Difference?

How Often Should You Hire Window Cleaners in Marin County?

For most Marin County homes:

Every 3–6 months is ideal
Coastal properties may benefit from quarterly cleaning
Homes near trees or construction zones may need more frequent service

ATLAS Window & Carpet Cleaning offers flexible scheduling tailored to your environment.

External Link (Authority Source): According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, maintaining clean home surfaces plays an important role in supporting healthy indoor air quality

Can Window Cleaning Improve Indoor Comfort and Energy Efficiency?

Yes. Clean windows:

Allow more natural light
Improve insulation performance
Reduce heat buildup
Support better indoor air quality

Many homeowners also pair window cleaning with professional upholstery cleaning in Novato to create a healthier, fresher living space.

Why Choose ATLAS Window & Carpet Cleaning?

ATLAS Window & Carpet Cleaning is a trusted window cleaning company in Marin County , known for reliable service and attention to detail.

What sets ATLAS apart:

Local experience with Marin County conditions
Safe, eco-conscious cleaning methods
Fully insured professionals
Window, carpet, and upholstery services under one roof

Honest pricing and friendly service

Call to Action

Protect your windows before damage becomes permanent.

Contact ATLAS Window & Carpet Cleaning today to schedule professional window cleaning in Marin County and enjoy clearer views year-round.

�� Get a Free Quote from ATLAS WINDOW & CARPET CLEANING Today

Overview

Professional window cleaners in Marin County protect windows from long-term damage caused by salt air, hard water, and debris. Expert cleaning removes corrosive buildup before it etches glass, helping windows last longer and perform better. ATLAS Window & Carpet Cleaning uses safe, eco-friendly methods designed for Marin County’s coastal climate. Regular professional cleaning improves natural light, energy efficiency, and overall home value. Pairing window cleaning with upholstery or carpet cleaning can further enhance indoor comfort. For homeowners seeking reliable window protection, professional service is a smart, cost-effective investment.

Key Takeaways

Marin County’s climate accelerates window damage
Professional window cleaners prevent corrosion and etching
Regular service extends window lifespan and saves money
Expert cleaning improves light, comfort, and efficiency
ATLAS Window & Carpet Cleaning delivers trusted local care

Frequently Asked Questions

 1. What are the best motels near bird watching in Canby?

They are motels that offer quiet rooms, easy access to birding locations, and affordable pricing near Canby.

2. Are these motels suitable for short stays?

Yes, many travelers choose them for overnight or weekend visits.

3. Can I stay near Canby and still travel to nearby towns?

Yes, lodging near Canby works well for trips involving Dawson and Appleton.

4. Is Picket Fence Motel good for outdoor travelers?

Yes, it’s known for simplicity, comfort, and convenience for regional visitors.

5. Do these motels work for family travel?

Yes, they’re often chosen for group or family stays tied to regional events.

Rug Cleaning Services in Novato: Why DIY Methods Can Ruin Expensive Rugs

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 20:12:26 GMT

Area rugs are more than just floor coverings — they’re an investment. Yet many homeowners unknowingly damage them with store-bought cleaners and rental machines. That’s why more residents turn to rug cleaning services in Novato after DIY attempts leave rugs faded, stiff, or smelling worse than before.

At Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning , we regularly help restore rugs that were accidentally harmed by DIY methods. Professional care protects your rug’s fibers, colors, and long-term value.

What Are Rug Cleaning Services in Novato?

Direct answer: Rug cleaning services in Novato use professional, fiber-safe methods to remove deep dirt, allergens, and odors without damaging delicate materials.

Professional rug cleaning includes:

● Controlled moisture cleaning

● Fiber-specific solutions

● Gentle agitation methods

● Proper drying to prevent odor and mold

● Careful handling of specialty and delicate rugs

This approach is very different from basic carpet cleaning or home scrubbing.

Why Do DIY Rug Cleaning Methods Cause Damage?

Most DIY damage happens because rugs are not designed like wall-to-wall carpet.

Common DIY mistakes include:

● Using harsh detergents

● Over-wetting the rug

● Scrubbing too aggressively

● Skipping proper drying

These mistakes often lead to:

● Shrinkage

● Color bleeding

● Fiber breakdown

● Permanent musty odors

Once this damage occurs, it can be difficult — or impossible — to reverse.

Can Excess Water Really Ruin an Area Rug?

Short answer: Yes.

Excess water soaks into the rug’s backing and padding. In Marin County’s coastal climate, moisture can linger longer, leading to:

● Mold growth

● Mildew odors

● Warping

● Delamination of backing

Professional rug cleaning in Novato uses moisture-controlled systems to clean thoroughly without soaking the rug.

Why Are Store-Bought Rug Cleaners Risky?

Most retail rug cleaners are designed for synthetic carpet, not fine area rugs.

They often:

● Leave sticky residue

● Strip natural fibers

● Fade dyes

● Attract dirt faster after cleaning

This is why many homeowners call professional rug cleaning services in Novato after DIY products make the rug look worse.

How Is Professional Rug Cleaning Different?

Professional cleaning focuses on protection, not just looks.

Here’s the difference:

That’s why professional care actually saves money over time.

How Often Should Rugs Be Professionally Cleaned?

Most area rugs should be professionally cleaned every 12–18 months .

You may need more frequent service if you have:

● Pets

● Children

● Heavy foot traffic

● Allergy concerns

Routine rug cleaning services in Novato help extend rug life and keep indoor air healthier.

Why Does Local Experience Matter in Novato?

Novato homes face:

● Coastal moisture

● Seasonal allergens

● Temperature changes

Local carpet cleaners in Marin County understand these conditions and adjust cleaning methods to prevent moisture-related problems — something national chains often overlook.

Learn more about Atlas’s local expertise on the

�� About Us page

Can Rug Cleaning Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Yes—and this is a big one.

Rugs trap:

● Dust

● Allergens

● Pet dander

● Bacteria

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , proper cleaning helps reduce indoor air pollutants and supports healthier indoor environments.
�� https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq

Why Choose Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning?

Homeowners in Novato trust Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning because of:

✔ Proven, fiber-safe cleaning methods
✔ Local Marin County expertise
✔ Honest recommendations
✔ Consistent, high-quality results
✔ Full-service cleaning (rugs, carpets, upholstery)

Our goal isn’t just clean rugs — it’s protecting them long-term.

Call to Action

Protect your investment. Don’t risk expensive rugs with DIY methods.

�� Call for a Free Rug Cleaning Guesstimate Today 415-256-8321

https://www.windowcarpetcleaningmarin.com/contact/

Frequently Asked Questions.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rug cleaning services in Novato help protect expensive area rugs from damage caused by DIY cleaning methods. Store-bought cleaners and rental machines often use too much moisture and harsh detergents, leading to shrinkage, fading, and odors. Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning uses professional, fiber-safe techniques and moisture-controlled systems to remove dirt, allergens, and odors while protecting rug fibers and colors. Local expertise in Marin County ensures rugs are cleaned safely for coastal conditions. Professional rug cleaning extends rug life, improves indoor air quality, and helps homeowners avoid costly permanent damage.

Key Takeaways

● DIY rug cleaning can permanently damage rugs

● Excess moisture causes odors, mold, and warping

● Store-bought cleaners are not rug-safe

● Professional rug cleaning protects fibers and dyes

● Local expertise matters in Marin County

● Regular cleaning extends rug lifespan

Professional approaches to carpet cleaning

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT

INTENSIVE CLEANING vs. CONSERVATIVE CLEANING vs. ECONOMY CLEANING vs. DRY CLEANING
When we write about Intensive, Conservative, Economy, and Dry Carpet Cleaning , we are referring to the approaches a company and their technicians take toward carpet cleaning.

The first major difference between Intensive, Conservative, Economy, and Dry Carpet Cleaning is determined by the technician and the business plan of their company. Is the intention to do the best job possible as in an Intensive Cleaning or is it to do a pretty okay and good enough job as in a Conservative Cleaning? Will they do a quick job and try to get in and out of your home as fast as possible as in an Economy Cleaning or is their method set up to do a light weight and surface cleaning as in Dry Carpet Cleaning?

Conservative and Economy cleaners do not want to run into problems. They would rather not do all that is possible to get your carpet clean for fear of the time and effort it might take to do detailed work. They sometimes charge less and can not afford to take extra time and use extra product to do the job as it might be done by an Intensive Cleaner.

The equipment and style of carpet cleaning could be the same. When doing steam cleaning, they all use hot water extraction using a high powered machine in a van. Generally, they are all fairly equal, using plenty of water pressure, plenty of vacuum power, and plenty of heat. This is very different from the dry or low moisture type of cleaning.

Intensive Cleaning entails getting the best results using more of a much stronger pre-conditioning cleaning solution to penetrate the fibers, the spots, and the stains and using more rinsing solution to extract both the detergent and the soil. This is more of an aggressive type of cleaning. This type of cleaning takes more time and more cleaning product. An intensive cleaner will work aggressively to remove or reduce difficult stains.

Conservative Cleaning entails getting okay to good results using less and a less strong pre-conditioning cleaning solution to clean the surface of the fibers and the easy spots and using less rinsing solution to extract both the detergent and the soil. The objective is to wet the carpet less and to use cleaning agents that aren’t too strong. This assures the company of fewer problems and issues that can arise and require the technician to have to return to the job. It is also true in their approach to difficult stains. It is the safe approach but not as effective as an intensive cleaning.

Economy Cleaning entails getting passable and improved results using less and a cheap pre-conditioning cleaning solution to clean the surface of the fibers and the easy spots and using less rinsing solution to extract both the detergent and the soil. This is a no frills cleaning. The business model restricts the time that it would actually take to do high quality work. They are usually in and out of homes very quickly and depending on the technician, they may or may not work on difficult stains.

Dry Cleaning entails getting improved results using low moisture pre-conditioning solution to clean the surface of the fibers and the easy spots and generally using a rotary machine with a cloth on it to wipe and absorb both the detergent and the soil. This is a surface cleaning and the opposite of an intensive cleaning even if the technician works intensively. They also work on stains.

A couple of risks in any of these cleaning methods are Browning and Returned Stains. They are generally easy to handle.

In Marin County, the majority of the carpet cleaners fall into the Conservative, Economy, and Dry Cleaning methods. Several fall into the Intensive or High Quality category. For the most part, the Intensive Cleaners are going to charge more for their services, for good reason. We, at Atlas, consider ourselves Intensive Cleaners.

One of the major items that separate us from the other intensive cleaners is our tools (for rinsing and extracting). They have incredible rinsing power. As it rinses, it also agitates. They have the ability to move real slow or even stay still without over wetting or soaking the carpet. While that is happening, the heat levels are getting increasingly high within a steam chamber. Basically these tools outperform everything else that’s out there in soil removal.As we have always said, any kind of cleaning method (even a rental) should improve the look of your carpet, though is it the best cleaning?

Hopefully, we have helped educate you, that all carpet cleaners, methods, and systems are not equal.When we write about Intensive, Conservative, Economy, and Dry Carpet Cleaning, we are referring to the approaches a company and their technicians take toward carpet cleaning.

Flooding Emergency

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Now that we're in the rainy season we run across occasional circumstances when someone calls us with an emergency concerning flooding. Of course, you can have a bathtub, sink, toilet or washing machine flooding. Hope it doesn't happen to you but if it does...

WHAT TO REMEMBER

First of all, we do not specialize or advertise Water Restoration as a part of our business though if it is a small issue, we may be able to help our ongoing clients. We're talking about clean water flooding. We can't always get there immediately so the following are tips to remember.

First assess the situation. You want to do as much as you can as fast as you can. Blot out as much water as you possibly can using towels.
Do this as quickly as possible. Lay them over the wet area, step on them. Blot out as much moisture as you can, ring them out and put them down again.
Use fresh towels when saturated. You're trying to avoid mildew or mold so the more moisture you remove the better.
At this point you can decide how much you want to do on your own. You can call us for advice.

Larger areas may require a wet/dry vacuum. You might need to rent one if you are doing the clean up yourself.

Use fans to DRY THE CARPET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. It may take days to completely dry a water damaged area. When the carpet appears to be dry still keep the fans going. Leaving them on and circulating the air for a week would be reasonable. Remember there is padding beneath the exterior carpeting that has been soaked too. High power fans that are ground level are the best. They can be rented. We might be able to supply you with some powerful fans if we have them available.

You can also use a dehumidifier to help dry out the room.

Heating the house or just the room with a very high temperature will help speed up the drying.
Make sure you sanitize the walls and baseboards if they have been affected.

Your carpets may need to be professionally steam cleaned after everything is bone dry. (Often times the padding may need to be replaced if it has been soaked, to avoid mildew and mold from setting in)

Water soaked carpets can be cleaned with hard work but if you have sewage or mud, etc, you might need a RESTORATION CLEANING.

Always feel free to give us a call when the situation arises. We do not claim to do water restoration work. Though we will do all we can to help you out with good advice and will come out as soon as possible if we think we can help as long as it is a simple situation.

Consider this when purchasing new carpeting

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 07:00:00 GMT

A friend of mine purchased a new carpet and it was installed fresh out of the package. The odor coming from the carpet was so bad, it created a problem for about three weeks after the installation.

What he encountered is called 'off gassing'. The 'new smell' could be coming from the chemicals contained within the product and breathing them is not necessarily healthy. Any long time health risk is not known, but why not avoild possible health problems, at worse or an unpleasant experience, at best.

Some people feel nauseous, get headaches, or become dizzy around products that are off gassing. Off gassing might be detectable by smell, though sometimes there is no odor. Both old and new carpets can be off gassing long after the initial smell is gone. New carpets aren't necessarily the worse offenders. They might even rate better for air quality compared to older carpets that were made when industry standards were different.

Most carpets are made from petroleum or oil based materials like nylon, polypropylene and polyester and are woven onto a synthetic backing. Fire retardants containing other chemicals are also placed on carpets. On top of that there is the padding which can also cause off gassing, along with the adhesive used to glue it down. All of these sources might create a problem.

Do some homework before purchasing new carpet. Hemp and wool, which are natural fibers, might be a better alternative choice, although the price for these might be higher and they have different challenges as far as cleaning and maintaining are concerned.

MY STRONG RECOMMENDATION:

If you purchase a product that might cause off gassing, you might ask that the carpet be removed from it's packaging and laid out in the warehouse for several days before it is brought to your house and installed. That way the carpet will get to air out before being tacked down. Make this a part of the purchase agreement.

Why a great price may not be a great value

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Especially in the carpet cleaning industry.

Right from the start, let me say that there are several other high quality carpet cleaning companies in Marin. Their rates are similar to ours (some a little higher, some a little lower). They may use different methods to come up with those rates. There is even one high quality carpet cleaning company that, in my opinion, is outrageously high!

These companies know that it takes time to do a good job. They know that they cannot do a great job on five rooms and be done in 30 minutes (this does go on).

These higher standard companies compete by quality of work. However, there are many other companies out there that compete by price alone (a great deal----or is it?). These attractively priced competitors are the carpet cleaning companies that I will be referring to.

You’ve seen fantastic deals on many different coupons. Many consumers get teased by these great come-ons thinking that they are going to get a good job done for a great price. For most of the time, these consumers are disappointed. Either they didn’t get a good job done for that great price OR the price, after add ons, wasn’t that great after all.

You see, these great deals are there so a company can get into your home. Once in your living room, they will want to up sell you on other products or services. They may want to charge you more for cleaning your carpets because the deal did not include heavy soils, lots of spots, or many stains AND they weren’t upfront about those extra costs at the time of scheduling.

Generally, if one of these companies cannot up sell you or charge you more, they will be in and out of your house in a jiffy. The price was great. The feeling, the experience, and the result was disappointing and on top of that, the carpet will probably have to be cleaned much sooner than expected OR in many cases, the carpet does not look good in two to three weeks.

It is human nature to short cut if you don’t get the appropriate compensation for your services. It takes discipline not to short cut in that situation.

Short cutting is prevalent in every industry, especially, the carpet cleaning industry. In just the cleaning industry, carpet cleaners can get away with more things than other types of cleaning work. For instance, we also do window cleaning and you can’t get away with anything. Every detail shows. Yet, with carpet cleaning, you can! Let me give you an example. When cleaning a fairly clean room, a carpet cleaner could lightly spray the room with just water then vacuum it very fast. It looks like it’s clean! It’s still damp! It has the vacuum look! Do you like the fact that that person spent only two minutes in that room? Our company and all quality carpet cleaning businesses will always give a clean room a respectful cleaning.

Carpet cleaners can create illusions of all this work that they did and yet, it really wasn’t that valuable. For instance, they can move most of the furniture in your house, clean under it (for two seconds), and put protector pads under all the legs. That’s a lot of work! Yet, there is not a lot of value in it. With some exceptions, there is only dust under furniture that only needs a vacuuming from time to time. You would have either paid extra money for very little value or if the carpet cleaner wasn’t getting paid for this extra work for some reason, there would definitely be a shortcut in another area.

We like to spend most of our time and energy on the open areas, the soiled areas, the spotted areas, and the stained areas.

(There are situations in which furniture moving is necessary.)

When you want to have a cheeseburger and you're on a tight budget and you ARE NOT concerned about the quality and experience, a McDonald’s quarter-pound cheeseburger may do the trick. If you aren’t on a budget and ARE concerned about the quality and experience, a Phyllis’s Cheeseburger could be your choice. It’s very clear that with an inexpensive McDonald’s quarter-pound cheeseburger, you are getting a product that is made very fast, with low quality products. You don’t even have a choice of rare, medium rare, or well done. It is only made well done. With the choice of a Phyllis’s Cheeseburger (which has a good reputation and a higher price), it is clear that you are getting a product that is made with care and with better products than McDonald’s. You, also, DO have a choice of rare to well done. The point is ALL cheeseburgers are not equal.

All carpet cleaners are not equal. If you hire a low priced carpet cleaner, there’s a very good chance that the job is going to be low quality and fast. This definitely can be an appropriate choice sometimes. You just have to know that you will be getting McDonald’s quality, not Phyllis’s quality. If you choose to pay a low price and if you know that you are going to have a passable job that hopefully improves the look of your carpet for a short time, than you should be happy. If you know that the carpet cleaner can’t do a great job, cannot take EXTRA time to work on spots and stains, and that the job will be done very fast, than you will not be disappointed.

On the other hand, if want to have a good job, or a great job, and want the carpet to look as best as it can, you need to hire a high quality carpet cleaner. If you know that it’ll take extra time to work on the many challenges such as heavy soil, many spots and stains, very difficult stains, and difficult odors, than hire a quality carpet cleaner. If you like the job done right and are willing to pay for it, than hire a quality carpet cleaner.
A good price does not mean a good value.

We all like a good price.

We LOVE a good value.

Why carpet cleaners are not equal

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT

It amazes me that some people think all carpet cleaners are equal. These same people recognize differences in qualities of other products and services. Why not carpet cleaning too? All carpet cleaners are not equal.

Who believes McDonald’s and the Lark Creek Inn are equal in quality and service. Who would deny the difference in a fast food meal and a gourmet meal? Who would argue that there is no difference between a Yugo and a Mercedes, or Walmart and Neiman Marcus? Obviously all products and services are not equal and that goes for carpet cleaning too.

There are many levels of quality—from poor to excellent. This holds true for the carpet cleaning industry.

There are many factors that can affect the quality of a carpet cleaning. These factors include the Cleaner and His Experience, the Cleaning System, the Tools, the Techniques, the Stain Removal System, and the Work Philosophy.

The cleaner and his experience

Selecting a qualified cleaner can make a difference in the experience you have and the results you would get. Besides a cleaner's experience, his motivation can play a major role in his performance.

The following is an obvious and extreme example of where you can see that carpet cleaners are not equal.

You may hire a small company who has the owner of that company cleaning your carpets. The owner-operator may have five, ten, or twenty years of experience. The owner is invested in doing a great job because he wants you as a regular client. On the other hand, you may hire a large company. The person cleaning your carpets may have been trained for only two weeks (this does go on). This could be his first day out on his own and you’re the lucky person to have him. Don't get me wrong, he may be quite nice, but does he have the cleaning experience?

Which cleaner would you like to have cleaning your carpets? Do you think that they are equal?

We are owner-operated.

The tools

(for portable wet cleaning and truck-mount systems)

For the most part, the majority of carpet cleaners, use similar tools. A wand, a stair tool, and an upholstery tool (if they clean upholstery) are standard equipment. One part of the tool releases pressured solution and the other part vacuums up the solution. Some companies use a rotary machine using this technology (my opinion is that these machines are great on commercial property—not on residential property where detail is important AND over wetting is undesirable).

We use a different tool. The releasing of pressured solution and the vacuuming work simultaneously. As the solution comes out and hits and agitates the carpet fibers, at the same time the solution and the soil are being vacuumed up. That gives us the luxury of spending more time on areas that need attention without over wetting the carpet. We’ve used the tools that other carpet cleaning companies use. There’s no comparison. In the past, we used our tools in conjunction with a portable wet cleaning system and out performed companies that used truck-mounted systems, on a regular basis. We now use these tools with a truck-mounted system and it’s an unbeatable combination.

What tools would you like used on cleaning your carpet? Do you think they are equal?

The cleaning system

The most Qualified Cleaner in the world can use different carpet cleaning systems. He knows they are not equal. A less experienced carpet cleaner can clean your carpets with the ultimate cleaning system and do a lousy job. The best system needs experience handling.

At one point, many years ago, I was cleaning using a dry (low moisture) style cleaning system. I liked the idea of not over wetting a carpet. Generally I always improved the look of every carpet that I worked on and I sincerely thought that I did a great job. One day I was working on a very soiled white carpet and just happened to have a portable wet cleaning system in my van, which was not that powerful at all---similar to the type you can rent. Always looking to improve and test my work, I decided to compare their cleaning abilities. To my surprise, the wet method gave me better looking results. The carpet was much brighter! Soon after that, I started cleaning with a portable wet cleaning system with special tools which gave me great results. Since May 2001, I have been using a powerful truck-mounted system using those same special tools giving me even better results.There are mainly three cleaning methods on the market now. They are the Dry Cleaning (low moisture) Method, the Portable Wet Cleaning System, and the Truck mounted Wet Cleaning System.

Dry Cleaning Method: There are a few types of dry cleaning methods. The most common type is to spray a cleaning solution on the carpet and then use a rotary machine, with a cloth covering, to agitate the carpet and absorb the solution and soil. Using this method is appropriate in many situations, because of quick drying time and the simplicity of the equipment. In my opinion, this is a surface cleaning. It works well on carpets that are in decent condition. It is not the best method for a very soiled carpet. I believe this method can make about 75% of the people happy. Although one of the most common complaints I hear is that the carpet doesn't look great after a couple of weeks.

Portable wet cleaning method: Before truck-mounted cleaning and dry cleaning, portable wet cleaning was a popular method used by many carpet cleaners. There aren't many companies who use this method any more. Generally a company will use equipment that is superior to the portable equipment that you can rent. Using this method is appropriate in may situations. Its' portability gives you the ability to access some places that a truck-mounted system would not be able to get to. It is a good choice in some circumstances. I refer some callers to a good local company, who uses this method, when I can't access their home.

Truck-mounted wet cleaning method: If you ever look through the yellow pages in the carpet cleaning category, you'll notice that this is the dominant method and for a good reason. The carpet manufacturers suggest this method. Generally, a truck-mounted system includes higher pressured cleaning solutions, a strong vacuum, and high heat. All of these factors aid in a superior and thorough cleaning. All truck-mounted systems are not equal. Some use your water. Some are self contained (with a fresh water tank). Some are powered by separate engine inside the van---which means the vehicle doors have to be open and the noise level is high. Others are powered by the van engine---which means the doors can be shut and the noise level is lower. For the most part, many of the good companies and large companies out there have a truck-mount system that is sufficient in high solution pressure, vacuum strength and high heat. We use a truck-mounted system that is self contained (has a fresh water tank and a recovery tank) and is powered by the van engine in which we can close all the doors and windows which will lower the noise level.

Which method would you like used on cleaning your carpets? Which method do you think is going to give you a superior job? Do you think they are equal?

The Techniques

(for portable wet cleaning and truck-mount systems)

Have you ever seen a carpet cleaner move the wand really fast? Do you think the cleaning solution is getting a chance to penetrate the fibers? Do you think it’s getting vacuumed thoroughly? This speedy technique is what some companies use. Generally a quality company will move their wand at a medium to slow pace depending on the need. That’s what we do.

Regarding the Pre-spraying or preconditioning techniques for cleaning a carpet. Some companies Pre-spray only the soiled areas, some Pre-spray everything, and some do not pre-spray at all. We pre-spray everything, giving more attention to soiled areas and spots.

One common complaint about carpet cleaners is that they missed some spots. We use a technique that can prevent this from happening. It doesn’t make sense at first. Yet, when people experience it, they will understand why this makes a difference.

What techniques would you like used when cleaning your carpet? Do you think these techniques are equal?

The Stain Removal System

A Spot is easy to remove. A Stain is not. Most companies will remove spots with their general cleaning and normal spotters.

Regarding the removal or reduction of stains, there are companies that do not take the time to try to do that. There are companies that do a passable job, and there are companies that really take the time to do a professional job. Of course, there are stains that are just impossible.

We pride ourselves in removing and reducing most stains. On top of that, we give our clients the Ultimate Home Spotting System to keep their carpets stain-free between cleanings. You can read more about that on our website by selecting the page “Carpet Confidence Stain Removal System”.

What carpet cleaning company would you like to hire to work on your stains? Do you think all carpet cleaning companies are equal in these skills?

The Work Philosophy

You could have 100 Carpet Cleaners come to your house and not one of them can beat our cleaning system

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Quality

Many carpet cleaning systems out there may look like our system. Our system is known as a truck-mounted carpet cleaning system. The rest are known as portable wet cleaning systems or dry cleaning systems.

Out of 100 carpet cleaners, some will provide good to excellent quality and some will provide poor to medium quality, with a variation of rates.

Let’s talk about rates and service. You can’t think of a bargain with a product and a bargain with a service in the same way. If you buy a product at a place like Costco, you know you are getting the same product that you can get from another store at a better price.

This isn’t true for service though. Let’s talk specifically about carpet cleaning service. If you think you are going to get a high quality job for $65.00, it is highly unlikely. For that job to be profitable, the carpet cleaner has to be there for no more than 30 minutes. If you think you are going to get this great job done on your five rooms for $100, not a chance! That company does not want to be at your house more than 30 to 40 minutes.

Now even with a quick job, your carpets will generally look improved. That most certainly does not mean that you had a great job done with total soil removal. I certainly can do any job much quicker than I normally do, and you probably wouldn’t know the difference, because there would be an improvement. That wouldn’t mean however, that you had received the best job.

You see, in carpet cleaning, different from window cleaning, it’s easy to shortcut a job.

My point is that we give an Honest Cleaning.

Other Systems

Forgive me for my boldness. In comparing systems, I want to start by eliminating a couple carpet cleaning systems, the dry cleaning systems and the portable wet cleaning systems. If you had the same person use one of these systems and also a high quality truck-mounted system on the same type of white carpet with the same issues (high soil levels, lots of spots, difficult stains, etc.), the truck-mounted system will always be superior. I know it, and the people who use those other systems know it.

So, what makes us different from the other truck-mounted systems? Besides using superior cleaning agents that are safe to be around (haven’t had a complaint yet), having a system to remove or reduce most stains, using one of the most effective urine odor treatments I’ve come across, adding a system to produce higher heat (which aids for a superior cleaning), and still owner operator, the big difference is the tools.

The Tools

It is because of these tools, that we have improved many carpet cleaning jobs that other carpet cleaning companies have already done (including the top quality companies). These tools give us an edge. I'd like to describe these special and unique tools.

With the use of these tools, you can thoroughly clean a carpet, an area rug, and upholstery and not over-wet it! These tools are different from every other tool in the industry.

Most of the other tools have one part that shoots the pressured solution straight down into the carpet and the other part that vacuums it up. The problem is that the pressured solution can hit the bottom of the carpet and no matter how powerful a vacuum is, it’s not going to extract it all.

That’s why carpets can take so long to dry! Because of this, inexperienced carpet cleaners often over-wet a carpet and experienced carpet cleaners have to deal with the fear of over-wetting a carpet.

Dealing with this fear is such a waste of energy, especially when you need to have your attention on cleaning the carpet and getting the best results you can.

Well, the tools I use solve that. The tools have the pressured solution flowing through the fibers of the carpet right into the vacuum. As the solution comes out of the wand, it makes a u-turn into the vacuum.

In other words, the cleaning solution sweeps the soil right into the vacuum! Both parts (the pressured solution and the vacuum) work simultaneously! Total Fluid Control! More Flushing Power!

These tools have been proven superior in soil removal. It’s the closest thing to laundering! Again, I can apply much more cleaning solution to your carpet for a superior cleaning without over-wetting it. If a difficult stain or a highly soiled area needs a lot of cleaning solution and an intense heat (it’s a steam chamber) to help with it’s removal or reduction, we can do that in a way that no other carpet cleaning system or company can do!

These unique tools cost us two to three times more than the traditional tools that most carpet cleaners use.

There's a REASON we would pay more!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CLEANING NEW WINDOWS & WHY WE ASK YOU TO SIGN A WAIVER

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 07:00:00 GMT

The window cleaning industry began to notice in the beginning of 2000's that there was a problem with some glass coming out of the factories. There isn't a particular brand of window having this problem. It is a quality issue with the manufacturers of the glass. When you as a home owner or your contractor goes to purchase new windows keep the following information in mind.

THE TRADITIONAL METHOD OF CLEANING NEW WINDOW GLASS IS BY USING SCRAPERS

Cleaning new windows has become more challenging for window cleaners in the past few years. Traditionally window cleaners have used scrapers to remove debris such as paint, adhesives, or stickers from uncoated glass. This not only applies to the initial cleaning but to subsequent cleaning throughout the life of the window. They dont scratch uncoated glass when properly used. Scraping is still the most practical method for removing certain types of construction debris and sometimes scraping is the only method to get the desired result. When used on the problem tempered glass scrapers may produce fine scratches. Scratched tempered glass has become a major issue in recent years.

FABRICATING DEBRIS: A NEW PROBLEM IN THE GLASS INDUSTRY

Fabricating debris is a quality issue, not a technological one. When glass is produced in a factory properly there is no problem. Fabricating debris consists mostly of tiny microscopic glass chips and glass dust that get baked onto the surface of some tempered glass. These surface defects, also known as glass fines, may create scratches when they are dislodged and trapped by a scraper during window cleaning.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN TESTING FOR THE PROBLEM

Tempered glass scratches caused by fabricating debris have distinct characteristics, not to be confused with other types of scratches. Fabricating debris scratches are typically finer and more numerous than other common scratches. Fabricating debris is not a theory - it's a fact.

POSITION OF THE GLASS INDUSTRY

The glass industry has taken a new position in recent years, since 2004, that scrapers should no longer be used to clean glass. They admit there is a problem with the product.

POSITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WINDOW CLEANING ASSOCIATION

The IWCA advises window cleaners not to accept responsibility for finding fabricating debris on tempered glass.

Fabricating debris is a glass quality issue not a workmanship problem! Sometimes scrapers are the only way to clean new windows successfully! It's best to address this issue before the windows are installed.

THE INTERNATIONAL WINDOW CLEANERS ASSOCIATION on TESTING FOR FABRICATING DEBRIS

The IWCA recommends testing tempered glass for fabricating debris prior to installation. Builders can test tempered glass when it is delivered, or fabricators can test as part of their quality control program.

Random testing of tempered glass for fabricating debris may confirm the presence of fabricating debris, but can not confirm the absence of fabricating debris on a jobsite.

Thorough testing might involve actually trying to cause fabricating debris scratches on each tempered window with a scraper, using bright lights to locate scratches, and then using magnifiers to confirm that they were fabricating debris scratches. This can take hours, and obviously cannot be done if the objective is to avoid scratching the glass.

LETTER from Atlas to home owners with new windows

WAIVER for home owners with new windows

Go to the IWCA website to view all their material on fabricating debris. The IWCA is the International Window Cleaners Association, a respected orgination of business in the window cleaning industry. They have up-to-date information for home owners and contractors to read on the subject.

We love our pets (and we could use some help with those pet odor problems)

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 07:00:00 GMT

One of the most difficult challenges is dealing with urine odor and stains. Our tip in this issue is regarding pet urine odor. Obviously, one can always hire a carpet cleaner which is not a bad idea if it happens once in a blue moon. What if it happens often? That could be expensive.

The following instructions are what I tell my clients to do if they have to deal with pet urine odor.

Get yourself a bottle of a pet urine deodorizing product (a quart or a gallon) such as Nature's Miracle, Simple Solutions, Ikky Poo, etc. Generally, normal carpet stain removers will not remove the odor.
Pour some of it in a spray bottle so it can be applied easily.
If the urine is fresh, remove as much as you can by absorbing it with a towel and then absorb more with paper towels.
Apply a good amount of the deodorizer to the area. Let it sit there for 15 to 20 minutes. This step will remove some of the odor and possibly some of the stain.
Absorb as much as you can with a towel and paper towels.
Now saturate the area with enough deodorizer to keep it wet for 24 hours. You may have to repeat this step.
Then blot it up again with towels and paper towels.

*If you have a home carpet cleaning machine use it after Step 3. If you use it before Step 3, you may push or spread some of the urine further into the carpet. Use it after Step 5 and absorb the area with towels and paper towels.

I wish you the best of luck!

Article written by Elliot Atlas for the August 2009 Atlas Online Newsletter. Sign up for the online Atlas Newsletter for tips, treats, and fun. Sign up to subscribe .

What to do about carpet wrinkles

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 07:00:00 GMT

A carpet that starts to get "wrinkles" isn't necessarily aging. It's an indication that there's too much carpet in an area. The wrinkles don't get smaller or go away. They grow until the problem has been rectified.

Carpet wrinkles can show up in a new or old carpet. Sometimes they show up after a carpet cleaning. According to industry experts there are three main causes of carpet wrinkles. Carpet cleaning is not one of them. If you're wondering why they may show up after a cleaning, think of this comparison. Imagine you bought a new shirt. It looked great the first time you wore it but after it was washed it was very wrinkled This isn't true of all your shirts. Some are prepared to be wrinkle resistant, while others are disasters. Carpeting needs to be prepared to resist wrinkles too. The ones that aren't can develop wrinkles just like your shirt. The main cause of carpet wrinkles is lack of preparation, called power stretching. Properly preparing and maintaining a carpet avoids creating wrinkles. Adding water to a carpet can trigger a pre-existing problem.

THREE MAIN CAUSES OF CARPET WRINKLES

Improper initial installation
Improper moving of furniture
Natural or Normal wear and tear

Improper Installation: When a carpet wrinkles within the first 2-3 years it's likely to be from improper installation. The most probable cause being that the carpet was never "power stretched". New carpet is stiff and should be power stretched. If it isn't then over time the carpet starts to loosen and relax, causing wrinkles.

Improper moving of furniture: Moving furniture frequently by pushing & sliding, without picking it up, or emptying out the drawers to lessen the load, causes stetching. The carpet gets pushed & pulled in ways it wasn't meant to be.

Normal or Natural Wear and Tear: Natural wear and tear means just treating your carpet as it was meant to be. You vacuum it when it's dirty, properly move furniture over it & clean it periodically (yearly for most people). This is the natural way most people care for their carpet. Some people don't realize they need to treat their carpet in this manner.

When you buy a carpet and your salesman tells you that your carpet is guaranteed for life, they usually don't tell you that the life of carpet is said to be 8-10 years ( Based on manufacture warranties). Carpet can last a lot longer than that. So even when you care for it normally, over time naturally the latex on the backing starts to break down. The latex is what keeps the carpet nice and tight. When this happens the carpet loosens and again you get to the point of simply having too much carpet in the room causing wrinkles.

If you have wrinkles in your carpet then it is time to stretch your carpet. When you first notice wrinkles in your carpet you should get your carpet stretched.

THREE REASONS TO STRETCH YOUR CARPET RIGHT AWAY

Delaying the carpet stretching job can lead to permanent damage. It may never lay flat again.
Over time as people step on the carpet and it wrinkles it will start to crack and then rip.
It's easy for people to loose their balance and fall over the wrinkled area.

A carpet repair man can do this by removing the carpet tacks on the ends of the carpet and stretching it out again. Often times it must be cut at the edges to remove the wrinkles. This process can be just as intensive as first installing the carpet depending on whether furniture has to be moved.

What sets us apart regarding our carpet cleaning service

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 07:00:00 GMT

PART ONE

When there are so many carpet cleaning companies to choose from, why choose us? What sets us apart from the competition? 'What Sets Us Apart' will be an ongoing article published in the next few newsletters, to let you know why it makes sense to choose us as your carpet & upholstery cleaners.

The subject I want to address in Part One is why we believe in the superiority of the tools we use. This includes the wand we use on the carpets (photo on right), the stair tool, and the upholstery tool (photo below). I've touted them for years as some of the most potent tools in the carpet cleaning industry. They have the ability to remove more soil than other tools used by the majority of carpet cleaners. In fact, we might be the only carpet cleaning company in Marin County that uses these particular tools.

Many people in the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry, who understand the technology behind my upholstery cleaning tool, believe it to be superior. It really can slice through heavy duty soil. With most tools one part releases pressured solution while another part vacuums up the solution. In our tool the releasing of pressured solution and the vacuuming function simultaneously.The solution comes out and hits and agitates the carpet fibers at the same time the solution & the soil are being vacuumed.

Because of this technology, the stair tool can't be beat at cleaning stair edges (generally, the most soiled parts on a staircase) and can perform very well on the sides of stairs when they start to turn black (soil filtration). Most carpet cleaners will not deal with soil filtration. It's a lot of work and you need the right tool for this particular challenge.

Recently, a carpet cleaning equipment inventor, who I respect a lot and who really put a lot of thought into creating his newly invented wand, wanted me to try it out for a month. He expressed that it would be superior to what I currently use. I told him that I really didn't think so, but I would give it a try. You see, his wand is still based on the same technology that most carpet cleaners use, although I believe his wand is better than most.

Right from the start, before I took it home, I did a side by side test on a soiled rug without using any cleaning agents. My side was brighter. My assistant and I continued to test and compare the performance of these two wands for the next two weeks. We tested on very soiled sections of many different types of carpet using the same cleaning agents. We really did scrutinize the results. After all, if there is something superior to what I use, I want to know about it.

Sometimes the results would look the same, yet it took his wand 7-10 passes to accomplish this while it took my wand 2 passes.

So far, which wand appears superior?

The truth be known, most carpet cleaners will not do 7-10 passes. They may do 2-3 at the most and that would produce an inferior result.

After many trials the results showed that my wand created a brighter looking carpet which of course means more soil was removed. With just two slow passes, my side would be brighter than his side with 10 or more passes.

Again, which wand appears superior?

The cool thing is that after returning the wand and expressing my results to him, the inventor was very open and understood why my wand achieved better results than his. It was because of the particular technology.

I've always said that I would hate it if I had to use what most carpet cleaners use. I've been spoiled and many of you have been spoiled with the superior results.

I LOVE THESE TOOLS!

PART TWO

Part 2 is about the technician, the person performing the work and directing the activity. As I've said in the past, you could have superior carpet cleaning equipment being used by an inferior technician and the result usually could be some piss poor work OR you could have inferior carpet cleaning equipment (like a rental) operated by a highly trained technician, who cares and is proud of his work, do some great work in your home. No matter what kind of equipment he or she uses, the performance of a qualified technician, proves to be the most important part of a successful carpet cleaning equation. There are a lot of carpet cleaning companies in Marin. Most have low to medium quality carpet cleaning techs. Watch out for the slick ads that promise low prices. There is no skill involved in a quick in and out visit. In order to profit they need to clean many homes and limit the time of each visit.

When you hire a large company, you never know who is going to clean your carpets. It's possible that you could have someone trained for only two to three weeks. This person may be getting low pay and not give a hoot whether they see you again. It's very different with an owner-operator like myself because I'm invested in seeing you again, therefore our performance has to be memorable.

Here's a cool little story:

If you've only had your carpets cleaned by a low quality carpet cleaner at a great price, you may think that you have received the best job possible. That makes sense. You never had a high quality cleaning to compare the results to. Well, when I first worked with my assistant over a year ago, he ate at Burger King all the time. He loved it and it's a great price. Then I introduced him to some of the good quality hamburger restaurants (Phyllis's, Pearls, Barney's, Best Burger, and The Counter). They all cost a lot more than Burger King. I believe he stopped eating at Burger King. I'm sure you get my point.

SIX SIGNIFICANT POINTS

The following six significant points are what separates us as technicians (the people who direct the process of the equipment, tools, cleaning agents, etc. and make all the decisions in cleaning your carpet) from those of the other carpet cleaning companies and gives us an edge in producing superior results.

1. Our tools are simply superior. We wrote about them in the last email newsletter (THE TOOLS) and on our website (TOOLS). We, also, know that many technicians out there do not know how to use their tools properly in order to get the best results.

2. We give ALL your carpeted areas a respectful cleaning--even the clean looking areas. Think about it! Do you really like to pay someone to clean your carpets if they short cut you. Believe me if your carpets look pretty good, there's a very good chance that some carpet cleaners will be in and out of those areas pretty fast. The carpet cleaning industry can be full of many illussions.

3. As you may have already experienced (and I know most carpet cleaners do not do this), we try to create the best lighting in each area so that we can detect the most spots and stains, including soil. You see, if carpet cleaners don't do that, they can easily miss many spots. It's amazing how many more spots appear in the correct lighting. The truth is that it takes extra time to do this, yet that's what you have to do to produce a higher quality cleaning.

4. We do what it takes to produce good results even if that means sticking our noses to the carpet to detect odors such as urine, which is not always the most pleasant experience.

5. We will work on what is known as soil filtration stains. Those are the dark areas on each side of stairways. They can be difficult and most (and I do mean most) carpet cleaners will not deal with that.

6. We can work on real super difficult stains that ordinary and good stain reducers cannot budge. That process involves aggressive stain reducers and a steamer. This is usually the last step to take before calling a stain permanent. We know for a fact that not all carpet cleaners do this.

HOPE TO SEE YOU IN THE NEAR FUTURE

AND HERE'S TO GREAT RESULTS!

PART 3

In Part 1 we covered why the tools we use sets us apart from the competition. In Part 2 we covered why the person cleaning your carpet (meaning us) sets us a part from other carpet cleaning companies. In Part 3 we'd like to cover a gift that we give to our carpet cleaning clients that truly sets us apart from the rest of the competition. That gift is the Carpet Confidence Stain Removal System. This system is way more comprehensive than what you would receive from other carpet cleaners. Many cleaners may leave you a spotting bottle. Many may leave you nothing.

This is an extra added value when you use our services. It's FREE and every time we reservice your home, we top off whatever you need. It takes quite a bit of time, energy, and money to provide this extra service. We really like to provide this kind of value. It's to use between cleanings. As a matter of fact, because of this system, we have lost some business. Many of our clients are getting really good at removing their own spots and stains. Now they can delay their regular cleanings.

Not only does this system include instructions, it includes the same spot and stain removers that we use professionally. In other words, for home use, these are fantastic products! If you actually take the time to learn about and use these stain products, there's no reason that you can't be stain free between cleanings.

We give you more than other carpet cleaning outfits (regarding spotting kits) and you get superior carpet stain removal products which are better than anything you could purchase (Resolve, Folex, Oxyclean, etc.)

Again, this is another reason that sets us a part from the competition.

The following is a little blurb from the beginning of a page on our Carpet Confidence website.

The Ultimate Home Spot and Stain Removal System

Our product, Carpet Confidence, puts all other carpet stain removers to shame. This is the Ultimate Home Spot and Stain Removal System and once you try it you'll understand why it's so superior for taking those stains out of your expensive carpeting. This system will keep your carpets stain-free between professional carpet cleanings. This will save you some serious money and will give you the confidence of a professional right in your own home.

Continue reading this page at the Carpet Confidence website.

The Carpet Confidence Stain Removal System for home owners use has been

field tested with my clients for over four and a half years.

PART FOUR

ABOUT OUR CARPET CLEANING COMPETITORS

THE HIGH QUALITY CLEANING COMPANIES:

There are a handful of carpet cleaning companies in Marin that fall into the high quality category. All of these companies use truck-mounted steam cleaning systems. They may be owner-operated (like us) or have a small manageable number of vans with trained operators. Their pricing is around the same as ours (sometimes higher, sometimes a little lower). The one exception is the company with the word "Master" in their name. Their rates are much higher, although the quality of their work is comparable.

There are a few companies that I would highly recommend, if for some reason I was unavailable.

WHAT SEPARATES US FROM THESE FEW TOP COMPANIES:

We are not going to pretend that we know everything about these companies. Some of what we know is from feedback from their prior customers. We just want you to know what makes us a little different and what gives us an edge.

The number one difference is our tools--our floor tool, our stair tool, and our upholstery tool. We know which tools they use. We've done side by side tests. The difference may not be noticeable when a carpet is in good condition, however, it is noticeable on a very soiled and filthy carpet. This is also true for upholstery. These tools help remove more soil, spots, and stains and are simply superior.

Of course, the other factor in removing soil, spots, and stains, are the cleaning agents. Our basic and safe pre-conditioner is a better performer than what most other companies use. When we add a booster to it (needed for highly soiled, spotted, and stained carpets), the performance level just goes up.

Another difference is that when we enter a room, we try to change the lighting in the room, if possible. We do this in order to see soil, spots, and stains more easily, so we don't miss cleaning them. We demonstrate this all the time. It's amazing what happens. What at first appears to be a couple of spots in a room changes under different lighting and 10 more noticeable spots might be revealed!

BOTTOM LINE:

Through this four part article, 'About Our Carpet Cleaning Competitors', we've shared with you our viewpoint on many of the carpet cleaning companies of Marin. These are companies that you could use in the future or might have used in the past. We just wanted to give you a quick education on what's out there. I have tried to keep it neutral. I do have strong opinions because I have researched and thought this all out extensively, while developing my own cleaning service.

We have shared what makes us a little or a lot different (in some cases).

We are not saying we are perfect. There are certainly many glitches that can happen when cleaning carpets and we have had our share. We do our best to deal with these glitches. It's part of being in business.

We have tried to consider certain factors that need to be assessed when choosing a carpet cleaning company. We addressed wet cleanings versus dry and dropping off carpets versus cleaning them at home. We looked at the quality of work and the cost of cleaning. As I stressed, "Most any kind of cleaning method will improve the look of your carpet, but will it be the best cleaning?" We believe in certain circumstances you might need to go with a type of service that we do not offer. If you have a short limited drying time, or need a lot of cleaning for a small amount of money, you might choose another company.

The only type of cleaner we want you to avoid at all cost is the "bait and switch" cleaner. We also want you to watch out for attractive advertising promising special deals and products that are not that special.

If you think these articles were just a sales pitch and that we are trying to convince you to share our view points, please remember this, I sincerely believe in what I say. I believe that our cleaning system, the tools we use, the solutions we clean with are the best that I have encountered up to this point. If I find something better, I will switch what I do or what I use. My objective is to provide the best possible service to the residents of Marin.

Thanks for taking the time to read these articles.

What sets us apart regarding our window cleaning service

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT

In the past four articles, we focused on what sets our Carpet Cleaning Service apart from the competition. We will get back to that in future articles with several more points. In this article, we want to talk about what sets our Window Cleaning Service apart from the competition.

Number One

In 1989, we were the first company in Marin County to offer an economical maintenance plan. It provided a way for people to have their primary windows cleaned throughout the year. We started with hourly visits every month, two months, and three months. Most window cleaning companies don't want to do this. They'd rather clean the entire house once or twice a year and make more money on each visit. I don't blame them. It really is a lot more work and possibly less income. Yet, we believe that we brought a fantastic value to Marin by providing this service.

Eventually, the basic maintenance plan became a minimum two hour visit for every 2 to 3 months. The basic plan now is a minimum of 2 hours every 4 months. Of course, we can come more often and stay longer if you like.

Number Two

We use extension poles with great skill. In many ways this is safer than using a ladder and can make the job go faster and save you money. There may be a couple of other companies that have this skill, although most don't. Most companies use ladders primarily. We use ladders also, yet in conjunction with extension poles.

Number Three

We have very fast window cleaners working for us, which means more value for you. Most outfits may not be that fast. Another company might charge a lower hourly rate but might work at a slower pace. You might not be getting the bargain you thought you would be getting, simply because they will take a lot longer to do the job. All of a sudden, it appears that the cheaper company is not that much cheaper after all. On the other hand, there are outfits that have higher hourly rates than ours, with slower window cleaners and therefore, you lose value. Our men are both fast and efficient.

Number Four

We offer special discounts during different times of the year to all our clients--not just new ones. Plus, every so often, we give away free window cleaning through our contests in our email newsletter.

Number Five

We are the only window cleaning company that has won Pacific Sun's "Best Of Marin / Best Window Cleaners" for 5 Times! This earned us 'Hall of Fame' status. Of course that was thanks to all our clients who voted for us. We appreciate your confidence in our business.

About our competitors and what makes us different

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 07:00:00 GMT

PART ONE

There are so many carpet cleaning companies out there. Who's good? Who's bad? Who'll help you in an emergency? Is there much of a difference between hiring a professional or renting a machine or buying an upright steam machine? Of coarse, there's the obvious fact that you might have to do the work yourself.

As I always tell clients, most any kind of cleaning method will improve the look of your carpet, but will it be the best cleaning? Will your carpets look good in several months or will they look dull in a few weeks?

The competitors that I am covering in this article will remain nameless, although you might recognize who they are. They use a similar method to ours, known as steam cleaning or hot water extraction. This is a wet method of carpet cleaning that can take 12-24 hours to dry, unless it's 80-90 degrees in your house (which of course means a much faster drying time).

THE TWO BIGGEST COMPANIES

The national company that has the orange vans and the Bay Area company that has the black vans.

They're truly the biggest competitors since they both can spend a lot of money on advertising through TV, radio, newspapers, etc. You'll generally get an OK to good cleaning, depending on the technician. Their biggest strength is that they are huge and can handle an emergency or a last minute decision to get the carpets cleaned. Not that we and other smaller companies couldn't handle these situations, it's just that the odds are in their favor. Their strength is also their biggest weakness. They are huge and therefore may compromise in the quality of performance. You just never know which technician they'll be sending. Will it be someone with a lot of experience or someone who has been recently trained? Generally, the technician will not be invested in whether he'll be seeing you again. It's just a job and you're part of a list. Different from that, we are very invested in seeing you again and therefore we are very motivated to give you great service.

For the most part, our rates are similar. Sometimes, both these companies have great specials. Are they really special? How do you know if they just hiked up their base fees? Different from that, we give real discounts. (You can find them in our monthly email newsletter.)

THE NEWEST FRANCHISE

This company has been around for several years. They're heavily advertised on radio. At one point they were claiming chemical free cleaning, which wasn't accurate. Now they are claiming no chemical residue. They use a special powered water and claim to leave your carpet soft, clean, and fluffy. We're not saying that they don't do that. We're saying that they aren't that special. It's marketing. Many high quality carpet cleaning companies, including us, will leave your carpets soft, clean, and fluffy without chemical residue, by way of using special additives in hot and steamy rinse water. They use the word technician instead of carpet cleaner. Again, not that special.

On top of that, it appears that they have these great special rates. A couple of months ago their special discounted rate was higher than our normal rate. There are several eco-friendly carpet cleaning companies out there, including us.

Bottom Line: These three companies are not as special as their advertising claims.

PART TWO

THE "SUPER DUPER PRICED"

OR "BAIT AND SWITCH" COMPANIES:

These companies aggressively market their services by teasing you with a fantastic price. Many of them bait you with a deal so that they can get into your home and than switch the pricing which could end up costing you more than a high quality company would charge. If they can't switch you, than they'll do an inferior cleaning and get out of there as fast as possible.

My suggestion is not to get tempted. These companies are set up this way. They are not good for the carpet cleaning industry. Odds are that you will not like the experience that you will have if you hire a company like this and most likely they are not even from Marin County.

THE LOW PRICED COMPANIES:

There are several low priced companies in Marin. Two of them have the word North in their name. Because of the lower price, they have to serve more clients in a day to make their business profitable. That's part of their business model. What does that mean to you as a client of their services? It means that they will be in and out of your house much faster than a high quality carpet cleaner and the cleaning job may reflect the price. They can do an okay to good job depending on the technician you get and depending on how big a list of jobs they have for that day.

By all means this is okay as long as you know these facts. Even though there might be a significant difference in quality, sometimes a McDonald's burger works and other times a Phyllis' hamburger tastes better.

One of these companies is huge (10--12 Vans) and could possibly be more available for emergencies than a smaller company. They are very aggressive with their advertising. I'm sure you have seen their coupons.

BOTTOM LINE:

That old saying "You get what you pay for" can be true with the above two categories. Like I have said, any kind of cleaning will improve the appearance of your carpets, but is it the best cleaning you could have? Did that company give that clean appearing room a respectful cleaning or did they spend a minimal amount of time on it? How about that filthy carpet? Is it possible that it could have been shades brighter if you had used a quality carpet cleaning company? Did that inexpensive company spend enough time and energy in removing spots and stains? Lastly (depending on how you treat your carpet), if it's not the best cleaning you could get, then how long will that carpet stay clean? Will it look dull in 2-4 weeks?

We will continue with Part 3 in the next newsletter.

PART THREE

THE DRY OR LOW MOISTURE CLEANING COMPANIES:

They use a surface type of cleaning and for the most part the carpets can dry very quickly compared to wet cleaning methods (truck-mounted and portable systems). The operator sprays the cleaning solution on the carpet and basically wipes it dry with a cloth on a rotary machine. This extracts soil and moisture and for the most part, will improve the look of the carpet. The truck-mounted or wet method system sprays the cleaning solution on the carpet and then uses hot steamy water to rinse and extract the soil and moisture. It's a deeper, more intense cleaning, using a great deal more cleaning and rinsing solution. Therefore (and this makes sense) wet cleaning necessitates an increase in drying time, and produces, in my opinion, a brighter carpet and a superior cleaning.

One of the most common complaints with these low moisture systems is that the carpets look dull in two to three weeks. These systems come in handy in commercial buildings where there is heavy traffic everyday and the carpets need to be dried quickly. It can also be handy if the carpets look pretty good or if you are having guests over that evening and you only need a touch up cleaning.

If I wanted to use one of the dry, low moisture companies, I'd use the company with the word "Dry" in it's name. They are a major franchise and they've been doing this for a long time. Their rates are competitive.

There's another company that I know of that has the letters "Oxy" in it. They have low rates and give the appearance of being a good company, although I don't trust them and I don't like their method in cleaning upholstery.

Depending on what you want or need, your choice is either a surface cleaning by a fast drying method (that may not sustain) OR a deep and intensive cleaning buy a slow drying method (this has a better chance of sustaining, depending on the company you use).

"PICK UP YOUR AREA RUG" COMPANIES:

There are several companies in the Bay Area that offer this service. You can either drop your area rug off at their location OR they'll come to your home to pick up your rug. Your rugs usually are returned within 7-10 days. This is a very expensive way to clean your area rugs compared to someone cleaning them in your own home. There are normally three ways a company like this cleans your rug. One way is through big machines. The second way is by hand washing. The third way is by cleaning it exactly the same way your wall to walls are cleaned, except it is done in a warehouse. If you truly want to send your rug out, my suggestion is to make sure it's either cleaned through a machine OR is hand washed. That may be worth the expense. I DO NOT suggest the third way. Many carpet cleaners can do it that very same way in your own home for a more affordable rate. We normally charge $35-$55 for most area rugs. If you sent it out, the cost could range from $150-$500.

BOTTOM LINE:

Regarding the dry cleaning methods--as I have said, any kind of cleaning will improve the appearance of your carpets. This type of cleaning is convenient, though is it the best cleaning you could have and how long will it look good for? Is it worth the gamble if you only clean your carpets once a year or less often? I only recommend this type of cleaning as maintenance and I DO NOT recommend it for filthy carpets.

Regarding sending your area rugs out---is it really worth the expense and the loss of your rug for 10 days, especially when you could have a satisfying cleaning in your own home at a fraction of the cost AND no loss of the carpet?

PART FOUR

THE HIGH QUALITY CLEANING COMPANIES:

There are a few companies that I would highly recommend, if for some reason I was unavailable.

WHAT SEPARATES US FROM THESE FEW TOP COMPANIES:

Of course, the other factor in removing soil, spots, and stains, are the cleaning agents. Our basic and safe pre-conditioner is a better performer than what most companies use. When we add a booster to it (needed for highly soiled, spotted, and stained carpets), the performance level just goes up.

Another difference is that when we enter a room we try to change the lighting in the room, if possible. We do this in order to see soil, spots, and stains more easily, so we don't miss cleaning them. I demonstrate this all the time. It's amazing what happens. What at first appears to be a couple of spots in a room changes under different lighting and 10 more noticeable spots might be revealed!

BOTTOM LINE:

We have shared what makes us a little or a lot different (in some cases).

Thanks for taking the time to read these articles.

Cleaning & Maintaining a Sisal Rug?

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMT

We are writing this in response to several recent calls the questioned posed: Do we clean sisal carpets?

Sisal area rugs are known to be a low maintenance carpeting choice. An authentic sisal has fibers that come from the agava sisalana plant. Natural fibers tend not to absorb dirt. The dirt rests loosely on the woven surface. The downside of a sisal is that it can not be cleaned with a wet cleaning method. It would saturate the fibers with moisture. (Wet cleaning is the method we use.) This characteristic creates a problem when there's a spill and a stain.

Best to check the individual instructions. Each sisal carpet has been treated different.

VACUUMING OFTEN IS THE BEST MAINTENANCE PLAN

The very best way to keep a sisal carpet clean is to vacuum it often. Vacuum in different directions. If something spills on a clean and vacuumed area, there's no dirt to dissolve and make it's way into the fiber.When vacuuming the binding vacuum go in one direction- following the direction of the sewn binding.

DRY CLEANING IS BEST

It is recommended that a dry cleaning process be used such as a Host Cleaning Kit when the sisal needs cleaning.

WHAT CAN ATLAS DO TO HELP YOU OUT?

Sometimes we use the upholstery tool to clean around the edges of the cloth binding of the sisal rug. If you try this yourself, just remember, don't get it too wet and becareful not to suck up the bound edge. So if you maintain your sisal you should be good to go.

TWO PROBLEMS TO WATCH OUT FOR

1. If you let the fibers dry out you might need a little moisture to loosen the fibers. Dried out sisals can have minor bubbling and looseness.

Perhaps the carpet is placed in a sunny spot or the environment is low in humidity.

SOLUTION : You can spray the sisal rug with a light, even application of clean water.

2. If you spill on the carpet with a liquid it may discolor the carpet.

SOLUTION : Time is of the essence. Clean up any spills immediately. Blot out all you can, do not rub, BLOT. Use a minimal amount of water with a small amount of mild soap.

Be careful not to saturate the sisal or you could end up with a stain from dyes in the underlay.

What you need to know about maintaining your rain gutters

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 07:00:00 GMT

Rain gutters and downspouts must be clear of leaves and debris, if not, the outlets will dam up and water will fill the gutters. They can back up and overflow. If left unattended over time gutters can pull away from their mountings. Pools of water can rot wooden gutters and rust metal ones.

You don't appreciate gutters until they don't work, then you realize the importance of having clean gutters. When functioning properly, rain water is rerouted down the surface of the roof, in order to drain it away from the house. You protect siding, windows, doors, and foundations from water damage and help prevent flooding.

Customers inquire as to what is the best time to clean gutters. Here is what you should consider. It doesn't take much to clog the gutters. You might need to clean them more than once each year. You want them clean before the first heavy rain. You might have to clean them again, after the leaves from the trees surrounding your home have finished falling.

Early fall - remove leaves that have fallen early to keep your guttters flowing freely.

End of fall or early winter - you want to make sure everything has been properly cleaned.

Spring - most trees drop seedlings and dead twigs this time of year. It's the best time to inspect your gutters for any damage that may have occured during the winter.

Small Debris and Flow Rates
If gutters don't have a decent pitch, small debris is often left in the bottom of the gutter to clollect. The water flowing down to the downspout doesn't really have enough momentum to clear out this debris.

Gutter Guards
Some of you have gutter guards. They can prevent debris from getting into the spouts. Allow for more cleaning time. It takes extra time to unscrew and re screw them in place.

Hard to Handle Situations
Some of you have drain spouts that lead directly underground. Many can be detached at ground level, in order to reach any backed up debris caught inside. Some have no way of accessing the clog. These can be flushed out and maintained, but occasionally if they're clogged up with immovable debris, we are not equipped to clean these particular downspouts in this situation.

What you can do to keep an eye on the gutters.
You might want to climb up a ladder yourself a few times a year and just visually access the overall conditon of your gutters or you might ask the window cleaners to take a look when they are cleaning the windows. Sometimes there is just one spot that needs overseeing. Elliot goes up his ladder, that he keeps on the side of his home, once a week during the times there are heavy rains. Sometimes you have an oak tree, for example, that is prone to let go of a lot of leaves continually. It only takes a few to stop the water flow.

Hope this info helps keep you on top of maintaining your home.

Three Common Carpet Cleaning Glitches

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 07:00:00 GMT

The following glitches can happen with any carpet cleaning company. We wish we could claim we haven't encountered these problems, yet we can't always escape them.

1. Stains that return

We do try our best to prevent them. We add an additive to our rinse solution to help prevent this. It usually happens because of a liquid spill that rises up to the surface as the carpet dries OR some type of strong residue. Returned stains can be treated with "STRIP"--a product we give to our carpet cleaning clients in the Carpet Confidence Kit. They usually disappear.

2. Browning or Yellowing

Like above, we add an additive to our rinse solution to help prevent this. This can happen in areas that don't sufficiently dry fast enough, especially wool carpets. If you don't know what it is, it might freak you out. Browning can be treated with "STRIP".

3. Footprints, Smudges, Drips

These types of glitches are very difficult to escape. You see, every time we step off a wet carpet onto a floor, the potential for a footprint or a smudge to happen is there. Smudges can happen where the edge of a wall to wall rug meets the floor OR around the perimeter of an area rug (even after making a sincere effort of wiping those areas down). We tell our clients that a quick mopping will remedy this situation.

Drips can easily happen because the equipment is constantly running water through it and just carrying the equipment around the house is potentially problematic. We try our best to prevent this and wipe any drips that we see, but we may miss some.

Regarding footprints, smudges and drips, we'd appreciate you telling us about anything that upsets you so we can improve upon the glitch on your next service call.

We want to know if a glitch appears.

Please don't hesitate to call the office

if a real problem occurs.

Thank you!