Summertime Crafts and Carpeting Don't Always Mix

Summer is here and the kids are going to be home most days, so there is the issue of keeping them busy and entertained. You'll have days at an amusement park or the local city park and you'll have days, like rainy days, that they'll be stuck in the house looking for things to do. They'll only be satisfied with DVD movies for so long, then they are going to get out those left over paints from art class.

You walk in to a room and not only do they have a wonderful masterpiece they've created for you to place on the refrigerator, but they also left somewhat of a masterpiece on the carpet too! Before you explode or faint, BIBO (Breath In, Breath Out) and let American Cleaning and Restoration provide you some tips to cleaning that mess up.

First identify the paint type. Did your little Rembrandt use and oil-based paint or a water-based acrylic paint? What's the difference? Well an acrylic or water-based paint are designed to be water soluble, which if your little artist used paint from an elementary grade, is most likely what kind of paint you have on your carpet. However, if it was an older kid's paint, it most likely is an oil-based paint and will be a little more difficult to remove.

After you have identified the type of paint, read the label on the paint package. While both acrylic and water-based paint mean any non-washable fabric that suffered are probably headed to the rag box in the garage, carpet and furniture may be saved. First, scrape up as much of the paint as possible and blot with an absorbent, clean towel that you don't care about. It’s important to keep the paint stain moist. If the paint has already dried, brush off what you can with a hard-bristled brush. Next, add soapy water or a paint remover and scrape off the remaining paint. Spray the area with water and, with a clean towel, blot with rubbing alcohol.

Keep repeating these steps until the stain is removed. If you have a large paint stain, soak it with water and
lay clean towels over the stain then blot before applying the above method. If the paint stain is from a water-based paint, another solution we suggest is apply soap, turpentine, and water to the stain while still soft. If you don't find the stain until its hardened, use the same brushing procedure described above and then apply turpentine to soften. If the paint stain is wet, do not use liquid paint remover!

If none of these work, give us a call a professional carpet cleaner like American Cleaning and Restoration before you get quotes on new carpet! We have the equipment and products along with experience that will get most stains out.

Clean Your Carpet Naturally

The carpet stain removers you can buy today are petroleum-based solvents that may have chlorine and other caustic substances in them which can be harmful to your children and pets. What you may not realize is that many of your carpet stains can be cleaned with all natural substances like vinegar and water.

American Cleaning & Restoration offers the following list of tips on cleaning those small stains quickly yourself:

Crayons and Glue

There is no doubt that you will find crayon, glue, or gum on your carpet at some point while raising children and you can't always afford to have a professional carpet cleaning service when you find it. Take a toothbrush, dip it in vinegar, then scrub the area. For glue, you will need to mix vinegar with water, heat it up, and use the same process of scrubbing with a toothbrush. For a stubborn stain, you may need to let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing.

Grease

This could happen with the handy husband just as easy as it can with one of the kids. Sprinkle a small amount of cornmeal and let it sit for 5 minutes then vacuum up. Next use the vinegar and water solution described above and sponge the area with the solution.

Chocolate, Coffee, and Cola

With the kids home this summer, you are going to have the spills! A solution of vinegar and water will clean those stains quick and easy. Mix 1 cup vinegar with 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Spray on the area, lightly brush with a toothbrush then blot dry with a clean towel. Just plain water won’t remove coffee or tea spills and dried stains, so it’s best to go back to the vinegar and water process.

Mildew

When there are liquid spills that are allowed to just sit, mold grows. By mixing a ratio of 1 to 1 vinegar and water, treat the area needed and allow to dry. It’s best if you can put the carpet outside to dry. If not, use a hairdryer.

Red Wine

This may be one of the easiest stains to clean! Sprinkle salt on the spot and hold a towel over the area for 15 minutes then vacuum. If there is any residue, mix up a 1 to 1 ratio of vinegar and water, apply and blot with a dry towel.

Once you have got the summer settled down, call a professional carpet cleaning company to do your whole house. Make sure you point out troubled areas and let them know what treatments you used when cleaning the spots.

Nothing Says Clean the House Stronger Than Cat Urine

Nothing Says Clean the House Stronger Than Cat Urine

Cat urine is one of the strongest odors known to mankind. It is also one of the hardest odors to get eliminate. Short of giving the cat away and packing up your belongings to relocate, what can you do? American Cleaning and Restoration has a proven do-it-yourself treatment that takes common household products you already have on hand:

• Baking Soda is the absorbing ingredient you'll find in carpet fresheners and toothpaste. Chances are you've probably got a box in your freezer and refrigerator to absorb those funky, odd smells. Remember that baking soda absorbs odor and it is a natural product that is safe on carpet and safe if Tiger gets hungry too.  Baking soda starts by attracting the odors to it and then it neutralizing them. So if the urine is recent, rinse with cold water and blot it dry with paper towels then apply a generous amount to the area then rub it in as deep as you can. Once it dries, vacuum up. 
• Vinegar is another do-it-all wonder product. Using apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, saturate the area where the cat has urinated. Vinegar is safe on all floor surfaces, so no worries about ruining your carpet or hardwood. In approximately one hour, the strong vinegar smell will be gone taking the urine smell with it.
• Hydrogen Peroxide is a great cleaner if the area is colorfast safe. Test a small section that isn't seen and poor straight peroxide and in about 2 hours you'll know if it is going to bleach the color out. If the color stays, then pour direct over the offending area and let it sit for about 2 hours then blot dry. This isn't as good at eliminating odors as the first 2 suggestions so you may need to repeat the process again.

If all else fails, call a professional carpet and floor cleaning service like American Clean and Restoration. We can provide you an estimate over the phone and schedule your service for you. Our work is guaranteed, so if the odor does return, just give us another call! 

Give A Baby Shower Gift That Gives to the Whole Family!

Congratulations! You just heard you are going to be a new Aunt or Uncle! Or maybe a new grandchild is on the way. Maybe it's your best friend from college that's having a baby. Regardless, congratulations are in order all the way around! Now, the fun of planning a baby shower is in order and the parents-to-be are going to register for the things they'll need and the things they'll want for this new bundle of joy that will be here soon.

There are the usual “big” gifts like the car seat, crib and high chair. Then there are bottles, multitudes of cute outfits or pacifiers and toys. The little kits that come with the baby lotion, baby powder and baby oil are always present at any baby shower and much appreciated by the parents-to-be, but you want to give something different, something that will be remembered forever and that maybe the whole household can benefit from and enjoy.

Consider a gift of carpet and floor cleaning for the parents-to-be! It won't be tomorrow or the day after the baby comes home, but in pretty quick time, that new little person will be crawling around on the floor and there is nothing more important than to have deep cleaned carpets and steamed cleaned floors for them. No parent wants their new baby crawling around on a floor that has been spilled on and walked on! There is no telling what is in the cracks and fibers that aren't good for a baby!

Not only will this gift stand out above the others, but it will be remembered for years to come by the parents-to-be and all the other guests at the baby shower. It will also be enjoyed by the parents-to-be, and for all the visitors when they come to call and see this new arrival.

Is Water Damage That Important To Fix?

When your home is victim of a flood, the water damage can be costly if the water is cleaned up correctly and quickly. Doesn't matter if it is from a natural disaster such as storm damage or from a leaking pipe, overflowing bathtub or washer, if the water doesn't get cleaned up thoroughly, the damage it can cause will be expensive.

Man-made or natural tragedies that involve water cause dampness, moisture and wetness that when left to “dry out” on its own will start to mildew and begin to grow mold. Mold is made of microscopic organisms that produce enzymes. While mold is good in some cases such as the decomposition of leaves, plant debris and wood as well as found in some foods such as cheese and medicine such as penicillin.

However, when mold settles in your home, it is very common for those living in the house to suffer from allergies and headaches. Symptoms such as diarrhea, disorientation, dizziness, nausea and rashes are common as well. Even asthma and chronic fatigue have been associated with mold borne from water damage.

To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to have a professional company with experience to come in and clean up the water. They will have all the equipment, tools, knowledge and skills as well to get all the dampness up.

Don't Be Afraid Of Bamboo Floors!

Bamboo has become a popular choice for flooring. The durability it provides makes for a smart choice in busy homes with children and it is eco-friendly. However, they do take some care in cleaning and maintaining them to make sure they last you for years:

1. Every day clean with a dry, soft mop to pick up dirt and dust. When left alone, those tiny particles will
scratch the flooring.

2. A busy home, such as one with children and a lot of traffic, should be vacuumed twice a week.

3. A weekly cleaning with a plain water dampened mop is recommended after vacuuming.

4. Monthly, damp mop with a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon of warm water.

5. Light scratches can be removed with wax sticks which are available in many colors.

6. Use fine steel wool to remove stains from pets and water. Best if cleaned up immediately of course.

7. A dry rag and past wax will remove shoe scuff marks.

8. A rag dipped in mineral spirits will remove grease or oil stains.

9. Gum stuck on the floor can be removed by laying sheets of paper towel and an ice pack for 15 minutes.
The gum will come up with a plastic spatula and a rag with mineral oil will remove any residue.

10. Crayon marks are easy to remove with paste floor wax.

Keep Your Carpet Clean and Healthy

To keep your home's carpet clean, keeps your home healthy. American Cleaning & Restoration would like to offer a few suggestions to help you do just that:

Clean Any Spills Immediately: No matter what the spill or how small the spill, clean it up immediately. When things are allowed to sit, they soak through the carpeting and to the padding not to mention they can leave stains. It is much easier to clean up spills as soon as they happen by using a damp to dry cloth and blot. Then rinse with clear, warm water and blot again until the residue of the spill disappears.

Vacuum Regularly: One of the best things you can do for your carpet is vacuum it on a regular routine. The longer in between vacuuming allows more and more tiny particles to fall and get pressed deep into the fibers. The best vacuum is one with a rotating brush that agitates the carpet fiber. Be sure to change out the filter often or empty the canister after every use.

Use Quality Carpet Service: Remember the old saying, 'You get what you pay for'? Well that applies to carpet cleaning services. You may think you are getting a great deal for 3 or more rooms at one low price, but are your carpets really getting cleaned properly? Your carpet is a major investment; don't start compromising with cheap cleaning services.

With these 3 simple tips, your home's carpeting will last for years and give you the beauty and comfort you want!