Carpet Cleaning Bundaberg

When it comes to home carpet cleaning, there are a number of options that you have today. Carpet steam cleaning and hot water extraction and Dry Cleaning are three of the options that you have. Below is an explanation of the two methods:

What’s The Difference Between The Three?

The temperature is one of the differences between hot water extraction and carpet steam cleaning. In order for the carpet to be steam cleaned, the temperature must be high enough to produce a gas. The temperature of the water in the machine must exceed 102 or above degrees Celcius in order to produce steam.

Hot water extraction simply requires that hot water be used. The temperature of the water does not have to reach the boiling point max temperature should be around 75 degrees Celsius any hooter my shrink the carpet or cause delimitation which is the backing pulling away from the strands and warping. There may be visible steam used during hot water extraction. However, it is really nothing more than just really hot water.

Dry carpet cleaning involves the use of specialized machines to clean carpets with recently developed chemical technologies that permit no-moisture or “very low moisture” (VLM) cleaning, resulting in carpet beautification, and removal of stains, dirt, grit, sand, and allergens. Clean carpets are recognized by manufacturers as being more visually pleasing, potentially longer-lasting and probably healthier than poorly maintained carpets Carpet cleaning is reportedly widely misunderstood, and chemical developers have only within recent decades created new carpet care technologies. Particularly, encapsulation and other green technologies work better, are easier to use, require less training, save more time and money, and lead to less re-soiling than prior methods.

There are also differences in the carpet cleaning methods. The carpet fibers are rinsed after hot water extraction is performed whereas there is no rinsing if steam cleaning is used. Rinsing helps remove the detergent and prevents re-soiling.

Did you also know that your Carpets should be dry with in 2 to 4 hours after they have been cleaned if they are not they you should be called back to re suck the extra moisture to help them dry and to prevent problems from occuring

Which Method Is Preferred By Local Carpet Cleaners?

Both of these methods are effective for home carpet cleaning. However, steam cleaning is typically only used on synthetic carpets. Steam cleaning can remove tough stains on synthetic carpets. It can also deeply clean the carpet.

Hot water extraction is better for carpets that are made out of natural fibers. Steam cleaning can cause the carpet fibers to shrink. However, this is less likely to happen if hot water is used.

Many carpet manufacturers recommend that hot water extraction be used if the carpet is made out of natural fibers. One of the many benefits of hot water extraction is that it can effectively clean carpet without using a lot of detergent. Heavy use of detergents can actually cause the carpet to re-soil more quickly.

Keep in mind that some people will use the terms hot water extraction and steam cleaning interchangeably. If you are unsure about what method is being used, then you should ask your carpet cleaning company.

If you need local carpet cleaners, then we can come and clean your carpet. Contact us today.

Which Cleaning Method Is Best for my Carpets

Technology has changed. Sustainable Carpet Cleaning is here!

 

If you are looking at this page you simply want to know what’s best for you and your carpet.

The good news is that new technology has revolutionized the carpet cleaning franchise industry with a new, ultra efficient cleaning system.

This new system is called Sustainable Carpet Cleaning also generically known as encapsulation cleaning, and is the latest and highes quality carpet cleaning equipment technology available anywhere in the world!

ACCI members have been using it since its introduction into Australia in 2003. The main advantages of this system is that it ticks all the environmentally compliant boxes when compared to traditional methods such as hot water extraction (steam cleaning).

Not only is it the most environmentally compliant  compared to any other cleaning method but it is also the most efficient.

The really nice thing for consumers is that 90% less water is used and therefore carpets dry faster.  In addition the machinery required is very quiet and does not create toxic waste water to dispose into the drains.

Because it eliminates sticky detergent residues, oils and sugars, carpets now stay cleaner, softer, brighter and longer than ever before.

If you are looking for the best cleaning method then make sure you find an  ACCI member who has passed our strict carpet cleaning certification process in the Sustainable Cleaning System to clean your carpet. ACCI is the only training organisation in the carpet cleaning industry to have genuine Green Certified Technicians.

Spills and Stains

Spotting Chart

One of the most crucial areas of carpet maintenance is the immediate removal of spots and spills when they occur. Acting quickly is the key to success when anything is dropped or spilled and always having the necessary cleaning materials at hand is of the utmost importance. Follow our spot & spill removal guidelines by scrolling to:

Alternatively please refer to an ACCI Certified Technician for professional help.

DETERGENT SOLUTION : Mix one teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid (containing no bleaches or strong alkalis) and one teaspoon of white vinegar with 500ml of warm water (not hot). This solution must be rinsed well with clear water.

LAUNDRY DETERGENT : One teaspoon in 250ml of warm water

AMMONIA SOLUTION : Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with 100ml of water. Once stain is removed the carpet must be neutralised with the vinegar solution. Apply, blot and rinse. Wool and treated nylon carpet (ie, Stainmaster, Scotchgard etc) are adversely affected by ammonia. Substitute with No. 2 on chart.

VINEGAR SOLUTION : Mix 100ml of white vinegar with 200ml of water

SOLVENT : A volatile dry cleaning solvent such as Murlex (available at grocery or hardware stores) or white spirit. Use on dry carpet only.

Type of Treatment: 4. Solvent (only on dry carpet) 8. Clear nail polish remover (no lanolin) 12. Mineral Turpentine
1. Cold Water 5. Chill with aerosol freezing or ice cubles in plastic bag 9. Alcohol (eg. Isocol, surgical alcohol) 13. Ammonia Solution
2. Detergent Solution 6. Vinegar Solution 10. Rust remover 14. Clear household disinfectant
3. Laundry Detergent 7. Warm Water 11. Vacuum 15. Baking Soda, scoop up and vacuum

DO NOT SCRUB OR RUB as it can cause permanent pile distortion………Scoop up solids before cleaning

……….Blot up as much liquid as possible using a clean white towelling cloth (nappy / face washer) or white paper towel.

………..CLEAN. Refer to the spot removal chart (above). Apply spot removal agent/s to clean white towel. Do not apply directly to the carpet.

…………RINSE with cold or lukewarm water only. WARNING: Do not saturate

…………BLOT dry with absorbent material such as white paper towelling or use a cool fan to complete drying.

The most important maintenance step is proper vacuuming. Regular & thorough vacuuming at least once a week and more often in heavy traffic areas will remove soil & dirt particles before they become embedded in the pile of the carpet. Remember you cannot over-vacuum & vacuuming should begin the day the carpet is installed. Frequent vacuuming is a carpet’s best friend.

How Often Should I get My Carpets Cleaned

How Often Should I Have My Carpets Professionally Cleaned?

There isn’t a one-size fits all answer as to how often you should have your carpets cleaned professionally. It all depends on the individual household and its occupants. Taking good care of your carpeting with deep cleaning extends the life of the flooring.

Carpet Warranties

Most carpet manufacturers warranties stress the importance of having carpets cleaned once a year with a steam cleaner or hot water extraction. If you have a warranty, follow the cleaning schedule on it for best results.

Children

The more children that reside in a household usually equates to more spills on carpeting. A large family also means a lot more foot traffic in the living areas of a home, which tend to break down the carpet fibers. Families with kids should have the carpet cleaned approximately every 9 months, but more often if you can visually see many stains on your flooring.

Pets

Pet hair falls deep into your carpet fibers so that you may not even see them. Young or old pets may have bladder problems and make stains on the flooring. In addition, pets go outside and when they come back inside dust and debris travels on their paws and enters the carpet fibers. Homes with pets should have the carpet professionally cleaned about every 6 to 12 months.

Family Size

Homes with only two adults in them that are gentle on the carpet can go as long as two years before needing professional cleaning.

Cleaning Tips

Some cleaning tips can help extend the time between professional steam cleaning.

Regular vacuuming as often as possible helps extend the life of carpet. Use a vacuum with a larger motor and a good filtration system for best results.

Deep Cleaning Advantages

Professional cleaning also provides a fresh scent to your home by removing odors in carpet. It also promotes the health of family members by removing allergens, dust, and dirt while extending the life of your flooring.

If you’re looking for professional carpet cleaners, from commercial carpet cleaning to home carpet cleaning, contact Country care Carpet Cleaning and Pests Bundaberg today.

Streaky Floors Bundaberg

Recently I was talking to a lovely lady from Bundaberg.  Her and her partner own a Local Bundaberg Business. Hygiene and cleanliness is a very high priority for them. She asked me a question we’ve been asked literally thousands of times. She said, “We have used everything we know to use and just can’t get our floors to look clean, especially in the busy parts of the floors where people walk… heeeelp!”.

At Country Care Carpets and Pests Bundaberg we hear about cleaning problems like this all day every day… and other problems like…

• My floor is streaky…

• My floors always look dirty…

• Is my floor really clean and hygienic?

• My floor is dull…

• My floor is greasy…

• My floor takes too long to clean…

• My floor gets dirty really quickly…

Don’t worry, there is an answer.. and Country Care Carpets and Pests loves to help.

If you’re having trouble cleaning your floor you’re not alone… it’s an epidemic!

To help Carol out I asked some questions to try and understand her problem a little better. After all, you can’t recommend a solution without knowing all the facts first. I asked her questions like…

1. How often are you cleaning the floors?…because the best cleaning chemical and procedure won’t work if they’re not used regularly enough.

2. What cleaning chemicals are you currently using?… because the right cleaning chemical at the right dilution is essential.

3. How often are you changing the mop water?… because floor cleaning can quickly become dirt spreading if the mop water is not changed often enough.

4. What mop or floor cleaning machine are you using?… because how you clean really does matter.

5. Are you wanting an everyday cleaning solution or do you need a heavy duty solution to get the floor right first?… because sometimes a shock treatment or initial heavy duty clean is needed before a good everyday cleaning process will be effective.

6. Is there a floor sealer on or in the surface? and has the floor been sealed lately?… because we want to be sure a cleaning procedure won’t affect any floor sealers or coatings you have paid good money for. Or maybe the floor is getting difficult to clean because it needs to be sealed or resealed.

7. Is the floor streaky after cleaning?… because on surfaces like marble, timber, vinyl, ceramic and polished porcelain this can be especially frustrating…. it’s most commonly a sign of existing residues (eg. from cleaning chemicals) on the floor or in the grout lines.

8. Do you find your floor is getting dirty fast after cleaning or where people walk?… because this is often caused by the wrong chemical or too much chemical being used.

9. Are you doing the cleaning yourself or does someone else do the work for you?… because sometimes people want to blame problems on external factors and not take responsibility and more care for their own quality of work.

Asking these questions gave me a better idea of what was going on and how we might help. There’s always a reason why problems exist and our job  is often to identify the problem so we can provide a solution.

What are the common causes of problems when cleaning floors?

There is a fantastic article well worth reading called… Streaky Floors? Do You Make These 7 Mistakes When Cleaning Your Floors?

Here’s a summary of the 7 mistakes to avoid in that article. Are you…

1. Using the wrong chemical?

2. Using too much chemical?

3. Using a dirty mop?

4. Using dirty mop water and not changing the mop water regularly?

5. Residues on your floor you didn’t even know about?

6. Over-wetting when cleaning?

7. Poor soil recovery?

So what’s the answer? Here’s 6 steps to get you started.

Let’s start heading in the right direction and beat the streaks.

1. The right chemical

Use a product  as your everyday super cleaner and do not keep changing chemicals or skimping on the price use a chemical  that is right for you

Be sure to use the right amount of cleaning chemical concentrate. No more and no less

If required, for a once off initial clean use Bonza heavy duty cleaner with a scrubber, then recover the solution with a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. Then repeat the process with just water as many times as needed to ensure any residue is gone.

If you do this remember to thoroughly wash or even better, replace all your mop heads and cleaning tools before restarting your floor maintenance program.

2. The right mop

Use a great damp mopping system incorporating high quality microfibre like the  microfibre mop system.

3. Use clean water. Less water. Go damp or dry.

If you’re using a wringer mop, replace your mop water regularly.

Or don’t use a wet mopping system at all… go damp, you’ll love it! Cleaning with more water does not give you a better clean. Use as little water as possible. This will reduce streaking and watermarking issues. Cleaning damp or dry also means floors will dry faster after cleaning. And that’s great for safety.

4. Stock up on replacement mop fringes and keep swapping the dirty ones out.

On well maintained floors it’s not uncommon to see 20-50 different replacement mop fringes used in a shift. That’s right! When the mop gets dirty or an area is completed the mop is placed in a laundry bag and a new one gets used. This stops residues getting spread over large areas, it’s more hygienic and means you actually remove far more soil. Most floors where there are cleaning problems are using one or two mops. Unfortunately, regardless of how often you change the water and wring the mop out you’re doing more dirt spreading than cleaning. Overtime this leads to dirt and residue build ups.

5. Clean more regularly

This is possible without extra cost or time. When you start cleaning your floors damp or dry the cleaning process becomes faster and more convenient. You could clean several times a day instead of once a day. With damp or dry microfibre floor cleaning there are no buckets to fill, chemicals to dilute, pack up is quick etc. If you’re cleaning dry, grab your mop and just go for it.

6. Still got problems?

If you continue to have streaking and dirty floor problems a restoration clean may be required where machine scrubbing and vacuum extraction will be required.

Remember that if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting the same result. When you next clean keep this in mind. These 6 steps may mean a completely different way to clean for you. You might be thinking, “That won’t work”. Don’t be afraid to try something new. The answer for cleaning your streaky, dirty floors is just around the corner.

There is always a reason for streaking and dirty floors…

Sometimes it’s one thing, other times it’s many things that contribute to floor cleaning problems. If you eliminate the problem which causes streaking or soil build ups, the solution becomes very clear. But be patient with any solution you try. Look for continual improvement, don’t give up if there is not an instant result.

Streak free Windows

Here’s How To Avoid All Types Of Streaks When You Clean Windows With A Squeegee

Streaks! The one true bane of anyone who has ever cleaned a window. Don’t let them beat you. Streaks can be stopped.

Even the best window cleaners experience streaks and smears on the job when using a window squeegee. No need to worry though. A little bit of preparation and know-how will fix the situation.

What kind of streaks do you get when cleaning windows? We’ve listed 5 common types of streaks and how to solve them once and for all.

An obstacle that can be overcome

The bad news is that streaks are a reality. They happen and it’s frustrating. The good news is that streaks are totally avoidable as well. All it takes is a few precautions and a few careful considerations while cleaning. The best window cleaners know just how to go about cleaning without streaks. And now you can do the same.

Avoid streaks of all shapes and sizes

The shape and size of a streak can tell us a lot about it. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide that covers the most common streak types and action steps to solve or avoid them.

1. Straight Line Streaks

This can occur when the squeegee moves across the glass or in the downward direction. You can avoid this by…

• Wiping the squeegee rubber dry after each pass

• Using light pressure on the glass

• Keeping a base distance of around 7cm

• Replace the squeegee rubber often (Rubbers steak when they have a nick, are damaged or are just worn out)

• Clean immediately after you wash the glass

• Use an appropriate amount of detergent

• Ensure the rubber is fitted properly

• Ensure the rubber is high quality

• Ensure the squeegee channel is straight not bent or bowed.

2. Wobbly Or V-Shaped Streak Lines

You can avoid v-shaped or wobbly streak lines by:

• Keeping an even pressure on the squeegee

• Keeping a base distance of around 7cm

• By keeping the squeegee in contact with the glass surface all the time

• Using a smaller sized squeegee

• Cleaning immediately after you wash the window

• When cleaning curved or undulating glass use a smaller squeegee.

3. Streaks That Appear At The End Of The Cleaning Action

At times, you may see streaks that appear when you’re just about finished a pass or a swipe on the window. You can avoid them by:

• Keeping the leading edge of the rubber in line with the detergent solution

• Wiping the squeegee dry after each pass

• Creating dry zones around the edge of the window frame

• Not using excess solution

• Ensure that the rubber is fitted properly

• Ensure you cut the edge effectively and create a dry zone.

4. Streak Lines That Look Similar To Your Squeegee

This particular problem can catch you by surprise. To avoid streak lines that are as big as your cleaning tool, you must:

• Move your squeegee across the surface at a smooth, consistent speed. Do not start and stop during a single pass.

• Start cleaning from the dry zone that you have created around the window frame and not from the frame itself

• Work in a systematic manner and don’t rush the job.

• Do not place a wet squeegee on dry glass.

5. Drips And Other Problems

Drips and excess moisture around the window is another problem that needs to be taken care of. Here’s how:

• Use less water closer to the frame

• Create dry zones around the frame

• Wipe off the drips with lint free cloth

It’s not possible to cover every possible problem, cause, and solution, but you will see from this guide that most problems have common causes. Prevent them and the problems will be fewer. And that means faster, better, and more profitable results.

We’re all human. We will never be perfect but with good advice, the right equipment and plenty of practice, if you haven’t already, you can master the art of using a window squeegee.

Vacuum Cleaner

Which Vacuum Cleaner Floor Tool Is Right For You

Did you know that when a vacuum cleaner is not quite doing the job it’s not always the vacuum cleaner’s fault? Little thought is often given to the type of floor tool used on the vacuum cleaner wand. Turns out that little fitting has a lot to do with how quickly and effectively you can vacuum your floor. Choosing the right one can make a huge difference. They are easy and inexpensive to buy too.

So what are your floor tool choices and what works best where?

Whether you call them vacuum feet or tools it doesn’t really matter. You just want one that fits, works well and won’t damage your floor surfaces. Here’s our top 4 recommendations…

1. Standard Dual Purpose Vacuum Floor Tools

• Great on carpet and hard floors. They will most often have wheels or brushes underneath so the bottom of the floor tool won’t scrape along the hard floor surface.

• Some of these tools have a pedal to switch between carpet and hard floor mode. This pedal or button retracts the brush for carpet and puts the brush down for hard floors. You just have to remember to push the button before you move to a hard floor area or you may scratch the surface.

• Most vacuum cleaners when they are purchased come with this type of tool.

• This type of tool is inexpensive to buy and easy to replace when your old tool is worn out.

• It’s best not to wait for your tool to completely wear out before replacing because they can do damage to a floor surface.

• Vacuum manufacturer’s don’t tend to cover this item under their machine warranties because they class it as a wear and tear item. Floor tools will last if you treat them well but if you bang them around they will break from time to time. Some floor tools treated badly may only last for a single use up to 3 months of use. Other floor tools treated well will last much much longer.

2. Specialty Hard Floor Vacuum Tools

• Some floor tools are made just for hard floors. Specialty hard floor tools used in dry areas usually have brushes and sometimes wheels too. Tools designed for wet areas will have squeegees and sometimes have wheels also.

• Specialty hard floor vacuum tools usually don’t work that well on carpet.

• Whether it’s by brushes, wheels or microfibre attachments these tools are designed not to scratch floor surfaces like polished timber and marble.

• High quality hard floor tools will often have replaceable squeegees or brushes so you don’t have to get a new tool every time those parts wear out.

3. Turbohead Floor Tools

• Great on carpet and hard floors. Most Turboheads are only suitable for carpets so if you want to use a Turbohead floor tool on hard floors be sure to choose one that has wheels so the bottom won’t scrape along the surface.

• The brush in the floor tool is turned by the airflow of your vacuum cleaner to deep clean surfaces. The more powerful your vacuum the better the brush turn will be.

• Cleans deep into the pile of carpets.

• Good for removing dirt, dust, pet hair, allergens and even dust mites.

• There are no cords or motors.

• Very lightweight and easy to change on and off the wand.

• It’s an easy way to clean faster and better.

• A Turbohead is cost effective, high productivity tool.

• Great for pre-vacuuming before professional hot water carpet extraction or dry cleaning.

• Hair and strands will get caught on the brush which will need to be cleaned from time to time. A pair of scissors can help remove the wound up hair. If you don’t remove the build up, the brush will stop turning properly and the tool will wear out faster.

4. Powerhead Floor Tools

• Very effective for vacuuming carpet and much more powerful than a Turbohead floor tool.

• A motorised brush beats and deep cleans the carpet fibres.

• Excellent for removing dirt, dust, pet hair, allergens and even dust mites.

• The roller brush is powered by a motor in the tool.

• A cord runs from the machine down the hose and wand to the tool to provide power.

• Much heavier than a Turbohead and more difficult to change on and off the wand if you want to switch tools.

• Not very efficient for vacuuming stairs.

• Powerheads don’t fit all vacuum cleaner machines as they require a power outlet on the machine to work.

• Great for pre-vacuuming before professional hot water carpet extraction or dry cleaning.

• Hair and strands will get caught on the brush which will need to be cleaned from time to time. A pair of scissors can help remove the wound up hair. If you don’t remove the build up, the brush will stop turning properly and the tool will wear out faster.

Don’t forget this when you get your next vacuum floor tool

Remember the floor tool neck size you require. That’s the inside diameter of the neck of the vacuum floor tool. The most popular floor tool neck size at XO2 is 32mm but 38mm and 35mm are sometimes required for particular vacuum cleaner wands. There are a few other odd sizes out there too just to make things a little more difficult.

There’s lots of floor tools to choose from. When it comes to vacuuming there are many possible floor tool – vacuum cleaner – floor surface combinations. That’s why the best floor tool is the one that works for you. So if you’d like to improve your vacuuming perhaps try something new. It could save you a lot of time and money.