At the moment, the United States is in the grip of an unprecedented set of circumstances. Thanks to the unforeseeable spread of COVID-19, population centers throughout the country have been ordered to shelter in place and take precautions to prevent the spread of this new disease.
Among those steps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that every home in the United States be cleaned and disinfected. The CDC recommends a daily routine of hygiene for surfaces you touch continuously, like doorknobs, light switches, kitchen counters, toilets and more. With all that preparedness being emphasized, it’s only natural to wonder about the presence of germs in carpet in South Amboy, NJ.
A haven for bacteria and viruses
Can germs live in carpet? According to some estimates, your carpet can house about 200,000 bacteria per square inch. That makes your South Amboy, NJ carpet roughly 4,000 times more germ-infested than the average toilet seat. What’s more, some of those bacteria, like salmonella, E. coli and others, can be especially harmful to you and your family. Some diseases can even last a considerable amount of time. The norovirus, for example, can survive on carpet for up to 12 days before it dies off.
Even more unnerving, even regular vacuums at the height of their performance fail to remove all of these contaminants.
COVID-19 and your carpets
Though germs in carpet in South Amboy, NJ are relatively common, the good news is that the novel coronavirus COVID-19 isn’t likely to get to you through your bare feet. Though scientists admit that research on the topic is limited due to the fact that the virus is new, COVID-19 doesn’t survive for long on surfaces. The virus can last for up to three hours on hard surfaces (hence the reason for cleaning your doorknobs). On cloth material like carpets, however, the typical coronavirus doesn’t last even that long.
The real danger presented by COVID-19 comes through inhaling particles of the virus hanging in the air. According to the CDC, the odds of contracting coronavirus through contact with a surface are relatively slim. To this point, the disease manifests in the respiratory system as opposed to the circulatory system or the digestive tract. This indicates that COVID-19 is spread through the air.
Give your carpet a little love and care
If you’re worried about germs in carpet in South Amboy, NJ, let Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center come to your rescue. Our locally owned and operated company has proudly offered the extended area with the best carpet cleaning service for more than 70 years. Since we opened our doors in 1948, we’ve remained committed to our clients’ satisfaction.
We specialize in carpet and rug cleaning, floor waxing and buffing, oriental rug cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, drapery cleaning, carpet repairs, carpet re-stretching and more. When it comes to what’s under your feet, we’ll make it sparkle like new. And when you need it cleaned to its highest degree, Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center is here to help.
Find out why so many people throughout the Amboy area rely on Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center for all their carpet and flooring needs. Give us a call today to find out more.
If you own any furniture, you likely know that spills on upholstery should be cleaned as soon as possible so you have the best chance of preventing a stain from setting in. But what about the old stains that you didn’t notice or weren’t able to clean right away? What are the steps you can take to remove those older stains from your upholstery?
Here’s a quick overview of the steps you should take in safely cleaning upholstery in South Amboy, NJ:
Vacuum: The first step is to vacuum the upholstery. You might even find that simply vacuuming the furniture will help you fade the stain away. But it’s also helpful to vacuum so you can keep the fabric in good shape and prevent dust and crumbs from settling into the upholstery, where they will become more difficult to remove. This should always be the first step in dealing with a stain so you can get a sense of just how bad it actually is, and how deep it’s set in.
Read the instructions: Your furniture will have a tag somewhere on it that will contain a full set of cleaning instructions. It might be inside the upholstery covers, or underneath the cushions. There are some pieces that might be able to be cleaned with water, but others might need solvents for cleaning. Whatever the instructions dictate, you should first test on a hidden piece of the upholstery to make sure you’re able to get the cleaning done without doing any additional damage to the surface of the furniture.
Use steam: If your furniture is capable of being cleaned with water, you might first try using steam to loosen up the stain, which can help make it more responsive to the next steps you use for treatment. You can fill up your iron and use the steam button—you don’t have to use a steamer for small stains.
Begin the cleaning process: Follow the cleaning directions provided on your furniture. If you’re using water and a cleaning solution, be careful to blot the stain rather than rubbing it. If you rub or wipe, you don’t necessarily need to worry about the stain setting in deeper any more, but you will start to weaken the fabric, which you absolutely don’t want to happen. If you can’t use water to clean your furniture, you can try vodka or vinegar to blot at the stains. Don’t worry about the smell—it will disappear once the area dries.
Heavy cleaning: If gentle cleaning doesn’t work, you’ll need to use some tougher cleaners. Just make sure you don’t use any particularly abrasive cleaners that could damage your upholstery—if possible, it’s best to find green cleaning solutions that won’t weaken the fibers of the fabric.
Rinse and repeat as necessary: Remove the cleaner and then repeat as necessary if the stain is fading, but still present.
For more information about safe upholstery cleaning in South Amboy, NJ, we encourage you to contact Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center today.
Keeping your carpets clean is important not just for maintaining the carpets and keeping them in good condition, but also for maintaining a healthy home. This is especially true in the winter, when we’re often cooped up inside and unable to open windows. Dirt, pet dander, dust and other debris will build up in carpets, and even if you stay on top of your vacuuming, that’s not going to be enough to keep the carpets truly clean.
Of course, you should also be careful about the kinds of products you use to clean your carpets. This is a little easier if you clean your carpets yourself, but if you work with a professional carpet cleaning company, it’s worth your while to ask what kind of chemicals and products they use in their cleaning processes. Most carpet cleaning companies will try to use mild cleaning chemicals to prevent any damage to your carpet fibers, but there are some that will still use chemicals that could potentially be hazardous to the health of you, your children and your pets.
So, are some of the most common carpet cleaning chemicals in South Amboy, NJ safe? Think again! Here are a few examples of some of the types of cleaning chemicals still occasionally used in the world of carpet cleaning that can be dangerous:
Napthalene: This cleaning solution is designed to quickly dissolve dirt. It is made from coal tar, and is also used in other products as a pesticide that kills off small insects and moths. Exposure to the product can be problematic, as it can cause nausea, vomiting, confusion and liver damage.
Perchloroethylene: This chemical is frequently used in dry cleaning processes, and exposure can result in dizziness, nausea and fatigue. Studies have also shown it can cause kidney and liver damage.
Butyloxy ethanol: This chemical is dangerous because it can get into your body both by coming into direct contact with your skin and by inhalation. It has been connected with liver and kidney damage, among other potentially troublesome symptoms.
When you choose a carpet cleaning company to work with, you should make sure you ask if any of these chemicals will be used. If so, look elsewhere for assistance.
Otherwise, if you’re cleaning your own carpets, it’s important you know what to look for in your carpet cleaning product. The most important thing to look for is a label that specifies the product is certified green and non-toxic. There’s a big difference between “mild” and “non-toxic,” and if you want to get the best cleaning solution that will preserve your family’s health, it’s important for you to not compromise.
You should also look for products that have shorter drying times. If the product remains damp for too long, it becomes easy for bacteria, mold and mildew to set in and spread. This is also why you never want to work with a carpet cleaner who’s going to leave your carpets soaking wet.
To learn more about safe carpet cleaning chemicals you can use and how to select a carpet cleaning company in South Amboy, NJ, we encourage you to contact the team at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center today.
Daily vacuuming or sweeping is a good way to maintain your flooring, but certain types of hard flooring can really benefit from waxing every so often. Waxing is a floor finishing technique that calls for a clear or colored wax—beeswax, carnauba wax or a blend of solvents and synthetic waxes. A thin layer of wax is applied, then buffed away to reveal a shine. Once the solvents in the wax evaporate, the wax hardens into a beautiful, protective seal.
First, you have to select the right type of wax product for your particular flooring material. (If you have a no-wax floor or floors with a urethane finish, then you’ll want to treat them with a water-based silicone polish instead of wax.) The two basic types of floor wax finishes are liquid waxes and solid paste waxes. Liquid waxes are easy to apply, and ideal for linoleum floors and unfinished cork or timber surfaces. Solid paste waxes require more time to apply than liquid wax, but they last longer and provide a deeper shine.
So, what does waxing floors do for your South Amboy, NJ home or business? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits:
Stain resistance: The wax seal increases stain resistance by limiting the absorption rate of spills. This keeps your floors from staining. However, you should still do your best to clean up spills on waxed surfaces immediately.
Extends floor lifespan: When properly applied, wax will create a nice durable layer over the top of your floors. The increased hardiness of waxed floors can prolong their lifespan. These floors, if regularly maintained, have the potential to last years longer than unwaxed floors.
Hides minor imperfections: A good wax job can fade or eliminate the appearance of small imperfections, like minor scratches, scuff marks and dings. Additionally, wax has a knack for diminishing the appearance of grooves and pits in hardwood flooring.
Protects underlying finishes: Wax is a floor’s first line of defense against dirt, dust and spills, because it keeps these substances from encroaching on underlying finishes. Oil, for instance, is one underlying finish that could potentially last longer.
Increases beauty: Vacuuming and wet cleaning your floors keeps surfaces clean, but a clear wax is what creates a shiny look and glossier feel. Colored wax does the same, plus providing a beautiful tint.
Looks professional: Professional establishments and many business environments—such as offices, hospitals, lawyer suites and restaurants—are subjected to a lot of heavy foot traffic. But no matter how often you have your hard floor surfaces vacuumed or wet cleaned, nothing can shine them up like a quality wax application. Waxed floors can provide a more professional appearance, and an indication to clients and customers that you care about cleanliness.
Homeowners and business owners who wish to hire professionals for floor waxing services don’t have to look far. Now that you have a better idea of the benefits of waxing floors in South Amboy, NJ, pick up the phone and call Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center. Our floor cleaning and waxing specialists are waiting to help you!
Several factors determine how often you need to wax the floors in your South Amboy, NJ home or business. Your floor waxing schedule should revolve around the amount of traffic and wear and tear that it goes through on a daily basis. Another factor is the environment of the area where you live. For example, maybe wind blows in a lot of dust, or frequent rainstorms create muddy situations. Dust, mud and more can get tracked inside and onto your hardwood floors, then ground in over time.
Keep your hardwood, stone, tile, laminate or other type of flooring material looking great for years to come with regular cleanings and maintenance, including periodic waxing. Here’s what you need to know about waxing hard floor surfaces.
How often to wax a floor
As mentioned above, there are some factors that will influence your floor waxing schedule, including the amount of foot traffic it is subjected to and the general environment. Your waxing frequency also depends on the type of floor you have. While each type of flooring material has specific waxing needs, the average hard floor should be waxed no more than once every six months, and no less than once every 36 months. Most floor pros recommend waxing every 12 to 18 months as a form of preventative maintenance.
Why you should wax hardwood floors
All types of hard floor materials can benefit from regular wax treatments. Without a good wax layer from time to time, floors will begin taking on a grungy appearance, looking dirty all the time. This may be all you need to hear to consider including it in your cleaning schedule.
The most obvious benefit of waxing your floors is aesthetics. The cleaner your floors look, the more beautiful they appear to guests, visitors, customers or clients. This in turn shows that you care about the cleanliness of your home or business. Waxing is also a simple way to reduce the appearance of minor imperfections in the floor’s surface. The wax makes scratches and dings harder to see, while at the same time adding the kind of shine that can brighten up any room. Another benefit of wax is that it provides a protective top layer—which is especially important for hardwood flooring—and can prolong the life of your floors.
Prepare floors for wax
Before waxing your floors, move all furniture and other objects from the room, then make sure the floor is clean and dry. If dirt on the floor is waxed over, it will remain there forever. Also, this is a process that requires time for cleaning, possible stripping, waxing and setting. Be prepared to not walk on or put anything on the floor for a couple days afterwards.
Thorough hardwood floor cleanings and occasional floor waxing in South Amboy, NJ better ensure you can maintain the aesthetics and quality of your floor. Wax also protects floors from excessive wear and tear that can lead to early floor replacement. Schedule professional waxing service with the team at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center by calling us today!
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