Many households have a tradition of removing their shoes when they enter the home. If you’ve ever been house shopping with a realtor, you may have encountered a “please remove shoes or wear booties” sign by a home’s front door, accompanied by a stack of those blue shoe covers. Are these traditions really necessary? Will shoes harm the carpet if they are left on your feet as you trek across the living room?
As carpet cleaning specialists in South Amboy, NJ, we say yes—it’s best to remove shoes before walking on carpet. Here’s why.
They Track
Think about all the places shoes travel. Who knows what you have stepped on while walking around in your shoes. You don’t want to track these items onto your carpet. Bits of gum, tar and oil are just a few of the things that may be stuck to the bottom of a shoe. If someone walks across your carpet with these items on their shoe, the debris can transfer to your carpet fibers. Once there, they can be nearly impossible to remove. They can cause permanent stains or damage.
They Tear
Many shoes feature abrasive soles. The patterns on the shoes can prove hazardous to your carpet. They can snag or dig into the carpet and cause damage. This may happen in an instant or over time. Either way, your carpet suffers. What were once lush fibers are eventually worn out by shoe travel.
They Grind
Some debris on your carpet is inevitable. However, much of this is easily cleaned with regular vacuuming or service from a carpet cleaning specialist in South Amboy, NJ. That is, unless people walk on it with their shoes. Shoes tend to grind debris into your carpet, making it hard to remove. Bits of dirt that would have come off the fibers with a quick vacuum swipe become pressed into the carpeting by shoes.
Barefoot Isn’t Always Better
Keep in mind, bare feet can also be hard on your carpet. Sweat from your feet will transfer to your carpet, which can also cause damage. The moisture attracts dirt, dust and dander. Over time, this debris will build up on your carpet.
The Solution
To protect your carpet from unnecessary wear and tear, avoid wearing shoes or going barefoot on these surfaces. When inside your home, wear socks, or keep a pair of slippers handy. Storing your slippers by the door makes it easy to slip off your outdoor shoes and slip into something comfortable for indoors. Your feet will thank you, and so will your carpet.
Kick Back and Relax
Whether you want to institute a “no shoes” policy in your home or let your carpet take the risk is up to you. Either way, your carpet cleaning specialists in South Amboy, NJ are here to help. If you need additional carpet care advice or would like professional service for your floors, give us a call, then sit back and enjoy your renewed carpet. We look forward to partnering with you to keep your carpets looking sharp.
Did you change the oil in your car, then fail to remove your shoes before you walked from the garage into the living room? Did you come home from the auto shop and discover you brought a souvenir of motor oil home with you on your shoes? Did you only discover this after you walked through your home? However it happened, you now have a nasty oil stain on your floor. Is it possible to remove this with carpet cleaning in South Amboy, NJ? Here’s the scoop.
Rug Type
You will need to use different solutions depending on the type of carpeting you have. For synthetic fibers, use rubbing alcohol. For oriental rugs, mix one quart of water with five drops of mild grease-cutting liquid soap. For wool fiber, use aerosol brake parts cleaner. It’s also a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning procedures.
Cleaning Process
Gather the items you will need to complete your carpet cleaning in South Amboy, NJ. In addition to the cleaning solution, you will use absorbent white paper towels, a clean, white washcloth, a plastic spoon and a weight (books will do).
With the appropriate supplies on hand, you can begin the process of removing the unsightly oil stain:
Start with your plastic spoon. Use this to scoop up any excess oil that has puddled on your carpet. Do this as soon as possible when you notice the stain.
Fold your paper towel into a square and blot at the stain. Do not rub the stain. Use a blotting motion, working from the outside in. Rubbing the stain will worsen it and make carpet cleaning in South Amboy, NJ much harder and less effective.
When no more oil will come off using your blotting method, switch to the washcloth. Apply a small amount of the appropriate solution to the washcloth.
Be sure to test a small portion of the carpet to confirm the solution will not harm the material. You may want to move a piece of furniture to test it on a piece of carpet that is normally unseen, just in case.
Using the same motion as you did with the paper towel, blot the carpet with the washcloth.
Repeat this process until the stain is removed. You may need to rewet the washcloth with the solution several times.
If the washcloth fails to pick up all the stain, apply some of the solution directly to the stain. Let it stand for five minutes, then blot it dry with a paper towel. Continue blotting until the stain is gone.
If the stain is not completely gone, cover it with a stack of paper towels and place your weight (stack of books) on top.
Let this set for several hours to completely soak up the rest of the moisture and stain, then remove the weights and cloths to let it air dry.
After the carpet has dried completely, vacuum the area.
What If the Oil Is Still There?
If this method does not remove the oil stain from your carpet, contact a professional for carpet cleaning in South Amboy, NJ. The experts at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center are ready to assist you with effective methods to remove stains and restore your carpet to its former brilliance.
If you’re not very familiar with carpet cleaning in South Amboy, NJ, you might not know the importance of pH levels in this process. In fact, you may have thought the only time you needed to be concerned with pH levels was for your pool water. However, if you want long-lasting, clean carpet, this isn’t the case. The pH levels of the cleaner used for your carpet directly affect how well the carpet is cleaned and how long it lasts. Proper pH treatment is essential for desirable results.
What are the correct pH levels for carpet? Following are the top answers you should know to ensure the best treatment of your carpet.
What is pH?
In general science terms, pH indicates how much hydrogen ion concentration is found in a solution. In the carpet industry, pH specifically refers to the acidity or alkalinity of a water-based solution used to clean your carpets.
What is a normal pH level?
Product pH levels range from zero to 14. Ranges from zero to seven are acidic, and readings above seven are alkaline. If a substance has a pH of seven, it is considered neutral. Each numerical step on this scale indicates a substance is ten times more or less acidic than the previous rating. For example, a product with a pH of three is ten times more acidic than a product with a pH level of four.
What pH level should I use for my carpet cleaning?
If you are cleaning carpets dirtied by soil, it is usually recommended that you use an alkaline detergent for your carpet cleaning in South Amboy, NJ. The solution should have a pH of around 10. If the carpet is not heavily soiled, a neutral cleaner (closer to pH level seven) may be more effective and safer to use.
Why does the pH level matter?
Most soils are acidic. To remove them, an alkaline solution works best. If the soil is alkaline (which is less common) it is important to use an acidic solution. The chemical reactions created make the solution most effective for removing the dirt. It is also important to consider the material of the carpet itself. The right type of solution must be used, based on the durability of the carpet. Using the right pH level will best preserve the color, texture and pile of the carpet. Lastly, the type of solution used previously can also affect the best choice of solution. If a previous cleaning method left a residue of alkaline, for example, then an acidic solution can help remove this residue.
Where can I find out more about pH levels for carpet cleaning?
For additional expertise on carpet cleaning in South Amboy, NJ, contact the professionals at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center. Our highly-trained technicians can answer all your questions and schedule your next cleaning. We will apply the appropriate pH levels to ensure the best results for your carpeting. Our in-depth knowledge ensures your carpet cleaning process offers the best return on your investment, for long-lasting brilliance. Reach out to us today!
If your carpet is in poor condition, you may decide to simply live with the imperfections. You don’t believe the flooring material’s issues warrant carpet services in South Amboy, NJ. This could be a costly mistake. When your carpet needs re-stretching, it poses hazards to your safety. Here’s how:
It creates loose corners: You may ignore a loose corner here and there, but it’s inevitable that someone’s foot will find this spot eventually. In short, you loose carpeting is a tripping hazard. Small children, the elderly and those with disabilities are particularly at risk when walking on carpet that needs re-stretching. If you notice your carpet is loose, contact professionals for carpet services in South Amboy, NJ to ensure your home is safe for all.
It creates uneven surfaces: Even if you don’t discover any loose corners, carpet that needs re-stretching presents uneven surfaces. The carpeting is not taught, so lumps and bumps are present throughout the room. As with loose pieces, this poses a tripping or slipping hazard. Traveling over these bumps can cause dangerous falls. It’s best to have your carpet stretched to provide smooth surfaces for safe crossings.
It creates loose threads: Edges or other loose spots in your carpet may start to wear. Loose threads may be present, which can be picked up by children or pets. These can pose choking hazards. Properly stretched carpet holds its shape and stays in place, so it is less likely to shed potentially harmful threads.
It creates additional damage: Having your carpet re-stretched can protect the overall safety of your carpet by preventing additional damage. If someone trips on your loose or uneven carpet, they can cause a tear in the carpet. This will add to the expense of your carpet services in South Amboy, NJ. Protect the safety of your carpet and your wallet by re-stretching your carpet sooner rather than later.
It creates an unhealthy environment: When your carpet features uneven, loose surfaces, it allows soil, dust and dander to settle into areas between the ripples. Your carpet becomes very hard to effectively clean. This creates a dirty environment that can be difficult on those with allergies. It also offers a less-than-sanitary place for little ones who play on the carpet.
It exposes dangers: Carpet that needs to be re-stretched could leave the underflooring exposed. This could contain staples, tacks, nails or other items unsafe for children and pets. It could also leave the padding exposed, which also offers a choking or toxic hazard if consumed. Re-stretching your carpet keeps all of these items properly concealed beneath the flooring.
To keep your home safe, keep your carpet stretched. If you notice that your carpet no longer holds its shape, or is suffering from loose corners or uneven patches, contact professionals for carpet services in South Amboy, NJ right away. Delaying this service will create safety hazards for you, your family and guests. For expert carpet re-stretching, contact the pros at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center. We will re-stretch your carpet and restore your home to the safe environment you desire.
The food is cleared away. The dishes are done. You and your home have recovered from the party. There’s just one thing that remains: the stains on your carpet. You’ve tried scrubbing and screaming, and nothing seems to work. For party stains, try these tips for carpet cleaning in South Amboy, NJ.
General stain removal
To remove stains from carpet, start from the outside of the stain and work your way in. Blot the stain with clean water. Do not scrub. Scrubbing can ruin carpet fibers or push the stain through to the carpet pad. Rinse the stain with water and blot. Repeat this process as needed until the carpet is clean.
Water soluble stains
What did your guests spill on your carpet? If the stain is water soluble, such as colas, alcoholic beverages, milk, ice cream, or gravy, use the following cleaning solution:
¼ teaspoon non-bleach detergent (you can substitute white vinegar)
32 ounces of water
Tough water-soluble stains
Not all water-soluble stains are equal. Some are much tougher to remove from carpet. For stains made by chocolate, blood, mustard, tea, vomit or wine, try this alternative method:
1 tablespoon of ammonia (if the carpet is wool, use mild detergent instead)
1 cup water
Cigarette burns
Use a hard, flat surface, such as a dull knife, to gently rub the carpet pile for cigarette burn removal.
Glue
Use a soft cloth or cotton ball moistened with rubbing alcohol. Press it on the glue stain until thoroughly moistened. Then, gently wipe away the glue. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
Wax or gum
Freeze the gum or wax with ice. Then, use a spoon or other blunt object to shatter the material. Vacuum the pieces immediately and blot the carpet with a towel.
Fat or oil
Place a paper towel over the stain. Using a warm setting, iron the towel. This will pull the fat or oil off the carpet and onto the paper towel.
Nail polish
Use the same solution you would to clean that color off your nails. Dip a rag in nail polish remover and use it to blot the stain away.
Urine
Use white towels to soak up as much as possible. Then, blot the stain with a cool, damp cloth. Use a one-part-vinegar and two-part-water solution to blot the rest of the stain. Then, mix 32 ounces of water with ½ teaspoon of clear, mild, non-bleach detergent and apply this to the stain. Rinse and blot the carpet dry.
To make sure any stain is really gone, call in the pros. They offer industry-leading techniques and tools to permanently eradicate stains.
Don’t let one party ruin the look of your carpet forever. For expert stain removal, contact the experienced team at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center. We offer the carpet cleaning solutions you need for the toughest stains. Reach our professional technicians today to schedule your next carpet cleaning in South Amboy, NJ. We are happy to provide additional tips or arrange for expert carpet care.
Fabric Protection Warranty Plan