Summer is over and the holidays will soon be here, which means now is the perfect time to schedule your carpet cleaning in South Amboy, NJ. The only question is, should you dry clean or steam clean your carpets?
Welcome to the old debate: dry clean vs. steam clean. Dry cleaning methods use chemical-based dry shampoo that includes special solvents and cleaning agents. This dry shampoo is worked into your carpet using a machine with rotating brushes. After the solvent is left to sit in your carpet for a few minutes, it is vacuumed up. With steam cleaning, the carpet is pre-conditioned with a cleaning agent that liquefies soils and oil-based substances. Then, water that is pressurized and heated to a near-boiling point is injected into the carpet and, after a few minutes, removed with a special vacuum.
Steam cleaning is the more traditional form of carpet cleaning, the most widely used, and is recommended by both carpet manufacturers and industry cleaning experts. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that dry cleaning isn’t effective as well. So let’s take a closer look at these two methods on a few important points:
Effectiveness: Both dry cleaning and steam cleaning appear to clean carpets really well – on the surface. If you take a closer look, however, you may see something different. Steam cleaning is the only method of cleaning that reaches all the way down to the lowest layers of your carpeting and is best for removing deep, ground-in stains. In fact, steam cleaning removes at least 97 percent of dirt, allergens and bacteria hiding deep in your carpeting. Although dry cleaning looks clean on the surface, dig a little deeper and you will find that it leaves a lot of dirt behind, and deep stains often reappear shortly after cleaning.
Wait times: Both dry and steam cleaning processes take about the same time to clean your carpet. The difference is how long you have to wait after cleaning before you can walk on your carpet. In this category, dry cleaning is the better choice. You can walk on a carpet that was dry cleaned within a few minutes. With steam cleaning, you may have to wait anywhere from a few hours to the next day for the carpet to completely dry.
Safe cleaning: Both methods typically use chemical-based cleaners, whether in powder or liquid form. However, most companies can offer green carpet cleaning options as well for both methods. The only difference is that steam cleaning removes about 97 percent of the cleaning solution while dry cleaning can leave a lot of chemical residue behind.
So, which cleaning method is best for you? Well, if you want a fast surface clean so you can use your room again right away, the dry cleaning method is your best option. But if you want a safe, effective and deep clean, steam cleaning is the only way to go. To schedule your next steam carpet cleaning in South Amboy, NJ, get in touch with Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center today!
Most of us benefit from carpet every day, but rarely do we stop to think where carpet comes from, and how it became the widespread flooring product it is today. With that in mind, we’ve prepared a miniature history lesson for you on the growth of the U.S. carpet industry.
The beginning of the U.S. carpet industry
The U.S. carpet industry began by simply borrowing the techniques and machinery of the British carpet industry. In the time immediately following the Industrial Revolution until nearly the beginning of the 20th century, carpet flooring in South Amboy, NJ was a necessity for most homes, as the floors were often made out of such unsightly materials that they couldn’t be left uncovered. Today’s varnished hardwood wasn’t really a popular flooring option until the second half of the 19th century.
Initial growth of the industry (Industrial Revolution to 1920s)
Early on, carpet production was expensive, because carpets were hand loomed and woven of relatively expensive wool. Even so, by 1850 the United States was weaving more than 8 million square yards of carpets and rugs per year. When the carpet industry adopted power looms in the 1870s and developed less costly materials from which to construct their carpets, production really took off, quickly growing from 20 million square yards in 1870 to 83 million square yards in 1923.
Decline of the industry (1920s to 1950s)
Despite this growth and relatively steady demand, the U.S. carpet industry was not really able to compete with imports from the U.K., which led to a steady decline of the industry in the U.S. from 1920 to 1950.
The resurgence of the U.S. carpet industry
In the 1950s, the U.S. carpet industry, like many domestic industries, saw a great boom in production and demand. In the years following World War II, U.S. citizens had unprecedented wealth, opportunity and buying power.
Carpet mills in South Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi and Georgia saw massive growth and investment in the early 1950s. New budget-friendly forms of carpeting were created using synthetic materials, as were new luxury forms of carpet, providing carpet choices for every budget. Today, 45 percent of all of the carpet produced worldwide is produced in the southern U.S.
The carpet industry today
Carpet is still a crucial part of everyday life here in America, as it has long been the most popular flooring choice nationwide—but it’s undoubtedly true that the industry has slowed down from its initial boom. Expensive labor costs have led to labor shortages and greater automation, which has also facilitated a lot of consolidation in the industry. Now there are just a few very large carpeting firms, rather than a number of medium-sized and thriving companies. Despite all the challenges of the modern age, the U.S. carpet industry is still the leading provider of carpeting worldwide, and carpeting firms still serve a vital role as major employers in their communities.
Carpet has been making home life more pleasant for generations. When you get new carpet flooring in South Amboy, NJ, it’s not all that different from the carpeting that was being installed here in the Northeast in the 1800s. And why should it be? You know you’ve got a great product when it stands the test of time. Give us a call here at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center if you’re in the market for carpet flooring in South Amboy, NJ, and for all your flooring needs. We’ve been in business since 1948, so we really know the carpet industry inside and out.
Can mold develop in carpet? The short answer is yes. In this post, we’ll discuss how mold forms in carpet, how to identify it, how to remove it and how to protect your carpet from mold in the future with help from carpet cleaning specialists in South Amboy, NJ.
How does mold develop in carpet?
Mold is an almost absurdly resilient life form. With just a little oxygen and water, it can thrive on almost any surface. Carpeting in basements is particularly susceptible to mold, especially in moist or humid climates. Most often, mold forms in carpet because it’s collecting moisture when it shouldn’t, which is most common when an area that isn’t ideal for carpeting has been carpeted, such as a bathroom or basement. It’s also common when a home has been empty or abandoned for some time and is later bought as a fixer-upper.
How to identify mold in carpet
Carpet mold is often not as easy to identify as other forms of mold. The green fuzzy stuff that grows on a block of cheese is easy to see; same with the little colonies of black and green specks that form on sheetrock. Carpet mold, though, is often located on the underside of the carpet, meaning you can’t really see it with the naked eye without pulling up your carpet to check. Other signs of mold include:
Bad smells: The most common and most obvious sign of moderate mold is a musty, slightly tainted odor.
Stains: Stains on the carpet, especially stains that look like mildew, are another sign of mold. If you’re seeing stains on the surface of the carpet, you’ll still want to check the underside, as it’s possible this is a sign of a much larger growth of mold.
Wet carpet or carpet padding: If your carpet gets wet, it needs to be immediately dried to prevent mold growth.
How to remove carpet mold
If your infestation is small, it may be possible to eradicate your carpet mold with a thorough carpet steam cleaning and the right mold-fighting detergents, or by just removing the affected part of the carpet and recarpeting that small area (assuming you can find carpet that matches what you have now). If it’s beyond a small corner of a room, though, there may be no other option than removing the carpet and installing new carpet or some other flooring material.
Preventing carpet mold
On the whole, you’re much better off preventing the problem from occurring in the first place, as it can be an expensive problem to fix and a serious health hazard if ignored. Here are some suggestions for protecting your carpets:
Regularly clean your carpet: Always dry clean your carpet. If you steam clean it, make sure you completely remove all moisture afterwards. Every few years, you should get your carpet professionally cleaned by carpet cleaning specialists in South Amboy, NJ.
Use high-quality carpet and padding: Carpets and pads treated for molds are more expensive, but can prevent mold issues in damp climates.
Always dry standing water: Never leave water standing on any surface in your home.
Don’t carpet naturally rooms, such as the bathroom: You’ll be fighting a losing battle trying to keep these carpets clean.
Use a dehumidifier: In extremely damp environments, a dehumidifier can greatly decrease your carpet’s risk of molding.
If you’ve got a mold issue, or are simply looking to get your carpets cleaned, Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center is the place to call. We’ve been in business since 1948, so you can believe us when we say we’ve seen it all.
Big stains on your oriental rug don’t look pretty, but the same can also be said for small stains. The best way to avoid stains is to be careful around your rugs, but unfortunately, life will throw all sorts of obstacles at you. Children, pets and careless guests are bound to contribute spills and track in dirt from outside. You have two options when it comes to dealing with stained oriental rugs: either clean them yourself, or call in reinforcements.
Want to call a professional rug cleaning company? From initial inspection to the cleaning process, drying and final inspection, the team at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center is there for your rug from start to finish. If your oriental rug does not pass our final inspection after it has dried, we will repeat the entire process until it is stain-free.
Want to try removing surface stains on your own? If so, let’s take a look at some helpful stain removal methods and tips for oriental rug cleaning in South Amboy, NJ:
Act quickly: The most important step of rug stain removal is to take immediate action. Blot up excess liquid with a stack of paper towels or a clean cloth, because the longer a stain sits, the harder it is to get out. This is why stubborn stains occur, and why you’ll sometimes have to go through the cleaning process more than once.
Test a small spot first: It’s best to test a small, inconspicuous spot on the rug—like a corner—before applying any type of cleaning solution to the stained portion. Testing ensures the solution won’t ruin your rug with fading, discoloration or color bleed.
Blot gently: After the initial blotting phase, make sure to continue blotting throughout the cleaning process. Regular blotting—not rubbing—will remove both the stain and any cleaning liquids that have accumulated in the area.
Don’t use bleach: While bleach is great for removing stains in the bathroom or kitchen, it’ll ruin your oriental rug. The color in the fibers will get bleached, leaving you with a dull looking rug.
Dry it: Instead of letting them air dry, oriental rugs dry best in front of a fan or hair dryer. Never leave your rug in the sun, because it can fade.
Additionally, it’s important to have the necessary supplies on hand to ensure you’ll be able to clean your rug when the time comes to do so. In your cleaning tote, keep clean white, absorbent cloths, as well as a sizable white sponge. Spray bottles make for easy application. Put a white vinegar solution in one and a detergent solution in another, or use a preferred mixture. If you do nothing else, at least soak up the stain, blot it and call a professional.
Oriental rugs are both beautiful and functional, whether they’re on the floor or hung on the wall as decoration. Accidents do happen, which is why you need to be prepared. Know the basic stain removal methods and always keep the right cleaning supplies on hand. However, if you are not comfortable cleaning your oriental rug yourself or prefer that a professional handle the cleaning process, don’t hesitate to call the experts at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center for oriental rug cleaning in South Amboy, NJ!
Do carpet and other surface stains bother you? Whether big or small, one or many, stains should be removed as soon as possible to avoid permanent discoloration. But sometimes, even the most professional carpet cleaning equipment will have a heck of a time removing some surface stains for good. As strange as it may sound, there are several possibilities why stains will reappear on carpets, rugs, drapery, upholstery and other fabrics after they have been cleaned. To avoid continued frustration and recurring expenses, it’s a good idea to work with a carpet cleaning company in South Amboy, NJ that provides a warranty for its cleaning services.
Why stains may reappear
First, the material being cleaned may be old or worn or already riddled with set-in stains. Another possibility is that someone tried cleaning it themselves before calling a professional cleaner. Unfortunately, the fabric owner’s good intentions resulted in improper cleaning methods. Meanwhile, soiling can happen when residue is left behind on fibers from a cleaning device. This residue turns sticky and attracts dirt and debris, making it appear as though the original stain has come back. Wicking is another possibility. This is when a spill soaks through to the backing of the carpet or fabric. Soak up all you can and call an expert to extract deep stains.
Luckily for you, not only does Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center do a phenomenal job of removing surface stains, but we also offer an 18-month warranty on all the fabrics we clean. So, if the stains come back, as a part of the warranty, we will re-clean the carpet or fabric surface!
Here are five reasons you might want to consider hiring a fabric and carpet cleaning company in South Amboy, NJ that offers service warranties:
You have kids: Naturally, children will track in dirt and outside debris. A grass stain on your upholstered couch here, ground-in dirt stains on your carpet there… the staining possibilities are endless!
You have pets: From rolling in the mud to rooting through the kitchen garbage, and then lying on your carpet, pets are masters at stain creation.
You entertain often: Red wine spills and heavy shoe traffic will stain your fabric surfaces. What if a wet substance got deeper into the fibers than previously thought? Rest easy knowing that that suddenly reappearing stain is covered under your warranty.
You own a business: It’s important to present your company in a good light—don’t let stained carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture ruin your image. A surface cleaning warranty has you covered!
You like cleanliness: Whether it’s your home or your office, you don’t want to be in a dirty looking space. Remove surface stains to enjoy calm, pleasant time spent in your space.
If one or more of the above reasons applies to you, then you can definitely benefit from working with a fabric and carpet cleaning company in South Amboy, NJ that offers warranties on their services. A warranty gives you peace of mind should a stain reappear after a thorough, professional cleaning.
Let the cleaning experts at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center freshen up your home or office, and enjoy an 18-month warranty on all the fabrics we clean. Contact us today!
Fabric Protection Warranty Plan