Accidents are part of life, and rug stains are no exception. Even though spills are inevitable, people living in South Amboy, NJ can avoid stains on area rugs with a bit of preventative maintenance. Here are some tips on keeping area rugs stain free, along with the benefits of hiring a carpet cleaning specialist for the job.
Apply a protectant spray
The best tip for keeping area rugs stain free is to spray them with a stain-proof treatment. It seals the rug fibers and creates a barrier between your area rug and spills. When accidents inevitably occur, this type of treatment minimizes the risk of permanent staining.
It’s possible for homeowners to treat area rugs on their own. You can pick up a can of protectant spray at your local hardware store in South Amboy, NJ. However, hiring a professional carpet cleaner is the only way to guarantee proper application. Stain-proof treatments applied the wrong way can do more harm than good.
Leave shoes at the door
Homeowners can avoid stains on area rugs by leaving their shoes at the front door. Residents of South Amboy, NJ don’t just have to worry about tracking in dirt. Shoes carry snow into your home during winter, not to mention all that salt covering the roads. Avoid the hassle of wiping slush off your area rugs by having a designated place for shoes.
Also, shoes can leave dirt behind without you realizing it. Not all debris is visible to the eye, and wearing shoes indoors is what leaves dirt hidden in the rug fibers. Heavy accumulation of dirt means your area rugs are more likely to absorb stains and become dingy over time.
Reduce flattening of the rug
A simple way to avoid stains on area rugs is to prevent them from flattening. Rugs with matted surfaces are more difficult to clean and will hold a stain. To combat this, rotate your area rugs every once in a while. That way, the rug fibers wear down at the same rate and last longer. A rug pad will also help prevent flattening.
Clean spills right away
Despite your best efforts, mishaps are bound to happen. When they do, take immediate action and mop up that spill. The longer a substance sits on your area rug, the more likely it will settle into the fibers. Dab the stain with a cloth to soak up excess moisture and treat the area with a carpet cleaner. Never rub a stain—otherwise, it will set in for good!
For more tips on keeping area rugs stain free, get in touch with the carpet specialists at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center in South Amboy, NJ. Our team can apply protectant sprays to area rugs so you don’t have to worry about the hassle. On top of that, we offer a wide range of cleaning services that will make your carpet smell fresh and feel brand new. Reach out to us today to learn more or schedule service—we look forward to assisting you!
Most homeowners in South Amboy, NJ aren’t sure how often they should clean outdoor cushions. Chances are, they’re not cleaned often enough! This means you’ll be able to get less use out of the cushions due to mildew and stain accumulation. Below are some other reasons why outdoor cushions need cleaning more often than indoor cushions.
Wash away dust, mildew and food stains
Outdoor cushions need cleaning more often than indoor cushions because they’re exposed to the elements. The cushions on your patio furniture are usually made from weather-resistant materials, but they’re still a magnet for grime throughout the seasons. They need a good scrub down after collecting a summer’s worth of dust and mildew.
Homeowners in South Amboy, NJ should clean their cushions once the cold weather hits. This is especially true for those who enjoy dining outdoors and hosting summer barbecues. Without a regular cleaning schedule, outdoor cushions become dingy over time. No one wants to sit on last season’s ketchup stain!
If you’re wondering how often you need to clean outdoor cushions, it depends on how much you use them and whether the household includes pets and children. The experts recommend cleaning outdoor cushions at least once or twice a year. Families with small children and furry companions, meanwhile, should clean them three or four times per year.
Cleaning helps extend their life
A biannual cleaning of outdoor cushions ensures they’ll last a longer time. Homeowners save money in the long run because they won’t have to frequently replace the cushions. With the help of a few common household items, you can keep outdoor cushions looking like new for longer.
Even though outdoor cushions need cleaning more often than indoor cushions, the time investment is worth it. One afternoon of cleaning will make those cushions look like they just came home from the store. Plus, you can reduce how often you need to clean outdoor cushions by storing them away for those South Amboy, NJ winters.
How to maintain your outdoor cushions
Cleaning outdoor cushions at home is very simple. To create your cleaning solution, mix a little bit of dish soap with half a cup of Borax, then fill the bucket with water. Lay the cushions on your patio or driveway and hose them down until they’re damp but not soaked. Scrub with a hard-bristled brush, let the solution sit for five minutes, rinse and set them aside to dry.
Of course, the most effective way to clean outdoor cushions is by calling your local upholstery cleaner in South Amboy, NJ. Having an expert take care of your outdoor cushions saves you time and ensures the job is done right the first time.
If you need someone to clean your outdoor cushions, look no further than Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center. We have all the right tools necessary for restoring the appearance of carpet, upholstery and more. Read more about our furniture cleaning services to discover how we make homes look new again, then call to schedule an appointment!
Many homeowners can’t remember the last time their curtains were cleaned. The question of when to clean drapery often doesn’t even cross their minds! However, cleaning drapery is crucial for getting rid of stuffy air and stubborn odors—and there’s no shortage of professionals in South Amboy, NJ to help you get the job done.
When to clean drapery
Generally, you should clean window curtains every three to six months. The fabric collects dust mites and dirt over time, which can give your home a stuffy smell. Curtains may also catch pollen that comes in through open windows during allergy season. Cleaning drapery on a regular basis will improve air quality and provide a more comfortable living space.
Consider cleaning your window curtains more frequently than every three to six months if you suffer from allergies. Pet dander builds up quickly on the fabric, so fresh window hangings do wonders for reducing allergy symptoms. Even if no one in your family is allergic to cats or dogs, excessive pet dander could be a deterrent for guests.
Curtains should be laundered once a month for smoking households. The heavy fabric is excellent at trapping smoke particles that give your living room a musty scent. While it’s tempting to spritz your drapery with air freshener, that’s only a temporary fix. Monthly cleanings will help preserve the fabric’s original appearance and cut back on cigarette odor.
Cleaning drapery at home
Window curtains are a bit more difficult to clean than normal laundry. Make sure your washing machine is big enough to accommodate the bulk of heavy fabric. Also, check the label on your curtains to see if they’re machine washable. If you’re able to clean drapes at home, set the washer on a gentle cycle to avoid harsh rubbing.
Once the load is done, hang the curtains to air dry. It’s highly recommended that you wash curtains on a warm day with plenty of sunshine so they can dry outside. Wait until they’re slightly damp, then iron the drapes to get rid of wrinkles. Place them back on the windows immediately after ironing.
Call in the professionals
Not everyone has the means to wash their window hangings at home. Most household washers aren’t capable of holding that much fabric, and many people don’t have room for a clothes line. Also, your drapes could be made of a delicate material like chiffon or silk. A washing machine is too abrasive for such curtains and will damage the fabric.
If this is the case, consider taking your window curtains to the nearest dry cleaner in South Amboy, NJ. It’ll save you time and keep the fabric looking new. A professional cleaning is well worth the cost because drapery is expensive and needs proper care.
Recognizing when to clean drapery is an important step for every homeowner. Though often overlooked, cleaning drapery every few months will clear out lingering scents and allow you to breathe fresh air. If your curtains are due for a cleaning, Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center is conveniently located in South Amboy, NJ. You can also check out our website for more helpful cleaning tips!
Concrete is super durable, but still requires proper maintenance. Homeowners in South Amboy, NJ who aren’t sure how to clean concrete floors struggle to remove stains and keep surfaces looking pristine. If this sounds like you, read below for the best ways to clean concrete floors.
Outdoor cleaning methods
Concrete patios endure more wear and tear than basement floors. Dirt and grime builds up much faster, and years of rainstorms create rusty spots. To clean outdoor concrete, you’ll need chemical solutions that cut through the toughest stains. Be aware that such chemicals are highly toxic and require protective gear like goggles and gloves.
Power washers are a great option if you want to clean the entire outdoor surface rather than target stains. Start by scrubbing a detergent into the concrete with a non-metallic brush—metal bristles get trapped in the porous surface of concrete and rust over time. Rinse away the detergent with a power washer in sweeping motions.
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) makes a very effective spot treatment and is easy to find at hardware stores. Mix it with water and scrub the stain with a nylon brush. Use a hose to rinse away the TSP solution, and your concrete patio will look brand new.
Muriatic acid is the best way to clean concrete floors if you’re dealing with tough stains. However, you must be careful while using muriatic acid and make sure it doesn’t make contact with your skin. It’s especially important to wear protective gear and use this cleaning method only with outdoor concrete.
Remedies for indoor stains
Homeowners should learn how to clean concrete floors inside the house, too. While they’re not prone to wear and tear from the elements, indoor concrete surfaces like a basement or garage floor require occasional maintenance. Food and beverage spills can soak into the porous material and become more difficult to eliminate if not cleaned right away.
Two common spot treatments are bleach and ammonia—just don’t mix them together! Most cleaning solutions you’ll find at the store will work, too. You can also make a cleaner from common household substances by turning flour and hydrogen peroxide into a paste. Choose your spot treatment, put on some gloves and scrub until the stain is gone.
How to care for polished concrete
The best way to clean concrete floors that are polished is with a mop and bucket. Skip the highly acidic cleaning solutions like bleach and ammonia. Instead, pick up some dish detergent or mild floor cleaner from your store in South Amboy, NJ and mix with some water. Any cleaner of your choice is fine as long as it’s gentle on polished surfaces.
For additional cleaning tips, contact the professionals at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center. We have been the trusted specialists in South Amboy, NJ for over 70 years and know better than anyone else how to clean concrete floors. Whether your home has concrete, hardwood or tile floors, we’re equipped to clean it all—reach out to schedule an appointment or learn more!
Hardwood flooring is a durable material, and a great choice for most homeowners—it gives you a sleek, modern look that’s simultaneously homey and comfortable. It’s become a desirable feature that buyers have sought out for years now, and installing it or taking care of existing hardwood flooring is a great way to ensure your home remains a sound investment for years.
However, problems with these materials can arise if the proper maintenance and care steps aren’t taken. For example, wood floor warping in South Amboy, NJ is something homeowners encounter on a regular basis, but the good news is that there are some easy things you can watch out for to help you nip any warping problems in the bud.
What is moisture content?
One of the things that most commonly causes wood flooring to warp is the moisture content of the wood that’s being used. Most hardwood installers know they should monitor this number as they’re installing, but what’s less well known is that homeowners should also keep an eye on it if they want their floors to always look their best. When you’re looking at warping wood floors in South Amboy, NJ, you can rest assured that the material’s moisture content is probably to blame, at least to some extent—wood can expand or contract as it absorbs or loses moisture, causing it to lose its consistency.
What’s a moisture meter?
One tool all flooring contractors will have in their bag, and one that homeowners can also choose to invest in, is a wood moisture meter. These tools, as their name suggests, help you keep an eye on the water content of all of the woods you’re working with. Since wood that’s gotten wet or absorbed water from the atmosphere around it can expand and ultimately warp, understanding and being able to measure the moisture content is vitally important information. Wood that’s to be used for hardwood flooring needs to meet an “equilibrium moisture content” that minimizes any chance of wood floor warping in South Amboy, NJ by removing the variable of changing moisture content.
What types of warping can occur?
Two types of wood floor warping in South Amboy, NJ tend to happen more often than others. The first is “cupping,” which is when a moisture imbalance starts at the bottom of the floor and moves to the top—this uneven moisture in the flooring means that each plank will have raised edges and a concave center.
On the other hand, “crowning” is a problem that’s basically the opposite of cupping. Crowning means that the center of the board is convex, and the edges are lower than the middle. This can also be attributed, in all likelihood, to moisture imbalance in the wood.
Here at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center, we strive to be your one-stop shop for flooring materials and any questions regarding care and maintenance techniques. If you’re in the market for hardwood or carpet installation, we’re the local team you can rely on. We’ve been in business since 1948, so we know a thing or two about flooring—let us get to work for you and get your home looking more beautiful than ever before!
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