Steam cleaning carpets: Selecting a company – Orange County CA

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Steam cleaning carpets is an effective way to remove stains and make your carpets look brand new. Generally, it is recommended that you only use a wet steam clean utilizing a cleaning solution and water once or twice annually. A dry steam clean, however, is an option that you may use to remove stains monthly. Your desired type of carpet cleaning will dictate who you hire, but there also are other factors to consider.

Professional carpet cleaning companies can help you remove tough ground-in dirt and rid your home of pet hair and dander that are known allergens. Choosing the right cleaning company is an important decision to make and with the following tips, you can make a better, more informed decision.

1. Ask if they service your area

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it should be the first question you ask. Sometimes cleaners who are not in your area may not want to travel to your location, or may charge you an extra fee for travel.  One way to start is to  look for carpet cleaners who have received the best ratings from past customers.

2. Ask for references

You wouldn’t expect a prospective employer to hire you without references, so do not hesitate to ask the professionals you are hiring for references. Don’t forget to ask your friends or family about their experience with carpet cleaning companies, as they are more likely to give you an honest, unbiased opinion.

3. What certifications and education do they have?

Certain governing boards give credentials to companies that meet a specific criteria. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is one of the most, if not the most, recognized certification in the field of upholstery and carpet cleaners. Check on the cleaner designation that the company receives. A master cleaning designation is the highest ranking for cleaning services.

4. What services do they offer?

You must make sure they offer the service that you need. Getting an in-depth answer about the type of services they offer is crucial. Not to mention, if you want to hire them for other home-related jobs, you should know what else they provide.

5. What cleaning products and equipment do they use?

Different products and equipment provide for a different type of cleaning. You should question how much moisture the cleaning system leaves behind, and be sure to ask what the chemicals are made of, particularly if you’re worried about being ecofriendly or have pets or small children.

6. What experience do they have?

Is the carpet cleaning service a new company, or is it a well established company with a long history. Inquire about the types of fabrics and upholstery that they have worked with; this is especially important if you have rare or delicate upholstery. When steam cleaning carpets of different types, it is easy to make a costly error.

7. Is their work guaranteed?

Not all companies stand behind their work, but try to find one that offers a customer satisfaction guarantee.

8. Ask about their prices

You get what you pay for, so don’t just choose the company that gives you the lowest rate. You want to select the carpet cleaning service that provides you with the most bang for your buck, or at least the most worthwhile service for the price.

 

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4 essential carpet cleaning elements in Orange County CA

4 essential carpet cleaning elements in Orange County CA

The objective of any good carpet cleaning method is to remove as much soil or foreign material as possible from the carpet fibers without causing any damage or harm to the carpet, humans, pets or the environment.

Deep steam or hot water cleaning with a truck mounted extraction system is a great method to accomplish this task. Below are four essential elements of this procedure that should always be considered

.1. Chemical type and concentration 

The wet cleaning process involves a reaction between chemicals. The more heavily soiled the carpet is, the more concentrated the chemical reagent will have to be in order to complete this reaction in a reasonable amount of time. That is one reason why even deionized water with zero conductivity will never be sufficient to remove really tough stains.Many kinds of chemical reagents have been developed that have specific applications for particular cleaning situations. A good carpet cleaner will know how to choose a suitable detergent for prevailing conditions.

2. Temperature 

This is probably the most important aspect of the cleaning procedure. Elevated temperatures usually accelerate chemical reactions. Carpets will require less chemicals and a shorter time to clean up when the cleaning solution is hot enough.

Some people fear that hot water will cause damage to the carpet. This is possible when the carpet cleaner is uneducated and uninformed, but even the most powerful truck-mounted heater equipment can be regulated to deliver a maximum of 150 degrees Fahrenheit at the carpet surface. That will be quite safe, even for wool textiles.Another advantage of using a hot solution is that the fabric will dry faster. Heat also helps to reduce the surface tension of the cleaning solution, thereby facilitating soil removal.

3. Time 

Chemical reactions require time for adequate completion. Of course the time required will vary according to the situation, but for most carpet cleaning conditions, a reaction time of 10 to 15 minutes will be sufficient.

One problem that may occur is a reversal of sequestration if the carpet dries before the emulsion is washed out. Again, a well-trained technician will be fully aware of this and will make the necessary adjustments.

4. Agitation 

The main purpose for agitation is to spread the chemical uniformly and completely over the carpet fibers. A secondary purpose is to dislodge any soil particles that may be adhering to the fabric. Agitation also helps to speed up the chemical reaction of the cleaning solution.Agitation may be accomplished by using various devices. On the carpet, this is usually done with a grooming rake, especially for high density, plush pile carpets. A bonnet machine with rotating brushes is also very effective. Agitation on fabrics during upholstery cleaning is usually done with a horsehair brush, a sponge or a terry cloth towel.

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The 5 most important questions to ask a carpet cleaner – Orange County CA

The 5 most important questions to ask a carpet cleaner in Orange County

Depending on foot traffic and lifestyle, Jeff Bryant, president of highly rated Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Orange County, Calif., recommends carpet cleaning about once a year. However, Bryant says a lot of companies advertise low prices per room and then raise the fee when they get to the home. He advises asking what services are included in the price upfront.

“The bait and switch companies count on the fact that you … may need to have it done that day for a special event,” he says. Be sure you’re dealing with a scrupulous company by asking these questions:

1. Do you offer free estimates?

“We encourage people to get two or three estimates so that they are comfortable with their decision,” Bryant says.

2. What carpet cleaning method do you use?

Townshend and Whisenant both use hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, which they say is the recommended carpet cleaning method by the majority of carpet manufacturers. Bryant adds that a carpet cleaning technician’s experience can play a big role in the quality of work done. He recommends doing research on the carpet cleaning company, including checking consumer reviews.

3. Are you bonded and insured?

Improper chemical use could ruin your carpets, so make sure a carpet cleaning company has bonding and insurance. Bryant recommends requesting to see proof of insurance from the company. He also advises pointing out areas of concern with your carpet cleaner upfront.

4. How long will it take for my carpet to dry?

Bryant tells consumers to allow 24 hours for complete carpet drying, due to many variables such as fiber type and humidity. However, there are ways to shorten the drying time, such as opening windows, using fans or turning the heat up in the winter. They also provide booties to wear so you don’t have to leave the home while his company cleans the carpets, and Townshend recommends keeping pets off the clean carpet while it dries.

5. Is your work guaranteed?

Guarantees are pretty common in the carpet-cleaning business but can come with different conditions, so be sure to ask upfront. Pacific offers a 30-day guarantee if you find any missed spots or if something doesn’t look right. This guarantee covers the carpet cleaning, but not any fresh spills.

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Should I hire an upholstery professional for my furniture? Orange County CA

Should I hire an upholstery professional for my furniture? Orange County CA

Many people have no idea of the costs or benefits in reupholstering a piece of furniture. There are a few factors to consider before deciding if you should invest your money into having this type of service.

First, decide the quality of your piece. A lot of furniture made today is not as well made as it was years ago. If you have a well-built piece, chances are that it’s probably worth investing in.

Second, do you like the way the piece “fits” in your room? If you have a small room and your sofa or chairs are just the right size, it may be difficult to replace them with the right fit.

Finally, if you are considering replacing your furniture, are you able to find the perfect fabric that compliments your decor?

A lot of consumers are unaware of what can actually be done with their existing furniture. If the company you hire consists of skilled professionals, they should be able to build, reconstruct and even alter the design of your piece, giving it a new updated look.

Sometimes all that’s needed for a droopy seat cushion is some new foam, which is a small fraction of the price of buying new. These are all options that can be discussed with your upholstery professional.

Finding the perfect fabric can be challenging, but if you bring something (like a pillow or arm cap) with you, along with the colors you are trying to match, you can save a lot of time second guessing your choices. In choosing fabric, make sure it is durable.

Additionally, don’t forget to ask your upholsterer what the abrasion cycle is and how to clean it. Most upholstery fabrics are “dry clean only,” but there are more out now that are washable.

If possible, always visit the upholstery shop. Make sure it is clean. Would you want your brand new fabric being applied in a not-so-clean environment? Make sure your work is being done “on site” and not being shipped somewhere else. Look at other pieces they have done and make sure the company you hire is licensed and insured. If they’re covered, you’re covered.

Upholstery Cleaning

Our company offers safe and effective upholstery cleaning too in Orange County CA. We can spot clean and pre-condition your upholstery to make sure that it looks clean and attractive. Our technicians have the right tools and cleaning supplies to work on all types of upholstery without causing any damages. We can get rid of stains, pet hair, and more.

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Professional tips for removing stains from auto upholstery – Orange County CA

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I know it’s just my imagination, but my car always seems to drive better when it’s freshly washed. That’s especially true if the interior looks clean and spiffy.

We spend a lot of time in our vehicles. Keeping a car’s interior in good shape is not just an investment in the vehicle, it’s an easy way to rev up the quality of everyday life.

Here are tips for keeping your car’s carpet and upholstery in tiptop shape, gleaned from our researchers’ interviews with highly rated auto experts:

Basic care

  • Don’t allow smoking; it leaves a nasty residue and odor.
  • Clean spills immediately. Dilute with cool — not hot — water. Blot excess with a clean rag or paper towel.
  • Vacuum dirt and debris regularly.
  • Deep-clean fabric upholstery and carpet. Mix a cup of vinegar and some dish soap in a gallon of hot water. Use a hard-bristle brush to work into fibers. Let sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing with water and blotting dry.
  • Clean leather with a cloth soaked in water and a low-pH soap. Allow to thoroughly dry. Condition to prevent drying and cracking.
  • Clean vinyl upholstery with a damp rag and baking soda. Rinse with water and dish soap. Avoid using oil- or mineral-based cleaners, which can make vinyl stiff.
  • Shampoo upholstery and carpet every three months or more.
  • Have the interior detail-cleaned every year or so.

Special situations

Stubborn stains: Some fabric or carpet stains that remain even after initial cleaning can be broken up with glass cleaner. First, test an inconspicuous area to be sure it won’t create damage. Then, saturate area with glass cleaner, let sit for five minutes and blot to clean.

Ink: After testing a hidden area for possible damage, coat stain with hair spray. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes, then wipe off. Repeat as needed.

Blood: Make a paste of cold water and powdered laundry detergent. Apply to the stain until dry, then brush or vacuum all excess detergent.

Faded carpet: For non-wool carpet, try ammonia. First, vacuum thoroughly. Then, mix half a cup of ammonia and a pint of water and mop into the carpeting. Blot any excess.

Carpet or fabric indentation: Cover the mark with a damp towel. Gently iron towel with an iron set on low. To avoid melting fibers, don’t use a hot iron and don’t leave in one spot for too long.

Hiring a pro

Many businesses provide detailed interior and exterior cleaning. Others specialize in repairing or replacing carpet and upholstery, and can fix or upgrade seats, trim, sagging or loose headliners, convertible tops, vinyl roof covers, dashboards, door panels and other vehicle elements.

Some auto detailing shops also provide upholstery services. And many carpet and upholstery businesses will also work on vehicles.

Before you hire someone, consider these tips:

Ask about experience with your type of project. Even within the automotive upholstery field, professionals may specialize in one particular type, such as convertible tops.

Review the company’s portfolio. Before and after photos can you give you a good idea of the service provider’s skills and an idea of how your final project will appear.

Ask friends or family members for recommendations. Check how the company rates on a trusted online review site.

Visit the shop. This is a good idea if you plan to leave your vehicle for more than one day. Is the shop clean and organized? Does it have adequate lighting and security?

Our company offers safe and effective upholstery cleaning too in Orange County. We can spot clean and pre-condition your upholstery to make sure that it looks clean and attractive. Our technicians have the right tools and cleaning supplies to work on all types of upholstery without causing any damages. We can get rid of stains, pet hair, and more.

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Treating pet-stained upholstery best left to the pros! Orange County CA

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What should a homeowner do with a pet stain on upholstery in Orange County CA?

Don’t try to fix it yourself. Take paper or terry cloth towels and blot the area; don’t rub it and don’t put anything on it while it’s wet. Then call an upholstery cleaning professional.

The store-bought cleaning products some homeowners use are Band-Aids that can actually upset the problem and make a little spot huge, four or five times as big as it was. Then you’ve got a whole mess under the carpet itself.

After blotting it, lay a heavy towel on the area and let it dry. A lot will evaporate and absorb upward as it dries into the towel before the cleaners get there.

In the case of pet urine, we use a decontamination system that pre-treats it to loosen the urine salts, shampooing it as many times as we need to, rinsing it and post-treating it to kill any remaining bacteria and eliminating the odor.

With urine, if you can smell it, you’re breathing in waste matter that you can’t see. And that’s extremely unhealthy and can be a big problem for sensitive people with allergies, or anyone for that matter. My job is to kill the bacteria so they don’t have any further issues.

If the pet messes are an ongoing issue, the owner should keep the animal off [the upholstery] and not allow them free roam of the house. Sometimes we’ll come to a job and staining is all over the place and the smell is just overwhelming. In that case, we are very honest with them and tell them it’d be cheaper to get a new carpet.

But the best advice I can give people is to call a cleaning professional. I know if I used my pliers, I could pull a tooth out, but it wouldn’t be the right way. So I go to a dentist. I’d hire an attorney before I’d try to represent myself in court. Do the necessary research, really investigate it, then call a professional.

Upholstery Cleaning

Our company offers safe and effective upholstery cleaning too in Orange County. We can spot clean and pre-condition your upholstery to make sure that it looks clean and attractive. Our technicians have the right tools and cleaning supplies to work on all types of upholstery without causing any damages. We can get rid of stains, pet hair, and more.

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Commercial Tile & Grout Cleaning – Orange County CA

Commercial Tile & Grout Cleaning – Orange County CA

Tile cleaning

Multiple Cleaning Solutions for Varied Tile Surfaces

Modern workplaces typically consist of more than upholstered furnishings and carpeted floors. In fact, tile and other hard surfaces are becoming increasingly commonplace. The Pacific tile cleaning process extracts the dirt from your tile floors, removing it from deep within the pores of the grout. In almost no time, we clean, restore and protect your tired-looking tiles, eliminating the expense that comes with total replacement.

First, we inspect your floors to determine the best treatment process. Then our trained technicians use a proprietary high-pressure rotary tool with dual rotating jets to clean your tile and grout. We combine this tool with the same truck-mounted steam/pressure cleaning that we use to deep clean your carpet. Then we apply specific cleaners that strip away any waxy buildup and extract the dirt from deep within the tile and pores of your grout.

It’s no secret that traffic can be heavy at certain times of the day and on special occasions. Spills and stains appear quickly, transforming your tile floors from beautiful to ugly. Our trained technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to create a high-pressure water and vacuum combination that suctions the dirt from deep within the tile and grout. The entire process takes about 30 to 60 minutes for an average-size room, but businesses with large tiled areas should allow for additional time. This, too, can vary based on several factors, including the size of the tile, amount of soil in the grout lines, and room configuration.

There are several factors to consider when deciding how often the Pacific tile cleaning should take place. But cleaning frequency is directly related to the amount of traffic. However, routine maintenance affects how often your tile and grout needs to be professionally cleaned.

The Pacific tile cleaning process may be gentle on your floors, but it is highly effective at getting the dirt out. Rely on Pacific tile cleaning to give your tile a makeover. Call the people who wrote the book on clean.

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Tile and Grout Cleaning in Orange County CA

Tile and Grout Cleaning in Orange County CA

 

If you’ve never had them professionally cleaned, tile and grout are two of the most reliable indicators of a home’s age. Even if you sweep and mop regularly, it’s inevitable that tile will become stained and grout will absorb dirt and grime.

Reasons to Have Your Tile and Grout Professionally Cleaned

You may think it’s best to avoid professional tile and grout cleaning and simply do it by hand. However, there are a few significant benefits of calling on professionals for the job:

  • Deeper clean: Grout is a porous material that becomes discolored as a result of soaking up dirt and spills over the course of several months or even years. Professional equipment delivers a deeper clean than a toothbrush and some elbow grease could ever hope to match.
  • Protective sealant: The beautiful results of professional tile and grout cleaning are designed to last for months thanks to the post-clean sealant the technician applies. This helps make grout more spill- and stain-resistant, thus prolonging that just-cleaned look with no extra effort on your part.
  • Ease: Tile and grout cleaning by hand is a painstaking, messy and uncomfortable process. Scrubbing each and every inch of grout with a toothbrush while on your hands and knees is not exactly a relaxing way to spend your Saturday afternoon. With professional tile and grout cleaning from Rainbow International®, you can go about your day as usual and let the cleaners do their job quickly and thoroughly.

 

 

Common Causes of Stained and Dirty Tile and Grout

The reason you’re seeking professional cleaning is because the tile and grout in your home has become stained and discolored. The most common reasons for this include:

  • Exposure to environmental elements: Water, dust, soot, dirt and spills that come in contact with porous grout eventually take their toll and cause the grout to stain.
  • Certain grout properties: Some types of grout are more porous than others, meaning they are more susceptible to staining.
  • Mildew: Bathroom tiles are subject to high levels of moisture and, more often than not, inadequate ventilation. This allows mold and mildew to grow on the tile and porous grout surfaces.
  • Soap scum: This accumulates on the grout as minerals in the water combined with poorly rinsed soap settle and dry.

How to Maintain Tile and Grout between Professional Cleanings

It’s recommended that you schedule a professional cleaning every one to three years. Between these cleanings, keep your floor sparkling clean with the following tips:

  • Clean small areas by hand if spills occur and sporadically discolor the grout.
  • Vacuum or sweep before mopping the kitchen or bathroom floor to reduce the presence of dried out debris. When this debris becomes wet, it could get into the grout and stain it.
  • Rinse the floor with clean water after mopping with detergent.
  • Avoid using bleach or other hard chemicals on the tile that could break down the professionally applied sealant.
  • Wipe down shower tiles after use to reduce moisture that leads to mold and mildew.
  • Rinse other tiled bathroom surfaces after washing to reduce soap scum buildup.

Other Hard Surfaces that Need Regular Professional Cleaning

Tile and grout are not the only hard surfaces in your home that require professional cleaning. Other areas you should have cleaned include:

    • Stone and masonry flooring
    • Concrete floors
    • Hardwood, cork and bamboo flooring
    • Brick walkways
  • Tile & Grout Cleaning Services – Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Orange County

    We offer professional tile & grouting services in Orange County. Our company can make sure that your tile and grout stays clean. We can also handle marble/travertine floor polishing. If you have porcelain or ceramic tile, we can make sure that is is cleaned properly too. Contact us  in Orange County CA if you are interested in Limestone cleaning and polishing, vinyl floor stripping and waxing, or wood floor refinishing.

 

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Tile & Grout Cleaning in Orange County CA

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Tile & Grout Cleaning in Orange County CA

Ceramic tile is one of the most abused and overlooked floor and wall surfaces in the home simply because of the care involved in cleaning it. No one is anxious to relive the terrible memories of scrubbing each tile and grout line for hours with a small brush and of using those irritating, harsh, and unsafe chemicals. Most of us would rather rearrange our sock drawer.

The good news is Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Orange County can make short work of this task, using only earth-safe products that won’t harm your family, your pets, or this world we share.

Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning skillfully accomplishes the proper cleaning of ceramic tile. Heating purified water to over 230 degrees, we then inject an oxygenated form of hydrogen peroxide under 800+ lbs of pressure utilizing very specific tools and attachments. The cleaning results speak for themselves. Whether your tile is in your kitchen, bathroom, or some other area of your home, those stubborn stains, embedded bacteria, and germs don’t stand a chance. Your tile and grout will look very much as it did the day it was installed.

Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning we are dedicated to helping you keep your home healthy, clean, and always looking its best. The solution to difficult ceramic tile and grout cleaning is just a phone call away.

Trust Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning for all those difficult and unpopular projects. You really will be glad you did.

Maintenance:

General cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone or tile are never recommended. These can breakdown the sealer, thereby removing its protective properties and making the stone and tile grout susceptible to stains. Worse yet, many cleaning products, including those that contain lemon, vinegar, bleach or ammonia can etch away the polish, discolor the surface, or even scratch your stone. Many cleaners have what is called a chelating agent in them. This agent breaks down and dissolves minerals in hard water. Since all stone is made up of minerals, these types of cleaners will dissolve and cause streaks over prolonged use.

Ceramic Tile & Grout

Ceramic tile and grout is man-made clay fired material. Glazed ceramic tile does not normally require any protective treatment. It is the glaze itself that gives the tile its excellent protection and resistance to the absorption of dirt. Many of the new ceramic tiles in today’s market are manufactured to look like real stone. Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning of Orange County offers tile and grout cleaning and sealing. For best results, have your ceramic tile and grout sealed and use a neutral stone cleaner.

Quarry Tile & Pavers Brick

Quarry tiles are an unglazed ceramic material. They are particularly well suited for exterior paving due to their low absorption and resistance to freezing. This type of floor is one of the most durable on the market today. Pacific Carpet & Tile Carpet Cleaning offers cleaning or stripping along with sealing or a wax finish. For best results, have your quarry tile & pavers brick sealed and use a neutral stone cleaner.

 

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Commercial Tile Cleaning Orange County CA

Commercial Tile Cleaning Orange County CA
First Class Green Cleaning also provides commercial tile cleaning in Orange County commercial buildings using only green products.

Ordinary floor cleaning,  techniques, such as sweeping and mopping, are not strong enough to penetrate the stubborn dirt that resides within the openings of tile and grout floors. High pressure cleaning is the best method used to solve this problem. With the help of a high pressure truck mount system and advanced biodegradable products,  Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning can  remove this soil returning the tile to its original state.

It is important to disinfect and seal tile and grout floors  regularly for the optimal health of adults and children in the facility (customers and employees alike). The substances that are breathed in have a direct influence on immediate health, as consuming hazardous bacteria has all kinds of negative effects. Sanitizing  with our green products will destroy the bacteria without leaving any harmful residue for your customers or employees. In addition to thorough mopping, these procedures are useful aides that promote good health in the indoor environment of your facility.

The grout is thin material that outlines floor and wall tiles. Tiled floors are appealing items in any house or office but through everyday usage they begin to look filthy and discolored. In time, as the dirt and debris builds up, the floor can look uneven and unappealing.

Tiles must be reviewed and cleaned regularly so as to avoid expensive repairs down the road. A First Class maintenance program provides other advantages like safe material disposal and sealing that prevents further staining. Additionally, our qualified technicians are able to decrease the irritation risks of people with allergens and respiratory issues present in the facility.

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