Carpet cleaning scams: Don’t get rug burned, Orange County

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If you’re meticulous about keeping carpets tidy and stain-free, your know the benefit of professional carpet cleanings. Unfortunately, scams are popular thanks to high-pressure sales tactics and a lack of consumer familiarity with the process. If you’re looking to hire a pro, watch out for these three common carpet cleaning scams.

The ‘unbelievably low prices’ scam

You’ll see this one from salespeople who come to your door, claiming to offer the lowest price in town. They might tell you about competitors offers or have fliers with them showing what other companies charge. In reality, the person at your door is getting paid for the number of sales he or she makes. If you agree to the price, the salesperson leaves and a “pro” comes back a few days later. Once inside your home, the price suddenly starts to rise because you have thicker than average carpet, your rooms are a strange size or there are certain types of stains on your floor. Regardless of the price you initially agreed to, it suddenly spirals out of control, and you find yourself paying for services you don’t need or want. The fix? Never agree to anything a door-to-door salesman sells, especially if he or she tells you it’s a limited time offer. Always call the company on your time and your own terms.

The ‘best method’ scam

There are several common methods for carpet cleaning. The most popular is steam cleaning, which actually uses hot water and a chemical detergent. Clean water and detergent are pushed into your carpet using high-powered tools, and dirty water is pulled back out using a vacuum. Dry cleaning, meanwhile, uses a very small amount of water and powered chemicals to pull stains out of your carpet and refresh the fibers.

Some companies will try to scam you by claiming to use the “best” method available. The problem? There’s no such thing; what works best for your carpet depends on its age, material, pile and the amount of cleaning it requires. Of course, this “best” cleaning method comes with a huge price tag, and won’t clean your carpet any better than either method mentioned above. To spot this scam, ask your prospective contractor exactly what his or her method involves. If the technician can’t explain the method or acts offended that you asked, choose a different company.

The ‘surface clean’ scam

Of all the carpet cleaning scams, this one requires you to be the most diligent. Even seemingly reputable companies try this trick occasionally, and sometimes they don’t do it on purpose. It all starts innocently enough; you contact a company, have them come and do an estimate, agree to a time and a uniformed employee comes to your door. You vacate the house and return when the carpet is dry only to find that your stains return within days, and none of the surfaces seem particularly clean. What happened?

There are two possibilities. First, your contractor may have faulty equipment, which didn’t push enough water in or suck enough out. It’s also possible the contractor made no real effort to clean your carpet, instead doing only a quick surface clean before packing up and moving on to the next job. To avoid this scam, do your research. Read reviews of local companies on trusted sites like Google, and ask your carpet cleaning pro for references. Call the numbers provided, and ask for an honest opinion.

What to look for in a pro

When hiring a professional carpet cleaning company, make sure to get a specific rate per room or per square foot, and ask about the preferred cleaning method. Ask if there’s an extra charge for moving heavy items like furniture; many companies will clean only open floor space, or demand a huge surcharge to move furniture. If licensing is required in your city or town, confirm the company is licensed before you make a hiring decision.

 

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Carpet cleaning improves indoor air quality, Orange County

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Carpet often contains some of the worst allergens, germs and other hazardous materials in your home. What’s worse, they often hide in plain sight, and can negatively affect indoor air quality. Regular vacuuming can help contain these contaminants, but sometimes, a more thorough carpet cleaning is necessary to improve the air you breathe.

What’s hiding in your carpet?

Everything that lands on your carpet has the potential to stay, even if it’s not an obvious stain.

Dust particles, hair, mold spores and pet dander — almost invisible to the naked eye — fall off your clothing and land on your floors. Walking over carpet grinds these small particles into the fibers and underlay, often leaving a carpet that looks clean but can negatively impact the air in your home.

Stains are also a problem. For example, stains caused from red wine or pet urine can actually provide a food source for bacteria living in your carpets.

Potential health risks from your carpet

Dirty carpets can pose a wide range of health risks. If you’ve had a flood, your carpets may have mold, even if you don’t see or smell it. Mold spores can cause breathing problems, sneezing and, over the long term, permanent damage to the respiratory system.

Dust mites are also a major carpet issue; these tiny bugs burrow deep into carpet fibers and eat just about anything that comes their way. The waste produced by these mites — up to 200 times their body weight each day — can cause allergic reactions and breathing issues.

Common bacteria found in carpet include E.coli, salmonella and staphylococcus.

Getting rid of carpet culprits

Vacuuming is always the first step in removing contaminants from your carpeting. Make sure to vacuum one or two times per week, and use a newer vacuum with powerful suction and built-in HEPA filters for a better chance of pulling up mites, allergens and dirt. But even the best vacuum can’t remove everything that hides in your carpet.

To deal with the bulk of the particles, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service. Most companies use steam cleaning or dry-cleaning techniques to eliminate contaminants and remove stubborn stains. Professional carpet cleaners recommend at least one cleaning per year, but high-traffic areas might require more frequent cleanings. Pacific Carpet Cleaning of Orange County utilizes the Most Powerful Cleaning Units on the Planet!

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Steam Carpet Cleaning vs. Dry Cleaning Orange County, CA

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The myth of the steam clean

In the steam clean versus dry clean debate, it’s important to clear up the myth that “steam” is actually used to clean your carpets. While home and commercial machines use hot water, which gives off some steam, steam itself does not clean your carpet. Instead, a detergent is sprayed onto your carpet. Hot water activates the detergent on the carpet fibers — alkaline for synthetic carpets and acidic for wool or natural fiber carpets. A wet-vac is then used to suck up the bulk of the water on the floor. Pacific Carpet Cleaning of Orange County utilizes the Most Powerful Cleaning Units on the Planet!

Home steam cleaning products

There are many types of steam machines available for home purchase or rent. Home models typically rely on hot tap water to get the job done, while those rented from a hardware or grocery store may have a heating element. Both types operate the same way: You place a cleaning solution in the machine, move it slowly and methodically over your carpet, then suck up and dump out the water. Once cleaned, your carpets are not usable for a period — usually between 12 and 24 hours — while the remaining water dries. One issue with the steam method is the shrinking of the carpet when leftover water dries; however, unless your carpet is made entirely of natural, untreated fibers, this will not be a problem.

The case for commercial steam cleaners

You can also hire professional carpet cleaners to come and steam clean your flooring. They will often use a more highly powered machine or one attached to a vehicle. These systems operate on the same principle as at-home systems but are much more powerful, allowing them to force more detergent into the carpet and suck up more water. They are faster than home systems and have a shorter drying time.

Dry cleaning carpets

The other option available is dry cleaning. This method of carpet cleaning uses dry chemical compounds that are placed on a carpet and break down whatever soil or particulate matter they find. The name of this cleaning method is also misleading because they use a small amount of moisture in the form of application solutions, which complement the dry compounds used. Dry cleaning offers the advantage of time; floors can be used again almost instantly after cleaning is complete. Dry cleaning compounds are often used in industrial and retail settings for this reason.

Pros and cons

Steam cleaning your carpet yourself means you need only hot water, a rented machine and detergent. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait between 12 and 24 hours to walk on your carpet again. Ground-in stains typically reappear in the first few days after cleaning. Commercial solutions can eliminate some of these problems, but there are certain stains — pet stains or chemical stains, for example — that require multiple treatments or cannot be removed.

Dry cleaning, meanwhile, offers the advantage of almost no drying time and an effective cleaning through chemical agents and application solutions. The chemicals used, however, can often be harsh, and homeowners are advised to speak with a commercial cleaning company about the products they use and any strong odors they may have

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Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning, Orange County, CA

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Our company has over 25 years of experience in the carpet and tile cleaning industry. Pacific of Orange County provides customers with reliable solutions for all of their carpet cleaning and tile & grout cleaning needs. Our company also offers upholstery cleaning, marble/travertine floor polishing, and wood floor refinishing services that our customers can count on. Our BBB rating is an A, and we are happy to have over 12,000 satisfied customers. Our customer reviews are positive, and we always believe in offering quality services. We have powerful industrial strength cleaning equipment that we use for all of our services.Carpet CleaningIf you need our carpet cleaning expertise, we are ready to assist you. We will pre-vacuum, pre-condition, and offer spot treatments so that your carpet looks as good as it did when you first bought it. Our steam extraction process is done by highly trained personal. Our technicians know what type of cleaning products and supplies should be used on each carpet or rug material. We will safely clean one room of carpet or an entire house or building full. We understand the importance of having clean and deodorized carpets to help your building look its best.Tile & Grout CleaningWe offer professional tile & grouting services. 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 if you are interested in Limestone cleaning and polishing, vinyl floor stripping and waxing, or wood floor refinishing.Upholstery CleaningOur company offers safe and effective upholstery cleaning too. 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.Family Owned BusinessOur company is family owned and operated. We are not a franchise, so that helps us to keep our prices low. We offer commercial and residential services that our customers can trust.

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How to keep a tile floor clean, Orange County CA

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Many homes feature tile floors because tile is attractive and more durable than other flooring options. In order to maintain the appearance of tile flooring, it’s important to keep it clean. Try these cleaning tips to keep your tile looking like new.

Keep dirt off your tile floor

Your tile’s first line of defense against dirt is a doormat. According to the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), dirt that is tracked across tile flooring will wear away the finished surface. By keeping doormats or area rugs inside every door of your house, you can prevent excessive dirt from coming into contact with your tile floor.

Clean regularly

Doormats won’t keep all the dirt out, so regular maintenance is the next step in keeping tile floors clean. Sweep or vacuum up debris at least once a week and use a damp paper towel or sponge to wipe up any wet or sticky messes. Cleaning regularly can help to prevent serious dirt buildup and hard-to-remove stains, which are much more difficult and time consuming than day-to-day maintenance tasks.

Deep clean tough spots

In order to deep clean tile floors, you’ll need a dirt dissolving solution. Various types of grout and tile cleaners can be found at your local home improvement store. Some are specially formulated for ceramic tile, while others are made for use on natural stone tile. Make sure that the product you use doesn’t contain ammonia or anything acidic, such as lemon juice or vinegar because those ingredients can dull the surface of your floors.

Many tile cleaners can be sprayed right onto the floor and mopped up immediately, which is generally enough to remove surface dirt. However, ground-in dirt may require a little more elbow grease. If you have textured tile, you may need to use a soft-bristle brush or scrubber sponge. Avoid highly abrasive tools such as steel wool or scrubbing powders, which can permanently scratch the surface of your tile. Once your tile floor is free of dirt, rinse away any residue with clean, warm water. For questions, call Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning of Orange County. (949) 545-5205

 

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How to keep the ceramic tile grout in your shower looking new, Orange County

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As a ceramic tile cleaner, I’m often been asked about the best way to maintain a shower to avoid costly repairs in the future.

First, a quick fact about the grout used when your tile was installed. Grout is made with a water repellency built in, which is meant to provide years of use when being maintained. In a perfect world, your grout should look shiny and bright forever.

However, that’s not the case in most of the homes I visit. In most houses, even with the best use of cleaning practices, yellowing and mildewing still persist. But why?

Lets look at the facts about grout.

In a home with three people showering once a day, 365 days a year, the shower is used 1,095 times in one year. Over time, that’s an awful lot of showers. Also, consider the fact that unlike your car that stays outdoors, your shower doesn’t get sunny days in between to dry off.

This heavy abuse really creates a need to maintain your grout to keep it clean, sealed and looking pretty. Unfortunately, the products sold on the market today to clean grout have harsh chemicals that deliver a quick fix to the eye, but eventually wear down your grout’s repellency over time, causing grout to turn into a water absorbing, chalk like consistency.

The result of this is mildewing and discoloring. Grout that absorbs water grows mildew and permanently stains, and the only fix at this point is a total re-grout – a somewhat expensive option.

Sometimes its not just mildew we’re seeing. Another culprit of stained grout is our local water supply. Rust in the your water could be a major contributor of staining. Whole house water filters should be considered if your house’s water supply is especially rust filled.

So how do you keep your showers looking nice?

1. Consider changing your shampoo. 

When you read the ingredients list on the back of your shampoo bottle, do you see dyes and colorings in the product? If so, I recommend that you choose a new shampoo that is more natural without colorings in them.

You will be doing your shower a favor, and more importantly, your body. Dyes are not good for you or your family’s health and can also stain the grout in your bathroom.

2. Stay away from harsh cleaning chemicals. 

Harsh cleaners may make your grout look cleaner, but they also strip away the water repellency that we talked about earlier. Bleach is especially bad about this.

A mixture of approximately one-third white vinegar to two-thirds water is what I recommend to my customers to clean their grout. Use a soft scrub brush with a little elbow grease.

3. Seal the grout. 

Most home stores have sealing products readily available. They add water repellency back into the grout that’s lost over time. Grout that is sealed will be more stain resistant. I recommend sealing at least once or twice a year depending on how many people use the shower on a daily basis.

4. Invest in a squeegee. 

Preferably, you’ll want to find a squeegee with a suction cup that will mount in your shower, making it handier when you need it. Using it after each shower will allow less water to dry on your grout, tile and shower doors, thereby leaving less mineral deposits behind.

In closing, I recommend a yearly visit by your tile man to keep your shower looking new ike Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning of Orange County. I know most people will scoff at this recommendation because of the expense, but it will be negligible compared to the cost of having to rip out your shower and install a new one when it goes bad.

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Steam cleaning your carpet: before, during and after, Orange County, CA

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Among the many methods professional carpet cleaners use, steam cleaning employs a hot water extraction solution that cleans carpets deeply using water temperatures between 180-212 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, carpet steam cleaning companies provide services for residential and business customers.

Before a steam cleaning

Prior to a carpet steam cleaning company’s arrival, be sure to vacuum your carpets thoroughly. This will suck up any extra debris and make it easier for the carpets to stay cleaner after the cleaning. Pacific of Orange County will vac if need be.

Additionally, take certain precautions to ensure that your belongings are safe:

  • Remove any small items from the carpet area
  • Put away valuables that run the risk of falling or getting broken
  • Move any furniture that covers up carpeted areas that need to be cleaned.
  • Be sure to point out any high-traffic areas in your home that need special attention.

Steam cleaning detergents

Steam cleaning companies use several different types of detergents. Typically, they use an alkaline detergent to clean carpets thoroughly and loosen up dirt and other debris. Additionally, they can mix in an acidic solution, such as an ammonia-based solvent, with the detergent to balance out the pH in the carpet. Next, they rinse the carpet and use a vacuum suction tool to extract the dirty water.

Some steam cleaning services offer natural cleaning solutions for those allergic to detergents or who prefer chemical-free solutions. Inquire beforehand to ensure that the company provides this option.

The cleaning process

To begin the steam cleaning process, carpet cleaners typically combine an industrial-strength detergent with steaming hot water and then apply the mixture to the carpet. Afterward, workers use a cleaning wand, normally attached to the steam cleaning machine via a long rod or tube, to agitate and suck the solution back into the machine. A rinsing solution follows that helps neutralize the strong detergent smell and balances the pH in the carpet.

Expect the cleaning process to take at least one hour for standard-sized homes. Larger homes or homes with heavily soiled carpet usually take longer.

On average, carpets take six to eight hours to dry completely after a steam cleaning. For faster results, ventilate the area by opening windows or running a ceiling fan. You can walk on your carpet immediately after a cleaning, but exercise caution because it will still be damp.

Care after steam cleaning

After your carpets are cleaned, regularly vacuum and use doormats close to doorways to keep your carpet clean. Avoid using scented carpet powders. Although a vacuuming powder can give your carpet a pleasant smell, it helps your carpet accumulate dust more easily and is extremely difficult to remove from carpet fibers.

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Carpet cleaning: Pros and cons of different carpet cleaning methods Orange County

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Professional carpet cleaning companies like Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning of Orange County, CA use several carpet cleaning methods to clean a home’s carpets. Each cleaning method has its own particular advantages and disadvantages. But how do you choose between them? Review these pros and cons before deciding which method you would like to be used to clean your carpet.

Basically, carpet cleaning methods may be placed in one of two categories: wet cleaning or dry cleaning. Wet cleaning includes hot water extraction and can include cleaning with an absorbent pad. Dry carpet cleaning involves the use of chemical powders or foams applied by special machines with counter rotating brushes, pads or cylinders.

1. Wet cleaning

How it works

Also known as hot water extraction or steam cleaning, the carpet is first pre-conditioned with a chemical reagent that liquefies soils and oil-based substances which may be present in the carpet fibers. Water is heated to a temperature near its boiling point and pressurized, then injected into the carpet. After about 10 to 15 minutes, the solution is extracted with a vacuum.

Pros

  • Gets out soiling from deep down in the carpet
  • Allows the use of high temperatures, pressures and chemical concentrates
  • Permits extended dwell times for reaction of cleaning solvents
  • Chemical reactivity facilitated by agitation with grooming tool or extraction wand
  • Most  widely used method
  • Recommended by carpet manufacturers and industry cleaning experts and professionals

Cons

  • Relatively long drying time, but this can be reduced with the use of powerful equipment by competent technicians
  • Expensive equipment usually required for maximum efficiency
  • Relatively high cost factors

2. Cleaning with an absorbent pad

How it works

This carpet cleaning method is also commonly known as bonnet cleaning and is most often used for routine light maintenance. It can also be used for regular carpet cleaning. The carpet is first vacuumed, and then a chemical solution is sprayed unto it with a hand pump or electric sprayer. The solution is allowed to stay on the carpet for a suitable dwell or reaction time.

The absorbent pad or bonnet, which looks like a towel, is placed on the drive block of a rotary floor machine and spun over the carpet surface at 100 to 300 rpm. This action serves to impregnate the carpet fibers with the chemical solution and then pick it up with the soils afterwards.

Pros

  • Fast, simple and inexpensive
  • Excellent results with lightly soiled carpets

Cons

  • Only cleans the top one-third of carpet fibers, incapable of reaching deeper down
  • Leaves dirt and chemicals to accumulate at the bottom of the carpet fibers

3. Dry cleaning with an absorbent compound

How it works

A powder that has been mixed with special solvents and cleaning agents is spread over the carpet, and then worked into the carpet fibers with a machine fitted with counter-rotating brushes. The powder absorbs soils in the carpet fibers. After it’s allowed to set on the carpet for 10 to 15 minutes, it’s vacuumed up.

Pros

  • Very simple system with no special technical training required
  • Very fast drying, it typically only takes about 20 minutes before the carpet can be back in service

Cons

  • Powder may be trapped in plush pile carpets and left to build up over time
  • Can cause excessive dust build-up in the home
  • Unable to clean deep down into the carpet

4. Dry foam or rotary shampoo method

How it works

A cleaning agent is applied to the carpet to help suspend dirt and debris in the carpet, which is then whipped into foam and worked into the carpet fibers with the rotating brushes of a special machine. After a short dwell time, the foam is extracted with a vacuum.

Pros

  • Fast, simple to apply and inexpensive
  • Rotating brushes provide excellent agitation
  • Small amount of moisture allows fast drying of carpet

Cons

  • Unable to achieve thorough soil extraction below the surface of the carpet
  • High temperatures usually not achieved
  • Excessive wetting possible with equipment malfunction

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Floor cleaning, Cleaning methods for every floor, Orange County CA

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Cleaning methods for every floor

Whether you hire a professional floor cleaner or do the job yourself, the fact is, our floors need to be cleaned. They get dirty, attract scuffs and accumulate spills. But what kind of cleaner should you use for different types of floors?

Asphalt tile: Try to mop every week using 1 cup of fabric softener in half a pail water. Don’t flood the floor, since excess water can loosen adhesives and grout. Remove marks with fine grade steel wool and liquid floor wax. Rub clean, then wipe with damp cloth.

Brick: Since brick is porous, keep the surface sealed and waxed with a commercial sealer. Mop after vacuuming. Use 1 cup of vinegar mixed in water to make it shine. Use a solvent-based wax, and use a wax stripper and brush to remove buildup as needed. Don’t use acids, strong soaps or abrasives.

Ceramic: Glazed ceramic is virtually stain proof; however if it is unglazed, that means it’s porous and will need to be sealed. Don’t use harsh abrasives, acids or strong soaps on unglazed ceramic. Mop with all-purpose cleaner, and dry with a soft cloth. Strip unglazed ceramic once a year and rinse thoroughly afterward.

Household floors go through a lot of wear on a daily basis. If you clean them yourself or hire a professional, make sure each surface is cleaned correctly. (Photo courtesy of Anita Britt)

Concrete: Since concrete is very porous, it stains easily. Prior to sealing with a commercial sealer, sweep up loose dirt, and clean with an all-purpose cleaner. Use kitty litter to absorb oil and grease on your garage floor. Spread with a stiff broom, working from the back of the garage to the front, and then wash clean using a garden hose. If you need to use a heavy-duty floor cleaner, apply with a sponge mop, rinse and allow to dry.  Concrete floors can be kept clean easier if they are treated with an epoxy paint or other strong coating.

Flagstone and slate: Natural stone is rough and porous and should be sealed with a commercial sealer. Apply two thin coats of acrylic floor finish using a lamb’s wool pad, or apply paste with a floor polishing machine. Occasionally strip, rinse and reapply wax. Use a mop using either clear water, all-purpose cleaner or water with fabric softener.

Linoleum and vinyl: Prior to waxing, vacuum and mop, remove marks with a fine grade steel wool. Cleaning linoleum and vinyl floors is easy, but be careful of the products you use.  Solvent-based products, scouring, flooding and using very hot water are all bad for linoleum. The fastest way to clean the floor is with a one-step cleaner or polish, but the best way is to mop with all-purpose cleaner.

Marble: Non-polished marble is very porous, so seal it with commercial sealer. Mop it with clear water and all-purpose cleaner. You can also use 1 cup fabric softener to ½ gallon water, and use a self-polishing liquid wax. Strip occasionally, rinse and reapply wax. You also can use water-based wax or paste wax. If using a paste, test in a corner of the room to make sure the paste won’t discolor the flooring.

Cleaning hardwood floors

Many vintage and restored homes have original hardwood floors made of oak, maple or exotic woods like Brazilian cherry. Bamboo and other hardwood alternatives have become popular in recent years because they are made from a renewable source. These floors can be cleaned by a daily sweep with a dust mop. Once a week, they can be damp mopped with a quality, liquid soap. There are also some cleaners that have gentle detergents and oils in them that will protect the wood’s natural finish.  However, whenever mopping a wood floor be careful not to get too much liquid on the floor at one time.  Wood floors can be damaged by being overly saturated.

Hiring a professional

Professional floor cleaners use special tools and methods to clean and disinfect stained floors. Most people are familiar with professional carpet cleaning, but professional floor cleaners also clean other kinds of flooring such as tile and wood. Here are some basic tips related to finding and hiring a professional floor cleaner:Pricing: The vast majority of professional floor cleaners charge for their services by the square foot. The larger the floor area that needs to be cleaned, the more it will cost to use a professional floor cleaner. We at Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning of Orange County has the lowest costs in Los Angeles, Startine at .50 cents per Sq. Ft.Finding a Floor Cleaner: Homeowners and business owners are fortunate because there are several ways that they can find a good floor cleaner. Check reviewes or chat with friends and family for a recommendation a quality professional floor cleaning company. Those who are hiring professional floor cleaners should always compare quotes from several different companies no matter how these companies are located.Frequency: Most experts recommend that carpeted floors be professionally cleaned at least once a year if they experience a lot of foot traffic. Tile floors should be cleaned professionally when the grout gets stained. The frequency of cleaning can be adjusted depending on special circumstances.

Floor maintenance

It is essential for homeowners and business owners to maintain their floors if they want to reduce the amount of money they spend on the repair, replacement and professional cleaning of their flooring. Here are some things to keep in mind:Ease of Maintenance: Simply put, some floors are easier to clean and maintain than others. Carpet needs far more attention than hard surfaces because it is easy for spills to stain carpet fibers. Dirt also gets ground into carpets quite easily. Hard surfaces such as tile and wood are simpler to clean because they do not easily stain, and they resist the damage that dirt can cause. Of these hard flooring options, wood is easier to maintain because, unlike most tiled floors, it does not have grout that can get stained.Basic Floor Care Products: A mop and a broom are a must for nearly anyone that has floors to clean. A vacuum will also be necessary if some or all of the flooring is carpeted. Spot cleaners will be needed for carpeted floors, and wax is required for wood floors.Keeping Dirt Away: The first step in floor cleaning and maintenance is keeping the dirt away. Welcome mats should be placed at entrances so that people can scrape the dirt off their shoes before they enter. In some places, such as a home, there can even be a rule that people remove their shoes before entering. Immediately cleaning up spills, especially on carpet, also makes it less likely that dirt will get embedded in the flooring.

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What is the difference between porcelain and marble tile Cleaning? Orange County ca

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The battle between porcelain and marble tile rages on and many new homeowners are at a loss as to which side they should join. This battle has arisen for three main reasons:

  1. Homeowners are not sure what the difference is between the two tile choices.
  2. Homeowners are unaware of the upkeep that is needed for the different types of tile.
  3. Homeowners do not know which type of tile is appropriate for his or her lifestyle.

Instead of pushing consumers toward one type of tile or another, we as professionals simply need to provide the information they need to make an informed decision. Here are a few of the key factors consumers need to know when deciding which side to take in the battle of porcelain vs. marble.

Porcelain

Positive aspects:

Porcelain today has come a long way and there is porcelain out there for the right price that looks very much like marble or other natural stones.

Porcelain tiles are extremely strong and dense. The weight of porcelain tile can tell you quite a bit about their level of quality. Porcelain tile is frost resistant and it is highly resistant to stains, scratches and moisture.

Porcelain tiles do not chip easily. They are also hard wearing, meaning it is resistant to harsh cleaning products, stains and fading. Porcelain tile is very easy to clean and it can last for a very long time.

Negative aspects:

Porcelain tiles are very cold and hard, and some health experts believe that walking on such cold hard floors can cause unnecessary stress to the joints. Also, certain types of porcelain tile can be harder to clean than marble depending on if the texture is rough or smooth.

Another issue can arise in the event that a tile chips. Ironically, it may be easier to repair a natural stone like marble as opposed to porcelain, which will generally needs to be replaced.

Marble

Positive aspects:

Real marble tiles are truly magnificent to look at, they are beautiful and they are always unique. You will never find two marble surfaces that look exactly the same. Marble gives the sense of grandeur wherever it is laid and is also heavier than porcelain.

Marble is also very versatile. It can be used in any part of the house, including living rooms, dining rooms and foyers. Marble tile also has a health benefit – the marble is a natural stone and can actually keep away microscopic particles and germs if it is cleaned properly.

Negative aspects:

Marble, like many other stone tiles, has very high maintenance requirements. Marble is also porous, which means it can be stained, scratched and worn more easily.

A small spill of coffee or mustard can ruin your brand new marble floor or countertop. Having marble tile means that you will be required to get a true stone professional to come and refinish them for large amounts of money in order to keep the marble looking its best.

Since cleaning products for deep stains on marble are limited, it is worth the time and effort to hire a stone restoration professional as a consultant to choose a quality stone for you and give advice on the necessary maintenance for the stone you choose. Marble tile is generally not recommended for kitchen floors and countertops.

Obviously, the choice is left to the client. With the above information, he or she should be able to make a well-informed decision. For more info, call Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning of Orange County, CA to help make an informed decision.

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