Cleaning Tips

So, last week I was at my parents’ house for a visit and my dad asked me to explain why using a rental carpet cleaning machine is different from what we at Anderson Carpet Cleaning do. Wow, talk about getting my juices flowing… So, I told him that first, when you rent a machine from…

Sometimes your tile floors need a deep clean. There’s only so much a mopping and scrubbing you can do because grout is a porous material, it absorbs much the dirt and debris. Mopping can only remove what’s on the surface and not the embedded dirt- which can cause the grout to be dull. A professional tile…

Do you take pride in your home, and vacuum your carpets regularly? Do think they’re deep-down clean? Unfortunately, that might not be the case. Here are the signs of trouble you might not be aware of. Professional cleaning removes dirt and debris that your vacuum cleaner can’t. Think of it as a great investment in the long…

Professional carpet cleaners are thorough, and take into consideration the longevity of your carpet, using techniques that will not damage it in the long run by infusing too many liquids or harsh chemicals. The expertise of professional carpet cleaners is especially important if you are planning on selling your home to a family with children who will…

Many people who have used Mop & Glo on their wood floors are very unhappy with the results. Similar to Orange Glo, Mop & Glo Wood Floor Cleaner leaves a cloudy white film on wood floors. Despite its claim to clean floors, Mop & Glo will make your wood floors look dirtier than they were…

A blacklight detecting urine, even if you can’t see it, but you can SMELL it! The ONLY otc product to use on self spotting pet urine Steam clean halfway through with a stain. You can dye a lighter stain dark, but not a darker stain light. We also clean RVs! A stain is WORSE. You…

Soil or “filtration lines,” which are created by soot from your furnace, and in some cases, candles. Nearly every home has them to some degree. The dirt is located where you typically don’t walk. It’s possible to remove them, but it’s very time consuming. It requires taping the molding with painter’s tape, treating the edges…

OK, SO YOU HAVE A JUTE RUG, DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS?  I looked it up, here is the definition: “a rough fiber made from the stems of a tropical Old World plant, used for making twine and rope or woven into sacking or matting.” NOW YOU WANT TO CLEAN IT…here’s a few…

Tiled flooring is a fantastic way to add some beauty to many rooms in your home, but it also can come with a number of potential cleaning issues. We’re experts in all forms of floor cleaning, and we’ve seen firsthand the issues that can arise with tile and grout products when proper maintenance and cleaning…

Is this included in my carpet cleaning? At Anderson Carpet Cleaning, one of the most asked questions is, “Why do I have gray lines at my carpets edges?”  Those are called soil “filtration lines,” which are created by soot from your furnace, and in some cases, candles. Nearly every home has them to some degree.…

Your home’s carpet might not be something you think much about, but if you have family members walking, sitting, playing, and spending time on carpet, it’s important to know what might be hiding in those little carpet fibers. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that your home’s indoor air can actually harbor a lot more contaminants…

The Holidays are coming, and so are your guests. Some guests are planned and some will be the dreaded “pop ins.” Will you be ready? Our tip…Clean your carpets after the guests have left…You know the carpets will be dirtier than when you started.  And really who’s looking at the carpets anyway, besides your mother-in-law.…

Finding and choosing the best carpet cleaning service goes further than just searching the internet or phone book. The carpet in your home is one of its biggest assets, so you want to make sure you are hiring experienced professionals that will do the job right. Choosing an excellent carpet cleaning company will take some…

Time is of the essence when your rug becomes stained. Remember to blot — not rub — the stain and remove moisture from spills as quickly as possible. Alcohol and soft drinks: Use a solution of 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent, 1 quart of warm water, and 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar. Apply to the…

Painting a carpeted room can be a nerve-racking experience (which is why I don’t do it myself). When your worst fears come true and a paintbrush, roller or entire can of latex paint takes a nosedive from your hand or the ladder. If you can’t get your favorite carpet cleaner out there that second…  …

Blot, blot blot, blot, blot, blot and did I mention blot? Trying to rub out a stain just pushes the spill into the pile and causes fibers to mat. Rather, blot up spills by covering the area with a clean white towel or a thick pad of white paper towels. Press down with the heel of…

I get many calls from people who have spilled a tub of liquid detergent… If you spill detergent on carpet…Here’s a quick guide to help you remove laundry detergent from your carpet.  Run your kitchen faucet until the water is as hot as it can get. Make sure the water is at its highest temperature.…

Wrinkles happen in your carpet too, not just your face. So, Anderson Carpet Cleaning just left, your carpets look and smell great!  You are so excited.  You wake up the next morning and the panic sets in….There is a wrinkle in your carpet that wasn’t there before!  The hair on the back of your neck…

This is a commonly asked question.  I have had people say that they have not had their carpets cleaned in 10 years or more because they have relied on myths and misconceptions.  The fact is that cleaning extends the life of your carpet and saves you the tremendous amount of money required to replace prematurely worn carpet. …

Why oh why does this happen? This is called wicking. What is wicking? The act of moving moisture by capillary action from the inside to the surface (the free dictionary). So what does this mean to you? Or me? So, your carpet is dirty (so is mine). Actually dirtier than you think. Way down deep,…

Carpets warm a home by adding color, pattern, and texture. Regular vacuuming provides the first line of defense against dirt and grit that damages carpet fibers. But carpets also need regular cleaning to keep them looking their best. Plan to thoroughly clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months, more often in high-traffic areas. If…

To get the most life out of your carpet, you’ll want to have it cleaned BEFORE it starts to show signs of wear. Having your carpets cleaned is a chore that usually falls into the same category as spring cleaning: not very fun to do, but necessary, and should occur with at least the same…

Foam padding (urethane)  This type of pad is very inexpensive and lightweight. If a retail store tries to give you free pad with your carpet purchase, just say “No thank you”. This type of padding will not tolerate much traffic. It will soon become completely flat as a pancake after a year or so. This…

There are at least, if not more; 3 grades of low-end carpets designed for apartments, rental property and is typically called “builders Grade” carpet. These low-cost carpets are only designed to last 3 to 5 years at best. The face weights are generally 22 ounces to 30 ounces. Prices range from $8 per square yard…

While watching TV, I noticed a new commercial for a national carpet cleaning company claiming to be the first asthma & allergy friendly™ certified carpet cleaner.  Based on these criteria it would appear that only the products and procedures, rather than the individual cleaning technicians performing the work, are receiving the certification.   The effectiveness of…

In the hot water extraction method, hot water is essentially sprayed on the carpet and then sucked back into the machine, along with any dirt that was in the carpet. There is usually a cleaning solution added into the water to assist in the removal of stains. The primary method of carpet cleaning recommended by…

There are black lines forming on my carpet along the walls, under doors, around air vents, and along the edges of my stairs, how come? You are likely having a problem known as filtration soiling. What causes it? Filtration soiling occurs because of air being forced into the room or space at a higher rate…

It’s best to pre-vacuum general debris from the carpets. Our system will suck up the little stuff, but larger pieces get caught in  our filters. If you’ve vacuumed within the last few days, you are OK. Remove any breakable objects from tight corners and tables near stairs. We move light furniture, but we let you…

Good maintenance habits will extend the life and beauty of your carpet.  The most important step in keeping your new carpet clean and in top condition is proper carpet maintenance. Vacuuming Dust, dirt, and other materials that find their way onto your carpet can become embedded in the pile of the carpet. Over time this…

Carpet beetles are common household pests that look like small, fuzzy worms or little, dark beetles. They can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of the carpet, on the windowsill, on clothing and even in food products. How common are carpet beetles? Carpet beetles are fairly common bugs. Many times, a carpet beetle infestation…

The time has come. Despite your best efforts… You finally decided to get it thoroughly cleaned, but how do you know which carpet cleaning method to pick? Steam cleaning AND dry cleaning are both popular methods for cleaning carpets, but does one have an advantage over the other? In the steam clean versus dry clean debate,…

Rated from 1 to 5, the scale represents the carpeting’s ability to withstand extended wear. This is on the label of every residential carpet style, you’ll find an easy-to-find, easy-to-understand Performance Rating.  A perfect rating of 5 means that after rigorous, industry-standard testing, the carpeting maintained the appearance of brand new carpet. A rating of 4.0…

Are you a cat person like me? Only not when they are doing things we don’t understand. Like urinateing on our carpets, it’s an irritating and smelly problem. Cat urine might well be one of the most potent, uncomfortable smells you’ll ever experience.  You will find a number of different methods to try, and it might…

Some stains even a professional carpet cleaner cannot remove because they permanently alter the carpet’s color and/or pH balance. These stains include: acid toilet bowl cleaners acne medication alkaline drain cleaners chlorinated bleaches hair dyes iodine insecticides mustard with turmeric plant fertilizers A minimum of one professional cleaning every 18 months is required for most carpet warranties.

Carpet or hardwood?  Here are some thoughts on why carpet…. #1. The softness. While nylon carpet fibers have long held a well-deserved reputation for stain resistance, the sixth-generation nylons, known as Nylon 6 and Nylon 6.6, are the softest yet. They’re made using an increased number of smaller-diameter, toe-coddling fibers per square inch. They’re tough,…

Why do manufactures’ warranties also require annual deep cleaning by a professional carpet cleaner?  That’s because of two destructive forces that normally affect every carpet — “Soiling” and loss of “texture.”  Soiling is the build-up of dirt particles and other similar materials that cling to your carpet’s fibers. Despite regular vacuuming, particles and materials accumulate…

It is no secret that carpets and rugs should be vacuumed on a regular basis to lift excessive dust, dirt and food particles and other pieces of debris. Vacuuming is the easiest and most effective way to keep your carpet clean.   However, it may come as a surprise that something as simple as regular vacuuming…

OMG, 7 gross things that lurk in your carpet! Skin Cells – we know who the culprit is here, and there is no way around this one Pesticides – carpets have been tested to contain levels of propoxur, chlorpyrifos,diazinon, permethrin, and chlordane; after all, you do want that lovely shade of green on your lawn. …

Should I have my carpet cleaned or just replace it?  I talk to people about this issue everyday.  You can restore the fresh look and smell of your carpet by having it professionally cleaned if it is less than 15 years old. However, at some point, your carpet begins to look worn and old, and not even…

Extraction (truck mount steam clean) cleaning refers to a carpet cleaning process in which a hot (220*), water-based cleaning solution is injected into and extracted from the carpet, taking with it the loosened soil. A heated detergent solution is pumped through a pressure hose to a wand where spray jets force it into the carpet…

At least once a day, someone wants to know what chemicals we use to clean carpets.  Is it safe, biodegradable and kid friendly?  Yes it is! Black Out Removes black filtration lines from carpet edges, under doors and around heating and air conditioning vents. It suspends back carbon and other pollutants for easy, thorough extraction.…

Can we walk on the carpet right after it’s been cleaned?   This seems to be a huge question..and this is what I tell my customers…Yes, however it WILL be damp. We recommend that after your carpet is cleaned you wear socks walking on it so that you do not transfer oils from feet to…

Carpet protector is a treatment that is applied to carpet in the mills during the manufacturing process. This treatment coats the individual fibers with a protective barrier against stains and soils, keeping them from bonding to the fiber, and making it easier to clean. This protection will wear off with foot traffic and/or clean off.…

We recommend Natures Miracle cleaning solution if you need to spot between cleanings.  You can find it at Petco.  This stain and odor remover helps clean up dog-related messes. The formula helps remove both new and set-in stains as well as odors and pheromones to help prevent resoiling.Help rid your home of pup-related messes with…

April – Why? Getting your carpets cleaned is kind of like buying a new car, there’s a good time, an anytime, and the BEST time.  Everyone knows that if you want the BEST deal on a car, you wait til the end of the year.  That’s car buying 101.  The 101 for carpet cleaning is,…

So one of the questions I typically ask my customers is, “Are there any concerns you have about your carpet?  Kids issues, Husband issues or Pet problems?” There usually are. And most of the time my customers are honest about this. No one wants to pay more for an already expensive service they are paying…

I love a good cup of coffee.  Cinnamon Dolce Latte from Starbucks to be specific…And yes, I have spilled my share.  So this is what I would like to share with you from a carpet cleaners side. Coffee, water and ground beans right? NOT! Coffee and tea often have added substances in the beverage.  Plain,…

Happy and Proud to say that with Anderson Carpet Cleaning there are never hidden cost or fees!!

My technician was at a customer’s home, she pointed out some light-colored areas around the doorway leading to the porch. She said that there was a spider problem recently, and she had used a spray insecticide to get rid of the pests. She was hoping the light color would just wash out when we cleaned.…

Why are you thinking about Scotch Garding your carpet?  Let’s be reasonable, when you Scotch Gard, this does NOT mean that you can spill anything on your carpet, not clean it and there won’t be a stain… Fluorochemicals are the main force in fabric protection or Scotch Gard, as it relates to carpet and upholstery.…

Please realize that commercial carpet is very different from residential carpet.  Commercial carpet is typically low-level loop with tight construction, and receives a tremendous amount of traffic (depending on the type of building, of course). Because of the loop construction, commercial carpet often holds more soil. Soil can work its way under the loops, becoming…

With the holidays just around the corner it’s time to get your home spruced up for company. One of your home’s best assets is your carpeting! So hire an experienced professional who will do the job right. Anderson Carpet Cleaning. Here are some tips: 1. Understand the carpet cleaning process. Some use a wet cleaning…

Do not use wax or silicone based polishes or cleaners.  Some wood flooring cleaners sold at the local stores may make the floors more difficult to clean and may create problems when the floor requires recoating. Avoid deep scratches.  High heels and dog nails can damage wood flooring. Do not slide furniture across wood flooring.…

Click here to view and download the Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning Hardwood Floors  

Try this DIY recipe Go around the edge with soapy water, then blot lightly with isopolropyl alcohol on a cotton rag. The soapy water should keep it from spreading, do not rub with towel!! Blot only. Thank you, Lisa and Team  

There are SEVERAL reasons for this. If the yellowing is lighter than your carpet, it’s due to color loss (bleach). Another reason is atmospheric gases (sunshine). And last but not least, yellowing can happen due to the pad. There is a solvent called BHT that can be found in some pads. For the last one…

We all sit on sofa’s and loveseats, sometimes in shorts or even in the raw.  We spill, the dog uses them as their personal grooming centers leaving germs and bacteria not to mention the dirt and dander.  All this make’s your once beautiful and clean furniture at the very least, unhealthy. Our powerful hot steam…

Find success when removing coffee or tea spills… If you allow a few days to pass, the coffee, tea or wine stain is much tough to remove. These stains appear to take up permanent residence in the carpet. Our most aggressive cleaning technique often shows limited success. Why so tough? Coffee, tea and wine (and…