Blog

What Company is Best for Carpet Cleaning?

There are a number of different companies that provide carpet cleaning services. As a consumer, it is important for you to select a carpet cleaning company that has an excellent reputation and good credentials. If the business that you select has been in operation for many years, it will likely have a number of customer images and reviews. Please look over these carefully. It may also be pertinent to have a discussion with someone in the office and discuss the cleaning options that would most benefit your home.

Who Steam Cleans Carpets

Carpet steam cleaning is an important service for residential homes and properties alike. But which individuals or companies are most qualified? It’s important to notes that the average cost for carpet cleaning ranges anywhere between $200 and $260 across the nation. It’s important to consider these costs when selecting a carpet cleaning company. Technicians from carpet cleaning companies are generally experienced with providing carpet cleaning solutions and utilize a methodology that will deliver good results.

Is it Better to Shampoo or Steam Clean Carpets

The reason why steam cleaning is so popular is that the process is so effective. Steam cleaning will remove dirt from your carpets and sanitize them as well. The tools that a technician uses include a steam mop and hot water vapor to break down dirt. On the other hand, shampooing the carpet means that a detergent is used. The process for shampooing a carpet takes longer than steam cleaning a carpet. For example, steam cleaning a carpet will take up to 48 hours, while shampooing will take longer than two days.

How Often Should Carpets Be Steam Cleaned?

In order to extend the life of your carpet, it is important for you to have your carpets professionally cleaned annually. That means that scheduling a carpet cleaning company to clean your carpets should happen once a year. As a matter of fact, most carpet manufacturers recommend the steam cleaning method for cleaning carpets and extending the lifetime of your carpet installation. A good carpet cleaning will penetrate deep into the fibers of your carpet and lift out the various pollutants that can be tracked on the bottom of your shoes.

How Does Carpet Steam Cleaner Work

Are you wondering how carpet steam cleaners work? Please review the following bullet points to learn more about the procedure for carpet cleaning.

• First things first: remove everything from the room and if possible, remove all the furniture. Please expose as much floor space as possible.
• Please dust the baseboards. As the steam cleaner is run, dust will be knocked off the baseboards, and fall onto the carpet. In order to ensure that a really good job of carpet cleaning is accomplished, please make sure to clean the baseboards and remove dust from the walls, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.
• The entire carpet must be vacuumed carefully.
• Stain remover is generally used on bad spots.
• At this point, the steam cleaner goes into action. The steam cleaner will use a specific solution that is endorsed by the company.
• The technician will use a specific method for cleaning the room. Direction and procedure are critical.

Do Carpet Steam Cleaners Work

Carpet cleaning isn’t just important for removing stains, it’s important for prolonging the longevity of your carpet. To keep your carpet looking and operating well for many years to come, you should have your carpet cleaned every twelve to eighteen months. As a matter of fact, frequent cleaning is a condition of many carpet warranties. In order to make sure that you are honoring the warranty on your carpets, please make sure to consult the warranty.

Does Carpet Steam Cleaning Remove Stains

The results speak for themselves. Carpet steam cleaning procedures can not only dissolve stains, but it can also restore the integrity of your home’s carpets. During the course of a carpets life, many different kinds of dirt particles can get lodged deep within your carpets. Steam cleaning eases those particles out, thus restoring the carpet. 

To get started on your service, call our office at (636) 238-4702 to schedule an appointment for carpet steam cleaning near me in St. Peters, MO.

Yes, after a load of laundry has finished in the dryer, or maybe you wait until you’re putting the next load in, you empty the lint trap. However, there is a lot of lint getting past that lint trap. If you have ever wondered “Is dryer vent cleaning necessary?”, the answer is yes.   

So, if you are now wondering about your dryer’s vent and how clogged it is and other questions about this topic, keep reading as we answer common questions about dryer vent cleaning. 

How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?

At the very minimum, you need to add dryer vent cleaning to your list of homeowner duties, along with checking the gutters, rooftop, electrical and plumbing connections, and water treatment system. With dryer vent cleaning though, you may need to increase the frequency, depending on these points:

• The number of people in your household. It only makes sense that the more people in the household, the more laundry is done and the more the dryer is used.
• Number of pets in your household. Pet fur and pet can clog dryer vents quickly. Why? Because their fur and hair get on your bedding and clothing.
• What stuff you dry can determine how much lint builds up in the dry vent, like blankets, towels, and fleece clothing. Think about how full the lint trap is after a load of white clothes like socks and t-shirts.
• The amount of new clothing comes into your home and is laundered. New clothes have more lint coming off.

However, regular dryer vent cleaning isn’t just something to add to your list of house maintenance projects. There are some serious issues that can develop by not practicing dryer vent cleaning at least once a year:

Fire Danger

As we mentioned earlier in this article, the number one fire hazard in homes are clothes dryers, over 15,000 each year. Lack of dryer vent cleaning is 80% of those fires. Those fires result in death, injury, and property loss. Frightening isn’t it?  So, how does a dryer vent cause a fire, anyway?

The lint that you clean from the trap isn’t all the lint generated from a load of laundry. Some of it goes past the trap and collects in the vents, and that restricts the airflow. Exhaust gases get backed up and the perfect environment is created for a fire to begin.

Pest Invasion

If you were a bird or mouse and the weather was getting cold and wet, wouldn’t you be looking for a dry, warm place to get? This is exactly what the lint buildup in your clothes dryer provides birds, insects, mice, even rats. If the flap to the outside portion of your dryer vent doesn’t close, and you haven’t done a regular dryer vent cleaning, that dryer vent is the Motel 6 and maybe you didn’t leave the light on, but you left the heater on for them.

The next time you perform a dryer vent cleaning or have a dryer vent cleaning company do it for you. Hiring a professional, you can have dryer vent cleaning and repairs and have a pest guard installed. Yes, you still must do a regular dryer vent cleaning, but you can rest a little easier knowing that your dryer vent isn’t a Motel 6 for these critters.

Your Money

Okay, this isn’t really a danger, but who wants to be throwing money out, and that is exactly what you’re doing by doing or having a dryer vent cleaning done. The more your dryer vent is clogged, the longer it must run to dry the next load, and this uses more electricity and/or gas. You’re your dryer vent clean and you could notice around $25 or more each month increase in your bank account.

How do I clean my dryer vent?

Calling a professional dryer vent cleaning service is the easiest thing to do, but you can do it yourself. There are several videos, in fact, there are probably 1000s of them on the Internet that provide instructions visually, but here are the basic steps: 

• Locate the dryer vent duct: On the backside of your dryer is a very short vent (this will be an annoying fact later in this article), a 4-inch diameter exhaust tube that connects the clothes dryer to dedicated ductwork that runs inside the wall by an aluminum elbow or pipe. It is typically just above the baseboard behind your dryer. On the outside of your house, there is a plastic cap where the dryer exhaust exits.
• Disconnect the dryer: If you have an electric dryer, unplug it from the wall and remove any clamps or metal tape where the dryer vent attaches to the wall and gently pull the vent away from the wall. If you have a gas dryer, be careful not to disconnect the gas line. If you smell gas, stop and call a plumber immediately.
• Time to Clean: Now that you have easier access to the duct opening, using a specialized tool for dryer enter it into the duct from the inside or outside and turn it counterclockwise while pushing the brush down the duct. Repeat this process several times.
• Clean Up and Reconnect: You can expect that lint you just brushed out to be all over the floor. This can be vacuumed up and emptied into the trash. You may need to empty your vacuum cleaner and repeat several times if you haven’t performed a dryer vent cleaning before.

Once you have the lint cleaned up, reconnect the dryer vent to that very short vent (now you’ll see why we said it would annoy you), and plug the dryer in. It won’t hurt to replace that aluminum flex tube now either since they collect a lot of lint as well and cleaning them doesn’t do much good because of the flexibility.

Now that you have done your own dryer vent cleaning, you may see why it is worth the money to have a professional service next time.

Can you vacuum dryer vent?

You can, and it is better than not doing a dryer vent cleaning at all, but the attachments to your vacuum cleaner can’t do as thorough of a job as the kit you can purchase, and definitely not and a professional dryer vent cleaning service. Your vacuum cleaner attachments won’t agitate the lint that is stuck inside the vent and remove the lint that is deep inside the filter housing.

Can a dryer catch fire when off?

Lint builds up on the heating element inside the vent and the lint trap. If left alone, it will become heated as the dryer runs, overheat, and could catch fire from improper dryer vent cleaning.

Not only does the grout start looking old over time, a buildup of bacteria, debris, and dirt can also make your bathroom or kitchen unhealthy. These unhealthy irritants create a surface that is unhygienic and in a bathroom that is poorly ventilated, the mildew and mold are at their worse.  Professional tile and grout cleaning will remove all that, making your bathroom and kitchen look cleaner, newer, and make them healthier too.

How often should you clean tile grout?

It isn’t just the grout, the tile may not seem porous, but it is absorbing the same stuff the grout is. Experts recommend a thorough tile and grout cleaning should be regular maintenance twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Whether it is the bathroom or kitchen, backsplash, counters, or flooring. Maintenance is key to a long life for the tile and grout, keeping it healthy, and looking its best.

What cleans grout best?

Hiring a professional to do your tile and grout cleaning is the best way to get the grout clean.  However, if you want to do it yourself, there are several products available on the market, each having different results and different reviews. The following is a tested home recipe for a cleaner that has good results.

Mix the following ingredients together:

• 1/2 c of baking soda
• 1/4 c of hydrogen peroxide
• 1 teaspoon dish soap

Apply this tile and grout cleaning mixture onto the grout with a clean (but used is fine) toothbrush. Let the mixture sit on the grout for 5 to 10 minutes, then scrub vigorously with the toothbrush to agitate the cleaner and grout, then rinse using a clean rag wet with clear water.

Is bleach bad for grout?

Yes! Bleach is toxic, high in alkaline and can burn your skin or worse, not to mention, it smells! The high pH balance of bleach can corrode and destroy the materials that your tile and grout are made from.

Additionally, grout is a porous material and will absorb the bleach. It can spill over onto the flooring, including the carpet, creating more damage than you may anticipate. Do not use bleach for your tile and grout cleaning procedure.

Is vinegar bad for grout?

Again, yes! Vinegar is high in acetic acid and has a pH balance of 2. This combination will corrode the tile and grout. Experts do not recommend tile and grout cleaning with vinegar.

Your home is an important investment, and it only benefits you and the value of your property to take care of things like the electrical and plumbing components. Regularly scheduled maintenance for tile and grout cleaning is just as important. If you haven’t done a deep tile and grout cleaning yourself or had a professional do the job, and your tiles are looking aged and worn. 

Calling a professional for tile and grout cleaning and restoration can bring them back to life. If you aren’t sure it was worth the cost of hiring a professional to do this job, take pictures of the tile grout cleaning before and after. Just as with any professional service contractor, you’ll have a guarantee and warranty for the work done – a nice fallback that you don’t have by doing it yourself. Want professional cleaning for your home? Dial (636) 238-4702 for your tile and grout cleaning needs in St. Peters, MO.

For most of us, replacing the old carpet with new carpet isn’t always an option. Some of us will purchase a DIY carpet cleaner, or borrow one from a friend, and try to clean our own. Maybe you’ve read somewhere about a method of carpet cleaning with baking soda, but what if that ruins your carpet?  

So, what if you contact a company for carpet cleaning nearby, is it worth the expense? What is the benefit of hiring carpet cleaning services instead of renting a machine and doing it yourself? 

This isn’t the most expensive thing that you’ll ever do as a homeowner. It isn’t something in the monthly budget either. There are so many questions for anyone that has never hired carpet cleaning services before, which is understandable. We will answer some commonly asked questions here that will help you make your decision. 

How often should a carpet be cleaned?

Dirty carpets look bad and make your entire house feel dirty. Not only that, but they are full of grime, pollutants, and dirt particles that are like sandpaper. That sandpaper-like dirt breaks down the carpet fibers every time we walk them on.  Therefore, it is important to incorporate professional carpet cleaning services regularly. But what is the recommended regular basis?

For a home where the foot traffic is minimal, the heavy-use areas should have professional carpet cleaning services every 12 to 18 months and restorative carpet cleaning services every 24 months. For the average home with normal soiled carpeting, every six to twelve months for high-traffic areas and a restorative carpet cleaning once a year will keep the carpet fibers clean and pollutant-free.

Households with pets will require professional carpet cleaning services more often. The heavy traffic areas every 6 to 12 months and a restorative cleaning annually will get deep down into the fibers and make your carpet clean, fresh, and extend its lifespan.

For households that have extreme amounts of activity, such as several pets and a large family, those heavy traffic areas need professional carpet cleaning services experts recommend every other month, no less than every 3 months. Experts recommend complete restorative carpet cleaning every 4 months.

What is deep carpet cleaning?

When you vacuum your house, you are getting mainly surface dirt and grime. If your vacuum cleaner has a “rug beater” attachment, it will clean a little deeper down in the carpet fiber. When you have professional carpet cleaning services that use the steam cleaning method, they are getting down much deeper than your average vacuum cleaner with a rug beater.

A steam cleaning process does not mean steam is used to clean your carpet. The steam seen coming from the machines used by professional carpet cleaning services is the hot water steam. They spray the hot water and detergent on your carpeting, then using a wet vac, they suck up the water, along with the dirt and grime from deep down in the carpet fibers.  

Does carpet cleaning ruin carpet?

There are several myths about having your carpets serviced by professional carpet cleaning services. The truth is the hot water and powerful cleaners won’t damage your carpet but will get rid of the properties that daily wear and use leave behind.

Carpeting can be an excellent choice for a home’s flooring. And the proper care is important, especially a routine of using professional carpet cleaning services in addition to the regular vacuuming. The main benefits you’ll have by using a professional service include:

• It extends the lifespan of your carpet by having the dirt and grime removed. The combination of the dirt and grime and constant walking cross creates a sandpaper effect that wears the fibers down.
• It improves the environment because it removes the allergens, bacteria, and dust particles deep down in the fibers that can cause breathing problems.
• It improves the airflow because the debris, dirt, and dust from the carpeting aren’t floating into the air each time somebody walks across the carpet.
• It improves the feel and looks of your carpet by removing the buildup of the dirt and dust collected in the fibers that have flattened and matted your carpet and left it looking old, rough, and worn.

How do I know if my carpet is clean?

There is no better way to make your carpeting feel, look, and smell better than professional carpet cleaning services!  How can you tell if your carpet is clean or if it could use a professional cleaning? If you have any of the following signs, then it isn’t clean:

1. It has been over a year since the last professional carpet cleaning
2. Anyone in the house is suffering from allergies
3. The carpet is looking dirty and dull no matter how many times you vacuum
4. There are several stains that spot cleaning can’t remove
5. It is looking flat, matted, and worn
6. There is a smell you can’t get rid of
7. The padding has started to wear flat

Your home is an important investment for you, and all the components of your home are an important part of that investment. From the rooftop to the foundation, and everything around and in between, having the best services possible, such as professional carpet cleaning services, are an investment for that investment. For your carpet cleaning needs in St. Peters, MO, call (636) 238-4702 today!

There are many people, typically teenagers and young adults, that take pride in their car or truck, and they will perform car cleaning interior and exterior almost daily. They have supplied themselves with the car interior cleaning essentials to get the job done perfectly, from the console and dash to the carpeting, seats, and even the dome light.

There are people that show cars at different events. This is a time when they can show off their talents of bodywork and paint jobs, with many of the events offering prizes for first, second, and third place. For them, car interior cleaning and washing is an absolute must as well. Not only to better their chance of placing, but at many of these car events, there are people looking to buy a car, or maybe two.

In this article, we’re going to answer questions regarding car interior cleaning. The interior of cars today will have imprints on some surfaces, and if cleaned incorrectly or with the wrong product, it can remove that imprint. As well, the surfaces themselves are sensitive to how products react to them, such as the dash and gauges.

What household products can I use to clean my car interior?

While we have advised that when doing a car interior cleaning, there are some products that can harm your car’s interior. Surprisingly, there are common household products that are completely safe to use and do a fantastic job. Some of the most common items used for car interior cleaning are:

• Baking Soda
• Dish Soap
• Disinfectant Wipes
• Linseed Oil
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Toothpaste
• Vinegar

What can I use to clean the interior of my car?

In addition to the household items we listed above, you’ll also need certain pieces of equipment or tools for your car interior cleaning duties. The following list is a basic place to start. As you clean your car, you may find other tools that work as well or better for you.

• All-purpose auto cleaner
• Auto carpet cleaner
• Auto window cleaner
• Leather Conditioner
• Microfiber cloth for glass
• Microfiber cloth for vinyl
• Parts brush
• Pet brush
• Satin finish vinyl dressing
• Laundry Detergent with Bleach Alternative
• Vacuum
• Vinyl cleaner

How do I clean my car dashboard?

When you have performed a car interior cleaning in the past, did you have dull, grimy, smudged results on the dashboard? Or worse, the imprint of the controls was smeared or completely gone? It can be easy to use the wrong product and tool for car interior cleaning and make it worse than it was.

So how can you get great car interior cleaning results without damaging the interior? We have done our own research and found the following items are the best when cleaning the dash of your car:  

• Soft Microfiber Cloth
• Mild Soap and Clear Clean Water
• Car Polish
• Toothbrush
• Vacuum with Attachment

The following are the steps we found to be most recommended using these listed items:

• First, vacuum the dash with the brush attachments to remove the debris and dust.
• Using the soft microfiber cloth, dip it gently in the clear water and wipe the dash down. For an extremely filthy dash, add mild soap to the water and follow the same process. The interior includes the dashboard, but the console, hand brake, all interior plastic, and the steering wheel.
• The crevices and vents are usually more difficult and wiping them off won’t get them clean. This is when you use the toothbrush or dash brush you can purchase at any automotive store. Be careful and gently pull the toothbrush over or through the crevices to remove the dirt. This part of your car is delicate and can scratch easily as you perform your car interior cleaning tasks.
• After the dash is clean and has dried, use a clean soft microfiber cloth and rub over the dash to give it a shine. You can use an automotive polish with this microfiber rag to make it shiner.

How do I disinfect my car interior?

Who hasn’t every jumped in their car only to realize an unpleasant odor?! Maybe something was spilled, or the kids left their soccer cleats and sweaty gym shorts in there over the weekend. Regardless of how the odor got there, it is becoming a hotbed of bacteria and germs, especially during the cold and flu season.

The door handles, the steering wheels, the console is all covered in bacteria and germs, and in desperate need of a good old fashion car interior cleaning! But what is the best way to clean and disinfect this rolling hotbed of bacteria and germs?

Clean out the clutter

This may seem like a small start to a big problem but getting a trash bag and going through the floorboards, inside and under the seats, and don’t forget those seat pockets and the trunk. This is a must to begin your car interior cleaning endeavor.

By getting any food wrappers and napkins, musty, old magazines, mail, or newspapers will make a bigger difference than you realize. Often, removing all of this will uncover what that smell is. If you see any drink or food spills, clean them up with a damp rag, if necessary, use an automotive carpet cleaner, then vacuum all the soft surfaces like floors and seats.

Disinfect All Surfaces

Now, your car interior cleaning endeavors are to eliminate any potential germs by taking disinfecting wipes and any surface that isn’t carpeted or fabric/leather upholstered, wipe them down. This includes the dashboard, cup holders, and especially the interior handles and any dials or knobs. You won’t be able to get to every single germ this way, so use a misting agent for those hard-to-reach germs.

Spray the Vents

The vents in your car have collected debris, dirt, and dust over time, including airborne bacteria and germs. These can establish a foul odor down inside where it is dark, moist, and during the winter it is warm inside the vents. This makes a prime breeding ground that will blow out through the vents, infecting and re-infecting every passenger.

Packages for car interior cleaning to choose from will be the basic job that includes the basic wash, a light spray-on wax, general interior polishing (wiping down) and interior vacuuming, as well as the mirrors and windows washed. If you choose an upgraded package, there is more detail and time involved as they will give more attention to your car, as this service will cost more. Dial (636) 238-4702 today for professional car interior cleaning in St. Peters, MO.

AC Coil Cleaning: How-To

Once you know what to look for, there are several things you can do yourself to clean the coils. What is AC coil cleaning? It’s the process of removing dirt, debris, ice and any other foreign material that is preventing the coils from operating efficiently. This can be achieved through multiple methods with things like compressed air and store-bought cleaners. That in mind, it is highly recommended to rely on professionals when you need any kind of AC coil cleaning service. Many, though, choose to clean the coils themselves because of the cost. AC coil cleaning costs can vary from company to company. The best way to view it though is like this, it may be a lot of money to rely on a professional cleaner, but it will definitely cost a lot more to replace an entire unit because of failure to maintain the operating system. 

That being said, you can still do maintenance in between cleanings with store-bought cleaners and even with regular household detergents. Always check the manufacturers’ guide for maintenance. Your unit will either come with a book, but you can always check online as well. Brands like Carrier, Rheem and more offer quite a bit of insight for general maintenance. But when you need air duct cleaning services in St. Peters, MO, it’s always best to rely on professional services like Amazing Restorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do AC coils get dirty?
  • They get dirty because while the coils are working to cool refrigerant, dirt, debris and more can easily get caught up in the coils. These materials then build up in the coils, creating layers and clogs that make it harder for your system to cool.
• Is it necessary to clean AC coils?
  • Yes, it is very necessary to clean the coils. Failure to do so can result in higher energy bills. More than that, failure to clean the coils could result in toxic air being pushed into your home. 
• How often should you clean AC coils?
  • For the most effective and efficient AC system, AC coils should be cleaned at least once a year. It is estimated that dirty AC coils reduce the efficiency of a unit by 30% or more. 
• Does cleaning AC coils help?
  • Yes, cleaning condenser and evaporator coils will help allow your air conditioning system to operate more efficiently. That will be because the overall system won’t have to work double-time to provide the same amount of cooling.

Car Interior Cleaning Tips and Tricks

To get a total and complete deep clean of the interior of your car, you really do want to rely on professional services from reliable places like Amazing Restorations. We use professional and industrial strength cleaners to remove even the most stubborn stains without damaging your car’s interior. That being said, there is actually still quite a bit you can do in between scheduled cleanings.

• Dust Regularly: One way to make your car look almost brand new is to regularly dust. Hair, dirt, and debris can quickly collect on the dashboard, making your interior look dirtier than it actually may be. Start keeping a microfiber cloth in your center console or glove compartment to quickly wipe down the dash.
• Move the Seats: To really make sure you are getting the deepest clean in your car, make sure to move the seats. All kinds of things can roll under and be forgotten. Pens, toys, late night french-fry runs can easily pile up under the seats. Move them back when you are vacuuming out the interior.
• Remove Excess Hair: Make the interior of your car look great by removing as much hair as you can. Vacuuming is a good way, but that can take a long time and you run the risk of clogging the machine. A great trick to remove quite a bit of hair from upholstery is to use a pumice stone, like the one you’d find in a nail salon. It will effectively remove the hair, but don’t damage your upholstery.
• Rent Don’t Buy: One of the most effective ways to remove stains from your interior upholstery is to use a steam machine. But don’t spend a ton of money purchasing one. Rent a machine so you can easily rid your car of unwanted stains. This way you’ll be out of stains, but not out of money.
• Use Vinegar: In a pinch, a paste mixture of vinegar and baking soda can quickly remove surface stains. This won’t get rid of deep set stains, but it can help lessen them until you can get a steam machine or schedule a carpet cleaning with Amazing Restorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to clean inside of a car?
  • It will depend on the size of your car, but for an average sized car, you can expect to pay between $50 and $125. For a larger car, like an SUV, you may pay closer to $75 to $150 for a cleaning.
• What can I used to clean the interior of my car?
  • Take note of the upholstery material in your car. Vinyl surfaces and fabric can handle a microfiber cloth and gentle cleansers. Leather will need a soft cloth and leather cleaning solution.
• How do I get stains out of my car upholstery?
  • While you can use a vinegar mixture to scrub stains out, it may not be as effective as it can be. For tough stains, reach out to a restoration company like Amazing Restorations for assistance with removing stains.
• What is the best car interior cleaner?
  • For personal use, brands like Armor All, Turtle Wax and others are good for cleaning the interior of your car between scheduled appointments with Amazing Restorations.
• How do you get grease out of car upholstery?
  • You can use a degreaser to remove as much as you can from the affected area. Then it is best to call a company like Amazing Restorations to effectively and efficiently remove grease and other stains from your upholstery.

The first thing you should do is vacuum the area. Regardless of whether crumbs are lifted from the surface of the couch, it will make removing the stain easier. Next, check the cleaning instructions on your fabric sofa. Depending on the material your couch is made of, you should be able to made some deductions. In some cases, you can start cleaning with water, and others will require moving directly into cleaning solvents. In the case of older, vintage pieces, try a simple spot test with water, vodka, or vinegar,

Can you Clean a Fabric Couch with Vinegar?

Vinegar has the dual ability to neutralize odors and disinfect surfaces. It is certainly possible to clean a couch with distilled, white vinegar. Using a 50/50 ratio solution of water to vinegar, fill a spray bottle and spray the couch with a series of light mists. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying another layer of watery vinegar. If you have a stain, you can dampen a sponge with the solution and blot it. Be delicate in your approach to the stain.

If you are having a difficult time cleaning your couch, consider using an upholstery cleaning service. Professional cleanings take the worry out of the process.

How do you Clean Upholstery Naturally?

Carpet or upholstery solvents that can be purchased from the store contain a variety of chemicals. If you are choosing to opt for a more natural approach, consider the following procedure. After vacuuming your upholstery, spot clean the areas you would like to improve with a foam consisting of one tablespoon of mild soap and a fourth a cup of water. Test this mixture in an inconspicuous place, to make sure the dye will not be removed in the process of cleaning. If the fabric color is not impacted, dab the foam onto spots. Do not rub. Allow to dry completely, then vacuum thoroughly. Repeat this process if deemed necessary.

• Collect your materials. You will need a vacuum, several clean cloths, a gentle, clear dish soap, a small upholstery brush, and a small bucket. If you have stains, procure a stain-remover specifically recommended for upholstery.
• Vacuum the Upholstery. Use the upholstery attachment for your vacuum to relieve your item of crumbs and lint. Be thorough.
• Spot-test your stain remover, then apply. After ascertaining that the stain remover will not remove the dye from your artifact, gently apply the stain remover to any pervading stains.
• Apply suds. In the small bucket, pour approximately half of a teaspoon of clear dish soap. Run warm water into the bucket to create suds, or bubbles. Dip the soft upholstery brush in the suds (do not submerge) and sweep the fabric in small sections. Less is more – avoid soaking the fabric. After you have completed this process for the entire artifact, wipe it with a clean, damp cloth. Allow to completely air dry.

Can I Steam Clean Upholstery?

While upholstery steam cleaning can seem daunting, it is certainly possible for an enterprising DIY aficionado. Upholstery cleaning services are always effective, but in this case you might want to take on this interesting challenge. You will need several items, including upholstery shampoo, soil emulsifier, a steam cleaner, a scrub brush, and a fan. The first thing you will need to do is pre-condition the fabric. The soil emulsifier will be used for this purpose, and it is effective because it loosens the dirt and oil that has been ground into the fabric. The next step you will need to take is to shampoo the upholstery.

Upholstery Stains on Fabric

If you have tried deep cleaning processes, and natural cleaning processes, and you have a stubborn stain on your upholstery that simply won’t disintegrate, don’t lose hope yet. Continue to use products that have approved your spot check analysis. Tough stains, such as red wine stains, take more time to dissolve and dissipate. Utilize another stain removing procedure and watch the stain slowly begin to disappear.

Upholstery Fabric Stains

Let’s say that you and your friend are reclining on your sofa and watching a movie. As you reach forward to capture a few popcorn kernels between your fingers, your elbow hits a class of soda, spilling the carbonated contents on your sofa and the floor. Quick action will yield the best results! The first fifteen minutes are crucial. Blot the area with a clean cloth. This will pick up the majority of the fluid. Next, mix a solution of water and clear dish soap. With a clean cloth, apply just enough to cover the spots. Allow the areas to dry completely before vacuuming and applying another treatment.

Cleaning Upholstery Mildew Stains

When mildew strikes, it’s important to address its as quickly and efficiently as possible. Reach for the white distilled vinegar first. While a diluted mixture of vinegar and water is efficient for dealing with light stains, use full strength vinegar to treat heavy mildew accumulations. If you notice that there is a lot of mildew in your home, you might be suffering from storm damage repair. If you have a roof leak due to a storm, the water damage that will occur will only get worse until the problem is handled effectively. Make sure that upholstery cleaning services is considered for larger upholstery cleaning jobs where mildew is concerned.

Tough Upholstery Stains

For tough upholstery stains, baking soda is useful. In fact, baking soda is an incredibly useful substance that can be used for cleaning electric stove burners or disinfecting sneakers. For tough upholstery stains, you will need baking soda, two or more cleaning cloths, and a vacuum with a brush attachment. Using one of the cloths, wipe down the sofa to get any extra dust or dried up grime removed. Sprinkle the baking soda across the surface of the couch, and allow the powder to sit for approximately twenty minutes. You can leave it on for longer, if desired. Vacuum up the baking soda with the brush attachment.

Scheduling an appointment for upholstery cleaning services has never been easier. Our friendly operators at Amazing Restorations are on standby at (636) 238-4702. Discover more about upholstery cleaning services in St. Peters, MO today!

When we think about pollutants, we tend to think that the pollutants outside are worse than the ones we find inside. However, all pollutants are bad, even if they are found in your home. A lot of people wonder, “Is air quality better indoors?” Air quality is definitely better indoors than outdoors, but it still has its share of pollutants floating around in our air. While outside air is chock full of ozone pollution, carbon monoxide, lead, sulfur, and nitrogen dioxide, the inside of our homes aren’t any better. This is because we tend to drag in those pollutants from the outside, as well as use our share of chemicals that can pollute our indoor air. With that information, many ask, “Is indoor air pollution serious?” and the answer is yes.

We put a lot of effort into trying to fix our outdoor air quality, but we should also worry about our indoor air quality, as well. In order to find out whether or not you have bad indoor air quality, you will need to check your indoor air. So how do you check the quality of your indoor air? There are a couple of things you can do to check your air. If you are checking your indoor air on your own, you can use an air quality monitor. This monitor will be able to detect the quality of air in your house. But if you are wanting to get professional help, all you need to do is call someone to perform an air quality test in your home. It’s simple and you will be able to find out what you need to do in order to get better quality air in your home.

Indoor Air Quality Facts

In order to learn about the severity of indoor pollutants, it’s important to become familiar with indoor air quality and health facts. The EPA, as well as other agencies, have conducted a lot of research to educate the public on the dangers of indoor pollutants and how they can affect your health.

• The quality of your indoor air can be a lot worse than the air outside.
• The EPA has stated that indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental dangers.
• Bad indoor quality has been connected to people with allergies, heart problems, asthma, and lung cancer.
• Secondhand smoke is one of the worst indoor air pollutants.
• An increase in allergies and asthma in children has been associated with poor indoor air quality.
• Poor indoor air quality can affect any type of home, regardless if it’s in a rural town or city.

What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality

Before we get into what causes homes to have poor quality air, it’s important to know what the most common factors that contribute to this problem. So, what are the 4 major indoor air pollutants? The biggest pollutants that you will have in your home are carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke, mold, and solvents. All of these contaminants and toxins can make it to where you have trouble breathing, you develop upper respiratory problems, and you start to have other sicknesses, as well. So while these are the top pollutants that can affect your indoor air, what exactly is the cause for poor indoor air. There are many issues that cause the quality of your air to be full of contaminants. Some of the most common reasons are poor ventilation, contaminated outdoor air being brought into your home, growing moisture due to leaks and humidity, bad air circulation, improper temperatures in the house, a construction like new residential roofing and remodeling in your neighborhood, and improper HVAC maintenance. All of these things can promote poor indoor air. 

How Can I Improve the Air Quality in My Older House?

If you are wanting to get rid of allergens or ensure you don’t develop any upper respiratory problems, the best thing you can do is improve your indoor air. It might be easier said than done, but there are easy ways in which you can improve your indoor air quality. Here is an indoor air quality checklist that gives you ideas on how you can improve the quality of air in your home.

• Change your HVAC filters.
• Buy an air purifier or a dehumidifier.
• You can air your home out by opening the windows after it rains or two hours after the sun goes down.
• You can remove pollutants by keeping plants in your home.
• Vacuum regularly in order to remove pollutants such as pet dander, dust, and pollen from your carpets and rugs.
• On top of vacuuming in your home, dust, sweep and do another cleaning that will get rid of unwanted pollutants.
• Instead of using aerosol cans, switch to sprays.
• To cut down on the VOCs in your home, start buying products that are fragrance-free.
• Make your own cleaning products.
• Wash and clean your upholstery and curtains regularly to get rid of pollutants hiding in the fabric.
• Get professional indoor air quality testing to see how polluted your air is.

If you want to take it a step further, you can invest in duct cleaning. Duct cleaning removes dust, pollen, and other debris that are in your vent lines. If you want duct cleaning in St. Peters, MO, please call Amazing Restorations at (636) 238-4702!

If you’ve ever wondered at the care of upholstery fabric, you’re not alone. Couches and other upholstered furniture almost seem to attract stains outright, and the removal of something like red wine, chocolate, or blood can give most people fits. While some stains or damage, including those created through a roof leak, smoke, or soot, will require the services of a professional upholstery care cleaner, you can still take care of minor stains yourself. What’s more, proper care of upholstery will actually make it resistant to stains.

Upholstery Care Guide

The most important thing to realize about upholstery care is that different fabrics have different requirements. These care characteristics represent valuable knowledge, as they can help you make an informed decision about a new piece of furniture, or the re-upholstering of an old. For any piece of upholstery, carefully read the care instructions to understand any requirements or relevant characteristics of the fabric. Regardless of the type of fabric that comprises your upholstery, you will naturally want it to appear attractive for as long as possible. If you have a household full of children and pets, this can represent a significant challenge, so it’s important to make your preservation attempts as successful as possible.

To begin, let’s consider some general rules:

• Avoid direct sunlight, as it will fade upholstery. Fading is irreversible damage.
• Keep paper towels handy to facilitate fast clean-up. You can stash them under cushions for easy access.
• For periodic refreshment and persistent stains, find a local, trusted upholstery care professional.

Vacuuming

Frequent vacuuming is one of the best ways to preserve the appearance of your upholstery. The absorption of dirt and dust provides the reason why upholstery begins to look old and tired. If you vacuum your furniture frequently, you can prevent this from ever occurring. To prevent damage, make sure to clip dangling threads before you begin. You will also want to make use of your vacuum’s attachments, including a crevice tool and soft brush.

Proper Use of Cleaners

Before you use any cleaner, read your upholstery’s care requirements. Some types of cleaners may actually stain certain fabrics. Once you’ve identified a proper cleaner, you will want to employ it for deep cleaning on an annual basis. Make sure you don’t use too much, and carefully remove all soap residue when you finish. If possible, use a product that incorporates soil retardant to prevent stains in the first place.

How to Manage Spills

Spills are a major threat to just about any upholstery. The first step to managing them is this: accept that spills are inevitable. If you try to prevent them through ironclad rules, you’ll only inhibit the comfort of your home. One trick to the proper care of any piece of upholstered furniture is to intentionally stain a small, out-of-sight area, then test various cleaning methods. Once a significant spill occurs, follow these steps for proper cleanup:

• Blot the spill immediately with paper towels. Blotting is important, as you should never rub at a spill.
• Do not use paper towels with colored designs. These can transfer onto your upholstery.
• If someone dumps food on your couch or chair, remove as much of the solid elements as possible. Use a spoon to collect smaller crumbs.
• For slipcovers, make sure to remove them prior to spot cleaning.

Pet Hair Removal

It’s okay to love your pet while disliking some of their habits. For example, some dogs seem to make it their life’s mission to get on the couch. Regardless of the stringency with which you try and enforce your rules, there’s a good chance your dog enjoys the occasional nap on the couch while you’re away. To remove pet hair, employ a clothing brush with a bristled head. You can also use a lint remover, or wrap a piece of tape around your hand.

Upholstery Care FAQ

How do you get stains out of a fabric couch?

First, vacuum the stained area, then check the fabric care instructions to learn what type of cleaner you can use. If you can use water, try employing a steamer. Next, carefully blot the stain with a clean, colorless rag or paper towel, and remember not to rub the fabric. If water is specifically disallowed, try using vinegar or vodka. If these efforts do not work, it’s time to employ a serious cleaner. To find a product that works for your upholstery, try a few different ones on small areas. If none of this accomplishes satisfactory results, start over from the beginning.

How can I clean my fabric sofa naturally?

For a natural upholstery cleaner, mix a quarter-cup of white vinegar with three-quarters cup warm water and a half tablespoon of dish soap.

How do you deep clean a fabric sofa?

There are many different strategies for deep cleaning a sofa. A simple, yet effective means is to mix a little carpet cleaner with baking soda, then sprinkle the mixture liberally over the fabric. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then vacuum it up. If any stains remain, you’ll need to go in for spot removal with the proper type of cleaner for your fabric.

What does Scotchgard™ do for couches? 

Scotchgard™, a product from 3M, is available in a spray form for easy application to upholstery. The product repels moisture and blocks the formation of stains for the easy clean-up of spills.

How long does Scotchgard™ last on upholstery?

Scotchgard™ provides dependable protection for six months before it needs re-application.

How do I keep my sofa smelling fresh? 

Due to its permeability, a fabric sofa can absorb odors. To deodorize your sofa and attain a clean, fresh scent, sprinkle it with baking soda. You can leave the baking soda on the couch for as little as 15 minutes, or overnight for particularly strong odors. When you’re finished, simply vacuum it up.

Contact Our Team for Upholstery Care

Amazing Restorations stands as the premier choice for upholstery care and sofa cleaning for St. Peters, MO. Our trusted team of restoration experts can reliably remove just about any stain or odor to have your upholstery looking and smelling its best. To learn more about who we are and what we offer, or to schedule service, give us a call today at (636) 238-4702.