Why Does Grout Become Dirty Easily?
Anyone with tiles in their home probably wonder why the grout on the tiles gets dirty easily. Grout is very stubborn to clean and therefore, it is better you understand what it is so that you will know which tools to use when cleaning and how you can prevent dirt from accumulating there in the future.
What Is Grout?
Grout is the material that is applied in between tiles to hold them together and to fill the spaces. It is made from rough and porous material that makes it possible for dirt and dust to adhere to easily. Grout can easily be discolored as dirty water can penetrate easily deep into the grout due to its porous nature.
Dirty grout is the breeding ground for mold and bacteria and therefore you should always strive to keep the grout as clean as possible. Avoid using a dirty mop or dirty water when cleaning since the dirty water will easily be absorbed. Grout is very hard to clean and this can get frustrating because even if your tiles are clean, a dirty grout gives your floor a bad look.
Ways of Making Your Grout Look New Again
Once grout is dirty, it can be hard to clean and this can get cumbersome. There are, however, many ways you can use to restore your grout to its original state. The first thing you should do is hire professional tile and grout cleaners like the team at Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning. Professional grout cleaners will extract all the dirt using specialized equipment and make your grout look brand new. They will also apply a sealant that will help reduce the amount of dirt that penetrates deep into the grout.
Hiring a professional is also preferred instead of trying to do the cleaning yourself since professionals know which products to use to ensure they minimize damage to the tiles while still getting the most amount of dirt out of the grout.
Your floor is the one of the first things any visitor to your home will notice. As such, proper care for your floor should be a priority. Due to foot traffic and other factors, keeping your floor clean at times can be a bit challenging but with the help of experienced tile and grout cleaners, you can achieve your dream of having clean and vibrant floors. A clean house will give you confidence and give you peace of mind even when you have people over.
Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning uses top-notch cleaning equipment to clean your floor. Our team is comprised of qualified professionals with experience in tile and grout cleaning. Our customer service is unmatched and our staff is ready and willing to answer any questions you might have regarding our grout cleaning services.
For more information about our services contact us at 201-445-0800 or email us at Info@RugClean.net today!
What You Need To Know About Serging And Binding An Area Rug
If you have a carpet remnant that you do not want to get rid of, there are many ways you can use to prevent fraying. Techniques like binding and serging have become very popular as they are reliable techniques that produce elegant rugs. Many things can make it necessary to repair your carpet for example, foot traffic, pet claws or vacuuming. It should be noted that serging and binding requires a professional who has expertise in dealing with carpets and therefore you should not do it by yourself.
What is Serging?
Serging is the process of continuously wrapping yarn around the edge of a rug to give it a more polished look. The final outcome looks like it was hand-sewn although it is done by a special machine made specifically for that purpose. Serging has become popular since most companies claim that it produces a more durable a better look. If you are looking for a more natural look serging might not be the best option for you. This is because a serged edge does not look like part of the carpet and it draws the eyes towards it.
Most companies these days do not offer sound consultation to clients regarding the best option for their carpets. This could be because they are just interested in making the sale and get the job done as soon as possible. It is recommended you consult with a reputable company like Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning who will advise you on the best course of action to take.
What is Binding?
Binding is one of the cheapest and easiest way of making a carpet edge more elegant. It involves wrapping a piece of material in most cases cotton or polyester around the edge of a carpet and stitching it into place. This process requires a carpet-binding machine and should be done by a professional to avoid injuries.
Binding has a number of advantages over serging in that the process is relatively cheaper and there is a wide range of binding materials available for use. There is also a wide variety of colors to choose from and this means any color carpet can be matched. The finished width using a cotton binding is just about a quarter to 3/3 inch. In order to make the binding more natural and seamless, the binding color chosen should be close to the rug color so that they match. Binding gives a rug a more polished and elegant finish.
Before you decide which option you want to go for, consult with professional rug and carpet dealers like Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning. Our staff is ready to answer all the questions you might have regarding serging and binding and what they entail.
Are you interested in using Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning’s rug serging and binding services? Do not hesitate to call 201-445-0800 or email us at Info@RugClean.net for more inquiries.
What Is Stainshield® Protection?
Protecting your carpet from spills and stains can be a taxing job. Despite our best efforts, it seems to be an impossible task, especially if you have small kids in the house. With Stainshield® protection, you don’t have to worry about these kinds of accidents. Stainshield® allows you proof your carpet from stains, so you never need to worry about them setting in. Read on to learn more about this amazing product.
What Is Stainshield®?
Stainshield® is a carpet protection treatment that is water-based and that is used to shield carpets from stains. Stainshield® also protects the carpet from dirt, soil and other elements that can ruin your carpets. The treatment works in a simple way. When applied, Stainshield® covers the fibers of your carpet with an invisible shield that prevents them from soaking any of the liquids that are spilled on it. This makes it easy for you to simply take a cleaning cloth and wipe the liquid off your carpet. Doing that helps to keep your carpet looking newer and you never have to worry about stains on your carpet again.
In addition to spills, Stainshield® also protects your carpet from soil particles and make it easier for you to clean them off the carpet when you do.
Stainshield’s® Impact on Carpets
If you are worried about how the carpet will look like after the treatment, you need not worry. Stainshield® will not affect the look and feel of the carpet. The only thing that changes is the ability of the carpet to repel liquids that are spilled on it. Carpets that are made up of synthetic fibers may not have the same repellent effect, but the protection is still excellent. When spills occur on such carpets, you can still easily soak up the moisture easily.
It is important to note that spills that occur should be cleaned out immediately or as soon as possible. Allowing liquids to stay on your carpet for extended periods of time can damage your carpet even if it is treated with Stainshield®. Hot drinks can also weaken the ability of the treatment to protect your carpet so exercise care when drinking or carrying these.
How Safe is Stainshield®?
If you have children or pets rolling on the carpet all day, you might be worried about how safe this treatment is. Stainshield® is completely bio-degradable and is also non-allergenic. It also has no carcinogens and no toxins whatsoever. When applied and dry, it poses no risks to human beings or pets.
When you bring your carpet or rug to Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning for Stainshield® treatment, you are getting the benefit of over 100 years of experience. We guarantee that your carpets and rugs will last much longer with our professional cleaning services. We use the latest in cleaning technology to ensure that your carpets look great and the colors don’t fade. For more information about our services contact us at 201-445-0800 or email us on Info@RugClean.net today!
Let’s Get To Know Carpet Deodorization
Sometimes your carpet can get bad odors from various sources. Some bad odors are caused by spilled food, vomit, mold, or pet urine. Accumulation of dust over time cause a musty odor, and if your house is humid, odors can also develop. If you have children who have allergies or are asthmatic, odors tend worsen the situation. More often than not, if you have a sentimental attachment to your rugs or carpets, you might decide to wash and deodorize it instead, no matter the cost.
What is Carpet Deodorization?
Carpet deodorization is the removal of odors at their source. If you have a pet, it is hard to escape pet urine on the carpet. If your house is humid or damp, the carpet becomes damp and if not taken care of, it becomes moldy and it is impossible get rid of the musty smell. After a carpet is cleaned and deodorized, it is wise to go a step further and have it protected from soaking in spilled food or liquids. This is done by using a product that creates a non-stick and invisible barrier that protects the carpet or rug from spills or dust. If your home has young children and pets, this is an important step in caring for your rugs and carpets. There are various benefits to be gained from deodorization:
Elimination of Odor Causing Bacteria
Bad odors are embarrassing, and when left too long, the source of the odor, such as food, liquid spills or pet urine might leave stains. When organic matter such as food decays, molecules break down and give off a bad smell. Carpet deodorization uses environmentally safe products that clean deep into the carpet or rug fiber and gets rid of the bad odors.
Provision of a healthy environment
Carpet deodorization especially benefits your health and that of your family, especially those with allergies or are asthmatic. If you breathe in dust or mold particles day in, day out, for a long time, it is bound to have long-lasting effects on your health. Having your carpet and rugs deodorized periodically saves you a lot of money in avoiding frequent hospital visits from allergic reactions.
When Is The Best Time To Deodorize?
The best time to deodorize your carpet after cleaning it. You can, however, do it on a regular basis if you have pets, young children, your house is damp, or you have asthmatic family members. Deodorizing does not have a limit to how many times you can do it. Getting a professional to deodorize the carpet ensures that the job is done properly, leaving your carpet smelling fresh and odor-free.
Contact Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning
Getting your carpet deodorized properly is essential. For this reason, Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning ensures you get the best deodorization services. We employ the services of professionally trained and certified carpet and rug cleaners. We use environmentally friendly products and the latest technology to deodorize your rugs and carpets. If you have any queries on deodorization, or for more information about our services contact us at 201-445-0800 or email us on Info@RugClean.net.
How To Handle Water Damaged Carpets
In areas where there are seasonal rainstorms, floods are common. Property owners in such areas have experienced water damage to their property at some point. The obvious areas that are affected by water are the flooring, especially if it is carpeted. The biggest danger comes from seepage that occurs under the carpet, causing growth of mold because of the moisture. Water damaged carpets are likely to harbor bacterial germination which poses a danger to human life and property too. Below are some tips on how to handle water damaged carpets:
Cut Off Electricity Supply
The first thing before attempting to identify the source of flooding and subsequent carpet removal, is not step into the waterlogged carpet before cutting off the electricity supply. You must be cautious in case you step into floodwater and encounter a live electricity wire and get electrocuted. If the main switch is inside the flooded area, call the power company for help.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Find out the source of the flooding in case it is not rain-related. If the water damage is because of broken plumbing or leakage, you must shut off the water supply. Repair damaged plumbing before attempting to remove the water damaged carpets. If the damage or leak is not something you can handle, call a plumber to fix it for you before any carpet restoration attempt. If the leakage is not major, but you still do not fix it properly, you are likely to be faced with carpet damage from mold and a huge water bill.
Remove Excess Water
Once you have plugged the water source, remove the excess water by either using buckets or towels, or mopping the water if it is not too much. After removing the water, open the windows to allow air to circulate. Turn on any ceiling fans and make use of humidifiers to remove the moisture.
Dry Carpet Completely
If the carpet is not dried out completely, dampness will settle in and mold will follow, which will damage the carpet even more. Mold is risky for your family’s health, especially for those already with respiratory issues. Rolling the carpet and storing it without drying it will cause mold growth and once mold starts growing, it spreads very fast to the rest of the house.
Call For Help
At this point, if there is extensive damage, call for water damage restoration professionals. They have all the equipment and are trained to deal with water damaged carpets, and any problems thereof. Do not attempt to restore the water damaged carpets if you have no professional knowledge, otherwise you will make an already bad situation worse.
Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning has professional, certified staff who are experts when it comes to dealing with water damaged carpets. The first thing we do is to stop the water flow, disinfection and ventilation of the room, removal of the soaked water padding and the setting up of industrial fans to speed up the carpet drying process. If the water damage is too much, the carpet is treated at our facility. For more information on our services, feel free to contact us at 201-445-0800 or email us on Info@RugClean.net today!
Do Your Carpets Smell Bad After Water Damage?
Whenever you have a plumbing accident in your home, it might leave your carpet smelly and damaged. When this happens, most people contemplate disposing of the carpet, especially because of the smell. This, however, does not have to be the only option open to you. Here are some things that you can do to fix the smell from a water-damaged carpet.
Stop Further Leakage
This is the first step in solving the problem. Ensure that whatever had caused the leak is fixed so that there is no chance that your carpet will get soaked again. If the flooding had happened due to a natural phenomenon, it might help to wait until the flood recedes and the area is dry again.
Dry the Carpet Completely
Carefully remove the carpet from the floor and move it outside. If it is a wall to wall carpet, ensure that you remove the baseboards from the walls. Make sure that you have taken the under padding as well. Put the carpet and the under padding in the sun to dry. If sunshine is not an option (for example it could be winter), you might want to look at other options for drying your carpet. These include using dehumidifiers, and fans to constantly blow air across the carpeted area and eventually dry the carpet.
Remove the Smell
When your carpet and room are completely dry, you move on to the next step which is to remove the smell. Carefully apply baking soda on the areas that had moisture and leave the baking soda to sit for not less than 24 hours. It is critical for the carpet to be completely dry because if it is not, the baking soda sticks on the carpet. Once the 24 hours are done, carefully vacuum the baking soda off the carpet. If you don’t have access to baking soda, white vinegar works just as well. Mix with water in a 50:50 ratio and then allow it to dry. Apply it to the carpet when it dries.
Get Professional Help
Sometimes the water seeps so deep into the fibers of the carpet that it is impossible to remove the odor without professional help. In such cases, it becomes necessary to use a professional carpet cleaner. When you take your carpet to a professional cleaner, they use commercial steam cleaners to deep clean it.
At Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning, we specialize in solving all your carpet-cleaning problems. Whether you need your water damaged carpet cleaned or restored, we have the right tools and experience for the job. As there is no substitute for the right equipment, we employ the latest technology to get your carpets and rugs sparkling. We have a state-of-the-art rug cleaning plant and a climate-controlled drying room. This way, you can expect only the best services from us. For more information about our services contact us at 201-445-0800 or email us on Info@RugClean.net today!
A Fun Way To Repurpose Excess Rug Pads
During rug installation, it’s a good idea to also consider using rug pads underneath them. They do a great job of not only making the rug feel softer, but they also have some sound absorbent properties that can make your home more comfortable. Homes that have wall to wall carpeting can particularly benefit from this. Rug pads can also increase the life of rugs, so are ideal when installing expensive rugs.
From time to time, you may find that the rug pads are more than you need. Rather than throwing them away, you can restore and repurpose your rugs for other uses including:
Making DIY Scratching Posts
If you own a cat, having a scratching post is a great way to reduce the chances of damaging the furniture. With excess rug pads, this is not difficult to do even if you are not proficient at DIY projects. All you need is a square plank of wood, some screws, a drill, a hot glue gun, scissors and a staple gun. The basic premise of making such a post is wrapping the rug pads around the post, after covering the post with some glue. Of course, this is after cutting the rug pads to size. The rug pads can then be fixed in place using screws and staples. You can use different materials to make the scratching pole more attractive to your cat as well.
Winterizing Your Home
You can use rug pads to reduce the effect of cold during winter. A good example of this is where you store your fireplace logs. These tend to get wet during the winter, making them difficult to light and produce a lot of smoke. You can use rug pads to insulate the location of the logs, so that they stay dry and warm.
The same logic can also be used for some rooms in the house, such as your basement. Since the floor of a basement tends to get very cold during winter, you can cover it using rug pads if you intend to use it regularly. All you need is some mounting tape, a ruler and scissors to cut the rug pads to size and then place them around the floor.
Cabinet and Drawer Lining
Rug pads can also be used to create linings for cabinets and drawers. This gives them an exclusive feel, and also makes it safer to store delicate items in them. A drawer in which you place jewelry, for example, would greatly benefit from rug pads since they eliminate the risk of scratching. The key to making this work is ensuring that you get the dimensions right, so that the pads don’t end up crumpling up.
These are just a few of the creative ways in which you can use extra rug pads; the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.