Dealing With Color Runs On Oriental Rugs
Oriental rugs are timeless art pieces, often hand sewn by meticulous craftsmen, bearing wonderfully intricate designs sure to catch the eye of every guest who enters your home. Some people put their oriental rugs on the walls, others on the floors. But over time, especially as you wash your rug to get the accumulated dust and dirt out, you may encounter problems such as color runs on your rug. With such detailing on the rug, any color run does make a significant difference to the look of the rug. To maintain your oriental rug as a long term investment, we will share with you some tips for dealing with color runs.
How To Identify A Color Run
A color run refers to a situation when one hue on the rug bleeds outside of its lines and goes into another color section of the rug. You can tell when your rug has a color run by observing the threads. Sometimes it is very obvious when the color is bleeding over to another section. Usually, this happens with darker colors going into lighter colored territories. These incidents can really cause the design on your rug to go out of shape and damage the overall look of your priceless art piece.
Rugs may face this situation for various reasons. Sometimes, it can be due to poor quality of the materials such as the threads or dyes used. Other times, there may be an excess of dyes used on the rug to make it look very vibrant on purchase.
How To Repair A Damaged Rug
If you’re worrying that your rug is ruined forever – don’t be. Color runs can be fixed, or reversed. It is not an easy task, however, and certainly not something you should try on your own. If you are keen on reversing the damage done to your precious rug, be sure to call a professional company for rug cleaning and care so they can determine what are the appropriate steps to take to care for your rug.
How To Prevent Color Runs From Happening
Before getting into a disastrous situation with a damaged carpet and having to seek help from a rug cleaning professional, you can also take steps to make sure the rug doesn’t get damaged to begin with.
- Test wash your rug before washing it yourself. Generally, you would be advised if your rug requires drycleaning or if you can wash it yourself. If the latter is true, it is advisable that you do a spot test on your rug to check if it holds up in the wash. If washing just a tiny corner of your rug already causes color bleeding, your rug clearly cannot be washed at home and you should seek alternative cleaning solutions.
- Check frequently for color runs. Look over your rug in natural light conditions, such as near a window or outdoors, to see if the color is starting to run. It’s best if you can catch the problem at the beginning before it spreads too much.
- Seek advice on your rug from a professional. Rug cleaning and care companies would have expert advice on how to take care of your rug, what type of materials it’s made of, what you can use to clean it, and much more.
You don’t have to go on this oriental rug care journey alone. With the right advice and support, you can maintain the pristine condition of your rug for decades to come.
Can You Save Water Damaged Rugs?
Water damage is very serious when it happens to your rugs. If you’re very lucky, you would spot water damage happening as it was not happening in a concealed area. But often, if it is due to a leaky pipe, tap, or dripping air conditioning vent, water damage is not noticeable until the drip has been ongoing for a long time, until it starts spreading throughout the rug. In that case, the water has been soaking the rug for a long time, weakening the fibers of the rug and also allowing for mold and mildew to set in, causing the air quality in your home or office to drop considerably and potentially harm the health of your family or co-workers. The worst case of course is when rugs and other personal possessions become severely wet due to flooding. When your rugs are damaged by water, can they be salvaged? Here’s our take on what you can do to save water damaged rugs, depending on various factors.
Type Of Water
One important question that professionals will ask or check for when inspecting rugs damaged by water is whether the damage was caused by clean or contaminated water. If the water is clean, such as that from a burst pipe, there is a high chance that you can still save it. However, if your rug was dirtied by storm water coming in from outdoors where there is a ton of dirt and soil, or water from a clogged toilet for example, it is recommended that you throw away the rug as it is contaminated. Professional cleaning is usually not worth the expense to attempt to restore rugs from this kind of contamination.
Length Of Time Soaked
A rug that has been soaked in water for more than 48 hours would have a high chance of posing a serious health hazard. EPA, FEMA, CDC and other remediation standards recommend that you remove and replace your rug in that case, so as to prevent mold, bacteria and other toxins from taking hold in your space. While removing these items, it is crucial that you wear eye protection and breathing masks, as well as rubber gloves. On the other hand, a rug that was wet for less than 48 hours would likely benefit from a cleaning and disinfecting by a professional carpet cleaner.
Type Of Rug
One other thing you can check is if your area rug uses foam backing or not. For area rugs without foam backing, which got soaked with clean water and were dried within 48 hours, they can usually be effectively cleaned with no problems. Depending on the type of rug also, it may require hot water extraction and deep cleaning to really get it in a good condition. However, area rugs with foam backing should generally be thrown away as long as it gets soaked. For wall-to-wall carpets, these are difficult to dry or clean properly, especially if you try to do it yourself. Your best bet is to call a professional carpet cleaning service to see what best can be done for your rug.
Avoid Using Harmful Carpet Cleaning Chemicals
The majority of homes, offices and public or private buildings would certainly have carpeted floors. While carpets instantly beautify a space, as well as offer comfort and add to the ambience, they do need to be regularly cleaned – and this very cleaning may inadvertently be causing harm to people’s health, through the toxins in the chemicals used for carpet cleaning. According to a recent report, the average household contains 62 toxic chemicals or their residues. Toxic chemicals lurking around your house can be dangerous to your self and family members, exposing your household to noxious fumes, toxins, bacteria and chemicals causing asthma attacks, reproductive disorders, nerve damage, hormone disruption, and worst of all, cancer.
The most damaging of toxic chemicals can cause problems with skin, especially in young children or infants, though adults are not spared neither. Some of these include skin irritation, rashes, or problems with respiratory systems as the chemicals are breathed in and enter the body. Families with young toddlers, or pets such as dogs, should be even more cautious about carpet cleaning chemicals like these being embedded into their carpets, especially as dogs and toddlers or infants may have the habit still of putting things from off the carpet directly into their mouths. What are the chemicals you want to avoid?
Types Of Harmful Chemicals
- Ammonia: Can burn mucous membranes and aggravate asthma.
- Glycol ethers: Found in many cleaning products such as glass cleaners; linked to anemia, kidney damage and lung damage in people and pets.
- Formaldehyde: Can be found in soaps, as well as pet shampoos.
Older carpets have a higher chance of chemical interaction between different chemicals which can be more toxic than ever. So do be careful when choosing cleaning solutions or selecting a professional company to clean the carpets in your home.
Professional Carpet Cleaning Chemicals
Most professional cleaning companies will use chemicals to clean the carpets, and many of them are not or not yet committed to using eco-friendly products only. They may be using any or a combination of these chemicals:
- Butoxy Ethanol: Linked to liver and kidney damage, can be breathed in or touched.
- Naphthalene: Derived from coal tar, often used as pesticide. Popularly used to dissolve ground dirt in carpeting. May cause liver damage, nerve damage. vomiting and mental confusion.
- Hydrofluoric Acid and Nitrilotriacetic Acid: Used to restore pH balance after using strong alkaline cleaning products. Can burn skin and eyes, irritate skin or mucous membranes. May even cause blindness.
- Perchloroethylene: A dry cleaning solution. Can cause drowsiness, headaches, nausea and skin inflammation.
Family- and Pet-Friendly Carpet Care
With young children or animals about your house, you most likely would prefer to engage a carpet cleaning company for their expertise if they are using eco-friendly products that do not leave behind toxic residue after the cleaning, which may cause lingering issues in your home. Speak to a carpet cleaning professional such as Reilly’s Oriental Rug Cleaning to ensure your house can be clean and also be safe for your young ones.
All You Need To Know About Grout
Grout is used everywhere in the home to lock out moisture or prevent water leakages and damage. If your house has tiles, you’ll be using a lot of grout, which may get dirty over time. If this is the case, you may consider having your tiles and grout professionally cleaned. Let’s have a look at a few of the basic aspects of grout.
Types Of Grout
There are a few types of grout available out there, and different types are used for different purposes. Here are the most common types you would use:
- Epoxy – The most durable of all grout choices. Epoxy, used indoors, is resistant to stains and water damage. Highly durable, it will withstand harsh chemical cleaners and last for a very long time. This type of grout is best used in areas with a lot of moisture or food, such as in bathrooms or the kitchen. If used on exterior applications, however, epoxy may fade or turn yellow in color.
- Sanded – A cement-based grout with sand added to the mixture. The inclusion of sand creates a bond within the grout, adding to its durability so that it becomes resistant to cracking or shrinking. It also increases friction and reduces danger of slipping. Sanded grout is most suitable for grout lines wider than 1/8th of an inch.
- Non-sanded – Also cement-based, but without sand added. Easy to work with on vertical walls as they tend to stay in place during application. Non-sanded grout is most suitable for grout lines between 1/16th and 1/8th of an inch.
Sealing Grout
Aside from epoxy, which inherently contains a sealing agent, it is necessary to seal your grout. This is especially true in moisture-prone areas or if your grout is light-colored. You can usually choose between spray on and applicator sealers. There are two types of sealers available as well. One is penetrating grout sealer which is the most effective sealant as it soaks through the grout and creates a barrier impossible to penetrate by moisture. The other type is a membrane sealer which puts a layer over your grout, but is not as effective and may cause moisture to be trapped underneath your grout. Do check every few years to see if your grout needs to be replaced.
Choosing Grout Color
While most people will go for a neutral color, or white, you can also go for a dark color if your tiles or surrounding materials are dark. Some people also choose to contrast instead of match their grout to their tiles, to create intriguing patterns or looks. Darker grout may stain light colored tiles (which you can try to clean using grout release), and light grout may stain easily and be harder to maintain the look of.
Knowing about grout will help you know what to look for when you need to seal some areas in your house, such as pipes (use epoxy), cracks in the walls on the interior or exterior, cracks in between tiles, and much more. If you need to clean the tiles or grout in your home, call Reilly’s for a professional cleaning solution!
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!