Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Christmas Carpet Cleaning ; Christmas Upholstery Cleaning

Chocolate hands
Chocolate hands
With the Christmas holidays upon us, the carpet cleaning experts at ServiceMaster Clean offer some simple advice on how to deal with the inevitable spills and stains that follow kids around.
We all know that sticky fingers get wiped on carpets and furniture, and the next masterpiece usually misses the canvas and hits the floor. With chocolate treats in continuous supply and little ones putting pen to paper for their homemade cards, marks and stains can be the cause of much angst for parents and grandparents.
1. No matter what the spill, the first tip is to blot, don't rub. Plain white kitchen towel is best, and the sooner you act, the better. For fruit juices, rinse with cold water then dab with warm water containing a small amount of washing powder, then rinse again. A towel is good for this.
2. If that selection box has been shared with the carpet, don't panic. Scrape away any excess chocolate before following the steps above. If the stain remains, use a white vinegar solution instead of detergent. Once rinsed, place a white cloth over the stain and weigh it down until dry.
3. With bikes and scooters top of many Christmas lists this year, a few bumps and scrapes are probably par for the course. Cuts and grazes can easily leave marks on your floors and upholstery and here biological washing powder in warm water is your friend in helping to remove the worst of a blood stain. Dab, don't rub, and make sure you rinse as the soap solution could attract dirt if not cleaned away.
4. For a stubborn stain you can keep it damp (not wet) for several hours with a damp towel weighted down by a heavy book, wrapped in cling film to protect it. This is like soaking your pans in the sink.
5. If all else fails you can turn to the Christmas tipple. Both Vodka and Gin work well on many stains, including felt tip pen and some glue. However, glue can be a real challenge and might need professional help.
In order to tackle those little, unexpected accidents, here are ServiceMaster Clean's top seven items you should have in your cleaning kit.
1. A clean cloth - or plain white paper towels for dabbing up spills.
2. Vodka - a dab of vodka works well on most stains, dab and blot until the stain is reduced or removed.
3. Bi-carbonate of Soda - this is great for removing or reducing odours. Sprinkle over your carpet and gently work in. Leave for a day and then thoroughly vacuum away.
4. Soap flakes and plain soap - with a little water this will gently remove various stains including mud.
5. White vinegar - handy for removing all kinds of stains and odours. Most things in nature are acidic and it’s gentler to remove marks in the same pH level, therefore it’s often safer to try a little white vinegar first before moving onto something stronger such as…
6. Household ammonia - great for all kinds of stains where mild alkalinity helps. Always dilute according to the instructions on the bottle and ALWAYS rinse afterwards.
7. A small soft brush - perfect for loosening dirt or gently Cleaning a tile floor.


Read more: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/parenting/parenting+advice+Hints+and+Tips+to+Tackle+Spills+and+Stains+at+Christmas-271155.html#ixzz2ng7KAFyq

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Persian Rug Cleaning - A must watch Video

Persian Rug Cleaning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIcpvXoJQMg
This Persian Rug has been turn upside down, we are power vacuuming , the soil is being beaten by the vacuum. The soil is coming from the center to the edge and onto the concrete. The soil has been there for a long time, it has absorbed the rug colour(red) . This is a must watch video.


There is about 400grams of soil in this Picture 

Thursday, December 12, 2013

What is Wool Fiber Cleaning carpet and upholstery (lounge suite)

File:Wool fleece and top.jpg

Wool: The Wonder Fiber

Wool has some unique properties that make it one of nature's most amazing fibers. Firstly, wool is resistant to fire. It will burn if it's held to an intense fire, but when it's removed from the flame, it will self-extinguish. The reason is that each and every wool fiber contains moisture. It's also an incredibly flexible and durable fiber; one fiber can be bent back more than 20,000 times without breaking and is said to be comparatively stronger than steel [source:American Sheep Industry Association]. To put this in perspective, a cotton fiber can only be bent 3,000 times before it breaks. Its natural elasticity makes it resistant to tearing as well. Wool fibers can be stretched as much as 50 percent of their original length when it's wet and about 30 percent when dry [source: American Sheep Industry Association].
Wool is also a pretty smart insulator. Think of it like a thermos for your body -- it can keep you warm or cool depending on your needs. It keeps you warm without overheating your body and in the Sahara Desert, Bedouins wear thin wool to keep them cool in the searing heat. The secret to both of these facts are the tiny pockets of air within each wool fiber that provide both insulation and breathability (we'll get into this little more on the next page). If that's not enough, it's also resistant to mold and mildew. It's no wonder humans domesticated the sheep in 8000 B.C.
Wool is also able to soak up as much as 30 percent of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet, which is one of the reasons it can still keep you warm even in the rain [source: American Sheep Industry Association]. The fibers have a natural crimp that helps to wick moisture away from the body. Getting this moisture off your bare skin is a key element to keeping warm in wet conditions. 
Check the link below :

How to wash Wool 
Wool can easily lose its shape and become less defined if washed without care, and worst of all, it can shrink on you, becoming quite a few sizes smaller. Indeed, it is not unknown to pull out a child's sweater after putting in an adult's one! If you're not seeking such a transformation of your woolen garments, it makes sense to follow these instructions.



Dust mites - Cleaning - Carpet Cleaning - Rug Cleaning

DUST MITES

Summary

The house dust mite has been associated with a range of respiratory and dermatological allergies, such as asthma and eczema. The main component of dust is shed skin flakes, which is the mite's preferred food source. Areas around the home that are heavily used, such as beds and upholstered furniture, will have higher mite populations.

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The most common type of dust mite found in Australian homes is Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which tends to prefer coastal rather than inland areas. This mite has been associated with dermatological and respiratory allergies in humans, such as eczema and asthma. However, there is no single, definitive sign that house dust mites trigger a person’s allergy symptoms. Asthma, for example, can be triggered by a range of other indoor allergens such as fungi (moulds) or animal dander (dander is fluff from hair, fur or feathers).

Symptoms of allergic reaction to house dust mites


House dust mites can trigger respiratory or dermatological conditions including asthma and eczema. Symptoms can include:
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Breathlessness
  • A tight feeling in the chest
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy nose
  • Itchy eyes
  • Itchy skin
  • Skin rashes.

Physical characteristics of the house dust mite


The characteristics of a house dust mite include:
  • Less than half a millimetre in length, which makes it hard to see with the naked eye
  • Wingless
  • Oval-shaped body
  • Light coloured body with fine stripes
  • Life span of around two months or so, depending on the conditions.

The allergic reaction


Unlike other common household bugs (fleas, for example), dust mites don’t bite. Their bodies, secretions and faeces contain particular proteins that can trigger allergic symptoms in susceptible people.

Common hiding spots


The diet of the house dust mite includes shed skin flakes, pollen and fungal spores. It prefers warm, humid and dark environments. Common hiding spots around the home include:
  • Mattresses and bed linen
  • Upholstered furniture
  • Shag-pile or long-fibred carpets
  • Soft toys.

Diagnosis and treatment for dust mite allergies


Allergy testing can find out whether house dust mites trigger your respiratory or dermatological symptoms. See your doctor for further information and advice.

If tests show that you are allergic to house dust mites, there are ways to reduce your immune system response. For example, you could undergo immunotherapy, which involves deliberately exposing you to dust mite extracts to ‘train’ your immune system not to overreact. Measures designed to reduce your household’s dust mite population may also be helpful.

You need to reduce the dust mites in your home


It is impossible to destroy your entire dust mite population, but you can dramatically reduce their numbers. Allergic reactions are dose-related, so the fewer dust mites you have in your home, the less you may be troubled by respiratory or dermatological symptoms. It is important to remember that the droppings of dead dust mites continue to provoke allergic reactions. You must not only reduce your dust mite population, but also take steps to remove their dead bodies and faeces from your home.

Tips to reduce house dust mites in your home


Strategies include:
  • Cover mattress, pillow and quilt with dust mite resistant covers. The covers must be washed every two months. Some health funds may provide a rebate for these items.
  • Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly in water hotter than 55°C. Alternatively, if washing in cold water, use a commercial product containing essential oils, like eucalyptus or tea tree oil.
  • Hot tumble dry (for half an hour after dry) or dry clean household items – this will kill house dust mites, but not the allergen they produce.
  • Wash blankets and non-encased doonas every two months.
  • Use synthetic rather than feather pillows and doonas, as these tolerate regular washing.
  • Remove sheepskin or woollen underlays and any other sheepskin products.
  • Remove all soft toys from the bedroom and replace with wooden or plastic toys, which can be washed. Or, if a soft toy is allowed, it should be washed weekly using the same method used for sheets. (Freezing soft toys overnight does not work, because it doesn’t remove allergen).
  • Damp dust or use electrostatic cloths to clean hard surfaces weekly, rather than a feather duster.
  • Reduce humidity – have a dry and well-ventilated house. Have adequate floor and wall insulation and avoid evaporative coolers.
  • Avoid upholstered furniture – leather, vinyl, plastic and wood are best.
  • Windows – Venetian blinds or flat blinds are better than heavy curtains. Washable curtains or external shutters are other options.
  • Wash clothing before use if it has been stored for a long time
  • Wash rugs and mats regularly and dry them outside in full sunshine (if possible).
  • Vacuum weekly, including the seams of mattresses and upholstered furniture. Vacuuming causes house dust mite allergens to become airborne for up to 20 minutes, so if you are allergic to dust mites, you should wear a mask or ask someone else to vacuum. You may air the house for an hour or so after vacuum cleaning to help clear the air.

Dubious house remedies


Some treatments that claim to reduce dust mite populations have little or no benefit. Treatments that won’t help include:
  • Chemical sprays
  • Air filters
  • Electric blankets
  • Negative ion generators
  • Allergen-free products.

Where to get help

  • Your doctor
  • Asthma Victoria Tel. 1800 645 130

Things to remember

  • The house dust mite gets its name from its habitat – household dust.
  • The house dust mite has been associated with a range of respiratory and dermatological allergies.
  • If you are allergic to house dust mites, it may help to reduce their population, and remove their dead bodies and faeces from your home as much as possible.
  • You may also need to consider dealing with other allergens in your home to which you may be sensitive. For example, pet owners may need to keep their pets out of doors.