Carpets are one of the most important design elements that we have in our homes. In fact, carpets and floor elements can make or break the look the whole room. The choice between carpet, tile, or wood floors says a lot about the home, room, or homeowner. When choosing carpet as your floor covering there are many things you should consider. Carpets usually look their best especially when they are kept clean and fresh to maintain the original look you intended for the room or entire home.
Dirty Carpet
We all know how carpets attract dirt, dust, and sometimes pests. Once a carpet looks very dirty, this can now destroy the look of the whole room. “Dirty” can very easily become permanently stained and after that point it is very difficult to recover the life of a carpet that may have lasted much longer with a proper cleaning regimen. Whether you do this on your own or you hire cleaning services to do so, you need to make sure that your carpets look as clean as they should.
One piece of equipment that has really made carpet cleaning an easier job for the home owner is a vacuum cleaner. These essential tools are used to remove dirt particles and dust which are trapped within the fibers of the carpet. Regular use of a quality vacuum is part of every home cleaning routine but sometimes even the best vacuum cleaners need some help.
Properly cleaning carpet in a home or office involves several steps to complete the job correctly to maintain the value and look of all of your carpets. Without following these steps, or hiring a professional carpet cleaning company to do them for you means that you are just risking the worsening of the condition of your carpets.
The first step of carpet cleaning involves the pretreatment of your carpet. This may seem to be an unnecessary carpet cleaning step, but in reality, this is the most important cleaning step. This prepares and conditions your carpet so that it will be cleaned easily. What is done in this step is that the carpet is spayed or sprinkled with a particular solution that help in cleaning of the carpet. It basically lets the solid particles, soils, dirt and dust which are trapped inside the carpets to resurface and lift up. This will now make it easier for the particles to be cleaned.
Professional Cleaning
The next step is the actual cleaning process itself. The removal of the resurfaced dirt will be done here. As mentioned, there are different ways of cleaning the carpets but just so you know, there are just three major cleaning procedures done when it comes to carpet cleaning. Carpet cleaning could involve hot water extraction, dry extraction and cold water extraction. These methods usually work for a certain types of carpet cleaning jobs. Your professional carpet cleaning company will know, based on the type of carpet that you have and the condition of the soiling, which method of cleaning is appropriate for your particular job. Just getting a steam cleaner from the local tool rental store is not always the best proceedure for your particular carpet.
The last step involves neutralizing the carpet leaving it as presentable as possible. The cleaning step will leave no dirt behind but now the cleaning residue must be now removed. Carpet cleaning involves using different products and these products usually leave some residuals in the carpet. Not removing these residuals can actually do more damage and even leave the carpets looking dirtier. This is why this last step should never be neglected and always be done to ensure that the carpet is left clean as possible, without leaving behind any residue. The last step even makes the carpet feel as soft and looking new.
Whether you want your carpets cleaned by professionals or by yourself, you should be knowledgeable when it comes to carpet cleaning.
Arming yourself with a little knowledge can go a long way towards keeping your home clean and well cared for. Ask questions, be involved and be sure to maintain your carpets and flooring so that it will last as long as you live in your home, or until you want to change your look, At American Dream Carpet Cleaning we are always happy to share with our customers the do’s and dont’s of carpet and floor maintenance. With 30 years of service to the Pinellas County area, we are proud to help answer any questions you may have.
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Fran
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Do you or a family member ever wake up from a night’s sleep with itchy or red skin and eyes?
Or have you been having a stuffed up nose, sneezing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, headaches, or a sinus ache? Maybe you have been noticing a feeling of fatigue even though you’ve just woken up?
You or your loved one could be one of the 50 MILLION Americans that suffer from some kind of allergy.
Many times the reason is the millions of dust mites that made a home for themselves in your mattress, and are feeding on the dead skin cell flakes all humans shed.
Many dust allergies stem from dust mites. Menacing as they appear, it’s technically not the dust mites themselves that cause the problem – it’s the droppings they leave! Yes. On and in your mattress. After they eat your dead skin cells. That’s what they do.
As disgusting as this may sound it’’s quite common. No need to panic and throw out that expensive mattress set.
The best way to kill dust mites and remove dust mite droppings is by getting a professional mattress cleaning company to clean and sanitize your mattress.
American Dream Carpet Cleaning in Pinellas County, Florida specializes in eliminating dust mites as well as other allergens and bacteria. So keep that mattress set that you love and let the professionals at American Dream Carpet Cleaning remove the irritants and bacteria from them. Soon you’ll be returning to the comfortable, relaxing and much needed night’s rest that you deserve.
Give us a call!
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Fran
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Leather furniture is a popular choice because of it’s durability and sleek sophisticated appearance for home or office. The question that often arises is, “how to I care for my beautiful leather furniture, couch, chair or ottoman” etc…
- The first step in maintaining leather’s natural beauty is to avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures commonly found here on the Pinellas Suncoast of Florida, which can cause drying and cracking and over time, the deterioration of your fine leather furniture.
- Second, avoid using harsh cleaners as these can dry and ruin the surface of the leather.
- Quick action is your first line of defense for any spot cleaning of leather.
Use a moisturizing soap, like Dove facial soap, for spots and spills making sure you rinse the area well. Dark stains on light leather can be treated with a paste made of 50/50 cream of tartar and lemon juice. For ink spots gently dab with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. 
If the stain persists, try a layer of non-gel, non-oily cuticle remover and allow it to sit overnight. Always follow any spot removal with the moisturizing soap and a good rinse.
To assure that your leather upholstery will service you well for many years and maintain it beautiful appearance, you should have it professionally cleaned and conditioned every 12-18 months. American Dream Carpet Cleaning has the knowledge, experience and quality professional grade products to clean and protect this investment in your home or office decor.
A vital part of leather cleaning is the conditioning process. Conditioning your leather upholstery every time we clean is included at the same low price. Give the professionals at American Dream Carpet Cleaning a call and let us do the work for you!
Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a recently purchased home. 
The rooms are spacious, the appliances are brand new, landscaping is stunning – it is truly an oasis that you can call “home”. The only hiccup is the tortured carpets. It looks like a ‘Friday Night Tractor Pull’ was performed in the living room; and the traffic lanes look like scars that didn’t fully heal. The carpets are severely dirty and abused. Should they be professionally deep cleaned or replaced? Thankfully, American Dream Carpet Cleaning in Pinellas County, Florida can help by offering some suggestions on what can be done.
Professional Cleaning
Generally speaking, having carpets professionally cleaned is less expensive that replacing the carpet. But no homeowner wants to spend hard earned money on a professional cleaning, not get the desired results, and resort to replacement anyway – paying for both!
The first thing to do is get an in-home inspection and written estimate from a professional.
They can inform you about:
- Types of cleaning techniques and the results to expect;
- The level of cleanliness and appearance that can be achieved;
- Whether or not the damage is irreversible.
American Dream Carpet Cleaning in Pinellas County, Florida recommends using a professional that is recognized as a Seal of Approval service provider; that way you’ll know your carpets are being professionally cleaned with quality products and equipment that will help maintain your carpet’s life and beauty. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: How long have they been in business? What formal training have they had?
Most of us would expect a doctor to say: “What You Can’t See Can Hurt You!” We’ve even heard it from our mother as she requests us to wash our hands before dinner. But who would expect to hear it from a carpet cleaning professional?
Carpet has been unfairly blamed as a contributor to asthma, allergies, and for emitting high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Truth be told, carpet is our ally; like a filter it can “hold on” to many particles – dander, pollen, dust and other contaminants – that can cause problems. Vacuuming and periodically deep-cleaning your carpet can remove those particles before they overflow the carpet “reservoir” and enter the breathing zone.
Proper cleaning with a good quality vacuum effectively sucks up the dirt, dust, and other bio-pollutants from the carpet, locks it in the machine and keeps it out of the air. American Dream Carpet Cleaning also recommends that carpets be cleaned by a certified professional (like us) on a regular basis – every 12-18 months.
What about mold and fungi? Since most carpet manufacturers use synthetic fibers in the construction of carpet, it is nearly impossible for mold and fungi to grow – as long as the carpet is kept dry and cleaned regularly.
VOCs in modern carpet are minimal and dissipate quickly as a result of the modern way that carpet manufacturers produce low VOC carpet fibers. LOW VOC compliant manufacturers produce 98 percent of all the carpet made in America
During and after new carpet installation in a home, American Dream Carpet Cleaning recommends extra ventilation; within 48 to 72 hours virtually all VOCS will have dissipated. Also, ask that the installer follow carpet industry installation guidelines.
Since most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, it makes sense to follow a good carpet maintenance program. By doing so, we maximize the benefits of carpet – comfort, acoustics, safety, visual variety and appeal – minimize the health-related concerns of bio-pollutant build up, and help ensure our home environment is safe, healthy and welcoming for friends and family.
If it is known that the carpet is still under warranty or you have questions concerning the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning method, be sure to contact the manufacturer directly.
Replacement
To select the best carpet for your home and lifestyle, several things should be considered:
- Carpet and Rug Construction – Understanding a few basics about carpet construction can help you make the right choices for your lifestyle and budget.
- Color – Are you looking for an atmosphere that’s vibrant, spacious, calming, or cozy? Do you want it to reflect your style? Carpet is the foundation of a room’s décor and sets the “feel” of the room.
- Quality and Performance Requirements – The type of fiber used and the way the carpet is constructed determines the basic performance and durability of the carpet.
- Selecting the Right Cushion – adds comfort and acts as a shock absorber when walked on. Poor cushion choice can cause wrinkling and buckling.
- Insulation – guards against extreme heat or cold – an important benefit in our energy-conscious world.
- Low VOC carpet for Indoor Air Quality – With allergies and chemical sensitivity becoming more of a challenge in the home, choosing “Green” carpet, carpet backing, cushions, and adhesives that emit low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) will improve the indoor air quality.
- Special Considerations – choosing carpet for high traffic areas, aging individuals, pets, heated floors, and outdoor carpeting should be considered too.
No matter what a homeowner chooses – deep clean or replacement – either way, the homeowner wins. By following American Dream Carpet Cleanings suggestions, every homeowner can enjoy carpet that adds to the appeal, appearance, and comfort of their home.
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Fran
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Ever move your furniture around just to find that your carpet looks like it now has dimples?
Most of the time our technicians are the ones to deal with that. If you like to rearrange your own furniture but hate the way the carpet looks with dents, here are a couple of tips you can try. Fill a spray bottle with water and spritz it over the dents. Then use a blow-dryer to blow hot air over any moistened areas. The heat helps the carpet rebound, just be careful not to melt the fibers. Fluff up fibers with your fingers.
Or try to steam away dents by placing a clean, damp cloth over them, then hold an iron, on medium heat, on the wet cloth for about 30 to 60 seconds. Don’t let the iron touch the carpet directly — it could burn! Again, fluff up fibers with your fingers. These processes usually work well with most carpets. However, Berber and tight weave carpets can hold on to the dents for a longer time so patience is going to have to prevail here. You may need to repeat the process several times. You can place clear furniture “coasters” under small legs to distribute the weight more evenly and hopefully prevent future dents. Most home improvement stores or local hardware stores carry them.
For larger pieces, just ask our techs for some furniture foam blocks the next time we visit your home to clean your carpet, upholstery or tile. We would be happy to leave some with you. Give American Dream Carpet Cleaning a call! We look forward to hearing from you.
You know its time. Even though you have been religious about vacuuming your carpets, quickly attending to spots and spills, and varying traffic patterns to reduce soiling and wear, your carpets are ready for a freshening, and you have decided to hire a professional to give your carpets a deep cleaning.
Did you know that all carpets should be deep cleaned every twelve to eighteen months; a thorough cleaning not only revitalizes the look of your carpeting, it also reduces wear, extends its life and may be required in the terms of your warranty. Here in Tampa Bay, American Dream Carpet Cleaning recommends an even more aggressive schedule of carpet cleaning due to the moisture in our air, the sometimes salty environment and the frequent tracking of sandy dirty into the home or office. But just how should your carpet be cleaned? There are five accepted methods for cleaning carpets, and one is right for you.
In most new carpets, your carpet manufacturer or retailer will recommend the best cleaning procedure for deep cleaning your carpets. Always follow these recommendations. And make sure that if you do hire a professional carpet cleaner like American Dream Carpet Cleaning of Pinellas County, that you ask them if they know the specific requirements that should be met for cleaning your particular type of carpeting. If you are attempting the deep cleaning yourself, chose a carpet shampoo or cleaning and follow the directions for application and dilution to the letter. Never use soap, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent or other household cleaners intended for use on other flooring surfaces. For the best results, be certain to vacuum the carpet thoroughly before cleaning, and apply a preconditioning solution before the deep cleaning process. These pre-cleaning solutions are mild detergents that begin loosening soil before the actual cleaning begins. Be aware that not following all directions can lead to a significantly shortened lifespan for your very expensive carpeting investment.
There are several ways to find the best professional for your job. You may simply ask for referrals from friends, family or even carpet stores or you may use the Internet to do your own search. American Dream Carpet Cleaning has been in the business here in Pinellas County for many years and we can always happily supply any new customer with a list of satisfied clients that use us year in and year out… Don’t be shy about checking references of your carpet cleaning professionals, American Dream’s employees are always happy to give our customers any information they need to make the right decision about the care and maintenance of their carpet, upholstery or tile flooring. No matter which means you use to research your carpet and flooring cleaner, be aware of the five basic methods professionals use to clean carpets. Each has its advantages and disadvantages; discuss with a professional which is best for your carpets before you begin deep cleaning your carpets.
Dry extraction cleaning uses an absorbent compound containing special detergents and solvents that is infused in and around the carpet fibers with specially-designed machines and brushes. The compound acts as a tiny magnet, attracting dirt, oils and soil in the carpet fibers, and then both the soil and the compound are removed by vacuuming. This method is recommended for sturdy fibers, including most synthetics, and is especially appropriate for natural fibers like wool and cotton that should not be exposed to excessive moisture.
The dry foam extraction method applies a special detergent solution that has been fluffed into a foam, and then applied to the carpet. This foam, which is less dense and much drier than a wet solution, is worked into the carpet by specially designed machines, and then removed by wet vacuuming. Some dry foam machines have their own extraction capabilities, while others need a thorough vacuuming after the carpet is dry.
The hot water extraction method, or “steam cleaning,” as it is sometimes called, is the most common method for do-it-yourselfers and mobile professional cleaners. After preconditioning carpet areas that have experienced heavy use, the carpet cleaner uses hot water extraction equipment to infuse a pressurized cleaning solution into the carpet. Suspended soil and the cleaning solution are immediately extracted. Use caution with the hot water extraction system so that carpets do not become saturated, and accelerate drying in any way possible – using fans, air conditioners, dehumidifiers or additional drying strokes – to avoid possible damage and discoloration resulting from the moisture.
The rotary shampoo method is the classic home carpet cleaning technique. A machine with rotary brushes injects a cleaning solution into the carpet, and then removes the loosened soil and cleaning solution. And as with steam cleaning, be certain you carpet dries as quickly as possible. Never use a machine intended for hard surface flooring to shampoo your carpets – pile distortion and untwisting of fibers can occur, causing permanent damage to your carpet.
The absorbent pad method should be used only by a trained cleaning professional. In the absorbent pad method, a special machine similar to a floor buffer with an absorbent spin pad is used to remove the soil. The pad absorbs soil on the carpet, and the soil is then rinsed off of the pad. The pad must remain saturated with the cleaning solution or damage to the carpet pile may occur. And regularly change the pad to prevent returning the soil back to the carpet face.
When choosing a deep cleaning method for your carpets, always check the recommendations of the carpet manufacturer, the equipment manufacturer, and your carpet cleaning professional. The match between your carpet and the right deep cleaning method will give your carpets added years of beauty and wear.
In Tampa Bay, we know that you have a large selection of carpet cleaning professionals to consider for your nest home or office cleaning project and thats why we at American Dream Carpet Cleaning want you to have as much information as you need to make the right decision. Please give us a call if you have any questions, we are always happy to help!
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Fran
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Frequent vacuuming is your best defense in caring for your carpet.
- Vacuuming is Best!
The majority of dirt, dust, sand, pet hair and pet dander can be removed by you, with your own vacuum. We recommend a once or twice weekly, thorough vacuuming with a good quality upright vacuum.
An inexpensive vacuum might remove the top soil but will not be effective in removing the hidden dirt particles deep in the pile. Make slow over-lapping strokes, moving slightly to the left or right about every four strokes.
Be sure to replace or empty vacuum bags when they are half to two-thirds full and clean with soap and water any washable dirt containers. If your vacuum has air filters, clean or replace them every four to six months.
Frequent vacuuming with a clean air filter can also have a positive impact on the air quality in your home.
