How the Coronavirus Spreads

The disease is most commonly spread person-to-person. So you can take preventative measures to protect yourself from the virus by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your eyes, mouth, and nose, and putting distance between yourself and other people. These are the most crucial measures to take in order to stop the virus’ spread. You can most easily protect yourself from exposure by staying home. 

However, the World Health Organization says contamination on surfaces is one of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads, so it is also important to clean and disinfect your home as another method of prevention. This is something we all can do to take action against the pandemic. 

How to Sanitize Your Home

Here are a few ways to clean and sanitize your home that will not only keep the virus at bay but also give you more peace of mind — something we all could use a little more of right now. 

1. Clean and Disinfect All Surfaces

This is particularly important for frequently touched surfaces and common spaces. Think tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, remotes, etc. These highly-touched surfaces should be cleaned daily with soap and water and then disinfected. 

Soap and water is an effective method for cleaning all surfaces, but you also need to disinfect. You can use household cleaners such as diluted bleach or disinfectants, sprays, or sanitizing wipes. Keep in mind that alcohol solutions and sanitizers must contain at least 70% alcohol to be effective against the virus. 

You can reference this helpful list to learn which products you should be using. The list outlines household products that meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria for effective use against the Coronavirus. 

2. Deep Clean High-Trafficked Areas 

The kitchen and bathroom are high-trafficked areas of your home and deserve special attention at a time like this. In a recent study, researchers learned that the virus could survive on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours after exposure. As we know, the kitchen is full of stainless steel and plastic surfaces, from appliances to Tupperware. So, it is important to deep clean this area in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep you and your family safe. 

There are a few areas you should pay special attention to and clean as often as possible, if not daily:

In The Kitchen

• Countertops
• Appliance handles
• Cabinet and drawer pulls
• Trash cans
• Sink and faucets
• Tables and chairs
• Dish towels. You should wash these frequently after minimal use.
• Dishes and Silverware. These can be effectively sanitized in the dishwasher if you have a dishwasher that reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended by The Public Health and Safety Organization.

In The Bathroom 

• Faucets and handles
• Shower and bathtub
• Toilet
• Trash Cans
• Countertops
• Cabinet and drawer pulls
• Doorknobs
• Towel Rack

For a deep clean, consider using a professional-grade steamer in your kitchen and bathroom. It can be used on a number of surfaces such as tile, walls, and glass and will provide not only heavy sanitation but also remove the build-up of grease or mildew. 

A steamer is both a great versatile tool for deep cleaning anything in your home and is also effective at killing viruses such as COVID-19. The virus cannot survive extremely high temperatures, which steamers far exceed. Plus, steam cleaning is extremely efficient, which is beneficial as you try to cover all the ground in your home as quickly as possible. 

3. Don’t Forget About Furnishings

Don’t overlook cleaning areas you might not expect to carry the virus, such as fabrics and soft surfaces. Items such as lightweight curtains, pillowcases, clothing, towels, and blankets can be cleaned in the laundry. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using the warmest water possible when washing and drying items to fully disinfect them. Put the items on a “hot” drying cycle for the most effective results. 

For heavier furnishings that can’t be laundered or treated with regular cleaning products, turn to a steam cleaner. Steam cleaning is an effective method for disinfecting items such as rugs, couches, and mattresses. It will not only kill germs potentially from COVID-19, but also lift dust, dirt, and mites for a complete and thorough clean.  

Furnishings Cleaning Checklist:

• Blankets, Sheets, and bedding
• Tablecloths and runners
• Curtains
• Carpets and rugs
• Pillows
• Towels. Wash these frequently, after each use.
• Clothes

If you or anyone you know has come into contact with someone affected, you may want to enlist the help of a professional. Protect your home against the Coronavirus by calling on SteamCo’s professional services, including our new disinfectant fogging service, to steam clean the at-risk areas of your environment. These simple steps will help you stop the spread of COVID-19 at home. In addition to keeping you safe and healthy, they will keep your home spick-and-span in the midst of quarantine and hopefully give you a bit more peace of mind. 

For more information on COVID-19 and protecting yourself against the virus, visit the CDC. 

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Due to the amount of use that most carpets get, they are often the prime target for many types of bacteria, germs, and allergens. Many times, tenants may rent a new apartment or owners will buy a new house without knowing exactly how clean the carpets are. Sometimes new carpets are not an option based on budget or type of dwelling. Since many apartment high-rises require a certain percentage of carpeting, tenants must keep the existing carpeting from the previous tenants. It is hard to know exactly what might be in the carpet, especially if there are apparent stains.

The following are the most common culprits to creating stains on your carpet:

1. Dirt and Dust

Dirt and dust are the leading cause of stains and wear on a carpet. They are bound to collect on your carpet, no matter how great of a cleaner you are. They are tracked into the house every time you enter or through open doors and windows. Dust accumulates from human and pet hair, mildew spores, dust mites, soil, and other sources. And it never really goes away—wipe it away one day and it will be back within a week.

2. Dander

Pets and people alike shed skin all day long. Small insects such as mites, ticks, and fleas love to hide in carpet and feed on the skin or dander. Regular vacuuming can help reduce the amount of dander in a carpet, but carpet cleaning services will do a more thorough job of getting rid of them and can help to reduce allergies.

3. Mildew and Mold

Carpets are susceptible to holding mildew and mold, particularly after flood damage, when the carpet was moist. Mildew and mold might not always be visible, so if a carpet did get wet for any reason, it is important to dry the carpet thoroughly. It should also be cleaned to get rid of any mildew or mold residue so it does not permanently stain and damage the carpet.

4. Food

We have all spilled food or drinks before. Unfortunately, when it happens on the carpet, it becomes a problem. Depending on the food or drink, the spill can cause a major stain. And, if it is not properly treated afterward, it may cause the carpet to be damaged and emit odors.

Regular vacuuming and removing shoes in the house will help to prolong the life of the carpet and of course, keep it cleaner. However, professional carpet cleaning is the only way to ensure that a carpet is thoroughly rid of dirt, dander, mildew, and food stains. Contact the carpet experts at SteamCo Carpet Cleaning today and make your carpets look brand new!

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Supplies

For a homemade carpet cleaning solution, you will need to start with an empty spray bottle (even a small one will do the trick) to fill with the mixture. While solutions like rubbing alcohol or shampoo can be used to remove stains, a stronger solution would be a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. The combination of baking soda and white vinegar, or the combination of a base and an acid, creates carbon dioxide that helps make the cleaning process substantially easier. In addition, you will need a dishwashing liquid, some warm water, an absorbent towel, a vacuum cleaner, and a sponge. Make sure that your sponge is clean before you start. For accurate measurements, you may need a measuring cup and a tablespoon.

Measurements for the Mixture

While stain sizes vary, it will be safer and provide more consistent results to use the same measurements for each batch of the cleaning solution you make. Work over your sink for safety. For white vinegar, you will need one tablespoon. For the dishwashing liquid, on the other hand, you will need one teaspoon. Once you have mixed these two ingredients into the bottle, pour in a cup of warm water. Staying ready to close the top back onto the bottle, put one teaspoon of baking soda into it and then close it very quickly as it bubbles up on the inside.

Cleaning

Before using the spray, run a vacuum cleaner over the stained area. After this, use the abrasive side of the sponge to rub gently against the stained area. Now you are ready to spray the mixture onto the spot on the carpet. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use too much all at once. Use the towel to wipe and dab softly. Right away, you should be able to notice a difference in how the area looks. So just keep on dabbing until the stain goes away. Once it is gone, your carpet will look presentable once again to residents or visitors. After this experience, you can confidently take care of other future carpet stains.

Consider DIY Carpet Cleaning

DIY carpet cleaning can save you lots of time and money in the long run. However, if you find DIY carpet cleaning difficult, or are too busy to experiment with homemade cleaning solutions, then the best carpet cleaner is from a qualified company such as SteamCo. SteamCo lets you know upfront how much the damage would cost, and relieves you of extra stress. No matter the size or severity of the stain, SteamCo is there to help you figure out which treatment is best for your carpet.

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Type of Carpet

One of the first questions you will have to ask when it comes to determining how often you should get your carpets cleaned is the type of carpet your home has. Maybe there’s just one or maybe you have a combination of carpet materials based on their individual design features and functionality. 

One popular option is nylon, due to its stain-resistant and durable construction. Nylon is the preferred carpet material for homes with children, pets, or heavy traffic in transitional areas like hallways and stairs. Polyester is a step down in durability, but a step up in luxury, closely followed by olefin, which is ideal for facilitating a denser feeling underfoot. The last carpet material is wool, which is known for its thicker, natural texture and long-lasting quality. 

Professional Carpet Cleaning Service 

The level of traffic your carpet experiences will play an important role in determining how often it needs to be cleaned, but the industry standard is to schedule a professional steaming service at least once a year. An incredible amount of dirt, dust, and other undesirable elements can get trapped in the fibers over the course of an entire year, causing the fibers to split and deteriorate. 

To clean your carpet, a professional will inspect and pre-vacuum it, then extract, rinse, and neutralize the carpet at high temperatures. After this process is complete, it will be spot-checked, coated in a protectant, and examined again during the post-inspection. 

Home Health Benefits 

It’s true that vacuuming isn’t enough to clean your floors. Along with eradicating trapped pollutants, a professional carpet cleaning service can get rid of dust mite infestations and help prevent mold growth. If you have small children or pets, it is especially important to schedule regular cleaning services to ensure that their play environment is as safe and healthy as possible. 

Extend Carpet Life

Carpets are designed to withstand a certain level of traffic, dust, and stains, but when neglected, the fibers will deteriorate faster than their intended lifespan. Anyone who has ever built a home or redone a room knows that the cost of a carpet can quickly skyrocket, so it’s important to protect your investment by regularly maintaining your carpet’s health. Not only will a yearly cleaning service help ensure the functionality of your carpet, but it can also make your space look brand new again.

At SteamCo, we understand that your carpet is an essential element of your house. Contact us today as we offer a variety of professional carpet cleaning services to help make your home as clean, comfortable, and healthy as possible. 

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Carpet

The most obvious use for a professional steam clean is carpet cleaning. The steam gets down into the fibers and lifts dirt that even the most powerful vacuum leaves behind. It also gives new life to worn carpets and makes them look like you just got them. When choosing to get your carpet steam cleaned, it’s important to move as much of the furniture out of the room as possible so you can get those hard to reach areas. Carpet holds in germs and allergens, which can make allergy sufferers miserable. Steam cleaning helps reduce this problem so you can breathe freely again. 

Upholstery

Dirt and allergens get into the upholstery of your furniture as well, and a steam cleaner can do wonders for a couch and chairs. A professional steamer will know how to clean all types of fabrics, from wool to polyester and avoid damage to the material. With their special equipment, they can also get down into crevices and other areas in your furniture that are difficult to reach. This method of upholstery cleaning is ideal for fabrics that are sensitive to water and heat like vinyl, suede, velvet, and leather. The cleaner can adjust the temperature controls based on the type of material being cleaned. 

Curtains

If you have heavy drapes, it can be a monumental task to take them down for cleaning. A professional steam cleaner can make your drapery look fabulous without you taking on all that extra work. Steam cleaning is also gentler on the fabric than putting them in a washing machine. Even lightweight curtains are easier to clean with a steamer and the results look fabulous. 

Linens

You might not think of linens when you consider steam cleaning, but it does wonders on tablecloths and other linen products. The steam not only cleans the material, but it removes wrinkles so the linens look like new. Some tablecloths and other linen items are too heavy and cumbersome to clean in a washing machine, which is why steam cleaning is the best option in these cases. 

Steam works wonders on many items in your home, and it can be more effective than other methods of cleaning. It not only removes dirt and grime, but it can get rid of stains without causing damage. It also sanitizes the space because it kills germs and bacteria. Steam cleaning will remove pesky odors and professional steamers can get in small spaces to ensure an item is completely clean.

While you can do the job of steam cleaning by yourself, it’s not always the best idea. A professional steamer will know what temperature settings to use and other factors for properly cleaning all kinds of material. They know how to remove stains and not damage the carpet, upholstery or whichever item needs the clean. The next time you’re thinking about giving your space a deep clean, consider getting a professional steam cleaning for a fresh clean you will appreciate it. 

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Remember: Antique Rug Cleaning is Not a DIY Project

With a modern area rug, it’s a fairly straightforward process to clean it yourself. However, you shouldn’t attempt to clean an antique rug because you might end up ruining it. For one thing, you may not know what material the rug is made of, which means you wouldn’t know the best carpet cleaner to use. It may be made of wool, silk or other material.

Many of these antiques were handmade, which prevents them from holding up to heavy cleaning techniques. At the same time, they may have stains or even yellowing with age, which can be difficult to remove on your own. It’s best to find a carpet cleaning company to take care of this delicate job.

How Can Antique Rugs Get Clean?

A professional will know what material the rug is made of, what era it came from and will use the correct rug cleaning detergent. The soap is generally mild so that it doesn’t ruin the rug or cause it to fall apart. The rug is soaked with water before the cleaner applies the detergent.

Once the cleaner applies the soap, they will use a brush to work it in. They will pay close attention to any stains because it may take more work to remove the discoloration. Once the rug is clean, the next step is to rinse the soap off.

Let the Rug Dry for a Several Hours–Up To a Few Days.

Once the professional has finished the area rug cleaning, they will place the rug to dry. This process takes more than a few hours or even a day or two. It can take several days for the rug to be completely dry. It’s important to leave the rug until it’s thoroughly dry because it could trap mold and mildew underneath.

Once the rug is dry, it’s ready to put back in place. It may feel stiff and appear flattened but vacuum it to lift the fibers and it will look fabulous. Now that your rug has been cleaned, it will be low maintenance.

You won’t want to vacuum it too much or you can damage the fibers. If something is spilled on your vintage rug, you’ll want to wipe up the spill quickly to keep it from setting in. Ask the professional carpet cleaner what you can use for the spills based on the material of the rug.

With so much style and warmth an antique rug can bring to a room, don’t risk damaging it by cleaning it yourself. Hire the best carpet cleaner to ensure the value of the rug is protected.

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Stubborn stains in the carpet can be time-consuming or even impossible to remove; instead of struggling to clean your carpet, consider letting a professional do the work using a professional-grade carpet cleaning process. Using a professional to clean the carpet is a great way to save your precious time and money long-term.

1. DIY Carpet Stain Removal is Not Easy

Coffee, red wine or food spills, crayons, markers, and other messes are often caused by your pet or child, it’s virtually inevitable. A stain in the carpet from these types of messes makes a room appear dirty, no matter how clean you keep your home otherwise.

As we all know, trying to remove stains using products purchased from a store can be painstaking, and without expert knowledge, you can never be sure which product should be used to get the job done for you. Some products may even harm your carpet or be hazardous to people or pets. By leaving the task to professionals, you have one less thing to worry about.

2. Dirty Household Carpet is Detrimental to Your Health

It’s not just about the looks. Sure, dirty carpet is not nice to look at, but there can be more than what meets the eye. Do you ever wake up with a runny nose or bloated eyes? It’s not always the cold or allergies bugging you. A dirty carpet can include some nasty surprises in the form of household pollutants or other harmful particles. Dirty household carpet can also cause adverse effects to your loved ones’ health and well-being.

The best carpet cleaners go through a thorough process when cleaning the carpet to make sure all indoor pollutants will be removed, and you never need to worry about any health issues caused by the carpet.

3. Can I Afford the Best Carpet Cleaner?

Having the best carpet cleaner take care of your carpet does not have to break the bank. Qualified companies always provide you an appraisal upfront, and often include promotions or specials to please new customers. These carpet cleaning specials will nicely fit your budget if you are in the market for carpet cleaners in San Diego.

It’s also important to keep in mind that using professional carpet cleaning services helps your carpet stand the test of time. By having your carpet cleaned and maintained regularly, you can get many more years of use from your carpet, offset the cost of professional service, and even provide you with long-term savings.

SteamCo Cleaning and Restoration

SteamCo is a San Diego carpet cleaning company that appreciates the value of your home’s carpet, and your wallet. SteamCo is among the highest in service quality in the San Diego area and works with your budget to make sure you are comfortable with this decision.

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1) Act Quickly with Cold Water

As with most stains, time is of the essence. The basic rule is to act within twenty-four hours, but really you want to be on the spot before it dries. You can begin with the easiest method. What you want to do is get some cold water on a fresh stain. What cold water does is prevent the blood from coagulating which worsens the problem.

For larger areas begin by working at the edges of the stain. Remember you don’t want to spread it any further. Then blot working your way inward. Keep at it until the stain disappears.

2) Intermediate: Getting the Dish Detergent

For a stain that’s a little bit older than cold water might not be enough. In this case, you are going to want to break out the dish soap. Mix two teaspoons of soap with cold water dabbing the spot with a clean, white cloth (remember don’t use colors or they may run onto the carpet). Again you want to dab the spot until it has been completely removed or transferred onto the cloth.

3) A Little More Advanced: Salt Paste

If you are looking for ways on how to remove blood stains from carpets that have set then you might want to try the salt paste way. Get a few tablespoons of salt and mix with cold water to form a thin paste.

Then apply the paste with a clean cloth dabbing into the stain. Let this sit for fifteen minutes giving time for the blood to get absorbed into the mixture. Return to the spot and blot the area until the stain is gone. After, you’ll need to vacuum the remaining salt mixture.

4) Contact a Specialist

More often than not, contacting a carpet cleaning company is your best bet. If you are dealing with an area any larger than the size of a quarter then you’ll definitely want to contact some carpet specialists. Most of the tips we shared are great methods for smaller areas, but if you have a larger or older rug then you don’t want to take your chances. Carpet cleaners have the right machines to target the worst stains and can get the job done much more quickly than we can.

Easy Ways for How to Remove Blood Stains from Carpet

There’s nothing fun about getting blood or any kind of stain on your carpet. But it doesn’t have to be a serious problem. By following any of these tips, you can get out any stain in no time at all. Contact our San Diego carpet cleaners to see how quickly we can help you!

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Instead of breaking your back doing it yourself, why not hire a professional carpet cleaning company? The option is as simple as calling the company and booking an appointment.

Before you pick up and schedule your cleaning, there are a few things you should do beforehand to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible for them.

Let’s take a look at what you can do to prep your home before your next professional carpet cleaning.

1. Provide Protection for Your Walls

Whether you’re DIY carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, or getting a deep carpet cleaning done, you’ll need to protect your walls. The hoses used to power the equipment will rub against the corners and baseboards of your home. By laying down some painter’s tape on areas where cords might rub, you can effectively prevent your baseboards and corners from getting marked up by rubbing cords.

2. Hide Pets

Excited pets and carpet cleaning machines don’t always mix well. Putting your furry friend outside or making sure they are not in the way can streamline the carpet cleaning process. You should always make sure your pets are out of the way before your cleaners come over. Not only will this prevent them from getting in the way, but it could also put your carpet cleaning professionals at ease knowing there are no loose animals in the house.

3. Declutter Before You Deep Clean the House

Carpet cleaning requires the use of long hoses and cords. This means you’ll need to declutter your house before the professionals come over. Even small objects like shoes or toys can be a hazard for the cleaning professionals trying to clean your carpets. Make it easy for them and yourself by removing any item they might trip on. You can also vacuum the area just in case.

Another suggestion we recommend is moving the furniture. Moving the smaller items like lamps, tvs, and plants will make the process go by faster. Once the carpet professionals get there, they can move the bigger sized items out of the way.  

Preparation is Key

Professional carpet cleaning usually goes off without a hitch, but there are some things that could slow down the process. Remember to move furniture and clutter out of the way, and vacuum your carpets first. Cover your baseboards and wall corners with painter’s tape, and hide your pets so that there’s no chance of anything going wrong.

Follow these tips and you should be able to enjoy your freshly cleaned carpets without any worries!

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Prepare Ahead

As with all things, the best way to remove any type of stain is to ensure you already have the right tools on hand. Here a few of the things that you will want to have ready:

• White cloth – Color cloths have a higher risk of running into the carpet
• White vinegar
• Baking soda, cornstarch or talcum powder
• Rubbing alcohol
• Soda water
• Dry cleaning solvent

It’s All About Speed

Oil stains and any other liquid stains require immediate care as they will set and become difficult to remove. The urgency of oil stains is why we recommend having those tools ready. The general rule is the faster you treat the area, the more likely you are to remove the stain. The number one tip we can provide is to remember never to rub the spot, instead make sure to quickly blot. With the cloth, press firmly against the stain, you may even want to stand on the cloth allow the substance to absorb.

How to Get Oil Out of Carpet

There are a few different approaches to getting oil out of the carpet. The first is to use baking soda, cornstarch, or baby powder. These powders will help to absorb the oil. Depending on the size of the stain, you’ll want to work the powder into the carpet using a toothbrush or utility brush. After following these steps, let the product sit for fifteen minutes, vacuuming it up afterward. You may want to follow with a dry cleaning solvent to spruce it up.

Another option you have is to use rubbing alcohol on the stain which acts like a solvent (Just in case you didn’t know, solvents break down oils). Like the powder, you’ll want to press the alcohol into the affected area and let it set. Use a fan to dry the area and then rinse with water. If the scent is too strong, we suggest using a fan to ventilate. We do not recommend the use of chemical deodorizers as they add moisture to the area, worsening the stain.

Simple Solutions to a Simple Problem

The biggest thing to remember with carpet stains is that they are not a big deal. As long as you treat the area quickly and often anything labeled “carpet cleaner,” you’ll be able to treat most minor stains. That said, the stain has affected a large area or you are working with a vintage or expensive carpet, you will want some professional assistance.

If you are stuck googling, “how to get oil out of carpet,” but have exhausted all the answers, Steamco can help. We make sure the stain is fully removed without ever damaging the carpet. Our team assists you with all things home stain cleaning from post-spot treatment to upholstery steam cleaning process. When you contact us, you end up with a better deal. Forget about stains and get your carpets, upholstery, drapes and more looking like new!  

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