Summertime Carpet Tips

6-14-16.jpgCarpets in the summer can see quite the beating, thanks to all of the increased activity coming in and out of your home.  Cookouts, family visits, and days of playing in the sun can all put excessive wear and tear on your carpet.  So, to help quell all of that wear and tear and to keep your carpet looking its best, we’ve decided to share with you a few tips on summertime carpet care.

Kick those shoes to the side.  Shoes track in dirt, especially in the summer.  Do yourself and your carpet a favor and remove your shoes before stepping foot into your living room.  Encourage all guests to do the same, and before you know it, you will have cut down on the primary source of dirt on your carpets.

Make use of area rugs, floor mats, and runners.  Even though you have encouraged your guests to keep their shoes on the side, there is still a chance that they can track dirt into your home.  To battle this, make ample use of area rugs and floor mats, as a last-line type of defense against outside dirt.  Runners placed in hallways can substantially reduce the amount of dirt tracked onto carpet anytime of year, and they would undoubtedly make a sound investment for the summer.

Finally, spend more time outside!  Summer is the time to take advantage of the weather, so do yourself a favor and stay outside.  Besides, the less traffic you have on your indoor carpets, the cleaner and fresher they’ll be!

Enjoy the warm weather, and don’t fret about the state of your carpet too much.  Summertime is the time for living; let us worry about the state of your carpet.

To schedule your free in-home estimate, give us a call today!

Carpet Cleaner Conundrums

6-9-16.jpgChoosing the right carpet cleaning professional can prove to be quite the hassle.  With so many offers and specials available at for different cleaners, how do you know that you are getting the best deal?  To help solve this riddle, we would like to share with you some common mistakes when choosing a carpet cleaning professional, so that you will better be able to pick the professional right for your home.

As the golden rule goes, you get for what you pay for.  Just because someone is advertising as cheap does not mean that you are getting the best deal possible.  Often, when a carpet cleaning professional markets at an ostentatiously low price, it could mean that he is not really fit for the job.  The low price could be just for a single-layer cleaning, which will not get out all of the dirt your carpet could be hiding.  Not only that, but low price could mean that he is using old and outdated equipment, which will not effectively clean your carpet.

Another common mistake is hiring a carpet cleaner who is not certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).  An IICRC certified cleaner has undergone multiple classes, hands-on training, and examination to prove that he is a cleaner worth his salt.  When you hire an IICRC professional, you know you are dealing with some of the best.

Common mistakes like these can lure prospective clients into dealing with a professional who will not give your carpet the proper cleaning it deserves.  At Bayside Carpet Cleaning, we pride ourselves in servicing our customers to the full extent, as to guarantee their satisfaction with their newly restored carpet.

To schedule your free in-home estimation, give us a call today!  In no time, you will see your carpet shine again like it used to!

Deadly Sins for a Wood Floor

6-7-16.jpgWood floors can be a beautiful addition in any home, but taking care of them can prove to be a challenge.  Floors like these are very sensitive, and can be easily ruined if they are improperly cared for.  So, here are some deadly sins when it comes to wood floor care, and how you can try to avoid them!

First of all, you should avoid using harsh cleaners on your wood floor whenever possible, like those with a wax or silicone base.  Products like these include ammonia, Endust, Pledge, and powdered all-purpose cleaners.  These chemicals can be rough on your floor and can actually eat away at the finish.  Instead, try using just plain water with a clean mop.

Mopping brings us into the next deadly sin for a wood floor: steam mopping.  Believe it or not, the heat combined with the water from a steam mop will degrade the finish of the floor, and over time, will remove the finish entirely.  If you feel the need to steam mop, use the lowest heat setting possible, and only do it every so often.

Another deadly sin for your wood floor is walking across it with abrasive shoes, such as high heels or cleats.  The fine-point on the bottom of these shoes can serve as a chisel on your floors, and will peck away at not only the finish of your wood floor, but at the floor itself.  Try instead to leave these types of shoes at the door, and limit any contact with wood surfaces.

Finally, one of the biggest deadly sins of wood floor is waiting too long in-between refinishing projects.  No matter what you do, the finish of your floor is going to wear down, so it pays to have it refinished every now and again.  By waiting long between finishes, you run the risk of damaging the wood underneath, which is much more expensive to fix than just a coat of sealer.

Wood floors look amazing, but like carpet and tile, they require regular upkeep to keep them in pristine condition.  By taking the extra effort, and by taking note of our deadly sins, you’ll be able to preserve your wood flooring for years to come.

 

Carpet Fun Facts

6-2-16.jpgFor us at Bayside Carpet Cleaning, we like to take a break every now and then and have a little fun in our jobs.  So, to round out this shortened workweek right, we thought we would share with you a few of our favorite fun facts about carpet.  Enjoy!

Did you know that back in Europe during the Middle Ages, oriental carpets were considered prized possessions, and went for top dollar?  Establishing trade routes between the two worlds helped the introduction and influx of carpet to the Western World, and gave a new luxury item to the high class.  In addition, the Crusaders would come back from their quests with several oriental carpets, each one barring a different story of travel and adventure.

Did you know that when the Hoover vacuum first came out in 1908, the inventors had a difficult time selling their creation?  This is because people at the time were offended that their flooring and carpet could be dirty, and thought that they didn’t need a cleaning tool like that.  Common sense and a little humility eventually took the country by storm, and soon enough, practically everyone in America owned a vacuum cleaner.

Did you know that the word “carpet” stems from the Latin word “carpere”, which means “to pluck”?  In the ancient times, carpet makers would have to pluck the individual fibers in order to make a whole carpet.  Not only that, but “carpet” also shares the same roots as “carpe diem”, which means “to pluck or seize the day.”

Well there you have it, a little sampling of our favorite fun facts.  If you’ve enjoyed this blog, be sure to check back every so often, as we’ll be sharing more and more fun facts down the road.  Now, make like a carpet and “seize the day,” Bayside Carpet fans!

Different Types of Dirt

5-31-16.jpgWhen it comes to carpet cleaning, people often believe that there is one type of thing that we clean for: dirt.  Just plain dirt.  While this thought is not necessarily wrong, there are several different types of dirt that we come across when cleaning carpets, and we rigorously seek out each one in an effort to give you the proper carpet cleaning we pride ourselves on.  However, you can use the knowledge of these different types of dirt to better take care of your carpet, and by doing so, prolong the life of it.

Obviously, in a list about carpet dirt, there has to be a section on just dirt.  In carpet-cleaning terms, we call this “loose soil”, as they afe often particles tracked in on the soles of shoes.  Loose soil can scratch and dull the finish of a floor, or tear the individual fibers of your carpet, thanks to their microscopic size.  It is the bane of several types of flooring, and if left unattended, can run havoc on your flooring.  A simple way to combat loose soil is regular vacuuming, making sure to go slow in order to suck up every last particle.

Another type of carpet dirt that we run into is what we call “atmospheric soil”, which is brought on by particles in the air combining with oils on the floor.  Things like pollution, auto fumes, and cigarette fumes conceive atmospheric soil, and the smell sticks to the floor.  This is why a room will smell like cigarette smoke for hours, days, or even years after someone smoked; the oils combine with the particles and traps it in the floor.  To rid atmospheric soil from your home, a professional cleaning is advised, as we use specialized detergent to counteract the oils in the floor.

Finally, the other type of dirt that we encounter are spills and the staining they cause.  A spill left unattended will undoubtedly leave a stain, which can not only be an eyesore, but decrease the life of your carpet.  When a spill occurs, it’s extremely important to clean it up as quickly as possible, as you will reduce the chances for a stain.  If a stain sets however, there are several at-home remedies you can try, but know that you can always call Bayside Carpet Cleaning for assured removal.

Whatever dirt your carpet seems to attract, just know that Bayside Carpet Cleaning can give your carpet a glittering clean that it deserves, no matter the present condition.  To schedule your free estimate, give us a call today!

Memorial Day Carpet

5-26-16.jpgThe sounds and smells of barbecues, family, and fun are all about to hit hard this weekend, as Memorial Day is creeping up fast.  While you have been busy pouring over the menu and the guest list for this weekend’s cookout, we’ve been busy putting together a few tips to keep your carpet looking great throughout the holiday.  Enjoy!

The food and fun may be outside, but be prepared for guests to come into your home to use the bathroom, find a beverage, or just to give themselves a break from the warm weather!  Due to this heightened traffic, try to invest in a floor mat right by the entryway.  Encourage guests to wipe their feet thoroughly upon entry, or better yet, remove their shoes entirely.  This will help eliminate dirt coming into your home, keeping your carpet healthy and easier to clean afterwords.

Another suggestion we have for you is to keep a carpet-stain-emergency-kit somewhere within reach of the high-traffic carpet areas.  With guests entering and exiting with drinks in their hands, accidents are bound to happen.  However, if you have your handy-dandy kit nearby, complete with paper towels, a carpet-cleaning solution, and a small towel, then you’ll be able to contain the stain immediately and prevent it from setting.  Just make sure your guests will notify you is someone did spill their drink!

Finally, the best thing you can do to prepare your carpet for the holiday is to have it professionally cleaned.  Vacuuming and dusting will only do so much, but a deep professional clean will restore your carpet to its former glory.  After we finish, your looks-like-new carpet will be the talk of the cookout, and be better able to handle what’s thrown its way.

To squeeze in a carpet cleaning before the big weekend, give us a call right away.  After a short few minutes, we may have time to fit you in and make your carpet shine again, but time is of the essence.  You are on the clock to make your carpet look pristine this Memorial Day Weekend, so call us today!

We hope that you and your family have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

Estimating Efficiently

5-24-16.jpgA thorough carpet cleaning can be a great present for your home, as it will give your carpet a whole new life.  Letting you carpet breathe is extremely important for not only the life of the carpet itself, but also for the well-being of the home.  However, with some carpet cleaning companies, you do not know what you are getting as far as cost, being that they do estimations the day-of cleaning.  At Bayside Carpet Cleaning, we take an entirely different approach from the traditional model when it comes to estimation, and in just a few easy steps, you can know what to expect from is for a professional cleaning.

Once you have decided to have a carpet cleaning, there are two methods to schedule your free estimation.  You can either fill out the questionnaire on our website—which will take no longer than 2 minutes—or you can give us a call at 609-290-2691.  Either way is fine by us, but both will result in an appointment to accurately estimate our cleaning.

When we show up to the estimation, we are going to take a look at the state of your carpet, and ask you a few questions.  Such questions will include how many rooms you would like cleaned, and the cleaning method in which we clean them.  After those answers, we will be able to give you an accurate price on our service, and then set up an appointment.  At this point in time, you are not obligated to use our service—you can back out at any time before the cleaning.  However, we do advise to go through with us at this point, as we only employ the best professional cleaning methods for your carpet. ensuring a deep clean every time.

A simple call or questionnaire is all you need to have your carpet returned to its former glory, so what are you waiting for?  Set up your completely free estimation today!

The Importance of Regular Carpet Cleaning

5-19-16.jpgWhen it comes to carpet cleaning, people are often under the impression that carpets should be cleaned when they are dirty, or when a big event is about to happen.  While it is a fantastic idea to clean under both circumstances, your carpet should be regularly cleaned, at least every 6 to 12 months.  For those non-believers, we have put together a few benefits of regular carpet cleaning that will speak for themselves.

One of, if not, the biggest benefit to having your carpet professionally cleaned regularly is that it will help prolong the life of the carpet.  By cutting down on the dirt and debris that are lodged into your carpet, the individual fibers will be more resilient to whatever is thrown their way, keeping your carpet fresh and healthy

In addition, professionally cleaning your carpet on the regular will cut down on particles and microbes in the air, henceforth improving air quality and making you and your family less susceptible to illness.  Carpets can act as a magnet for pollutants, as the fibers will attract any impurities in the air.  Every time someone walks over the carpet, those impurities are released back into the air, which can cause health complications in some.  Not only that, but if the carpet gets wet every now and then, it can serve as a breeding ground for both bacteria and fungus.  Cleaning via a professional will eliminate these health risks.

Let alone the health and carpet-longevity benefits, having your carpet professionally cleaned every now-and-then will keep your house looking great all year round!

To start your routine of regular professional cleaning, give us a call today!  We can also set up a schedule with you, so that way your carpet will always stay looking the best it can be!  Regular carpet cleaning may seem like a silly idea to some, but it is one of the best things you can do your both your carpet and your family when you look at the benefits it can bring.  Call us for an appointment today!

Carpet and Pets

5-17-16.jpgOwning a pet can drastically change your life, most of the time for the better.  From having another friend to play with, to adding a new member of the family, pet can be revered as very important.  However, owning a pet comes at a cost, especially when concerning your carpet.  Whether you’re looking to get a pet or if you already have one, we’ve put together a few carpet care cleaning tips for you, to help keep your carpet looking fresh even if four legs are running across it.

One of the biggest complaints that pet owners have about the state of their carpet is the copious amount of pet hair that shows up time after time.  Shedding pets can litter your carpet with hair that is sure to clog up your vacuum cleaner, making it difficult to get the hair out.  To combat this, take an old paint roller and roll some masking tape around it, with the sticky side facing out.  Then simply roll it around your carpet to collect all of the pet hair, as if it’s a giant lint roller.  Vacuum as usual afterwords.

Pets are awesome creatures, always loyal and obedient, but sometimes accidents happen on your carpet.  When they do, it is paramount to act fast and remove it from your carpet before a stain can set in.  If it is pet urine, lay an absorbing cloth over it and allow the cloth to soak up all of the extra liquid in the carpet.  Then go over the area with a water-dish soap solution or a water-vinegar solution to help remove the remaining liquid entirely.  For fecal matter, follow the same steps.

Finally, pets can unintentionally leave odor on your carpet, which may seem to be a hassle to clean when guests are slated to come over.  To fight against pet odor, a simple commercial powdered carpet-odor eliminator will do the trick if you’re in a pinch.  Although a professional cleaning is the sure way to eliminate any and all pet odors in your carpet, you can still use commercial products to get by.

Pets are no doubt amazing, but they can prove to be a catalyst for carpet issues.  With the right approach, however, you will be able to prevent these issues, and keep your carpet looking great all the while treating your pet with nothing but love.  Should you feel the need to call in the cavalry for certain issues, just know that Bayside Carpet Cleaning is always here to help.

Simple Carpet Upkeep

5-12-16.jpgContrary to popular belief, taking care of your carpet regularly is not rocket science; simple tasks can be done regularly to preserve the well-being of your carpet.  So long as you try to perform some simple upkeep every so-often, and know what to do when disaster strikes on your carpet, you’ll be able to keep your carpet going strong for years to come.  Here are a few things you can do to take care of your carpet, courtesy of Bayside Carpet Cleaning.

Time and time again, one of the biggest carpet killers is a buildup of dirt.  When dirt lodges itself inside your carpet, any traffic over the area can push the dirt into the fabric, ripping it and taking away the natural shine.  That’s why high traffic areas seem much more dull than the rest of the floor.  To combat this, a simple vacuum once a week will do, going slow to suck up all the dirt possible.  Also, laying down a floor mat by the door is an effective way to eliminate an abundance of dirt from entering your home—just encourage your guests to wipe their feet upon entry.

In addition to maintaining dirt, knowing how to properly address a spill on your carpet will also keep it healthy and strong.  A spill, regardless of the substance it is, should be initially treated the same way—dabbing around the it.  Never rub the spill with a cloth, as this will just push the substance deeper into the fibers.  Instead, take an absorbent cloth, like a paper towel, and gently dab around the spill, allowing the cloth to do all of the work.  By doing this, you will effectively eliminate the chances of a nasty stain occurring, and further preserve the appearance of your carpet.

However, there are times in regular carpet upkeep where you are going to need a deep clean, regardless of how well you maintain it.  When you need a deep clean, look no further than Bayside Carpet Cleaning, as we will restore your carpet to it’s former glory in a seamless and professional manner.  Give us a call today!