Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.

Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or or white paper toweling (no printing).

Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing may cause pile distortion in the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed. If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in the spot removal computer and follow the directions carefully.

Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to be certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected.

Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth and work in gently.

Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot in order to absorb as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.

Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill.

Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times. After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed.

A dry, absorbent, cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to accelerate drying time. For more detailed information on a specific spill, please search on the pull-down menu at right. Many fiber manufacturers provide a toll-free cleaning assistance and advice (consult your warranty).

Natural stone has seen a growth in popularity in homes and commercial buildings. Stone is characterized in that no two pieces of natural stone look alike. They can have variation in color and/or veining from tile to tile or slab to slab. For this reason, the beauty and individuality that stone can bring a room or area is highly sought after.

But many misconceptions about this beautiful natural product do remain, especially in the area of maintenance. What are they?

• Limestone is similar to marble in that it is sensitive to acids and household cleaners containing chelating agents. It varies in hardness and sometimes will have fossil imprints
• Marble is softer and more porous than most stone; it not only scratches easily, but also etches easily. Marble is sensitive to acids in many different food items (including citrus products, sodas, etc.) and the chelating agents in household cleaners.
• Travertine is limestone that has been formed by hot springs. Water movement caused erosion of the stone creating numerous holes of varying sizes. Travertine is similar to marble in that it can be polished, and is sensitive to acids and household cleaners with chelating agents.
• Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic stone usually black, gray or green. Slate is not acid sensitive but prolonged use of household cleaners with chelating agents can cause streaking and dullness.
• Granite is an extremely hard natural stone and is not as porous as other natural stones. Though not acid sensitive, prolonged use of household cleaners with chelating agents will cause streaking and can be a homeowner’s nightmare
• Terrazzo appears more uniform than most natural stones and is available in tile form or by a pouring application on the slab. Terrazzo is a mixture of Portland cement and marble chips; these chips can range in size from a fraction of an inch to as large as several inches.

Cleaning Processes vary from floor to floor, many variables include make-up, maintenance, soiling conditions, traffic, use, etc…

It is important to note, however, that cleaning agents not designed for natural stone can destroy your investment! This is why it is important to maintain your floor by mopping away dust and abrasive materials with a dust mop and water, avoiding dragging heavy furniture on the surface, and if needed invest in specially designed non-chelating natural stone cleaning solution.

It will save you the headache and money to protect your flooring investment!

The beauty and life of handmade rugs depend largely on cleanliness and care. Handmade rugs can last for centuries in good condition, give remarkably long service, and age beautifully with proper care. How can you ensure that your investment remains vibrant for many years to come?

Rotation
To insure even wear, your rug should be rotated at least once a year. This prevents uneven traffic wear and sunlight exposure. Rotation can also prevent permanent indention left by placing heavy furniture on the rug.

Vacuuming
Your rug needs to be vacuumed on a regular basis to prevent dust build up and musty odors. In most cases a regular vacuum cleaner can be used to go over the rug, however the fringe should only be gone over with a vacuum hose! Using a traditional vacuum on the fringe can damage the material!

Padding
A quality pad placed under your rug can prevent several problems. Without a pad, rug slippage is a problem on hard flooring. A pad will hold the rug in place and prevent injuries from falling. A pad also separates the rug from direct contact with the floor. This allows air currents easier movement through the fibers and prevents contact with dirt and dust that builds up on floor surfaces.

In-Plant Rug Cleaning is recommended for oriental rugs and loose woven rugs. They should not be cleaned on location like wall to wall carpet. Consult a Clean Trust certified firm for additional information on rug cleaning!

Let’s face it; it’s tough to get excited about the need to clean your carpets. It’s time consuming, and unless there’s some kind of stain or odor coming from your carpet, it’s easy to forget about it entirely!

Vacuuming is a good start, and will keep your place feeling fresh and clean, but vacuum cleaners can only remove surface dirt and will not remove the soil film that builds up on your carpet over time due to traffic. In addition to frequent vacuuming, its important to deep clean your carpet.

Deep carpet cleaning systems will remove the oily, sticky soil that vacuums can’t take out, and will help keep your carpet looking great over time. If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful. Carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months, depending on the number of residents and amount of activity.

Deep cleaning processes target the soils that result from cooking vapors, air pollution, and tracked-in dirt. The particles of oily soil deposited on carpet fibers can cause gradual but significant dulling of colors. The color isn’t lost, but is hidden under the film. If this type of soil is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the dry soil.

Choosing the proper cleaning process is important. Some systems may leave residues which accelerate re-soiling and defeats the whole purpose of cleaning. Others may leave your carpet overly damp or not employ the correct cleaning solutions to leave your carpet truly clean.

Hiring a professional carpet cleaner can be a great investment for your floor. Professional cleaning equipment has more extraction power than the rental units available to individuals, and the carpet should dry more quickly. Certified professionals also understand the equipment, know the proper cleaning agents for the situation at hand, and recognize the differences in fibers and carpet construction. Professionals usually employ the hot water extraction cleaning process.

Studies have shown that the hot water extraction cleaning process is the most thorough process on the market. This system is commonly referred to as “steam cleaning,” although no steam is actually generated. The process consists of applying a cleaning agent into the carpet pile and using water in the extractor to recover the used solution and soil.  This can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and wand brought inside or by a portable system brought into the home.

Regular professional cleaning using a Clean Trust Certified Firm is as important to your carpet as having a trained mechanic perform routine tune-ups on your car. While your carpet may appear clean on the surface, periodic cleaning by a certified technician can remove what you can’t see and help your carpet retain its fresh, beautiful appearance.

The Clean Trust provides a consumer referral service to locate trained and certified cleaning and restoration firms and technicians. Before hiring anyone: confirm that they are trained and certified in the type of work to be performed and ask for credentials; informally interview the company representative or technician; obtain a written estimate of the work to be completed, and receive a written contract or invoice confirming the total price along with any statements or guarantees.

By the way, Clean As A Whistle Houston provides you the most outstanding service experience ever! And we are Clean Trust Certified!

(Information sourced from Shaw and Clean Trust)

Ceramic tile is one of the most abused and overlooked floor and wall surfaces in the home simply because of the care involved in cleaning it. No one is anxious to relive the terrible memories of scrubbing each tile and grout line for hours with a small brush and of using those irritating, harsh, and unsafe chemicals. Most of us would rather rearrange our sock drawer. So how do you make the most of your ceramic tile investment?

General cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone or tile are never recommended. These can breakdown the sealer, thereby removing its protective properties and making the stone and tile grout susceptible to stains. Worse yet, many cleaning products, including those that contain lemon, vinegar, bleach or ammonia can etch away the polish, discolor the surface, or even scratch your stone. Many cleaners have what is called a chelating agent in them. This agent breaks down and dissolves minerals in hard water. Since all stone is made up of minerals, these types of cleaners will dissolve and cause streaks over prolonged use.

Ceramic Tile & Grout

Ceramic tile and grout is man-made clay fired material. Glazed ceramic tile does not normally require any protective treatment. It is the glaze itself that gives the tile its excellent protection and resistance to the absorption of dirt. Many of the new ceramic tiles in today’s market are manufactured to look like real stone. Clean As A Whistle offers tile and grout cleaning and sealing.

Quarry Tile & Pavers Brick

Quarry tiles are an unglazed ceramic material. They are particularly well suited for exterior paving due to their low absorption and resistance to freezing. This type of floor is one of the most durable on the market today.

Terracotta Tile or Saltillo Tile

Terracotta tile or Saltillo tile is one of the oldest ceramic materials made by man. This type of tile is created by mixing clay and water, leaving it to dry naturally and then baking it in a kiln. Saltillo tile has particular characteristics that demand special treatment.

The good news is Clean As A Whistle can make short work of this task, using only earth-safe products that won’t harm your family, your pets, or this world we share.

If your tile grout requires sealing, or if you have a few pieces that are chipped or broken and need to be replaced, we can perform those repairs too.

At Clean As A Whistle we are dedicated to helping you keep your home healthy, clean, and always looking its best. The solution to difficult ceramic tile and grout cleaning is just a phone call away.

Trust Clean As A Whistle for all those difficult and unpopular projects. You really will be glad you did.

Would you be surprised to learn that flooring is your third largest single investment?

Any investment you have requires some kind of maintenance to get the maximum ROI. You maintain your home so that it will retain its value. You maintain your vehicle by changing the oil on a regular basis to avoid costly repairs. Your carpet and flooring is the same way. It should be maintained through regular vacuuming, prompt spot removal, regular professional cleaning, and the application of protectors. Your carpet should be vacuumed once or twice a week, and professional cleaning should take place before the carpet has visible soil. Clean heavy traffic areas as often as they need it. Carpet manufacturers recommend professional cleaning at least every 12 months and require hot water extraction every 18 to 24 months to retain texture retention.

Is Your Upholstery Really Clean?

The fabrics in your home are hiding harmful soils, pollens, dust mites, and fungi. For a healthier indoor environment, have your upholstery cleaned today!

Although your fabrics may look clean, it doesnt mean that they are clean. Regular cleaning also keeps the degrading soils from breaking down the fabrics.

Ask About Our Free Soil Analysis Test!

For more info on our cleaning systems visit CleanAsAWhistleHouston.com Or Call us at 713-784-4648

Like Us On Facebook and WIN Some Free Cleaning!

Dear Friend,

We will be GIVING AWAY gift certificates for $100.00, $250.00 and $500.00 on our Facebook Page starting later today. Just “Like” us and you have a chance to win!

Also on Our Facebook Page…

Find expert tips on caring for your carpet, upholstery, area rugs, and hard surface floors on our page.

Click Here to Like Us Now!

Clean As A Whistle Receives Angie’s List Super Service Award for the 7th Year in a Row!!!

Thank you for your support, for liking us, recommending us and saying nice things about us!

Save an Additional 25% on Oriental Rug Cleaning When You Bring Your Rugs to Us!

That brings your total savings up to 43.75% on area rugs when you bring them to us!

Our expert staff cleans rugs from around the world. From the finest, to the most basic, they will get the most complete, detailed, safe cleaning ever!

Click here for directions to our Area Rug Spa

Simply refer any NEW client to us and you are AUTOMATICALLY rewarded with a 10% Referral Reward Certificate that you can use toward CASH or Cleaning. Your choice!

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Have Clean As A Whistle come out to your office, church or business. Commercial Services include: Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, Area Rug Cleaning, Tile & Stone Cleaning, VCT Stripping and Waxing, and Partition Cleaning.

Learn more about our commercial services here

What are the benefits of winning the Super Service Award?
This award recognizes excellence in overall performance by service and health providers.

How does Angie’s List determine who is eligible?
The Super Service Award is earned by businesses that achieve and maintain a superior service record on Angie’s List. In order to be eligible, a company must meet certain criteria. Read the complete eligibility requirements here.

Clean As A Whistle, Inc. has also received the Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/7rpuckn

Dear Friend,

Just a reminder that if you have been meaning to call us to clean your carpet, upholstery, draperies, area rugs, tile or stone floors, call now as time is slipping away!

Call 713-784-4648 for the experts for over 27 years.

Save an Additional 25% on Oriental Rug Cleaning When You Bring Your Rugs to Us!

That brings your total savings up to 43.75% on area rugs when you bring them to us!

Our expert staff cleans rugs from around the world. From the finest, to the most basic, they will get the most complete, detailed, safe cleaning ever!

Click here for directions to our Area Rug Spa

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Have Clean As A Whistle come out to your office, church or business. Commercial Services include: Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, Area Rug Cleaning, Tile & Stone Cleaning, VCT Stripping and Waxing, and Partition Cleaning.

Learn more about our commercial services here

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel”. Isaiah 7:14

Urine Damage Treatment

Urine Damage Before Cleaning

Pet urine can cause permanent damage to your floors and fabrics. It can also create an unhealthy indoor environment.

There are two sources of odors associated with urine. The first comes from bacteria that grow abundantly in dark warm places like in your urine-damaged carpet. This bacteria feed by breaking down of the urine. The bacteria create complex organic compounds as waste. These smelly organic compounds can reside deep in the carpet fibers.

The second source of odor is chemical odor that is present even when the bacteria have been killed. This explains the reason that more than sanitizing is necessary to neutralize odors from urine. The salts and crystals that are left behind as the urine dries are hydrophilic and draw water to them. Dried urine is often easy to smell in the humid months because the salts attract the moisture, the moisture evaporates putting out a greater proportion of odorous ammonia gas. You must get rid of the urine salts in and under the carpet to get rid of the odor.

Remember, in order to remove the odor, all of the alkaline salt deposits the urine leaves behind must be completely removed.

How Professionals Remove Odor

Urine Damage After Cleaning

1. Pull up carpet.
2. Remove affected pad.
3. Clean back of carpet.
4. Treat floor with an enzyme treatment.
5. Seal floor if needed with an odor barrier.
6. Treat back of carpet with enzyme treatment.
7. Install new tack strip.
8. Install new pad.
9. Re-install carpet.
10. Clean carpet.
11. Topically apply enzyme.

Learn More »