Water is sometimes called a “universal solvent” although that is a misnomer, because it will not dissolve many substances, unlike aqua regia which will dissolve even gold or platinum – not to mention your carpet fibers! Many people however, claim that all they need to clean carpet is water, just as long as it is soft enough or hot enough. Some even claim that after their carpet cleaning there will be “zero residue”. Well good luck to them.
Of course you can always test that claim by sending a small sample of your carpet fibers (after they clean it), to a reputable analytical laboratory, and ask the lab to determine the chemical composition of the residue remaining on the carpet sample. You would be VERY surprised! Why soft water then? Because the alternative is to use hard water which puts you at a clear disadvantage to begin with, when you are cleaning carpet or upholstery. Hard water typically contains significant amounts of calcium and magnesium carbonates, which retards the effect of the solvents and emulsifiers that good carpet cleaners use to clean your carpets. High temperatures also cause hard water to deposit carbonate scale on all surfaces freely. (Check the bottom of your kettle).
According to the USGS, Utah is one of the States with the highest concentration of hardness in the water supply – typically in excess of 10.5 grains per gallon. So by using soft water we can increase the efficiency of carpet cleaning, and significantly (not totally) eliminate residues. Soft water can be generated using by using either a cation-anion demineralizer or a sodium ion exchanger, commonly known as a water softener.
At AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. we always have on-board water softeners on our carpet cleaning trucks, and we can attest to their efficacy.
Call us at (801) 367-0705 for a FREE estimate and further information.
It is absolutely essential that your carpets should be vacuumed often – preferably daily, but at least once per week. Vacuuming alone will not however be able to keep your carpet free from tracked-in soil particles, air pollutants, grease, cooking vapors, pet dander, dust mites, fleas, pet stains, spilled drinks, etc.
Regular carpet cleaning will be necessary to accomplish that.
You may either clean the carpet yourself or call in a competent certified carpet cleaning company, like AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. to do the job for you.
We are based in Utah County, but clean carpet all over Utah. Areas we cover include Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, Highland, Eagle Mountain, Highland, Alpine, Lindon, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Cedar Hills, Orem, Provo, Springville, Spanish Fork and Mapleton.
Schedule your carpet cleaning
Carpet manufacturers recommend that residential carpet should be cleaned at 12 to 18 month intervals, depending on the number of residents and the amount of traffic through the building.
In some situations it may be necessary to have frequent periodic cleaning of just the “traffic lanes”, and a more thorough general cleaning of all the carpet at longer intervals.
The Best Method Is Hot water extraction
Whether you do it yourself or have it done by a professional, it is important to choose the best cleaning system available.
Experts all agree that the hot water extraction system is the best for carpet cleaning. This method is commonly referred to as “steam cleaning.” A cleaning agent is applied unto the carpet and hot water is then used to extract the emusified solution and soil, either with a truck-mounted unit stationed outside the home or with a portable system brought into the home.
Why choose a professional carpet cleaner
Professional carpet cleaners generally use cleaning equipment with more extraction power and heating capability than the rental units available to individuals. They are usually well trained and certified in a variety of cleaning specialties. They understand the equipment, are familiar with the properties of the chemicals they use, and know the proper cleaning agents for the situation at hand.
Call AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. at 801 368-0705 for a FREE estimate and more Carpet Cleaning Tips
I must confess that I do not always have the cleanest carpet in Utah, in my own home.
As a matter of fact, a standing joke that I usually make to placate my guests who know that I am a carpet cleaner, and arrive when our carpet looks like it needs some attention is:
“We clean carpet in just about every other home in Utah, except this one.”
Really…!
But I do find great joy and satisfaction in cleaning the carpet in our home.
First of all, I can clean at any time that is convenient to us, and at my own leisure.
Then I can use any chemical, material or procedure I choose, and in fact, do this to test out and experiment with different carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning variables, about which I am continually reading and learning.
We have two types of carpet in our home and so, some of the things we can determine by experimentation are:
Which method of cleaning is superior? Dry chemical or Deep Steam cleaning?
Which solvents are more effective?
Which emulsifiers are truly soap-free?
Which detergents leave no soapy, sticky residue?
If the water temperature at the van mounted machine is 250 degrees, What is the temperature at the carpet surface ?
How long does it take for the carpet to dry under different cleaning conditions?
What is the most efficient carpet cleaning tool?
Which is the best stain or spot remover for different types of stains?
What is the relevant effect of time, temperature, agitation and solvents, on cleaning efficiency?
It is fun to check out all of this at home, and practically, it helps to keep me sharp and confident about my cleaning capabilities.
Call AJS Carpet Cleaning at 801 368-0705 for a FREE ESTIMATE or for further information.
Carpet cleaning and maintenance tips from AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. in Utah County.
If your house is carpeted then you definitely need to be using a well maintained vacuum cleaner.
Basically, each vacuum cleaner has one main purpose – to extract dust and other solid particles – and thus the importance of this article about keeping your vacuum clean and functional. Using a well maintained vacuum cleaner will ensure that you have a cleaner, longer lasting carpet.
Here are a few ways to help keep your vacuum clean:
1. Keep your Brush Roll Clean.
Your brush roll is the first portion of the vacuum with which the dirt has contact.
Needless to say, this should be clean all the time. Before starting to vacuum, take a look at your brush rolls. Take away particles that may be stuck to it like lint, pet and human hair, small pieces of paper, candy wrappers – take them out and free the brush roll from anything that might block dirt from being picked up by it.
2. Brush Roll and Oil.
Once in a while it is advisable for you to lubricate your brush rolls. Lubricating the brushes will allow for it to roll more effectively. The procedure to remove the brushes from where they are attached may be found in the vacuum’s manual. If you have lost the manual, you may try calling the manufacturer or checking their website. Olive oil is a good lubricant.
3. Check Vacuum Hose.
You’ll probably notice your vacuum getting less suction. Check one of the most obvious reasons before bringing it to a repair shop. Chances are, your vacuum hose has a blockage or an obstruction and won’t properly clean your carpet.
4. Check Vacuum Bags.
Before starting to vacuum, always check the vacuum bags first. Again the manufacturer’s manual will tell you when you should replace your bags. Most of the time though, it is best for you to empty them when they are just half-full. You may be able to reuse them for about 3 to 4 times though before replacing.
5. Check Vacuum Belt.
Every few months, check the belt on your vacuum. Check for spots, cracks, and tears.
Belts wear out after a few months (depending on usage) and would need to be replaced. Sometimes belts may also become loose and need to be refitted into the vacuum.
Remember that the vacuum’s efficiency to suck up dirt and particles would also be related to the condition of the vacuum’s belt.
6. Check Vacuum Filters.
Filters usually become too clogged and in effect, affect the engine’s efficiency. Therefore, always make it a habit to check and clean the filters before vacuuming.
Make sure your filters are free from items that might hinder it from doing its job.
Remember that in order to successfully clean your carpet, your vacuum needs to be clean and working properly. Regularly checking your vacuum and its parts will help it last even longer.
Accidents will happen. They do all the time. And sometimes a carpet cleaner may not be available.
Here are Three Easy Steps YOU Must Take to help you remove almost any spot or spill in an emergency.
Three Immediate Steps
Use a Wet Vac to remove as much of the liquid and soil as possible, without pressing it down into the backing of your carpet.
After the soil is removed, treat the spot with a quality spot cleaner (like our Home Spot Pro) and gently blot the spot with a damp towel.
Avoid rubbing it from side to side as this may cause residual stains to spread. If the spot remains, treat the spot again and pour a glass of water on the area. Extract the water with the wet vac.
Pre-test before applying Spot Removal Cleansers
Apply the cleanser to a small area that is not readily visible (like inside a closet) Avoid saturating the carpet fibers. Gently agitate the tested area with a white cloth. If the carpet color bleeds or if shrinkage occurs, do not continue.
Most spots:
Use our Home Pro Spotter or mix 1/4 teaspoon clear hand dishwashing soap with 1 cup water and follow the directions above. Avoid high residue spotters such as Resolve.
Grease or Oils:
For greasy spots, apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and gently dab the spot. Never pour a solvent directly onto your carpet.
Wax:
Melt the wax unto a paper bag with a steam iron. Place the paper bag over the wax. Do not allow the iron to touch the carpet directly.
Disclaimer:
Use these techniques at your own risk. If you do not feel confident about removing the stain, call a professional right away to prevent damage.
To maintain a healthy environment in your home, and increase the life of your carpet, have your carpet cleaned by a competent carpet cleaning company at regular intervals. Once or twice a year is recommended, depending on the amount of traffic on your carpet.
Home Pro Spotter has been tested and approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval Program, which attests to its effectiveness as a spot remover. It contains no solvents, acids, or other known listed hazardous materials, and will not lead to rapid resoiling of the carpet.
For a FREE estimate and consultation, call us at 801 368-0705
We love to do carpet cleaning in Alpine City, so we were happy for the opportunity to participate in their recent fun run.
The day was beautiful, the turn-out was great, and we all had a load of fun!
Take a look at the video below, which shows some participants from AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. and scenes along the route.
Victor is in the gray sweat suit with red stripes. He came in third in his age group.
Alpine is a beautiful city. The residents are wonderful, friendly people, and we look forward not only to next year’s fun-run, but also to continuing to provide carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning to them throughout the year.
Myth #1: Many Utah Valley residents believe that they should wait as long as possible to clean their carpet or upholstery.
This was true many years ago when shampooing was the primary method of carpet cleaning. Even now a days, many homeowners receive poor cleaning jobs by low priced carpet cleaners that soak their carpet with highly alkaline cleaning agents that cause all of the spots to return shortly after the cleaning. Besides, the carpet is often left filled with residue, which will cause it to get dirty FAST. However, if carpet is cleaned correctly, it should be rinsed residue free and dried within 8 hours. Your carpet and upholstery will last much longer and look beautiful after proper cleaning.
Myth #2: Your carpet and rugs should only be cleaned when they look dirty.
Your carpet is a fabric just like the sheets on your bed. Do you wait until your sheets LOOK dirty before you wash them? Of course not! Every day you are tracking grease, dirt, pollen, dust, and outdoor pollutants onto your carpet and upholstery, which are made to hide these contaminants. If you wait until it looks dirty, there will have been an extreme soil build up by then. Every carpet and rug manufacturer recommends professional cleaning at least every 12-24 months. If you’ve been using it for two years and it looks clean, it still needs cleaning to maintain a good appearance.
Myth #3: One method of carpet cleaning is as good as another.
Here are some important facts that we at AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. have discovered. The dry-cleaning methods-which are dry foam, dry chemicals, carbonation, and dry compound–do not rinse your carpet with water. Carpet makers for residential carpet rarely recommend these methods. Instead, they recommend hot water extraction from a truck mounted cleaning unit. Hot water extraction means a hot water cleaning solution, under pressure, is forced into your carpet and then sucked out of your home. We have found that truck mounted cleaning works well, but has a drawback with carpet and rugs being left wet for too long. So, we have invested in the “Drimaster” rotary head, which attaches to our truck-mounted machine and removes 98% of moisture while cleaning your carpet. This system works better than any we have used in the 10 years we’ve been in business.
Myth #4: Bleach is a good stain remover.
Wrong!
Bleach is not good for your carpet or upholstery as it bleaches all colors. If your carpet has any nylon, the fiber will turn yellow. If the fiber is wool (as in a wool rug), the fiber will actually dissolve. Furthermore, pouring bleach on a carpet can cause the backing to separate and will cause the carpet fibers to fall out.
DON’T USE BLEACH ON YOUR CARPET.
Myth #5: There is a space-age revolutionary stain remover that will remove any stain and odor in carpet.
Wrong again! There is no universal solvent or stain remover that you can safely and effectively use on your carpet or upholstery.
We carry at least 12 different spot removers on our truck when we come out to clean your carpet. Each spot remover works better on different types of stains. As well, there are completely different cleaning agents used for pet odor problems. If there was one “all purpose cure” to stains, it would be sold to professional cleaning companies for $100 a gallon and we would purchase 55 gallons drums of it. However, it doesn’t exist. Take my word for it.
Call for truly professional cleaning
If you want to hire a carpet cleaning company with a great reputation, call AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. at 801 368-0705. We’ll fit you in our schedule as quickly as possible.
You’ll get a trained technician armed with at least 12 specialty spot removers to remove your stains. The technician sent out to your home is a spot removal specialist. It’s what he does all day.
So give us a try. Just click on the “FREE Estimate” in the banner on this page.
You’ll rest at ease because you called the right company and you’ll have beautiful floors. Keep your carpet beautiful.
Later in the afternoon we received a call from a frantic housewife seeking to remove freshly spilled paint from her carpet.
I went to this job personally, and was very impressed with the measures she had applied to prevent the spill from turning into a disaster. I complimented her and after cleaning all the paint from the carpet, (she was very impressed), invited her to join our email list in order to receive ongoing informative tips on carpet care.
I was astounded by her response. Her sister had just forwarded her a copy of our email on cleaning paint from carpet, and she had merely followed the instructions and suggestions contained therin.
The Carpet and Rug Institute is constantly presenting tips for carpet and rug cleaning that will help you to maintain a clean indoor environment, meet the requirements of your carpet manufacturer, and prolong the life of your carpet and rug.
See why you should only use CRI Approved Service Providers like AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc.
AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. has achieved the status of Approved Service Provider by The Carpet and Rug Institute.
This means that you can be confident that we are able to provide you competent professional carpet cleaning services that will meet the warranty requirements of your carpet manufacturers.
It also means that the solvents we use to clean your carpet are also approved and we have been properly trained to use them.
