There are so many stains to get rid of on a daily basis, whether you're cleaning your upholstery, carpeting, or clothing. Choosing the right stain remover and the correct cleaning method can sometimes be a daunting task. In this article our focus will be geared towards getting rid of your unsightly carpet stains. We will guide you through some of the overlooked yet very effective ways of making your carpet look like new again.

One thing for sure is that carpet cleaning has come a long way since using the old baking soda paste scrub method. Today the most popular methods of carpet cleaning are: carpet shampoo, dry powder, steam cleaners, carbonated water, bonnet as well as many other home remedies. No matter what your stain is one of these proven methods is sure to get rid of it. Lets break it down and explore three of these popular carpet cleaning methods.

The bonnet and carbonated water method of carpet cleaning uses a powerful pre-treatment solution of cleaning agents then a rotary tool is used to scrub the stain. At the bottom of the rotary tool is a bonnet or pad if you will, that transfers the dirt from your carpet to the bonnet. Chem Dry, the professional carpet cleaning company, has been known to use this method quite frequently. This method is very popular because it is highly effective. It is similar to the home remedy used by housewives where they use club soda on a stain and then a clean white cloth to soak up the stain by blotting it.

The method of using shampoo on your carpeting isn't as effective as the bonnet and carbonated water method, but nonetheless it is still practiced in many homes throughout the country. Using shampoo involves spreading carpet shampoo on the stains and scrubbing it in with a brush. The shampoo can be in a dry powder form, foam spray or even liquid. After the shampoo has dried it is then vacuumed up with a vacuum cleaner. This method of carpet cleaning works for quick fixes but mainly just pushes the dirt further into the carpet.

Most grocery stores or even your local hardware store will have a carpet cleaning rental center. There you will usually be able to rent what is known as a carpet steam cleaner. The capet steam cleaning method is the most popular out of the three because it's very affordable, highly effective, and you can do the job yourself. Don't be fooled by the name, steam is not actually used in this process but instead hot water. This is how the process works, a mixture of shampoo and hot water is sprayed onto the carpet, then the carpeting is scrubbed by the machine's rotary brushes. This loosens up any dirt or grime that might be trapped deep in your carpeting. The steam cleaner then uses strong suction to pull the water and dirt back out of the carpeting, leaving you with awesome looking spotless carpeting. This is the best route to attaining clean carpets if you want to do the job yourself. Calling in a professional carpet cleaning company is always an option, but since carpetcleaners are so widely available to rent many people are choosing to do the job themselves.

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Are you looking for a way to clean that involves less elbow grease? Are you looking for a healthier way to clean? Have you considered switching to vapor steam cleaning? Vapor steam cleaning is a unique cleaning method that uses high temperature (240 to 280 degrees), water vapor, and pressure to clean, sanitize and deodorize in one easy operation. Although these systems have been around since the 1970s, the early models were expensive and cumbersome. Models of steam vapor machines on the market today are lighter, easier to use, and affordable.

How does the cleaning process work? Steam vapor machines heat tap water to an extremely high temperature so the water forms a fine, dry mist. There is no need to use chemicals in the cleaning process - the heat actually does the cleaning for you. The water is placed in a sealed boiler and heated until it gets to the right temperature. This usually takes about 25 minutes until the system is ready to use.

It is the dry steam that dislodges soil and stains. The high temperature softens grease and oils that make soil stick to surfaces. The steam also gets into those hard to clean areas - sliding door tracks, window sills, and the nooks and crannies that can be difficult to clean. Once the pressure of the steam dislodges soil, grease and debris, it is wiped or vacuumed away. The surface is left not only clean, but sanitized. The high temperatures used in the cleaning process not only cleans, but also kill germs and bacteria.

Vapor steam systems use as little as 1 - 1 ½ quarts of water per hour. This is because the vapor is created at a high temperature with very low moisture content. The vapor contains only 5 or 6% water, so there is less mess and surfaces dry quickly, usually in 15 minutes. Safety concerns of using steam are slight, as the temperature of the steam drops dramatically as it leaves the machine and merges with the surrounding air.

The overall benefits of using a vapor cleaning system include:

* Equipment is easy to use and has great accessibility. Steam vapor units can reach into those small spaces and corners that traditional cleaning methods have a hard time reaching.

*As no chemicals are used, there is a benefit to indoor air quality. In addition, it reduces the risks and hazards that come with chemical use, and there is no chemical residue left after the cleaning process.

* Vapor systems are great for carpet spot removal.

* Vapor cleaning kills mold spores in bathrooms and kitchens.

* Because vapor cleaning uses only water, there is no chemical residue left behind after cleaning.

* Less physical effort is needed, meaning less burnout by your employees.

Advanced Vapor Technologies, which makes several models of steam vapor cleaning systems, recently worked with the cleaning staff at the University of Washington. One of the daunting tasks that staff has is to clean a 123,312 square foot library, which is open 24 hours a day. Technical specialists from Advanced Vapor Technologies trained custodial workers on the use of their Mondo Vap 2400 steam vapor cleaning system. They conducted a six-week test to determine the effectiveness of the equipment.

The equipment was well received by the staff who noted that the extension handle made cleaning hard-to-reach areas - such as behind toilets and urinals - much easier. Using the equipment took no more time than the traditional methods of cleaning and there was a higher degree of cleanliness and reduced drying time. The risk of cross contamination was also minimized since no dirty mop water or mops were used throughout the restrooms. If cleaning staff faced tough soils, they pretreated with a non-VOC solution before using the steam vapor system. This process proved to be more efficient than either steam or chemicals used alone.

You can use the machines to clean floors, walls, ceilings, windows, carpet, kitchens, bathrooms, blinds, glass, and upholstery. Because of the heat of the steam, the systems are not practical for surfaces that are heat sensitive - such as silks, some thin plastics, and some types of velour upholstery.

Steam vapor systems are available for both residential and commercial use. Residential systems start out with a price tag of around $400. Commercial systems run from $1600 to $3200.

Although steam vapor systems have been around for many years, the first models were cumbersome, expensive and ineffective. Models that have been introduced in the last couple of years are efficient, compact, easy to use, and affordable. With the continued interest in green cleaning, the investment in a steam vapor system is one way to decrease the use of chemicals while still ensuring that you have a high degree of cleanliness. New technologies can be tough to incorporate into your existing cleaning protocol, but a steam vapor cleaning system can be an easy and profitable adjustment for your cleaning company.

Copyright (c) 2007 The Janitorial Store

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In this busy way of life, most of us could really use some assistance with keeping our homes or offices clean. Or maybe you're moving and want to make things look new again. In either respect, hiring a cleaning service or a private cleaner is a smart idea.

It may seem easy to hire a cleaner or cleaning service until you take into consideration the expanse of the job. You're trusting strangers to come into your home or office and be responsible with your items and valuables. You're allowing someone to come in and clean with little or no supervision-how do you know the job will be completed? And what happens if they become injured in your home, or if they break something valuable?

These are important questions you should address to ensure your items are untouched, your office cleaned and everyone is safe.

Before you can ask questions of your cleaner, you need to decide what type of cleaning you want done. Is this a weekly job or a one-time deep cleaning job? Are there special chores you wish to have done during their cleaning time? Once you've chosen what you want cleaned and how regularly, you can start to search for a service.

Where to Look.

Word of mouth is always a great way of finding a reliable cleaning service. Ask your friends, family or colleagues. If you're a business owner and you're looking for someone to clean your office or establishment, ask a few local businesses which service they use. If you can't locate someone by just asking around then look in the phone book.

Keep in mind you'll pay a little more for a service instead of an individual, mainly because the service has more overhead, usually provides cleaning supplies, and may carry insurance that an individual won't. If you hire an individual, you'll want to consult your local laws to see what the rule is about covering taxes for the individual.

Once you've located a few potential cleaners you'll want to give each of them a call and ask some details about their services, prices and availability. Make sure if you have special chores you need done that you ask if the cleaner covers those jobs. For example, some cleaners won't do windows or laundry. If they seem eager to take your job on, set up an interview so you can ask them a few more questions.

The Top Five Questions.

Getting to know your cleaner or cleaning service seems like a step you don't need, but how else will you know what to expect, and what your cleaner expects from you?

1) How long have you been in business?

This is an important question, because a well-established company will have a long list of references. Someone who has been in the business longer should have more experience and ability to clean specialty items, such as antiques.

*Ask for references and call at least three.

*Ask about turnover rate with employees. House/office cleaning typically has a high turnover rate, so expect to hear they change employees every 3-5 months. Each change in personnel means trusting someone new in your home, so a higher turnover rate isn't as desirable.

*Ask if their employees have been bonded and background checked for a criminal record.

2) What supplies do you use and what methods do you use?

Some cleaning services offer the use of their stock cleaning supplies which they bring every week to your home for use. Sometimes this is a great benefit, other times this means the cleaner is equipped with a rag and a bottle of spray solution.

*You'll want to know what products they use so you can tell them if you're allergic to a product.

*If you have specialty items such as antiques that require special solutions or methods of cleaning you'll want to mention this to ensure your home is cared for properly.

3) Do you carry insurance?

This is an important question to ask, especially of a cleaning service. These days, people are quick to sue if something happens. Insurance helps to protect both parties and keeps everyone involved happy.

*If someone from the cleaning service is injured on your property, you may be liable for damages and hospital bills unless the company carries insurance.

*Insurance works to cover your property if it is broken or damaged.

*If you are interested in hiring a single cleaning professional that isn't insured, check with your insurance company to see what you'll need for coverage.

*Ask if the service carries Worker's Compensation. Not only does this insurance grant protection to the employees, it can also help you to ensure the cleaner is paying its employees 'on the books' rather than 'under the table'.

4) How will it take to clean a house of my size and what methods do you use?

These are absolutely essential questions. You certainly don't have any interest in paying for two hours for a project that could be completed in half the time and you want to ensure the work is done correctly.

*Ask questions about what will be cleaned, what method they'll use to accomplish the job, and how long it will take.

*Ask if they have a check list to follow so they don't miss any duties.

*Ask about communication methods. Some cleaners don't mind a detailed note left in the home to follow, while others might prefer a phone call.

5) Is your work guaranteed?

If you're not pleased with the job done it's important to know what action you can take to have the problem corrected. A lot of cleaning companies will offer a 24 hour guarantee, meaning if you call within 24 hours after the job is completed with a complaint they will return to correct the problem.

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