FAQ & Tips

How often should my carpets and upholstery be professionally cleaned ?

There isn't an answer to this question that fits for every homeowner since varying environments call for different cleaning frequencies. It is important to remember, however, that carpets tend to retain more soil than any other flooring surface and, yet, are cleaned less frequently. Soil in carpet is easily overlooked since it settles at the bottom of the fiber and the level of soiling cannot be appreciated visually until the soiled condition is extreme. It is therefore advisable to consider cleaning your carpets more frequently than is traditionally accepted, especially if you and/or your family are prone to allergic reactions, have pets, or heavy traffic throughout the home. Upholstery can typically be cleaned every other time to maintain a high level of cleanliness. A suggested cleaning frequency guide is provided here for your convenience.

Recommended Cleaning Frequency :

Family of  4 or more with pets in the home – Clean carpets twice yearly, upholstery once yearly.

Family of  4 or more without pets – Clean carpets every 8 to 12 months and upholstery every other time.

1-2 adults in home (increase frequency if pets are in the home) – Clean main traveled areas of carpet yearly. Entire carpet and upholstery every other time.

Guidelines to Maintaining Carpet In-Between Professional Cleanings:

Vacuuming your carpets once a week helps to prolong the life of your carpets.  Most carpet dirt is removable with regular vacuuming.

When vacuuming:

• Go with the pile grain to remove surface soils
• Go against the grain to remove deep down dirt.
• Rotating your furniture every few months helps to prevent carpet wear and soiling in the regular traffic areas of your house.

Vacuuming frequently, especially in high-traffic areas, helps to keep your carpets clean. Walking on soiled carpets force the soil deeper into the pile which is far more difficult to remove. Frequent vacuuming removes these particles. While vacuuming is effective in removing dry soil from your carpets, periodic professional cleaning is highly recommended to remove the soil that builds up in the pile. Cheaply made vacuum cleaners pick up only surface dirt.

Watch Out For Low Price Cleaners - The Bait & Switch Companies:

Misleading advertising at incredibly low prices like $14.99 a room are dishonest.  If you think it is too good to be true, it probably is.  Ask yourself what kind of quality and professionalism you can expect at such low prices. Many of these cleaners end up charging several times more than what they advertise.  In addition, some will leave you with wet and/or dirty carpet.  They aren't concerned with earning your repeat business.  These companies know they won't be called back to your home so they will suck your wallet dry and leave your carpet wet on their one and only visit. 

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Why should I care about my dryer vents?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998, clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries. Lint build up in the dryer or exhaust duct blocks the flow of air, causes execessive heat build-up, and can result in a fire if not properly maintained.
Proper maintenance can extend the life of your dryer and help prevent overheating and extended use as well as save you money on gas and electric.

Advance warning signs:

• Clothes (especially towels or jeans) take a very long time to dry
• Clothes are hotter than usual at the end of the cycle
• Flapper on vent hood does not open when dryer is on

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, call us to check out your dryer vents.

** With the purchase of air duct cleaning service, Floors To Ceiling will also inspect your dryer vents free of charge.**

More tips on dryer vent safety: http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5022.html

 

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 My home has flooded. What should I do to prepare for your arrival?

Don’t stress, Floors To Ceiling is on the way! Experiencing a flood can be very traumatic situation and leave you feeling a bit helpless while waiting for help. There are some things you can do to prepare your flooded home for our arrival.

1. Shut off the circuit breakers if you detect water seeping through ceilings or light fixtures.
2. Disconnect any electrical items that are sitting in water.

These Do’s and Don’ts below will also accelerate the restoration process:

Do:

• Wipe water from wood furniture after removal of lamps & tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Remove valuable paintings & art objects to a safe place.

Don’t:

• Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible.
• Use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors.