FLOOR MAINTENANCE TIPS

Pre-Visit Tips

There is very little that you need to do to prepare your home for our arrival. The only thing we ask is that you remove any plants, lamps, knick-knacks or other items resting on furniture being moved from the rooms being cleaned. Our technicians will handle moving furniture and other items the day they arrive.

Post-Visit Tips

While our portable truck-mounted vacuum system removes almost all of the moisture immediately, your carpet or upholstery may still be damp to the touch. Using fans in any rooms cleaned and turning your air conditioning system on can help accelerate drying time. Be sure to leave the protective blocks under furniture legs and any paper used with upholstered items in place until the carpet and/or furniture is completely dry to avoid any color transfer.

You may walk on your carpet immediately after cleaning, but avoid wearing street shoes, as they may re-soil your carpet. Be especially careful when walking from damp, carpeted areas on to non-carpeted areas to avoid slipping.

If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with the work performed, simply notify us within ten days of the cleaning and we will be happy to address any concerns you may have.

Between Cleanings

The normal hustle and bustle of everyday life can take its toll on your carpet. To keep yours looking its best between professional cleanings, vacuum heavy traffic areas two to three times a week, and the rest of your carpet once a week.

Using indoor and outdoor mats at each entrance can reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your home. Be sure to clean these periodically to ensure their utmost effectiveness.

Finally, keep a bottle of Spot Remover on hand so you can treat spots and spills immediately, preventing today’s accidents from becoming tomorrow’s stains.

Spot Removal

When removing accidental spots and spills, speed is the key. The longer any substance stays in contact with your carpet, the more it will penetrate into the fibers.

For most household accidents, follow these spot removal steps:

Remove any solid materials (a spoon is a great tool for this).

Blot the area with a clean white cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not use a scrubbing motion, as this can damage carpet fibers.

Spray Spot Remover directly on the problem area until wet. (Be sure to test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area first.)

Wait one to three minutes while the Spot Remover loosens the dirt.

Gently wipe the spot with a clean, white cloth working from the outer edges in towards the center. (If the spot is not completely removed, repeat steps 3 – 5.)

Once the spot has been removed, place dry, absorbent white cloths over the area and press to absorb remaining moisture.

* If you do Spot Remover on hand, mix 1/4-teaspoon liquid dish soap with 1 cup cold water and continue as above with steps 3 – 6.

If the spot persists, keep it damp and call the carpet care professionals at Advantage Floor care (613-878-7793)

Top 10 Tips

Here are some useful tips for keeping your carpet and upholstery looking its best.

• Vacuum heavy traffic areas 2 – 3 times a week to keep carpet looking great between cleanings.

• Use both indoor and outdoor mats at each entrance to reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your home.

• In a pinch, make your own spot remover by mixing 1/4 teaspoon liquid detergent (without bleach) and 1 cup cold water.

• Over time, the stain-resistancy of stain-resistant carpet wears down. For optimum performance, have a protector regularly applied after cleaning.

• Stain-resistant does not mean stain-proof. Be sure to act immediately to prevent spots and spills from causing permanent damage.

• Before using any spot removing product, test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area.

• Test area rugs for colorfastness before placing over carpet since some rugs may tend to bleed.

• Vacuum under area rugs periodically to remove loose dirt that may have filtered through the rugs to your carpet.

• To avoid color transfer between furniture and flooring after a professional cleaning, leave the protective blocks in place until the carpet is completely dry (about 2 days).

• Your furniture collects everyday dirt and soil just like your carpet. For convenience, have both professionally cleaned at the same time