Tuesday 9 June 2015

Don’t Let The Summer Sneak By Without Calling “You-Know-Who”!

Don’t Let The Summer Sneak By Without Calling “You-Know-Who”!

Hello friends and clients.  I hope you are having a wonderful summer …but don’t let the lazy summer days slip by without calling me!  Soon the kids will start getting ready to go back to school and you’ll be frantic to cram in just one more summer getaway and then suddenly you’ll look down and …

“Uh-Oh… Are those traffic lanes?”

“Traffic Lanes”, that shadowy hint of grime and dirt that begin to create certain wear patterns in your once beautiful, fluffy carpets.  Your delicate carpet fibers start becoming vulnerable to break down and fray.  If you don’t call your professional carpet cleaner right away …those lanes could become (gulp!) permanent.

“Don’t Let Your Carpets Age In Dog Years!”

Remember when your carpet was new?  Kind of like a little puppy – young and fresh and happy.  But we all know our furry friends age “in dog years” and unfortunately are “91” by the time we’ve only had them 13 years – a carpet that isn’t cleaned on a regular schedule can age similarly.  I’ve seen 10-year-old carpets that still look like new and 3-year-old carpets that looked like they were 20. 

It all comes down to cleaning and maintenance. 

I know this is not the most exciting subject and the summer sun is calling to you but just one more thing…

“How Does $25 Cash Sound To You?”

That’s $25 cash you can put towards having a little more fun before summer is truly over.  And that’s exactly what you’ll save if you go ahead and call me today.  Remember – clean before traffic lanes appear to prevent premature carpet aging and extend the beauty and life of your investment. 

I’ll make this really easy.  Just call me and ask for the “Endless Summer Special!”  Then you’ll save your carpets and some money.  Call 613 228-8343 today!

The Endless Summer Special!

Call Ideal Carpet Cleaning at 613 228-8343 before July 31, 2015 and receive
$25 CASH off your cleaning*!
www.idealcarpetcleaning.ca
*cannot be combined with other offers or coupons.  Net minimum call is still $200. 
You need to present this coupon to get the discount

Monday 16 March 2015

Don’t Entrust Your Precious Oriental Rugs To Just Any Carpet Cleaner

Don’t Entrust Your Precious Oriental Rugs
  To Just Any Carpet Cleaner

We know that you have a serious investment in your fine rugs.  With the increasing popularity of hard floors in homes, we see more designer and wool rugs.

These rugs, whether they are ‘investment’ quality rugs or just ‘fun rugs’…

They all get soiled, sooner or later

IDEAL CARPET AND RUG CLEANING
IS HERE TO HELP!

Generally Oriental Rugs will increase in value with age and proper care.  The best way to ensure a rug’s long life is to keep it clean.  Unlike other fibers, wool is much more resilient and cleans better.

Ideal’s rug cleaning facility offers you our complete service
for your precious area rugs

Call before April 30 and get free Pick-up and Delivery
Thorough cleaning and air drying of your wool or synthetic rugs (Including the fringes)


Call 613 228-8343 today for a Free Quote

How is it done?

We pick up your Oriental rug, clean it in our shop and deliver it back to your home.

Step 1: Dusting
The first step of our system is to “dust” the rug.  Thorough vacuuming—first the back and then the face of the rug removes dust, sand and loose soil trapped deep inside.  This is important because gritty sand grinds the expensive wool yarns down into those worthless fibers that fill up your vacuum bag.

Step 2: Wash and Rinse
In many parts of the world where fine rugs are made they are cleaned by placing them in a swiftly flowing river where they are submerged for hours on end--and then the carpet is slung over a tree branch to dry.  We don’t do it that way!  Instead, we pre-spray your rug with a mild cleaning agent made for wool cleaning and massage it deep into the fibers.  Attention is given to the dingy white fringes and spots on the rug.  Then we thoroughly rinse it out with a neutralizing rinse, which leaves your carpet feeling beautifully soft.  Excess moisture is extracted away to prepare for drying.  Stain Protection or Sanitizer is applied at this stage.  The rug is then groomed and the fringes combed.

Step 3: Drying
Drying occurs quickly using airflow and gravity.  Some rugs may be hung to dry.  Others, because of their make-up, would be allowed to dry flat on our platform.

Step 4: Final Inspection
After thoroughly drying, the rug is closely inspected to make sure we have the desired results.  Having your rug in our shop allows us to repeat any steps necessary to meet your expectations.

Call before April 30th and get free pick-up and delivery 
Ideal Rug Cleaning    613 228-8343

Tips for Home Care of Your Fine Rugs

Professional Cleaning is recommended every two to five years, depending on the traffic the rug receives.  Cleaning your Oriental Rugs properly enhances their look and value.  Not having one cleaned is like not going to the dentist.  Dirt has a sandpaper effect on the fibers.

Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum!  This is the best thing you, as an owner, can do for your rug.  First determine the direction of the nap by running your hand over the surface.  Never catch the fringes in the vacuum or the rug can be ruined.  Set your beater bar so that the brush just touches the top of the pile and moves easily across the rug.  Periodically vacuum the back of the rug.

Ensure even wear.  Your rug should be rotated once a year, before you notice the high traffic areas starting to look dirty.  As well, direct sunlight has an effect on the dyes over time.  

Choose a proper underpad—a good quality one that will stabilize and protect your rug’s shape, enhancing the value and make your rug safer to walk on.

Potted Plants—never put a houseplant on the rug.  No matter how careful you are, moisture can penetrate onto the rug, creating permanent stains or mildew damage.

Fringes—If the fringe becomes uneven, the edges can be trimmed in some cases.

Spot Cleaning


Certain spills such as coffee, cola, juices, pet accidents, medicines, milk, and foods with certain dyes must be spotted immediately for best results.

1.       Do not rub the spot.  Don’t panic.
2.       Gently remove any solid materials from the area with a spoon.
3.       Blot the area with a clean white terrycloth towel.
4.       Use a neutral pH spotting solution (available from Ideal Carpet & Rug Cleaning) to loosen the rest of the spot.  Use only a minimum of this solution, just enough to moisten the spot.  Avoid soaking unaffected areas of the rug.  Gently massage the soiled yarns with your fingertips.
5.       Blot again to pick up the solution, turning the towel frequently to a clean portion.
6.       Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the rug appears to be clean.
7.       Neutralize the spot with a vinegar solution.  Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water.  Again, use only a minimum of this solution.  Blot repeatedly.  Remember not to rub.
8.       Before the rug dries be sure to comb the pile to blend with the rest of the rug.  When the rug is dry, the nap should be lying in its natural direction.
9.       If the spill has dried before you notice it, get the advice of an experienced rug cleaner.  We are at 613 228-8343. 

The Three Rs of Carpet Cleaning…

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
How Can You Apply This To Carpet Cleaning?

Hello friend!  In today’s environmental and economic climate, even with the economy looking up these days, it can make a person stop and think about things like…

“Are We A ‘Throw Away’ Society?”

                A lot of people are realizing that the ways of yesteryear make a lot of sense.  In fact, a growing trend has been to look to our grandparents and great grandparents for inspiration.  More and more people are buying used cars, growing their own organic food, composting, eating in, making their own cleaning supplies, and opting for bicycles and public transportation.  It’s hip to live mindfully!

                Good old-fashioned value will never go out of style, and that is something you can always count on from Ideal Carpet Cleaning.  With all this talk about returning to the conservative habits of days gone by, how about applying some of these principals to carpet cleaning? 

The Three Rs of Carpet Cleaning…

                We are all familiar with the “Three Rs”: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  These rules factor well into living mindfully.  Here is my carpet cleaning version of the 3 Rs:

Reduce:  We can reduce indoor air pollution and the wear and tear on our carpets by removing our shoes in the home, vacuuming often, and getting the carpets cleaned every 6-12 months.  These preventative measures work to extend the life of carpet and reduce the frequency of replacing carpet.

Reuse:  Recently there has been a real trend with many of my clients cleaning more frequently. Whereas 10 years ago people were replacing their carpets more often, today they are reusing what they have by maintaining a good cleaning schedule.

Recycle:  When your carpet finally does wear out – how about recycling it?  Find out all about how you can at www.westboroflooring.com.   Westboro Flooring & Decor is the only carpet store in Ottawa to
offer carpet recycling services to turn old carpet and under pad into new carpet or plastic goods.

At Ideal Carpet Cleaning you will find value and quality cleaning that will extend the life of your carpet and restore its beauty so you don’t have to think about replacing/recycling your carpet for a long, long time.


A Real Value In Carpet Cleaning:

Call Ideal Carpet Cleaning at 613 228-8343
 or e-mail me at bruce@idealcarpetcleaning.ca

Call me before April 31, 2015
And Save $25 off your Carpet Cleaning*

You’ll be 100% Happy – Or You Don’t Pay!


*Net minimum call is still $200.    Not valid with other offers.

                

Monday 16 February 2015

Could Your Best Friend Be Your Carpet’s Worst Enemy?

Could Your Best Friend Be
Your Carpet’s Worst Enemy?
Easily Remove Spots...Before They Turn Into Stains!

Hello friend.  Many of my clients have beloved pets that have accidents, and it’s very important that these are cleaned up properly to prevent odors and stains.  But even if you don’t have any pets, unless your home is draped in plastic, you are bound to get spots and spills…

“Oops!  He Did It Again…”
3 Common Spills & Spots and How to Properly Remove Them:

Spot #1 From greasy pizza to cherry cobbler… how to remove food spills. If you have a fresh spill make sure all of the food is off the carpet, and if it’s an older spill, gently scrape all the dried food off of the carpet.  Next, put a bit of mild detergent into a spray bottle filled with HOT tap water.  (A tiny amount if dish soap will do, just make sure it does NOT contain bleaching agents.  And go easy with the detergent; a ratio of 2 drops of detergent to 2 cups of water is all you need.)  Then spray the area, without soaking it, and begin to blot, while being very careful not to rub or scrub the carpet.  (NOTE: Damage and/or fraying of the carpet fibers can occur if you rub the carpet.)  Try to use a clean, white, towel when cleaning the spot; a coloured or printed towel could transfer unwanted dye to the area.  Continue this action of spraying and blotting until your desired results are reached and the carpet feels almost dry to your touch. 
Spot #2 Coffee, tea, or red wine? “Natural” Drinks: For natural drink spills that have the ability to dye your carpet follow these steps. (All other drink spills simply follow Spot #1’s directions).  First, firmly blot and absorb up as much of the spill as you can.  Next, get your detergent solution (2 drops detergent to 2 cups HOT water, no bleaching agents!) and mix 1 part of this solution to 2 parts hydrogen peroxide.  TEST on discreet area first!  Spray the spill (without over wetting) then place a piece of plastic wrap over the area so the hydrogen peroxide solution can have a chance to do its job.  Let it sit for approximately 2 hours for the oxygen to do its thing.  Next, remove the plastic and go through the rinse/blot (outlined above in Spot #1) until the spot is gone.

Spot #3 Pet Accidents (Urine): This is probably the #1 problem area for pet owners with carpetIf the spot is fresh, cover the area with baking soda (synthetic fibers only) and let the area dry completely.  Then vacuum it up.  The baking soda pulls the stain out and works amazingly.  If the spot is older and already dry, use the same method described for “Spot #2, removing the drinks.” 

 Please note:  Treat your carpet gently, like a delicate fabric, when you clean it by hand, always be moderate with your cleaning agents and apply gentle, but firm blotting so you don’t break down the fibers.  And remember you can always call me to come over and clean it up for you!


Get FREE Spill Clean Up For 30 Days When You Clean In March

Call Ideal Carpet Cleaning at 613 228-8343 or
e-mail me at bruce@idealcarpetcleaning.ca

 Before March 31, 2015 and
SAVE $25.00* Off Your Carpet Cleaning +
You Get 30 Days Free Spill Clean Up
                               *Minimum call is still net $200.  Not valid with other offers

Wednesday 31 December 2014

Five Reasons to Call Ideal this Winter

5 Great Reasons
To Call Me In January or February…

Hello friend. It’s your favorite carpet cleaner, from Ideal Carpet Cleaning.   I have to tell you, it’s been my experience that a lot of my clients don’t like to clean in February.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I have clients who just love to clean in winter because they know it’s actually a great time of year to clean, but it’s just not quite enough to keep me busy.  So, please just take just 5 minutes and check out these…

5 Reasons Why February Should Be Your Month to Call Me…

Reason #1:  Stress-Free Appointment Times. Imagine this – my business drops to an all time slow pace in February – you can call me and have your pick of the schedule. Heck, I might even be able to get you in that day or the next.

Reason #2Support Local Business and Community.  If I can get support from just some of my clients who clean in February, then I, in turn, can have the funds to support local businesses in February.  It’s kind of like a “circle of local business life.”

Reason #3People tend to take their shoes off this time of year.  Translation: Your carpets stay cleaner longer.

Reason #4Transform your carpets from dull to dazzling.  Okay, okay I admit I can do holiday spots and spills starting to bug you?

Reason #5:  You get a Special Opportunity to get my “off season” prices.  See the special below…


And if you are worried about cold air getting in and heat escaping during your cleaning, forget about it.  I go to great lengths to minimize your home’s heat loss during winter cleanings.

Check Out This Special Opportunity!

Clean In January or February and Save a Lot of Money
On Premium Carpet Cleaning!

Call Ideal Carpet Cleaning at 613 228-8343 or
Hurry! This Discount Ends February 28, 2015

Take Advantage of this “Off Season” Discount:

Save $25 Off
your carpet or upholstery cleaning


                                    *Not valid with other offers. Minimum net call is still $200+hst

Friday 12 December 2014

Extend the Life of Your Carpet--Keep it Clean

It’s a New Year...2015!
Here is ONE Solution
To TWO of Your Resolutions

Hello friends and clients:  It is a new year!  Have you started your list of resolutions?  A lot of people I’ve talked to have two things at the top of their list – “living green” and “saving some of the green stuff” in their wallets for a better quality of life.

 So here is my ONE solution to TWO resolutions:  I’m going to be working extra hard at SAVING carpets.  Doesn’t exactly sound glamorous but here is why it works!

 What can be more “green” for our planet than taking care of what we have so we consume less? And it’s “green” for your wallet because replacing carpet can cost thousands of dollars!

Another Year…Another Month…Another Day…
How Long Will Your Carpet Last?

Carpet can last a very long time when it is properly maintained and cared for.  I’ve seen carpet that was 20 years old that looked brand new because it was well cared for.  On the other hand I’ve seen relatively new carpet that looked 20 years old because no one was maintaining it properly.

Here are the 6 ways you can extend the life and beauty of your carpet:

  • Have people remove their shoes.  Post a polite sign on the door if you have to.  This is one of the biggest ways you can start saving your carpet today. 

  • Vacuum frequently.  Your frequency will depend on the level of foot traffic and the numbers of people and pets in your home.  But you can NEVER vacuum too much.

  • Keep pet urine off your carpet.  NOTHING ruins carpet faster than urine.  Do whatever you have to do to keep this contamination off the carpet.

  • Clean spots and spills immediately. But DON’T use any of the do-it-yourself “carpet cleaning” products you see advertised on the TV.  These products are the fastest way to big, dirt attracting, sticky residue spots.  Simply use very hot tap water with some mild dish detergent (no bleach agents) and a clean, white, dry towel.  Soak and blot.  Never rub.

  • Get your carpet professionally cleaned every 6-12 months.  NOTHING extends the life of your carpet like this step.  Even dirt you cannot see can be deep inside the carpet breaking down and wearing the fibers.  It’s the only way to prevent permanent traffic lanes and wear patterns.  Remember this rule of thumb: Clean before your carpet LOOKS dirty to prevent wear and tear – it’s time and not the dirty appearance that you should judge by.

  • Get your carpet professionally protected when it’s cleaned. The factory finish is removed with wear and cleanings.  This finish is a protective barrier between your carpet and soils, oils, stains and general wear and tear.  Ignoring this step will shorten the life span of your carpet considerably. 

There you have it!  Six easy ways to save your carpet – live green and save green!


C
Take Advantage of Ideal Carpet Cleaning’s
$25.00 JANUARY DISCOUNT
Phone me at 613 228-8343
 Or e-mail me at bruce@idealcarpetcleaning.ca
Save $25 off your January carpet cleaning
Not valid with other offers. Minimum net call is still $200.  You must present this coupon to get the $25 off. 

Need to Spot Clean Your Oriental Rugs? Here is some advice:

Tips for Home Care of Your Fine Rugs



 Professional Cleaning is recommended every two to five years, depending on the traffic the rug receives.  Cleaning your Oriental Rugs properly enhances their look and value.  Not having one cleaned is like not going to the dentist.  Dirt has a sandpaper effect on the fibers.

Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum!  This is the best thing you, as an owner, can do for your rug.  First determine the direction of the nap by running your hand over the surface.  Never catch the fringes in the vacuum or the rug can be ruined.  Set your beater bar so that the brush just touches the top of the pile and moves easily across the rug.  Periodically vacuum the back of the rug.

Ensure even wear.  Your rug should be rotated once a year, before you notice the high traffic areas starting to look dirty.  As well, direct sunlight has an effect on the dyes over time. 

Choose a proper underpad—a good quality one that will stabilize and protect your rug’s shape, enhancing the value and make your rug safer to walk on.

Potted Plantsnever put a houseplant on the rug.  No matter how careful you are, moisture can penetrate onto the rug, creating permanent stains or mildew damage.

Fringes—If the fringe becomes uneven, the edges can be trimmed in some cases.

Spot Cleaning


Certain spills such as coffee, cola, juices, pet accidents, medicines, milk, and foods with certain dyes must be spotted immediately for best results.

1.       Do not rub the spot.  Don’t panic.
2.       Gently remove any solid materials from the area with a spoon.
3.       Blot the area with a clean white terrycloth towel.
4.       Use a neutral pH spotting solution (available from Ideal Carpet & Rug Cleaning) to loosen the rest of the spot.  Use only a minimum of this solution, just enough to moisten the spot.  Avoid soaking unaffected areas of the rug.  Gently massage the soiled yarns with your fingertips.
5.       Blot again to pick up the solution, turning the towel frequently to a clean portion.
6.       Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the rug appears to be clean.
7.       Neutralize the spot with a vinegar solution.  Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water.  Again, use only a minimum of this solution.  Blot repeatedly.  Remember not to rub.
8.       Before the rug dries be sure to comb the pile to blend with the rest of the rug.  When the rug is dry, the nap should be lying in its natural direction.
9.       If the spill has dried before you notice it, get the advice of an experienced rug cleaner.  We are at 613 228-8343.