DID YOU KNOW that the devastation of spilling something like grape juice, Kool-Aid and other fruit drinks doesn’t have to be that… devastating?
 
So you have kids, grandkids, or some other kids come over, and they want something to drink. They surely don’t want water from the tap. That’s pretty boring stuff. They want something fruity, sweet, and with lots of color. Like deep blues, or reds. You know, the stuff that can really stain a carpet or piece of furniture.
 
And the inevitable occurs. The kids enjoy what you give them, but after all, they are kids. So something gets spilled. For some weird reason, this never happens on a hard, tile floor. It happens right on the carpet.
 
What to do?
 
Step #1
 
First of all, don’t panic. Gather your senses and realize this isn’t the end of the world.
 
Step #2
 
Start blotting. You want to use white cotton or paper towels, with no print or dyes, and blot – blot – blot! Most of any spotting or staining substance will come right out because the towel you are using is more absorbent than the carpet the drink was spilled on.
 
Step #3
 
It may be appropriate, with some coaching from your carpet cleaning pro, to do some spotting. Use a spotting product, like a mild neutral detergent spotter, recommended by your carpet pro. Apply a small amount to the spot and keep blotting. Never scrub. Scrubbing can damage the carpet fibers and you can’t fix that. Keep blotting.
 
Step #4
 
Did we say keep blotting? Keep it up! You may need to apply more approved mild detergent spotter. One thing you do not want to do is apply too much moisture, as that gets into the backing of the carpet and into the padding, creating additional problems.
 
Step #5
 
Once the spot is gone, it’s time to dry the carpet. How to do this? Keep blotting, of course! But also aim a fan on the spot and let the air current remove more moisture.
 
Is the spot still there? It may be a stain, very tough to remove. It is definitely now time to call your carpet cleaning pro!
 
Best case scenario
 
When anything happens, like spilling grape juice, red wine, mustard or other tough-to-remove substances, call your carpet and furniture cleaning professional. He has what it takes to get the job done right the first time.
 
Make that phone call especially for pet “accidents.” Your carpet cleaning pro knows exactly what you need to keep your home spot and stain free!

It’s a good feeling. You have a beautiful home, you spend time keeping it in perfect shape, and your brand-new carpet is the icing on the cake. It’s soft, comfortable and clean.
 
Then one day, you notice (gasp) a spot right in the middle of the living room. There’s no way you can live with that eyesore. It has got to go. What do you do?
 
Here are a few tips to basic spot removal. Don’t forget that a spot can really be a stain, which needs professional attention.
 
Identify
 
Do your best to visually identify the spot. Some spots are easy; others are pretty tough. It’s not always possible to identify the spotting substance in the carpet. Yet, a little sleuthing on your part can get you close. Where is the spot? Is it near the dining room or where those in the family might eat? Odds are, it’s food related, and you might find success with a spotting solution for sticky residues. Is it in a bedroom? Could be cosmetic, shoe polish or other substance common to getting ready for the day, and you might find success with a dry solvent spotter.
 
Apply product
 
When you have figured out as best you can the type of spot you have, choose a reputable product for that particular spot. Some of the best spotting solutions can be obtained from your carpet cleaning company. Ask them what they recommend.
 
Blot
 
Next comes removal. Carefully blot the spot. Do not scrub. You will damage the tips of the fibers and there’s nothing short of replacement to fix that. Keep applying and blotting product until the spot is gone.
 
Remember, if you do your own spot removal, there is some danger of removing original fabric color and causing other damage. Take your time and do it right. Pretesting fiber and solution compatibility is always recommended.
 
And when in doubt (or when a spot stumps you) always do the very best thing: Call your cleaning professional right away!

It’s one of the most frustrating things… moving an item on a bookshelf only to see a clear outline of where was sitting.
 
Or how about moving a piece of furniture and discovering a herd of “dust bunnies” has taken up residence?
 
Dust happens to everyone, even those who attempt to keep their homes spotless. While you can’t keep every last speck of dust out, you can greatly reduce the amount of dust that finds its way into your home.
 
Here are just a few ways to create a healthier (and more dust-free) home.
 
Run the HVAC
 
While you may enjoy having open windows when the weather is nice, using your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is actually better for keeping dust out. As long as you make sure your filters are changed on a regular basis.
 
Door mats
 
While dust can become airborne, most soil comes into the home from shoes. Having quality door mats to catch the dirt means less build-up of soil and debris in the home, reducing dust particles as well. Leaving shoes on the door mats or at the door is another smart idea.
 
Cleaning
 
Yes, you clean on a regular basis, but some extra effort with the details will help keep the dust out. When dusting tables, desks, bookshelves and other surfaces, use microfiber cloths to better grab the dust. When sweeping the hard floors, follow up with a damp mopping. It will really grab the dust sticking to the floor. Be sure to vacuum not only the top of your area rugs, but also turn them over and vacuum the backs. And for your wall-to-wall carpet, vacuum several times a week, especially in high traffic areas and entryways.
 
For cleaner homes, call your cleaning pro! 

Just a friendly reminder from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for cleaning and restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

DID YOU KNOW that you have a bunch of “guests” residing in your home… and you want them out!
 
These pesky creatures are virtually invisible to the naked eye; in fact, you may need a 10x power magnifying glass to see them. Although tiny, they cause a host of problems, including allergic reactions, even asthma and wheezing. Is there a lot of sneezing going on in your home? This article may help you with that problem!
 
That’s right, you guessed it. We are talking about dust mites. Yes, you vacuum your carpet and even your furniture and mattresses… but they are still there, living and breathing and enjoying themselves at your expense.
 
There are some really disturbing details we could share with you about these creatures, but we want you to sleep well at night. However, you do need to know a little bit about these tiny creatures, so you can make sure your home is as healthy as possible.  
 
Dust mites like to eat flakes of human and animal skin and other tiny organic particles that are naturally going to fall to the floor, into bedding and furniture and, of course, the carpet.
 
There is nothing you can do to get rid of all the dust mites in your home. They will always be there. But you can reduce how many of them there are with regular professional cleaning of your carpet, rugs and furniture. A thorough cleaning will help do some quick evicting of these sneeze inducing scoundrels.
 
Just a friendly reminder from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for cleaning and restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

You work hard all week and look forward to the weekend, a time to relax and enjoy family and friends.
 
But, sometime during the week, you look down. You aren’t happy with the condition of the carpet. So you make a decision to rent a do-it-yourself carpet cleaning machine from your local grocery store. That’s right… you are going to clean your own carpet. Your goal this weekend is to create a nice, fresh and clean carpet and enjoy a healthier home.
 
Friday evening arrives. Off you go to your grocery store and you find yourself in front of a bunch of do-it-yourself cleaning machines and the various cleaning solutions available. There are products to put on the carpet before you clean it. There are products to put in the machine with the water. There are other types of products for all kinds of spots and stains. Still others for pet odors. You aren’t sure which ones you will need, so you grab a selection of them and take them to the front of the store to pay.
 
At the register, while paying for the daily rental of the carpet cleaning machine, you discover the cost of all those cleaning products is about what you spend on food for the family for an entire week. But you aren’t deterred!  You are going to clean your carpet. Nothing will stop you.
 
So you go home with all your cleaning stuff and get started. It takes all your Saturday and, sad to say, part of your Sunday as well. It’s backbreaking work. You had no idea what sweating was really like. Yet… it looks pretty good when you are done. The bad part is it takes a few days to dry and you yell at the kids to not walk on the carpet. Maybe you thought they could float over it?
 
Within two weeks, though, the carpet starts to look worse than before it was cleaned. Uh oh… what happened?
 
You didn’t call your carpet cleaning pro! You know, those who have the training and the very best equipment and cleaning solutions to get the job done right.
 
Don’t ruin another weekend. Do the smart thing and hire a professional to do what he does best: Clean your carpet.

Just a friendly reminder from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for cleaning and restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

For most of you, it's that time of the year again... when the kid(s) head back to school and you are faced with some extra cleaning chores.

With the kids otherwise occupied, it's a good time to take a look at something that doesn't receive as much attention as it should - the floors.

Even if you don't plan to have your carpet cleaned, take this opportunity to move all the furniture and do a very thorough vacuuming. Move the vacuum slowly across the carpet, removing as much dry soil as you can. Your vacuum won't do anything about Kool-Aid, coffee, tea or other food related stains, but it will remove quite a bit of dirt.

In fact, something you might not have known about, it is estimated that nearly 80% of all soil in carpet is dry, insoluble soil. That means your favorite carpet cleaner will actually remove more dirt with his professional vacuum cleaner. His deep cleaning method will take care of the water based soils and oil based soils, which are what really creates a dirty carpet.

So don't forget: It's time. Time to clean your carpet. Do what's right for your home, your family and those kids about to come home from school ready to play. Call your carpet cleaner.

Just a friendly reminder from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for cleaning and restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

So your favorite pet of the canine variety grabs a ball-point ink pen (or any type of pen) and treats it like his favorite chew toy...

... and although somewhat harmless to do so, the end result could be a mouthful of ink and a carpet with multiple ink stains that can be very tough to remove.

Some treatments tout using hair spray to remove ink. Does that work? It can. It's the alcohol in the hair spray that will dissolve the ink. But there are often better ways to approach this challenge as a do-it-yourself spot and stain remover.

The first step is "containment." Ink, as you remove it, tends to spread out and become a bigger problem. What may start as a tiny spot can quickly become the size of a quarter or even larger. So wet out the area around the ink stain with water before you begin to remove the ink.

Use plenty of absorbent white paper towels. What is in the carpet is more than you might think and you will need lots of absorbency to remove it.

Apply to the towels some solvent, such as acetone or gel solvent you can purchase at most hardware stores. But don't get too much into the carpet. It will "delaminate" it and cause all kinds of problems.

As long as you are seeing transfer to the towels, you are making progress. This will take some time. Be patient.

Of course, the best thing to do is call a pro because they have special tools for extraction and special chemistry for the job. But if you do it yourself, go slow and be cautious. Remember, permanent damage and more staining can occur.

Just a friendly reminder from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for cleaning and restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

Fresh is always best, right? And that’s especially true of something special and valuable in your home — fresh, cut flowers.
 
Flowers make a great gift and everyone enjoys them. What’s frustrating is how quickly they begin to wilt and look tired and… then they look more like weeds than flowers.
 
There are a lot of tips and tricks you can try to keep flowers fresh longer. No scientific evidence, but easy things you can try at home.
 
You know those little packets of powder that comes with fresh cut flowers? The little packet your florist includes for free? It’s basically sugar – so if you don’t have some of those packets, just dump in a tablespoon or so of white sugar. The powdered sugar variety might be best since it will dissolve easier in water. Even cut flowers need a little nourishment, and who doesn’t like sugar?
 
Keeping the water acidic is also a tip some pros endorse. Acidity is vital to plant growth, so adding an ounce or two of white vinegar might make those flowers look their best longer.
 
The Clorox company recommends ¼ teaspoon of bleach for each vase of flowers, saying the bleach disinfects and keeps the water clear and free of that smelly slime we all experience after a few days on the counter.
 
Another way to make flowers look better longer is kind of cheating. Some florists say to use hairspray on the underside of the petals and leaves. Obviously, this keeps them from drooping too much.
 
No matter which tip, trick or urban legend you use for your flowers, the best advice is simple: Change the water in the vase daily, and enjoy those fresh, cut flowers as long as you can!
 
Just a friendly reminder from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for cleaning and restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

 

This is a really cool PDF download about the issue of what happens when carpet begins to be replaced by hard flooring. This is really impacting the hotel industry and you are no doubt seeing similar issues with some of your commercial accounts. This could also affect the residential market... check it out, a good read.

Click here for your own copy of the Commercial Flooring Report.

Enjoy!

P.S. If you want your own Outpost Site, just sign up for your own MarketingZoo subscription. This is a directory site that is really getting some good SEO results for members. Click here for the MarketingZoo homepage with all info.

Check out how this cleaning pro did an amazing job getting some abused, seriously soiled tile and grout clean. The cleaner is Ryan Szemacs with Noble Carpet Cleaners of Las Vegas.

Ryan describes this particular job: “This is a client’s re­cently purchased house. The previous owners neglected to clean the tile or grout. We used a heavy, citrus-based degreaser along with a high-alkaline, powder tile and grout cleaner. We let it sit for 20 minutes and used a Brush Pro with tile brushes to scrub the floor. We then used our four-jet tile wand at about 900 psi to clean and extract the floor. The results speak for themselves. Our client was very happy, and along with that came another five-star Yelp review.”

When you need a quality tile and grout cleaning company, do your research and maybe even ask for some before and after photos. You want the absolute best tile and grout and hard surface cleaning possible.

Just a friendly reminder from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for cleaning and restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

As a homeowner and a pet owner, you no doubt have those disturbing occurrences when your dog or cat has an "accident" and then you need to clean it up. This is especially problematic if the "accident" is urine because it can penetrate deeply into the carpet backing, pad and even the subfloor. Following is an example of what it may take to remove this type of pet urine contamination.

Teddy Moon with Rainbow International of Marysville, WA had a job like this recently and this example was published in Cleanfax magazine. Check out the pictures below This involved more than cleaning the carpet pile. It meant his company had to pull back the carpet, trade and clean the backing, using special and powerful detergents and deodorizers to obtain acceptable results. 

So when you have a pet accident on the carpet, it may involve more than simply cleaning the surface. Think deeper!

You would be hard pressed not to find this noisy, electrical and often-underused mechanical device in any home, apartment or business.
 
What is it? The vacuum cleaner. You know, that silent sentinel in your closet that comes to life when you plug it in and push the power button, and it buzzes all over the carpet as you chase it around the house.
 
The problem with the vacuum cleaner is we trust it too much. No, we’re not saying you shouldn’t vacuum your carpet. You should vacuum once per week per occupant, on average, for the main areas.  You might vacuum the bedrooms less frequently. We all know that proper vacuuming is important in caring for the carpet.
 
But some feel that vacuuming the carpet is equal to carpet cleaning. That’s a myth and it is simply not true. Professional carpet cleaning removes so much more than a vacuum can remove. Yet it has been reported that consumers feel that frequent vacuuming removes the dust and grime from their floors and they can either skip or prolong regular carpet cleaning.
 
That’s not the case.
 
A good vacuum, no matter how powerful or advanced, removes only dry soil. The stuff that is tracked in every day and should be removed every day, as well. Vacuums don’t remove the sticky, greasy soil stuck to the carpet fibers. You need professional cleaning to remove those soils.
 
Compare this to washing your car with a dry rag… or brushing your hair and skipping the shower and shampoo… or — well, you get the point. You need quality cleaning, deep carpet cleaning, to get your carpet thoroughly cleaned.
 
Do yourself a favor. Keep that vacuum cleaner working, use it all the time, but also use your professional carpet cleaning pro. He knows what it takes to remove ALL the dirt!

When shopping for new carpet, many are at a loss... who really knows what's best for your home?

But you need something. So off you go to a local carpet retail store. Tons of choices as you walk in the door. The carpet salesperson is nice, polite and seems to know what he or she is doing. And there is a great deal for you. A virtually stain-proof carpet with vibrant colors and - of course - soft to the touch. You put your fingers into the carpet pile and love how it feels.

You are sold. You bite the bullet, spend tons of money and order that wonderful carpet for all the carpeted rooms in your home.

But then... maybe just a year later... you notice it is starting to get dull, mat down, 'ugly' out. Well, it could just need to be cleaned. Every carpet installed needs a professional carpet cleaning company to maintain it. So you have it cleaned. It looks better but still has that dull, matted down appearance.

What happened?

It could be the carpet salesperson didn't have the information he or she needed to specify what was best for your home. The salesperson might not have known the questions to ask.

Don’t you hate it when you purchase something and it doesn’t perform as promised? But remember, carpet salespeople may not be your best consultant when it comes to carpet specification.
 
So before you go looking for new carpet or furniture, do something that everyone should do but virtually no one does. Talk to your carpet cleaning professional. They clean carpet every day and see all kinds of issues and situations, and they just might be a better sales consultant than the one you encounter in the store.

Just a few friendly reminders from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

Most people have a healthy fear of pests, and one of those would be the dust mite.

You can't see dust mites with the naked eye, you need a powerful microscope, but one thing is a fact... dust mites are everywhere. They are super-tiny (so tiny several can ride on a flea's back!) eight-legged "bugs" that are fairly harmless unless you have a specific allergic reaction to them.

The problem is an average bed can hold millions of dust mites, and they are actively eating and digesting flakes of shed skin and other biological matter that is a normal part of life (yes, your flakes of skin and stuff.)

Dust mite feces contains a strong digestive enzyme that can affect some people, especially those with breathing challenges.

If you can't remove all the dust mites in your home, whether those in the carpet, furniture or bedding, what can you do? Keep things as clean as possible. Regular vacuuming is a must, using a vacuum like a HEPA vacuum that traps more dust and particulates. Having your textiles, like the carpet, furniture and mattresses, cleaned on a regular scheduled basis is important. Professional carpet and furniture cleaners, such as those listed here at CleaningOutpost.com, are very thorough and... clean is clean. Keep your home clean and enjoy a healthier indoor environment.

Just a few friendly reminders from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

It can be a very scary thing! No, not a spider in your bed or a snake in your garden... but hiring a carpet cleaning company or furniture cleaning company (or any service company for your home, in fact).

But you have to do it, so you investigate companies you might hire. It's not an easy assignment, although looking at online reviews does help. Check out Angie's List, Yelp and Google Reviews for information, among other sources. Most people are honest (most!) about what they say in reviews.

That being said, it's just a start. You have to really do your homework, because you are inviting strangers into your home. You want to trust you have chosen the best carpet cleaning company in your city.

And once you have chosen a quality company, keep using them! Yes, there are cheaper companies out there, but quality is important.

How can you do your homework and your own investigation?

1. Ask your friends and workmates. Nothing is better than a good referral. And when you call the cleaning company, let them know how you got their number. It kind of puts them on their best behavior, knowing they are working for a referral and all companies know that good work means MORE referrals.

2. Check out their social media pages. See what they say, especially about their customers. You want to see pictures of their work, and how proud they are to be the best.

3. If you can, look at their trucks when you see them driving around. Are they neat and clean, or in need of attention? Cleaning companies should be clean themselves.

4. When calling a potential company, ask if they have pictures of the tech they will be sending. Some companies have their entire staff on their website, which can give you peace of mind (or send you away quickly!)

5. And when making that phone call to inquire of their services, pay attention to how they answer the phone and treat you while discussing potential services in your home. That matters, too.

6. Don't be afraid to "just say no" if a company arrives and you are uncomfortable. Most companies are top notch and you shouldn't have a problem, but there are a few out there, such as the "bait-and-switch" carpet cleaners, who sell you a cheap price but want much more when it comes time to clean.

Just a few friendly reminders from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

Installing floor covering materials of any kind, and floor preparation treatments such as leveling agents and feather finishes, is challenging enough without impeding their effectiveness with a barrier.

This technical bulletin from LGM and Associates has some great info, Just click on this link below and enjoy this report, in PDF format.

Click here for the complete report.

This is how professional cleaners get the job done... with matching up the best cleaning solution and technique to the stain. Enjoy this video featuring Jeff Cross with Cleanfax and Larry Cobb with Cobb Carpet Supply. Just click on the Cleanfax video image below:

If you are a cleaner or restorer, be sure to subscribe to MarketingZoo.com so you can have your very own Outpost Site listing.... click here and also here to see a couple of examples of Outpost Sites, randomly chosen from current member listings. All Outpost Sites are optimized for each member company, even with videos (such as from YouTube) and deep links to services offered.

One question I received many times during my years as a professional carpet and furniture cleaner was...."How safe for my family are your cleaning products?"

It's a good question because you definitely don't want any products or solutions brought into your home that may not be perfectly safe for occupants... your family members.

Much has gone into the formulation of cleaning products, from the detergents used for typical cleaning to deodorizers and spot and stain removers. Yes, some are powerful for specific tasks, like removing tough stains, yet these solutions are quickly rinsed out of the carpet or furniture fabric. Most companies use truckmounted cleaning machines which removes rinse water along with soils from the home and out to the work truck, to be hauled away for safe, legal disposal.

So put your mind at ease. When you use a reputable cleaning company, ask your questions on the topics that concern you but remember the professional cleaning products are as safe - or safer - than the cleaning solutions you purchase for your own use.

Just a few friendly reminders from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

So you decided to spend a little more money than you have in the past on a new carpet.  Yes, you installed nice, beautiful wool carpet in your home, and you couldn't be happier.

Wool is more expensive as a fiber than the more popular fibers, such as nylon, olefin and polyester, but for a reason. It is higher quality, feels better, lasts longer and is a better investment.

The challenge with wool is many don't understand how to care for it. Like any carpet, regular vacuuming is important. Vacuum once per week per occupant in your household. That's a good rule of thumb (at least for the heavy trafficked areas).

Wool hides dirt, which is a good thing because no one wants to see a dirty carpet. However, this is dangerous because many people clean their carpet based on appearance. Don't wait until it looks dirty. If you do, you really wanted too long. Clean it based on a schedule. Talk to your professional carpet cleaner for recommendations.

Remember, wool is like any other fiber and it can wear out. Dirt, grit and sand (and other soils) damage it with abrasive action from foot traffic. You might compare this to putting sand on a piece of Plexiglas and stepping on it. The surface will become damaged. Although wool isn't plastic, it can still be damaged.

So congratulations on your new, beautiful wool carpet. Just be sure to take good care of it with regular vacuuming and professional cleaning.

Just a few friendly reminders from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for restoration contractors. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

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I get asked all the time by homeowners this question: "What kind of carpet should I get?" That's a very important question because carpet is expensive and you want it to last for years.

Before I list a few fibers and why you should consider them, remember that no matter your choice, vacuum them regularly, at least weekly, and keep them as clean as possible. They will last much longer if you do.

Here are some choices for you to consider, when thinking of characteristics of the common fibers on the market today:

1. Nylon: This is still the best synthetic fiber available. It is durable, lasts longer, has good resiliency and cleans up nicely. More carpet is made of nylon than any other fiber. However, it will stain from synthetic stains if not cared for properly. So if you are running a day care from your home and kids run around with sippy cups of Kool Aid, might be a concern.

2. Olefin or polypropylene: This fiber is the most stain resistant so let the sippy cup carrying kids have their fun. It's not an absorbent fiber so most stains (remember: most!) clean up easily. But it's not as durable as nylon and may show premature wear you don't like.

3. Polyester and triexta: Polyester, the traditional type made from recycled plastic bottles, will wear out faster than other types, but it is fairly stain resistant. Triexta is also a type of polyester but made from corn byproducts and is more durable than its close cousin and also fairly stain resistant. This is becoming a very popular choice but keep in mind high traffic areas could be problematic.

4. Wool: If you can afford it, buy it. It lasts longer, cleans up nicely when maintained, and looks beautiful. You can't go wrong with a good quality wool carpet.

Have fun shopping!

Just a few friendly reminders from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for upholstery and furniture cleaning professionals. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]

Everyone spills something. The thing is, don't panic! The second thing is, don't start putting just any cleaning products on the spots. Here is some simple advice and tips for what to do if you spill something on the carpet, like red wine, soda, coffee, tea and other stuff.

1. Blot it up. Don't add cleaning products just yet. Take an absorbent, white towel and start blotting. Don't rub, don't scrub. Just blot and transfer the spill into the towel.
2. Start cleaning... which means add a safe neutral detergent to your spotting towel, never pour it on the carpet. Adding a small amount of cleaning product is best.
3. Flush it out. This means using a wet/dry vacuum to vacuum up all moisture.

Never use heat, and this means that hair dryer you might be tempted to use to dry the spot. This can actually "set" the stain.

A cool consumer and homeowner spotting guide can be found at the Carpet and Rug Institute website. Click here for that guide.

And when in doubt, always call your carpet cleaning pro.

Teddy Moon with Rainbow International in Marysville, WA sent in these pictures to Cleanfax and won a photo contest. What you see here is a severe pet urine problem in the carpet. You might think that if your pet has an "accident" that cleaning the surface of the carpet will remove the spots, stains and odors, but that's not necessarily true. Urine will soak into the carpet, into the backing, the padding and even the subfloor. In this case, Teddy disengaged the carpet and pretreated the backing with a specialized enzyme, used hydrogen peroxide and flushed out the contamination. Reinstalled the carpet, cleaned the surface and then deodorized.

Homeowners, here are some good carpet cleaning tips when you look for a service company:

Getting your carpet cleaned is just about the best thing you can do for your home. At the same time, you want convenience. You want the carpet to be clean, but you don't want to have wet carpet for days.

According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC, the certifying body for professional carpet cleaners, carpet should take about six to eight hours to dry, and never longer than 24 hours to dry because after that amount of time, microbial growth (like mold and mildew) can begin to grow.
 
So when you choose a professional carpet cleaning company, ask them how long it might take the carpet to dry and make sure it is fast so you can enjoy your freshly cleaned floors.
 
Sad to say, some experience really long drying times when they have their carpet cleaned. Who knows why this happens, except that it never should happen!
 
Your professional carpet cleaner has specialized drying equipment. They have powerful vacuums on their cleaning machine and powerful fans to dry the carpet after it is cleaned.

Just a few friendly reminders from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for carpet cleaners. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]