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Archive for July, 2009

The process of steam cleaning your carpet involves hot water being fed to a spray extraction tool or wand, coupled to a pump vacuum power unit.  The cleaning solution is injected under pressure deep into the carpet through water jet nozzles.

The water will then penetrate the fiber all the way down to the backing.  This action will loosen any embedded soil, remove oil and grease deposits, and get your carpet cleaner than it has ever been. There are many types and makes of steam carpet cleaners available on the market, ranging from small portables to the large and very powerful truck mounted units.  The principle is the same no matter what model you pick.

The models that are truck mounted are designed so that only the hose and the wand are taken into the area being cleaned.  These units are very powerful, delivering hot water and generating a high vacuum recovery that can be powered by diesel fuel, gas, propane, or even by the motor of the truck. Most carpet manufacturers, fiber producers, and professional cleaners endorse this process for achieving soil removal efficiency.  With the present state of art equipment and technology, we are more than capable of high production and cleaning of carpet.

The real disadvantage to steam carpet cleaning are the problems that are associated with over wetting and longer drying times.  These can be eliminated however, by a skilled operator who uses equipment that is well maintained and in good overall operating condition. Currently, there are two methods being used with steam carpet cleaning.
1.  This method involves a traffic lane cleaner being sprayed onto the traffic lanes and then agitated into the  fibers.  The entire area is then cleaned by using a hot water extractor that has a cleaning solution being injected into the fibers through the wand.
2.  The second method involves a free rinse emulsifying pre-spray being sprayed onto the entire carpet, then agitated into the fibers. 

Steam cleaning procedures :

• Prepare the equipment and supplies.  In a pump or power sprayer you should mix the free rinsing pre-spray.  In the solution tank of the extractor, mix the rinsing agent.

• If you have a lot of furniture to move, make yourself a floor plan.

• If the area being cleaned has furniture, you should remove as much as possible.

• Thoroughly vacuum the carpet.  If the pile is crushed or matted, use a pile brush to loosen the soils which will make vacuuming more effective.

• Pre-spray a good amount of the pre-spray.

• Using a grooming tool, agitate the pre-spray deep into the fibers then let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes, making sure that it doesn’t dry out.

• Extract the area using a portable, truck mounted, or automatic carpet cleaner.

• Repeat steps 5 through 7 until the entire area has been cleaned.

• Groom the cleaned area, replace all furniture that was removed, then clean all equipment that you used.

Living Chairs Terms:

Home improvement projects can be dangerous. Many tasks call for sharp tools or power tools that can cause injuries. You can’t successfully repair or tackle home improvement projects your home if you’re not careful.   With a little careful organization and forethought, even the most difficult home improvement tasks can be conquered safely and successfully.

Be sure to completely read the instruction manual for your power tools and follow the manufacturer’s safety cautions. Tighten any adjustments and check that the guard is working before you operate a tool.  Keep power tools dry, and plug them into grounded electrical outlets. Take care not to cut the power cord. Never store your power tools while they are still connected to the power supply. 

Keep fingers well away from a power blade. Clamp small pieces of wood before cutting them, rather than holding them. It’s imperative to wear work gloves when you’re handling rough materials such as wood, glass, or metal, but take them off when using a power tool so you have complete control over it.

Never use any kind of power tool without proper protective eyewear. Unplug a power saw before changing the blade or doing any other kind of maintenance or cleaning to it. 
Learn how to properly support a board when you cut it with a power tool so it doesn’t kick back towards you during use.

Always completely shut off power or water when working with the electrical wiring or the plumbing.  One of the first questions you should ask as a new homeowner is where your shutoffs are located.

When working on a ladder, don’t lean out to either side. Keep your body weight between the sides of the ladder. It may take longer to get off the ladder and move it to reach farther, but it is well worth your time. Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries in the home.
If you’re not used to the physical element of doing construction, remodeling, or renovation work, you might easily injure yourself or strain your muscles.  You may not even notice the aches and pains until you wake up the next day.  Don’t take chances and overexert yourself when lifting heavy objects, or when repeatedly lifting lighter loads. Get a helper to do some of the work, and take plenty of breaks. Listen to your body’s signals and realize when enough is enough.  Learn to bend and lift with the knees and not your back. 
You’re going to find a great satisfaction and pride knowing that you’re able to safely and successfully accomplish repair, remodeling and renovation projects around your house as long as you’re smart, safe, and keep yourself organized, focused and on task.