Carrara Companies Cleaning & Restoration Services Blog

Grout Cleaning – The Secret to Newer Looking Tile

 

Whether you have tile on your kitchen floor, or in your bathroom, the secret to keeping tile looking new is proper maintenance. This is especially true for grout, which is just as important to keep clean as in any other portion of your home. Here are some basic tips in grout cleaning and keeping your bathroom tile looking new:

• Safety first, last and always. Ensure you wear the proper protective equipment, and never mix cleaners and chemicals as this is dangerous and may cause health issues.
• Avoid using a toothbrush, as the bristles are too soft, but also avoid using a brush with metal bristles. You want something firm, but not something, that will damage the grout and tile.
• If you have colored grout and/or tile, avoid using anything with bleach as it may cause discoloration. Peroxide as well may cause discoloration in your grout and tile.
• Never use vinegar to clean tile. Vinegar is acidic in nature, and will wear down the grout and tile making it porous and allow mold and mildew to settle and grow.
• If using a commercial cleaner, ensure it is pH balanced to prevent erosion of the grout.
• If elbow grease will not suffice, do not be afraid to call a professional. These companies have the proper equipment and knowledge on getting out tough stains, and have the ability to detect and assist you should there be a mold issue.
• Re-grout your tile about every eight years, and apply a sealant at least annually. This will ensure longevity of the tile, and prevent water damage and/or mold and mildew accumulation.

Basic Tips for Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring is one of the timeless decorating techniques, which not only brings elegance to your home, but increases its value as well. Proper care and attention is the only way to ensure longevity. Here are some basic tips when cleaning hardwood floors.

• Place floor mats at entrances to trap dirt before hitting the floor. These small particles can act like sandpaper and scratch the surface. Make sure the bottoms of the mats are not made of rubber, which can trap moisture.
• When sweeping, use a soft bristled or terry cloth broom to prevent scratching.
• Never use a water and vinegar solution when cleaning hardwood floors. The water will cause the boards to swell and crack, while the vinegar will damage the finish. Use a PH-balanced cleaner with micro-fiber mop for best results.
• If an area rug or runner covers portions of the floor, make sure it is vacuumed often. The dirt can settle in through the weaving and scratch the flooring.
• Install furniture pads on the bottoms of tables, sofas, and chairs to avoid scratching. These are relatively inexpensive and sold at any hardware store. Also, avoid dragging furniture when cleaning.
• Follow manufacturer instructions at all times when repairing scratches and dents, as well as waxing and buffing. Failing to do so will cause excessive damage to the flooring and will end up breaking the bank when it comes time to fix them.

What Carpet Cleaners Are Best For You?

When you talk to someone about carpet cleaning, the only consistent people are professional carpet cleaners. Everyone has their own method for maintaining their carpets, however, some fail where others succeed - even when following the exact same steps. While some start carpet maintenance with vacuuming, it is also where most people stop.

Make a plan for maintaining your carpets, and understand the best thing is to vacuum every other day, if not every day. This will assist in removing a lot of allergens, dust and dirt, which can accumulate on a daily basis. Move your furniture around in high traffic areas to prevent shading and excessive buildup of dirt.

Never underestimate the power of water - especially hot water. The hotter the water, the better the cleaning, and detergents will not be needed. When asked, some will recommend a dry chemical offered by companies such as Amway, Home Depot, Sears, etc. However, they may not always be the best carpet cleaning solution. Some detergents may cause discoloration or even damage the fibers in the carpet, thus limiting the life of the carpet. Nothing beats water over 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and it will also not leave behind any residue children or pets may ingest.

If you do choose to use carpet cleaners to remove a spot stain, make sure you know two things. First, the type of carpet, and second the type of stain. Water-soluble stains only require a mild detergent or solution, and are blotted - never scrubbed. For heavier stains, make sure the solvent solution used is safe to use on the carpet. When in doubt, call a professional carpet cleaner and have them remove it.

In the end, to ensure your carpet's longevity and looks, it is recommended to have your carpets cleaned annually - or better, semi-annually. With the right plan and proper care, you can maintain your carpets while keeping your costs down and your family safe.

Disaster Recovery: Filing an Insurance Claim

Immediately following a flood, tornado, severe storm, hurricane or earthquake, ensuring your family is safe is the main priority. Once everyone is safe, disaster recovery for any damage to your home is the next phase and the following steps are critical when filing a claim with your insurance company.

Contact your insurance company and/or agent, and get the following information:

• Are you covered for the losses incurred?
• Is the claim more than your deductible?
• How long does the process take?
• How many estimates must I get for any structural damage?
• What if I do not have proof of ownership for the items in my home?
• Are there any living expenses covered in my policy?

If you elect to make temporary repairs, make sure you do it in a safe manner. Save all receipts for any materials you purchase, and do not make any permanent repairs. Photograph all of the objects in your home, and create a home inventory. Also, save any receipts for your living expenses.

Soon after the natural disaster, an adjuster will arrive to assess the damages. Make sure you pay attention to what the adjuster is looking at and for, and get copies of any disaster recovery forms and/or notes the adjuster fills out. You will be required to fill out a Proof of Loss form, so be sure to be as detailed as possible. If the adjuster is not able to complete a full inspection, ensure you schedule a second visit to accurately document everything.

Make sure your electrical and heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems are thoroughly inspected, and note all structural damage to all buildings on your property. Do not throw away any personal belongings or furniture, and use the photographs and home inventory when determining your losses.

Be sure you get estimates from reliable and experienced restoration services companies or contractors. These should be as detailed as possible, and if they aren't, be weary of questionable business practices. Remember to document and retain everything, as it will help you in the long run.