Carrara Companies Cleaning & Restoration Services Blog

Earth Day 2009: Let’s Be Green Together

Annually, April 22, is reserved for inspiring awareness and appreciation for the environment. Originally founded in 1970, the recognition of Earth Day has gained more acceptance as we learn more about how we can reduce our carbon footprint, and how we affect our planet's future.

A person's carbon footprint is the measure of how one's activities affect the environment and climate change. Here are some tips on helping to reduce your carbon footprint, increase your role on helping save the planet, and allows us to be green together.

• More and more portable devices have the ability to recharge themselves, but for those that do not, use rechargeable batteries. Recycle the non-rechargeable batteries when you replace them.
• Go paperless. Receive and pay your bills electronically. Not only will you reduce the use of paper, but the amount of fuel used in transporting them.
• When washing your clothes, use the warm/cool setting. By this simple switch, you can save 100,000 barrels of oil from being used.
• Instead of throwing away old computers and electronics, recycle them. Best Buy has a great program for helping you dispose of them. Click here for more information.
• Consider switching your electronics to more modern, eco friendly ones. Companies such as HP offer solutions for help reducing impact on the environment.
• If you travel a lot, use a permanent tag for your luggage instead of using the disposable paper ones.
• Instead of throwing away those old magazines, donate them to your local business and schools. Keeping them in circulation, keeps them out of the landfills. Just because it's out-of-date, doesn't mean the information is useless.
• Talk to your coworkers about carpooling, or if you are close enough, walk or bike to work. Lesser emissions keep the air cleaner, and the possible exercise will help you stay healthy.
• Contact your utility company and request a free energy audit. Not only could you help save energy, but you can also save a little money too.
• Homeowners may receive up to $1,500 in tax credits for home improvements on windows/doors, HVAC systems, water heaters, metal and asphalt roofs, and insulation, which are energy star compliant.

There are many more things you can do to help reduce your carbon footprint, and help stop global warming. For more information visit http://www.earthday.net/ and www.epa.gov/earthday/.

Window Cleaning Best Practices

If you take a poll of the housework people hate to do the most, window cleaning is almost always near the top of the list. Truth is window washing can be a simple chore if done correctly. Here are some window cleaning tips to ensure you get those streak-free windows, without taking the whole day.

• Make sure you have the right tools for the job. A professional squeegee and/or applicator, a bucket with a firm handle, cleaning solution, a corn broom, and a microfiber or lint-free cloth.
• Never clean your windows in direct sunlight. The heat from the sun will raise the temperature in the glass, causing streaking to increase.
• Take the corn broom and sweep away any cob or spider-webs, which may be lurking in the corners.
• The window cleaning solution is up to you, whether it be dish washing detergent, diluted combination of vinegar and water, or even automotive windshield washer fluid.
• When using the squeegee, pick one motion and stay with it. For instance, do all the outside windows horizontally and the interior windows vertically. This way, you will be able to determine which side you need to correct any streaks.
• Remember to wipe the squeegee or applicator dry at each pass. This will ensure no moisture remains on the glass and will help to improve the look.
• If the windows are especially dirty, don't be afraid to use extra water. At the same time, remember to clean up any standing water so the windowpane does not soak it up.
• Make sure you wipe the sides down with the microfiber or lint free cloth to remove excess water. This will prevent water spots, and water from running down the sides.
• For extra credit, clean off the screens while you are there. All you need is a bucket of soapy water, a soft-bristled brush, and a garden hose. Gently spray the screen with water and avoid a strong jet setting. Scrub lightly, in a circular motion being sure to hit the corners. Rinse once more and let air dry!

Carpet Cleaning Tips: Pet Urine & Odor Removal

The family pet is one of Americans' most beloved family members. We celebrate their arrival and take them everywhere we go ... and mourn their passing when gone. The time in between is filled with good times and bad, including the house training phase. While some pets learn quickly, there are those who seem to take forever, and with it a tinkle on our carpets. Here are some carpet cleaning tips for getting out the odors and stains from pets.

• Primarily, avoid the old wives-tales methods for removing stains and odor. Some of them may damage the carpeting or flooring, and cause a greater expense.
• Pet urine, specifically cat urine, is the major troublemaker when it comes to stains and odor. First, try a natural enzymatic-based odor remover found in many pet stores. Pour the cleaner over the affected area and let sit for a long time. The longer soak time allows for maximum effectiveness.
• When urine dries, it crystallizes — which is the main issue with returning urine odor. Steam carpet cleaning will only remoisten the crystals and make the odor stronger. In some cases, the carpet and padding will have to be removed and replaced.
• If the urine has soaked into the sub-flooring, then it will have to be replaced as well. The wood or concrete is porous, and soaks up the urine like a sponge.
• Pets will usually return to the same spot repeatedly if not treated properly.
• Steam carpet cleaning is the best method for removing pet stains and odors. Professional carpet cleaners who use the hot water extraction method are your best bet. Informing them of the primary reasons for the carpet cleaning prior to beginning the work is advised, as they have their own special methods.
• If you must spot clean, use a natural cleaner and let it soak as long as possible. Never scrub the stain as it will only drive the contaminants deeper into the carpet.

Carrara Spreads Easter Cheer

In this tough economy, it is hard to remember there are times throughout the year, which normally bring fun and enjoyment. This past Easter, sales team members Eric Schlaubach and Jim Dunphy, decided to help spread the excitement of the season by dressing up as bunnies and visiting customers in claim centers and insurance agencies.

“Our goal was not only to create a memorable experience, but to bring a smile to the faces of everyone we visited,” says Eric Schlaubach, as he passed out ceramic mugs filled with nuts and jellybeans. “Imagine sitting at your desk, and two full-size rabbits come walking through your door bearing gifts. Everyone wanted their picture taken with the Easter Bunny, and every reception was the same,” says Eric.

Both Jim and Eric visited clients and customers throughout Northeast and Central Ohio, and look forward to continuing the spread of cheer the rest of the year. Says Jim Dunphy, “This is the one aspect of my job I love … and I think I’m going to look for a turkey outfit for Thanksgiving."

"And, I’ll be the pilgrim looking to score a big bird,” followed Eric.

Bunny costumes provided by Mr. Funs Costumes & Magic Emporium.

Tips for Drapes and Blind Cleaning

Spring is in the air, and opening up the windows to let the sunshine in may open you up to the dust and odor accumulated on your draperies and blinds from winter. If you have an annual spring-clean checklist, you may wish to add drapes and blind cleaning as one of the top priorities.

However, washing the drapes yourself brings on its own problems. Some fabrics are pre-shrunk, and stuffing them in the washer and dryer could shrink them even more. There is also the possibility they can lose their shape and/or fade, while other types (such as silk), may stain due to water.

Fortunately, there are drapes and blind cleaning companies who not only know how to properly clean your drapes, but will take them down and put them back up for you as well. Depending on the company you choose, they may either take them to their facility and bring them back in several days, or they may do it directly in your home. Both will conduct a thorough inspection of your drapes and blinds, and recommend dry cleaning or steam cleaning, depending on the material.

The dry cleaning method is exactly how it sounds, and uses the same principles as taking it to the dry cleaners. Special chemicals are used differing from the store method, which allows fewer toxins to remain in the pleats and provides a fresher feeling.

Steam (wet) cleaning, if done properly, uses no chemicals and is best for fabrics where there is no risk of water damage. Both methods can be done with the drapes remaining on the rods, and without taking too much of the customer's time.

For blind cleaning, an ultrasonic method is used to remove the dust and dirt with sound waves. Submerged in a tank, treated with an anti-static solution, millions of tiny bubbles hit the blades and implode removing the dirt. This method also uses no harsh chemicals and is safe for the environment.

To schedule an appointment for drapery and blind cleaning services, click here.

Carrara Conducts Major Restoration Services for Cleveland-Area School in Record Time

During the last weekend of March, Carrara Companies was chosen to conduct major restoration services at the Warrensville Heights Middle School, in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. On the morning of March 26, 2009, a fire started in the pantry, which quickly spread to the kitchen, servery, and cafeteria. Approximately 92,000 square feet of the building was covered in soot, and overcome by odor from the fire.

With the assistance and sacrifice of many, Carrara Companies was able to complete the restoration services in a record time of four days. “The amount of time and energy put into a project like this, by all involved, was simply incredible,” says Justin Sucato, Carrara Companies President. “Everyone of our guys sacrificed their time to ensure the kids of this school could return to a healthy and safe learning environment.”

For more information about the project, you can read about it in our quarterly newsletter here. And, sign up for our eClub newsletter for more stories about Carrara Companies.