If you are interested in rugs and would like to know more about their value, how to care for them, etc. Then here are some other blogs and sites to follow.
http://oriental-rug-cleaning.blogspot.com/2011/10/rug-care-simplified-by-kevin-pearson.html
http://www.orientalrugtalk.com/forums/content.php?212-Rug-Care-Simplified-by-Kevin-Pearson
These sites are run by Barry O'Connell and he has probably forgotten more about rugs then I will ever know. He also has http://www.spongobongo.com/.
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Showing posts with label Houston's Best Oriental Rug Cleaner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Houston's Best Oriental Rug Cleaner. Show all posts
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Tips for Keeping Your Car Clean
There’s nothing worse than buying a new car and realizing a couple of weeks later it is already filthy. Food and drinks get spilt, the dog rides with you, kids are sweaty when getting picked up from ball practice and then bam your car is dirty. By maintaining the appearance of the vehicle inside as well as out, you retain the value of the car, which will help you when it’s time to trade it in. Here’s a few tips on cleaning up your car.
1. Dilute coffee spills immediately with water and blot with a clean white terry cloth rag. If a stain remains after the spot dries, spray on a glass cleaner. Soak the area with the glass cleaner, allow to sit for five minutes, and blot. Glass cleaner cleans without leaving the soapy residue that most carpet spot removers do, which only attracts more dirt afterward. Glass cleaner is normally effective on even the most difficult stains. However, do not try this on your home carpet. Since most car carpet is olefin and can stand up to most anything it is ok to use it there, but most in home carpet is nylon and it will not work the same.
2. Hairspray will lift out pen ink stains on carpeting or upholstery. Spray the hairspray on the ink spot and blot with a rag or extract with a shop vac.
3. If carpeting begins to smell, sprinkle on 20-Mule Team Borax generously, then let it sit undisturbed for an hour before vacuuming up both dirt and unpleasant smells. If your dog rides with you a lot and you have fleas in your car, then put a second application of 20-Mule Team Borax on and leave it over night before vacuuming thoroughly and it will kill the fleas and their eggs.
4. Before your vehicle carpets begin to show excessive wear and tear, vacuum them just as you would at home. This will lift the fibers back upright and counteract the long-term ill effects of the dirt that’s been pounded into it. Since over 70% of soil in carpet is dry soil, vacuuming is the best thing you can do for any carpet to prolong the life.
5. If you get shocked a lot getting out of your car there are several things you can do. You can wear an anti-static wrist band, rub the upholstery and carpet of your car with a dryer sheet, use an anti-static laundry spray or touch the metal on the door of the car with a key before you get out. However, these are mostly temporary fixes. So if the problem is bad enough you can go to your mechanic (Beckwith’s Car Care) and get a grounding strap installed. Also, getting new tires on your car can eliminate you getting shocked when getting out of your car.
1. Dilute coffee spills immediately with water and blot with a clean white terry cloth rag. If a stain remains after the spot dries, spray on a glass cleaner. Soak the area with the glass cleaner, allow to sit for five minutes, and blot. Glass cleaner cleans without leaving the soapy residue that most carpet spot removers do, which only attracts more dirt afterward. Glass cleaner is normally effective on even the most difficult stains. However, do not try this on your home carpet. Since most car carpet is olefin and can stand up to most anything it is ok to use it there, but most in home carpet is nylon and it will not work the same.
2. Hairspray will lift out pen ink stains on carpeting or upholstery. Spray the hairspray on the ink spot and blot with a rag or extract with a shop vac.
3. If carpeting begins to smell, sprinkle on 20-Mule Team Borax generously, then let it sit undisturbed for an hour before vacuuming up both dirt and unpleasant smells. If your dog rides with you a lot and you have fleas in your car, then put a second application of 20-Mule Team Borax on and leave it over night before vacuuming thoroughly and it will kill the fleas and their eggs.
4. Before your vehicle carpets begin to show excessive wear and tear, vacuum them just as you would at home. This will lift the fibers back upright and counteract the long-term ill effects of the dirt that’s been pounded into it. Since over 70% of soil in carpet is dry soil, vacuuming is the best thing you can do for any carpet to prolong the life.
5. If you get shocked a lot getting out of your car there are several things you can do. You can wear an anti-static wrist band, rub the upholstery and carpet of your car with a dryer sheet, use an anti-static laundry spray or touch the metal on the door of the car with a key before you get out. However, these are mostly temporary fixes. So if the problem is bad enough you can go to your mechanic (Beckwith’s Car Care) and get a grounding strap installed. Also, getting new tires on your car can eliminate you getting shocked when getting out of your car.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Choosing A Carpet Cleaning Company
So you are tired of looking at your dirty carpet, but you don’t know who to trust to get it clean for you. Here’s a few tips and questions to ask to be able to get a good reliable company.
When looking for a cleaning professional, be careful of any company that contacts you by phone or that advertises a cleaning price by the room. Room sizes vary and charges should be based on the square footage of carpet cleaned. Also, ask if they offer free on-site written estimates. Never go strictly by television ads or newspaper inserts or jump at the lowest price. And don’t accept quotes over the phone. Have the cleaning representative come to your home or office for an inspection. Obtain a written agreement before any work is done. Usually there will not any charge for furniture moving (unless it is really large or difficult). There should also be no charge for routine spot removal or preconditioning. Get a written contract with the total price and statements of guarantees that the cleaning company offers. This way you know to the penny what you will spend before the cleaning is actually performed.
Are you certified? What certifications do you have?
Do you guarantee your work?
How quickly will the carpets be dry?
Can you reapply the stain protection?
How long have you been in business? The answer can speak volumes about a company’s reputation and experience.
Does the business have references for you to call?
Are they a member of the local Chamber of Commerce or other professional organizations? A business that is involved in the community is usually concerned about their image and wants happy customers.
Make sure to ask if the company uses employees or sub contractors. Company employees are always best. Ask if a uniformed employee in a lettered company truck will show up to clean your house. There are some carpet cleaning companies who are really not carpet cleaning companies they just do the advertising and book the jobs then sub it out to an independent carpet cleaner. In this situation the actual company who books the job has little if any control over the sub contractor entering your home.
Remember you get what you pay for and if you do your homework, ask a lot of questions and hire a good reputable company you should be more than satisfied with the work.
When looking for a cleaning professional, be careful of any company that contacts you by phone or that advertises a cleaning price by the room. Room sizes vary and charges should be based on the square footage of carpet cleaned. Also, ask if they offer free on-site written estimates. Never go strictly by television ads or newspaper inserts or jump at the lowest price. And don’t accept quotes over the phone. Have the cleaning representative come to your home or office for an inspection. Obtain a written agreement before any work is done. Usually there will not any charge for furniture moving (unless it is really large or difficult). There should also be no charge for routine spot removal or preconditioning. Get a written contract with the total price and statements of guarantees that the cleaning company offers. This way you know to the penny what you will spend before the cleaning is actually performed.
Make sure that you select a cleaning professional with certifications from an organization that certifies professionals, such as the IICRC ( Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) or the RIA (Restoration Industry Association). These are the two most recognized certification groups. The technicians as well as the company itself should be certified. Also, at least one technician on the job should be certified in the cleaning job that is being performed, whether it is carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, upholstery, etc.
Here are a few questions to ask. What method of cleaning do you use and what type of equipment? Steam cleaning or hot water extraction is the most preferred method. Are you certified? What certifications do you have?
Do you guarantee your work?
How quickly will the carpets be dry?
Can you reapply the stain protection?
How long have you been in business? The answer can speak volumes about a company’s reputation and experience.
Does the business have references for you to call?
Are they a member of the local Chamber of Commerce or other professional organizations? A business that is involved in the community is usually concerned about their image and wants happy customers.
Make sure to ask if the company uses employees or sub contractors. Company employees are always best. Ask if a uniformed employee in a lettered company truck will show up to clean your house. There are some carpet cleaning companies who are really not carpet cleaning companies they just do the advertising and book the jobs then sub it out to an independent carpet cleaner. In this situation the actual company who books the job has little if any control over the sub contractor entering your home.
Remember you get what you pay for and if you do your homework, ask a lot of questions and hire a good reputable company you should be more than satisfied with the work.
Kevin Pearson is a Master Cleaning Technician with the IICRC and has over 17 years experience in the carpet cleaning industry. Kevin is presently working on a committee to rewrite the carpet cleaning standards in the industry. For information Call Pearson Carpet Care at 281-548-7200 or visit our website at http://www.pearsoncarpetcare.com.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Myths About Oriental Rugs from Ellen Amirkhan
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are oriental rugs are identified only by design?
Design is only one of many components used to identify oriental rugs. We identify rugs by technical analysis that includes observation of the rug's materials, construction, dyes and design.
Do all oriental rugs appreciate in value?
Most post-World War II rugs do not appreciate in value, nor will most rugs purchased new today appreciate in value. Consumers most likely paid more for some rugs in the 50s, 60s and 70s than they are worth today.
Are all old rugs are worth a lot?
Age and condition are important when determining a rug's value. However, an old rug in poor condition is just an old rug. Also, an old rug in good condition may also be without value if it lacks artistic merit. Some old rugs are worth repairing and their value will increase with proper restoration.
Are Persian (Iranian) rugs are better than rugs from other countries?
Some older, traditional Persian rugs (pre-WWII), such as Ferahan Sarouk, Motashem Kashan, Tabriz, Bijar and Heriz tribal pieces, and other noteworthy examples will always have a market in the right conditions. Since the fall of the Shah of Iran in 1979 and the embargo on Persian goods in 1987 (lifted March 1999), other countries have improved and increased their output of rugs. The quality of Persian rugs since the 1960s has gradually deteriorated. It is my opinion that the quality will return slowly in smaller quantities and higher prices. They have a lot of catching up to do.
I've heard you should never clean or vacuum oriental rugs.
About 80% of soil in rugs is dry particulate matter. This dry matter acts as sandpaper against the wool fibers and wears out the rug. Also, because some rugs are thick, if they are not regularly vacuumed and cleaned, the soil will become so embedded that it is impossible to remove all of it. Beware of any rug seller who says a rug should not be cleaned. What they are really telling you is the rug will not withstand cleaning due to its condition, foundation painting, or some other hidden defect.
Is knot count is the best indication of value?
The value of only a few traditional Persian rugs is partially determined by knot count. Examples are Nain and Isfahan. The value of silk rugs is also partially based on knot count. New, mass-produced rugs from China, India and Pakistan come in a variety of qualities and designs. Generally speaking, the more knots per square inch, the higher the price per square foot. Once these mass-produced rugs are used, their value in the secondary market is not based on knot count.
The above article was taken from http://www.dallasrugcleaner.com/
Are oriental rugs are identified only by design?
Design is only one of many components used to identify oriental rugs. We identify rugs by technical analysis that includes observation of the rug's materials, construction, dyes and design.
Do all oriental rugs appreciate in value?
Most post-World War II rugs do not appreciate in value, nor will most rugs purchased new today appreciate in value. Consumers most likely paid more for some rugs in the 50s, 60s and 70s than they are worth today.
Are all old rugs are worth a lot?
Age and condition are important when determining a rug's value. However, an old rug in poor condition is just an old rug. Also, an old rug in good condition may also be without value if it lacks artistic merit. Some old rugs are worth repairing and their value will increase with proper restoration.
Are Persian (Iranian) rugs are better than rugs from other countries?
Some older, traditional Persian rugs (pre-WWII), such as Ferahan Sarouk, Motashem Kashan, Tabriz, Bijar and Heriz tribal pieces, and other noteworthy examples will always have a market in the right conditions. Since the fall of the Shah of Iran in 1979 and the embargo on Persian goods in 1987 (lifted March 1999), other countries have improved and increased their output of rugs. The quality of Persian rugs since the 1960s has gradually deteriorated. It is my opinion that the quality will return slowly in smaller quantities and higher prices. They have a lot of catching up to do.
I've heard you should never clean or vacuum oriental rugs.
About 80% of soil in rugs is dry particulate matter. This dry matter acts as sandpaper against the wool fibers and wears out the rug. Also, because some rugs are thick, if they are not regularly vacuumed and cleaned, the soil will become so embedded that it is impossible to remove all of it. Beware of any rug seller who says a rug should not be cleaned. What they are really telling you is the rug will not withstand cleaning due to its condition, foundation painting, or some other hidden defect.
Is knot count is the best indication of value?
The value of only a few traditional Persian rugs is partially determined by knot count. Examples are Nain and Isfahan. The value of silk rugs is also partially based on knot count. New, mass-produced rugs from China, India and Pakistan come in a variety of qualities and designs. Generally speaking, the more knots per square inch, the higher the price per square foot. Once these mass-produced rugs are used, their value in the secondary market is not based on knot count.
The above article was taken from http://www.dallasrugcleaner.com/
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