First off, spraying contaminated areas of carpet or furniture with products from the grocery store are not going to solve the problem. Also another common myth is that just a regular carpet cleaning WILL NOT get rid of the urine smell. Urine will actually start to bond to the carpet fibers and does come out just by a topical surface cleaning. If the contamination is light to moderate then a topical treatment with specific professional urine removal products and natural deodorizers may be sufficient for the task. This process goes as follows:

1. Apply Urine Pre-Treatment.
2. Give 15-20 minutes of dwell time sometimes more depending on level of contamination.
3. Thorough cleaning of the room.
4. Apply natural deodorizer to the areas that were affected by the urine.
5. Do not allow the deodorizer to dry too quickly.

Upon a thorough inspection with our nose, a hydrosensor, and ultraviolet urine illuminator it may be necessary to perform a subsurface of the affected area. Urine in severe cases will get into the backing of carpet, the carpet pad (not just the surface of the carpet) and on furniture it can get into the stuffing of the pillows. If it has gotten into the backing or pad of the carpet then we must re-liquify the affected urine areas to make it mobile. We will “re-flood” the urine with a professional odor and stain remover product and then give it 15-30 minutes of dwell time. After which we will extract the affected areas with the Water Claw tool which extracts from the face yarn, backing, and pad.

1. Heat up water and OSR with bucket heater.
2. Re-liquify affected ares of severe urine
3. Allow for 15-30 minutes of dwell time.
4. Extracted affected urine areas with Water Claw.
5. Smell area and check the level of smell
6. Clean carpet thoroughly and deodorizer afterwards.
7.Repeat steps 1-4 if there is extreme contamination.

This process is extremely effective at eliminating severe urine contamination. In some cases though the sub-flooring may need to be sealed before the sub-surface extraction is completed.

After either of these procedures are completed…if you have any re-contamination here is a simple solution you can use:

1. Get a spray bottle and fresh bottle of white distilled vinegar.
2. Mix 1 part white distilled vinegar with 1 part wafer into to spray bottle.
3. Spray moderately to contaminated area.
4. Allow to dwell for 15-30 minutes to effectively neutralize the urine.
5. Repeat if necessary

For further information or questions call us, Clean Your Carpets Inc. at 585.924.8440 or visit our website at: www.carpetcleaningrochesterny.org

www.carpetcleaningrochesterny.org

If you have Oriental Rugs with urine contamination please stay tuned for another updated blog post specific to dealing with Wool and Silk Oriental Rugs

Jonathan Mickelsen
Director of Marketing & Sales
http://www.rochesterscarpetcleaner.com

Reduce Dust Mites – The No. 1 Indoor Allergen Source.
The most common cause of indoor allergy and asthma symptoms is dust mites, microscopic creatures that thrive in household dust, even in the cleanest homes. Dust mites are microscopic, eight-legged arachnids (not insects) 0.3mm in length. They are invisible to the human eye, so small they can crawl through the weave of bedding fabrics. Dust mites feed on tiny flakes of shed human skin cells. The average adult sheds about 2 pounds of skin per year. This will feed millions of dust mites.
The dust mite is not what causes the problem. The problem lies with a protein found in the fecal matter called Der p1. The fecal mater is lighter than air and becomes airborne when disturbed by activity like fluffing pillows and tossing and turning during the night. The airborne particles are inhaled; the protein Der p1 breaks down the protective mucous lining of the eyes, nose, lungs and skin. The allergens enter the body and cause an overreaction of the human immune system.

• Should I rip the carpet out or clean it? The TRUTH!
A carpet and allergies are like best friends. Your carpet soaks up anything that touches it and won’t release it until it is thoroughly washed. You wouldn’t wear a T-shirt for a year without washing it, and carpet is fibrous material just like your clothes, it needs regular cleaning. The link between your carpet and allergies is indisputable. But it is made better or worse depending on how old the carpet is, how thick it is, its quality and of course how often you clean it and with what method of cleaning. Carpet is the largest filter in a home. Carpet filters soils, gases, dust, spills and other pollutants. Most soils encountered are of microscopic size and are invisible to the naked eye. The smaller the particle size the easier it becomes airborne. Particles of one micron size can stay airborne for more than eight hours. These particles are repairable and can trigger allergic reactions. Carpet acts as a trap for airborne particles grounded through natural gravity until they can be safely removed during vacuuming.

It is rare for a person to be allergic to carpet as carpet is usually made from the same sort of fabric types as your clothing. Of course if you know that you get a horrible rash from that wool sweater you got from Aunt Barb last Christmas; make sure you talk to your carpeting specialist to avoid inadvertently buying a wool or wool-blend carpet. There are individuals who are allergic to certain types of carpet or the fumes that are released from new carpet but they are a small percentage. The majority of people will have no trouble with the carpet in their home as long as it is well maintained. The EPA and carpet industry findings indicate that with proper ventilation of new carpet, carpet itself does not contribute negatively to indoor air quality.
Many people think that carpets and allergies are a bad combination. Even some allergists will encourage their patients to remove carpeting in favor of hardwood or tile floors. However, carpets can actually help to reduce the allergens in your home by trapping them, as long as they are properly cleaned on a regular schedule. Health professionals sometimes recommend that allergy and asthma patients remove carpet from their homes. But those recommendations are generally based on faulty assumptions. In fact, clean, dry, well-maintained carpet actually improves air quality.
In 1975 Sweden claimed that textile floor coverings were causing allergic reactions and subsequently carpet’s share of the floor covering market shrank from 40 percent to 2 percent in less than 20 years. Interestingly, a study done in Sweden found that while carpet had steadily decreased, the occurrences of allergic reactions had increased just as steadily. The Swedish people realized their error and carpet is once again a popular floor covering. In fact, in Sweden where health hysteria led to a 77% reduction in carpet use between 1975 and 1990, there was an increase of more than 300% in allergic disease over the same period.
Still want more? Read these articles and study results from the Carpet & Rug Institute on the relationship between carpet and allergy symptoms.
Professional Testing Labs studied the distribution of airborne dust associated with normal activities on hard and soft flooring surfaces. Their findings showed that walking on hard surfaces disturbed more particles because with each footstep the allergens become airborne and enter the breathing zone. In contrast, carpeted surfaces trapped more particles so that walking disturbed fewer particles. The result is less dust in the breathing zone over carpeted floors.

According to Michael A. Berry, Ph.d., former Deputy Director for the EPA Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office, the single leading cause of poor indoor air quality in built environments today is poor maintenance. Carpet and upholstery must be cleaned to remove trapped contaminants before they overflow and are released back into the indoor air. For a healthier indoor environment, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) recommends: Have your carpet cleaned professionally at least once a year by a certified firm to ensure the use of proper extraction procedures, to make certain that the carpet is not over wet and that the soil is not just redistributed, but removed. Learn more about the hot water extraction carpet cleaning method we use and learn why Clean Your Carpets is the best choice to keep your home clean and healthy.
• Use the proper cleaning method – Hot Water Extraction / Steam Cleaning
Some people believe that if the carpet is steam cleaned or the hot water extraction method is used mold and mildew will grow in the carpet therefore causing allergies. This is not true. Carpet manufactures require the hot water extraction cleaning method to maintain warranties because it is the best system… IF it is done properly. Many cleaning companies have a reputation of leaving the carpet saturated. Clean Your Carpets cleaning technique is different than many companies. By using powerful equipment, keeping the filters clean, using a through cleaning technique, performing dry vacuum strokes and using fans allows the carpet Clean Your Carpets cleans to dry quickly. Learn more about the hot water extraction carpet cleaning method we use and learn why Clean Your Carpets is the best choice to keep your home clean and healthy.

• Clean for health.
Carpet and upholstery fabric hide soil. Don’t just clean for appearance when the accumulation of soil becomes visible. Clean your carpet and all fabric surfaces in your home including mattresses, rugs and upholstered furniture. Our powerful steam cleaning process uses hot water that effectively kills and remove dust mites and other allergens. Follow the above simple tips, and not only will you have a healthier home, but your carpeting will last longer also.
Enjoy significantly reduced allergen levels with Clean Your Carpets many solutions to provide you with relief from allergies. Thorough cleaning removes soil and pollutants to improve indoor air quality. Our expert technicians use the hot water extraction method also known as steam cleaning, the preferred carpet cleaning method recommended by carpet manufactures to remove pollutants and allergens for carpet and upholstery. All of our cleaning products are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, dye and perfume free, contain no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), phosphates or other hazardous materials and are biodegradable and environmentally safe. They are safe and effective for you, your children, your pets and the environment. If you are ready for a healthy home, call 585-924-8440, you can count on the professionals at Clean Your Carpets to make your home a healthy one with these cleaning services Carpet Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Ceramic Tile & Grout Cleaning Water Damage Restoration Oriental and Area Rug Cleaning Auto, Boat & RV Cleaning Pet Stains & Odor Removal Commercial Cleaning
• Control temperature and humidity.
Maintain a comfortable temperature and relative humidity of 35% – 50 % If you can cut down on the amount of humidity, you can decrease mold growth and dust mite population. Hygrometers can be used to measure humidity accurately. Air-conditioning often helps because it allows you to keep the windows closed on high-pollen days and keeps mold growth and dust mites to a minimum. A centralized heating and cooling system helps to maintain the same temperature and control humidity throughout the house. As a second choice, a single-room, window air-conditioning unit can provide adequate cooling, this is particularly important in the bedroom. Be sure to clean the filters regularly.
Use a dehumidifier to keep the level of moisture in the house to a relative humidity of 35-50%. Keeping the house cool and dry helps reduce mold, dust mites, and cockroaches. However, this may be a difficult task depending on where you live. According to Dr. Elaine Gonsior, Director of the Allergy Clinic at Kansas State University, it is very difficult to get humidity levels below 50% in many areas of the United States, even with air conditioning and dehumidifying. “Levels as low as 35% can only be achieved in standard homes in cold, dry climates unless the insulation and ventilation are hi-tech, and that is beyond the reach of the average homeowner,” Gonsior says. A basement can also be a source of high moisture which can result in mold. Visit our water damage restoration page to learn how to keep your home dry, clean and healthy.
• Improve air filtration.
Be sure to regularly clean or replace your furnace’s air filter. Consider using high-efficiency HEPA air filters. Although the EPA recommends air filtration, controlling the sources of allergy-causing pollution and ventilation are more important. Air filters are worth considering, but not as a solution to your asthma or allergy problems by themselves. In fact, research studies disagree on whether or not filters give much added relief in a clean and well-ventilated home. To improve your existing forced air heating/cooling system, consider installing an electrostatic filter. These filters, which work 3-4 times better than a standard foam filter, can be easily installed on your system to minimize small airborne particles that are potential allergens. An alternative to the electrostatic filter is the extended-surface air filter. This accordion-like filter, which is usually 2 to 6 inches thick, requires installation by a professional heating/cooling contractor. The extended-surface filter can last up to 2 years and can capture more airborne allergens than an electrostatic filter.
After taking these steps to remove obvious sources of indoor air pollution, consider purchasing an air cleaner to eliminate any airborne particles that remain. Air cleaners range in size, type, and efficiency. You can choose from an inexpensive, stand-alone, tabletop unit to more involved and expensive whole-house systems. The standard measure to rate the efficiency of an air cleaner is the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), measured in cubic feet per minute. A higher CADR indicates greater ability for the air cleaner to return clean air to the room. Some models are designed with a higher CADR for one type of particle than another. Desktop models are generally too small to be effective, but a stand-alone, single-room High Efficiency Particulate Accumulator (HEPA) air cleaner can help filter out airborne particles like smoke, dust mite allergens, and pet allergens. Electronic air cleaners (also called electrostatic precipitators) are quite efficient, but they release a small amount of ozone while they’re running. In general, air cleaners do not remove irritating gases, such as radon, carbon monoxide, or formaldehyde. However, if they contain activated carbon or a similar material they can remove some types of gases.
• Increase ventilation.
If you have forced air heating and cooling systems, leave the fan switched to on at all times. This will continually circulate the air in your home through the air filters, removing airborne particulates. Make sure that you change your filters monthly.
Proper ventilation in certain areas of the home is essential for improving your indoor air quality. An everyday task like cooking can produce odors, water vapor, and other potential irritants like grease and smoke. Avoid using standard window fans for ventilation, because they allow pollen and outdoor mold spores to enter the house. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove moisture and indoor pollutants.
• Keep the house clean.
Since many irritants can be trapped in dust, try to keep your house dust-free. Once a week, use a damp cloth to wipe all flat surfaces. Be careful with the cleaning agents you use. Some scented or aerosol sprays and other cleaners can be irritants for people with asthma and allergies. To be on the safe side, use trigger sprays and a face mask, and increase ventilation while cleaning to minimize your exposure to irritating chemicals. While many allergens and irritants are suspended in household air, there are far more resting on surfaces like rugs, furniture and countertops. Keeping these areas clean is an important step in controlling your allergy and asthma triggers.
• Don’t forget pets. Proteins in a pet’s dander, saliva and urine cause pet allergies. Grooming by cats cause the saliva on fur to become airborne, which in turn triggers the allergic reaction. Allergy sufferers should not have pets, but of course many do. We can help by introducing regular cleaning and treatment of their home furnishings.
Dogs, cats and many other animals secrete fluids and shed dander (dead skin) that contains allergens. The allergens stick to the animal’s fur or feathers as well as carpet, furniture, bedding, clothing, and many other surfaces. Animal hair or fur is not an allergen itself, but can collect dander and harbor other allergens such as dust or pollen.
Animal allergens can be found everywhere including schools. Pet dander is even present in homes without pets because the dander is carried around on people’s clothing. The allergens get in the air with petting, grooming, or stirring of the air where the allergens have settled. Once airborne, the particles can stay suspended in the air for long periods of time.
The best treatment for allergies to animals is to avoid contact altogether, which may make it impossible for you to have pets with fur or feathers at home. If this is unacceptable, make sure you have a treatment plan for your asthma/allergies, keep pets out of the bedroom, keep the animals clean and follow the tips on this page.
Are you allergic to your pet? Visit the Humane Society’s Web Site to learn how to live with your pet in harmony, even in you’re allergic to them.
Download your guide to your allergies and your pet here.
If you are ready for a healthy home, call 585-924-8440, you can count on the professionals at Clean Your Carpets to make your home a healthy one.
http://www.rochesterscarpetcleaner.com
http://www.cleanyourcarpets.com

No doubt it can affect how you live your every day life. These is so much misleading information out there on dust mites, dirt, fungus, allergies, mold, pets, carpet and how to control or treat allergies. So we dedicated this page:

• to helping you understand why indoor air quality is so important to your health.
• to offer tips on how to improve your indoor air quality and reduce indoor allergens to remove the source of your symptoms.
• to educate you on the professional services we offer to keep your home clean, healthy, comfortable and happy.

When we think of air pollution, we usually associate it with outdoor air. But with the growing concerns of allergies and asthma more attention has been give to indoor air. In fact, in 1990 the United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA ranked indoor air pollution as “a high priority public health risk.” Indoor air quality in the home plays a major role in your respiratory health, particularly if you suffer from asthma or allergies. Research by the American Lung Association and the Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the inside of most American homes contains two to five times more pollutants than outside air. What is the cause of this?

During the 1960’s and 1970’s much of our nation’s focus was on the pollution of our outdoor environment. Concern for fuel economy in the early 1970’s led to changes in construction techniques and building design to prevent the loss of temperature-controlled air from buildings. Airtight structures keep air inside, but they also prevent the flow of fresh air from outside. The Indoor Air Quality Association says studies have shown we spend 90 percent of our lives inside a closed structure. Many people with allergies stay indoors when outdoor air is full of pollen and spores. But dust mites, animal dander and even cockroaches can cause problems indoors. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Eight out of 10 people in the United States are exposed to house dust mites, and six out of 10 are exposed to cat or dog dander. Cockroaches cause allergic reactions among people who live in the inner cities or southern parts of the United States.

There is a growing amount of scientific data that reveals better environmental hygiene improves health. The Environmental Protection Agency has consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health, and according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology “50 percent of all illnesses are caused by or aggravated by polluted indoor air.” If you are ready for a healthy home, call 585-924-8440, you can count on the professionals at Clean Your Carpets to make your home a healthy one.

So you may wonder “How can I improve my indoor air quality and reduce indoor allergens?”

Here are some tips to help keep your “home sweet home” a healthy one for you and your family.

• Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum.
  This cannot be stressed enough. You should vacuum at least twice a week, more often if you have pets. Vacuuming helps rid your carpet of dust, dust mite feces, animal hair and dander, human hair and dead skin, mold spores, dead bugs, abrasive sand and soil that shortens a carpets life. Make sure that you use a vacuum cleaner that has a high efficiency HEPA filtering system.
  Dust mites love their home and no big, bad, ugly vacuum cleaner is going to stop them from clinging to carpets. Sad to say, vacuuming doesn’t remove mites. It does, however, help remove their dead bodies (which can’t cling) and fecal pellets as well as some dust-mite foods such as skin flakes, hair, pet dander, etc. Selecting the proper vacuum is of utmost importance. Look for models with tight connections to prevent allergens from blowing out and built-in HEPA filters, which are designed to absorb and contain up to 99.97 percent of airborne contaminants as small as 0.3 micron. HEPA vacuum cleaners are more expensive, but inexpensive vacuums often have porous bags and loose connections, allowing allergens to escape. If possible the best bet is to install a central vacuum system with the collection bag and motor in the garage. A vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency filtration bag removes soils and bio-contaminants from carpet and upholstery reducing the release of repairable particles into the air. These bags are now available for most models of vacuum cleaners at retail stores that carry vacuum cleaners and accessories. If you need suggestions for choosing a new vacuum or yours needs repaired call

• Don’t sweep your hard surface flooring.
  Sweeping redistributes allergens to the air and leaves them airborne. Vacuuming your floors, followed by a damp mop, will help keep the air your family breathes cleaner.

• Adopt a no shoes policy in your home.
  Many cultures around the world do this to prevent outside grime and pollutants from entering their tidy homes via the bottom of someone’s shoe. Taking your shoes off may help reduce the number of allergens entering the home. Your carpet will not wear out as soon and it will stay cleaner longer.

• Clean your air ducts.
  The air conditioning and heating system in your home collects and circulates contaminants throughout your home contributing to indoor allergies.  Reducing the amount of the allergens circulating through your ventilation system can help to improve the Indoor Air Quality of your home. Air duct cleaning even makes sense to extend the life and maximize efficiency of your HVAC system. A build up of 0.42 inches of dirt on a heating or cooling coil can result in a decrease in efficiency of 21%. In addition 9 out of 10 heating, ventilating, air conditioning systems failures are caused by dust and dirt. Read Angie’s List Article on “Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It? Watch Angie’s List consumer awareness video on tips to find the air duct cleaning. Make sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outdoors. This will prevent odors and high humidity indoors that can cause allergic reactions.

• Avoid smoke and combustion products.
  Smoke is a major asthma trigger so do not allow smoking in your home or car. Avoid burning candles as they release smoke, soot, and small amounts of chemicals into the air. If you do burn candles make sure the wicks are short. Burning a long wick can result in a larger flame and produce more soot. Avoid using scented or slow burning candles because they may contain additional additives. Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces also can be a source of smoke that trigger asthma or allergy symptoms. Avoid using a wood-burning stove or fireplace. Make sure it is airtight if you do use one. If you must use a wood burning stove or fireplace, use dried or cured wood instead of pressure-treated wood because fewer fumes are given off. The optimal heating system for someone with allergies or asthma would limit exposure to the by-products of burning wood or fossil fuels. Heat pumps, electric baseboard heaters, geothermal heating, or sealed combustion heating are good examples. Do not allow smoking in the house. Other fuel-burning appliances, like gas ranges, oil furnaces, water heaters, and space heaters, release combustion by-products that can pollute indoor air significantly and trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Have these appliances inspected and maintained regularly to identify leaks or damage. Back drafting (downward air flow in a chimney) can allow soot or smoke to enter the living space. Ask a chimney specialist to check the air pressure inside and outside the chimney to prevent back drafting. It’s a good idea to have your chimney or flue cleaned and inspected regularly.

• Avoid using perfumes or scented cleaning sprays. Use trigger sprays instead of aerosols.

• Should I rip the carpet out or clean it? The TRUTH!
  A carpet and allergies are like best friends. Your carpet soaks up anything that touches it and won’t release it until it is thoroughly washed. You wouldn’t wear a T-shirt for a year without washing it, and carpet is fibrous material just like your clothes, it needs regular cleaning. The link between your carpet and allergies is indisputable. But it is made better or worse depending on how old the carpet is, how thick it is, its quality and of course how often you clean it and with what method of cleaning. Carpet is the largest filter in a home. Carpet filters soils, gases, dust, spills and other pollutants. Most soils encountered are of microscopic size and are invisible to the naked eye. The smaller the particle size the easier it becomes airborne. Particles of one micron size can stay airborne for more than eight hours. These particles are repairable and can trigger allergic reactions. Carpet acts as a trap for airborne particles grounded through natural gravity until they can be safely removed during vacuuming.

  It is rare for a person to be allergic to carpet as carpet is usually made from the same sort of fabric types as your clothing. Of course if you know that you get a horrible rash from that wool sweater you got from Aunt Barb last Christmas; make sure you talk to your carpeting specialist to avoid inadvertently buying a wool or wool-blend carpet. There are individuals who are allergic to certain types of carpet or the fumes that are released from new carpet but they are a small percentage. The majority of people will have no trouble with the carpet in their home as long as it is well maintained. The EPA and carpet industry findings indicate that with proper ventilation of new carpet, carpet itself does not contribute negatively to indoor air quality.

Many people think that carpets and allergies are a bad combination. Even some allergists will encourage their patients to remove carpeting in favor of hardwood or tile floors. However, carpets can actually help to reduce the allergens in your home by trapping them, as long as they are properly cleaned on a regular schedule. Health professionals sometimes recommend that allergy and asthma patients remove carpet from their homes. But those recommendations are generally based on faulty assumptions. In fact, clean, dry, well-maintained carpet actually improves air quality.
In 1975 Sweden claimed that textile floor coverings were causing allergic reactions and subsequently carpet’s share of the floor covering market shrank from 40 percent to 2 percent in less than 20 years. Interestingly, a study done in Sweden found that while carpet had steadily decreased, the occurrences of allergic reactions had increased just as steadily. The Swedish people realized their error and carpet is once again a popular floor covering. In fact, in Sweden where health hysteria led to a 77% reduction in carpet use between 1975 and 1990, there was an increase of more than 300% in allergic disease over the same period.
Still want more? Read these articles and study results from the Carpet & Rug Institute on the relationship between carpet and allergy symptoms.

Professional Testing Labs studied the distribution of airborne dust associated with normal activities on hard and soft flooring surfaces. Their findings showed that walking on hard surfaces disturbed more particles because with each footstep the allergens become airborne and enter the breathing zone. In contrast, carpeted surfaces trapped more particles so that walking disturbed fewer particles. The result is less dust in the breathing zone over carpeted floors.

According to Michael A. Berry, Ph.d., former Deputy Director for the EPA Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office, the single leading cause of poor indoor air quality in built environments today is poor maintenance. Carpet and upholstery must be cleaned to remove trapped contaminants before they overflow and are released back into the indoor air. For a healthier indoor environment, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) recommends: Have your carpet cleaned professionally at least once a year by a certified firm to ensure the use of proper extraction procedures, to make certain that the carpet is not over wet and that the soil is not just redistributed, but removed. Learn more about the hot water extraction carpet cleaning method we use and learn why Clean Your Carpets is the best choice to keep your home clean and healthy.

• Use the proper cleaning method – Hot Water Extraction / Steam Cleaning
  Some people believe that if the carpet is steam cleaned or the hot water extraction method is used mold and mildew will grow in the carpet therefore causing allergies. This is not true. Carpet manufactures require the hot water extraction cleaning method to maintain warranties because it is the best system… IF it is done properly. Many cleaning companies have a reputation of leaving the carpet saturated. Clean Your Carpets cleaning technique is different than many companies. By using powerful equipment, keeping the filters clean, using a through cleaning technique, performing dry vacuum strokes and using fans allows the carpet Clean Your Carpets cleans to dry quickly. Learn more about the hot water extraction carpet cleaning method we use and learn why Clean Your Carpets is the best choice to keep your home clean and healthy.

• Clean for health.
  Carpet and upholstery fabric hide soil. Don’t just clean for appearance when the accumulation of soil becomes visible. Clean your carpet and all fabric surfaces in your home including mattresses, rugs and upholstered furniture. Our powerful steam cleaning process uses hot water that effectively kills and remove dust mites and other allergens. Follow the above simple tips, and not only will you have a healthier home, but your carpeting will last longer also.
  Enjoy significantly reduced allergen levels with Clean Your Carpets many solutions to provide you with relief from allergies. Thorough cleaning removes soil and pollutants to improve indoor air quality. Our expert technicians use the hot water extraction method also known as steam cleaning, the preferred carpet cleaning method recommended by carpet manufactures to remove pollutants and allergens for carpet and upholstery. All of our cleaning products are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, dye and perfume free, contain no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), phosphates or other hazardous materials and are biodegradable and environmentally safe. They are safe and effective for you, your children, your pets and the environment. If you are ready for a healthy home, call 585-924-8440, you can count on the professionals at Clean Your Carpets to make your home a healthy one with these cleaning services Carpet Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Ceramic Tile & Grout Cleaning Water Damage Restoration Oriental and Area Rug Cleaning Auto, Boat & RV Cleaning Pet Stains & Odor Removal Commercial Cleaning

• Control temperature and humidity.
  Maintain a comfortable temperature and relative humidity of 35% – 50 % If you can cut down on the amount of humidity, you can decrease mold growth and dust mite population. Hygrometers can be used to measure humidity accurately. Air-conditioning often helps because it allows you to keep the windows closed on high-pollen days and keeps mold growth and dust mites to a minimum. A centralized heating and cooling system helps to maintain the same temperature and control humidity throughout the house. As a second choice, a single-room, window air-conditioning unit can provide adequate cooling, this is particularly important in the bedroom. Be sure to clean the filters regularly.
  Use a dehumidifier to keep the level of moisture in the house to a relative humidity of 35-50%. Keeping the house cool and dry helps reduce mold, dust mites, and cockroaches. However, this may be a difficult task depending on where you live. According to Dr. Elaine Gonsior, Director of the Allergy Clinic at Kansas State University, it is very difficult to get humidity levels below 50% in many areas of the United States, even with air conditioning and dehumidifying. “Levels as low as 35% can only be achieved in standard homes in cold, dry climates unless the insulation and ventilation are hi-tech, and that is beyond the reach of the average homeowner,” Gonsior says. A basement can also be a source of high moisture which can result in mold. Visit our water damage restoration page to learn how to keep your home dry, clean and healthy.

• Improve air filtration.
  Be sure to regularly clean or replace your furnace’s air filter. Consider using high-efficiency HEPA air filters. Although the EPA recommends air filtration, controlling the sources of allergy-causing pollution and ventilation are more important. Air filters are worth considering, but not as a solution to your asthma or allergy problems by themselves. In fact, research studies disagree on whether or not filters give much added relief in a clean and well-ventilated home. To improve your existing forced air heating/cooling system, consider installing an electrostatic filter. These filters, which work 3-4 times better than a standard foam filter, can be easily installed on your system to minimize small airborne particles that are potential allergens. An alternative to the electrostatic filter is the extended-surface air filter. This accordion-like filter, which is usually 2 to 6 inches thick, requires installation by a professional heating/cooling contractor. The extended-surface filter can last up to 2 years and can capture more airborne allergens than an electrostatic filter.
  After taking these steps to remove obvious sources of indoor air pollution, consider purchasing an air cleaner to eliminate any airborne particles that remain. Air cleaners range in size, type, and efficiency. You can choose from an inexpensive, stand-alone, tabletop unit to more involved and expensive whole-house systems. The standard measure to rate the efficiency of an air cleaner is the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), measured in cubic feet per minute. A higher CADR indicates greater ability for the air cleaner to return clean air to the room. Some models are designed with a higher CADR for one type of particle than another. Desktop models are generally too small to be effective, but a stand-alone, single-room High Efficiency Particulate Accumulator (HEPA) air cleaner can help filter out airborne particles like smoke, dust mite allergens, and pet allergens. Electronic air cleaners (also called electrostatic precipitators) are quite efficient, but they release a small amount of ozone while they’re running. In general, air cleaners do not remove irritating gases, such as radon, carbon monoxide, or formaldehyde. However, if they contain activated carbon or a similar material they can remove some types of gases.

• Increase ventilation.
  If you have forced air heating and cooling systems, leave the fan switched to on at all times. This will continually circulate the air in your home through the air filters, removing airborne particulates. Make sure that you change your filters monthly.
  Proper ventilation in certain areas of the home is essential for improving your indoor air quality. An everyday task like cooking can produce odors, water vapor, and other potential irritants like grease and smoke. Avoid using standard window fans for ventilation, because they allow pollen and outdoor mold spores to enter the house. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove moisture and indoor pollutants.

• Keep the house clean.
  Since many irritants can be trapped in dust, try to keep your house dust-free. Once a week, use a damp cloth to wipe all flat surfaces. Be careful with the cleaning agents you use. Some scented or aerosol sprays and other cleaners can be irritants for people with asthma and allergies. To be on the safe side, use trigger sprays and a face mask, and increase ventilation while cleaning to minimize your exposure to irritating chemicals. While many allergens and irritants are suspended in household air, there are far more resting on surfaces like rugs, furniture and countertops. Keeping these areas clean is an important step in controlling your allergy and asthma triggers.

• Don’t forget pets. Proteins in a pet’s dander, saliva and urine cause pet allergies. Grooming by cats cause the saliva on fur to become airborne, which in turn triggers the allergic reaction. Allergy sufferers should not have pets, but of course many do. We can help by introducing regular cleaning and treatment of their home furnishings.
  Dogs, cats and many other animals secrete fluids and shed dander (dead skin) that contains allergens. The allergens stick to the animal’s fur or feathers as well as carpet, furniture, bedding, clothing, and many other surfaces. Animal hair or fur is not an allergen itself, but can collect dander and harbor other allergens such as dust or pollen.
  Animal allergens can be found everywhere including schools. Pet dander is even present in homes without pets because the dander is carried around on people’s clothing. The allergens get in the air with petting, grooming, or stirring of the air where the allergens have settled. Once airborne, the particles can stay suspended in the air for long periods of time.
  The best treatment for allergies to animals is to avoid contact altogether, which may make it impossible for you to have pets with fur or feathers at home. If this is unacceptable, make sure you have a treatment plan for your asthma/allergies, keep pets out of the bedroom, keep the animals clean and follow the tips on this page.
  Are you allergic to your pet? Visit the Humane Society’s Web Site to learn how to live with your pet in harmony, even in you’re allergic to them.
  Download your guide to your allergies and your pet here.

If you are ready for a healthy home, call 585-924-8440, you can count on the professionals at Clean Your Carpets to make your home a healthy one.

http://www.rochesterscarpetcleaner.com

http://www.cleanyourcarpets.com

“Jonathan just left and the carpet looks wonderful. We built our home 10 years ago and for the first 5 years, I tried to clean my own carpets, using one of the standard carpet cleaners found on the market. It helped somewhat, but it took hours for the carpet to dry, and it didn’t really clean the traffic areas. Then one day, I had a really bad spill, and even my cleaner didn’t wipe away the stain. I knew it was time for the professionals. I called and listened to your recorded message, [585-924-0732] and decided to give your company a try. What impressed me most about you [Tim] and Jon was your honesty, professionalism, the quality of your work, and your guarantee that if I wasn’t happy with the results, you would do what yo u could to make it right. My carpet is off-white, and at 10 years old, it should have been replaced by now. Because I have learned to take care of it properly, with semi-annual cleanings, frequent vacuuming, and proper spot cleaning in between, it looks good as it did 10 years ago. Thanks for enlightening me with your expertise on how to take care of my carpet which is, today, an investment, given the price to install new [carpet.] I look forward to many more years with my carpet.” – Judy Miller, Canandaigua, NY

Give us a call today if you are in the greater Rochester Area to get your carpets, furniture, oriental rugs, tile & grout, mattresses cleaned today. 585-924-8440

http://ping.fm/SGhD9