So you have recently discovered that there is a bed bug infestation within your mattress. Your first impulse is to throw out your bed. Bed bugs are not contained to just the bed, they can be virtually anywhere. Though many will stick around the mattress to stay close to their food supply, disposing of your bed will not cure the problem. Treating your mattress will help begin the process of exterminating the bed bugs. Considering the complexity of bed bugs, we at Steam Green Carpet Cleaning would like to share how to treat your mattress following a professional bed bug extermination to ensure any survivors are quashed.
 

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Mattresses

Do NOT use any chemical pesticides or insecticides. These potent and powerful chemicals are not designed for humans to be in close proximity or contact; making it fairly harmful to your health. Some of these chemicals contain carcinogenics, which can cause cancer. The risk of developing some form of cancer becomes more likely with increased time you are exposed to carcinogenics. Even if you take a shower in the morning, the contact with these chemicals during the several hours you sleep at night can be extremely dangerous. In addition, the fumes are just as harmful and using these chemicals on mattresses is strongly advised against. There are a number of methods that you can use to treat your mattress for bed bugs without using chemical agents. Heat treatments are ideal as they are effective for removal and do not cause any harmful repercussions to the one sleeping in the bed.
 

How to Clean Mattress After Heat Treatments to Kill Bed Bugs

Vacuuming the mattress and box spring is an ideal solution. A regular house vacuum will do, but if you have dry/wet vacuum, the extra suction they provide is more thorough. With the help of all the attachments and vacuum’s hose, you can remove the bed bugs, eggs, and all evidence of their existence; their fecal matter and shed skin. Start vacuuming the seams and piping, ensuring methodically, steady paced technique to vacuum the mattress in its entirety. Move on to the surface, the sides, tops, and bottom. Use grid-like patterns and overlap the rows as you sweep over vacuum multiple times. Bed bugs are small, the size of an apple seed, and the eggs even smaller. Diligently inspect the mattress and box spring at the conclusion of your vacuuming to ensure you did not miss anything. Following the vacuuming procedure, do not make the rookie mistake and wind up the cord and store your vacuum. Take the container or bag to the outside trash, or better yet the dumpster down the street. Bed bugs do not all die being sucked up and to avoid recontamination you will need to dispose of the contents of the vacuum as far from the home as possible. When you return, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Remember, bed bugs can be anywhere in your home, only treating your mattress does not solve the problem. It is the ideal step after you have had a professional exterminate the infestation.
 

Carpet Cleaning Services in Valley Village, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Simi Valley, Burbank, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks & Los Angeles California

If you want to have your mattress cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized following a bed bug treatment or any other time, contact Steam Green Carpet Cleaning and let our experts perform a comprehensive mattress cleaning.

When you walk in to your home and see that someone has dropped a piece of chewed up gum on the carpet you might start to panic. The gum is a sticky mess that easily will stick to the carpet fibers and could even stretch out further. If you have ever had gum on the bottom on your shoe and seen the strings that start to stretch out you know that it can become a mess fast. Gum is one type of spot that when it is stuck to the carpet needs to be addressed right away. It also requires a very specific technique to ensure that it is removed and not made worse. If you allow gum to sit on the carpet for too long it can start to harden and that can be just as hard to remove as a fresh piece of gum.
 

Steam Green Carpet Cleaning Explains Two Ways to Treat A Gum Spot On Your Carpet

Use Ice to Remove Chewing Gum from Carpet: The two techniques that you are going to learn more about to remove gum only use items that are found in every home. The first thing that you can use is a bag full of ice. You want to use a good amount in a bag that seals shut so if the ice melts the water will not stain the carpet. The gum is often a sticky mess and the more you try and grab it the worse it might become. The ice should be placed in a bag and then laid over top of the gum spot. Allow the ice to freeze the gum for about a half an hour before you start to pick it up. Once the gum is frozen you want to use a credit card or other hard object that can be used to pick away. You will most likely need to reapply the ice on the spot several times to get all the gum off. The last step you need to take is to treat the area with soap and warm water.
Use A Heat Source to Remove Gum from Carpet: If the gum has been stuck to the carpet for some time and has dried out you may need to use a different method. You may need to do the opposite of freezing it to get the gum off the carpet. You will need to use a paper sack like a lunch sack and a blow dryer. Lay the sack on the gum spot and then use the heat from the blow dryer to heat up the area. Be sure that you take time and do not over heat. If you do you are at risk of overheating it and burning the carpet. Then use the paper sack to dab away at the gum which will start to pull the gum from the carpet. You will need to continue to heat and dab to get as much of the gum off as possible.
 

Carpet Cleaning Services in Valley Village, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Simi Valley, Burbank, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks & Los Angeles California

Steam Green Carpet Cleaning offers carpet cleaning, gum and stain removal.

Whether you are a hardwood floor veteran, or new to the new experience, understanding the basics and care is essential to protect the overall condition, aesthetics, and longevity of your investment. We at Steam Green Carpet Cleaning would like to get down to business and review the basics with the veterans and to stress the basics with the beginners of solid hardwood flooring.
 

Types of Hardwood Floors

Being manufactured thicker and more durable, solid hardwood floor is a common choice among homeowners with the varying hardwood floor options. Solid hardwood floors can be unfinished or factory finished if you are looking for new installation. If you are looking to minimize the installation work, opt for the pre-finished option as it comes pre-sanded and finished. The unfinished wood, on the other hand, requires for all the sanding and finishing to be performed at installation; a more optimal option for those who prefer a custom design. However, if you opt for this, the process for hardwood floor installation can be long, there is a specific process and walking on the hardwood floor is not allowed until installation is complete, including the sanding and finishing. More costly than the other alternatives, solid hardwood flooring is still optimal having the durability and longevity it offers, it is well worth the cost.
 

Tips to Prevent Hardwood Floor Problems

1) Using clean, dry microfiber cloths, immediately clean up spills. Any liquid residues left on the surface can seep into the gaps and cause water damage or warping issues.
2) Avoid wearing high heel shoes and spike shoes on the hardwood flooring.
3) If stains or spots blemish the hardwood floor, use plain water and immediately dry up the any remaining moisture, resist using water or cleaners to wash the floors regularly.
4) When performing maintenance, only use cleaning aids and treatments that are specifically formulated for your type of hardwood floor and finish.
5) Scouring pads, steel wool pads, or anything containing metal along with any other abrasive cleaning implement should be avoided.
6) Do note, that engineered wood and laminated wood both differ from the solid hardwood floors and require similar maintenance but have specific needs.
7) Your pet can inflict blemished and damage to the floor if their nails are long and with tracking in dirt and mud. To minimize the possibility of scratches, keep your pet’s nails trimmed and their paws cleaned.
8) Humidity levels should be kept between 35% and 55%; use humidifiers to maintain the humidity balance. Humidity can affect shrinkage.
 

Regular Hardwood Floor Maintenance Tips

– Sweeping with a soft bristled broom, using a dust mop, or a vacuum that features a “bare floor” or “hardwood floor” setting are all adequate methods to clearing off the dirt and debris. Dust and dirt granules can scuff the floors as you walk. Friction is created with dirt on the floors, in conjunction with everyday walking causing early deterioration to the finish also scratches and scuffs in the wood.
– When the sun shines directly on the wood, it dries it out and fades the color. During peak hours, ensure the windows are covered with UV film, blinds, or curtain direct sunlight to avoid the hardwood flooring.
– Hardwood floor requires more protection from potential particulates that can contribute to blemishes or damage. For entry points and high foot traffic, utilize area rugs and runners for ideal protection.
 

Hardwood Floor Installation, Refinishing, Cleaning & More in Valley Village, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Simi Valley, Burbank, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks & Los Angeles California.

For professional maintenance on your hardwood floors, contact Steam Green Carpet Cleaning today and let our specialists revitalize your hardwood floors.

Cleaning an Oriental area rug may be a bit overwhelming, especially if you have never had to clean one before. It is important to clean an Oriental rug properly or you risk damaging it. Before you start, Steam Green Carpet Cleaning would like to share a few tips and even guide you through the proper methods of cleaning an Oriental area rug.
 

Know Material of Oriental Rug; Silk, Wool, Cotton and/or Rayon
Before you begin cleaning your Oriental rug know what material it is made of first. Your rug can be made with silk, wool, mercerized cotton, or synthetic rayon. Most Oriental rugs will have the tag showing what materials or even the blend of materials that were used to make your rug. Also, before you begin cleaning your Oriental rug consider the rug’s age, current condition, damage that may have occurred, or if it was hand-dyed. In older rugs, it always pays to have a professional work their magic. So if you have never cleaned an Oriental rug and yours is in delicate condition, you may want to seek out the aid of a professional.
 

Method 1. Cleaning the Oriental Rug Inside Your Home

Start by thoroughly vacuuming your rug on both sides; the top and the bottom. Start with the bottom side and then flip it over. Smaller rugs can even be taken outside to shake it out. With cold water in the carpet cleaning machine, use the hand held attachment and spray the water in small sections at a time. Rinse and then extract the water. Read the label on the rug and see if cleaning agents can be used. If not, continue using cold water to loosen and extract the dirt inside the rug. If a cleaning agent can be used, rinse the rug first, and then go over the rug again with the proper cleaning agent for the materials used to make your Oriental rug. Lay the rug flat and allow it to dry. You can use fans to help speed up the process.
 

Method 2. Cleaning the Oriental Rug Outside Your Home

Start by vacuuming both sides of the rug. Again start with the back side then flip it over to vacuum the top. If small enough take it outside to shake out any dirt. If you have an area such as patio large enough to clean your rug outside, first prep the area before washing. Make sure you sweep off any dirt with a garden hose. Make the cleaning area free of dirt and debris. Afterward, lay your rug down. Use cold water from the garden hose to spray the rug down but don’t over soak it. Make a cleaning solution of 3 tablespoons of liquid dish soap in a gallon of water or use a commercial detergent that was recommended on the rug’s label if provided. Make sure the cleaning solution won’t discolor the rug. Test a small corner of the rug first and make sure it doesn’t become discolored. If safe proceed. Use a soft bristled brush to apply the cleaning solution and then rinse it off with the hose. Use a squeegee to remove as much water as possible and then allow the rug to dry. Make sure, as the rug dries, that it is flat. After it is completely dry vacuum the rug and put it back in its place.
 

Antique Oriental, Persian & Modern Synthetic Rug Cleaning Services & More in Valley Village, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Simi Valley, Burbank, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks & Los Angeles California.

Remember when cleaning your Oriental rug, never use harsh chemicals and be gentle in when you clean it. Even on the toughest stains, clean them gently. If you find your Oriental rug need a professional’s touch, you can contact Steam Green Carpet Cleaning. We will properly and carefully clean your Oriental rug.