Sisal Rugs - The Do's and Don'ts

Sisal rugs are woven from natural plant fibers. They are strong, durable and due to their unique advantages, can be a lasting addition to a living room, bedroom, office or hallway. However, moisture and humidity can be very hard on sisal rugs. If a lage amount of liquid is introduced to the rug, the rug may actually shrink and distort. Also, the penetrating liquid can result in a large stain. For this reason, a sisal rug should be used in a dry place which is unlikely to be subject to spills.

It is also important to keep this in mind when you clean a sisal rug. Be very careful with the amount of moisture used. If liquid is spilled onto a sisal rug, it needs to be removed immediately. To remove the liquid from a sisal rug, blot the rug with a dry cloth and keep blotting with dry parts until there is no more transfer of liquid to the cloth. Also, make sure not to rub the spill because this can drive the liquid into the fiber. If possible, you may find it helpful to lift the rug up and blot from the underside as well. If a staining liquid such as juice is spilled, clean a sisal rug with one-half white vinegar and one-half water solution. Dip a cloth in the solution, blot the rug and then blot with a dry cloth. You may need to repeat this, but remember to use a small amount of solution to clean a sisal rug so that the rug does not absorb the liquid.

For dry materials, you can scrape it off with a blunt edge, such as a wooden knife. Finally, the sisal rug should be vacuumed regularly to take up accumulated dirt. If you vacuum a sisal on a frequent basis, you will also prolong the life of the rug, since embedded dirt tends to damage its fibers.

Removing furniture dents in carpet

Rearranging a room but worried about furniture dents in the carpets.

Here are a few things you can try. Fill a spray bottle with water and sprits it over the dents. Then use a blow-dryer, on a hot setting, to blow air over the moistened areas. (The heat helps wool and nylon carpet rebound.) Then, fluff up the fibers with your fingers or spoon. Another option is to steam away dents: Place a clean, damp cloth over them and hold an iron, on medium heat, several inches above the cloth for about 30 to 60 seconds. Don't let the iron touch the carpet -- it could burn! Brush up fibers with a coin or a spoon.

Upholstery Spills, Don't Panic

When there is a spill on your upholstery, DON'T PANIC. However, act promptly before it spreads or dries.

For Liquid Spills

Blot lightly with a dry towel to start. Increase pressure and use a fresh towel until no more liquid is absorbed. DO NOT RUB! If residue remains, see the stain removal guide on our website, http://www.graysoncleans.com/

For solid or semi-solid spills (such as foods)

Gently lift the substance from the upholstery with a spoon or dull knife, scraping carefully toward the center of the spill. Treat any wet residue as a liquid spill.

For dry spill (such as ashes or dry cosmetics)

Adding any liquid to a normally dry substance, such as ashes, may cause a permanent stain. Vacuum, then beat the area with a ruler or similar implement and vacuum again. Then, using the adhesive side of masking tape, remove any residue.

After trying these tips, if the stains presist, contact us, http://www.graysoncleans.com/

Taking care of your carpets & rugs

Over time your carpets and rugs appearance deteriorates and becomes less attractive. This is due to abrasive soils becoming imbedded in your carpet or rug, which can cause damage to the fibers and reduces the carpet or rugs life. Therefore, establish a regular maintenance schedule that includes professional cleaning.

Commandments of Carpet Care
• Vacuum frequently and thoroughly. Most of carpet wear is caused by dirt. Oily soils attract more oily soil and frequent vacuuming will reduce soil buildup. Vacuum high-traffic areas daily, less-traveled spots at least twice a week
• Institute a no-dirt policy. A no-shoes rule is always effective, but you should definitely make sure there are doormats at each entrance to your home. Clean the mats regularly so they don't become sources of soil themselves.
• If furniture rests on the carpet, be sure it gets moved occasionally and that you use coasters under the furniture's legs.
• Get at stains quickly; the longer a stain chemically reacts with the carpet the harder it will be to remove it. Common stains usually don’t require any liquid cleaners stronger than water. Use as little water as possible and blot them clean instead of rubbing or brushing.
• Bring professional cleaners in regularly. The commercial grade equipment we use gets the deeply imbedded dirt out and will make your carpet last longer. It is a good practice to have
them cleaned every six months if you have
children, and every 12 to 18 months if you don't.

Using "Off The Shelf" Carpet Spot Cleaners

Using “off the shelf cleaners” which you can buy from grocery stores, big box stores and anywhere the consumer can shop can work well but you need to be careful. The potential trouble is the consumer mindset “if a little works good then a lot should really work well”. If too much cleaner is applied on the spot, its removal from the carpet is very difficult. The result is a residue left behind that could set the stain and that will attract dirt more readily making the spot come back (look dirty) faster. It is always best to go slow, use a little at a time and blot up whatever you put down with a clean white towel. Removal of the cleaner after application is extremely important.