Interesting Article about Sniffing out Bedbugs

Bedbugs are becoming quite a problem here in the lower mainland.  Here at SmithWerks Carpet Cleaning in North Vancouver, we receive at least one call a month from a frantic home-owner concerned that bed bugs have moved in.  Thanks to my friend Tammy Preast of Love on a Leash for passing this great article on to me about pooches being trained to sniff out bed bugs!

http://www2.tbo.com/lifestyles/life/2011/may/29/BANEWSO7-dogs-wont-let-the-bedbugs-bite-ar-233202/

Remember, when it comes time to have your carpets professionally cleaned, call SmithWerks Carpet Cleaning West Vancouver.

How to Remove Gum from Carpet

There are a few effective ways to remove gum from carpet.  I thought I would share with you a couple of videos demonstrating methods for safely and effectively removing this tasty treat from your carpet.

The solvent method

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX-SeBja2ik


The ice cube method

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob08MyoPi2E

Remember, when it comes time to have your carpets professionally cleaned, call SmithWerks North Vancouver Carpet Cleaning .

How to get dried latex paint out of carpet

Well, this has happened to all of us at one time or another no matter how careful you are. Seems that if paint and carpet are within 50 ft of each other they're gonna bond!  I fond this on line recently.  Sorry, I don't seem to have the reference.

Follow these simple instructions and save yourself some grief.

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Paint scraper
• Acrylic paint remover
• Glycerin
• White cloth
• Mild hand dishwashing liquid
• Sponge
• Vinegar
• Water
• Towels

1. • 1
     Remove latex paint with a paint scraper. Gently move the paint scraper in an up-and-down motion to avoid damaging carpet fibers.
   • 2
     Apply a small amount of acrylic paint remover to a white cloth. Apply the paint remover to the outer edge of the paint stain. Use a paint scraper to remove paint as it softens. Repeat this process until all traces of latex paint are gone.
   • 3
     Apply glycerin to remove any remaining paint. Pour glycerin onto a white cloth. Massage the glycerin into the latex paint stain. Allow the glycerin to penetrate the stain for four hours or more.
   • 4
     Apply a mild formula of liquid dishwashing detergent to a sponge. Pat the area with the sponge. Blot the area until most of the solution is absorbed.
   • 5
     Mix one part vinegar to ten parts water. Dip a sponge into the mixture. Blot the area until the mixture is absorbed.
   • 6
     Dip a sponge into cold water and blot the area. Use dry towels to soak up excess water. Blot the area repeatedly until the area is dry.

If you run into trouble remember call SmithWerks Carpet Vancouver Carpet Cleaning.

May Contest Announcement!!

Hey everyone! Earn your karma cred!  This month's contest is a little different....visit SmithWerks' Facebook page and post telling us why someone you know deserves to be this month's contest winner.  It could be someone who's been great to you (like Mom) or someone who you think could use a carpet cleaning to brighten their day.

At the end of the month, we'll choose the best entry and that person will win a carpet cleaning package worth $180!

Here's your chance to earn some serious Karma points for that all important next life.....afterall, you don't want to come back as a worm (apologies to worms everywhere)! Click on the link and enter today!

Remember, when it comes time to have your carpets or upholstery cleaned, call SmithWerks Carpet Cleaning in West Vancouver and North Vancouver.

Reno Coach Keeps Projects in the Ball Park

My friend Dodi Thorhaug, a prominent realtor here on the North Shore was kind enough to share this very interesting article with me today.  I thought I'd share it with the citizens of SmithWerks Nation as I come across homeowners all the time acting as general contractor and managing sub-trades. Thanks Dodi!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/renovations/planning/reno-coach-keeps-projects-in-the-ballpark/article1924599/

And remember, when it comes time to have your carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned, call SmithWerks Carpet Cleaning West Vancouver

Susan McCart of Suze Interiors - Professional Stager

I'd like to introduce everyone to Susan McCart of Suze Interiors.

Suze Interiors is an interior decorating, redesign and home staging business based in Vancouver, BC.

Suze McCart, the principal owner, is a Certified Interior Decorator, with a life-long passion for creating beautiful spaces to live and to sell.

Since graduating in 2006 with Honours, and receiving an Interior Decorating Diploma, Suze has been assisting home owners and realtors sell homes quickly and exceeding the return on their investment.

She also holds a Diploma in Hotel Management, through which many years in the industry has brought her exceptional customer service skills, her #1 priority.

Suze’s passion and enthusiasm, combined with her creative style, drives her to create beautiful spaces that people fall in love with.




I, and a few of my clients, have had the pleasure of working with Susan and I have always been impressed with her professionalism and attention to detail.

She can be contacted as follows

Suze Interiors

Suze McCart
Certified Interior Decorator and Home Stager
phone: 604.733.5015
mobile: 604.831.1671
fax: 604.733.5019

e-mail: susan@suzeinteriors.ca

Remember, when it comes time to have your carpets or furniture professionally cleaned, call SmithWerks Carpet Cleaning West Vancouver.