Dustmites! What are they and what can be done about them?

Dustmites! What are they and what can be done about them?

I often think that homeowners would become more fanatical about cleanliness if they new just what was hiding in their furniture and carpets.  One such character is Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes or the North American Dust Mite.


So, what is a dust mite exactly?  Well, basically, they are tiny microscopic creatures that live off of dead skin and hair.  You should also know that there are, potentially, millions of them in your home.. In fact, a couple of hundred thousand of them will typically be found in a square meter of carpet.  Several million will take up residence in a mattress!


Since they live off of the dead skin and hair we shed each day of our lives, they tend to concentrate in areas where we tend to lounge or spend a significant amount of time. Mattresses, sofas, living room carpets tend to be favorite haunts for this beast.  Interesting Fact!! : Humans shed up to 10 grams of skin each week!







Some of you are probably equating dust mites to bed bugs about now.  They're not the same. Dust mites aren't known for carrying diseases or having a bite that is toxic in any way. However, the proteins that are found in their feces, their dead carcasses and the dead skin cells and hair they digest are a primary irritant to people with allergies or asthma.


The symptoms of such allergies are sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, congestion, difficulty breathing etc.


So, Dave, what can we do to get rid of these little pests?


Well, there are a number of things that I could suggest.
- Clean daily (or at least every few days)
-Wash bedding in very hot water
-Consider using a plastic matttress cover
-Use synthetic fabrics . Dust mites love wool!
-keep the humidity in your home lower.
-Replace your furnace filters monthly.  If you have washable filters, clean monthly.


And, of course, have your carpets and upholstery steamcleaned regularily.


Remember, call SmithWerks Carpet Cleaning West Vancouver   604-924-0518

Vacuum Cleaner Reviews!

Hi All!

I'm asked all the time what as a homeowner can one do to keep their carpet looking fresh and clean for as long as possible. Your best weapon against premature wear and tear is a good vacuum cleaner.  Question is : do you get a traditional bag type, a bagless canister, up right, built in or handheld??

To help you navigate this issue and arrive at a decision that suits your home cleaning needs, I have found an excellent link to a site that has compiled reviews of the different vacuums on the market.

Of course, if you have any questions you can contact SmithWerks West Vancouver Carpet Cleaning 604-924-0518

Here is the Link   http://vacuumcleanerreviews.ca/

Why should you get your carpets cleaned??

Why should you get your carpets cleaned??

Funny enough, those of us "in the industry" come across cases, quite regularly, where a home owner (or renter) will indicate that they never clean their carpets! Ewww!  Right now, some of you are turning bright red because you also have never cleaned your carpet.

Rather remarkable given that we take for granted that we wash ourselves and our clothes on rather regular basis.  Can you imagine, never washing your clothes?  Might explain your pronounced lack of friends.

So, allow me to enlighten you as to some of the reasons why you should steam clean your carpets at least every 12 to 18 months.  Not to mention, vacuum them at least weekly.

REASON 1

Health Reasons:  Dirty carpets are a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, mold and mildew!  Did you know that allergists actually favour carpeting in the house over hardwoood or tiles. This is because it serves to trap airborne dust and debris that would normally be carried up into the air we breath with every draft or gust of wind.  However, if that dust and debris is allowed to remain in carpet, it becomes a major irritant to allergy sufferers.

Mold and mildew allow the growth of bacteria that can be potentially hazardous to your health.  We spend more than 50% of our time in our home and, naturally, spend a fair amount of time touching or coming in contact with our carpets.  When you consider that humans will touch their face on average three to five thousand times per day, do you really want to touch filthy carpets and then ingest the bacteria that lives there.  I didn't think so.

REASON 2

Pests!:  Dirty carpets are a breeding ground for dust mites.  These are microscopic creatures that live off of dead skin and hair and other organic materials found in dirty carpets.  Dust mites and their carcasses (when they die) are a leading cause of skin and nasal irritations.

REASON 3

Odours! Phew!  Yes, stinky odours.......really, why would you think that if you never clean the carpet that you're not going to have this problem.  Everything from body odours to cooking smells to musty, dusty smells.  A thorough carpet cleaning will eliminate offensive odours from your carpet.

REASON 4

It's good Economics!  That's right, it saves you money in the long run.  The average life of a carpet is about 10 to 12 years.  Thats with regular vacuuming, steamcleaning and spotting.  The life of your carpet will be significantly reduced with less frequent cleaning or no cleaning at all.  Did you know that most carpet manufacturers actually state that the warranty on their product is void if you don't have your carpets professionally steam cleaned annually?

REASON 5

Social Reasons:  Believe me, when people come to your home, they do make judgements about you based on your level of hygiene.  Save yourself a great deal of awkwardness and treat your carpets to a professional steam cleaning and watch the number of friends you have on Facebook grow.

Remember folks, when it comes time to have your carpets professionally cleaned, call SmithWerks Carpet Cleaning North Vancouver .   604-924-0518

Decorating Your Home Using Area Rugs!

Many people look for ways to modernize their home without shelling out a great deal of money. A great way to do this is to use rugs. Just introducing a few rugs to your home will make it feel comfy and offer a new fresh look. There are some things that you need to be conscious of when you use rugs for redecorating. In addition to the things to consider is how significant color will be when using rugs in your decorating.

You will need to get large rugs that are decorative to help make a plain room look vibrant. If the room you intend to decorate is currently full of color then you should go the opposite direction. You should get a rug with neutral colors so that it is not going to compete with what you already have in the room If you move into a new place, it is possible to make your rug the main focus of your home and assemble the decorations for your home around the rug. Additionally when decorating with rugs, you should also be aware of the pattern. You should make certain the pattern of the rug matches with the furniture, accessories and wallpaper in your room. You need to be sure that the rug pattern and wallpaper or furniture do not clash alongside one another.

Yet another thing to think about when picking the design of your rug is the place it is going to end up in your home. For example, if you want a rug in your entry way, it ought to be a dark color with intricate patterns. The reason for this type of rug is the fact that many people will go out and in so you want something to hide all the dirt that comes in. For the dining room, you could use a light colored rug since it doesn’t have a lot of traffic. Maybe you would rather have a lighter rug in an area that has heavy traffic, but you need to be ready to wash it constantly.

You will find extra things to give some thought to when choosing rugs for the bath room. Either make sure that the hue of the rug complements the bathroom, or change everything in the bathroom to match your new rugs. Make sure that you get suitable bathroom rugs as they are often water resistant and mildew resistant.

Those were a handful of recommendations on how to decorate your home using rugs. When you are ready to buy a rug, make sure you understand how much you will shell out since rugs can get pricey. Don’t forget, this was a method to change the look of your house in an affordable way. Utilizing the information you’ve been given, get out there and have fun redesigning your home.

And remember, SmithWerks Carpet Cleaning West Vancouver includes area rug cleaning as one of our services.  We recommend having your loose rugs professionally cleaned ever 18 to 24 months.  Call us today for an estimate. 604-924-0518

Folex - The Best Carpet Spotter you can Buy!

You wouldn't believe how many households I go into that don't have a reliable spot remover in their cleaning cabinet.  I also come across quite a few cases where the absolutely wrong thing is used to lift simple spots that result in utter heartbreak.

TRUE STORY!  Several years ago I visited a new client to clean her carpet.  Upon my initial inspection, I noticed about 3 dozen bleached out spots throughout her suite.  I asked her if she had been using bleach. She emphatically exclaimed "No! Not bleach! I use Javex!"  Well, you can see what I mean.

So, over the past 12 years that SmithWerks Carpet Cleaning West Vancouver has been servicing the North Shore, I have been asked many times what I would recommend a home owner should have on hand to deal with the occasional spill or spot on their carpet or upholstery. We highly recommend Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover.

Folex Fact Sheet (from their website)

Chemically: FOLEX is a Water Based Non-Ionic Surfactant
WATER BASED means that it uses water to wash the stain away, for safety, and virtually residue free cleaning. Unlike some soap, solvent, or oil based cleaners that could be smelly, toxic, flammable, leave a sticky residue, or damage the carpet backing.

NON-IONIC means that it does not have a positive (+) or a negative (-) charge... therefore it will not attract or repel dust and dirt, so that the cleaned area will soil uniformly with the surrounding area. The spot will not reappear!

SURFACTANT means that it is an emulsifying agent that reduces surface tension... So it breaks up the stain, and surrounds it, so that it can be removed by blotting with a dry cloth or paper towel.

Removes: FOLEX is effective on these and many more spots and stains...

Ashes	Crayon	Grass	Many Inks	Soft Drinks
Auto Oil	Dirt	Grime	Pet Accidents	Tea
Beach Tar	Fireplace Soot	Household Grease	Potting Soil	Tobacco
Blood	Food	Ice Cream	Road Tar	Toothpaste
Car Grease	Food Oil	Ketchup	Rust	Urine
Coffee	Fruit Juice	Lipstick	Sauces	Varnish
Copy Toner	Furniture Polish	Makeup	Shoe Polish	Vomit

Works on: FOLEX is not just for carpets! FOLEX is safe for any material that is both colorfast and color stable, including hard surfaces, that can be safely dampened with water, such as...
Upholstery Clothing Draperies Car Interiors Walls Woodwork Floors and More!

Your Safety and Comfort: FOLEX is...

Non-Toxic, completely non-irritating to normal skin
Non-Flammable, contains no solvents of any kind
Odor-Free, no unpleasant chemicals
CFC and Petroleum Free


Remember: When it comes time to have your carpets professionally cleaned call SmithWerks Carpet Cleaning North Vancouver  604-924-0518

Removing Midew Smell from Carpet

Whenever carpet becomes wet or damp, there is a risk of mildew or, even worse, mildew. Molds and mildew can be hazardous to your health if allowed to persist.

Heavy mildew or mold should be treated or removed by a professional. However, if your problem appears to be the mildewy smell associated with wet or damp carpet, follow this simple method to rectify the problem.

You'll need the following:

- vacuum and towels (don't use your best ones)
- a spray bottle
- a cup of water
- 1/4 cup of liquid laundry detergent
- a fungicide spray

1. Start by drying the carpet completely.  Use a fan blowing over the damp area for faster drying.

2. Once dry, most of the mildew spores can be vacuumed up.  Vacuum thoroughly.

3. Mix the water and detergent in a spray bottle. Ensure that the spray bottle is clean of anything that may have been in it before.

4.  Spray the mixture on the target area of carpet.  You just want to lightly cover the area with your solution.  Avoid over-wetting the area. Allow about 10 minutes for the mixture to do its work then using a bunch of towels, dry the area.

5. Finally, mist the carpet with the fungicide.  Be sure to follow the directions on the fungicide bottle noting that proper air ventalation is required. Home Depot and Rona carry a few fungicides that would do the trick.

Remember, when it comes time to clean your carpets and upholstery, call SmithWerks Carpet Cleaning  West Vancouver.

Print this Handy Spot Cleaning Chart

I came across this great chart this morning that I think everyone should have for quick reference.  I urge you to print it and tape it up on the inside of your kitchen cupboards.  That's what my mom used to do.

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

Recommendations for Carpet Spot and Stain Removal - Tables  by Marie S. Hammer, University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service (These tables are associated with another article; click HERE to view)
To remove a certain stain, try the first removal method indicated for that particular stain. If the primary recommendation does not work, then try the second lettered method. Proceed to other methods in the order listed if the stain prevails.
Type of Stain	Removal methods in recommended order
	First	Second	Third	Fourth
ACIDS	E	F
AIRPLANE GLUE	C	B
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES	A	E	D	F
AMMONIA	D	E
BALLPOINT INK	C	B	A	E
BATTERY ACID	E	F
BLACK COFFEE OR TEA	A	D	F
BLACK GREASE	C	B	A	F
BLEACH	A	F
BLOOD	A	E
BUTTER	B	A	E	D
CANDY	A	E	D	F
CARBOLIC ACID DISINFECTANT	E	F
CATSUP	A	E	D	F
CHEWING GUM	Rub with ice and scrape gently with a dull knife	B
CHOCOLATE	A	E	D	F
CIGARETTE BURN	A	F
COLOGNE	A	E	D	F
COLORED PAPER	A	E	D	F
COOKING OIL	B	A	E	F
COSMETICS	C	B	A	E
CRAYON	B	A	F
FOOD DYE	B	A	E	D
FURNITURE DYE	C	B	A	E
FURNITURE POLISH	C	B	A	E
FURNITURE POLISH (WATER BASED)	A	E	D	F
FRUIT JUICES	A	E	D	F
GLUE (PLASTIC BASE)	C	B	A	E
GRASS	C	B	A	D
GREASY FOOD STAINS	B	A	E	D
HAND CREAM	B	A	E	F
ICE CREAM	A	E	D	F
INDELIBLE INK	C	B	A	E
INDIA INK	C	B	A	F
IODINE	B	A	E	D
LACQUER	C	B	A	F
LIPSTICK	C	B	A	E
LYE	D	A	F
MASCARA	B	A	F
MAYONNAISE	B	A	E	F
MEDICINES	C	B	A	E
METAL POLISH	C	B
MILDEW	A	E	F
MILK	B	A	E	F
MUD	A	F
MUSTARD	A	D	F
NAIL POLISH	C	B	A	E
NEWSPRINT	B	A	F
OIL, CAR	B	A	E	F
OIL, LINSEED	B	A	E	F
OINTMENT	B	A	E	D
OVEN CLEANER	D	A	F
PAINT CLEANER	C	B	A	E
PAINT, LATEX	A	E	F
PAINT, OIL	C	B	A	E
PLANT FOOD	A	E	D	F
PLASTER	A	F
ROUGE	B	A	F
RUBBER CEMENT	C	B	A	F
RUST	D	A	F
SALAD DRESSING	B	A	F
SALAD OIL	B	A	F
SAUCES	B	A	E	D
SHELLAC	C	B	A	E
SHOE POLISH	C	B	A	E
SOFT DRINKS	A	C	E	D
SOOT	B	A	F
STARCHY FOOD	A	E	D	F
SYRUP	A	E	F
TAR	B	A
TOOTHPASTE	A	D	E	F
UNKNOWN STAIN	C	B	A	D
URINE	A	D
VARNISH	C	B	A	E
VASELINE	B	A	F
VOMIT	A	E	D	F
WASHABLE INK	A	E	D	F
WAX CANDLES	C	B
WINE	B	A	D
A.DETERGENT MIX - Mix 1 teaspoon mild non-bleaching detergent with one cup of lukewarm water
B.DRY CLEANING SOLVENT - Apply dry cleaning solvent to stain (Carbona or K2r)
C.NAIL POLISH REMOVER - Amyl acetate (banana fragrance). Follow with the detergent mix. Some dyestuffs are notcompletely "fast" to polish remover. It is important to test in an inconspicuous area. If these cleaning methods are not effective, consult a professional.
D.VINEGAR SOLUTION - Mix 1/3 cup white vinegar to 1/3 cup lukewarm water.
E.AMMONIA SOLUTION - Mix 1 tablespoon ammonia to 3/4 to 1 cup water.
F.WARM WATER - Use lukewarm tap water.
Source: Spot and Stain Removal Guide, The Carpet and Rug Institute.

Table 2.

Chemical Reactions and Carpet Damage Affecting Dye
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCT	CHEMICAL	REACTION	CONDITION	DAMAGE
Toilet Bowl Cleaner	Some toilet bowl cleaners contain hydrochloric acid and coloring agents	Acid may dissolve nylon while the coloring agents stain		Some dyes turn bright red
Tile Grout Cleaner	Phosphoric acid
Acne Medication	Numerous products are available over the counter that contain benzoyl peroxide	Strong oxidizing agent is capable of destroying most dyestuffs used in carpet	Relatively high humidity is necessary for bleaching action to begin	Spots begin as orange to yellow as the dye is bleached and progress to lighter yellow as oxidation proceeds. On blue carpet, spots can appear slightly pink, or exhibit an orange ring or halo that moves outward as the spot grows. Other household textiles can be affected.
Pet Shampoo/ Mange Remedy	Benzoyl peroxide is in some of these products		The time between the contact and appearance of the spot could be days
			Spots can look and feel chalky from presence of bentonite (fullers earth) to absorb skin oils
Bleaches	Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) "all fabric" oxygen bleaches	All can cause bleaching and dye bleeding but are slower acting		Yellow spots occur
	Swimming pool chemicals
	Mildew killers that contain bleach	Affects textiles if used indoors		Bleaches carpet
Drain Cleaners	Sodium hydroxide (lye)			Bleaching occurs
Strong Alkalis	Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
Oven Cleaners	Jelled sodium hydroxide			Bleaching occurs
Industrial solvents (for pain, arthritis, backache, injuries, muscular aches)	DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide)	Clear liquid smells like garlic		Loss of color on carpet is due to solvent
Insecticides	DDVP, Malathion, Orthene, Sumithion (most common in consumer products that claim to be safe on the label but may not be)	Application of chemical applied in stream instead of a fan-shaped mist to the baseboards. An overall misting can be used for fleas.	Chemicals mentioned are in some off-the-shelf insecticides, which have labels that recommend use on carpet.	Products can change dye colors chemically. Example: red dyes in a beige color turn to blue, giving a green cast. Humidity influences color change.
Plant Food		Causes oxidation spots, usually near backing and then progresses upward to the surface. Spot may not be apparent for months.	Spills of liquid plant foods or leakage from flower pots	Dull yellow or brown in color
Urine			Spots begin at the backing and progress upward. The ammonia-like odor eventually becomes a musty odor.	Dull yellow or red. Clean with lukewarm water and apply a solution of half water/half vinegar.
Vomit (human or animal)	Hydrochloric acid			Causes spots if not cleaned up well or neutralized with baking soda or an ammonia solution.
Source: Chemical Spots and Stains on Carpet and Rugs, The Carpet and Rug Institute, 1982.

Footnotes:
1. This document is FCS 3110, one of a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: May 2001. First published: June 1987. Revised: May 2001. Please visit the University of Floria Extension Web site at http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/ .2. Written by Marie S. Hammer, former professor, Housing/Home Environment and reviewed by Nayda I. Torres, professor, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. It is not a guarantee or warranty of the products named, and does not signify that they are approved to the exclusion of others of suitable composition.