1. Vacuum your carpet regularly – This is the easiest and simplest piece of advice that you can use to keep your carpet clean. The most crucial piece of information that you should take away from this “regularly.” This means you should vacuum your carpet at least twice a week to rid it of the dirt that can get stuck in your carpet from all the foot traffic from people and pets that walk on it.
   
   
2. Get a good vacuum cleaner – You have already invested a lot in a good carpet, so why not do the same with a vacuum? That way, you will have a great tool that can help you keep your carpet in great shape for a longer time. However, finding a suitable one amidst the wide variety of choices available can be a tricky task. We do however have a few tips to help you find a great vacuum. First, don’t go for the cordless ones as these are known for their low battery life and insufficient suction power. Second, you should get a vacuum has a turbo brush attachment, which works very well in sucking up loose soil and dust. Another great tip that you should remember when shopping for a vacuum is to find one that has a HEPA filter as these can trap allergens in the filter so that they don’t get blown out of the vacuum exhaust throughout the cleaning.
   
   
3. Maintain your vacuum cleaner – Don’t forget to also clean your vacuum. Depending on how much you use it, you should consider cleaning the filters, brushes and pipes at least once every 3-6 months. You can clean them with an air compressor or if you don’t have access to one, you can just wash them and then, dry them out before placing them back. If any of the parts get worn out, you can simply replace them.
   
   
4. Take your shoes off – There is no fool proof way to keep dirt from entering your home but one thing you can do to help minimise it is to ask everyone who is entering your home — whether it’s family members or guests — to take their shoes off in the hall. This method will help keep outside dirt and moisture from entering your property. Place a shoe rack in the hall where everyone can keep their shoes and encourage family members to wear slippers inside.
   
   
5. Place doormats, rugs and runners –  You can help keep your carpet fresher for longer by placing doormats at different entrances of your house. Also, you should wash them properly or replace them entirely when they get worn out. To further protect areas where there is plenty of foot traffic, you can also place runners and rugs across the carpet. And lastly, you may want to put rugs in areas where stains are most likely to happen like the living room table or the front of the fireplace where soot staining could accumulate.
   
   
6. Deals with stains as quickly as possible – If you notice that your carpet has a stain, don’t dilly-dally. Make sure you act on it as soon as possible or you run the risk of the stain setting in permanently. You should also make sure you are using the right kind of cleaning agent for the type of stain your carpet has. You should always check the label first to ensure that the materials that comprise the cleaning product are safe to use for the fibres of your carpet. This is a crucial step you should not forget to take as using the wrong chemical can lead to bleach marks and other unsightly stains. And lastly, you shouldn’t be too aggressive in getting stains out yourself as doing so just might damage the carpet further. If your product or cleaning technique fails to get the desired results, do not hesitate to call us for a fast response and advice.
   
   
7. Keep your kitchen floors clean – Certain areas inside your home tend to attract dirt faster than other spaces. One such area is the kitchen, which tends to get easily covered in grease, dirt and other spills, which can then get transferred to the carpet as you walk out of the kitchen. For this reason, you should always strive to keep your kitchen floor clean at all times.
   
   
8. Stay away from carpet cleaning powders – Carpet cleaning powders have been around for quite some time now and are popular among homeowners. This is because after you shake, sprinkle and then vacuum your carpet, it leaves it with a fresh smell. However, that’s all there is to it. Apart from making your carpet smell nice, it offers no critical cleaning results but just tricks you into thinking that it is. The cruel, hard, fact is that after a few hours, the fresh smell dissipates, leaving your carpet still dirty and now sticky from the residue of the powder.
   
   
9. Be wary of using DIY carpet cleaning machines – The idea of renting a DIY carpet cleaning device may sound cost-efficient but in reality, you’ll spend a lot more and still not end up with great results. The thing is these cleaning machines do not have the power needed to properly lift moisture out of your carpet. This leaves you just smelly, wet carpets that take days to dry out.
   
   
10. Don’t hesitate to work with professional carpet cleaning companies – Your carpet did not come cheap and for that reason, you should always try to take care of it in the best way possible. That’s why you should let the professionals handle it. With our wealth of knowledge and experience cleaning carpets, you have nothing to worry about. Equipped with industrial-grade equipment and top-of-the-line cleaning agents, you are assured of high-quality cleaning and great customer service.

Synthetic Upholstery

An increasing number of sofas and chairs are made from synthetic upholstery. Synthetic essentially means fabrics such as acrylic, nylon or polyester. Part of the reason for their popularity is how easy they are to clean.

Check to see if the covers are removable as in this situation, you can put them in your washing machine, and they should come out looking brand new.

If the covers are not removable, use a water-based cleaning product to attack the stain. It is always a good idea to check your furniture labels before a disaster happens. Read the labels and make sure you know any specific recommendations the manufacturer makes.

Before using any upholstery cleaning product, spot clean a small inconspicuous area to ensure there is no unexpected reaction before tackling the main areas. The main issues to look out for are shrinking and discolouration.

Natural Upholstery

Natural Fibres are another popular product used in the upholstery manufacturing process. This would include 100 per cent natural products such as cotton or wool, silk or even velvet. The important factor to take into consideration with natural products is they are like a sponge and absorb water rapidly. This means that wet cleaning is not advisable, although, in certain situations, steam cleaning might be an option. Use a water-based cleaning product sparingly, as too much water can cause either a shrinking of the material or the phenomenon known as “water rings”.

Combined Upholstery

Some manufacturers use a combination of natural and man-made fibres, such as cotton or wool, mixed 50/50 with synthetic materials. If you own this type of furniture, our advice would be to hire a professional upholstery cleaner. Because of the complexities of cleaning two different types of material, there is an increased risk of damage being caused, which is why it is best to leave it to the professionals. The only exception to this rule is if the label on the furniture says that it is suitable for home cleaning.

Leather Furniture

Leather is one of the most frequently used products in upholstery and has been for many years. In most cases, the only cleaning or maintenance that is required is wiping the dust or dirt with a damp cloth. It is worthwhile adding some leather cream to it over time to keep it elastic and smooth. In the unlikely event that you get a permanent stain on it, such as grease or marker pen, then a professional company will normally have the specialist equipment to remove it.

Microfibre Upholstery

Microfibre furniture, much like leather, is beautiful, very durable and extremely easy to keep clean. As the name suggests, Microfibre furniture is made up of thousands of small fibres, which, apart from looking beautiful, has the added benefit of preventing dirt from penetrating deeply into the fabric. Our advice would be to buy a soft brush to use on the material and then suck up any crumbs or debris with a hoover.

The final tip that we would give is perhaps one of the most important. The majority of the cleaning products made specifically for upholstery are water-based. Take extra care when using them to ensure the cleaning products remain on the upholstery and do not land on the frames, legs or arms of the furniture you are cleaning. Water left on wood or metal can cause it to rot, discolour or rust, so bear this in mind when cleaning.

If you have any other cleaning questions or are looking for a professional, reliable IOM upholstery cleaning company then call Queen of Clean today on (07624) 237333

How Is mould Linked To COVID-19?

From an outsider looking in, it might appear that there  \is no direct correlation between the pandemic and mould, but unfortunately, there is likely to be an ever-increasing link as offices reopen and normality returns. The problem lies in the fact that mould can flourish when left untreated in a property, and due to government restrictions, many business premises have been closed for months on end.

This could potentially have provided mould with the perfect conditions to develop, breed, and spread within premises with minimal disruption in its path. This will, in turn, contaminate a building and pose health risks to employees, which is why as a business or property owner, it is critical that you check for any signs of mould and invest in professional cleaning to eradicate the problem at source.

How and Where Does mould Tend To Grow In A Building?

Unused buildings provide mould with virtually unlimited opportunities to establish itself. Whether that comes from a failure in the plumbing, a build-up of moisture due to heating systems being turned down in an attempt to save money, or simply a reduction in everyday maintenance, Covid restrictions have provided the catalyst for this problem.

Another issue with mould is that it typically develops in areas that are not easily accessible or easy to see. The problem could be developing without any apparent signs. Property managers need to place mould prevention near the top of their essential tasks list, and never has this been more important than when reopening a building after a long period of closure.

The Four Key Strategies To Implement In The Battle Again mould

1. Use Professional Equipment To Measure Humidity Levels In Your Building

Mould loves humidity, so any building where humidity fluctuates wildly or exceeds 50 percent is at an increased risk. Checking the humidity levels in a building is a simple and straightforward procedure that requires the use of a digital hygrometer. Regular monitoring of your building is a simple but effective strategy to assess the risk to the property of mould exposure. Bear in mind that with the right conditions, mould can spread rapidly, sometimes within a few days.

2. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments and Inspect Empty Buildings Thoroughly Before Reopening

Although it might be too late for this pandemic, any buildings which are left unattended for long periods of time should be checked regularly for signs of mould and moisture levels. Look for signs of mould growth, dampness, and any unpleasant smells, as these are good symptoms that are relatively easy to identify. These checks should definitely be completed prior to staff re-entering the premises after extended periods of closure.

3. Regularly Check For Plumbing Issues and Damage

Leaks in the plumbing system provide the perfect breeding ground for mould. It is the small leaks that pose the most significant threats, as they can go undiscovered for long periods of time. Regularly check pipes window frames n=and around doorways.

4. Be Careful With Air Conditioning Systems

Air Conditioning Systems, which have been used sporadically over an extended period of time, can hide mould, behind vents and in areas not visible to the human eye. This problem is then exacerbated when the air conditioning is switched on, as it essentially spreads the mould spores far and wide across the building.

Get Your Building Professionally Cleaned

If you suspect that you have a mould outbreak, or have seen it with your own eyes, then the best option is to bring in the professionals to deal with the situation.

At Queen of Clean, we have many years of experience and expertise in dealing with mould infestations. We have the tools, the knowledge, and the expertise to deal with the problem quickly and efficiently. Don’t panic Queen of Clean can resolve your issue today. To book a free no-obligation quotation, contact us today on 07624 237333.

Standard Cleaning Methods Are Not Sufficient For A Woolen Carpet

A woolen carpet is a thing of beauty, which is one of the main reasons why you bought it in the first place! But your carpet and flooring are exposed to a range of challenges every day, including dirt, dust, staining, and even bacteria. With the exception of a stain which can cause immediate damage, the other issues can slowly build up over time, destroying the look of your carpet. Unlike certain other flooring types, a quick run-over with a vacuum cleaner a few times a week might not be sufficient.

Protective Treatments Are A Start But They Are Not Infallible

As manufacturer’s knowledge and expertise has developed over the years, they have tried to provide some sort of protection for their products by treating them with certain chemicals. Unfortunately, although these treatments do provide some protection, there are never going to be 100 percent guaranteed, and in many ways, can give a false sense of security. Our first piece of advice is always to treat your woolen carpet as if it had no protection whatsoever, and at least that way, your family is likely to take more care and treat the carpet properly.

How To Take Care of Your Carpet

Top Up The Protective Layer Regularly: If your carpet has some protective layer applied, which the vast majority do, then initially, at least any dirt and debris will float on top of that layer and not embed itself in the carpet. Unfortunately, as you walk on the carpet, those dust particles will slowly pierce the protective layer and then begin to embed themselves more deeply in your carpet. Hoovering the carpet may initially deliver excellent results, at least to the eye, but the problem is that you may not only be sucking up the dirt and debris but also some of that precious protective treatment. There are specific treatments that you can buy that can be applied every time you hoover. Although this may seem excessive, at least you are providing the maximum level of protection possible to your carpet from the start. The last thing you want is for the dirt to become ingrained within the wool; prevention is undoubtedly better than cure.

Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned Annually: There is no substitute for professional carpet cleaning. At Queen of Clean, we have the correct equipment and materials to deliver a superior clean and restore your carpet to its original beauty. That is why we always recommend an annual clean to keep your woolen carpet in tip-top condition.

A woolen carpet is an expensive purchase, and you want to protect that investment. By following the advice above, your carpets will retain their wonderful appearance. Additionally, dirty carpets can cause health issues, so implementing a thorough and efficient carpet cleaning process should never be overlooked. Queen of Clean offers a full and comprehensive carpet cleaning service. For more information about the range of services we offer, contact us today on (07624) 237333.

How Do Carpet Beetles Get Into Your Home?

A carpet beetle’s diet consists of fabric and animal products, which means that the modern home is the perfect breeding ground for these pests. The beetles gain access to your property, through open windows and doors, before depositing on furniture, rugs, and clothing. The biggest problem is that when left untreated, the beetles can then hatch, and the entire cycle can repeat ad-infinitum.

What Procedures Does Queen of Clean IOM Employ To Eradicate Carpet Beetles From Our Customers Homes?

We recommend a simple but proven four-step process to deal with any Carpet Beetle issues.

1. Professional Vacuum Cleaning – We are the only carpet cleaner in the Isle of Man with market-leading truck mounted Carpet Cleaners. These powerful cleaners cut through worn in dirt in your carpet, removing larvae, eggs, and beetles. We don’t just clean the carpets. However, we also ensure that all of your rugs, curtains, and furniture are receive the full treatment.
2. Steam Cleaning – Now that we have removed the vast majority of the problem by vacuuming, the next step is to steam clean all of the vacuumed areas – our professional carpet cleaning service can provide this service for you. The reason for this part of the process is that the heat and moisture in the steam remove any beetles and eggs which may have escaped the hoover.
3. Wipe Down All Surfaces With Vinegar – Although the majority of Beetles will be attracted to soft furnishings, as part of the cleaning process, we then wipe down all surfaces with Vinegar. We use a mixture of apple cider vinegar diluted slightly with water. We ensure that all shelves, drawers, window sills, and cupboards are treated.
4. Wash All Pillows and Clothing – Once we have completed the deep clean of your home, we advise you to wash all bedding and clothing using hot water and detergent. This should include towels and linen. If you have identified specific items of clothing that, in your opinion, are too badly infested, then seal them tightly in a plastic bag and take them to the local tip.
5. Have Insecticide Applied By A Licenced Pest Controller – Although we are very confident that our intensive cleaning process will help eliminate the vast majority of carpet beetles, we recommend that our customers take the final step in having us apply insecticide – which we are licenced to do. This is because even with all of our treatments, severe infestations may need to be treated with professional-grade ingredients not available to the general public.

Remove Stains As Soon As They Happen

While these protective layers will help to keep your carpet looking fresh, it’s still possible for spots and stains to occur and it’s important that you remove them as soon as they happen. Make sure that you never pour stain remover directly on a stain, always dab or blog, not scrub and always use a remover that is specifically recommended for woollen rugs and carpets.

Avoid soil accumulation, to keep soil from being walked into the carpet, use mats at all entrances and if possible, remove outdoor shoes. Heavy dirt is one of the major issues if you do get any marks to be sure to remove them immediately like you would any stain.

We wholeheartedly admit that our job involves cleaning carpets and upholstery but at the same time, we feel that it is also our responsibility to provide reliable information that you can use. That being said, we’ve listed down four important reasons why you should stick to employing professional carpet and upholstery cleaners in your locale rather than going the DIY route.

1) You believe it’s cost-effective? Think again.

If you thought that you only have to pay for the cost of renting a carpet cleaning machine, we’re sorry to say that you’re sorely mistaken. You have to remember that the machine alone will not get the job done. Aside from the machine, you also have to pay for detergents like a carpet high foot traffic cleaner, pet-stain detergent, upholstery cleaner, spot and stain remover, as well as an anti foaming solution and deodoriser. And then, some suppliers also charge a fee if you want to use an upholstery attachment for cleaning fabrics.

On top of all of that, you also have to find a way to get the cleaning machine from the shop you’re renting it from, which means you have to spend both time and fuel money to collect it and then, make another trip to return it. You also have the option of having the equipment delivered to your home or business but that service does not come free. You add all those costs up and that equals to one expensive rental — which is the exact opposite of what you were aiming for.

2) Rental machines do not have the same functions as the professional ones

Those for-rent cleaning machines just do not have the same functions nor do they deliver the same results as professional carpet and upholstery cleaning machines.

That’s a fact.

First off, they don’t have powerful vacuum suction and water pressure that is crucial to providing deep cleaning results. This is because these rental machines are equipped with small water pumps that are just unable to get the dirt out of carpets effectively. Commercial carpet cleaning equipment like the ones that we use are fitted with fully adjustable high-pressure pumps that allows us to regulate the water flow that will be injected onto your carpets. Aside from that, our machines also have very powerful multistage vacuums that help lift the water out of carpet, letting your carpet dry in just hours and not days.

Also, professional steam cleaning services are carried out using hot water. However, that is not the case with those machines for rent which use regular water. Professional cleaning machines though, go way above that as these have built-in heating mechanisms that heat the water up to as high as 210 degrees thereby giving you better results and faster drying times.

3) There’s a lot of hassle involved

There’s a lot that has to be done when you go and rent a carpet cleaning machine. First comes processing the rental request that involves leaving a deposit and a proof of address at the store for security purposes. And as previously mentioned, unless you go for the delivery and pick-up service, you have to find a way to get the machine and transport it back to your home or business establishment.

Now comes the challenging part: operating the machine yourself. Bear in mind that even with this machine, it will take your many hours to complete cleaning your carpet primarily because these aren’t as powerful as commercial grade machines. And even after spending a few hours using these, you still aren’t guaranteed of having decent results.

4) Nothing beats good, old know-how and experience

Carpet and upholstery cleaning may seem like an easy thing to do but the fact is, it takes years of training and actual experience before you can get it right. That being said, you may not realise it but you actually run the risk of damaging not just the machine you rented but also your carpet and furniture if you don’t have a solid grasp of what you’re doing.

Professional carpet and upholstery cleaners do a whole lot more than just show up at your doorstep and clean your furnishings. They actually go through a multi-step process that involves carefully inspecting your carpet and furniture to determine the kind of fibre or material and what cleaning technique would best suit these.

The professionals you meet here at Queen of Clean are fully-trained, experienced and fully-insured which means you and your furnishings are in capable hands when you get us to do the cleaning for you.