Dryer Vent Cleaning Services Ruidoso 575-937-4385 It’s recommended that dryer vents be cleaned at least once a year. Your garbage disposal is probably one of the devices in your home you seldom think about. After all, it’s hidden from view, you activate it with a simple flip of a switch, and it does its job. But if it ever fails you, it quickly jumps to the top of the list of things you value most. Your garbage disposal is, obviously, fitted to the drainpipe of your kitchen sink, and it grinds up all kinds of food waste, gunk, and more. It works diligently to gobble up and push into the sewer system what you should put and what you should never put into a disposal, which shortens the life of the device. Safety first It should be obvious to most that putting your fingers into the garbage disposal is a bad idea. Even when the unit is turned off, never reach in an attempt to dislodge or remove something that is hindering the garbage disposal’s efforts. And when working in the disposal unit, always unplug or turn off the power before proceeding. It’s always best to call a pro in those circumstances when a simple, quick fix is not an option. Disposal tips While your garbage disposal might seem like a superhero, it is not. You can put many food and other items down through the disposal, but some will create future problems. And the following advice will be tempered or adjusted by the type of garbage disposal you have. Some find their disposal will dispose of anything. Others find they have to be very selective on what they put into the disposal. Smaller portions are better. Avoid greasy foods, fruit pits/seeds, bones, pastas and rice, nuts, coffee grounds, and any other substances that might build up in your sewer system. Maintenance Taking care of the health of your garbage disposal is important. Weekly — and no less than monthly — let your disposal while running gobble up some baking soda and vinegar. You can put both down the drain slowly and if you see foam develop, that’s fine, it’s normal. Alternate disposing of ice and also hot water. This helps with removal of the different types of debris that may attach to the blades of the garbage disposer. There are times when advice is just not enough. Do the right thing. Call your professional cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean Carpet Cleaning 575-937-4385 Cleaning Grease
Your appliances all play a vital role in the household, and especially more so during winter and the holiday season. With family, friends, and others close to you all gathering together and enjoying both festivities and home-cooked meals, your appliances can take a beating that requires regular attention and the occasional dreaded “deep cleaning” chore. From the toaster to the coffee pot to the stovetop and deep inside the oven, you may have noticed grease build-up that a simple wiping off doesn’t handle efficiently. Add to all of this the fact that hot cooking grease at certain temperatures becomes airborne and lands on all surfaces in the kitchen. The amount of greasy soils that can accumulate can be tenacious if you don’t stay in front of it. So — what’s your game plan? Cleaning products What your need is a degreasing product, something that breaks down congealed grease on the surfaces of appliances, countertops, everywhere. While you can purchase products from your favorite store, you can also make your own. If you take ¼ cup of dish detergent, add in 1-2 ounces of ammonia, and mix it all with 16 ounces of hot water, and for a bonus add a scoop of baking soda, you have an excellent tool to fight grease. Application Now it is time to go to work. Get your cleaning solution ready and start scrubbing. Let the product do the work. If needed, wet out the areas of concern and allow the solution to do its job. Keep wiping, keep soaking up the grease, don’t spare those paper towels! A better idea While everyone wants to do is simply buy a miracle ingredient from their grocery store and just get the job done. While that might work, it’s not always the best option. It takes much more to keep your home grease and soil free and healthier for your family. Do the right thing When in doubt, think about the experts you can use. Let them handle your toughest cleaning challenges, especially those that involve grease, appliances, and what you care about most – your home! After all, it pays to call a pro! Fixing a musty basement is a chore that must be done quickly yet can be very frustrating. Trying to chase down a musty odor is not easy. It’s a restoration project that is crucial to you enjoying your home. A smelly basement is not just an odor problem; it usually indicates something more severe is going on. What you are smelling could be just damp materials, but it could also be mold growing, and the off-gassing of that process. This isn’t pleasant nor healthy. There are several steps you, as a homeowner, can take to help fix this issue. Step #1 Doing some simple cleaning can accomplish quite a bit. Keeping things clean – and dry – is key to curbing the smells that can come from a basement. Take the time to inspect all the materials in your basement and take out and clean those that might be damp or have an odor. A little suspicion goes a long way. Most likely, these items that could have odor issues are porous materials, such as clothing, bedding, and similar items. Have your carpet cleaned professionally, if there is carpet in the basement. Using a home carpet cleaning machine might actually do more damage than good. Hire a pro. Step #2 Look at the sources of potential musty odors. Windows that are drafty, walls the seep in water, anything that can create odors should be inspected and addressed. Remember that musty smells usually come from mold growth. Step #3 Although you may think that your basement is nice and dry, it might not be. The only way is to monitor the humidity level. You can do this with a hand-held device, the type your restoration pros use, but that may not be practical for you. Those devices can be very expensive. Better yet is to set up a dehumidifier that has that information on it with its display. This way, you can run the dehumidifier as needed to keep the humidity at the level you want it to be. The lower the humidity, the less you should experience musty odors in the basement. And the absolute best way to know if those musty smells from the basement are due to water intrusion, or other restoration issues, and what to do about them, is to consult with your favorite water damage professionals. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean Carpet Cleaning 575-937-4385 If you have carpet or rugs, you have a vacuum cleaner. A vacuum is absolutely necessary to keep your valuable carpet and rugs clean of particulate or dry soil. While vacuuming may seem like a basic housekeeping chore and simple to do, the biggest challenge is getting out the vacuum and actually putting it to use. Frequency How often you vacuum depends on the size of your family, and this includes pets. As a general rule, you should vacuum the main areas in your home, such as the living room, hallways, and other high traffic areas, one time each week per occupant. For example, if you have four people and one dog in your family, vacuum five times per week, in those high traffic areas. For low-trafficked areas, once per week should suffice. This might seem extensive and perhaps unnecessary, but it keeps your carpet and rugs virtually free of dry soil buildup. How to vacuum You might be thinking, “You just plug it in and push it across the floor.” Which is basically what you do. The problem is how fast you move and how much overlapping you cover when running the vacuum. While you may push the vacuum forward fast, slow down when you pull it towards you. This way the beater bar, if your vacuum has one, has a chance to work loose the soils. Also, overlap several inches from side to side so you have complete coverage of the floor. Choosing the best vacuum Quality matters when choosing a good vacuum cleaner. The cheaper ones at department stores may work fine for a while, but they quickly lose efficiency and often break down. Look at the reviews of any vacuum cleaner you are contemplating and spend a few more dollars on a superior model. Your carpet and rugs will be better off in the long run. Choosing a vacuum with a beater bar is smart. Especially with thick pile carpet, it helps remove more dry soil. Some choose vacuum cleaners with a bagless option. If you use a vacuum cleaner with a bag, change it out when about half full, for maximum efficiency. Purchase plenty of replacement bags and have them on hand for this purpose. Get with the pros Cleaning companies, especially those who specialize in carpet and rug cleaning, can help you choose a quality vacuum. Get their input. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean Carpet Cleaning 575-937-4385 Candles might seem quite harmless and innocuous, and we use them all the time for a variety of reasons, but did you know that they can be a big problem for most homeowners?
According to some reports, nearly one billion pounds of wax are used every year to make candles, all sold to homeowners just like you. Besides traditional candles, there are other uses for those waxy substances. Thinking of that huge number of waxes being used, you can imagine some of them could cause issues with the safety of your household. No matter the use you have for candles and their place in your home, here are some tips to make sure all is safe in your household. Candle usage Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn. And if this happens to you, don’t think you are alone. The flickering and warming effect of a burning candle is something most can’t ignore. FEMA reports that some 15,000 candle fires every year are preventable, with half of them igniting substances close to the ignition source. What you can do Remember the burning candles should never be left unattended. That’s the most dangerous part of using a candle, that you leave it for a moment and it then causes a home fire. Never leave a candle unattended. And keep them aware from anything else that can burn. Make sure the candle you use can’t tip over or catch other substances on fire. And, of course, make sure your children and pets aren’t within reach of your burning candles. Smoke alarms Don’t forget that no matter how safe you try to be, that nothing replaces a proper alarm. Make sure your smoke and fire alarms are in good working condition. And last… No matter how careful you are, it’s always best to get expert advice. Do the right thing and protect your family and friends. Call your professional restoration company for advice. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 Your appliances all play a vital role in the household, and especially more so during winter and the holiday season. With family, friends, and others close to you all gathering together and enjoying both festivities and home-cooked meals, your appliances can take a beating that requires regular attention and the occasional dreaded “deep cleaning” chore.
From the toaster to the coffee pot to the stove top and deep inside the oven, you may have noticed grease build-up that a simple wiping off doesn’t handle efficiently. Add to all of this the fact that hot cooking grease at certain temperatures becomes airborne and lands on all surfaces in the kitchen. The amount of greasy soils that can accumulate can be tenacious if you don’t stay in front of it. So — what’s your game plan? Cleaning products What your need is a degreasing product, something that breaks down congealed grease on the surfaces of appliances, counter tops, everywhere. While you can purchase products from your favorite store, you can also make your own. If you take ¼ cup of dish detergent, add in 1-2 ounces of ammonia, and mix it all with 16 ounces of hot water, and for a bonus add a scoop of baking soda, you have an excellent tool to fight grease. Application Now it is time to go to work. Get your cleaning solution ready and start scrubbing. Let the product do the work. If needed, wet out the areas of concern and allow the solution to do its job. Keep wiping, keep soaking up the grease, don’t spare those paper towels! A better idea While everyone wants to do is simply buy a miracle ingredient from their grocery store and just get the job done. While that might work, it’s not always the best option. It takes much more to keep your home grease and soil free and healthier for your family. Do the right thing When in doubt, think about the experts you can use. Let them handle your toughest cleaning challenges, especially those that involve grease, appliances, and what you care about most – your home! After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 The Basics of Vacuuming
If you have carpet or rugs, you have a vacuum cleaner. A vacuum is absolutely necessary to keep your valuable carpet and rugs clean of particulate or dry soil. While vacuuming may seem like a basic housekeeping chore and simple to do, the biggest challenge is getting out the vacuum and actually putting it to use. Frequency How often you vacuum depends on the size of your family, and this includes pets. As a general rule, you should vacuum the main areas in your home, such as the living room, hallways, and other high traffic areas, one time each week per occupant. For example, if you have four people and one dog in your family, vacuum five times per week, in those high traffic areas. For low-trafficked areas, once per week should suffice. This might seem extensive and perhaps unnecessary, but it keeps your carpet and rugs virtually free of dry soil buildup. How to vacuum You might be thinking, “You just plug it in and push it across the floor.” Which is basically what you do. The problem is how fast you move and how much overlapping you cover when running the vacuum. While you may push the vacuum forward fast, slow down when you pull it towards you. This way the beater bar, if your vacuum has one, has a chance to work loose the soils. Also, overlap several inches from side to side so you have complete coverage of the floor. Choosing the best vacuum Quality matters when choosing a good vacuum cleaner. The cheaper ones at department stores may work fine for a while, but they quickly lose efficiency and often break down. Look at the reviews of any vacuum cleaner you are contemplating and spend a few more dollars on a superior model. Your carpet and rugs will be better off in the long run. Choosing a vacuum with a beater bar is smart. Especially with thick pile carpet, it helps remove more dry soil. Some choose vacuum cleaners with a bagless option. If you use a vacuum cleaner with a bag, change it out when about half full, for maximum efficiency. Purchase plenty of replacement bags and have them on hand for this purpose. Get with the pros Cleaning companies, especially those who specialize in carpet and rug cleaning, can help you choose a quality vacuum. Get their input. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 We all need power. Especially of the electrical variety. Without it, nothing works. Your appliances that run on batteries might work for a little while, but without a charge, they die. Anything that is plugged into an outlet is worthless without that spark of energy we rely on virtually every minute of every day.
And… when your power goes out… you panic! One aspect of power and electricity that is often ignored or forgotten is what carries it to various devices in your home. That’s right… the power cord plays an integral part of using electricity and should also be a concern when it comes to safety issues. In addition to the installed power cord, extension cords are frequently used to increase the range or reach of electrical outlets. No matter which type of cord you are using and the length, consider these safety tips to protect your home and family. Check for damage Make sure your power cords don’t have any cracks or breaks and aren’t frayed in any way. Replace rather than repair. A good fit When you plug a cord into a wall outlet, it should be snug, not loose and falling out of the socket. The third prong It may be tempting, but some outlets, such as in older homes, may not have the third hole. It’s an important safety component of modern outlets, as it grounds the electrical current. Never remove the third prong from cords. Match cords to usage Choose cords that are of proper weight and length and can carry the electrical load appropriate for the device being powered. Ask your electrician for details, if needed. Place them carefully Make sure cords are placed where they won’t be a tripping hazard, and never put them under rugs or other furniture, especially heavy items, which can crimp and break the cords. If the unthinkable occurs and you do experience a fire of any ki The Nooks and Crannies
Your home has plenty of areas for dirt and grime to hide. Locating them may seem easy. Cleaning them effectively is something else. Most homeowners spend plenty of time sweeping, vacuuming, scrubbing, and cleaning areas that are obviously soiled and become soiled daily. There are areas that can really get gross in a short amount of time. Your bathroom “work stations” — also known as vanity cabinets — are prime locations for soil buildup. Let’s spend some time on how to tackle the chore of cleaning the bathroom vanity. One area of the home easy to ignore. After all, who looks in there besides the person searching out some face cream or hand lotion, among other items? The buildup of residues can wreak havoc over time. Think of hairspray that you use daily and that ends up on the top of the cabinet. It may be easy to clean when fresh but give it 10 or more applications and you have a “goo” that’s not giving up its tenacious hold on the counter. This isn’t to even mention toothpaste and other necessary items that get smeared on the same surface. Take some time each day — perhaps just a minute or so — to quickly wipe up any residues that land on the surface. Then, take some time each week — perhaps just five minutes or so — to open up any cabinet doors or mirrors that house storage behind them, remove all objects, and use a household cleaning solution to wipe down all surfaces. After a week, you will still be amazed at how much residue has built up in there. Imagine what could happen after a few months! And once a month, give your entire bathroom a close scrutiny and look for all those nooks and crannies that can be the host of soil. This could be behind the toilet, in the corners of shower stalls, where the soap resides on the bathtub edge. All these areas could use a good scrubbing each month, if not more frequently. And all this is besides the typical routine cleaning you no doubt give all your bathrooms. But when you need some real help, from your favorite cleaning service, do the right thing. Give them a call today. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 It’s not a pleasant task, but it’s one that must be handled, and quickly. Removing blood, vomit, urine, feces, and other biological spots and stains is a fairly easy chore if the issue is caught quickly. But allow the substance to dry, and your job becomes much more difficult. What impacts the success of removal of blood and biological substance is what it is on. If on carpet or upholstery, the removal is much more challenging as flushing out the contaminant can actually cause irreversible damage to the fabric. But if on clothing or other washable material, the job can be handled easily. Here are some tips to remove biological contaminants from clothing and other washable fabrics. Don’t delay Once you discover there is a biological substance on the fabric, scrap away any excess you can and get it into the washing machine. Remember, something fresh is probably just a “spot” — which is on the outside of the fiber. Give it time, or don’t remove all the substance when cleaning, and that spot becomes a “stain” — which is inside the fiber, and very challenging to remove. Pretreat the area You do this all the time. Pretreating spots means easier removal during washing. For biological substances, this is important. A quality preconditioning product worked into the fabric, and allowed to dwell for several minutes, means the washing cycle will be more effective. Control the temperature You might have heard that hot water can “set the stain.” Not always true. The problem is using hot water opens up the fibers and allows staining substances to penetrate. Incomplete cleaning does this as well. To be safe, keep the temperature warm or cold when washing fabrics with biological spots or stains. Don’t dry After washing, you may notice the spot or stain is gone. Don’t assume that is 100% true. When wet, the fabric may be hiding the spot or stain. Allow it to air dry. Do not put it into the drier. Hot air during the drying process can set any remaining spots or stains. Once dry, inspect carefully. If you see any remaining spots or stains, launder the item again. As with all cleaning chores, there comes a time when it is time to throw in the towel and call the pros. Do the right thing and let your favorite cleaning company do the work for you. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean Carpet Cleaning 575-937-4385 When something fails, such as a high-pressure fresh water source to your toilet… or perhaps a leaky drain pipe underneath the kitchen sink… no matter what it may be, you usually know what to do. You know the drill… clean it up, get it dry, and call a professional water damage restoration company to ensure all is good and there is no possible way mold can grow. You want peace of mind, and this is the way to get it. However, sometimes you just don’t know when things happen, when things leak or when water intrusion occurs — because it can be slowly invasive and build up over time. There are several steps to determining if you have an actual water damage situation and when you must call a pro — and when you can do it yourself. Remember, you can’t be too cautious with the well-being of your loved ones. The nose knows Damp and wet areas affected by water intrusion demonstrate themselves after a day or two with a very easy to detect odor. It will just smell wet, musty, and unhealthy. If you detect anything like that, it’s time to do some serious investigating. You may not actually see the water intrusion, but no doubt it is probably there. Surface damage You can often see swelling materials, such as the particle board under a sink, providing evidence of water intrusion. When things buckle, even if you notice it after the surface has dried, there is potential of subsequent water damage, because if it leaked once… it will again! Stains You can usually see this in the ceilings and areas around water sources. Sometimes it is around windows. If you detect water marks (think of a carpet under a water fountain in a building) then you need to put your investigative hat on and figure out if it is a big deal or not — and most likely, it will be a big deal. The evidence of water damage can be easy to see, and sometimes it hides and continues to affect surfaces and your health until it becomes a serious issue. If you have any water damage issues or questions, do the right thing. Call your favorite water damage professional company today. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean Carpet Cleaning 575-937-4385 Removing Blood and Biological Spots and Stains
It’s not a pleasant task, but it’s one that must be handled, and quickly. Removing blood, vomit, urine, feces, and other biological spots and stains is a fairly easy chore if the issue is caught quickly. But allow the substance to dry, and your job becomes much more difficult. What impacts the success of removal of blood and biological substance is what it is on. If on carpet or upholstery, the removal is much more challenging as flushing out the contaminant can actually cause irreversible damage to the fabric. But if on clothing or other washable material, the job can be handled easily. Here are some tips to remove biological contaminants from clothing and other washable fabrics. Don’t delay Once you discover there is a biological substance on the fabric, scrap away any excess you can and get it into the washing machine. Remember, something fresh is probably just a “spot” — which is on the outside of the fiber. Give it time, or don’t remove all the substance when cleaning, and that spot becomes a “stain” — which is inside the fiber, and very challenging to remove. Pretreat the area You do this all the time. Pretreating spots means easier removal during washing. For biological substances, this is important. A quality preconditioning product worked into the fabric, and allowed to dwell for several minutes, means the washing cycle will be more effective. Control the temperature You might have heard that hot water can “set the stain.” Not always true. The problem is using hot water opens up the fibers and allows staining substances to penetrate. Incomplete cleaning does this as well. To be safe, keep the temperature warm or cold when washing fabrics with biological spots or stains. Don’t dry After washing, you may notice the spot or stain is gone. Don’t assume that is 100% true. When wet, the fabric may be hiding the spot or stain. Allow it to air dry. Do not put it into the drier. Hot air during the drying process can set any remaining spots or stains. Once dry, inspect carefully. If you see any remaining spots or stains, launder the item again. As with all cleaning chores, there comes a time when it is time to throw in the towel and call the pros. Do the right thing and let your favorite cleaning company do the work for you. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 The Battle Against Garbage Can Odors
There’s nothing too exciting about garbage cans, except how you feel if you pull a full trash bag out and it bursts and spews all kinds of undesirables all over the kitchen floor. If you have garbage, such as limp lettuce, fermenting flounder, greasy goat cheese, and much more, you will have odors from it. Odors naturally occur from bacteria, which is what grows quickly on organic material. And then you have mold adding to the issue. All this fermenting in a dark, damp playground known as your garbage can. Even if you have a secure trash can lid, the odors have a mind of their own and an evil intent to escape. There are several things you can do to limit the effect of garbage can odors. Take out the trash It may seem simplistic, but most of us wait too long to take out the trash. A smell garbage can inside is terrible – the one outside waiting to be hauled away isn’t much better, but at least it is outside. Make it a practice to take out the trash before the bag is full. Use quality scented bags By quality, we mean bags that have a thicker mil rating, as they won’t break as easy. Yes, they cost more and use more plastic. Look at keeping the mil for your trash bag at 2 or above. The scented bags really do a great job hiding, not removing, odors. They mask bad odors and give you more time between taking out the trash before you start to notice odors. Use baking soda Baking soda is a typical household fixture. By sprinkling baking soda in the bottom of your garbage can and even in the bag, it helps to limit the odors caused by bacteria. It does this by absorbing odors instead of them being released into the air you breathe. Give it a hosing Like all things, garbage cans need to be cleaned. You might say, “I use bags!” but that doesn’t matter. Odors build up no matter what you do, and a good cleaning with baking soda or other cleaning products, and hosing or rinsing out the can, will help keep lingering odors at bay. And like all things, quality cleaning of the surfaces in your home are better performed by the pros. Do the right thing, call your favorite cleaning company when you need help. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance
The job of the vacuum cleaner, whether in a home or office, is to pick up dirt, debris, particulate soil, hair, dander, virtually anything that lands on the carpet and must be removed. In the process, your vacuum cleaner eventually ends up needing a little cleaning attention itself. When you empty the vacuum collection chamber or replace the vacuum bag, all of that dust, dirt, debris, and hair went into the port that contains the beater bar, and then through a hose, and most likely also through a filter or two. Keep your vacuum cleaner in great working condition with these simple maintenance tips. Keep it safe and anytime you are working on your vacuum, make sure it is unplugged. The bag or bin Some vacuums have a chamber or bin that collects the dirt. If you have that type of vacuum, remove it and empty it frequently, even after each use. Wipe it out if you can and if the type warrants it, rinse it out with water and detergent. If you have a vacuum with a bag, keep an eye on how much dirt it is accumulating. It’s best to replace it when about half full, never more than 2/3 full. If your vacuum bag gets too full, the efficiency of the machine is drastically reduced. The beater bar Turn the vacuum over and inspect the beater bar and vacuum inlet assembly. This is where things might get a little gross as you have to physically pull and remove all the hair that has rolled up on the beater bar. Wear gloves. Pull the hair off and keep turning the beater bar until it is completely clean. Use scissors or a small, sharp knife if the hair is difficult to remove with just your bare fingers. The filter(s) You may need to refer to your owner’s manual for this. Find the filters and inspect according to manufacturer recommendations. Some filters need to be replaced; others can be cleaned. Air must pass through the filters so keep them in good condition. High-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) might need more attention than typical filters. One great way to ensure vacuum cleaner efficiency is to have your favorite cleaning company inspect it the next time they work in your home. Call them today. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 Be a Dust Handler
Dust. It’s everywhere. Want proof? Reach over to a cabinet top, a window sill… just about any surface. Rub your finger on them and see what you get. While dust occurs naturally in homes and buildings, there are some practical steps you can take to minimize how much dust affects the cleanliness of your home but also how much it negatively affects health of your loved ones. Exhaust fans Talk about something you might never inspect, unless you think about it. Give it some thought now. In your bathrooms, look up at your exhaust fans — assuming you have them. Look closely. They are probably covered with dust and hair and other debris, and perhaps the circulation openings are completely clogged up. Use a vacuum to remove as much as you can, and when there is air flow into the fan, use some compressed air to finish the job. Loosening up the dust means the fan will move it on out. Area rugs While you vacuum your floors and area rugs on a scheduled basis, you never get as much dust out of area rugs than taking them outside and giving them a good “beating.” Of course, the area rug has to be of a size and weight you can handle. But if you get them outside, drape over a fence or patio chair, and go at them with a broom or tennis racket, you will get much more dust out of them than if you vacuumed alone. High areas Like your exhaust fans, other areas you might not inspect can be dust collectors. Think about your ceiling fans, trim around doors and windows, pictures and ornaments, any area above typical eyesight. Your favorite department store or online store will have a variety of dusting devices you can use. They also have products meant to, while you clean, attract dust, dander, and debris so you aren’t just moving it around. The main thing is to buy them and use them on a regular basis. Maintenance As with any task, performing what needs done on a schedule is important. Keeping a house clean and tidy is a task that never ends. From dusting to carpet cleaning, to hard floor care, and more, the best way to keep it all in perfect shape is to use a quality and professional cleaning service. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 3 Best Ways to Kick Off Spring
As winter rolls into spring, you may want to concentrate on fixing, organizing, and cleaning what’s outside — after all, most say that working in the sun is better than working under a light bulb — but there are some tasks inside that just shouldn’t be ignored. Here are a few that will help your indoor air quality the minute you handle them. Dusty decisions A cold, hard winter means the house has been closed up and not aired out. The natural tendency is to think there is no dust coming in. That’s not true. Spring is a good time to thoroughly dust your entire home, picking up small items off table and desktops, cleaning off the tops of window frames, and don’t forget the baseboards. Dust the entire home. Be sure to use rags or towels that will collect the dust, instead of spreading it around or pushing it off surfaces onto the floor, where you will just walk on it and kick it around. All this work means you will be rewarded with less exposure to indoor airborne allergens. Ducts and vents Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system works hard to keep you comfortable, and while it does that, the ductwork gets dusty and dirty. You don’t see it, so the tendency is you don’t worry about it. Take off a vent or two and inspect. Get out the flashlight. Take a white towel and push it into the ductwork. Does it come out brown? While you can clean the vents, it’s virtually impossible to clean the ductwork yourself. You need to call a professional for the duct cleaning work. Vacuum and sweep This is a good time to get out your vacuum, inspect it thoroughly and clean it up, and start vacuuming everything. Every square inch of carpet you can get to and move as much furniture as you can. You would be amazed how much dust can build up under furniture over the winter. Besides vacuuming the carpet, get a vacuum tool that can handle the hard floors as well. If you use a regular broom, you will stir up the dust and put it up in your breathing space. If you must sweep, find a tool that doesn’t “whisk” the dust up. A real clean When you realize the job is tough and you are ready to throw in the towel, do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 When water damage strikes your basement, or any part of the home, you panic a little. But it isn’t too bad as long as it isn’t too deep.
But when sewage strikes, that’s an entirely different situation. Raw sewage can’t be as easily removed and cleaned as a typical water intrusion, such as from a storm or pipe that has broken. The first order of business is to find out whose sewage it is. Did it come from your own home because it couldn’t drain properly? Is it a simple overflow from the toilet? Or is it from the sewer system backing up from the street? There’s a big, big difference dealing with your own poo and the poo of all your neighbors. The small jobs As mentioned, sewage can occur from a simple toilet overflow. Those dirty jobs are easy to handle. Put on rubber gloves, preferably rubber boots, and other protective gear so there is no skin contact. A wet/dry vacuum is a handle tool for picking up raw sewage, since you are dealing with just one overflow and the amount is small. After removing the waste, use a powerful disinfectant on the floor to clean the last of it up. If you have carpet, that might need to be replaced. The big jobs Some sewage backups occur because of a failed sewer system, not just a simple overflow of a toilet. A common issue with sewer issues is when your sewer line is attacked by tree roots. Over time, roots can work their way into the sewer line, as they search for water. The roots grow into the line, expanding and eventually plugging up the line completely. Then your normal household use of the plumbing system backs up into the home. The worst type is a backflow from the public sewer system, where gallons — or even hundreds of gallons — of raw sewage from all types of sources can enter your home. There are various causes of this, but the bottom line is you now have contaminants that are very hazardous to your health. When this happens, it’s time to protect yourself. Don’t attempt to go into the basement and clean it yourself, even if you have face masks and skin protection. The biological hazards are too great. This is one of those times you must call a professional water damage company, one that specializes in sewage issues. After all, it pays to call a p As winter rolls into spring, you may want to concentrate on fixing, organizing, and cleaning what’s outside — after all, most say that working in the sun is better than working under a light bulb — but there are some tasks inside that just shouldn’t be ignored.
Here are a few that will help your indoor air quality the minute you handle them. Dusty decisions A cold, hard winter means the house has been closed up and not aired out. The natural tendency is to think there is no dust coming in. That’s not true. Spring is a good time to thoroughly dust your entire home, picking up small items off table and desktops, cleaning off the tops of window frames, and don’t forget the baseboards. Dust the entire home. Be sure to use rags or towels that will collect the dust, instead of spreading it around or pushing it off surfaces onto the floor, where you will just walk on it and kick it around. All this work means you will be rewarded with less exposure to indoor airborne allergens. Ducts and vents Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system works hard to keep you comfortable, and while it does that, the ductwork gets dusty and dirty. You don’t see it, so the tendency is you don’t worry about it. Take off a vent or two and inspect. Get out the flashlight. Take a white towel and push it into the ductwork. Does it come out brown? While you can clean the vents, it’s virtually impossible to clean the ductwork yourself. You need to call a professional for the duct cleaning work. Vacuum and sweep This is a good time to get out your vacuum, inspect it thoroughly and clean it up, and start vacuuming everything. Every square inch of carpet you can get to and move as much furniture as you can. You would be amazed how much dust can build up under furniture over the winter. Besides vacuuming the carpet, get a vacuum tool that can handle the hard floors as well. If you use a regular broom, you will stir up the dust and put it up in your breathing space. If you must sweep, find a tool that doesn’t “whisk” the dust up. A real clean When you realize the job is tough and you are ready to throw in the towel, do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean Carpet Cleaning 575-937-4385 Should You Wash Cushion Covers?
It’s a very easy thing to do… you notice your sofa cushions are a little dingy, which is perfectly normal with kids, pets and normal usage. So you decide to do-it-yourself and wash the cushion covers. They come out looking nice. But you also notice a little problem. The colors aren’t as bright as they used to be, and it takes a lot of effort to get the covers back over the foam cushions themselves. In fact, for one cushion, you can’t even get it zipped up all the way. The reason is that cushion covers are not designed to be washed like normal laundry. “But it has zippers!” you exclaim. That’s for the convenience of the furniture manufacturing company or the upholsterer. Keep these points in mind if you are tempted to wash your cushion covers:
So while you may do this, remove your cushion covers for laundering, keep these points in mind and be very careful with your valuable furnishings! Do your furniture and all upholstery fabric a huge favor: Call your cleaning professionals today! 575-937-4385 Everyone loves cleaning their windows in their home. Right? Maybe not. But when you have to do it, it sure is easier if you have some window-cleaning best practices in mind.
You may choose the very best window cleaning solution, the most lint-free cloths, but often you end up with streaks that just won’t seem to go away no matter how much you rub and buff. Here are some tips to ensure a complete window cleaning job — without those pesky streaks. Choose your solution You can, of course, purchase a quality window cleaning solution from your favorite grocery or department store. Another option is to make your own, using the power of vinegar. Vinegar is inexpensive and helps kill germs on contact. For spraying on windows, it’s non-toxic and safe (although sometimes a little smelly). Vinegar breaks down soils and films that cause streaking, so it’s one way to limit streaks after the cleaning is accomplished. But don’t use just vinegar; that’s too strong and unnecessary, and you need to boost the power of vinegar with other solutions. It’s best to mix your vinegar (1/3) with water (2/3) and add a tiny drop of dish detergent. This has a two-fold effect: You are getting a little more grease-cutting power, and you can better see the progress as you clean your windows. The cleaning process The traditional method of window cleaning is to spray the solution (either store-bought or home-made) onto the glass, and then wiping it off with paper towels. If you use paper towels, choose a high-quality brand that doesn’t leave lint. Even better would be lint-free cotton towels. Do the cleaning in two steps. The first is to apply a heavy amount of window cleaning solution to the glass and remove with the towels. Do it again with a light missing of solution and clean and polish until the window looks great. The first, heavier application removes virtually all the soil and film, and the second finishes it off nicely. It’s best, when working the towel on the glass, to use consistent circular motions or go in the same direction. When cleaning the opposite side, do the opposite of what you did on the original side. And don’t forget, for all your cleaning needs, from floors to furniture and more, do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 How to Take Care of Your Outdoor Grill
There’s nothing more enjoyable to food lovers everywhere than firing up the gas grill and creating some delicious meals, whether steaks, burgers, bratwursts or healthy home-grown vegetables. Keeping that gas grill in good shape is, therefore, paramount to happy outdoor barbecues and family gatherings. And here’s something we all know: Outdoor gas grills don’t clean or take care of themselves. It takes determination on your part to keep them working for you, meal after meal after meal. Here are a few easy steps to keeping your gas grill in good shape. Step 1: After cooking your favorite treat on the grill (after removing all the food to a platter, of course) keep the grill on. In fact, turn it up a bit, and let all the bits of meat and drippings burn to a crisp so after everything cools you can scrape them off the grill grate. If you don’t do this, the next time you fire up the grill means you will be dealing with the remnants of the previous meal. That’s not tasty. Step 2: Look underneath… no matter the quality of your grill, if you have a storage area for pans, spatulas and the propane tank, food drippings and debris can quickly create a problem. Clean out that storage area on a regular basis, keeping everything neat and ready for the next meal. Step 3: Don’t ignore the exterior of the grill. Washing the outside of the grill with warm, soapy water keeps grime from building up. Step 4: When not in use, keep everything covered up. Some feel that with warmer weather, they can leave the grill exposed to the elements. Hey, it’s meant to be outside, right? Yet keeping the grill under a quality grill cover can add years of life to your trusty outdoor cooking partner. Of course, with outdoor grilling comes greasy spills that can spot and stain your carpet. Nearly everyone has dropped a burger or a hot dog on the floor when bringing the food inside. Even worse is when your tasty treat is covered with mustard or ketchup. Do your carpet a favor and call your professional carpet cleaning company when that happens. It’s fast. It’s easy. It’s super convenient. Without it, some of us couldn’t survive in the kitchen. No way.
Yes, the microwave oven is an indispensable appliance. The microwave oven is a modern invention. The first microwaves were around in the mid 1940s, but were mainly for restaurants and reheating food on airplanes. They were massive devices that had to be cooled continuously by water flow. By the 1950s they were introduced to homeowners and some did indeed purchase them, but they were approximately $12,000 in today’s dollars. The popularity along with more affordability began in the 1980s and microwaves as a common fixture in the kitchen is now here. Virtually everyone has one. If you don’t, you are in the minority. What all microwave users have in common is cleaning up the mess that inherently comes with using these handy ovens that can cook snacks or complete meals in seconds or minutes instead of hours. To ensure your microwave oven not only looks good but also operates efficiently, you must keep it clean. Here’s how. Scrape it As with any cleaning task, scraping up as much as you can before applying cleaning agents is smart. Food particles and residue that resulted from an “explosion” of food can easily be scraped away from the walls and ceiling of the inside of the oven. Spray it When you have scraped up as much as possible, use an appropriate cleaning solution and liberally spray the interior of the microwave. Give it some time for the solution to work, perhaps five minutes, and then wipe away the grime. But if there is a lot of grime, continue reading and do this… Steam it Fill a microwave-safe bowl about two-thirds full of water. Put it inside the microwave and heat it up on high for about three to five minutes, or until it is boiling. Don’t open the door! Let the bowl sit in there for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen up the grime. Then… Wipe it Spray the moist interior of the oven with more cleaning solution, and use paper towels to wipe all interior surfaces. Even the toughest grime should come off after all your prep work. Other dirty surfaces Microwave ovens aren’t the only grimy things that can be part of the modern household. When you need any of your surfaces cleaned, such as carpet, furniture, hard floors and more, call your favorite cleaning company. It pays to call a pro! Cody CLC Extreme Clean Carpet Cleaning 575-937-4385 Three Steps to Cleaner Clothes
“Doing the laundry” — it’s a common phrase and chore in virtually every household. Here are three easy ways to cleaner, fresher clothes. #1. Pre-treat spots and stains: Any textile is porous, which means staining substances can penetrate into the fibers and become very difficult to remove, and can sometimes become permanent. Remember, there is a difference from a spot to a stain. Any visible spot should be pretreated with a laundry pretreatment product. Without this step, spots can work their way into the fibers and become stains. #2: Sort it out: Separating delicate clothes, dark clothes and white clothes means you have a little more control over how aggressive your laundry is cleaned. Delicates should usually be cleaned in colder water, with a shorter cycle. Consider air or hang drying all delicates. Dark clothes might bleed, so washing them separate is smart, and also on colder water (to be safer.) White clothes definitely show more dirt but often are also more durable. You can use hot water on most whites. Always look at the tag on each item as there’s nothing more frustrating than a sweater coming out three sizes smaller than when it went in. #3: Boost your cleaning power: When you have really dirty or smelly laundry, sometimes the normal soap doesn’t do the trick. There are laundry boosters available that do what the name implies: They boost the cleaning power by using oxidizing solutions that aren’t as strong as chlorine bleach, which can easily remove color. A booster really does the trick on tough dirt, spots, stains and odors. Follow the manufacturer directions carefully. Besides clothes, what about your carpet or furniture? There’s no washing machine big enough! Do the smart thing and call your favorite carpet and furniture cleaning company.575-937-4385 Always Do This When Cleaning
Taking care of cleaning chores around the house is something homeowners have engaged in since houses were invented. Not much thought goes into it other than it just needs done. However, some specialized tasks, such as removing a spot from a carpet, getting rid of an irritating pet odor from the family dog or trying to find the best cleaning solution for the toughest jobs can actually end up causing more harm than good. Spot removal When we find a spot on the carpet, there are two things we tend to do. The first is to put way too much cleaning solution on the spot, saturating it and even getting the padding wet. This just spreads the spot and causes trouble in the future. The second is we tend to scrub way too long and way too hard. This can fray the fibers and you can’t fix that. So when you get a spot, put some solution on a white towel and blot. Never scrub or rub. Odor removal The biggest question when Fido or Fluffy does their thing on the carpet is “How do I get it out?” That’s not always easy unless you get to it right away. Urine will penetrate into the carpet, the padding and even the subfloor, and when it dries, over time it becomes sticky and smelly. Some will put powdered carpet deodorizers on those spots, which only gums up the carpet and creates a residue very difficult to remove. Like with spot removal, blotting the area quickly is usually the best remedy for the do-it-yourself types. Using products When one product works well and you find another one works well, too, the tendency is to mix them. Remember, never mix ammonia and bleach. Both are effective products on their own, but mixed together, they become deadly. Other products on your shelf could, if mixed together, create toxic fumes that can cause harm to your family. Always follow directions. How can you avoid all these problems and challenges? It’s simple: Call your cleaning professional today. They’ll be right over to save the day. 575-937-4385 |
ATTENTION:This is Cody The Carpet Cleaner. Please be aware that I offer a high-end cleaning service. I understand that as a student or renter price is very important, but this is not a "Quicky-Budget" option. I perform a minimum of 7 steps to insure quality results.If your primary goal is quality please give me a call 575-937-4385. Thank You. Archives
March 2024
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