DIY TO ERADICATE CARPET FLEAS

Fleas, those tiny, agile insects notorious for tormenting pets and humans alike, often find their way into our living spaces, particularly carpets and other fabric surfaces such as upholstery, pillows, and curtains.

They don’t just come in on pets. They can hitch rides on just about anything (pant legs, socks, delivered packages, other insects, and rodents) so don’t think you are safe just because you don’t have pets.

The thing is, once they get it in, it is exceedingly difficult to get them out. They are small and hard to see, plus they multiply quickly. Once inside, they quickly infest carpets, where they find an ideal environment for breeding and feeding. Carpets provide a warm and cozy habitat, offering shelter and easy access to potential hosts for blood meals. Fleas lay their eggs in the carpet fibers, and the larvae, pupae, and adult fleas all contribute to the infestation cycle, making it hard to eliminate them without flea specific interventions.

Are there DIY methods to eradicate fleas? Yes, there are.

• If you have a pet, treat it: Get it bathed and groomed then treat it with a flea killing topical or ingestible. Check with your vet for their recommendations.
• Wash everything: Wash all fabric surfaces including curtains, pillowcases, blankets, and throws that are in the infested area. Use the hottest water possible that won’t damage your fabrics. If something is dry clean only, take it to the cleaners. Don’t put them back out until after the infestation is gone.
• Vacuum often and thoroughly: Don’t just vacuum in the same direction, change direction, and use multiple passes. Move furniture to vacuum underneath. If the vacuum cleaner has a bag, trash it after every use. If it has a dirt cup or receptacle, empty it outside in the trash.
• Over the counter treatments: There are flea specific sprays, powders, and foggers you can use to fight a flea infestation. Follow the directions and know that you may have to treat the situation multiple times.
• If all else fails, call a professional pest company. Let them deal with the flea problem. It’s their job.
• Professional carpet cleaners: After the infestation is gone, call a carpet cleaning professional. All those chemicals in the flea treatments are now in your carpets and rugs. They can trap dirt and other contaminants in your carpets causing them to look dirty, smell bad, or become damaged. Getting them professionally cleaned is the best way to prevent these things from happening.

Fleas are annoying little pests that love your carpets and rugs. They  want to make them their home. If you let them do that, they will multiply out of control and make you and your pets miserable. Fighting them off is your best bet for a safe, clean, pest free home.

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PRO Partners.

If you have carpet in your home, you are certainly aware that at times there are challenges when it comes to keeping it clean.

As you try to clean the spot where the dog dropped a piece of pizza he stole from the trash, or where your child dropped a glass of grape juice, you might be wondering if stain protectant aka stain guard is right for you and your carpet.

Let’s take a look…

Pros of Stain Protectant on Carpet

1. Durability: Stain protectants create a barrier on the carpet fibers, making them more resistant to spills, dirt, and stains. This can significantly extend the life and looks of your carpet — proven in laboratory research!
2. Ease of Cleaning: Carpets treated with stain protectants are much easier to clean. Spills can be wiped up quicker before they set into the fibers and create stains.
3. Looks & Appeal: Regular use of stain protectants can keep carpets looking newer for longer. This is particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas where carpets are more prone to wear and staining.
4. Allergy Reduction: By preventing dirt and allergens from settling deeply into the carpet fibers, making them easier to vacuum up, stain protectants can help create a healthier indoor environment.

 Cons of Stain Protectant on Carpet

1. Cost: The initial application of stain protectants can be expensive, particularly for larger areas or if you choose an eco-friendly or non-toxic treatment. This can be a deterrent for some homeowners or businesses with tight budgets.
2. Temporary Solution: Stain protectants are not permanent and may require reapplication every 6 to 12 months, depending on the amount of foot traffic and the type of carpet. This ongoing maintenance can add to the overall cost.
3. Chemical Concerns: Some stain protectants have chemicals that can be harmful to the environment or to individuals with allergy or chemical sensitivities. Choosing an eco-friendly or non-toxic choice can ease this issue but might come at a higher price point.
4. Effectiveness: The effectiveness of stain protectants can vary based on the type of carpet and the nature of the stain. Some protectants might not work as well on natural fibers like wool compared to synthetic fibers like nylon.

Stain protectants on carpets offer serious benefits, particularly in terms of durability, ease of cleaning, and maintaining appeal. However, the costs, need for reapplication, potential chemical concerns, and variable effectiveness are important considerations. Weighing these pros and cons can help in making an informed decision about whether or not to use a stain protectant on your carpet.

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PRO Partners.

Causes and Solutions for Carpet Rippling aka Buckling

Carpet rippling, also known as buckling or wrinkling, is a common issue that can occur after cleaning a carpet. This phenomenon can be alarming, but understanding the causes and solutions can help address the problem.

Causes of Carpet Rippling

1. Moisture: During the cleaning process, the backing of the carpet can absorb moisture, leading to expansion and rippling.
2. Improper Installation: One of the primary reasons carpets ripple after cleaning is incorrect installation. If the carpet was not installed correctly, rippling can occur. This includes issues such as insufficient stretching during installation or using the wrong type of padding. A carpet that is not tightly secured to the tack strips is more prone to shifting and wrinkling.
3. Temperature and Humidity: Environmental factors like changes in temperature and humidity can cause the carpet fibers and backing to expand and contract. This is particularly true in regions with high humidity or if there are drastic changes in weather conditions.
4. Heavy Furniture: Moving heavy furniture across the carpet can cause it to stretch and ripple. This is often worsened after cleaning when the carpet is still slightly damp and more pliable.

How Carpet Rippling Goes Away

1. Material Properties: Carpets are designed to be flexible. The backing and fibers can expand when exposed to moisture and contract as they dry. This natural elasticity allows the carpet to return to its original shape once the moisture evaporates.
2. Tension and Weight: The weight of the carpet itself and the tension applied during installation can help the carpet settle back into place. Over time, as the carpet dries and the room returns to a stable temperature and humidity, the ripples can diminish.
3. Professional Intervention: Professional carpet cleaning and maintenance services are skilled at addressing rippling. Techniques such as hot water extraction are often followed by drying processes that minimize the risk of ripples.

Solutions to Carpet Rippling

1. Proper Drying: Ensuring the carpet is thoroughly dried after cleaning can help prevent or reduce rippling. More often than not, once the carpet is dry after cleaning, the ripples will go away.
2. Professional Stretching: The most effective solution for a continuously rippled carpet is to have it professionally re-stretched. Carpet stretching involves pulling the carpet tight and re-securing it to the tack strips along the edges. This process smooths out the ripples and restores the carpet to its original flat state.
3. Quality Installation: Prevention is always better than cure. Ensuring the carpet is installed correctly in the first place, with adequate stretching and proper padding, can prevent future rippling. Professional installation often includes a guarantee against issues like buckling.
4. Regular Maintenance: Regular vacuuming and avoiding excessive moisture can help keep the carpet’s integrity. When cleaning, it’s important to use the appropriate amount of water and ensure proper drying.

Carpet rippling after cleaning is a common but manageable issue. It is primarily caused by improper installation, moisture, and environmental factors. The rippling can go away naturally as the carpet dries and contracts back to its original shape. Professional re-stretching and ensuring proper installation and maintenance can help prevent and/or resolve this problem. Understanding the causes and solutions ensures carpets stay smooth, looking good, and long-lasting.

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PRO Partners.

Filtration soil, aka soil filtration, refers to the dark, grayish lines that appear on carpets, typically along walls, under doors, around baseboards, or near HVAC vents.

This issue occurs when air-carrying pollutants pass through or across the carpet, leaving behind dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. The air, seeking an escape route, is often forced through small gaps, such as the space between the carpet and the baseboard or under closed doors. As the air passes through the carpet fibers, it deposits tiny particles of dust, pollen, smoke, and other contaminants, which gradually accumulate and darken the carpet over time.

The common sources of these pollutants include:

1. Cooking oils
2. Smoke from cigarettes or fireplaces,
3. Dirt from outside,
4. Pet dander, and even the
5. General dust found in homes.

Poor ventilation and the presence of HVAC systems that circulate air can worsen the problem, leading to more noticeable soiling.

Fixes:

Removing filtration soiling can be challenging, but it is possible with the right approach. Here are some methods to address the issue:

1. Professional Deep Cleaning: Professional carpet cleaning services often have specialized tools and cleaning solutions designed to tackle these stubborn stains.
2. Targeted Spot Cleaning: For less severe areas, a specialized filtration soil remover can be applied directly to the affected areas. These products are designed to break down the oily and particulate residue that causes the dark lines.
3. Regular Maintenance: To prevent the buildup of filtration soiling, frequent vacuuming, especially along the edges and near ventilation points, is crucial. Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your vacuum cleaner can help capture finer particles.

What Not to Do:

When dealing with filtration soiling, avoid the following:

1. Using Harsh Chemicals: Over-the-counter carpet cleaners with harsh chemicals may damage the carpet fibers or cause discoloration, making the problem worse.
2. Scrubbing Vigorously: Excessive scrubbing can cause the fibers to fray or wear down, potentially spreading the soiling over a larger area and damaging the carpet’s appearance.
3. Ignoring the Source: Simply cleaning the carpet without addressing the root cause of the soiling, such as poor ventilation or gaps along the baseboards, will result in the stains reappearing over time.

Preventive measures, combined with careful cleaning and regular maintenance, are the key to keeping carpets free from filtration soiling and extending their lifespan.

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PRO Partners.