Category: Articles

Technology is a wonderful thing. The things that used to take us hours, days or even weeks to do can now be done very efficiently in the blink of an eye, and in some cases, the result is even better than if we did it ourselves. Technology, along with some carpet care companies, are giving us a new way to help care for our carpets and rugs: the ROBOTIC SPOT CLEANER.

Our carpets and rugs are big investments and can be crucial to the comfort, décor and overall look of our homes or businesses. However, once stains or spots set in, the looks and longevity of your floor coverings are severely diminished. You may try to get a spot or a spill up yourself but that entails a lot of work. You must blot the spill, then you have to hit it with whatever cleaning agent is recommended to take care of that particular spill. After that, you have to blot again and hope that you got it all. Only to find out when it dries, that you didn’t get it all up and you have to do it again.

Or, you have to drag out the big bulky carpet cleaning machine that you have and try to get the spot out with that. Then you have to clean that machine before you put it away. It can be a cumbersome and involved process.

This is a situation where a robotic spot cleaner may come in handy and save you some time and effort. Robotic spot cleaners, while not brand new, are still fairly new to the market so let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of these technological floor care robots.

Pros:

• Time-Saving: One of the most significant advantages of robotic spot cleaners is their ability to operate autonomously. Once placed on a stained area, they can work on their own, freeing up your time for other tasks. This is particularly beneficial for busy households or commercial spaces where cleaning tasks often compete with other responsibilities.
• Convenience: Robotic spot cleaners offer unparalleled convenience. With app-based controls and remote monitoring capabilities, users can initiate and manage the cleaning process from their smartphones or other devices. This level of connectivity adds a new dimension to convenience, allowing you to control the robot even when you’re not at home.
• Reduced Chemical Usage: By precisely targeting stains, robotic spot cleaners can minimize the use of cleaning agents. This not only saves money but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing chemical waste.
• Improved Indoor Air Quality: Carpets can trap allergens, dust mites, and other particles that affect indoor air quality. Regular use of robotic spot cleaners can help alleviate these concerns by maintaining cleaner carpets and reducing potential health hazards.

Cons:

• Limited Coverage: Robotic spot cleaners are specialized devices designed for spot cleaning rather than full carpet cleaning. While they excel at targeted stain removal, they may not be suitable for large or heavily soiled areas that require deep cleaning.
• High Initial Cost: The upfront cost of purchasing a robotic spot cleaner can be relatively high compared to traditional cleaning methods. This initial investment might deter some potential users, especially those on a tight budget.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Like any electronic device, robotic spot cleaners require regular maintenance and occasional repairs. This can add to the overall cost of ownership.
• Battery Life and Runtime: The cleaning efficiency of robotic spot cleaners is often tied to their battery life and runtime. If the device has a limited battery capacity, it may not be able to complete a thorough cleaning session in one go, requiring multiple cleaning cycles.
• Lack of Deep Cleaning: While robotic spot cleaners are adept at surface-level stain removal, they may not replace the need for periodic deep cleaning of carpets. Deep cleaning is essential for maintaining the overall cleanliness and longevity of carpets.

Robotic spot cleaners for carpets offer a range of benefits, from time-saving convenience to improved indoor air quality. However, they also come with limitations such as high initial costs, limited coverage, and the need for occasional maintenance. They are not meant to take the place of professional deep cleaning services; however, carpet cleaning professionals do say that tending to and removing spots and stains from your carpets is another line of defense against dull, dirty carpets and shortened carpet life. A robotic spot cleaner may be just the weapon you need in your cleaning arsenal to help keep your carpets looking good for years to come.

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

Living with allergies can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining a clean and allergen-free home.

Carpets, in particular, can harbor dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens that trigger allergic reactions. However, with proper care and maintenance, carpets can still be enjoyed by allergy sufferers. In this article, we will provide valuable tips for carpet care that will help create a healthier living space for those with allergies.

10 Tips For Managing Allergens

1. Vacuum Regularly: Regular vacuuming is crucial for minimizing allergens trapped in carpets. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, as it can effectively trap microscopic allergens. Aim to vacuum at least twice a week, paying special attention to high-traffic areas and corners where allergens tend to accumulate.
2. Practice Proper Vacuuming Techniques: Slowly move the vacuum in overlapping passes to ensure thorough coverage. Remember to vacuum both horizontally and vertically to capture allergens lodged deep within the carpet fibers. Additionally, empty and clean the vacuum canister or replace the bag regularly to prevent allergens from re-circulating.
3. Consider Steam Cleaning: Periodically steam cleaning your carpets can help eliminate allergens and refresh the fibers. Steam cleaning uses hot water and steam to penetrate deep into the carpet, effectively killing dust mites and bacteria. However, ensure that your carpet is compatible with steam cleaning and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent damage.
4. Use Allergen-Reducing Carpet Treatments: Explore allergen-reducing treatments available in the market. These treatments, applied to the carpet fibers, can help minimize allergen buildup and create a barrier that prevents allergens from becoming airborne. Look for products specifically designed for allergy sufferers and follow the instructions carefully.
5. Implement a No-Shoes Policy: Shoes can track in pollen, dust, and other allergens from the outdoors. Implementing a no-shoes policy in your home can significantly reduce the number of allergens introduced to your carpets. Provide a shoe rack or designated area near the entrance for family members and guests to remove their shoes.
6. Regularly Clean Pet Areas: Pet dander is a common allergen that can settle in carpets. If you have pets, take extra care to clean their living areas, such as pet beds or favorite spots on the carpet. Regularly wash pet bedding and vacuum the surrounding areas to minimize the presence of allergens.
7. Invest in Allergy-Friendly Carpet: Consider replacing your current carpet with allergy-friendly options. Look for carpets labelled as hypoallergenic or low pile, as they are less likely to trap allergens. These carpets are often easier to clean and maintain, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
8. Professional Carpet Cleaning: Periodically enlist the help of professional carpet cleaning services. Professionals have specialized equipment and expertise to deep clean carpets, extracting embedded allergens and dirt. Schedule professional cleanings at least once or twice a year, depending on the level of foot traffic and the severity of your allergies.
9. Maintain Proper Indoor Humidity: Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, which can trigger allergies. Use a dehumidifier to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels, typically between 30% and 50%. This helps prevent mold growth in carpets and other areas of your home.
10. Regularly Clean Air Ducts: Air ducts can accumulate dust and allergens, which eventually circulate throughout your home, settling on carpets. Have your air ducts professionally cleaned and inspected to ensure clean air circulation and minimize the introduction of allergens.

In Conclusion…

With these carpet care tips, allergy sufferers can create a healthier home environment, free from the burden of allergens. Regular vacuuming, steam cleaning, and allergen-reducing treatments will significantly reduce the allergen load in carpets. Combine these efforts with a no-shoes policy, allergy-friendly carpet choices, and professional cleanings to enjoy clean and fresh carpets while minimizing allergic reactions. By implementing these practices, you can create a comfortable and allergen-free space to thrive in.

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

What is a robot vacuum cleaner?

A robot vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that you program to clean, instead of physically operating a machine cleaner yourself. It can be programmed to clean specific areas at certain times, or it can go from room to room. They are usually round, but some are square or D-shaped. Some will empty their own waste bins, some will not. Some will even mop your non-carpeted floor, some will not.

Let’s take a look at the PROs of robot vacuums:

Hard to reach areas – Robot vacuums can get in those hard-to-reach areas such as under beds, chairs or other furniture like tables or bookcases.

Scheduled cleaning – Since they are programable, they can be set to clean at specific times, days or in specific locations. Set it and forget it.

Location cleaning – Most, not all, but most models come with a location cleaning feature that will allow you to have it clean a certain spot or area. I.e., if someone tracks dirt or sand in or you spill something in the kitchen, you can call the cleaner to that specific location to clean it up instead of hauling out a dustpan and broom.

Time saving – Since you are not physically doing the vacuuming chore yourself, you can be doing other things while it does the cleaning.

Pet hair – if you have pets, a robot vac is a good way to keep pet hair under control in between your regular vacuuming.

Now, let’s take a look at the CONs of robot vacuums:

Cost – Even though they have been decreasing in cost lately, as more brands come onto the market, they are still pricey. A basic model can run over $200 while a top of the line, all the bells and whistles model, can easily run upward of $1,000.

Power – The motor on these vacuums is much smaller than regular vacuums, meaning they don’t have the suction power that regular upright or canister vacuums have. They won’t pick up the amount of dirt a regular vacuum can. Plus, they aren’t very good at cleaning corners. Experts recommend that even if you have a robot vac, you still need to clean with a regular vacuum from time to time.

You still must pick up – You would pick things up off the floor to use a regular vacuum. You wouldn’t vacuum over socks or coins or other objects. You still need to do this for robot vacs. Meaning, you have to remember when it is going to vacuum and where, so you can pick up anything in its path. Failing to do so could result in the vacuum getting stuck, damaged or creating a bigger mess than what you started with.

Small collection cup – these machines are small, so their debris collection cups are small as well. They need to be emptied frequently, unless of course you get a high end one that empties itself.

Noise – It’s not that they are particularly noisy. It’s that they take much longer to clean than doing the job yourself with a regular vacuum. If you are away when it cleans, then no big deal. However, if you work from home or are retired and spend a lot of time at home, you may have to listen to it for quite awhile, while you are trying to work, watch TV, read or just relax.

Robot vacuums are becoming more attainable with more brands on the market than ever before. They come with all sorts of features and attributes that make them more reliable and desirable than years past. Figure out the features you really want. Do you want self-emptying? Do you want one that mops? Do you want location cleaning? Do you want it to clean under furniture? If yes, then make sure you measure the gap under your furniture and also measure the height of the model you are considering, to make sure it will fit.

Just be sure to do the research so you can get the model that is right for you. And remember, even with a robot vacuum, you still need to use your upright or canister vac from time to time.

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