Monthly Archives: September 2011

Holiday Carpet Cleaning

The holiday’s are coming near and it’s about time to get the house ready! One of the best things you can do to make your home look immaculate is clean your carpet! Cleaning your carpet can bring a new shine to the home that others will notice, especially if you get a deep cleaning.

What does Carpet Cleaning Do?
Carpet Cleaning gets into the actual fibers of the carpet so that the vitality is brought back into it. If you haven’t cleaned your carpet in a while, you will notice that the high traffic areas have become matted and dirty. If you hire a professional carpet cleaner to clean those areas, you will notice a major difference. A good example of a carpet cleaning company that does this best is Bellco Carpet Cleaning. Bellco uses a machine called the Rotovac Powerwand.

carpet cleaning houston

The Rotovac is a special tool used to lift matted areas and completely refurbish your carpet. Think of it as the Rolls Royce of carpet cleaning machines. If you want your family and friends to be WOWED by your home this Christmas Season, consider calling Bellco Carpet Cleaning to give you a hand!

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Christmas Light Hanging Houston

Hanging Christmas Lights can be tricky sometimes. Here are some bright ideas that will help you hang Christmas Lights safely and easily.

The first thing you want to do is make sure that you have all of the right materials. The most important part of making your light display look attractive is using the right clips:
Christmas Light Clips for Gutters:

S Style Gutter Hook
Gutter Clip
All-in-One Clip – all styles
Original Shingle Tab
Bi-Axial Shingle Tab

Vertical or horizontal? When installing Christmas lights on gutters, clips will face the following direction:

Gutter Clip – vertical or horizontal. For gutter lips thicker than 1/2″, clips may only secure horizontally
Regular All-in-One – horizontal
All-in-One plus – horizontal
Omni All-in-One – horizontal
LED All-in-One – horizontal
Bi-Axial Shingle Tab – horizontal
Original Shingle Tab – vertical
C Style All-in-One – vertical

Testing Your Lights
Make sure you test your Christmas Lights before you start putting them up. If your lights are from the year before or even older than that, you will most likely have a few broken bulbs. If you need replacement bulbs, usually these bulbs are C7, or C9 lights. Make sure if you have LED lights, that you buy C7 or C9 LED lights, not the normal ones.

To replace the broken bulb, always make sure you wear gloves before trying to take it out. Also make sure that the lights are unplugged. If you touch the wires inside of the bulb, you can be shocked.

The Ladder
The ladder you use should suit the job. In other words, your ladder should be tall enough for the house. If the gutters are 20 ft high, you should use at least a 30 ft extension ladder. Never max out the length of a ladder. That is very dangerous.

Hang Lights along the eaves

You will want to hang lights as easily and safely as you can without damage your homes trim or walls. Your ladder should be extended so that you can easily hang lights without stretching your body off of the ladder unsafely. Hanging lights should be fun, not dangerous.

Attaching Lights to the Trim
There are several different attachments that you can use to attach lights to the trim. The two most popular types are tube light clips or nail-on plastic clips.
If you are unsure about your abilities to perform this task, consider hiring a professional Christmas Light Hanging Company.

houston christmas light installation

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Steam Cleaning Houston

Steam cleaning is a deep cleaning process that combines the use of chemicals and a high-pressure blast of hot water to remove dirt and grime from different materials and surfaces. While the process of steam cleaning is usually thought to be for cleaning carpeting only, the same process can also be employed to upholstery, bathroom tile, and brick. Various types of steam cleaners are employed for the task of cleaning with steam, depending on the specific application.

When it comes to cleaning carpeting, steam cleaning is a deep cleaning process that helps to dislodge dirt and grime that has ground into the fibers of the carpet. In order to remove the dirt, the steam cleaner uses a mixture of hot water and some type of cleaning agent. The mixture is routed through high-pressure jets that allow the hot water to permeate the fibers of the carpeting and loosen the grime. As the detergent dislodges the dirt, the cleaner uses a strong vacuum to retrieve the now dirty water and excess detergent. The end result is a carpet that is clean and will dry in a matter of minutes in most climates.

Steam Cleaning does not actually use “steam”. The water used is typically around 210 degrees for optimal cleaning. Find your local professional steam cleaner today!

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Carpet Cleaning Houston FAQ

When choosing a carpet cleaning company in Houston, you need to be prepared to ask a few questions to qualify them. Not all carpet cleaners are good carpet cleaners. Just like in sports, there are a lot of players but not all of them are all-stars!

1) Is stain removal included in the general price?
If you run into a good carpet cleaner, the answer to this question will be yes unless it’s a urine stain, bleach stain, or tough stain. Basically, stains that take a long time to remove will cost more in general.

2) Do you use a PH neutralizing fiber rinse?
Make sure your carpet cleaner uses this before you let them start on your house. If they don’t, your carpet will be left with sticky residue and you will track dirt right back onto the carpet leaving it looking worse than it originally started off.

3) Do you offer a warranty on stain removal?
Good carpet cleaners will offer you a free warranty or a nominal charge to drive out to your house if your stains come back. The fact of the matter is that some stains will come back because the stain was down in the matting.

4) Do you move furniture?
Most carpet cleaning companies charge a little bit more for moving furniture and the don’t tell you up front. Make sure you ask this question before they come out.

5) Is carpet protectant included in the price?
This is usually a service that cost more. Just so you have all of the pricing up front, ask this question.
3M SCOTCHGARD Carpet Protection helps you in two very important ways:

When this protective coating is applied to the carpet fibers, it puts a protective barrier around each fiber. This protective barrier resists moisture. When you do have a spill, it gives you a window of time to get it cleaned up.

The other important way that this product helps you is in the area of wear. Having this protective coating on your carpet helps reduce the wear and abrasion caused by sand in the carpet. This protects the carpet from excessive matting, and in turn will cause your carpet to perform better.

Carpet Cleaning Houston

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Carpet Cleaning w/ Rug Doctor

Carpet cleaning with a rug doctor is one of the most user friendly ways to clean your carpet. Rug Doctors are known for doing a pretty good job and you can rent them at almost any grocery store, department store, or tool rental facility.

With many carpet cleaning solutions to choose from, the Rug Doctor makes it simple by providing you with their own brand. Their carpet cleaning solution is simple and safe to use on almost all carpets and upholstery.

Some stains and carpet need extra attention. Rug Doctors can be great for light carpet cleaning, but if you are looking for a deep carpet cleaning, you may want to call a professional.

Professional carpet cleaners know how to properly use a variety of chemicals that may need to be used to clean your carpet the right way. If you are still determined on cleaning your carpet yourself, you can usually get some helpful advice from your houston carpet cleaning supply dealer.

Carpet Cleaning Houston

There are a variety of carpet cleaning companies in Houston. Just make sure that you do your due diligence and ask the right questions. Some carpet cleaning companies in Houston can be underhanded and are only looking to make a quick buck. You want to find a carpet cleaning company that doesn’t take short cuts and uses quality equipment.

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What Lurks in My Carpet?

We have alarms to keep burglars away and exterminators to keep unwanted or dangerous pest away. We baby proof our homes to keep our little ones safe and put up fences to keep the unwanted out. We do all of these things because we like to feel safe in our home. It’s our most private place and the and our’s and our loved one’s security is of the utmost importance. While we do all of these things for our safety, we often forget that there are millions of microscopic creatures lurking about in our home. Now, what do we do about that?

Where do Dust Mites Live?

If you have dust anywhere in your home, you have dust mites. These tiny arachnids can’t be seen, but if you have a dust mite allergy, you’ll know house dust mites are around. Because the mites thrive where people and pets spend the most time, your bedroom and bedding could be hot spots. Learn the facts about dust mites and discover how to reduce the effects of dust mites in your home.

What are Dust Mites?

Dust mites (or house dust mites) belong to the arachnid family, which also includes spiders, ticks and chiggers.

The mites thrive in warm, humid environments. Because they feed on skin flakes shed by humans and animal dander, dust mites are common in areas populated by people and pets.

Invisible to the human eye, dust mites measure just 1/100 to 1/64 of an inch. Depending on their species, mites live for approximately 30 or 100 days, laying eggs and secreting about 10 to 20 waste particles per day.

Although enlarged photos of dust mites make them appear frightening, dust mites pose only a minor threat to humans. They do not bite or live on humans. Still, for people who are allergic to dust mite proteins, this small pest can cause major suffering.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to dust mites can trigger asthma in children who have not previously exhibited asthma symptoms.

How do I Get Rid of Dust Mites?

The National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic both suggest encasing pillows and mattresses in dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers. To be a successful barrier to dust mites and their waste, the cover should be made of woven fabric and have a pore size smaller than 10 microns.

You can use a conventional vacuum cleaner outfitted with an upholstery brush to vacuum your mattress. (Be sure the vacuum has a high-quality HEPA filter.) Specially designed bed vacuums are also available.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that typical household insecticides are not effective in dust mite protection.

Before investing in dust mite products, sprays or dust mite protection services, ask your allergist for further advice on removing dust mites from your home.

If you’re buying down pillows or comforters, Johns Hopkins University researchers say feathers should be thoroughly cleaned before they’re stuffed into a bedding product. The researchers say nearly all American feather companies clean feathers routinely, but that some foreign manufacturers do not take this extra step.

Professional Services

A professional carpet cleaner can also get rid of dust mites. They use high powered vacuums and hot water extractors to clean your home. Dust mites live in your carpet, mattress, and anywhere else you can find dust. Having a professional come out to your home at least twice per year can work wonders for your allergies and air quality.

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Messy Kids? We Can Help!

food-stainsThe daily life of a parent can be exhausting, but luckily there are some home remedies that can make our lives a little bit easier. I must say that one of the most exhausting parts of having a toddler is cleaning up after them. Whether it be toys, clothes, dirty diapers, or food (absolutely everywhere), our toddlers flail them freely without any concern or remorse. However cute it may be at first, we eventually find ourselves pulling our hair out because the work never seems to be done! Yes, the life of a parent with a messy child! Therefore I introduce our DIY instructions on how to clean up stains that your messy child leaves!

 

Fruit Juice Stains

Try This Remedy:

Step 1: Blot up excess spill.

Step 2: Apply dry baking soda.

Step 3: Scrape and vacuum.

Step 4: Apply water using a damp sponge to rinse remaining baking soda. Don’t over wet.

Step 5: Blot-don’t rub.

Step 6: Apply pre-soak solution (see “Cleaning Solutions”) using a damp towel.

Step 7: Rinse with water as above.

Step 8: Blot-don’t rub-dry well.

Step 9: Apply dry powder cleaner (see “Cleaning Solutions”).

Step 10: Vacuum

… OR:

Step 1: Blot up excess spill.

Step 2: Apply detergent solution (see “Cleaning Solutions”), use damp towel, and leave 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Blot-don’t rub.

Step 4: Apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel.

Step 5: Blot again. Finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

Cleaning Solutions to have on hand:

1.  Detergent: Mix 1/2 teaspoon clear dishwashing detergent with one cup of warm (not hot) water.

2.  Pre-soak Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon enzyme laundry detergent (such as Axion, Biz, or others) with one cup of water.

3.  Dry Powder Cleaner: Use powdered carpet cleaners.

4.  Dry Cleaning Solvent: Non-oily, non-caustic type sold as spot removal for garments

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Grease-Food Stain Removal

grease stain removal

grease stain removal

To have your carpet professionally cleaned in Houston, go to www.bellcoclean.com

Grease-Food
Try This Remedy:
Step 1: Scrape or blot up excess spill.

Step 2: Apply detergent solution (see “Cleaning Solutions”), use damp towel, and leave 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Blot-don’t rub.

Step 4: Apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel.

Step 5: Apply water with damp sponge.

Step 6: Blot again. Finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.
Cleaning Solutions to have on hand:
1. Detergent: Mix 1/2 teaspoon clear dishwashing detergent with one cup of warm (not hot) water.

2. Pre-soak Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon enzyme laundry detergent (such as Axion, Biz, or others) with one cup of water.

3. Dry Powder Cleaner: Use powdered carpet cleaners.

4. Dry Cleaning Solvent: Non-oily, non-caustic type sold as spot removal for garments.

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How to Remove a Beer Stain

The Holidays are coming up and that means one thing: Parties! Parties are exciting and fun but be prepared to assess some post party damage control on your carpet. Here is a little tutorial that may help you in your efforts to remove those stubborn stains.

For Professional Stain Removal in Houston, TX. go to www.bellcoclean.com
Beer
Try This Remedy:
Step 1: Blot up excess spill.

Step 2: Apply detergent solution (see “Cleaning Solutions”), use damp towel.

Step 3: Blot-don’t rub.

Step 4: Apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel.

Step 5: Blot-don’t rub.

Step 6: Apply water with damp sponge.

Step 7: Blot again. Finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

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How to Remove Paint Stains from Your Carpet

OOPS! You spilled paint all over your brand new carpet and now you have no idea how to get it up. Never fear, because there are several home remedies that will remove paint stains!

This tutorial is intended for Oil Based Paints

List of Supplies:
Carpet Pick
Clean Cloth
Paint Thinner
Shop Vac or Carpet Extractor

Step by Step Process

1) First, blot the paint spill until most of the paint has been soaked up.

2) Wait for paint to dry.

3) Apply a small amount of paint thinner to the dry paint.

4) Once thinner is applied, use clean cloth to scrub the paint.

5) For the stubborn paint, use the carpet pick to break the dry paint loose.

6) Repeat this process until the paint is completely removed. This may cause some of your carpet to fray if you are dealing with a bad stain… but it’s better than a big paint stain int eh middle of the room!

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