Remodeling

Springtime often brings projects and remodeling.  If this looks like your house during a remodel then you also know what it looks like when the project is over.  Carpets take a beating from boots, tools, paint, and ladders and we want to help you restore those carpets to their best.  We suggest that after all remodeling is complete, call us and schedule an appointment as the final step getting you home back in shape.  You won't regret it and the clean carpets will compliment the new work that has just been finished.  Don't worry, we can be patient since most projects take longer then expected.  We will be here when you need us!! 

Ewe! Mold and Mildew?

Carpet at Risk
Carpeting is an area of the home that can be at high risk for mold growth.  In order to grow, mold needs moisture, oxygen, a food source, and a surface to grow on.  Mold spores are commonly found naturally in the air.  If spores land on a wet or damp spot indoors that contains dust for them to feed on, mold growth will soon follow. Wall-to-wall carpeting, as well as area rugs, can provide an ample breeding ground for mold if conditions are right.  At especially high risk for mold growth are carpeting located below ground level in basements, carpet in commonly moist or damp climates, and carpet that has been wet for any period of time. 
Identifying Mold in Carpeting
Just because mold is not immediately apparent or visible on a carpet's surface does not mean that mold growth is not in progress.  In fact, mold will probably only be visible on the surface of carpets in unusually severe cases of growth, such as carpet damaged in flooding that has remained wet for some time.  The following are some examples of identifiable instances where mold growth has occurred or is likely to occur:

• visible mold growth:  As stated above, this can be a rare case, but sometimes it may be obvious from visual inspection that mold growth is occurring.  Carpet in this condition is most likely not salvageable and should be disposed of and replaced.  Often, even if mold growth is not visible on the top of carpeting, it may be occurring underneath the carpet where it can't be easily seen.  Carpet suspected of containing mold should always be examined on both sides.
  
• carpet mildew:  Any discoloration or odor on carpeting that might be described as mildew is probably a case of mold.
  
• wet or water-damaged carpet:  Any carpet that has been subjected to water damage from flooding or standing water will most likely need to be disposed of.  Conditions are ripe for mold growth, in this case.  Even if visibly apparent mold growth has not yet begun, it is highly likely to happen unless the carpet is completely removed, cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours.  Even then, removal and cleaning are not guaranteed to prevent mold growth.  It is more likely that the carpet will need to be replaced.
  
• wet padding beneath carpet:  If padding beneath the carpet has become wet for any reason, or has become moist from condensation, the padding as well as the carpet on top are at risk for mold growth.  The padding may need to be replaced, as will the carpet, in some cases.
  
• basement carpet:  Carpeting in basements below grade level is especially at risk in areas where humidity is high, or where wide temperature swings can produce condensation.
  
• odors and stains:  There is a wide range of things that can cause odors and stains on carpets.  If mold is suspected, samples can be taken and sent for analysis to determine if mold growth has occurred.

Preventing Mold Growth in Carpeting
The best method for combating mold is to not allow mold growth in the first place.  The best way to do so is by ensuring that conditions conducive to growth do not exist.  Below are some ways to prevent mold growth in carpets.

• Reduce indoor humidity.  The use of dehumidifiers will help control moisture in the air, depriving mold spores of the water they need to grow into mold.  A range of 30% to 60% humidity is acceptable for interiors.
  
• Install intelligently.  Do not install carpeting in areas that are likely to be subject to frequent, high moisture.  Carpet in a bathroom, for example, will quickly turn to a breeding ground for mold growth due to the high humidity from constant water use in that area.
  
• Choose high-quality carpet padding.  Solid, rubber-slab carpet padding with anti-microbial properties is available.  It is slightly more expensive than other types of padding but can be helpful for preventing the growth of mold, especially in climates prone to periods of high humidity.
  
• Never allow standing water.  Carpet exposed to standing water will quickly be ruined.  If standing water ever occurs because of a leak or a spill, all carpeting exposed must be immediately cleaned and dried.  The top and bottom surfaces of the carpet, any padding, and the floor underneath must be cleaned and completely dried within a short period of time after exposure to standing water if the carpet is to be saved.  If a large flood has occurred, or if standing water has been present for any extended period of time, the carpet will probably need to be replaced.
  
• Clean smart.  When carpeting needs to be cleaned, try to use a dry form of cleaning, when possible.  If any water, liquid, or other moisture has come in contact with the carpet during cleaning, be sure it is dried thoroughly afterward.

From Carpet Mold: Identification, Prevention and Removal - InterNACHI http://www.nachi.org/carpet-mold.htm#ixzz1rmIWo3rB

Spring Cleaning

Spring is traditionally the time for large-scale home cleaning projects. After a rainy winter of being chased back indoors by precipitation and colder temperatures, many houses are ready to be thoroughly cleaned. Carpets can become especially dirty when more time is spent indoors. That is why spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into carpets, particularly in high traffic living areas.
Harnessing this fervor to renew and clean, carpet experts share 7 important tips on how to restore carpets to fresh and new:
1.    Move Furniture and Fix Dents - Give your house the deep cleaning it needs by moving furniture and taking out the dents they create in the carpet. Several methods are available; from ice cubes to hot clothes irons used in conjunction with wet towels.
2.    Replace Ineffective Outdoor Doormats - Some may think the end of summer is the time to worry about doormats, but if you are going to spring clean your carpets and make sure your matts are up to snuff the time is now. Limiting the amount of mud and water tracked onto the carpet is crucial. Dense rubber works best, and make sure to stay away from any absorbent materials.
3.    Professional Cleaning and Protection - After staying indoors more in the winter, spring is the time for a thorough, quality, professional deep carpet cleaning. Companies with Chem-Dry technologies make it a quick process because of quick drying.
4.    Keep Carpets Dry - Springs in the Pacific NW are notoriously wet and can bring in a lot of moisture to your carpet. Wiping feet helps but proper seals and ventilation in your home are equally important. Using cleaning services that leave your carpets too wet can be a problem this time of year.
5.    Rearrange Rooms to Create New Walkways - While you are moving furniture for cleaning and dent removal, make sure when putting furniture back that you create a different walking path through the room. The "traffic lane grey" phenomenon can make high traffic areas look soiled, even when they are not. Spring is all about reorganization anyways, isn't it?
6.    Remove Stains Properly and Quickly - Spring means more outdoor traffic coming indoors, and as we all know sometimes this can lead to mud or dirt being tracked through your home. So be sure to clean up tracked in mud and dirt right away by blotting with a clean white cloth. Never Rub!
7.    Resist the Urge to Vacuum Less - It's easy to see how less time inside should equate to less vacuuming, but don't be fooled. You should still vacuum your carpets 3 times a week with vacuum cleaners that have a high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA).

"7 Spring Cleaning Tips from Dander & Daughters Chem-Dry for Extending the Life of Your Carpet",Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) March 28, 2012, http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/3/prweb9325168.htm

Cash Mob Sherwood

Have you heard about the new Cash Mob Sherwood event?  Some of you may be asking what a cash mob is.  The Cash Mob Sherwood Blog describes it as this:

Have you heard of a flash mob?  A group of people who show up at a predetermined location all at once, perform, and have a blast? Well, similarly, a cash mob is a group of people who show up at a predetermined business all at once, spend some money and have a good time getting goods that do good by supporting locally owned businesses which in turn strengthens our very own economy! 

So on March 17th, Cash Mob Sherwood selected our personal favorite Sweet shop to mob.  The Mob started at 2 pm at Sweet Story in downtown Sherwood.  Many of us here in the office attended.  When I showed up at 3:30 pm, the store was empty-literally.  There were a few customers but the cases were almost empty!! The Mob had purchase so much inventory that she was running extreemly low.  It was a good thing.  Exposing the community to this great local sweet shop is great for business and encourages residents to buy local.  We love supporting our friends and fellow businesses, and we appreciate their support of us. We are anxiously waiting to hear when and where the next Mob will take place.  

Did your dog come into the house like this on our snow day?  If he or she did, then there were muddy footprints all over your house.  Pet owners know that during the wet and sometimes snowy months, pets can track in a lot of mud.  Many of our customers wait till spring time to clean up after those muddy paws.  Well spring is finally here and we would love to help you get the mud out and sunshine in!  Call us and we would be happy to help!!

Track Season 2012

You may be wondering why a carpet cleaning company is writing about track.  Well for those of you that don't know, our owner Rob is a devoted assistant track coach at Sherwood High School.  He competed in javelin years ago and now shares his knowledge with the athletes at Sherwood High.  He's not the only track enthusiast in the office.  Our marketing manager Leslie has children enrolled in track and is also on the Sherwood Track Club Board.  I also have 3 throwers in track, my oldest Elyse is pictured above with Rob at last seasons district meet.  Track is often a subject of conversation here in the office and this year we are as excited as ever for the season to start.  It has been a rough start to the track season with snow last week, but most track fans are well aware that the season is traditionally wet. All of us will be busy this spring cheering on our children and the other athletes in Sherwood.
Just a side note, the Sherwood High School Track Team is doing a fundraiser this weekend.  We will be selling local discount cards for $20.  The local Sherwood/Tualatin/Willsonville businesses participating include Subway, McDonalds, Domino's Pizza, Fat Milo's, Sonic, Papa John's and many more.  Call our office at 503-625-3101 for details or to purchase your card.  In fact we will deliver  your card to your home for free!
And don't be shy, come by the high school sometime to watch our practices or meets!! 

Belonging

Being part of a community is very important to us.  We value the local businesses here in Sherwood as well as the other businesses in the Portland/Metro area.  The Sherwood community has been extremely supportive and the feeling of belonging somewhere is strong.  We have worked closely with the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce and with their help, we have been able to spread our name to other businesses and create relationships with other owners.  We are always delighted to do work for our local Sherwood businesses and citizens and are please when we can use their services as well.
Recently, we were introduced to Sherwood's own weather forecast on the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce website.  Every day our own meteorologist Dave Sweeney, posts a custom weather update for the city of Sherwood.  Check it out:
http://www.sherwoodchamber.org/?page=Weather
We look forward to continuing a strong business partnership with other Sherwood businesses.