Monday, January 11, 2010

New Year's Special !

New Year's Special - 10% Off All Services !

Carpet Cleaning
Repairs
Carpet Protectant
Stain Removal
Pet Treatment
Odor Control
Upholstery Cleaning,
Green Cleaning, Deodorizing
Mattress Cleaning/Sanitizing

exp 3/31/10

QC Newsletter January 2010 - Carpet Tip of the Month

Carpet Tip of the Month

Entry ways are often the most heavily soiled areas of carpet in the home. The simplest yet most effective step in keeping these high traffic areas from becoming heavily soiled is to use entry mats.

Entry mats will remove most soil that would otherwise get tracked onto your carpet, but it is important to vacuum them frequently in order for them to remain effective.

QC Newsletter January 2010 - My New Year's Resolution

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: TAKE BETTER CARE OF MY CARPET

With the new year comes new resolutions. Have you felt like you have neglected your carpet? Maybe even felt a little guilty? After all, you wouldn’t drive your car for 100,000 miles without changing the oil, would you? Of course not. Just like your automobile, your carpets and upholstery represent a significant investment. To keep your carpet and upholstery “tuned-up”, simply follow these 5 vital steps…

1. Check my Warranty. Copies of specific warranties on your carpet purchase may be available from your carpet retailer. Stain resist warranties can vary from 5 to 20 years.

ALL STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE REGULAR CLEANING AND IMMEDIATE SPOT REMOVAL.

2. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum! It is said that the three most important rules for maintaining carpet are vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Vacuum your carpet often. Once or twice a week at least. Vacuuming removes the sharp soil that can cut and slice the fiber causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye. Remove any loose particles such as loose food, leaves, pieces of crayon, bugs, etc. These items can cause spots on your carpet.

3. Have my Carpet Professionally Cleaned. Professional cleaning by a professional, certified firm should be done at least every 12 months according to DuPont and major carpet manufacturers. Heavy traffic areas may need it more often. Manufacturers warranties require professional cleaning at 12-24 months to retain texture retention warranties.

Rule of thumb: Clean your carpet before it looks dirty.

4. Remove Spots Immediately. Spots that are not immediately removed can turn into permanent stains very easily. Always use a spot cleaner that is recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your trained, certified professional cleaner! Many “over the counter” spotters leave too much soap residue that leaves a sticky residue behind that will make your spots return!

5. Have Carpet Protector Re-Applied. The soil resistor that is built into stain resistant nylon carpet is removed with regular foot traffic and harsh cleaners. To keep your carpet cleaner longer, have your protector reapplied each time you have your carpet professionally cleaned.

QC Newsletter January 2010 - My New Year's Resolution

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: TAKE BETTER CARE OF MY CARPET

With the new year comes new resolutions. Have you felt like you have neglected your carpet? Maybe even felt a little guilty? After all, you wouldn’t drive your car for 100,000 miles without changing the oil, would you? Of course not. Just like your automobile, your carpets and upholstery represent a significant investment. To keep your carpet and upholstery “tuned-up”, simply follow these 5 vital steps…

1. Check my Warranty. Copies of specific warranties on your carpet purchase may be available from your carpet retailer. Stain resist warranties can vary from 5 to 20 years.

ALL STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE REGULAR CLEANING AND IMMEDIATE SPOT REMOVAL.

2. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum! It is said that the three most important rules for maintaining
carpet are vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Vacuum your carpet often. Once or twice a week at least. Vacuuming removes the sharp soil that can cut and slice the fiber causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye. Remove any loose particles such as loose food, leaves, pieces of crayon, bugs, etc. These items can cause spots on your carpet.

3. Have my Carpet Professionally Cleaned. Professional cleaning by a professional, certified firm should be done at least every 12 months according to DuPont and major carpet manufacturers. Heavy traffic areas may need it more often. Manufacturers warranties require professional cleaning at 12-24 months to retain texture retention warranties.

Rule of thumb: Clean your carpet before it looks dirty.

4. Remove Spots Immediately. Spots that are not immediately removed can turn into permanent stains very easily. Always use a spot cleaner that is recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your trained, certified professional cleaner! Many “over the counter” spotters leave too much soap residue that leaves a sticky residue behind that will make your spots return!

5. Have Carpet Protector Re-Applied. The soil resistor that is built into stain resistant nylon carpet is removed with regular foot traffic and harsh cleaners. To keep your carpet cleaner longer, have your protector reapplied each time you have your carpet professionally cleaned.

QC Newsletter January 2010 - Chamber Member Highlight

Chamber Member Highlight

We believe that supporting our Chamber Members is very important! So we have decided to include a Chamber Member Highlight in each newsletter.

January Chamber Member Hightlight.....

Frank J. Lilly CPA
503-694-6173

Frank J Lilly, CPA is a Certified Public Accountant in Wilsonville. If you want to be locally served and have personal attention to your tax returns, tax planning and year-round attention to all of your tax matters, he’s the CPA you want working with you.

With 28 years of experience in preparing taxes and negotiating IRS and State tax matters, he’s well prepared to serve you whenever a tax related issue arises.

He’s licensed as a CPA in both Oregon and California and serves clients around the world. All entities are served, including individuals, trusts, estates, partnerships, not for profits and corporations. Rates are reasonable and the service is prompt. Communication about ongoing matters is a priority and calls are answered or returned quickly!

Do you want tax return preparation or tax planning for the minimum liability? Don’t try this on your own!

Call Frank J. Lilly, CPA to discover how you might save taxes, relieve your stress in preparing them and have the good feeling that your tax life is in order. There is no fee for the initial meeting to get acquainted and determine tax or financial issues that are important to you!

Phone Frank at 503-694-6173 or email him at lilly.frank@gmail.com

QC Newsletter January 2010 - Top Ten 2010 New Years Resolutions

Top Ten 2010 New Years Resolutions

1. Take Better Care of My Carpet! ..... Just kidding....

1. Lose Weight and Get in Better Physical Shape
2. Stick to a Budget
3. Debt Reduction
4. Enjoy More Quality Time with Family & Friends
5. Find My Soul Mate
6. Quit Smoking/Drinking
7. Find a Better Job
8. Learn Something New
9. Volunteer and Help Others
10. Get Organized

Some others include take a trip, decrease stress at home/work, get more rest, read a book and stay up with current events.

QC Newsletter January 2010 - The Dangers of Benzoyl Peroxide

The Dangers of Benzoyl Peroxide to Your Carpet and Upholstery!

Beware of benzoyl peroxide! It is a common ingredient in many types of acne medication and is often mixed into lotions, creams and soaps. It is one of the most common cases for mystery discoloration. Teenager especially will apply the medication to their faces and then not wash their hands, or not wash them well enough. Then, when they sit in front of the television and lean on their hands, the medication gets on to the fibers and causes discoloration. Sometimes you may see a hand print, or even a footprint. Athlete’s foot medication also contains benzoyl peroxide.

The stain may not appear until the carpet of fabric is wet cleaned. This is a permanent form of color loss that cannot be removed!

QC Newsletter December 2009 - Chamber Member Highlight

Chamber Member Highlight

We believe that supporting our Chamber Members is very important! So we have decided to include a Chamber Member Highlight in each newsletter.

December Chamber Member Hightlight.....

Pets First! Diane’s Priority Pet Care
503-635-7387

Pets First! Diane’s Priority Pet Care is locally owned and operated by Diane Mead. Licensed, bonded, insured and registered with the State, it is dedicated to the beloved pets she has had over the last 40 years of her adult life. Diane also has almost 11 years of professional experience in her style of pet care.

Pets First! DPPC hallmark services are:

1) no-kennel dog boarding and day care in Diane’s clean Lake Oswego home with its large, dog-proofed backyard. The smaller dogs even sleep on her bed at night.

2) Day & evening pet sit visits, including dog walks, to a pet’s home (cats, dogs, ferrets, parrots, & other furred & feathered beings).

3) Special needs care for those pets with significant health issues, including geriatric care.

Diane’s goal is for “pet parents” to arrive home to find a happy healthy animal that obviously has enjoyed its time with Diane. How wonderful for an owner to be free of worry, knowing his baby will be in loving, competent hands!

Reduce your stress level: call for a complimentary Meet & Greet well before you might need service. Mention this article & receive a 5% discount for either one pet sit visit, one day care session or one overnight board—new clients only.

Check out Pets First! Diane’s Priority Pet Care’s website at: www.DianesPetsFirst.com or call Diane at 502-625-PETS (7387).

QC Newsletter December 2009 - Home Emergency Kit

Preparing a Home Emergency Kit

General Guidelines for Preparing Your Kit

Your Kit should enable you to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 3 full days (72 hours) but preferably for 7 full days. Your kit should be packed in a storage container that is easy for you to find and take with you should you be forced to leave home if an emergency occurs. You may or may not be able to drive your vehicle in an emergency, so consider using a container (a bin or duffel bag) that has wheels so you can pull it behind you, because your kit will likely be quite heavy.

Think in terms of the basic of survival - food, clothing, and shelter when putting your kit together. Of course, it’s difficult to take shelter with you but if you have a very light and compact tent, then you can certainly include it.

Basic Supply List - Must have items

  • Drinking Water (min of 2 liters per person per day)
  • Washing/Cooking Water ( 2 liters per person per day)
  • Food - Pack foods that require little or no water to prepare and that require no refrigeration or cooking. Good choices are packages of dried fruits and nuts and canned foods that can be eaten right out of the cans. Think lightweight because if you are forced to leave your home, you must take your emergency kit with you. You may of course be stranded or confined to your home in an emergency, so in your pantry or basement you can store several days or even weeks worth of canned and freeze dried items. Since you’re not packing them in your “to go” kit, the weight doesn’t matter.
  • Portable Cooking Appliance and Fuel
  • Plates, Cups and Cooking/Eating Utensils including a Can Opener
  • Garbage Bags
  • Paper Products (toilet paper, paper towels, etc)
  • Personal Care Items (soap, shampoo, brush or comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, antibacterial hand sanitizer, etc)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Flashlight and Extra Batteries
  • Matches and Candles
  • Extra Clothing (including rain gear)
  • Walking Shoes
  • Blankets or Sleeping Bags
  • Emergency Cash
  • Maps (of your city and state)
  • Paper and Pens
  • Copies of Important Documents/Phone Number and Addresses - If you must abandon your home and don’t have time to gather the originals, have copies packed in your emergency kit.
As the boy scout saying goes..... Be Prepared!

QC Newsletter December 2009 - Ten Favorite Fall Foods

Ten Favorite Fall Foods

1. Hearty Soups & Stews

2. Fruit Pies

3. Pumpkin Pies

4. Fruit Cobblers

5. Fresh Baked Bread

6. Roasted Vegetables

7. Baked Pasta

8. Muffins & Scones

9. Apple Cider

10. Mulled Wine

What's your favorite fall foods? Post your comments and let us know!

QC Newsletter December 2009 - How to Select A Professional Carpet Cleaning Firm

How to Select A Professional Carpet Cleaning Firm

What distinguishes one Carpet Cleaning company from another? This checklist will ensure that you have asked the right questions:

Q: Are They An IICRC Certified Firm? We are and our technicians are required to be certified also. They must attend seminar/classes to keep their certifications valid.

Q: What Kind of Experience Do They Have? We are experienced in all methods of carpet cleaning, all fabric types and carpet construction as well as the most unusual soiling conditions.

Q: What Systems Do They Use? Our company is committed to first class service systems. We carry the latest in equipment and materials to ensure the best service available.

Q: Are They Well Educated In Their Field? Most companies in our industry do not invest in educating themselves in their field. We regularly attend educational courses, certification schools, conventions, study trade journals and books related to our work. We stay on the cutting edge of technology and changes that regularly occur in our industry. Our national network of expertise is brought directly to your job site.

Q: Will You Get What You Pay For? With our company? Yes! Never select a service company based on price. Some companies would have you believe that you can get a quality service for a very low price. Their technique is to advertise a low price to get in the door, only to reveal that the low price does not include what you really need. If they do honor that low, low price. Remember that age old saying “You get what you pay for”

Q: Do They Offer Green Cleaning? Our company offers you choices of cleaning products. Green cleaning promotes health, safety and social consciousness. The green cleaning products we use focus on improving your indoor air quality, recycling and minimizing the use of raw material/products that require disposal.

Q: Are they licensed, bonded and insured? Our company holds a CCB (Contractors Construction Board) license, Tualatin business license and a Metro Business license. We have a janitorial bond and a license bond. Also, we carry liability insurance so that you can feel 100% protected against property damage or injury.

Q: Do They Guarantee Their Work? With our company all quotes are free, complete and in writing. There are no hidden costs. If you are unsatisfied we will return to your home, inspect and re-clean if needed. Your satisfaction is important to us!

QC Newsletter November 2009 - Trivia Spot

Trivia Spot!

1. In Tokyo you can buy this for your dog, usually it's for men.

2. When most Americans cook at home, they cook THIS.

3. Having this at the dinner table reduces hostile talk.

4. 26% of adults never did this when they were teens.
What is it?

5. A recent study shows the more of this you have, the
smarter you are. What is it?

6. Every big lottery winner has reportedly done this.

7. 4 of 10 people can't do this. What is it?

8. This object weighs twice as much as it did when you bought it
10 years ago. What is it?
__________________________________________

1. A toupee 2. Spaghetti 3. Garlic 4. Attend a school dance 5. Body hair 6. Gained significant weight 7. Touch their toes while standing 8. Your mattress

QC Newsletter November 2009 - Winter Is Approaching Fast!

Winter is Approaching Fast!

Is your home ready for the cold of winter?

There are things you can do to make sure you are!

Below are some helpful tips to help you enjoy a safe, inexpensive and warm winter season.

 Make sure your furnace is in good working order. Clean your filter, check that the pilot light and fuel source are functioning properly.

 Check the caulking around your windows. Heat loss due to cracks can cause severe heat loss, while raising your utility bill dramatically.

 Clear your gutter of leaves & branches. Trapped water will freeze in the cold, with enough build-up, could damage your gutters, roof and more.

 Make sure your chimney is free of debris. Build-up can prevent proper ventilation of smoke, as well as pose a fire danger for your home.

 Prevent your pipes from freezing and rupturing by maintaining at least a 65F degree temperature in your home, even when you're not there.

 Have your heating ducts cleaned. Its recommended that the ducts be vacuumed every 5 years.

QC Newsletter November 2009 - Chamber Member Highlight

Chamber Member Highlight

We believe that supporting our Chamber Members is very important! So we have decided to include a Chamber Member Highlight in each newsletter.

November Chamber Member Highlight.....

Carol Rose Home Treasures
29702 SW Town Center Loop W, Ste C
Wilsonville OR 97070
503-783-2550

Carol Rose Home Treasures is locally owned and operated by '2 Sisters', Lynne and Gayle, and is dedicated to their Mother, Carol Rose, who passed away in December 2007.

Our goal is to provide the hospitality, warmth and friendly atmosphere that characterized our Mom's life.

Our high quality merchandise, typically priced below department store prices is constantly evolving based on our customers' lifestyles and relevant home trends.

Wall decor, table accessories, furniture, lamps, jewelry, purses and many great gift ideas are just a sampling of the variety of merchandise we carry.

We are dedicated to bringing you beautiful, unique, affordable gifts, home decor and accessories.

Next time you come in, ask for your stamp card. For every $10.00 purchase will receive a stamp, after 10 stamps you will receive $10.00 off your next purchase.

Check out our website at:

www.carolrosehometreasures.com

QC Newsletter November 2009 - Run Spot Run



Run Spot, Run!

What should you do when your pet “goes on the carpet”?

Are puppy puddles putting you in a particular predicament?

Well, not to worry, that’s what we are here for.

First of all, if you have a pet that is prone to urinate on the carpet, take a quick walk through your home each day when you get home. The quicker you get to a pet stain the better.

Some technical tips on urine:

When urine is first excreted, it is on the acid side of the pH scale and very easily removed. Within hours of being exposed to oxygen it turns to an alkaline pH. When this happens it will continue to
increase in alkalinity to the point of becoming practically ammonia. This explains the ammonia like odor.

To clean the urine spot: Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water and clean with a white terry towel. If you have a small extraction machine, it would be ideal to use it.

Do not use over the counter spot removers or all purpose cleaners on urine! You may set the spot permanently!

If you have trouble removing it, call us.