QC Newsletter August 2010 - What's the Best Carpet Cleaning Method?

What’s the Best Carpet Cleaning Method?

Should you go “dry” or “steam” Is one method better than the other? Are these even the right terms?

This article will give you an overview of the 4 methods of carpet cleaning that are approved by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the world’s most recognized body of certification for carpet and upholstery cleaners.

Method #1: Hot Water Extraction: Otherwise known as “steam cleaning”, hot water extraction is the process that most are probably familiar with. Hot water extraction is the correct technical term, not steam cleaning. Actual steam is not used at all. A hot water solution is produced and immediately recovered, creating a “flushing” action on the carpet.

However, the biggest and most important difference is in the person cleaning the carpet. A trained technician will know what pressure to use, what cleaning products to use, how to get maximum soil removal and maximum spot removal without over-wetting the carpet or leaving a sticky residue behind. The horror stories of carpet being wet for days is due to operator error, not because “steam” or “hot water extraction” caused it.

Method #2: Absorbent Pad: Also known as bonnet cleaning, this method employs a round pad that spins across the surface of the carpet, absorbing the soil. A solution is applied to the carpet or the pad to aid in releasing soils. This is a method that some may classify as “dry cleaning”. Although, water based products are used in almost all “dry cleaning” systems, therefore the term dry cleaning is not technical and would not be desired. Absorbent pad cleaning is not a deep cleaning method. It should only be used in lightly soiled situations.

Method #3: Dry Compound: This method uses a powder that has been treated with detergents, water and solvents. The powder compound is sprinkled onto the carpet, a brush with cylindrical bristles is used to work the powder into the carpet pile. The solution that is in the powder releases the soil. The soil is then absorbed into the absorbent powder. This method should only be used in lightly soiled and maintenance situations.

Method #4: Shampoo or Dry Foam: In this method, a shampoo or foam is generated and worked into the carpet with a rotary brush or cylindrical brush machine. The shampoo or foam releases the soil. The soil is then vacuumed with the machine or allowed to dry and removed with a conventional vacuum cleaner. This method should be used in only lightly soiled situations and maintenance cleaning. When using shampoo, great care should be taken to avoid leaving a sticky residue on the carpet.

QC Newsletter August 2010 - Bubba's Carpit Cleanin

Call Bubba For Cheap Carpit Cleanin “Get Yur Carpit Cleaned CHEAP!”

You Get: Carpet ruined for free. You get to wait all day and then find out Bubba’s not coming. You get a free wading pool inside your house!

Restrictions: You must first agree to an incredibly low price, then agree to sign your mortgage over to BUBBA first. Once this is accomplished, BUBBA will happily give you all the benefits listed above. DISCLAIMER: If BUBBA’S rusty, leaking, smelly machine is not working at the time he shows up (if he actually shows up), that does not constitute a refund. You simply must wait until BUBBA’S machine is working for another appointment. BUBBA’S machine never works when you call for the second visit, so if the machine doesn’t work on the first appointment (generally depending on how much duct tape BUBBA has on him), then you can forget it. You will never get your mortgage back. Sorry, those are the rules in the world of BUBBA!

Don’t fall for the “Bubba’s” of the world. Call us! We are a certified professional company offering exceptional carpet cleaning.

QC Newsletter August 2010 - 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.

QC Newsletter August 2010 - Kudos Corner

Kudos Corner

Thanks to Marcus at The Service Department in Wilsonville.

I needed a power cord for my laptop and decided to order online after visiting a local retailer that wanted around $80 for it. After getting a magnifying glass and reading the numbers that I would say are an equivalent of size 5 font, I ordered a power cord. Upon receiving it, I opened the package only to find that the tip that plugs into the laptop was the wrong size! THE WRONG SIZE!

I attended an AM Networking meeting and saw Marcus and told him my story. He politely said that he could get me one for $30. Sold! I took my broken one to him and a few days later it was in. I went to pick it up on SUNDAY, yes he’s open on Sunday and got my new power cord.

So if you have computer repairs, upgrades, need networking assistance or parts, save yourself time and frustration. Call The Service Department at 503-682-2682.

Tualatin Crawfish Festival 2010 August 13th 5pm - 9pm August 14th 10am - 8pm

The Tualatin Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 2010 Tualatin Crawfish Festival.

Celebrating our 60th year we are proud to continue this beloved tradition. This year will see a few changes that we believe will make the festival better than ever. Come enjoy music, food, festivities, and fun.

Come by our booth to get a FREE bag of popcorn and enter our FREE raffle drawing for your chance to win one of our gift certificates!

QC Newsletter July 2010 - Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook!

Become a Fan on our Facebook page. Carpet cleaning tips, news and specials that aren’t offered anywhere else!

Check out this posting regarding tax breaks for carpet replacement!

“There is legislation in the works for new carpet purchases to added to the Home Star Program. This would give home owners up to a $3000 tax credit. The Carpet and Rug Institute is in the process of scientifically proving that carpet does indeed save on a homes energy bill. This is one way our industry is helping to make it easier for consumers to improve their homes!”

QC Newsletter July 2010 - Carpet Tip!

Carpet Tip!

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 July 2010 - The Importance of Carpet Cleaning

The Importance of Carpet Cleaning

Carpet cleaning is important! Carpet is a major investment in your home. Regular carpet cleaning’s are important to keep it looking good. Just as the clothes we wear need regular washing to keep them fresh and hygienic, carpets also require periodic professional cleaning. When accumulated soil builds up they become major causes of reduced carpet life.

Carpet and upholstery cleaning costs are minimal when you consider the replacement cost of carpets and furniture, so regular cleanings make economic sense too.

QC Newsletter July 2010 - Chamber Member Highlight

Chamber Member Highlight

Sherwin-Williams Paints

Hans Mittelstrass

503-570-8015

Sherwin-Williams Paints is conveniently located in the Lambs Thriftway shopping center. Their professional staff is there to help you find the right tools for your painting or home projects.

Since its founding by Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company has not only grown to be the largest producer of paints and coatings in the United States, but is among the largest producers in the world.

Did you know that Sherwin-Williams holds more than 500 patents. The first ones were granted to inventions by Henry Sherwin himself.

Check out their extensive website. An amazing history timeline, color ideas, tools, products, supplies, tips and advice at www.sherwin-williams.com.

QC Newsletter June 2010 - Carpet Cleaning Phone Quotes!

Carpet Cleaning Phone Quotes!

From time to time we receive calls from people wanting quotes over the phone. You know what kind of companies quote over the phone? Switch and bait companies, that’s who!!!

So why shouldn't you receive a quote over the phone:

1) What kind of carpet fiber do you have? There are over 15 different types of fibers!

2) Do you know how much carpet will need to be cleaned? You should never pay for wall to wall unless your house is empty.

3) What kind of soiling do you have? There are organic... and in-organic stains

4) Pet stains? - Depends on quantity of deposits.

We give free no obligation quotes, so you know exactly how much your cleaning is going to cost.

QC Newsletter June 2010 - Our New Addition!

Quick and Clean is proud to announce our newest addition to our carpet cleaning family! Frank, our new carpet cleaning specialist comes to us with 20 years experience in the business. His experience and wisdom has allowed us to offer our customers these added services for your convenience!

Water Extraction - Hot water heaters break, washing machine hoses come off, toilets overflow....

WE CAN HELP! Let us take the stress off you and return your carpet to a clean hygienic state!

Leather Cleaning and Care - Those leather goods that you have can cost hundred to thousands of dollars.

You want them to last a lifetime and they will with proper care, cleaning and conditioning.

WE CAN HELP! Call us for your free quote on cleaning your leather furniture!

QC Newsletter June 2010 - Stop Dirt at the Door

Stop dirt at the door

Preventing dirt and grime from getting on the carpet in the first place is a great way to start keeping it clean.

The following helpful hints can stop dirt in its tracks.

* Use mats - Outdoor and indoor mats or runners can reduce the amount of dirt that enters the house.

* Take off your shoes - You can save wear and tear on carpet by asking everyone to take off his or her shoes before entering your home.

* Change your air filters - Change air filters in your heating and air-conditioning systems as

recommended by the manufacturer’s directions. The more dust and particles removed by the filter, the less that fall on the carpet.

For more tips visit www.carpet-rug.org

QC Newsletter June 2010 - Mold Spores

Mold Spores

Question: What is the number one place in your home you will find mold spores?

Answer: Upholstery! Couches, chairs and other upholstered items may be hiding mold spores.

Every day many of us watch tv, eat dinner and even play with our children on these items. We never think about what microscopic things may be on them!

Let us perform a free test to see if your upholstery is ready for it’s cleaning!

QC Newsletter June 2010 - Chamber Member Highlight

Chamber Member Highlight

Tualatin Web

503.852.1662

Daniel Payne is the owner of Tualatin Web and has been creating web sites since 1995 for a range of clients from small business owners to public companies.

Every business needs a web site to build awareness for their company, create interest, make a compelling offer, and have a call to action.

Many clients already have a web site and just want a remodel to look more modern, or add features like e-commerce and social networking.

Take the first step and contact Daniel for a complimentary consultation to assess your needs

and receive a written quote.

www.TualatinWeb.com, daniel@tualatinweb.com

QC Newsletter May 2010 - Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington provides a “home away from home” for families and their seriously ill children who travel far to receive treatment at Portland hospitals, and awards grants to non-profit organizations that offer children’s immunizations and dental care.

Annual Carpet Cleaning Extravaganza Finishes in One Morning April 13, 2010

How do you clean the carpets in 40 guest rooms, two houses, and five floors in one morning? Last Friday, the annual carpet cleaning extravaganza descended on both houses as carpet cleaning companies all over Portland teamed together to donate their services to make sure the job was finished on time, so that families could return by the end of the day.

Quick and Clean Services were proud to be a part of this annual carpet cleaning event. Thank you for inviting us!

QC Newsletter May 2010 - Upholstery Cleaning Test

Is Your Upholstery Really Clean?

Take the Test!

If you want to find how much soil is actually on your upholstery that “looks” clean, simply take a white terry cloth towel and put it over the end of your vacuum attachment hose. Turn the vacuum on (be sure that you don’t let the vacuum suck up the towel). Gently massage the fabric with the cloth. You will have a round dark spot which is embedded soil in the fabric.

QC Newsletter May 2010 - Festival of the Arts 2010

Festival of the Arts 2010 - Wilsonville

This year’s "Art on the Town" event is going to be bigger and better than ever. To start things off with a bang, there will be the second annual Wilsonville Parade on Saturday morning, with the theme "Junk to Funk".

The parade will wind through town and end at Town Center Park and our annual Festival of Arts.

We know you’ll want to be there too!

QC Newsletter May 2010 - Chamber Member Highlight

Chamber Member Highlight

T-Line Design, Inc – Bay Northwest

503-702-3222

We've built our company on producing exceptional quality products for our clients since 1990.

With over 50 years of combined corporate experience in the apparel and promotional products industry, your project is in qualified hands with Dorie Christman.

An in-house design studio, ready inventory, exceptional vendor relationships, 21st century production, high tech shipping and account tracking are key to our proven ability to respond to the demands of our clients.

At our showroom located in Canby , Oregon near the end of the Oregon Trail you can meet with Dorie to discuss your project objectives, review product samples and see our embroidery and screen-printing facilities.

Our commitment to producing quality merchandise and our attention to detail will guarantee an

exceptional product time and time again.

The screen-printing and embroidery departments at T-Line are capable of reproducing your logo on everything from t-shirts and polo shirts to wind breakers and winter coats. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work and the expertise that we put into every piece of merchandise we manufacture.

Our relationship with Bay Northwest which is a full service promotional product company allows us to be a one stop source for all of your promotional needs. We have access to every manufacture across the country and will find what you need to work with your advertising program. We can have your logo reproduced on water bottles, coffee mugs, mouse pads, day planners, pens, and other items when you need them.

We have provided uniform services to some of the leading golf courses and tourist destinations in the Northwest since we began working in the business apparel industry. Our ready inventory and quick turn around will never leave your employees waiting for their company attire.

Please call 503-702-3222 for an appointment to meet with the design and production teams which are ready to meet your business promotion and apparel needs.

QC Newsletter March 2010 - Connections Conference

Connections Conference Clearwater Beach Florida 2010

Ongoing education is the key to giving our customers superior carpet cleaning. We will be returning to the Connections Conference and Exhibition this month. We will be learning about new cleaning techniques, cleaning solutions and products plus the latest trends in carpet cleaning.

In addition, we will discover new research, the most up-to-date information, and the best tools available in the carpet cleaning industry today. This will enable us to provide our customers with the best cleaning service possible.

Being an IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) Certified Firm means keeping up on education. All of our technicians are required to be certified in carpet cleaning. They need to take continuing education classes in order to keep their certification. This allows them to have the knowledge needed to properly clean and repair your carpet. Following is a list of certifications that our technicians hold:

Carpet Cleaning

Odor Control

Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning

Carpet Repair and Reinstallation

Master Textile Cleaner

Commercial Carpet Maintenance

Color Repair

Education is the key to successful cleaning; the Connections Conference is one way to ensure this happens. We look forward to returning with knowledge to better serve our customers!

QC Newsletter March 2010 - Chamber Member Highlight

Chamber Member Highlight

Dalton's Northwest Catering

503-639-7211

Welcome to Dalton's Northwest Catering where our goal is to meet your every need!!

Dalton's Northwest Catering is a full-service local company, offering a wide assortment of food and service packages in the Portland area.

Family owned and operated since 1973, Dalton's Northwest Catering has made the following commitment to our clients: offer the highest quality food and services available, with comprehensive consultation prior to your special event, complete on-site planning, professional on-site staffing, with set-up and display of your special party, with equipment and decorations

included, including fresh flowers, and yes, "we will do the dishes"!

Dalton's Northwest Catering is staffed by professional, well-trained, licensed servers and managers with years of experience. Our crew lives and works in this community with a strong sense of civic involvement, with chamber of commerce, community events, local celebrations and charitable organizations.

The pacific Northwest is like no other place in the world, and owner Dave Dalton feels that your catered event should reflect that distinction.

Dalton's prepares each catered event to exceed your expectations. Dalton's full service catering company is committed to meeting your catering needs.

www.daltonsnorthwestcatering.com

QC Newsletter March 2010 - Spring into Cleaning

Spring into Cleaning

With April showers and May flowers come dust and pollen that can

leave your home in desperate need of a seasonal makeover. Spring

cleaning may not be one’s idea of fun in the sun, but the Institute of

Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has a

few tips to make cleaning a breeze.

* HVAC filters - Use quality electrostatic filters that attract particles to the filter. To keep filters in top shape, clean once per month.

* Control moisture and humidity - Maintaining humidity at 50% or below prevents the growth of mold and the infestation of dust mites; two of the most common allergens.

* Increase vacuum frequency - Since about 75% of carpet soil is dry

particulate, vacuuming more often prevents soil from embedding deep

into carpets. Vacuum heavy-traffic areas slowly and repeatedly.

* Use high efficiency filter bags - High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) double-lined vacuum filter bags filter out 99% of particles that cause respiratory irritation.

* For professional cleaning jobs, look for an IICRC-Certified Firm.

Confirm their technician’s training and certification in the type of work

to be performed and always obtain a written estimate.

IICRC, "Tips and Advice." Spring Cleaning. IICRC. 3 Apr 2009 .

QC Newsletter March 2010 - Calender of Events 2010

Calender of Events 2010

25th Annual Tulip Fest 2010 - Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm - Woodburn

March 25th -April 25th, 9am - 6pm

OMSI presents Space: A Journey to Our Future - OMSI - Portland

March 2nd - May 30th, 9:30am - 5pm

Pittock Mansion presents At Home in Portland: 1909- 1914 -

Pittock Mansion - Portland - Feb 1st - July 11th, 11am - 4pm

Portland Farmers Market at PSU 2010 - Portland Farmers Market

March 20th - December 18th, 8:30am - 2pm

Portland Saturday Market 2010 - Portland Saturday Market

March 6th - December 24th, 10am-5pm Saturday, 11-4:30 Sunday

30th Annual Trillium Festival & Native and Hardy Plant Sale

April 10th - April 11th, 9:30am-4pm - Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday