April 12, 2024
Published by BPCarpet on April 12, 2024
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Spring Cleaning Mistakes!

Every March and April, people around the world push up their sleeves and give their home a major once-over—it’s the annual rite of passage we like to call spring cleaning. Many of us use this time to catch up on the tough tasks we can’t fit into our weekly cleaning routines(like cleaning those ceiling fans). Since we only do this once a year, we might not be working as efficiently or effectively as possible. To make your annual deep clean more successful, avoid the following spring-cleaning mistakes that ex-perts say most of us are making. Neglecting Dust Mites –Dust mites cause sneezing, itching, and rashes. Unfortunately, these mites come from us; they’re regularly found in dead skin cells that we shed all over our homes—particularly on upholstery. Removing them is crucial. Steam cleaning your upholstered furniture and mattresses at least once a year will help keep the dust-mite population from building up and worsening spring allergies. Having upholstery and mattresses professionallycleaned at least once a year is one of the most helpful ways to get control of dust mites and give you piece of mind that you are keeping your family safe and healthy. Using an All-Purpose Cleaner Everywhere –Many surfaces can be cleaned with an all-purpose formula, but there are some areas (like your sofa, curtains, and carpets) that require a special product for that job. Too often, we forget this and use the wrong cleaners—which either aren’t effective in taking care of the stains and messes or, unfortunately, make matters worse. To ensure you have the right fabric and upholstery cleaners in your kit, look underneath your couch for a tag with your upholstery’s cleaning code and use the corresponding clean products. Don’t want to tackle this project yourself, have your fabrics and upholstery professionally cleaned and save yourself the stress. You will love the result and add life to your home furnishings and curtains. Dusting the Wrong Way –The amount of dust that collects on ceiling fans, bookshelves, door jambs, and other hidden spots over the year is truly amazing and getting rid of it when we spring clean our homes is particularly satisfying. However, tackling these dusty spots in the incorrect order can sabotage the rest of your cleaning plan by sending dust onto spots you’ve already cleaned. Work from the highest area (like a ceiling fan) down to your furniture and then baseboards to avoid having to re-do your work. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the dust, helping to prevent it from spreading around in the air, where it can trigger or worsen allergies and asthma attacks. Keep Mopping on Your List –Floors are one of the most exposed areas in our homes, which is why mopping them frequently is crucial in keeping your home clean. And, make sure your replace those worn-out mop heads when needed to get the job done right. You Can’t Shampoo Every Rug –Synthetic carpets and rugs with waterproof backings can be deep cleaned with a rotary shampoo machine and a hot-water extraction machine. But, rugs without backings, including Oriental rugs, require professional cleaning only! Skipping Unseen High-Touch Area: the Walls – Overtime our walls and ceilings build up with unwanted marks. To clean them, start by using a vacuum to remove dust. Next, tackle stubborn surface grime,especially prevalent in kitchens, with a solvent-free degreaser (test it first in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t mar the surface). Neglecting Grout Lines –The cement based material between wall, floor, and counter top tiles is extremely porous and stains easily. No matter how spotless your bathrooms, kitchen or tile floors are, if the grout is dirty and stained, it will never look really clean. Protect it with a penetrating grout sealer—it’s best to apply it with a small foam brush or hire a professional to help you scratch this tedious task off your list. Overlooking the Importance of FireSafety –Be diligent about changing the batteries in smoke detectors (this should be done twice a year) and make sure units are free of dust. Teach everyone in your household how to use a fire extinguisher, and review escape plans. Your family’s life may depend on it. Failing to Protect Yourself –The biggest spring-cleaning mistake you can make is not taking protective measures as you work. Always wear gloves when cleaning to protect your skin and avoid any potential allergic reactions. If you have any questions, need anyadditional information or want to schedule a consultation, contact B/P Carpet& Upholstery Cleaning today. We are always happy to help and serve you
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February 19, 2024
Published by BPCarpet on February 19, 2024
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Love that NEW CARPET SMELL!

Smell is the most primitive of the five senses and is more powerful than we think. The fra-grances of food enhance our sense of taste. Pleasant scents create a feeling of calm and con-tentment, while unpleasant ones may be a cause for alarm. Unfamiliar odors can create anxi-ety, especially when the source is unknown. The nose knows,as they say. But what about “newcarpet smell?” For many, this odor is welcome, as weenter a carpet store or have new carpet installed in ourown homes. It smells like a new beginning. But is thissmell hazardous?Volatile Organic Compounds The unmistakable odor produced by new carpetis caused by a volatile organic compound or VOC. Volatile simply means it evaporates readily at nor-mal temperatures. This volatility makes it easy for usto smell. VOCs are present in many new man-madebuilding materials including sheet vinyl floor covering,wall coverings, floor finishes, adhesives and paint.VOCs are what create “new car smell”, “new carpetsmell” and the smell that you probably don’t enjoy somuch after you paint a room here are many different typesof VOCs but the one related tonew carpet odor is 4-phenylcyclo-hexene (4-PCH), a by-product ofthe synthetic latex binders used tohold the carpet backing together.Although new carpet does producethis volatile organic compound,emissions from carpet as measuredduring EPA studies ranked amongthe lowest overall contributors toindoor air quality issues. Most of theVOCs present in carpet dissipatewithin 24-48 hours after installation.Ventilation during and after carpetinstallation helps to reduce thatlength of time. EPA Testing Several years ago, as the EPA was renovating its Washington DCheadquarters, some employeescomplained that odor from the newcarpet was making them sick witha variety of symptoms includingrespiratory irritation, headaches andgeneral malaise. The EPA enlisted help from carpet and latex manufac-turers to investigate the complaints.Following laboratory testing andextensive government agencyreview, no connection between4-PCH and any kind of adversehuman health outcome could beestablished. As a result, the EPAdescribes 4-PCH as an “unremark-able chemical.”Many people have the belief that“new carpet odor” is caused byformaldehyde used in the produc-tion of carpet. Research conductedby the School of Textile Engineer-ing, Georgia Institute of Technologydispelled this widely held myth.Current industry standards are inplace so that all new carpet pro-duced is monitored for this chem-ical. Formaldehyde has not beenused in the production of carpet inthe United States for decades. Latex Issues What about people who areallergic to latex? The latex used in modern carpet is synthetic and notlinked with the allergic reactionscaused by proteins found in naturallatex. All of the materials used inthe manufacture of carpeting areprimarily the same harmless materi-als found in clothing, furniture andbedding. Nylon, polypropylene,polyester and wool constitute themajority of the components foundin carpet.So the conclusion is that there isno evidence that new carpet odoris a cause for alarm. However, sinceodors can create different reactionsin individuals, it makes sense toaddress any complaints to preventdiscomfort. As mentioned earlier,ventilating the structure during andafter installation is the best way toreduce the buildup of 4-PCH in theindoor environment.
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January 19, 2024
Published by BPCarpet on January 19, 2024
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Ceramic Tile vs Natural Stone

Considering giving your home a facelift: If you are thinking about tile flooring, many homeowners simply don’t know which is the best choice of material for their project. Be it a kitchen remodel, bath renovation or new tile installation in the foyer, family room, or laundry room, howowners spend a great deal of time deciding between using natural stone or porcelain. Always keep in mind that whatever your final choice3 is, the key to getting the most bang for your buck is regular maintenance. The experts say to look at your lifestyle and the intended use for the space. A home filled with children and pets may best benefit from easy to maintain porcelain tile, while natural stone may be a good fit for a pet free home with older residents. To help you make the right choice, here are some of the pros and cons of each type of tile below. Porcelain Tile – Porcelain tile is a very hard type of ceramic tile. It is made from finer, denser clay than typical ceramic tile and it is fired at higher temperatures, making it more durable and resistant to stains. The surface of a porcelain tile is typically smooth and consistent, with uniform coloring throughout. While natural stone offers a sense of opulence, tiles provide endless possibilities. From modern and sleek to country or even glamorous, tiles really have no limits in terms of their versatility. Pros Long lasting; Easier to install; Superior resistance to wear and tear, even to rough pet nails; Can be as much as 30% harder than granite; Less porous than natural stone, it offers more stain resistance; Lower price point than stone; Highly moisture resistant; Low maintenance, does not require special sealing or cleaning solutions; Easy to clean; Large range of styles that con mimic the look of natural stone and hardwoods; Ideal for all types of projects – kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, flooring, countertops and walls; Offer a sleek and modern look; Cons Its hardness factor makes porcelain tile more difficult to cut, so it should only be installed by a professional; It tends to be on the heavy side, so you need to make sure the structure can support its weight; Usually a lower return on investment than natural stone in home value; Does require professional maintenance to prolong the life and beauty of the flooring. Natural Stone Tile – There’s an undeniable allure to naturual stone that has captivated homeowners for centuries. Whether is Marble, Granit, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Sandstone, Quartz, or Onyx, natural stone adds a touch of beautiful sophistication to any space and con work with any type of style and decor. Pros Makes a bold, luxurious statement; Extremely durable; Conducts heat well, making it a good choice for radiant heating; Unique and distrinctive natural variations in color, veining, and texture; Considered a premium option, enhancing the value of the space; Cons Needs to be sealed; More porous than porcelain tile, making it more susceptible to stains; Absorption rates vary based on the type of stone; Hardness varies based on the type of stone, increasing the risk of breakage and abrasions; Can scratch and chip easily; More expensive than porcelain tile; Requires experienced installers due to natural variation in shape and size; More difficult to clean than porcelain tile as special cleaning agents are required – should be professionally cleaned and maintained to retain value; Not a green material option as natural stone is not renewable. When installed correctly and professionally maintained, both products are durable and have a long life span. No matter what flooring you decide on or if you just want to spruce up your existing flooring, we can help you! Difficult and heavy use areas will receive special attention from our technicians. We only use the highest quality, most scientifically advanced cleaning products on the market and the most technically advanced equipment to make sure you get the best result possible every time. Call B/P Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Inc today with any questions or to schedule your next cleaning appointment.
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March 8, 2021
Published by BPCarpet on March 8, 2021
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For The Love of Cotton

You may not know this, but cotton is the most popular fiber in the world.  Why?  Because it’s durable, easily dyed, absorbent, soft and comfortable to the touch.  These characteristics make it the fabric of choice for clothing, towels, bedding and more. We are not the first people to recognize the virtures of this versatile fiber.  Cotton has been cultivated globally for thousands of years.  From underwear to overcoats, clothing continues to be the most common use for cotton. The same features that make cotton ideal for clothing make it perfect for upholstery.  Like your clothing, all upholstery – including cotton – must be cleaned periodically for appearance and health.  Furniture manufacturers recommend cleaning every 12-24 months.  Failure to do so can result in an unwanted appearance change called soil staining.  Soil staining occurs when soils, oils and pollutants adhere to the fiber and oxidize.  This can result in permanent dulling of colors and changes to fabric texture. Aside from a certain amout of normal shrinkage and potential wrinkles, most cotton clothing can be washed without any major problems.  The babrics used in upholstery differ in a number of ways from clothing, including how we clean them.  When used in upholstery, cotton may be blended with other fibers that have different characteristics and dye systems.  Often the fabric is made up of multiple layer and can be quite thick.  This creates challenges when cleaning.  Ripples and distortion to the fabric texture are not uncommon. Second, while most cotton clothing is designed to be washed in the laundry with lots of water, detergents and agitation, upholstery fabric is not.  Lighter colored cotton upholstery may turn brown or yellow as the cellulose material in the cotton breaks down.  Dyes may bleed or run.  With some cleaning agents, cotton fabrics can actually degrade and become weak or even split. There is also the potential that the fabric will shrink.  This leads to cushion covers not fitting properly, skirts and dust ruffles curling or wrinkling and other appearance problems.  That’s why you should never remove cushion covers to launder them. You can hand your clothing on a line or put it in a dryer to dry.  Not so with upholstery.  The multiple layers of fabric, batting and cushion can cause slow drying, which could cause browning and dye bleed.  We prevent such damage by using high velocity air movers to encourage rapid drying and carefully controlling the amound of moisture while cleaning. Most fabrics can be cleaned safely with the right equipment, cleaning agents and proper training.  One of the most important steps is to test the fabric for dye stability, browning and potential shrinkage, as well as inspect for other possible issues. Taking all of this into account, some fabrics will require low moisture, controlled pH, and the gentle hand of an experienced upholstery cleaner to avoid damage.  A fabric protector application should follow every cleaning.  Your fabic will stay cleaner longer and resist permanent staining. Take advantage of our 15% off Upholstery Cleaning for the month of March 2021      
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May 19, 2020
Published by BPCarpet on May 19, 2020
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PROTECT Your Home From Allergens

The most effective way to prolong the life of your carpets is to vacuum regularly. By removing dry particles, you help prevent premature wear caused by abrasive soils grinding away at carpet fibers. The right vacuum also helps to remove pollutants and contaminants from your home. While all vacuum cleaners use some kind of motor to turn fans that produce air flow, not all vacuums are created equal. Some are better at filtering small particles than others. In homes with sensitive persons with allergies or asthma, the smallest particles are able to be breathed in deeply causing irritation and inflammation. What is in the dust that creates such big problems? Pollutants include mold, human and animal dander, dust mite, feces, insect parts, air pollution, lead dust, carbon, cookng residues and more. Pollutants are captured and filtered out by high quality vacuum cleaners featuring “true HEPA” filtration. A true HEPA vacuum cleaner actually cleans the air while it cleans the carpet. Less efficient vacuum cleaners do not clean the air. Rather, they have the effect of expelling the smallest pollutant particles into the breathing zone where they can remain suspended for hours. When you vacuum do not rush over the surface of the carpet. Take your time. Vacuum over high traffic areas in two different directions to remove the most soil. This will help your carpets stay cleaner and last much longer. Never vacuum up moist soils or damp carpet. This can cause bacterial growth and odors in your machine. You need to maintian your carpet with regular, professional cleaning, but a good quality vacuum cleaner is your first line of defense in keeping a clean and healthy home.
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May 19, 2020
Published by BPCarpet on May 19, 2020
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Keep Dirt Outside

All through the year we track various soils into our house. Pollutants from car exhaust, pollens, pet and human dander and plain old dirt can damage your carpet, tile, wood and upholstery, Soil control is a very important part of keeping your home clean and healthy. The best way to control soil in your home is to prevent its entry. Whatever is outside tends to come in, so consider the following: 1) Keep walkways, steps and porches clear and free of dirt, mold, moss and algae 2) Place doormats both outside and inside all of the entrances to your home. Outdoor mats should be water resisitent, synthetic and non absorbant fibers to scrape heavy soils off your feet. Avoid natural fibers which tend to mold and rot creating a new source of soil. Inside door mats should be absorbant like nylon, cotton or wool. The mat should be washed periodically to remove soil build up. Remove shoes when you come indoors but don’t walk barefoot all the time. The sheen of our feet contain oils that attach to carpet and attract soil. Vacuuming is the most effective way to maintain your carpets. Over 75% of soil in carpet is dry soil that can be removed by vacuuming. This also applies to upholstered furniture, blinds and drapery. Annual professional cleaning is recommended in most homes. Homes with children and pets typically require cleaning twice a year or more. Don’t wait until your carpets, rugs and upholstery look dirty to have them clean
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May 19, 2020
Published by BPCarpet on May 19, 2020
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Carpet Buckles and Wrinkles?

Ripples can occur throughout the life of a carpet. ripples are small waves that usually appear sometime after the carpet is installed. They can happen in a localized area or throughout the entire room. Installer error is the most common cause. Though ripples can also develop from excessive rolling traffic, improper carpet cushion, delamination of the primary and secondary backings and even some manufacturing defects. To avoid ripples carpet should be installed using a power stretcheer. Too often installer save time by using a knee-kicker. This results in inadequate stretch and the potential for ripples to develop as the carpet relaxes. Ripples also occur to carpet that is not properly acclimated to the environment prior to installation, especially if the carpet is installed in cold weather. A carpet needs to acclimate to normal room temperature and humidty for at least 48 hours before installation. Buckled Carpet Wrinkles are usually seen in new carpet immediately after installation. Carpet wrinkles are areas where the carpet has been folded or crushed during storage. Wrinkles not only affect the surface yarns, they go all the way through the carpet backing and may be permanant. Occasionally, carpet will develop ripples immediately after cleaning. This can be quite disturbing to both the homowner and the cleaner. The cause is moisture absorption into the adhesive layer between the primary and secondary backings of the carpet. Even though the ripples appear after cleaning, the root cause is improper stretch of the carpet during installation. Usually, once the carpet dries completely and acclimates to the normal temperature and humidity of the home the carpet will lie flat again. This can take up to 48 hours.
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May 19, 2020
Published by BPCarpet on May 19, 2020
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How Water Cleans Better

Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has both positively and negatively charged sides. Without going into too much chemistry in this article, this means that water can attract to and surround a great variety of substances. Think about everything that water can dissolve or dilute and you begin to understand why water is referred to as the “universal solvent”. But water can’t dissolve everything. Dirt and grime usually adhere to skin, clothing, and other surfaces by combining with body oils, cooking fats, lubricating greases, and similar substances. Because these substances don’t mix with water, washing with water can’t remove them or the bonded soil. Sometimes it needs a little help. Here are some ways that we can help water clean better. Emulsification- Detergent and soap molecules have a dual nature. One end of the molecule called the head, attracts to water; the other end, the tail, attracts to oily soils. The tails attach to the soil; the heads remain in the water. This action breaks the oil and soils into tiny soap-enclosed droplets called micelles, which disperse throughout the solution. The micelles repel each other because of their charged surfaces, so the oils can’t join together once separated. This process of separating and suspending oils in a water-based solution is called emulsification. With the oil no longer bonding the dirt to the soiled surface, the soap-enclosed oils and soils can easily be rinsed away. Water softeners- Hard water usually contains minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium dissolved from rock and soil as water passes through earth. Hard water is a problem because it reduces the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. Detergents react with calcium and magnesium so it takes more detergent to get the job done. The hard water reaction with soaps is what creates the sticky residue called soap scum. Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium, increasing the effectiveness of cleaners. Soft water cleans better, rinses better and allows you to use less soap or detergent. Temperature- Heat reduces the surface tension of water, making it easier to penetrate and dissolve soils. Heat increases the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, so they work more efficiently. Hot water also helps melt and dissolve greases, oils and waxes. pH- One way to help water clean better is by adjusting its pH. Pure water has a neutral pH, neither acidic nor alkaline. By adding cleaning agents, we can change the pH of water. Since most common soils are acidic, most detergents are alkaline. When an alkaline detergent contacts an acidic soil, the soil is neutralized. In most cases, this results in more efficient cleaning, easier rinsing and less scrubbing. Saponification- Saponification is a process that changes natural fats and oils into soap. Many years ago, people made their own soap by combining animal or vegetable fats with lye, a strong alkali. Similarly, using an alkaline detergent has a similar effect on fats and food oils, basically turning them into soap, which can then be rinsed away with water. There is much more to cleaning than what we have discussed here. For best results, you need the right tools, techniques, training and experience. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a chemist or engineer to keep your house clean and healthy. Following manufacturer instructions on appliances and cleaning products generally yields good results. You can be confident that educated B/P Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning technicians will use the right cleaning agents, equipment and techniques to produce fantastic results with “plain old” water!
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