Carpet Talk Archives

Your Questions About Ductwork Cleaning

Ruth asks…

Where can I find DIY info on cleaning a/c ductwork?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Go to Home Depot and they probably have books on doing it

William asks…

Withholding portion of security deposit for ductwork cleaning?

So I live in Ohio and I’m trying to find out a little more about what the landlord can charge you for after you move out. This was my 4th place, so I’m familiar with the normal stuff that they charge you for against your security deposit. But this landlord has said that they’re charging us $173.07, half of a $346.13 bill, for DUCTWORK cleaning, stating that there were pet odors even AFTER they charged us $175.59 for carpet cleaning. This just doesn’t seem right to me.
Also, in my original lease, it stated that the landlord would come to the premises to change the air filters for us, which they never did. Has anyone ever heard of a landlord charging for this??
I am also suspicious of these charges because they also mentioned to me that after I moved out they decided to replace the furnace.

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Yes, it is standard if there were animals in the house. Although it is not normal to charge unless it is an animal free unit and the tenant broke the lease and brought an animal in.

Richard asks…

Tools for cleaning household ductwork ?????

Our ductwork needs to be cleaned, but it is between $600-$1000
to be done in our area….. Does anyone know of a do-it-yourself tool set for cleaning your own ductwork???I found one for dryer ducting, but want one to do our heat/ac ductwork. Any info woud be appreciated !!!
Serious answes, please… There are plenty of nonsense questions to be answered if you just want to accumulate points…

Carpet Cleaner answers:

There’s more to it than just the ductwork. Fan housings, cooling colis, and register covers are a prt of the cleaning process, too.

It is not likely that you will be able to rent a vacuum unit large enough to do the job. Vacuuming, brushing, manual agitation, and washing (fan housings, cooling/heating coils) are possible methods. If you can get to all of the ductwork, and can find a high-volume vacuum unit, you might do OK by just shaking or banging on ducts to loosen dust and debris, but brushing is really the way to go. The extensions and brushes, to my lknowledge, are just no available at rental outfits.

I’d hire it out.

Linda asks…

how do i get a clean edge when cutting ductwork? the tin snips are leaving a jagged edge.?

My main ductwork box has perfect cutouts for the room ductlines. looks like it was diecut.
no, i don’t think they used a plasma cutter onsite!! they just look clean like a diecut.
new snips? they are new!

Carpet Cleaner answers:

You can rent a sheet metal “nibbler” which does the job cleanly and quickly.

James asks…

What’s wrong with my heat pump? It is freezing outside and only cold air is blowing.?

I have a 2-story townhouse (3 BR, 1330 sq. ft.). The indoor part of the unit is upstairs. When it is cold out (probably 35F or less) the heat pump only blows air without heat and it’s freezing in my house, especially downstairs. The unit and house are only 11 years old. The volts say 208/230 and horsepower is 1/2.

How can I get it to be warm again? My living room/kitchen are unbearable to be in. I am planning to have the ductwork cleaned and the heat pump coils cleaned next week. But I know that can’t be all. Help!
My heat pump is electric.

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Set the thermostat to “em. Heat” if there is no heat, check the breakers, and if there is still no heat and
If it hasn’t been serviced in a few years, you will need to call a service company, the aux/em heat is not energizing during the defrost cycle or for the second stage heating

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Your Questions About Dry Cleaning Supplies

Sandra asks…

maids water broke, don’t know where cleaning supplies are?

my maid, june was due in late may, but her water broke when she was cleaning today in my house. now, she lives in our house and when she comes home with the baby i want to clean her bed (her water broke when she was napping) but i don’t know where the laundry detergent is or the washer and dryer, for that matter. i do no chores.shes the only one whod know. about 15 minutes ago her daughter therese was born. june’s mom called me and asked if she could come by in an hour and get some of june’s stuff. i said sure. but i don’t want her to come and see me leaving the bed all gross. i don’t want her to think im going to make june do it when she gets back. so would it be rude to call up june and ask where everything is, or should i wait until her mom gets here and have her help me?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Everyone be nice to jana she had a bad day

Steven asks…

can a cleaning supply cause brain damage. If its dried on a napkin?

After a few days and i wipe my moutth and nose with it

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Possibly. It would depend on the chemical. See this link for a list of suspected carcinogens:

http://www.scorecard.org/health-effects/chemicals.tcl?short_hazard_name=cancer&all_p=t

Check out this short film on toxic cleaning supplies:

http://www.aspenclean.com/index.php?page_id=53

The other consideration is the length of time you inhaled this. If it was “just a whiff”, you’re probably fine. But if you’ve been intentionally inhaling this, there may be trouble.
Your best bet-seek a qualified medical opinion.

Linda asks…

Is $100 a week sufficient pay for an on call assistant?

i am an on call assistant for a lawyer. i run errands such as picking up groceries, dry cleaning, and office supplies. i am also responsible for answering and responding to emails. i even do little task around the house such as reorganizing rooms. and like i said before i am on call. whenever im needed i am there. i receive emails all through out the night. is $100 a week fair?
i am an on call assistant for a lawyer. i run errands such as picking up groceries, dry cleaning, and office supplies. i am also responsible for answering and responding to emails. i even do little task around the house such as reorganizing rooms. and like i said before i am on call. whenever im needed i am there. i receive emails all through out the night. is $100 a week fair?

example of a week:
sun- drive to store 15 mins away drop off items

mon- drive to 4 stores and drop off items. redo xtra bedroom

tues- redo room for 6 hrs

wed- draft important letter

thurs- 2 stores, returns, check PO box

fri- back to room

sat- returns, 3 stores, send letters

and during all of this i am still sending emails, taking calls, updating calendar, etc..

and i am not being reimbursed for gas and i am driving my own vehicle

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Wow.. If you are working for $100 / week. You should give me a call. I would love to hire someone to answer the phones and answer basic questions at my Insurance agency for only $100 / week.

Biggest question is what is the cost of living in your area.

I guess the payment depends on how often you are called. I think that they should be paying you hourly. If you are ‘on call’ and being called for several hours throughout the day, they may be paying you under the legal state minimum wage.

Thomas asks…

What do you do if its an emergency and your boss asks you to open and close the bar??? Is it hard?

So theres emptying the spill rack, collecting cleaning drying and putting away the glassware, wiping down the counter, restocking the bottles of alchohol, restocking napkins, straws and supplies, maybe cutting up some garnishes if they cut them the night before and put them in refridgeration, thats all ???? Anything else to do?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Yes…drink up!

John asks…

I’ve been parking my car under a pine tree on the sun.?

Now i have several spots of pine tree gum on my car, which melted and dried tightly on the surface of my car hood. I tried to wash it out with different cleaning supplies, but it seems stronger than glass. I thought to scrape it away with something sharp, but I’m afraid to scretch car paint. What can I use to remove it safely?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Rubbing alcohol works wonders, but it may damage the coat of paint on your car. On glass, it’ll do the trick right away.

For paint, you can use a clay bar that you’ll find at any automotive store (NAPA, Sears, etc.)

Don’t park under a pine tree if you can help it. Good luck.

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Your Questions About Carpet Cleaners

Mandy asks…

Carpet cleaners?

I want to clean areas of my carpet with a rag and some form of soap. But I am not sure what to use. I am not in a situation where I can have my home steam cleaned. What would be good for cleaning with rag and soap?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

You can use anything that doesn’t have bleach in it. Ammonia takes cleans and takes out odors very well and the ammonia smell is gone when the carpet dries.

William asks…

carpet cleaners?

ok so i live in sandy utah
i dont want to replace my carpet
but my cat peed all over
my living room and basement.
so if yo know any carepet
cleaners that are in my area
let me know
:]
thank you

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Any carpet cleaner should work…I like to use Resolve. To remove any pet odor, use amonia. This will kill the odor so well that a dog’s nose will no longer be able to catch the scent!

Sandy asks…

Carpet Cleaners?

Where is the cheapest place to rent a carpet cleaner? I live outside of La Crosse, WI.

Carpet Cleaner answers:

I rent at the local hardware store or the grocery store. They are about the same price here. You might want to call and get prices.
I bought a carpet cleaner at WallyWorld and the liner ripped mixing the clean water with the soiled water. Sent for a new liner and the same thing happened. It lasted about 3 times then ripped. Now I rent a unit and don’t have to store it!

Lisa asks…

do store bought carpet cleaners really work?

I have a new puppy and he has been causing little stains here and there on my carpet. We didn’t realize it and now the stains have set in. I’m trying to decide if renting a carpet cleaning machine is worth it, or is buying one from a Target type store better.
I have never used one of the store bought carpet cleaners so I have no idea if they really work. Any suggestions out there?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

I just got a Hoover Dual V carpet shampooer and it does a great job and the carpet dries fast, be sure to get all of the soap residue out of the carpet after shampooing do a good rinse with clear water as the soap residue will attract soil, I always use Bissell Carpet Shampoo.

Laura asks…

Any home remedies to bring back the whiteness of my home carpet that carpet cleaners and Sears cant seem 2 do?

Wife wants to replace carpet with stimulus check if i cant find a way to bring back the life to our 15yo living room carpet! Ive had Sears come in and say because its an expensive carpet they cant get all the stains out and even the Ace hardware carpet cleaners dont do it! Any unorthdox suggestions on how i might clean and whiten the life back into this carpet?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Cost of the carpet makes no difference. It’s 15 years old! Retire it!

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Your Questions About Carpet Cleaning Company

Sharon asks…

Does anyone know of a quality carpet cleaning company in fremont?

Price is important but I would prefer a high quality job than simply a cheap price. After watching the segment on channel 7 about Premier Carpet Cleaning I decided just choosing the cheapest company over the phone can be extremely costly. Any recommendations?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Coit Cleaners…not the cheapest due to their heavy advertising…watch your paper for coupons to help make up for that.

Http://coit.com/residential_services_carpet.html

Daniel asks…

Anyone know of a good carpet cleaning company in Charleston, SC?

I have quite a few pet stains and other nasty stuff that is going to be pretty tough to get up. I need a recommendation for a good carpet cleaning company in Charleston, SC. Thanks.

Carpet Cleaner answers:

You’d be better off getting a carpet cleaning machine IMO. Same money but you can use it again and again. For example see these here http://www.carpetcleaningllc.com/

Chris asks…

i live in seymour indiana and i want to know a good carpet cleaning company that really cleans the carpet?

I live in seymour indiana and i was wondering what a good carpet cleaning company would be i have like one red kool aid stain but most of it is like cat throw up cause when you try to get it out it just like spreads and it stained it… People that don’t have perfect carpet know what i mean… I want something where people can walk in and actually tell a difference…Any places you have had experience with?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Stanley Steamer is great and they are national.

Nancy asks…

Carpet cleaning company questions – steam clean or dry clean?

I’m calling in a company to have my carpets cleaned. One place I called said they use the dry cleaning method. ??? I’m not familiar with that. Has anybody used it? I worry that it’s even safe because I have pets and a new baby! That (dry cleaning method) sounds like too many chemicals to me. Anybody know? We had an older dog that peed on the floor and got sick often so they really need to be cleaned good!

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Steam cleaning is recommended by 99% of Carpet Mills

Most steam cleaning professionals do not leave any residue in the carpet. (make sure they are using a fiber rinse to confirm they are residue free)

Most dry cleaning methods do leave significant soap residues in the carpet causing rapid re-soiling. (none of the detergents, soaps & surfactants are rinsed and removed from the carpet when dry cleaning method is used.)

Steam cleaning does not get the backing or padding wet. It also will not mold or mildew the carpet. (it takes at least 72 hours of wet for mold to even think about growing)

Hint: Look for a steam cleaning company that dries in less than 8 hours and they will have very effective cleaning equipment.

Truck-Mounted units always should be used. They are a ton more powerful than portable equipment and will remove more soil and dry faster.

PET ODOR: Both dry and steam cleaning WILL NOT remove pet odor. Urine have salts that will not break down from water or carpet cleaning agents alone.

A blacklight and an enzyme such as Urine Off should be used prior to cleaning. At least 3 days before. Read directions at: http://www.urineoff.com.

ALWAYS USE AN IICRC CERTIFIED FIRM. SHAW, THE WORLD’S LARGEST FLOORING COMPANY, NOW REQUIRES THE USE OF AN IICRC CERTIFIED FIRM FOR WARRANTY CARPET CLEANING REQUIREMENTS!

Bacteria: Steam cleaning does not release bacteria into the air. If bacteria is present, most truck-mounted units will kill any because most operated at well over 200 degrees.

-MATT
IICRC CERTIFIED IN CARPET CLEANING & WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION

ONE MORE THING: It is very inexpensive to start a business doing the dry cleaning method. Usually less than $1000. To start a carpet cleaning business that uses the correct equipment it is $5,000 to $25,000 for the truck-mount. Another 5,000 or so for all of the cleaning accessories. And whatever it costs to buy a van. 2,000 to 35,000

What do you think cleans better?

A $5,000 to $25,000 Machine or a $500-$1000 Machine???

Robert asks…

Can anyone recommend a carpet cleaning company that does a great job in permanently removing pet urine stains?

We recently had to give away our cats due to urnine problems. We would like to get the carpet professionaly cleaned to permanently remove the cat urine stains. If someone can recommend a company that can do this, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Service Master; I used to work for the Elk City OK.Franchise. Luck from Brian&Stimpy

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Your Questions About Professional Carpet Cleaning Services

Paul asks…

Apartment manager requires carpet cleaning receipt upon move out?

I just gave my apartment manager my 60 day vacate notice. I signed the vacate form but she also wants me to sign a form saying that I will provide a receipt from a professional carpet cleaning service for having the carpets cleaned. I told her I would not sign it because I had my own steam cleaner and would clean the carpets myself. She just called to tell me again that I need to sign and return that form. Is this necessary? I looked through the lease and it did not mention the need for showing a professional cleaning service receipt. I feel that if this was expected I should have signed the form with the lease agreement.

Carpet Cleaner answers:

You don’t have to show it.

However, do not be surprised if she has the carpets professionally done after you leave and deducts the bill from the deposit.

Charles asks…

How do you keep your carpet fluffy after carpet shampooing?

I just moved into my house almost a year ago and my carpet is still brand new,but still needed to be cleaned. After shampooing my carpet was flat and no longer fluffy…how do I fix this please?

By the way I’ve used professional carpet cleaning service in the past and the same thing happened a long time ago. Thanks in advance.

Carpet Cleaner answers:

If you have residual soap left in the carpet, the fibers will look and feel stiff and flat. The best way to fix this is to steam clean it again with no soap (just water) in the machine to pull up the residual soap.

Another potential cause is if you live in an area with hard water, the minerals may get transferred from the water to the carpet. If this is the case, then you need to use filtered water in the machine.

Daniel asks…

Removing make up for a carpet?

Does anyone know how to get bronzer/blusher off a carpet (the caroet is beige) the stain was beginning to fade but we used a carpet cleaner and that seems to have set the stain and made it go darker. Has anyone got any idea how I can get rid of it without using a professional carpet cleaning service?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

I would use some liquid makeup remover!
Try that…

Mark asks…

I have spilled carbon from a match on my carpet and made it worse!?

I tried to clean if with some spot carpet cleaner and inadvertently created a bigger staining problem than I started with. I’m gutted as the carpet is only 6 months old, will I have to spend money on a professional carpet cleaning service or is there anything I can do to clean the grey horrible smudge? Heeeelp!

Carpet Cleaner answers:

I am surprised the spot cleaner never worked. To remove carbon black you need to use an acidic cleaner. I would try a lemon based dish-washing detergent and white vinegar. Start with the latter followed by the lemon to remove the vinegar smell.

Maria asks…

how do you get set in coke stain out of a carpet ?

I spilled an ashtray and a coke on my carpet, it is now set in. A professional carpet cleaner service could not remove the stain, does anyone have a home remedy ? It looks awful.

Carpet Cleaner answers:

SHAM WOW!!!
Just kidding :)

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Your Questions About Carpet Extractors

Mandy asks…

What does self-contained and self-propelled mean in terms of carpet extractors?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Self-contained means that the machine recycles the water and filters the dirt.
Self-propelled means that the wheels are driven by the engine and you do not have to push as hard.

Sandra asks…

What is the difference between carpet extractors and carpet cleaners? When should you use one over the other?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

I have 2 carpet cleaners, so to answer your question i would assume, one of mine flushes and sucks the water up and the other works on the notion that all debris has been lifted before use so just leaves a foam the slowly dissolves and takes marks and stains with it

Lizzie asks…

Heated vs Unheated carpet extractors?

I want to buy a carpet extractor to make a little side money, but I don’t know whether to buy a heated or unheated machine. What is the difference? Which one will give me the best value for my money?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Since you don’t seem to know what your are doing, i suggest trying something else. If you do a bad job you won’t have very many clients..

John asks…

Where can i buy Truckmount Carpet Extractors in Arizona?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

This link has a list of manufacturers and distributors of truck mount carpet cleaning machines and equipment

http://www.business.com/directory/real_estate_and_construction/property_management/maintenance_and_operations/cleaning_supplies/carpet_and_floor/truck_mount/

Ruth asks…

Does Stanley Steemer really get your carpet cleaner than other carpet extractors?

I used Stanley Steemer to clean our carpet right before Christmas and than had to get a rental and do it again after our dog had an accident last week. I’ve noticed that their service was nothing more than hype. Their equipment wasn’t able to pick-up the dog hairs off the carpet and our carpet didn’t look any cleaner or brighter.

I rented a commercial carpet extractor on base and done it myself the second time using hot water from the tub which was hot to the touch. It looked like the rental picked up more dog hair than Stanley Steemer and the carpet even looked brighter. The water looked really dirty as if I paid Stanley Steemer for nothing when they came by a month earlier to clean our carpet. Maybe their service isn’t great in our area, but even if they were up to par will truck mounted units clean your carpet any better than comercial portable extractors as long as you do it at least once a year?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

The short answer is yes…the long answer is no. Most national carpet cleaners will get your carpet relatively clean, but unless they have a truck mounted extraction system, their equipment is no better than what you can rent.

If you have pet stains/odors…use a pro. If you use the wrong treatments on the carpet, it will set the stain, and possibly damage the underflooring.

Quiz your carpet cleaner….do they have a truck mounted system? Are they IICRC certified? What equipment do they use? Will the carpet be wet when they leave? Do they bring in fans? If you hear a bunch of no’s…look elsewhere.

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Your Questions About Best Carpet Cleaner Machine

Linda asks…

the best household carpet cleaner machine thats dependable?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

The Hoover Heat Cleaner. The 1 that has the circle brushes on it.

Robert asks…

What is the best do-it-yourself carpet cleaner to use without a machine?

I need something I can use for a small area like a spot or a larger area such as 1yd.square.

Carpet Cleaner answers:

The Little Green or the Spot Bot, both by Bissell. Quality products.

Lizzie asks…

What’s the best way to clean carpet without having to buy/rent a machine?

I need to clean the carpet areas in my apartment (hallway, dining room, living room, bedroom) and will not be buying or renting a machine to do it. I’m a college student with limited money to spend on this. What’s the best way to clean the area? Best product to use?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

You can clean your carpet with Spot Shot™. Spot Shot is a fantastic carpet cleaner that received a 4.80 Star Rating out of 5 (as of the last time I checked). That’s a fantastic rating. It works great on carpets without scrubbing or vacuuming, although you do have to blot.

It sounds like you have a very large area to clean, so the job could be time-consuming. Maybe if you concentrate on just one area at a time, it won’t seem so overwhelming.

You can buy Spot Shot at many hardware stores. (I saw it available at Aco.) You can also buy it on the Internet:

http://www.google.com/products?q=spot+shot+carpet&hl=en&aq=f

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Helen asks…

What is the best machine to use inorder to get your carpet clean?

What wold you recommed to use, so far as product and or machine and the product you recommend…..does it work well?

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Whatever it is make sure that it has a heater to heat the water. Bissell is the way to go in my opinion

John asks…

I have a some pet stains on my berber carpet.What is the best way to clean it?Is it hard to get the stains out?

Its starting to smell and im going to rent a carpet cleaning machine.

Carpet Cleaner answers:

Load the cleaning machine with Nature’s Miracle which you can get at pet stores and discounters. It has natural enzymes that digest the bacteria that cause both the stain and the odor. Using the carpet cleaning machine should enable you to get the solution deep enough into the padding to extract the stain from it so that you won’t walk it up again later.

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