Does Teflon in Carpet Cleaning Protector Really Cause Cancer

Something I found interesting, since many carpet protectors contain teflon and that most new carpet comes with protector installed at the factory.

Teflon has not been found to cause cancer. Perfluotooctanoic Acid (PFOA), a chemical used in the synthesis of Teflon, has been labeled a “likely carcinogen” by a panel advising the Environmental Protection Agency, but Teflon pans do not emit PFOA when used properly.

Teflon cookware might emit a small amount of PFOA when it’s heated to extreme temperatures – for example, when a Teflon frying pan has been left empty on a heated burner for an extended period. Even then, it has not been established that overheated Teflon produces a dangerous amount of PFOA. Still, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to dispose of a Teflon pan that has been left empty on a heated burner.

Approximately 95% of the population has some amount of PFOA in their bloodstream – but most of this PFOA likely comes from stain- and water-repelling treatments used on carpets and on fabrics. Grease-resistant food packaging, such as the microwave popcorn bags and cardboard fast food boxes, also might contain small amounts of PFOA.

The fact that PFOA is in our bodies does not mean that we are all going to die from PFO-related cancers. Individuals who have worked in factories producing PFOA, and perhaps some people who live in neighboring areas, seem to have the highest levels of PFOA. – Ronald Melnick, PhD, senior toxologist with NIEHS

If you need help with your carpet cleaning Portland or have questions regarding your carpet, please give me a call at 503-922-4875 / 360-901-8686 or visit my website at: www.seanscarpetcare.com

Oxygen Cleaners, As Seen On TV Are Safe For Cleaning Everything, Right?

Many of the popular oxygen cleaners that are available in stores and seen on TV seem like miracle stain removers. The question is, "Are the safe on every type of fabric?"

The answer is, "No".

In the carpet cleaning industry professional carpet cleaners use specialized cleaners that add or remove oxygen to hide stains everyday. The thing to understand is that these type of stain removers are not suitable for every type of fabric. On some types of carpet and upholstery fibers oxygen cleaners can remove color or ruin the fabric or carpet.

The Truth!

Cleaners that add oxygen or remove oxygen to remove (hide) stains are actually bleaches!!! Yes, it's true. Many red removers are actually known as reducers and hide the stain by removing an oxygen molecule. Usually stain removers that have oxygen in the name add an oxygen molecule to remove (hide) the stain.

Warning!

Natural fibers need special care when cleaning. It is never a good idea to use oxygen cleaners on natural fibers. Using oxygen cleaners on natural fibers will usually pull the color out of the carpet.

Side note: Did you know...One way professional carpet cleaners verify wether the fabric they are about to clean is wool or not is by using bleach. This is true! Wool dissolves in bleach.

With upholstery spot cleaning be careful. Upholstery is usually made with a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, so it is important to be careful with oxygen when trying to clean upholstery. If you are not sure what your upholstery is made from then, please call a professional portland upholstery cleaner.

If you need help with your upholstery or carpet cleaning needs then please give us a call at 503-922-4875 or 360-901-8686 or visit my website at: www.seanscarpetcare.com

I Just Bought New Carpet, So I Do not need to Hire A Carpet Cleaner For Years, Right?

Great, you just bought some new carpet and now you get a break from looking for a carpet cleaner in Portland for the next few years. I often hear this when talking to new customers about carpet cleaning that just bought new carpet. The truth: At best this maybe true. The first thing you should check before putting your carpet cleaning plans on hold is to check the warranty that comes with the new carpet you purchased. Many carpet manufacturers require the carpet to be cleaned by an IICRC certified carpet cleaner at least every 6-18 months to uphold the warranty. So before putting off your cleaning plans, please make sure to check your warranty to make sure you follow the manufacturer requirements to uphold the warranty.

If you need help with your cleaning needs or have questions about carpet cleaning, please visit my website: www.seanscarpetcare.com or call us at 503-922-4875 / 360-901-8686.

How Do I Clean My Cute Sisal or Jute Rug?

I am sure this has happened to you before, "Wow, look at that cute rug! That would go great in my new bathroom. SOLD!"

Before purchasing that cute rug you should consider the type of fiber the rug is made out of and where it will be placed in your home. I know this is not a very cute thing to think about, but it is important. Hey, I am just trying to help out. Some types of fibers are expensive or impossible to clean.

Rugs that are made out of natural fibers, such as wool, sisal, and jute are fibers that have some complexities to clean. Complex fibers require the services of a Portland carpet cleaner with specialized rug cleaning knowledge.

Let's talk about a couple of the previously mentioned fibers. Wool is a great natural fiber. This fiber lasts a long time with proper cleaning. The problem is that it requires specialized cleaning methods that are often expensive. Also, wool gets a little offended by pet urine. Once a pet urine accident occurs on wool the effective removal options are limited.

Jute fiber rugs are pretty much impossible to clean, since they shrink when introduced to water. Jute was the backing used in old carpets and was known to pull the tack less strips out of the floor in some water damage situations.

Sisal is another natural fiber that is impossible to clean. When this type of rug gets dirty or stained by pet urine the only real option is to throw the rug away. Sorry :(

Hope this information is helpful when selecting your next rug. If the rug is really too cute to pass up cute then go for it! Now, you know the future cleaning options.

If you need help in finding the best carpet cleaning Portland, to clean your rugs, upholstery, or even tile and grout then please give us a call or visit our website: www.seanscarpetcare.com

What Does Hiring a Certified Portland Carpet Cleaner Mean For You?

Not all carpet cleaners in Portland, OR are the same. Some have been cleaning for years and some have just started. Some of these cleaners are certified. What does hiring a certified Portland carpet cleaner mean for you?

To become a certified carpet cleaner the cleaner must study in a classroom environment and pass written examination covering several topics.

Some covered topics are:

• pH factors involved in soil removal
  
• Proper vacuuming techniques
  
• Fiber composition & manufacturing methods
  
• Types of soil
  
• Proper equipment handling
  
• Safety & professionalism standards
  
• And other information
  

What You Need to Understand

It takes time and devotion to become certified in carpet cleaning. As with everything it is one thing to learn how to do something correctly and another thing to practice what you have learned.

Two important steps that are commonly skipped by carpet cleaners in the carpet cleaning industry, which are taught in all IICRC Carpet Cleaning Tech certification classes, is vacuuming and proper rinsing of carpet.

Up to 80% of the soil is located in the lower two thirds of the carpet. Actually, if the carpet is cleaned with out being properly vacuumed first the soil in the lower part of the carpet turns into mud.

Another important part of carpet cleaning is to neutralize the detergent used to clean the carpet. If the carpet is rinsed with detergent and not a neutralizing rinse the carpet will become crunchy and sticky not soft and soil repelling.

So before hiring any Portland carpet cleaning company check my website to read my FREE guide on of How to Hire A Carpet Cleaner.

Or give us a call to discuss your cleaning needs at 503-922-4875 or 360-901-8686.

Best Carpet Cleaning Portland, OR

Are Your Carpets Worn Out?

Have you been told that your carpets are worn out? Maybe you have been told that those major spots will not come out because your carpets are worn?

The truth is that with the proper chemistry and specialized cleaning procedures worn out looking carpets can restored to new looking condition.

Hiring a Portland carpet cleaner with an education in the different types of carpet fibers and what causes them to soil is the key to restoring worn out looking carpets. The trick is understanding the proper procedures to get them entirely clean.

If you have questions regarding carpet cleaning in Portland, please give a call at 503-922-4875 / 360-901-8686 or visit our website at: www.seanscarpetcare.com

What is Full Service Carpet Cleaning?

Okay, so you have had your carpet cleaned over the years. Maybe you are like many of my clients having hired different carpet cleaning companies in Portland every year to clean your carpet. Maybe you have been lucky and found one company that has cleaned your carpet year after year. You feel that they did a pretty good job. The question is, "Have they provided superior service and value?"

To receive complete full service carpet cleaning  you need to find a company that follows a carpet cleaning process recommended by the carpet manufacturers. 

Each step in carpet cleaning process recommended by carpet manufacturers is designed to safely clean your carpets and keep them looking new longer. In some cases hiring a professional Portland carpet cleaning company is required to maintain your carpet manufacturer's warranty.

If you need help with hiring a great Portland carpet cleaning company, please give us a call at 503-922-4875 or 360-901-8686 or visit us at: www.seanscarpetcare.com