Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Do I need Air Duct Cleaning?
Do I need Air Duct Cleaning?
There are some things that you can check yourself to get a general idea about the state of your air duct system:
First thing, check your air filter. Whatever dirt is on it is only a small portion of the amount of dust in your return air duct. If you think it's very dirty, then it'd be safe to say that you need your ducts cleaned. Now would also be a good time to replace or clean the filter.
Second, check your return air vents. If they are on the floor, lift one out and look inside with a flashlight. It should probably be pretty dusty in there. That's typical. This is the part of your duct system that draws the air from the house back to the furnace before it is cleaned, re-conditioned, and circulated back into the home. If your return air vents are screwed onto the wall, then it's easier to just look closely at the vent. If you see that it's covered in dust, then that's only a small portion of what's inside the air ducts.
Check your heating vents. These are almost always on the floor, so the vents should be easy to lift out. Look inside. If you see any dirt or cobwebs in there at all, then you should get your ducts cleaned.
WHAT'S IN MY DUCTS?
What could be in your air ducts is the same things that are in your vacuum cleaner bag. Picture a full vacuum cleaner bag. This bag may contain any or all of the following debris: carpet fibers, skin scale and hair, dust mites and their feces, food crumbs, pet food and cat liter, mold and mildew, drywall dust and new construction debris, insect and rodent excrements and remains, bacteria and viruses, pet hair and dander.
Now picture 2-4 grocery bags full of this same material. This is an accurate picture of how much debris vacuums out of an average sized home’s air duct system. Then consider that a standard fiberglass filter is less than 7% effective at stopping this debris from eventually breaking down, passing through your filter, and back into the air you and your family breathes.
THE SOLUTION
We at Ecofresh use truck-mounted vacuum equipment and compressed air. Our technician runs a large vacuum hose from our truck to your furnace. Once the duct system is under suction, we clean each air vent with 250 psi of compressed air, starting on the top floor and working our way back down to the basement. This blows all the dirt from the air vents into the main ductwork. From there, we use air-snakes and air-whips to clean the main ductwork. The vacuum draws all of the dirt out to our truck. The procedure is repeated to clean the return air ductwork. All air-handling components are cleaned using compressed air.
All services include
-furnace cleaning
-duct cleaning
-free basic filter (upgrades available)
-carbon monoxide test
Additional Services available
-Dryer vent cleaning
-Duct Sanitizing
Packages starting from $34.99 plus 8.99/vent (min 10 vents)
For a free estimate call 604 721-4326 or 1 877-521-9326
There are some things that you can check yourself to get a general idea about the state of your air duct system:
First thing, check your air filter. Whatever dirt is on it is only a small portion of the amount of dust in your return air duct. If you think it's very dirty, then it'd be safe to say that you need your ducts cleaned. Now would also be a good time to replace or clean the filter.
Second, check your return air vents. If they are on the floor, lift one out and look inside with a flashlight. It should probably be pretty dusty in there. That's typical. This is the part of your duct system that draws the air from the house back to the furnace before it is cleaned, re-conditioned, and circulated back into the home. If your return air vents are screwed onto the wall, then it's easier to just look closely at the vent. If you see that it's covered in dust, then that's only a small portion of what's inside the air ducts.
Check your heating vents. These are almost always on the floor, so the vents should be easy to lift out. Look inside. If you see any dirt or cobwebs in there at all, then you should get your ducts cleaned.
WHAT'S IN MY DUCTS?
What could be in your air ducts is the same things that are in your vacuum cleaner bag. Picture a full vacuum cleaner bag. This bag may contain any or all of the following debris: carpet fibers, skin scale and hair, dust mites and their feces, food crumbs, pet food and cat liter, mold and mildew, drywall dust and new construction debris, insect and rodent excrements and remains, bacteria and viruses, pet hair and dander.
Now picture 2-4 grocery bags full of this same material. This is an accurate picture of how much debris vacuums out of an average sized home’s air duct system. Then consider that a standard fiberglass filter is less than 7% effective at stopping this debris from eventually breaking down, passing through your filter, and back into the air you and your family breathes.
THE SOLUTION
We at Ecofresh use truck-mounted vacuum equipment and compressed air. Our technician runs a large vacuum hose from our truck to your furnace. Once the duct system is under suction, we clean each air vent with 250 psi of compressed air, starting on the top floor and working our way back down to the basement. This blows all the dirt from the air vents into the main ductwork. From there, we use air-snakes and air-whips to clean the main ductwork. The vacuum draws all of the dirt out to our truck. The procedure is repeated to clean the return air ductwork. All air-handling components are cleaned using compressed air.
All services include
-furnace cleaning
-duct cleaning
-free basic filter (upgrades available)
-carbon monoxide test
Additional Services available
-Dryer vent cleaning
-Duct Sanitizing
Packages starting from $34.99 plus 8.99/vent (min 10 vents)
For a free estimate call 604 721-4326 or 1 877-521-9326
FAQ
What makes you "ecofriendly"?
All of our products are biodegradable, phosphate free and hold the green seal of approval.
Are your products safe?
Yes all of our products are non toxic so there is no need to worry about the safety of your family or pets.
How long will my carpet take to dry?
In most cases it will be dry in 3-6 hours. This depends on the humidity, temperature of the home, the density of the fiber and how soiled the carpet is. To speed drying, use fans, open windows 2-3 inches, turn on heater and on warmer days leave the air conditioner on.
Do you only do residential jobs?
No, we have a long list of happy commercial customers, call us for a free commercial estimate.
What other services do you do?
We also specialize in upholstery cleaning, mattress cleaning, area rug cleaning, car interior cleaning, high powered tile and grout cleaning and furnace and duct cleaning.
Can I walk on the carpet after cleaning?
Yes. Use clean white socks and use extreme caution when walking from damp carpet to any hard surfaces for slipping.
Do you move furniture?
Yes. We will move most seated furniture and tables (sofas, chairs, tables etc). We cannot move pianos, beds, entertainment centers, computer desks, buffets, armoires etc.
Should I move anything?
Yes, you should remove from the areas being cleaned, all knick knacks and breakables. Pictures, lamps, memorabilia, etc from tables that are to be moved.
face floors will be slippery. Try to limit traffic until completely dry.
Will your services help my allergies?
Yes, having your carpet and upholstery cleaned removes many allergens and other pollutants and makes your air easier to breathe.
How long will it take to clean?
Our technician stays as long as it takes to do the job to your complete satisfaction. It could be a few hours. It depends on how soiled the areas are, how much furniture there is to move, and how much spotting is requires. the technician will give you a better idea once he arrives to do your work.
How often do I need to clean my carpet? Any where from every 3-6 months for high use rooms to every 9-12 months for seldom used rooms. If you have kids or pets at least once per year for the complete house.
Will all my stains be removed?
All stain material can be removed and we have the best spotters that money can buy, it is just a matter of how much permanent discoloration has occurred to the fabric. When our technician arrives he will test the areas first and advise you what to expect. It is very important that stains receive IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. The longer the stay in a fabric the more likely a PERMANENT DYE CHANGE will occur.
Can you remove pet odor?
Pet odor is a very common problem that could be much more complex than on first impression. Pet urine can easily soak through the backing of the carpet into the padding underneath. In more severe cases the urine can penetrate into the sub-floor beneath the padding. This creates a problem that is multi-layered.
The urine also provides for the growth of bacteria. This in turn contributes to a worsening of the odor problem and can contribute to permanent color loss of the carpet fiber. To eliminate this problem, the urine must be removed or neutralized from each of the layers affected. If the contamination is limited to only the face yarn of the carpet then the cleaning itself may effectively remove the odor. In more severe cases a urine neutralizer may be applied.
In the most severe cases, replacement of the carpet padding, treatment of the under-side of the carpet and the sub-floor may be required. Even replacement of the carpet, however, can not guarantee complete removal of the odor.
For any additional questions, please Contact Us
All of our products are biodegradable, phosphate free and hold the green seal of approval.
Are your products safe?
Yes all of our products are non toxic so there is no need to worry about the safety of your family or pets.
How long will my carpet take to dry?
In most cases it will be dry in 3-6 hours. This depends on the humidity, temperature of the home, the density of the fiber and how soiled the carpet is. To speed drying, use fans, open windows 2-3 inches, turn on heater and on warmer days leave the air conditioner on.
Do you only do residential jobs?
No, we have a long list of happy commercial customers, call us for a free commercial estimate.
What other services do you do?
We also specialize in upholstery cleaning, mattress cleaning, area rug cleaning, car interior cleaning, high powered tile and grout cleaning and furnace and duct cleaning.
Can I walk on the carpet after cleaning?
Yes. Use clean white socks and use extreme caution when walking from damp carpet to any hard surfaces for slipping.
Do you move furniture?
Yes. We will move most seated furniture and tables (sofas, chairs, tables etc). We cannot move pianos, beds, entertainment centers, computer desks, buffets, armoires etc.
Should I move anything?
Yes, you should remove from the areas being cleaned, all knick knacks and breakables. Pictures, lamps, memorabilia, etc from tables that are to be moved.
face floors will be slippery. Try to limit traffic until completely dry.
Will your services help my allergies?
Yes, having your carpet and upholstery cleaned removes many allergens and other pollutants and makes your air easier to breathe.
How long will it take to clean?
Our technician stays as long as it takes to do the job to your complete satisfaction. It could be a few hours. It depends on how soiled the areas are, how much furniture there is to move, and how much spotting is requires. the technician will give you a better idea once he arrives to do your work.
How often do I need to clean my carpet? Any where from every 3-6 months for high use rooms to every 9-12 months for seldom used rooms. If you have kids or pets at least once per year for the complete house.
Will all my stains be removed?
All stain material can be removed and we have the best spotters that money can buy, it is just a matter of how much permanent discoloration has occurred to the fabric. When our technician arrives he will test the areas first and advise you what to expect. It is very important that stains receive IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. The longer the stay in a fabric the more likely a PERMANENT DYE CHANGE will occur.
Can you remove pet odor?
Pet odor is a very common problem that could be much more complex than on first impression. Pet urine can easily soak through the backing of the carpet into the padding underneath. In more severe cases the urine can penetrate into the sub-floor beneath the padding. This creates a problem that is multi-layered.
The urine also provides for the growth of bacteria. This in turn contributes to a worsening of the odor problem and can contribute to permanent color loss of the carpet fiber. To eliminate this problem, the urine must be removed or neutralized from each of the layers affected. If the contamination is limited to only the face yarn of the carpet then the cleaning itself may effectively remove the odor. In more severe cases a urine neutralizer may be applied.
In the most severe cases, replacement of the carpet padding, treatment of the under-side of the carpet and the sub-floor may be required. Even replacement of the carpet, however, can not guarantee complete removal of the odor.
For any additional questions, please Contact Us
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tile and Grout Cleaning Tips
In Vancouver, maintaining cleanliness in our floors or tiles is usually hard work. Keeping the tiles clean means you also have to clean the grout too! Cleaning the Grout is an important factor in ensuring that your tiles stay bacteria and germ free. There are two easy ways to the tile and floor cleaning, do it manually or hire a professional to do the job. Which ever path you choose, the steps below will ensure a proper cleaning to prevent any damage on your tiles when cleaning.
Special Solutions for Grout Stains
Cleaning grout stains can be very time consuming and difficult. There are various types of floors and tiles, therefore each one may require a different cleaning technique. For example: Ceramic tile may require different abrasives than quarry tile. Some people still stick to the basics and use warm water in combination a mop and a mild detergent. Others ways include vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and water applied with a brush. Vinegar and water will help soften the grout, hydrogen peroxide with water can do a good job on removing the dirt and then using a brush to remove the dirt. It is always important to use gloves when dealing with heavy chemicals. With so many cleaning products out there it is hard to know which product is the best and which will bring the best results. Make sure to always follow the directions to get the maximum effectiveness. There is also usually a waiting period before removing the solution so it can penetrate properly. Proper Tile and Grout Cleaning means that you can keep the beauty and color for many years to come!
Tile-Grout Cleaning Service
In some cases, these products do not always work. If this is the case, you may consider hiring a professional cleaner to do the job by searching in your local directories for Vancouver Cleaning Companies. Make sure to ask your cleaning professional to use Eco-Friendly products when doing the job. Many of these environment safe products give the same if not better results than all the unsafe products. Some companies also use high pressure tile grout cleaning machines as it gives amazing results. Make sure to ask the professional that you hire, what procedures will be employed to prevent any damage to your tile or floors.
Special Solutions for Grout Stains
Cleaning grout stains can be very time consuming and difficult. There are various types of floors and tiles, therefore each one may require a different cleaning technique. For example: Ceramic tile may require different abrasives than quarry tile. Some people still stick to the basics and use warm water in combination a mop and a mild detergent. Others ways include vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and water applied with a brush. Vinegar and water will help soften the grout, hydrogen peroxide with water can do a good job on removing the dirt and then using a brush to remove the dirt. It is always important to use gloves when dealing with heavy chemicals. With so many cleaning products out there it is hard to know which product is the best and which will bring the best results. Make sure to always follow the directions to get the maximum effectiveness. There is also usually a waiting period before removing the solution so it can penetrate properly. Proper Tile and Grout Cleaning means that you can keep the beauty and color for many years to come!
Tile-Grout Cleaning Service
In some cases, these products do not always work. If this is the case, you may consider hiring a professional cleaner to do the job by searching in your local directories for Vancouver Cleaning Companies. Make sure to ask your cleaning professional to use Eco-Friendly products when doing the job. Many of these environment safe products give the same if not better results than all the unsafe products. Some companies also use high pressure tile grout cleaning machines as it gives amazing results. Make sure to ask the professional that you hire, what procedures will be employed to prevent any damage to your tile or floors.
Vancouver Carpet Cleaning Tips
It’s about time you cleaned your carpets. No more waiting until the last minute. No matter how hard you try to keep your carpets intact, spills, stains, spots and footprints are inevitable. Your carpets are in need of a good freshening. Typically, all carpets should be cleaned every year or at most a year and a half. A nice deep cleaning will not only bring back them back to a nice new condition, but also extends the life of your carpeting. Some warranties even make it mandatory to clean your carpets once a year or more.
But what is the best way to clean your carpet?
We will be reviewing the three best methods for cleaning your carpets.In most cases, your carpet manufacturer or retailer will recommend a cleaning procedure that will yield the best results. It is always a good idea to follow their advice as they know what’s the best for the carpets they sell on a day to day basis. If you are planning to deep clean yourself, make sure to select a shampoo or cleaning and dilution of the product. Refrain from using soap, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent or other household cleaners used on other household surfaces. We recommend using a pre-cleaning solution such as a mild-detergent.There are several easy ways to find the right professionals to do the job for you. Ask your friends who they use for their carpet cleaning needs or even Google Carpet Cleaning and a long list of Carpet Cleaners will be at your disposal. No matter which company you use, make sure you are aware of the fundamentals of carpet cleaning before hiring a company. Make sure to discuss with the professional which method is best for your carpet.
Dry extraction cleaning uses an absorbent compound and is infused in and around the carpet with specially-designed machines and brushes. The compound acts as a magnet, attracting dirt, oils and soil in the carpeting fibers, once this process is completed you simply need to vacuum the area.. This method is recommended for most synthetics and natural fibers like wool and cotton that should not be exposed to excessive moisture.The dry foam extraction method applies a fluffed up foam detergent solution. This foam is much less dense than most detergents and much drier as well. It is worked into the carpet carefully with special designed machines, then removed by wet vacuuming. Some machines have their own extraction capabilities while other require post vacuuming.
The hot water extraction method, or “steam cleaning”, is the most common method for do-it-yourself Carpet Cleaning. This method uses hot water extraction equipment to infuse pressurized solutions into the carpet. Make sure to accelerate the drying process to avoid discoloration from the moisture.The rotary shampoo method is the classic home carpet cleaning technique. The rotary Shampoo machines use brushes to inject a cleaning solution directly into the carpet, then removes the loosened soil and solution. Similar to steam cleaning, this process make sure that your carpet dries as quickly as possible to avoid any problems.The absorbent pad method.
The absorbent pad method should always be done by a professional and should not be attempted by amateur carpet cleaners. This method uses a spin pad to remove the soil. The pad must remain saturated with the cleaning solution or else you may incur some serious damage to your carpet. The pad should also be changed regularly to prevent returning the soil back into the carpet.
But what is the best way to clean your carpet?
We will be reviewing the three best methods for cleaning your carpets.In most cases, your carpet manufacturer or retailer will recommend a cleaning procedure that will yield the best results. It is always a good idea to follow their advice as they know what’s the best for the carpets they sell on a day to day basis. If you are planning to deep clean yourself, make sure to select a shampoo or cleaning and dilution of the product. Refrain from using soap, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent or other household cleaners used on other household surfaces. We recommend using a pre-cleaning solution such as a mild-detergent.There are several easy ways to find the right professionals to do the job for you. Ask your friends who they use for their carpet cleaning needs or even Google Carpet Cleaning and a long list of Carpet Cleaners will be at your disposal. No matter which company you use, make sure you are aware of the fundamentals of carpet cleaning before hiring a company. Make sure to discuss with the professional which method is best for your carpet.
Dry extraction cleaning uses an absorbent compound and is infused in and around the carpet with specially-designed machines and brushes. The compound acts as a magnet, attracting dirt, oils and soil in the carpeting fibers, once this process is completed you simply need to vacuum the area.. This method is recommended for most synthetics and natural fibers like wool and cotton that should not be exposed to excessive moisture.The dry foam extraction method applies a fluffed up foam detergent solution. This foam is much less dense than most detergents and much drier as well. It is worked into the carpet carefully with special designed machines, then removed by wet vacuuming. Some machines have their own extraction capabilities while other require post vacuuming.
The hot water extraction method, or “steam cleaning”, is the most common method for do-it-yourself Carpet Cleaning. This method uses hot water extraction equipment to infuse pressurized solutions into the carpet. Make sure to accelerate the drying process to avoid discoloration from the moisture.The rotary shampoo method is the classic home carpet cleaning technique. The rotary Shampoo machines use brushes to inject a cleaning solution directly into the carpet, then removes the loosened soil and solution. Similar to steam cleaning, this process make sure that your carpet dries as quickly as possible to avoid any problems.The absorbent pad method.
The absorbent pad method should always be done by a professional and should not be attempted by amateur carpet cleaners. This method uses a spin pad to remove the soil. The pad must remain saturated with the cleaning solution or else you may incur some serious damage to your carpet. The pad should also be changed regularly to prevent returning the soil back into the carpet.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Vancouver Carpet Cleaning by Ecofresh
Vancouver Carpet Cleaning
Even if you've had your carpet sprayed with Scotchgard when it was first installed, stay on top of keeping it clean by blotting stains and removing them as soon as you noticed, there will come a time when professional carpet cleaning is necessary. Vancouver Carpet Cleaning’s Ecofresh has been using these techniques for several years.
Sometimes this is because you are having holiday company or moving out of the house, but the end result is always the same, you'll have to make the decision as to whether or not to have the steam cleaning done professionally or to do it yourself.
There are pros and cons to both sides. Having your Vancouver Carpet Cleaning done professionally can be costly, and if you get a less than reputable company in your house the result can be ruined padding and floors, stained carpet and all hope lost of getting your damage deposit back if you are a renter. You need to call Ecofresh for your Carpet Cleaning needs in Vancouver. The up side is that if you hire a good professional like Ecofresh, your carpet will be left healthy, look almost like new and come with a guarantee that you can hold onto.
If you choose to do the Vancouver carpet cleaning yourself, you could save a lot of money - if you know what you are doing, how to do it and if you do not believe in magic. Otherwise, renting a carpet cleaning machine which you don't know how to work can damage the carpet and soak the floor, and you will be out of cash and still have a less than attractive carpet.
If you choose to do it yourself, do a little research as to the different chemicals used in professional carpet cleaning and keep the kids out of the house for the night afterward. Didn't know that one did you? Some Vancouver carpet cleaning commercial products can contain chemicals which can hurt the kid's lungs and cause mold to develop in the carpet if it isn't suctioned or dried properly. You can look for chemical names on the container such as solvents and mildew, but any of these chemicals can irritate the tissue in the lungs or cause asthmatics to have a reaction. Best to keep everyone out until the carpet is completely dry and use a mask while you are carpet cleaning.
Use fans to speed drying or open the window/switch the central heating on. Professionals use big industrial fans which work well but are expensive for the average person to afford. Another thought is that the kind of carpet cleaners which can be rented at the local hardware store are a roulette as to whether or not the guy before you cleaned it properly before returning it. You can't be sure that they did, even though there is an added cost if they returned it dirty. You may end up spreading around someone else's carpet dirt instead of removing your own.
The bottom line in carpet cleaning is that given all the downsides to the process, you may be better off hiring a professional to do your carpet cleaning, but make sure that you ask questions about the types of chemicals that they use. If they are reluctant to discuss this, find someone else, a reputable company will be able to answer all of your questions to your satisfaction.
That is why EcoFresh (Vancouver Carpet Cleaning) has been successfully serving Vancouver and its surrounding areas for over 7 years. All our technicians are I.I.C.R.C. certified, insured and licensed and we only use Solutions that are non toxic, biodegradable, phosphate free and hold the green seal of approval, because your safety is of utmost importance and the earth is everyone’s home. So if you choose to use a Vancouver Carpet Cleaning Professional for those deep and dirty stains try us first. For a free estimate you can call us at (877) 521-9ECO(326) or (604) 721-4ECO(326), or visit our website www.ecofreshcarpetcleaning.com for more info.
Sometimes this is because you are having holiday company or moving out of the house, but the end result is always the same, you'll have to make the decision as to whether or not to have the steam cleaning done professionally or to do it yourself.
There are pros and cons to both sides. Having your Vancouver Carpet Cleaning done professionally can be costly, and if you get a less than reputable company in your house the result can be ruined padding and floors, stained carpet and all hope lost of getting your damage deposit back if you are a renter. You need to call Ecofresh for your Carpet Cleaning needs in Vancouver. The up side is that if you hire a good professional like Ecofresh, your carpet will be left healthy, look almost like new and come with a guarantee that you can hold onto.
If you choose to do the Vancouver carpet cleaning yourself, you could save a lot of money - if you know what you are doing, how to do it and if you do not believe in magic. Otherwise, renting a carpet cleaning machine which you don't know how to work can damage the carpet and soak the floor, and you will be out of cash and still have a less than attractive carpet.
If you choose to do it yourself, do a little research as to the different chemicals used in professional carpet cleaning and keep the kids out of the house for the night afterward. Didn't know that one did you? Some Vancouver carpet cleaning commercial products can contain chemicals which can hurt the kid's lungs and cause mold to develop in the carpet if it isn't suctioned or dried properly. You can look for chemical names on the container such as solvents and mildew, but any of these chemicals can irritate the tissue in the lungs or cause asthmatics to have a reaction. Best to keep everyone out until the carpet is completely dry and use a mask while you are carpet cleaning.
Use fans to speed drying or open the window/switch the central heating on. Professionals use big industrial fans which work well but are expensive for the average person to afford. Another thought is that the kind of carpet cleaners which can be rented at the local hardware store are a roulette as to whether or not the guy before you cleaned it properly before returning it. You can't be sure that they did, even though there is an added cost if they returned it dirty. You may end up spreading around someone else's carpet dirt instead of removing your own.
The bottom line in carpet cleaning is that given all the downsides to the process, you may be better off hiring a professional to do your carpet cleaning, but make sure that you ask questions about the types of chemicals that they use. If they are reluctant to discuss this, find someone else, a reputable company will be able to answer all of your questions to your satisfaction.
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