Have you ever walked into a home you are looking to rent or purchase and were instantly overwhelmed by different smells? Whether it was the scent of a candle, wall plug-in, or any other deodorizer, there is a chance the owners were trying to mask a smell that was permeating from their carpet. As a professional carpet cleaner in Colorado Springs, we know how common it is for homeowners to have odors trapped in their carpets. Oftentimes, these odors are caused from their pets’ urine stains. These stains are one of the primary reasons for a black light inspection.
Black lights have a purple tint when turned on, but most of the light being emitted is Ultraviolet (UV) light. These lights make white (or lighter colored) objects glow. The glowing is a phosphor, which is a substance that emits light in response to some sort of radiation (in this case, the UV light). So, when you shine a black light on the carpet, the UV light emitted reacts with the external phosphors, making them glow.
As you may have guessed, black lights make the external phosphors on your carpet glow. This is beneficial because it allows you to see any stains that weren’t visible with regular light. Unfortunately, some carpets aren’t as clean as they appear, but getting a black light inspection helps you find out what is really going on. Some of the most common stains you’ll find include:
To get a black light inspection done you have a couple of options:
Do you want peace of mind regarding the cleanliness of your carpet in your new place? As a professional carpet cleaner, Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning has lots of experience with hidden stains. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, renter, realtor or property manager, we would be happy to give you a free black light inspection. Contact us today with any questions!
How do you tell the above-average carpet cleaner apart from the average carpet cleaner? One way to do so is to see if the carpet cleaner is certified. In the carpet cleaning industry, certification organizations provide the cleaning standards by which professionals do cleaning and restoration.
The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the most prominent of these organizations. The IICRC has written standards that are also certified by the American National Standards Institue (ANSI). Many standards are also recognized by the carpet manufacturers, insurance companies, and the carpet industry as a whole. The IICRC has certified instructors who hold in-person classes all over the country. These classes teach and test carpet cleaning professionals on the cleaning standards found in the IICRC S100 publication. The S100 is also called the "Standard for Professional Cleaning of Textile Floor Coverings."
Within the IICRC certification tracks, there are different rankings.
Certified Technician - Certified in any track they choose.
Journeyman Technician - Has taken multiple classes, has passed the appropriate exams and has 12 months of active service in the industry.
Master Technician - Requires expert knowledge in multiple areas of carpet cleaning and repair plus a minimum of three years since receiving their original certification.
Many carpet cleaning companies do not send their technicians to formal classes to gain this knowledge. Instead, they teach the technicians on the job from what they have learned. Without formal education and testing, these technicians can miss out on important knowledge about the science of cleaning. Formal education from an IICRC certified instructor lays the foundation upon which a technician will continue to learn and put their knowledge into practice.
Without this education, a technician will lack knowledge of many things including:
At Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning in Colorado Springs, all of our technicians are IICRC certified. Some are certified in multiple cleaning and restoration disciplines. When our employees return from a certified training course they have a better understanding of why we do what we do. Besides having certified technicians, we are also an IICRC Certified Firm. That means we follow the IICRC standards when we clean and we follow a code of ethics and have a written customer complaint procedure. We do not engage in false advertising, we carry the proper insurance and we have a commitment to continuing education.
Our cleaning and restoration technicians have a photo id badge when they arrive at a customer's house. On the back side of the badge, they are required to keep their IICRC certification card and have it available for inspection by any customer. This is a company policy we have set in place to show our commitment to the continuing education of our staff. Certification does not mean every job will go perfectly, but it means the frequency of a non-exceptional cleaning will be few and far between.
Also Read: Should You Have Your Carpets Professionally Cleaned?
Not many things will make your home feel dirtier than a case of bed bugs. Although it might seem like carpet and upholstery cleaners might be able to solve your bed bug problem, it's not your best option. Keep reading to learn when carpet cleaners can help and when you should call an exterminator.
Bed bugs are small, brownish bugs that survive off the blood of animals and humans. No matter your level of hygiene or where you live, bed bugs can unexpectedly tag along on luggage, clothing, or furniture and enter your home. When you have an infestation, you will likely wake up with bites. Often, these bites will turn into itchy welts. It is important not to mistake these bites for mosquito bites.
If you are not sure whether or not you have a bedbug infestation, there are a few clues you can look for:
Although these signs of a bed bug infestation are helpful, it can be difficult for an untrained eye to confirm it's a case of bed bugs.
The best way to kill bed bugs is to use heat for an extended period. According to the article, Using Heat to Kill Bed Bugs, "Bed bugs exposed to 113°F will die if they receive constant exposure to that temperature for 90 minutes or more. However, they will die within 20 minutes if exposed to 118°F. Interestingly, bed bug eggs must be exposed to 118°F for 90 minutes to reach 100% mortality."
An exterminator is your best option to kill all the bed bugs effectively. Exterminators use heaters to keep the room temperature above the killing point for bed bugs for an extended period. In some situations, your pest control professional will use a combination of spray or powder insecticides explicitly formulated for bed bugs. This is helpful if wall insulation prevents the heat from fully affecting areas that the bugs might retreat into.
On the other hand, carpet cleaners use steam. While it is called steam cleaning, the more accurate term is hot water extraction. Although this process technically gets hot enough (220-240 degrees Fahrenheit), carpet cleaning technicians cannot expose each spot for the time required to exterminate the bed bugs.
Carpet cleaners use steam cleaning to destroy dust mites, making your carpet and upholstery (including mattresses) look and smell great. Though there may be bed bugs in the carpet, they should not advertise in any way that they can kill bedbugs or fleas. Advertising that as a benefit could in effect place the carpet cleaning company in the category of exterminator. Exterminators are in a completely different industry with different training, hazards, OSHA and EPA compliance, certifications, insurance and licensing.
If you do experience an infestation, please do not call a carpet cleaning company or try to treat it yourself. When Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning receives a call about bed bugs, we refer the caller to a licensed pest control company. We will not allow our employees to knowingly enter a home with bed bugs. The risk of bringing them back to the office or carrying them home is not worth the risk.
Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning technicians are always happy to clean your carpet, upholstery, area rugs and tile. However, if you detect an infestation, please call us only
In the winter, many individuals will put off having there carpets cleaned. This is especially true in Colorado Springs because of low temperatures and snow. Thankfully, courtesy doors make carpet cleaning in the cold a bit more feasible.
The courtesy door is an adjustable spring load vinyl door cover. The courtesy door has many advantages including:
What may surprise you is that carpets actually dry faster in the winter. In Colorado our winters are very dry even when there is snow on the ground.. If the doors or windows are open, drying happens at a faster rate.
Those clients who are concerned about their heating bill can be at ease that any cost to maintain the temperature in the house is very minimal. The courtesy door will help keep the warm air in and your house can be clean and fresh in the winter too.
The indoor air quality of your home can be very poor during the winter months. Indoor air quality in the winter can be much worse than outdoor air quality..This can be attributed to many things including:
Unfortunately, the poor indoor air quality can make many individuals more susceptible to winter colds. Our courtesy door can help alleviate that concern.
Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning can usually clean in temperatures down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have concerns about the cold, ask the technicians to use the courtesy door. The door is not just for winter though, we are happy to use it year round
When property managers hire a carpet cleaning company, it is incredibly important that they are engaged and asking questions. Even though they aren’t hiring someone to clean their personal property, the choice they make will still affect the company. The quality of the carpet cleaning company, especially the equipment they use and the training they provide, will end up reflecting on the manager’s property.
A company that uses good equipment has many benefits including:
While the equipment is important, the maintenance of that equipment is even more important. Even the best equipment will give poor results if it has not been well maintained. This is where the training for the technicians becomes important. The technicians must check and repair items that wear out over time. This will only happen in a company that values their equipment and takes the time to train their staff properly.
Property managers and apartment managers need to understand that the equipment and the training really do matter. If a company buys and maintains the best equipment, the finished product will be better. However, if property managers err on the side of saving money, they’ll end up hiring carpet cleaning companies that have cheap equipment and poorly trained employees, resulting in poor work.
Additionally, if a property manager decides to high a low quality carpet cleaner, there will likely be displeased tenants. Unfortunately, this one issue can quickly snowball, as these tenants will begin to call attention to other issues, no matter how small, that they want fixed. These tenants may also leave negative reviews online. Either way, property managers can find themselves with more expenses and losing more money than planned.
To ensure you are picking a quality carpet cleaner for your property, there are some things you should take into account.
These are all good things to look at when evaluating a carpet cleaning company to ensure your property will be in good hands.
At Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning, we buy and maintain the best carpet cleaning equipment. We also spend a lot of time and money on training, to make sure our technicians clean to a higher standard. We want to be: “Your Carpet Cleaner for Life!” Contact us today to learn more about how we can best serve you!
With the weather warming up, moving season is approaching. You can see it now: The moving truck is parked along the curb and boxes are stacked along the sidewalk, waiting to be placed in the truck. It’s time for a new chapter in your life...and a new place. But, before you can move on and move in, you first need to get your old place in order so it’s ready for the new tenant.
As a carpet cleaner in Colorado Springs, we at Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning know how important it is to leave your former residence in the best condition possible, not only for the incoming tenant, but also for your own financial benefit. Because any carpet stains you created are your responsibility to remove, having the carpets professionally cleaned on your way out, you have a better chance of getting your security deposit back. Imagine what you can do with that bit of extra cash! Whether you want new furniture and decor, meals from your favorite restaurants, or just some more savings, we want to help you get your security deposit back by having freshly cleaned carpets that look better than when you arrived.
Although you may not be required to have your carpets cleaned before you move out, it can be a great opportunity to help increase the odds of you getting your security deposit back. In general, you are not typically obligated to pay for ordinary wear and tear. However, if the carpets have accumulated various stains bleach spots, or lots of discoloration during your lease, your chance of receiving a full security deposit is reduced. Thankfully, a professional carpet cleaning will remove the majority, if not all, of those problem spots. Other benefits of carpet cleaning include:
When planning to have your carpets cleaned prior to moving out, it is important to consider your timeline. You will want to coordinate with the movers, so there is little to no furniture left in the residence. This will make the process a lot less stressful, as you won’t have to organize all of your boxed belongings in a way that makes ample room for the carpet cleaners.
Along with this, it is important to choose a carpet cleaning service that will clean the carpet well and safely. Not all carpet cleaning companies should be treated equally. At Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning, we highly recommend finding a company that uses the truck-mounted hot water extraction method. This method is best for a deep clean that won’t damage the carpet.
Here at Hydro Clean Carpeting Cleaning, it is important to us that we are using the best equipment to provide high quality service to our customers. So what makes us different?
Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning knows moving can be stressful and we want to do what we can to make the process smoother and help you get your security deposit back. Reach out with questions or schedule an appointment to be one step closer to starting that new chapter of your life.
As the days get longer and you are able to embrace more of the beautiful days that Colorado Springs has to offer, you may spend more time outside or trying to bring the climate in through open windows and patio doors.
With the Colorado sunshine comes unpredictable weather including fierce winds that push pollen through your home. Tree, grass, and ragweed pollen make their way into your home through windows, clothes, and deep into your carpet.
In addition to typical dust mites and debris that makes a large impact on your well being, pollen makes indoor allergies skyrocket leading to uncomfortable moments in the place that should be most sacred: your home.
At Hydro-Clean, we are proud to be a professional carpet cleaning company in Colorado Springs so we can help our neighbors from Monument to Fountain and every neighborhood in-between find the indoor peace they deserve.
Itchy, watery eyes and sneezing upon waking up in the comfort of your home does not need to be the standard. Connect with use to ease the indoor allergies through carpet cleaning you can rely on. We believe in doing a thorough, proper job the first time so you can get back to your life and enjoy the breeze again.
While carpets are great at reducing airborne allergens, it merely traps them until they are spread around with a standard vacuum. When allergens are absorbed into your carpet, they gather and eventually make allergy or asthma symptoms worse. When you make the decision to have your carpets professionally cleaned, the dirt and allergens that are locked deep into your carpets will be removed. Additionally, carpet cleaning is the ideal preventative measure to keep dirt from intruding your home further.
Each time you take out your vacuum that’s been tucked away in your closet, you may actually be spreading allergens, not trapping them. While vacuuming your carpets weekly will certainly help you capture some dust, it won’t eliminate dust mites responsible for allergic reactions.
You can try everything: mopping your hardwood floors, dusting every surface in your home, or even investing in a newer vacuum. Your extra work to combat allergies during spring cleaning may just pay off, if only a little. But if you really want to clean your carpets, you have to do it right.
When you dust or use a standard vacuum with a paper filter, you also end up spreading a great deal of dust mites throughout your home. Dust mites are microscopic, so while your home looks clean, your home may actually be worse off than it was before you plugged in your vacuum. One key way to know if this is the case, see if your allergies start acting up after vacuuming.
As Colorado Springs transitions from Spring to Summer, the allergy season pushes through. Instead of constantly spreading the cause of your indoor allergens around your home with a standard vacuum, you should connect with professionals to get the job done effectively.
At Hydro Clean, our premium equipment is the solution to your carpet concerns from the overall look and feel to the deep clean designed to aid and prevent allergens, debris, and dust mites. By soaking and reaching down to the root of the carpet with bristles designed to scrub thoroughly and leave you with the comfort you deserve.
The filtration system traps dust mites that often plagues those with allergies all while removing stains or odors left behind by your kids, your pets, or perhaps from a tragic wine spill.
You want something that only Hydro Clean can offer, which is s
We all love our beloved pets. Even if they were the cause of the stains that finally convinced us to get the carpet cleaned, we would do anything for them. Keeping your pet happy and healthy is always a top priority, so it is important to be aware of risk factors. When getting your carpets professionally cleaned, it is critical to remember that not all carpet cleaners are safe for pets. At Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning in Colorado Springs, we aim to protect the floors as well as the health of both pets and residents in El Paso County. This is why we want to share the knowledge our certified professionals have accumulated about carpet cleaning over the years.
Cleaning products are often known for their potency and dangerous toxins. Unfortunately, some carpet cleaning products are cause for concern. Generally, the biggest issue is the toxic fumes. Toxic fumes that can cause problems if a pet is playing on the carpet soon after a cleaning include:
To ensure your pet’s safety, choosing a carpet cleaning company that uses pet safe carpet cleaners in their process. Carpet cleaners that use green, eco-friendly carpet cleaning solutions are looking out for the health of your family and your pets. Green carpet cleaners consist of natural ingredients, avoiding unnecessary soap and chemicals. Without the harmful and potent chemicals, toxic fumes won’t be a concern for your pet.
Aside from choosing a carpet cleaning company that uses green carpet cleaner, there is another precaution you can take. If your situation allows, you can keep your pet away from the freshly cleaned carpets for about 24 hours. In doing so, the fumes from carpet cleaning have plenty of time to fade which limits your pet's exposure why keeping your freshly cleaned carpets protected. You can do this a few ways:
At Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning, keeping your family safe (furry friends included) is our priority. This is why we use green, eco-friendly and hypo-allergenic solutions that are safe for children, pets, and plants. Contact us today to learn how we can provide a quality clean safely.
Next, Read: Carpet Cleaning Hose Safety
Suppose you are considering getting your carpets professionally cleaned to enhance the look and feel at home, remove harsh stains, or reap the health benefits of carpet cleaning. In that case, you may be trying to determine how to prepare for carpet cleaners. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with thoughts of cleaning up the house and moving all of your furniture, but there are simple steps to aid the process of cleaning carpets in your home.
As a professional carpet cleaner in Colorado Springs, Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning understands that having your carpets professionally cleaned can seem like just another large item on your to-do list. Although our expert, IIRC-certified technicians have extensive experience working effectively in various home configurations, you can take some simple steps to ensure your carpet gets the best, most efficient clean possible.
At Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning, keeping your family and possessions safe is our top priority. Throughout your initial consultation and home walk-through, we will discuss high areas of traffic, concern, and how to best prepare the area given your unique home set-up and needs. We know the carpet cleaning process can seem daunting, but our years of experience allow us to work efficiently with minimal disturbance to your home. If you are ready to get your carpets cleaned, book your appointment with Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning today.
Learn More About Our Residential Carpet Cleaning
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and this year, cleaning properly is more important than ever before. Thoroughly cleaning your home not only makes your guests feel at home, but it is a great way to take inventory of your belongings and maintain a healthy environment for you and your family.
At Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning, our team of professional carpet cleaning technicians are dedicated to providing exceptional service and a thorough cleaning. We use high quality equipment, which allows us to leave your carpet, tile and grout, upholstery, and area rugs looking like new.
The living room is the perfect place to gather with your friends and family to play games and catch up on how the year has gone. Cleaning this room ensures there’s enough room for everyone and the room is welcoming and odor free.
For a deep clean, you should complete the usual chore tasks, including:
To go the extra step, you should consider calling in a professional. When you contact professionals, you can get the carpet, upholstery, and area rugs looking like new. Whether you are looking to remove dirt, a lingering odor, or a stain, a professional cleaning will have your living room ready for holiday festivities.
Much like the living room, the kitchen is a focal point during the holiday season. Impress your guests with a fantastic meal and a clean kitchen. Tasks that should be on your kitchen cleaning checklist include:
If you want the floors truly shining, or you would like to remove the pesky stain from the rug under the table, hire a professional to clean your tile and grout and properly wash your area rug.
Another important space that should be freshened up for your guests is the bathroom. There’s not much that’s worse than built-up grime in the bathroom or an unpleasant smell. To start, complete the following:
Afterwards, consider calling in a professional to deep clean the tile and grout. This will ensure that build up from soap scum and all of the dirt will be removed.
When vacuuming, you can only get your carpets so clean. The vacuum will pick up crumbs and other tiny particles, but a thorough cleaning is a process that requires proper shampoo and carpet cleaning techniques. At Hydro Clean Carpet Cleaning, we use high quality equipment and ensure all of our carpet technicians are certified to get it done right the first time.
Cleaning area rugs is not a simple process, especially when your rug is a unique material. This is why Hydro Clean treats area rugs at our carpet cleaning plant in Colorado Springs. Our professional area rug cleaning process has 11 steps that ensure your rug is thoroughly cleaned and treated with care.
Hydro Clean can clean your tile and grout on floors, countertops, and backsplashes. We scrub the grout lines with grout brushes and the appropriate solution for that type of flooring. After the cleaning, we can apply a grout sealer that keeps dirt and grime off the grout and prevents staining. This process will have your kitchen and bathroom sparkling clean.
Along with thoroughly cleaning the floors, Hydro Clean can clean your upholstery. When you have your upholstery professionally cleaned, you can remove stains and odors. Whether you had spilled food, or your pet had an accident, a professional clean can get your favorite furniture looking like new.
If you are looking to have your home cleaned before or after the holidays, our Hydro Clean team is here to help. With our certified technicians, high quality equipment, and flexible scheduling, we are prepared to freshen up your home this holiday season. Schedule your appointment today!
