All posts by Walter Polk

I worked with Grayson Smith all through the 70's as he started Grayson Smith Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning. I left Memphis to pursue opportunities and returned to Memphis in 2006 to join Grayson as his partner.
Good Advice

Sisal Rugs – The Do’s and Don’ts

Sisal RugSisal Rugs are woven from natural plant fibers. They are strong, durable and due to their unique advantages, can be a lasting addition to a living room, bedroom, office or hallway. However, moisture and humidity can create problems on sisal rugs. If a large amount of liquid is introduced to the rug, the rug may actually shrink and distort. Also, the plant fibers absorb a liquid very easily and result in a large stain. For this reason, a sisal rug should be used in a dry place which is unlikely to be subject to spills. It is also important to keep this in mind when you clean a sisal rug. Be very careful with the amount of moisture used.

 

blottingIf liquid is spilled onto a sisal rug, it needs to be removed immediately. To remove the liquid from a sisal rug, blot the rug with a dry cloth and keep blotting with dry parts until there is no more transfer of liquid to the cloth. Also, make sure not to rub the spill because this can drive the liquid into the fiber. If possible, you may find it helpful to lift the rug up and blot from the underside as well. If a staining liquid such as juice is spilled, clean a sisal rug with one-half white vinegar and one-half water solution. Dip a cloth in the solution, blot the rug, and then blot with a dry cloth. You may need to repeat this, but remember to use a small amount of water to clean a sisal rug so that the rug does not absorb the liquid. For dry materials, you can scrape it off with a blunt edge, such as a wooden knife. Finally, the sisal rug should be vacuumed regularly to take up accumulated dirt. If you vacuum a sisal rug on a frequent basis, you will also prolong the life of the rug, since embedded dirt tends to damage its fibers.

 

If you are going to have a sisal rug in an area prone to spills, you may want to consider treating it with a fabric protector. However, pick a fabric protector that does not use water as its application medium.

For more information, visit my website www.graysoncleans.com

Maintenance Tips

Rug Care, Helping them look good and last longer

Whether you have expensive oriental rugs or just good everyday rugs, here are some tips to take care of them and make them last longer.

  • Vacuum rugs. This should be done at least once a week.
  • Turn or rotate the ends of a rug. This should be done once a year. Rug RotationHowever, it is a must to turn them at least every two years. Turning prevents more wear in one area than in another. It also helps to prevent “traffic patterns” from occurring as in carpeted rooms.
  • Moth considerations for wool and oriental rugs. Rugs regularly vacuumed or located in well used rooms are less likely to have moth damage. Moths work in secluded, undisturbed areas such as under beds, skirted sofas, or heavy furniture. Move furniture occasionally when vacuuming and clean under it. Also, homes not well ventilated or rooms closed for long periods of time are more likely to have moth problems, so once again vacuum rugs regularly.
  • Sunlight considerations. Direct, sunlight will gradually fade a rug. To avoid this, cover windows with drapes, curtains or shutters and use them to block strong morning and afternoon sunlight. Also, consider window glass treatments and rug treatments for UV light protection.
  • Plants or flowerpot considerations. Live plants requiring water Flower Potsshould never be placed directly on rugs. Dampness from the bottom of the pots will cause mildew and rot, gradually destroying the fibers of the rug and resulting in drastic damage. Plants should be in a stand, preferably on wheels. Also, there should be a space between the pot and rug for air to circulate. Use a container under the flowerpot to avoid water dripping onto the rug.
  • Storage considerations. Always store rugs inside the home at room temperature. Do not store in attics that can get too hot or in garages that can get damp as this could cause a rug to dry rot and become brittle. The rug should be inspected and vacuumed at least once a year.

For more information, visit our website at www.graysoncleans.com

Good Advice

Good Tip for Dealing with Spills Quickly

Parties are fun but they provide an increased chance of spills. Kids are a blessing but they typically raise the chances for a spilled drink here and there and just life in general creates spills.

It is best to get to a spill as soon as possible and remove it. The problem is you can never find a towel when you need it. So here is the trick. Find some old towels and put them under your sofa seat cushions and chair seat cushions. If you fold them neatly, no one will know they are there and then, when the spill happens, a towel is nearby ready for use. Just reach under the nearest seat cushion, pull blottingthe towel out and stand on it to blot up and remove the spill. Periodically move the towel so a non-wet portion of it is on the spill. Keep this up until you do not see liquid transferring to the towel.

For additional tips, visit our website at www.graysoncleans.com

Cleaning Tips

Cleaning up Animal Accidents

Accidents do happen
Accidents do happen

We have recently received a rash of calls about cleaning up pet urine. So, I thought it would be good to make that the topic of this blog. As funny as this sounds, urine is a rather sophisticated problem. As a result, it requires slightly different approaches depending on whether it is fresh or had time to dry.

Blotting spill
Keep moving to dry parts of towel until spill quits transferring.

When Urine is fresh or still wet, the first step is to remove as much as possible by blotting with a dry towel or rag. Once you have removed as much as possible by blotting, consider applying baking soda to the damp spot. Fresh urine’s PH is on the acidic side and baking soda will help neutralize it. The baking soda will also act as an absorbent to pull more of the urine out of the carpet (or rug). Leave the baking soda on the spot until it is dry. (However, before using baking soda on your carpet or rug, test it on a non-conspicuous area to make sure it does not affect the color.) To remove the baking soda from the carpet, you will probably need to vacuum it many times.

If your pet did not tell you they had an accident and you come across the spot after it has dried, white vinegar and water is your best approach. When urine has dried, the PH of the urine salts is on the alkaline side. Therefore, white vinegar is the best thing to use to neutralize and to remove the urine from the carpet or rug. To address the spot, mix 1/3 white vinegar with 2/3 water in a spray bottle. Spray the dried urine with the mixture, let it sit a few minutes and then remove it by blotting with a dry towel. This process will probably need to be repeated multiple times. Finally, the best way to determine if you have gotten the urine out is to actually smell the area.

Last but not least, if all else fails, feel free to contact us, www.graysoncleans.com.

Maintenance Tips

Commandments of Carpet & Rug Care

6 Comments

Over time your carpets and rugs appearance deteriorates and becomes less attractive. This is due to abrasive soils becoming imbedded in your carpet or rug, which can cause damage to the fibers and reduce the carpet or rug’s life.

Therefore, vacuum frequently and thoroughly. Most wear is caused by dirt. Oily soils attract more oily soil and frvacuum cleanerequent vacuuming will reduce soil buildup. Vacuum high-traffic areas daily, less-traveled areas at least twice a week.

Institute a no-dirt policy. A no-shoes rule is always effective, but can be difficult to implement. However, you should definitely make sure there are doormats at each entrance to your home. Clean the mats regularly so they don’t become sources of soil themselves.

If furniture rests on the carpet, be sure it gets moved occasionally and use coasters under the furniture’s legs.

Address stains quickly: the longer a stain chemically reacts with the carpet or rug the harder it will be to remove it. Common stains usually don’t require any liquid cleaners stronger than water. Use as little water as possible and blot them clean instead of rubbing or brushing.

Bring professional cleaners in regularly. The commercial grade equipment gets the deeply imbedded dirt out and will make your carpet last longer. The frequency of commercial cleaning will vary based on living conditions. However, for homes with children or active families, it is a good practice to have them cleaned at least once a year.

For more information visit our website at www.graysoncleans.com