When spills happen and they will, it’s best to know how to take care of them.

Here we share with you some common every day items that every homeowner should be aware and why when it comes to removing spills and spots from your carpet they need to be part of your cleaning supplies.

Important Tip: Blot stains…don’t rub them. Common sense here people, blotting is safer and does not distort the carpet fiber like rubbing. Be gentle.

1) CLUB SODA – Keep club soda handy. The carbonation in club soda helps remove beer and wine spots from your carpet. Get white towel add the club soda directly to the towel and blot up the spill.
2) SHAVING CREME – Try shaving cream. It&rsqu...

Keeping your precious heirloom rugs in good health starts with some basics.

Yes, I said good health.

You see constant foot traffic, dirt, crime and the host of indoor and outdoor elements can make your rug look worn, torn and dingy. Here’s a few tips to care for your rugs.

The basics…

• Vacuum – vacuuming removes the dirt, dry soil and allergens and keep the rug from wearing out.

• Brush the pile – this removes unwanted pet hair and keeps the rug looking nice and clean.

• Turn the rugs – that’s right at least twice a year rotate the rug 180 degrees so that it receives even traffic.

• Shake the rug – if its small enough you can shake the rug, however if its too big...

For many, the transition to daylight savings time often triggers a near-instinctive urge to scrub the floors and participate in the unfathomable tradition we collectively call spring cleaning. If you’ve been hit with a compulsive desire to make things sparkle, you’re probably well on your way toward the end goal.

Serving Alameda, Alamo, Albany, Benicia, Berkeley, Concord, Crockett, Danville, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Mill Valley, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Anselmo, San Francisco, San Pablo, San Rafael, San Ramon, Vallejo, and Walnut Creek.

Call Advantage Carpet Care today at (510)235-348...

Question: Which is better steam cleaning or the dry method?

Answer: Steam cleaning is better for the following reasons:

• Dry foam. “Detergent is difficult to remove, contributing to rapid re-soiling. Does not deep clean.”

• Rotary brush. “Detergent is difficult to remove, contributing to rapid re-soiling, and the action of the brushes can cause pile distortion. Does not deep clean.”

• Bonnet. “This method only affects the surface of the carpet. The buffing action can distort the carpet pile and grind dirt deeper into the pile, and the spinning action of the pad can distort face yarn.”

• Dry powders. “Not recommended as a primary cleaning. Use instructions for dr...

Question: What is the black ring around my carpet?

Answer: The air in our homes contains small amounts of dust, oils and other suspended particles. As the air flows under the baseboard, the carpet filters out some of this debris, leaving the dark line. The dirt is particularly troublesome because it consists of tiny particles (particularly soot) that adhere tightly to the carpet fibers, and it’s usually out of reach of the vacuum.

Question: What should I do to prepare for a carpet cleaning service?

Answer: Here are some suggestions for you to prepare for our arrival that will help both of us:

Please bring to my attention any spot or stains that may require special attention.
Please vacuum your carpet before we arrive. (unless you have upgraded to deluxe or premium package)
Any small pieces, such as dining room chairs, magazine racks, floor plants, etc. which you can remove from the carpet to be cleaned will shorten processing time and return the carpet to normal use sooner.
For your pet’s peace of mind (and ours) please put them in a safe, quiet, place where our cleaning won’t disturb them.
China cabinets, secti...

Question: Why do stains reappear after getting them cleaned?

Answer: If a considerable amount of liquid has been spilled, wicking may occur. If you’ve ever cleaned a stain and had it reappear a day or too later, your carpet is suffering from wicking. This means the liquid has pooled at the bottom of the carpet. Even though you blotted up the initial stain, you only cleaned the surface. Eventually, the liquid works its way back up the fibers to the top of the carpet, causing it to look like the stain has reappeared. In these cases we may recommend our deep extraction process. We will saturate the area with the correct cleaning solution allowing it to soak all the way through the padding....