How Often Do I Clean My Home?

There’s those who love to clean and those who dread the thought of it, but the question is always the same: how often should I clean my house? The answer lies in your preferences, but we want to give some guidance on how to do it the most effectively!

To keep track of all aspects of maintaining a clean home such as daily wipe downs or bigger deep clean projects, it’s important to work from small to big. This means categorizing what parts of your living space need to be checked daily, weekly, monthly and seasonally. It may sound overwhelming at first, but keeping track of small routines will make it easier in the long run. There are numerous factors that go into these schedules such as room use, the daily habits of those living in the home, furniture, fixtures and surfaces surrounding the space. 

We looked over some cleaning task lists from the internet and found a few good ones to help make cleaning your house an easier experience. One list that caught our eye and looked to be effective is from Angi’s List. Here, we get a comprehensive breakdown of what cleaning products are necessary to have in a home as well as how to use them (and when!). This type of knowledge sometimes isn’t taught to us unless we know someone who loves to clean. Fortunately, there are more resources available to us now.

Overall, maintaining a clean home is personal to each home-owner, the impact of a clean home is magnified when statistics speak to their volumes. An article written by Sherri Gordon for Very Well Mind states, “Evidence suggests that having a messy, cluttered environment can create stress and interfere with your ability to concentrate, at least for some people. The actual act of cleaning and decluttering can boost your mood, help you move your body more, improve focus, and help you feel more in control of your surroundings”. It’s beneficial to keep this in mind next time you want to hold off on cleaning! The health benefits speak for themselves.

The services T.C. Carpet Care provides are typically designated for vacant units, however we wanted to provide tips and advice on how to keep your space fresh during your stay as well as inform you on what we do to welcome tenants in a new home. We hope this article gives a helping hand!

— AZ

Source:

Very Well Mind, “The Connection Between Cleanliness and Mental Health”.

The Ultimate House Cleaning Checklists to Keep You Organized, Several Check Lists.

Flood in the Basement: More on Water Damages

As we soon enter the season of Summer, I wanted to escort Spring off the stage by diving into its shadow: water damages. April showers bring May flowers, right? In Madison alone we’ve experienced a handful of tough storms that left trees falling and basements flooded. In today’s article we’re reviewing the different types of water damages, their sources and the effects that can occur over time if left untreated. 

When assessing a water damage the first step is to understand what type of water loss situation is at hand. There are three identifiable categories of water losses, starting with the least amount of risk to higher probability of causing serious adverse reactions. Once the category is pinpointed, restoration and drying techniques can be more easily determined. Let’s get into it.

Category 1

Category 1 water stems from a sanitary source and does not produce any considerable risk from dermal, ingestion or inhalation exposure. This is the most common category of water damage that we remediate at T.C., some examples of Category 1 water damages are: tub or sink overflows (without any contaminants), broken water supply lines, appliance malfunctions with lines of water-supply, broken toilet tanks and bowls (without any contaminants) and environmental impacts such as: melting snow or ice and active rainwater. 

When not addressed, a Category 1 water damage can quickly develop into Category 2 or Category 3, so it's best to act quickly and give us a call. There are several factors that go into the transition into a higher risk category. If a Category 1 water damage flows into an uncontaminated building, the status doesn’t change, however if the building is contaminated then the transition into a higher category is immediate. This is due to the microorganisms present in the space and once they are introduced to water their numbers multiply rapidly. A good tip is if there is odor detected, that could be pointing to Category 1 water deteriorating. 

Category 2

The shift from Category 1 to 2 signifies a notable amount of contamination and has the ability to cause adverse effects such as discomfort or illness if consumed or contacted with. Category 2 water can likely carry unsafe amounts of microorganisms or nutrients for those microorganisms to form, as well as chemical or biological organic matter. Some examples of Category 2 water may include: overflow of water from washing machines as well as discharge, overflow of water from toilet bowls on the side of the trap with possible urine, seepage due to hydrostatic pressure, leaking aquariums, and if you’re from the 80s, punctured water beds. 

The same rules are applied to Category 2 if left untreated, the potential development of moving up to Category 3. Once potential microorganisms are exposed to water, depending on the amount of time they are wet and the temperature, they can multiply extensively and affect the water category. 

Category 3

Category 3 water poses the highest risk as it is excessively contaminated and can carry pathogenic, toxigenic, or other dangerous agents. This can cause serious reactions to humans if consumed or contacted. Some examples of Category 3 water include: sewage water, backflows from waste lines stemming from beyond traps regardless of visibility or color, all forms of seawater floodings, and rising water from streams or rivers. Other natural environmental influences that can cause a Category 3 water damage are: wind-driven rain from hurricanes and tropical storms. Trace levels of hazardous materials can be found in Category 3 water such as toxic substances (i.e. pesticides). 

There are immediate effects of water damages that are easy to spot, checking in for the signs is critical to address the issue before it gets worse. These are the effects:

• In under one hour, moving water spreads to surrounding areas quickly. Furniture could create permanent stains in carpets and discolor; paper goods are damaged.

• In the first 24 hours, furniture may swell and delaminate with the possibility of the legs splitting, this is caused by pressed wood swelling and disintegrating. Bacterial odor is present and uncoated metal surfaces may begin to tarnish and any odor present will strengthen. 

• Within 2 to 7 days, there may be growth of microbial matter along with a musty odor. Objects such as musical instruments and the-like may warp with swelling. Drywall will act similarly. Uncoated metal surfaces may show signs of rust. Doors, windows and wood decking will swell, split and distort alongside delamination. At this stage, electronic elements may stop working or malfunction. More importantly, people with any respiratory complications or those with compromised immunity may experience signs of affliction. 

• After one week or longer, there may be growth of microbial agents along with a strong musty odor. Wood elements may continue to split and warp, while the chemicals present in the wood begin to emit and dissolve. At this time, the costs of claims start to increase exponentially and serious health hazards skyrocket. If possible, do not wait to get to this point – call T.C. Carpet Care immediately.

Keep this knowledge on hand as the rainy season continues on for your awareness and safety. At T.C. Carpet Care (and T.C. Building Services) our professional and trained staff are equipped to remediate water damages from any category at any time of day, give us a call on our 24-hour emergency water extraction phone line. Cheers to Spring!

— AZ

Sources:

This Old House, “Water Damage Statistics and Information (2024)”.

Precisional Environmental, “Essential Water Damage Restoration Facts”.

Tufted: A Brief History of the Carpet

I wanted to get into the nitty gritty this time around. Let’s talk about the history of carpets– it’s a long one. The first carpets that were preserved enough to trace history were discovered in the Middle East. Archaeologists discovered their use to be the same as it is today, for comfortability and a place to sit on. There is one carpet that stands out historically as possibly the oldest recorded and it’s the Pazyryk carpet, its origin to be known from 2,000 or 3,000 B.C. The story of the Pazyryk holds a rich history of a Scythian Prince whose tomb was discovered in the Pazyryk Valley of Siberia by Russian Archeologist Sergei Rudenko in the 1940’s (I’d argue Mr. Rudenko didn’t know the rule to not disturb old tombs).

To our luck, the tomb was frozen and therefore preserved, thanks to robbers of the time who left it open as they fled the scene. What was unearthed was a record of the Achaemenid Empire; within the fibers stories were told of the Scythian people as marvelous horsemen with an expansive empire from Eastern Europe to Western Asia. There are depictions of griffins, deer and riders on horseback. Carpets were a mode of story-telling, conserving the tales of the past for the minds of the future.

The United States had its own carpet genesis in 1791 with William P. Sprague. Sprague started his first carpet mill in the sweet spot of Philadelphia. He had the pleasure of making the carpet for the Senate and for the residence of the president at the time, George Washington. Sprague began the trend of mill popularity as several other mills opened their doors in the early 1800’s in New England.

Innovation continued when inventor Erastus Bigelow created the first power loom to weave carpets in 1839. This exact loom can be located in the Smithsonian Institution. After this invention, the carpet industry shifted and transformed the process– carpets could be made faster, doubling its time and by 1850 the speed had tripled. Inventions didn't stop sprouting from the genius of Bigelow. After receiving 35 patents, he introduced the first broadloom carpet in the late 1870s.

Let me fast forward to a closer time. At the turn of the century, Catherine Evans Whitener created the popular process of Turfin, helping families survive the turbulence of the Great Depression and giving Dalton, Georgia (her hometown) the name of “The Carpet Capital of the World”.

In a research initiative conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association, it was reported that around 75% of homeowners have carpet installed in their living spaces. How did we get here? The main type of carpet we see now is machine-woven tufted. “Tufted” essentially means the carpet is produced by injecting the pile into a backing material, versus a woven or knotted method. Tufted carpets were first made in the early 20th century and were popularized in the late 1950s. This popularity was due to the magic of mechanization and cheaper production costs; this gave us accessibility. The invention of the electric vacuum cleaner allowed the choice of immovable carpets to become increasingly prominent. Here we are!

Carpets were once a luxury, exclusive to those only with the most wealth. Now, we see carpets in many households, with some homeowners wishing to remove it completely (we stay on top of the trends). From sustaining its lush appearance to pulling it away from a hidden floor, T.C. Carpet Care is here for all your carpet needs.

– AZ

Sources:

Avalon Flooring, "History of Carpet".

Hardwood Floor Magazine, "Today's Savvy Consumer".

Landscaping: Imagined Grasslands

Commercial landscaping may seem modern in its pratice, however its roots reach back hundreds of years. Before we arrived to mowing, mulching and planting peonies, there were landscaping pioneers that guided us here.

Frederick Law Olmsted was given the title of the Father of American Landscape Architecture through his influential landscaping styles as seen at the U.S. Capitol Grounds and Central Park in New York. Olmsted's principles of functionality, well-designed parks with an emphasis on greenery, began the movement that influenced American Landscape Architects of the 20th century.

Landscaping is process of alteration; its purpose is to improve an exterior appearance, environmental viability and value. While it is commonly confused with gardening, landscaping focuses more on design elements. Alterations include plant placement, responding to architecture and cultivation. The climate of region directly impacts the style of landscaping surrounding the area. The landscape of Wisconsin varies in geographic land types, but one thing is true: it is fertile with forests, lakes, rivers, and rolling hills. This essentially means we are surrounded with grass.

When we hone in at a smaller scale, modern homes and businesses value the same fundamentals of Olmsted, highlighting a minimalist approach and low maintenance care.

SpaceWise tells the statistics the best: "On average, a well-designed landscape saves enough money in energy costs to pay for itself in eight years. Simple things like picking plants that don’t require frequent watering and implementing hardscaping can reduce your water bill. Similarly, strategically planting shrubs and windbreak trees around your home are other energy conservation techniques that can save you up to 35% on air conditioning costs and cut heating bills by 10-25%."

At T.C. Carpet Care, we understand the importance of first impressions. Whether it be planting fresh flowers for the beginning of Spring or trimming the quickly growing grass, we are here to take care of those needs. Our lanscaping team knows the essentials to maintaining clean and fresh enviroments, inside and out.

— AZ

Sources:

Landscaping Inc., "Brief History of Landscaping".

SpaceWise, "The Beginner's Guide to Landscaping".

KD Landscape Inc., "6 Top Landscape Design Trends for 2024: Ideas for Your Next Project".

The Carpet Cleaning Truck Mount

If you spot one of our carpet cleaning trucks you might ask yourself, "What is inside those things?" Our trucks are specialized to provide various forms of highly effective carpet cleaning. While certain trucks are made differently, the parts are mostly the same. Let's break down what goes on behind the mechanics. Generall speaking, a truck mount carpet cleaner is made of up of:

— A heat exchange system that uses the engine's exhaust to heat the cleaning solution

— An engine that powers the entire machine

— A water pump to deliver the cleaning solution

— A vacuum blower to suck up dirty water and debris

— And a pressure pump to control the force of the cleaning spray

Each component is crucial to creating a unique system for an effective carpet cleaning. Here is each components and their functions:

HEAT EXCHANGE SYSTEM

With the heat exchange mechanics, the engine's exhaust does an important task of warming up the carpet cleaning chemicals. The dirt and debris stuck inside carpets are easily removed with this heated solution.

The start of this process includes the engine's exhaust gases being channeled through different components such as coils and heat exchangers. The cleaning agent flows through and takes in the heat from the gases. This is efficient in that the energy from the exhaust doesn't go to waste, proving to be environmentally conscious.

ENGINE

The engine is the heart of the truck mount by powering the vacuum blower, water pump, and pressure pump. How does it work? TruckMountForums tells it best:

1. Powering the Vacuum Blower: The engine supplies power to the vacuum blower, which is responsible for sucking up the dirty water and debris from the carpet. It ensures that the blower operates at optimal efficiency, providing strong suction to leave the carpet clean and dry.

2. Running the Water Pump: The engine also powers the water pump, controlling the flow and pressure of the cleaning solution. It ensures that the solution is delivered consistently and at the right pressure, allowing for deep penetration into the carpet fibers.

3. Operating the Pressure Pump: The pressure pump, which controls the force of the cleaning spray, is also driven by the engine. It can be adjusted to suit different types of carpets and levels of dirt, providing a customized cleaning experience.

4. Integration with Heat Exchange System: The engine's exhaust is used by the heat exchange system to heat the cleaning solution. This synergy between the engine and the heat exchange system enhances the overall efficiency of the machine.

It is crucial to understand the functions of a carpet cleaning truck mount engine. With this knowledge, our carpet cleaning technicians can provide optimal cleaning services.

WATER PUMP

The water pump delivers the cleaning agent to the carpet.

What makes a truck mount carpet cleaner stand out is the consistency in flow and pressure, allowing the cleaning solutions to penetrate the fibers of the carpet, leaving no dirt or debris behind.

The water pump is a finely tuned mechanism in the process of carpet cleaning. With its consistency and adjustable features, an evenly distributed and effective cleaning service is the proven outcome.

Working alongside the heat exchange, the water pump provides the heated cleaning solution at the perfect pressure, enhancing the effective nature of the machine.

Modern water pumps are designed for energy efficiency and durability. We make sure to keep safety features on to prevent issues such as overheating or over-pressurization.

VACUUM BLOWER

The vacuum blower is made to get rid of used/dirty water and debris from any carpet. 

Once the cleaning agent has been dispersed and permeated into the carpet fibers, the highly-effective vacuum blower's suction ensures that no debris is left in the carpet. 

The vacuum blower operates with a mixture of airflow and high-pressure, creating a vacuum that draws up dirt, grime, and excess moisture. Alongside the carpet being clean, the vacuum drastically reduces drying time, allowing re-use of space to return promptly.

This piece of machinery works with the water pump and heater exchange system to provide an all-inclusive cleaning experience. We make sure to regularly maintain each truck mount, ensuring longevity and efficiency.

PRESSURE PUMP

The pressure pump is crucial the the integrity of the carpet cleaning system. This piece of equipment is the regulator of cleaning solution and its application to the carpet. Unlike other components, it has the unique ability to be adjusted, including the force of spray. This gives technicians a tailored approach to each carpet. 

It doesn't matter the surface or delicate or more rough around the edges, the pressure pump ensures the cleaning is effective and considerate of the structural integrity of the carpet. This gives the process allowance for heavy-debris cleaning or just a touch up.

The pressure pump makes the cleaning process seamless, complimenting other parts of the system such as the water pump and heater exchange. The pressure and temperature are kept in check while enhancing and protecting the carpet.

CONCLUSION

Since the inception of the truck mount carpet cleaning machine in the late 1960s, the design and functionality are at their core a wonder of engineering. Each component was thoughtfully made, proving to be one of the best cleaning solutions in contemporary janitorial services. Each of the five systems work flawlessly together to give you only the best carpet cleaning.

— AZ

Sources:

TruckMountForums, "How Does It Work Truck Mount Carpet Cleaning Machine?".

HistoryofProfessionalCarpetCleaning, "The Introduction of Truckmounted Carpet Cleaning Equipment".

Prepare for Turn Over Season

With the season warming up in Southern Wisconsin, college towns like Madison are gearing up for new and returning students to join its campus. Each academic semester requires clean slates in all departments, including student housing.

In the most recent report done in 2022, UW-Madison welcomed close to 50,000 students. Whether off campus or on its grounds, there are thousands of options for student housing.

T.C. Carpet Care has years of experience understanding the need for a fast and dependable turn over. In the summer of 2023 alone, our cleaning technicians took on close to 17,000 units, each with their own unique set of requirements. Problem solving is just one of our refined skills in renewing a lived in space. Our trained team is dedicated to leaving each space spotless for new students and alike.

By 2026, Madison is set to build more than 2,000 housing units for students. As a business with over 30 years of experience, T.C. Carpet Care is more than equipt to handle the dirty work, leaving students to focus on studying and becoming our future leaders. Go Badgers!

— AZ

A Clean Home Is a Happy Home!

Now that spring is upon us, a good cleaning of our homes is important in order to keep our living spaces healthy and enjoyable. Upholstery traps a lot of particulates, like dust mites and allergens. Although regular vacuuming keeps the dust count low, it is important to launder, or professionally clean living room furniture, mattress, drapes, carpets and rugs at least once a year. Steam cleaning is a good way of cleaning and sanitizing these items. It can also help extend the life of your items.

If you have furry family members (dogs/cats), they expel microscopic dander that can get intertwined in the fabrics of our living spaces, this can cause allergies to those sensitive to animals. Although it is not 100% guaranteed that all dander will be removed once cleaned, it does reduce the amount that is present.

A punch list is a good way of streamlining the cleaning of different areas. Divide up the tasks of cleaning different areas throughout a couple weeks, that way you can concentrate on really getting a good deep clean.

— Look through any paperwork or items and discard/donate anything that you have not used or no longer will have a use for.

— Wipe down all non touch areas such as window sills, blinds, heater ducts/grates, baseboards, etc.

— Wash or wipe down walls to get rid on any stains.

— Scrub, mop, wash floors. Use instructions on cleaning based on flooring type.

— Pull out appliances and clean behind and around.

— Take down light fixtures and wipe down.

— Clean above and inside cabinetry.

— Wipe down electronics.

— Get upholstery, carpet professionally cleaned.

We hope this list helps getting you started on a good spring cleaning! A clean home is a happy home!

— AZ