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Do rats tear up your carpets 150 150 guy@rugsnrats

Do rats tear up your carpets

Do rats tear up your carpets in Australia 

Homeowners across the world have been dealing with a common problem -RATS,  Do rats tear up your carpets. These pesky creatures have been known to cause damage to homes, including tearing up carpet. So, do rats really tear up carpet and what can be done to prevent it?

At Rugs n Rats pest control we know rats are known to tear up carpet for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is for nesting purposes. Rats love to build nests and create burrows, and carpet can be an ideal material for them to use. Additionally, rats have sharp teeth which they use to gnaw on anything they can find, including carpet.

If you suspect that rats are tearing up your carpet, there are a few signs to look out for. One of the most obvious signs is shredded carpet fibers. You may also notice small holes or bite marks in the carpet, as well as droppings and urine stains.

So, what can you do to prevent rats from tearing up your carpet? The first step is to ensure that there are no entry points for rats to enter your home. This includes sealing any cracks or holes in your walls, roof, and foundation. You should also ensure that your doors and windows are properly sealed and that there are no gaps where rats can enter.

Additionally, it is important to keep your home clean and tidy. Rats are attracted to food sources, so make sure that you store food in sealed containers and clean up any spills or crumbs immediately. You should also remove any clutter and debris from your home, as rats love to nest in cluttered areas.

If you suspect that you have a rat infestation, it is important to contact a pest control professional. They can help you identify the source of the infestation and take steps to eliminate it. They can also provide advice on how to prevent future infestations.

In conclusion, rats are known to tear up carpet for nesting purposes and because of their sharp teeth. To prevent rats from tearing up your carpet, ensure that there are no entry points for rats to enter your home, keep your home clean and tidy, and contact a pest control professional if you suspect an infestation.

Get in contact with Rugs n Rats your Local Carpeting Cleaning Sunshine Coast experts.

Carpet Cleaning Sunshine Coast, Carpet Cleaning Maroochydore Carpet Cleaning mooloolaba
How To Clean A Carpet 1024 768 Daniel Hickey

How To Clean A Carpet

Carpets are often the most overlooked part of the home. Aside from the occasional vacuum, it’s normal for people to forget there is more to it than just removing dust particles. However, thorough carpet cleaning should be an essential part of your radar. After all, carpets are subject to a lot of wear and tear; over time, they can become stained and matted. 

Regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary to keep your carpets looking pristine. With the help of a professional carpet cleaner, it doesn’t have to be difficult — and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s what you need to know about how to clean a carpet at home with a professional service:

Step-by-step process of professional carpet cleaning

  • Step 1

To prepare for our professional carpet cleaning, ensure your carpet is vacuumed before we arrive. If you don’t have a vacuum, opt for a broom with a soft-bristled brush to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface without damaging the carpet’s fibres. Additionally, be sure to remove any delicate things and decorations from the carpeted area to avoid accidents while doing our job.

  • Step 2

Upon arrival, we will pre-treat any areas of heavy soiling with a suitable pre-treatment solution. At this point, please advise us of any stubborn stains you’d like us to get rid of.

  • Step 3

Using a diluted cleaning solution, we spray our pre-spray over the carpeted areas and let it sit for 5 minutes. This kills any bacteria or germs from the everyday use of your carpets.

  • Step 4

Using our truck-mounted machines, we extract the diluted cleaning solution with a cleaning wand using steam and suction to extract the stubborn and long-sitting dirt and grim from your carpet.

  • Step 5

Using our proven techniques, a simple ceiling, pedestal fan or window open is enough to dry the carpets within 3-4hrs. We also use high heat and high-pressure suction equipment in our rapid drying method.

  • Step 6

To maintain a clean carpet after we’ve done our part, always have it vacuumed for removal of dirt and apply a suitable protectant to help keep the carpet clean for longer.

With our expert carpet cleaning service, you can have a clean and fresh-smelling carpet!

Tips on maintaining your carpet after a professional service

If you’re wondering how to maintain a clean carpet after a professional service leaves it sparkling clean, there are a few best practices that you should follow. Here are six tips on how to maintain your carpet until our next visit:

  • Vacuum regularly

Vacuuming regularly is the best way to extend the life of your carpet. This will help remove dirt, dust and other debris that can wear down the fibres. 

Vacuuming also helps to prevent the build-up of pet hair and other materials that can be difficult to remove. Aim to vacuum your carpets at least once a week or daily if they see a lot of foot traffic.

  • Treat stains immediately

Whenever a spill happens, it’s important to treat the stain promptly. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the spill as possible, then apply a damp cloth over the spill. Never rub or scrub a stain, as this can cause the fibres to become matted and make the stain harder to remove.

  • Deep clean yearly

Besides regular vacuuming, you should deep clean your carpet annually. This is best done by hiring a professional carpet cleaning service.

  • Protect high-traffic areas

To help extend the life of high-traffic areas, place mats or rugs in entryways and use furniture coasters to prevent scuffs and scratches. You might also consider using area rugs in areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as in front of sofas and chairs.

  • Avoid harsh chemicals

When cleaning your carpets, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the fibres and shorten the life of your carpets. Instead, opt for gentle cleaners made specifically for carpets and fabrics.

  • Call in professionals for tough jobs

If you have stubborn stains or heavily soiled areas, it’s best to call in professional help. Carpet cleaning companies know how to clean a carpet with specialised equipment and cleaning solutions that can safely clean carpets without damaging them. In addition, professionals have experience dealing with tough stains and stubborn dirt buildup.

Benefits of maintaining a clean carpet

A well-maintained carpet can do wonders for the appearance of your home. Not only will it look cleaner, but it will also smell fresher and feel softer underfoot. In addition, regular vacuuming and cleaning will help extend your carpet’s life by removing dirt and dust that can damage the fibres. Here are five benefits of keeping your carpets clean:

  1. A clean carpet creates a more inviting atmosphere in your home.
  2. Clean carpets are less likely to harbour dust mites and other allergens.
  3. Vacuuming and cleaning carpets regularly help to remove dirt and stains that can damage the fibres.
  4. A clean carpet will last longer than a dirty one.
  5. You’ll save money in the long run by maintaining your carpet rather than having to replace it prematurely.

Leave carpet cleaning to Rugs ‘n’ Rats — your experts on the Sunshine Coast

If you’re looking to clean your carpet to the point of sparkling perfection, Rugs ‘n’ Rats provides cleaning services and expert tips on all things related to cleaning carpets. Whether you’re looking for information on how to clean a carpet at home, how to clean a carpet without a machine or how to steam clean a carpet, we can help. 

We understand that not everyone has access to professional-grade cleaning machines, so we’ve compiled this helpful guide. With our advice, you’ll be able to get your carpets looking and smelling fresh and new in no time without breaking the bank. Sit back and let us do the hard work — contact us today!

upholstery cleaning sunshine coast upholstery cleaning Maroochydore
Top 7 Expert-Approved Upholstery Cleaning Tips 1024 682 Daniel Hickey

Top 7 Expert-Approved Upholstery Cleaning Tips

7 Expert Approved Upholstery Cleaning Tips

you own upholstered furniture, then you know what a challenge it can be to keep it clean. Upholstery cleaning is a huge pain, but did you know dust mites, pollen, mold, and other allergens can live in the fabric of your upholstery?

That means those same allergens are in the air circulating throughout your home. Air pollutants are a serious problem for anyone, not just those with allergies or other sensitivities.

In order to make sure you’re breathing clean air inside your home (where chances are you’re spending most of your time these days), you need to clean your upholstery thoroughly.

Upholstery cleaning can feel intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Check out these seven expert-approved upholstery cleaning tips.

1. Read Your Upholstery Tags

It shouldn’t be a surprise, but each different type of upholstery fabric requires a specific type of care. Every piece of upholstered furniture should come with a care label.

Care labels are typically sewn into a seam, attached to the bottom of the furniture, or underneath a cushion. Take the time to root around and find your upholstered furniture care tags before you start cleaning.

Care tags contain codes for how to clean your upholstery. These codes will contain single or double letters. Here’s how to read those codes:

  • A “W” code means it is only safe to clean with water-based cleaners
  • An “S” code means it is only safe to clean with solvent-based cleaners
  • A “WS” code means it is safe to use either water-based or solvent-based cleaners
  • An “X” means it is only safe to clean this upholstery with a vacuum or have it professionally cleaned

Following the guidelines on these labels will ensure you don’t accidentally destroy your upholstery by using an inappropriate cleaning product.

It is always a good idea to begin by testing out your cleaning product on a test patch on a part of the furniture that is not noticeable. Trying out the product on a test patch will let you know if the product will stain your furniture.

2. Be Patient When Removing Stains

The best way to treat stains is by using a spot cleaner or a dry cleaning solvent. Again, make sure you check those care labels before applying any type of cleaner to your upholstery.

If you’re working with water-safe fabric, you can start by wetting and wringing out a clean cloth. Dip the cloth in a mix of water and a small squirt of natural dish soap.

Blot the stain gently.

Next, get a second clean sponge or cloth, dip it in water, and use it to blot the spot to remove the soap. Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.

To finish, blot the spot with a clean cloth to dry it. If the spot remains after two or three attempts, it’s a good idea to take it to a professional upholstery cleaner.

3. Avoid Moisture

You’ll want to minimize the amount of liquid cleaning product you employ when tending to your upholstery. You always want to use the least amount of cleaning product possible.

Using a wet cleaner or too much liquid cleaner can cause the soap to sink deep into your upholstery padding. The deeper it goes the more likely it is to spawn bacteria. Need we say more?

The best method is to spray a small amount of cleaner on your furniture and blot it quickly with a clean cloth. As long as you don’t let it sink in you shouldn’t have any issues.

4. Vacuum Your Upholstery Frequently

If you really want to ensure your upholstery isn’t releasing allergens and pollutants into your home, invest in a good vacuum and adopt a weekly vacuuming routine.

You will need a vacuum with an upholstery cleaning attachment. The upholstery cleaning attachment usually looks like a miniature version of a vacuum. It has a brush that rotates to lift dirt out of the fabric.

If you vacuum your upholstered furniture once a week you will prevent dirt and allergens from sinking into the depths of your fabric. It will add years to the life of your furniture and help keep the air in your home clean.

5. Clean Up Spills Right Away

If you spill or see a spill on your upholstery, don’t let it sit! Clean it up right away before it has a chance to absorb into the fabric.

Always use a clean, dry cloth to blot the spill area. Notice the term blot. Never rub a spill as it will cause the liquid to move deeper into the fabric.

Use gentle pressure when blotting the spill. If you press too hard you’ll push the liquid right into the fabric. Vacuuming spills can work too.

6. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals like Lysol or bleach will destroy your upholstery. Don’t use them. Ever.

In addition to damaging your furniture, it’s really bad for you to breathe in these chemicals. They will get stuck in your furniture and completely defeat the purpose of cleaning your upholstery in the first place.

Organic, chemical-free upholstery cleaner doesn’t have to be expensive. You can even make your own. Combine one cup of water, a 1/2 cup of white vinegar, a 1/2 tablespoon natural dish soap, and one drop of thieves oil.

7. Know When It’s Time to Hire a Professional

Some stains and smells are beyond the breadth and depth of the common human. If you’ve tried and failed to remove a stain two or three times, it’s probably time to call in the experts and hire an upholstery cleaning service.

A professional upholstery cleaner will do a more thorough job of cleaning your upholstery. They may also extend the life of your furniture.

Avoid Upholstery Cleaning Mistakes

Upholstery cleaning is no simple task. It’s easy to make mistakes like using the wrong cleaner, scrubbing too vigorously to remove stains, and accidentally discoloring your upholstery with harsh chemicals.

If you can avoid these mistakes, you’ll be very happy with the condition of your upholstery once it’s clean!

But why stop at cleaning your upholstery? Did you know carpet is a major reservoir for in-home allergens and pollutants? Carpets collect dust and dirt at approximately 5 to 25 grams per square meter!

If you want to completely rid your home of pollutants, contact us!

signs you have bed bugs
5 Common Signs You Have Bed Bugs in Your Home 1024 682 Daniel Hickey

5 Common Signs You Have Bed Bugs in Your Home

Are you worried that the bug bites on your ankles are more than just mosquito bites from the outdoors? Do you fear that you have a growing issue inside your property’s walls? If so, then you need to learn the telltale signs you have bed bugs in your house.

Doing so can help you remain alert. You’ll be able to identify the signs early and reach out for help before the problem worsens. Too many people shrug it off until the issue gets out of hand.

See below for an in-depth guide on the most common signs that you have bed bugs and how to get rid of them as soon as possible.

1. Bug Bites

We briefly touched on this in the intro, and for good reason. It’s one of the most obvious signs that you’re dealing with a bed bug situation in your home.

For most people, there is no discernable difference between bug bites (such as bed bug bites, fire ant bites, mosquito bites, etc.) In fact, some people don’t even get a visible bite mark from bed bugs. Therefore, your bed bug problem can’t be determined on whether you have bug bites or not.

Bed bugs share a common interest in diet: they love filling up on human blood. They’ll usually feast together, so bed bug bites are generally paired together around the same area. For example, if you have bed bug bites on your ankles, there will be three or four visible marks near each other.

Some homeowners tell themselves that since they didn’t wake up with new bite marks, it isn’t bed bugs. That’s a myth. Be bugs don’t just eat at night. They can latch on to you and feast on your blood during the day as well.

Anytime that you feel you’re dealing with bed bugs, be sure to reach out to trusted pest control services right away. Better to be safe than sorry.

2. Foul Odor

This is nothing new to homeowners. Every once and a while, you’ll catch a foreign scent in your home and then spin the wheel to determine where that odor is coming from.

However, if the scent starts to smell like a musty odor, it could be a telltale sign that you have bed bugs in your midst. The odor you’re smelling is a pheromone that the bed bugs are sending out to attract more bed bugs inside, warn them of danger, and so forth.

What those bugs don’t realize is that humans can pick up on the scent as well. The more overwhelming the scent is, the more bed bugs you’re likely battling in your home.

The second that you notice a musty smell in your house, contact an expert to inspect it. Even if the musty smell isn’t coming from a bug, it will surely invite them into your home soon.

As any pest control expert will tell you, pest control is meant to be a preventative practice (implemented before there is an infestation). The quicker you get out in front of it, the less harm they’ll do to your home.

3. Dark Spots

For many people, a bed bug check merely involves lifting the covers and searching for dead bed bugs to determine or not they have an infestation on their hands. That simply won’t get the job done.

A better representation of whether or not you have bed bugs is keeping an eye out for dark spots on your fabrics. These dark spots could either be blood from the bed bugs you’ve squished while rolling around at night or their excrement.

The second that you notice that, contact a pest control service. Getting rid of bed bugs correctly often takes resources and knowledge that the average homeowner lacks. Better to get an expert in your home to reduce the problem right away.

Otherwise, you might be fanning the flames of your infestation dilemma. The pheromones from the dead bed bugs could invite more.

4. Your Loved Ones Have Bed Bugs

If you ever have a friend or close family member tell you they’re dealing with bed bugs in their home, your next call should be to a pest control service.

Bed bugs love to travel between families, and they have many different ways of doing it. They can jump ship while your kids are playing with their friends, jump onto your shirt when you go to hug your loved one, and so on.

Never assume you’re safe. If even one bed bug catches wind of your residence, it will release those pesky pheromones to invite its friends over for dinner.

5. Flakes

Imagine the horror of uncovering your bedsheets and finding brown flakes laying around your fabrics. This is an undeniable sign that you have bed bugs in your house.

Even worse, it’s a sign that you have a growing number of bed bugs in your house. The flakes could either be skin that the bed bugs have shed from their exoskeleton or the remains of eggshells from their next of kin.

Walk away from the area you find the flakes, but be sure to make note of it. That will be the first location the pest control expert visits when they arrive at your house.

Don’t Ignore the Signs You Have Bed Bugs

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide listing the signs you have bed bugs in your home, be sure to use this information to your advantage.

Did you know that dirty floors can intrigue pests inside your home? Be sure to read this article for several carpet cleaning hacks that you can try.

For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out to us by phone at 1300 304 284 and we will be delighted to work with you further.

carpet stains sunshine coast
6 Common Types of Carpet Stains (and How to Get Rid of Them!) 1024 682 Daniel Hickey

6 Common Types of Carpet Stains (and How to Get Rid of Them!)

Carpets and rugs offer both comfort and aesthetics within your home. These can be part of the centerpiece along with the coffee table in the living room. It also sets the pathway between rooms as you go through the corridor.

What makes these textiles a problem is carpet stains. Accidents can happen and cause these stains, but the cleanup might be a pain to go through.

Today, we look at the common types of carpet stains that you may encounter. We will also look at tips and ways to help you clean up these stains. Read on and find out more:

1. Tea or Coffee Stains

One of the types of carpet stains you may encounter come from coffee or tea. These yellow-brown stains become permanent if you let them sit there for too long. It’s why you must act fast to remove the stain.

The usual culprit for these stains often comes from spills. If you filled your cup too much, it could drip or splash on the carpet with one wrong move.

When the stain is fresh, you can still clean it without relying on specialized chemicals. This window of opportunity lasts within a few seconds. Make sure to blot it up first using paper towels.

Use a homemade solution comprised of water and white vinegar in equal parts. Spray it on the stain and then sprinkle it with baking soda. After that, leave it on the stain overnight before cleaning it off.

2. Blood

There are times when blood gets splattered on the carpet, like cuts or other injuries. The smallest bloodstain can leave a permanent brown spot when you don’t clean it right away.

Start by spraying the stains on your carpet with cold water. If you use hot water, it would cause the blood to coagulate. Consider using cold water and dishwashing detergent solution for this method.

Spray it on the carpet and blot it dry with paper towels. Rinse it with cold water before blotting it with paper towels once more.

Repeat the process of spraying and blotting. You should start seeing the bloodstain disappear gradually.

You can also use a solution comprised of a tablespoon of ammonia mixed with a cup of cold water. Spray this on the stain and repeat the steps earlier.

3. Ink

A faulty pen can cause a nightmare on your carpet. While it may be difficult to clean the stains, you can still remove them.

Pour some rubbing alcohol on the stained spot. Use either a fingernail polish remover or hair spray to accomplish the job. Regardless of your preferred method, let it sit on the stain for an hour.

After that, dab the stain up using a paper towel. Finishing the process removes the ink from your carpet.

If you want a more thorough clean, consider asking reputable carpet cleaning services for help. They will cover any spot you missed and provide other benefits.

4. Pet Stains

In case you have pets at home, sometimes, these cute and fluffy critters cause some serious stains. For instance, an upset stomach causes them to leave a messy puddle on your carpet.

The best action is to act fast and get paper towels or tissues to get rid of as much of the mess as possible. Blot or scoop, but never scrub. Doing so will only worsen your situation.

Once you finish, spray the area with a solution comprised of water and dish washing detergent. Let it sit for a few moments before blotting it dry.

Once you finish that round, spray it again with a water and vinegar solution. Let it sit for a few moments before blot it dry.

With the stain gone, the odor can remain. Use baking soda to mitigate the odor or even eliminate it. You can choose to either sprinkle it or use a solution comprised of baking soda, peroxide, and dishwashing detergent.

5. Red Wine Stains

It’s another notorious source of carpet stains. Spilling red wine on the carpet can be a hassle, whether you are at a party or on your lonesome. The good news is that you can still salvage your carpet.

Consider getting tonic water and pouring it on the stain. Make sure not to drench the carpet since it causes more damage. Let the bubbles do the work before the stain sets.

Dab the tonic water away until it’s dry before spraying it with the water and vinegar solution. Once done, blot the area dry with paper towels. To finish off, sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for an hour before cleaning it with a vacuum.

6. Chocolate

Melted chocolate is a problematic mess due to its stickiness. The good news is that chocolate stains are easy to clean up. In case you end up spilling melted chocolate on the carpet or you made accidental dabs of it on the textile, do the following steps.

First, freeze the chocolate with ice cubes. The chocolate hardens at cold temperatures, making it easier to scrape away. It becomes more problematic once the stain already set in.

In this case, spray the stained area with the water and dish washing detergent solution. Let the mixture sit on the carpet for a few seconds before dabbing away. Repeat the process if the stain doesn’t come off.

Get Rid of Carpet Stains Today

Cleaning off carpet stains can be a boon to your rugs and textiles. Not only does it guarantee mitigating such design disasters, but it also makes your home look and feel clean. It’s also a great way of prolonging their lifespan.

Do you need help with your carpets and rugs? Our company specializes in this area, with the right equipment and tools to finish the job efficiently. We also offer cleaning services for your tiles, grout, and much more.

Contact us today and we can help you get started.

 

 

improve indoor air quality sunshine coast
7 Ways Cleaning Can Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home 1024 682 Daniel Hickey

7 Ways Cleaning Can Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

If you’re part of the over four million Australians with allergies, you’re probably wondering how to improve your indoor air quality to breathe easier at home.

Don’t live a life of suffering from allergies! You can do things to your home to help improve the air quality and improve your overall health.

Be sure to keep reading to learn our six ways cleaning can improve indoor air quality in your home!

1. Clean Your Filters

It’s recommended to change your home’s air filter every three months, but if you have pets, you really should be changing it monthly. You also need to regularly check your air conditioning unit and make sure that any filters or fans are clear from dust and debris.

To really get the cleanest air possible, you should do these checks monthly, and if you see any issues, get a professional out there to help you.

2. Air Duct Cleaning

There are many benefits to getting your air ducts cleaned, and one of the major ones is better air quality. There is a lot of dust that gets trapped in your air ducts, and every time you run your heat or air conditioning, it’s loosening and releasing that dirt. When you have allergies or any air sensitivities, this can cause you a lot of issues.

When your get your air ducts cleaned, they should also clean all of your vents, which have hidden dust and dirt that you can’t wipe away from where you are. You need to take the vents off and be sure to clean both sides before putting them back, and an air duct cleaning service will do that for you.

Another added benefit of getting your air ducts cleaned is you’ll have to dust less! This is because most of the dust that you’re cleaning is coming from the ducts.

3. Clean Your Window Screens

At least once a year, you should take all of your screens out of your home’s windows and give them a good wash. Pollen and other dust and allergens get stuck on the screens, and you let them into your home every time you open the windows.

All you need is a hose, a sponge, some dish soap, and a little elbow grease to get them clean. Then, once they’re dry, you can pop them back in and enjoy a clean, fresh breeze.

4. Look For Mold or Mildew

Once a month, you should go through your home and look for mold or mildew accumulation. The areas you should be checking are:

  • Bathroom ceilings
  • Behind the toilet
  • Around your water softener
  • Near any humid areas

If you notice any mold or mildew in these areas, be sure to clean the areas thoroughly. You’ll also want to be sure to check the same areas you’ve found mold before, so you can prevent it from coming back.

5. Clean Dirty Carpets to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Every time you walk on your carpets, you’re leaving behind dust, dirt, and grime that will ultimately end up in the air. This goes for everyone living in your home, and if you have pets, you have even more grime in there. It would be best if you were vacuuming at least once a week to prevent any of these from getting into the air and your lungs.

It’s also important to be sure you regularly deep clean your carpets to get all of the dust and odors out of your floor in between your vacuuming sessions. A deep cleaning session will go further into your carpet than your household vacuum can. It will also help to extend the lifetime of your carpet by keeping it clean for years to come.

6. Don’t Forget the Grout!

Not only do your carpets need to be cleaned to get your indoor air cleaner, but you should also be cleaning your tile and grout! There can be dust and debris that get stuck to the tile and grout that hold in more germs. If you casually clean your tiles but only dusting or vacuuming, you’re missing a lot of the germs in your home.

Be sure to clean your tile or other hardwood floors at least once a week to keep your air clean inside.

7. Get an Air Purifier

If you’ve done all your home cleaning and still feel like you don’t have the best air quality possible, then it’s time to invest in an air purifier. This is the best way to improve indoor air quality and can be run daily to help you out.

They’re not expensive and are a great way to keep your air clean without a lot of maintenance on your end.

How to Tell if My Air Isn’t Clean Enough?

One of the best ways to tell if your air isn’t clean enough is by taking note of symptoms or issues you notice in yourself or your pets. If your pets sneeze a lot, or you have a runny nose, you may not have the cleanest air. These symptoms closely match those of a cold, so if you have these and can’t seem to shake them, it’s time to call in a professional to help you clean your home.

Deep Clean Your Home Today

Now that you know our six ways cleaning can improve indoor air quality in your home, it’s time to deep clean your home! Remember to get your air ducts cleaned, and don’t skip out of that deep carpet cleaning.

Do you need help cleaning your floors? Then be sure to reach out to us! We offer all types of cleaning services that will help keep your home clean and help you breathe easier.

tile and grout cleaning service sunshine coast
Keeping Your Bathroom Clean: Tips From a Tile and Grout Cleaning Service 1024 682 Daniel Hickey

Keeping Your Bathroom Clean: Tips From a Tile and Grout Cleaning Service

re you tired of looking at ugly, brown, and discolored tile work in your home? Do you need to buy a tile and grout cleaning machine to get the job done right?

Here’s the good news: you can benefit from the experience of a professional tile and grout cleaning service today. This post contains trusted and proven advice used by companies that provide this service across the Sunshine Coast.

You can turn your anxiety and disappointment into relief and satisfaction if you follow the tricks from the pros in the sections below. Give yourself a productive five-minute break from scrubbing, read this article, and start working smarter, not harder.

DIY Cleaning Solutions

You can always purchase a solution from the hardware store, but it’s common to make your own. The advice on how to mix the best tile and grout cleaner always depends on the source. However, this doesn’t have to become a complicated part of the process.

Mix together the following:

  • 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide
  • 1 tablespoon of dish soap

If you prefer to keep things simple, you can also mix vinegar and baking soda together in a bowl until it becomes a paste.

Other options exist if you prefer to avoid chemicals completely. Warm water, mixed with vinegar if desired, and an electric toothbrush can go a long way. This may become more laborious, but it’s a solution that many people have chosen recently.

Do You Need Bleach?

Bleach is a natural addition to grout cleaning mixtures, but it’s an especially harsh chemical to use. With a pH balance of 12, this caustic chemical is toxic and can pollute the air in your home.

Some homeowners and professional grout cleaners find success using bleach by itself. If you choose to go this direction, you’ll want to follow a few simple directions to stay safe:

  • Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning solutions
  • Wear rubber gloves while handling the chemical
  • Keep the area well-ventilated and avoid inhaling fumes

Remember that if your bleach spills and finds its way to the sub floor, that can become a significant problem also. Unless you have a job that can only solve itself by using this chemical, it’s best to avoid it altogether.

What Types of Tools Do You Need?

The tools that you use depend on the size of the project and how much time you can invest. For example, an old toothbrush works for scrubbing, but a machine can do the same job much faster.

Consider purchasing one or more of the following:

  • Electric toothbrush
  • Spin scrubber
  • Steam mop
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Steam cleaner

You don’t need everything on this list at once, but each one offers its advantages and disadvantages. Automating the process with a spin scrubber alone can save you from several days of a sore wrist and arms.

Clean Showers Efficiently

Before you roll up your sleeves and start scrubbing, run the shower on its hottest setting for a few minutes. This loosens debris and makes the job ahead much easier.

Afterward, start spreading your mix over the grout. Cover every line and don’t forget to get into the corners also. Once you’re satisfied that the task is complete, give the solution around 15 minutes to settle. You may choose to do this one section at a time if desired.

Once you’ve waited an appropriate amount of time, you need to start scrubbing. Remember that the grout is porous, so you’ll want a brush with thin bristles. If repetitive tasks aren’t your favorite, you may want to have someone else complete this part for you.

After the scrubbing is finished, it’s time to wash everything away with water and watch the debris disappear down the drain.

How to Clean Floor Tiles

Start mixing together 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. Take safety precautions and wear gloves while completing this step.

Depending on the thickness of your mixture, you may want to apply it to the floor using an old toothbrush or spray bottle. After you have a section covered with your cleaning solution, do not start scrubbing right away. It’s critical to wait about 15 minutes before rolling up your sleeves to get to work.

With a bucket of warm water nearby, start scrubbing in circular motions with a toothbrush. Investing in a steam mop might work best for this type of tile and grout cleaning.

How to Clean Mold

While it may take a significant amount of work, the process of cleaning mold from grout is simple. Mildew anywhere in your home can lead to serious health issues, especially for those with respiratory diseases. If you have spores developing between tiles, you don’t want to procrastinate and risk serious problems that could have been avoided.

You may want to consider buying a mold removal product, but a DIY mixture does a solid job as well. Spray the area with a bottle while ensuring that you’re at least an arm’s length away. You don’t want to get any of the cleaning solution in your eyes.

After waiting 10 minutes or so, you can begin the scrubbing process.

You may want to follow the example of tile and grout cleaning services by choosing a stiffer type of brush for dealing with mold. Softer bristles may not work, or make this go much longer than necessary. Keep a hose or shower head handy to rinse the areas you’ve cleaned with lukewarm water.

Do You Need a Tile and Grout Cleaning Service?

Now that you have advice from the professionals, how do you feel about hiring a tile and grout cleaning service? It can take years to create best practices that keep this easy task from becoming too difficult, and you may only do this a few times!

Considering the amount of “elbow grease” this task requires for cleaning tiles alone, it can save your time, money, and back pain to hire professionals. Don’t let mold fester and contact us today to discuss our services!

couch cleaning service sunshine coast
Here’s What You Should Look For in a Couch Cleaning Service 1024 682 Daniel Hickey

Here’s What You Should Look For in a Couch Cleaning Service

Do you have an upholstered couch in your home that needs cleaning? As beautiful as your couch is and as well as you take care of it, over time it’ll need proper cleaning. To ensure the couch is cleaned well, consider hiring a professional couch cleaning service.

When you work with professionals, you don’t have to worry about ensuring you purchase the right cleaning products or tools. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that the professionals will take care of all the dirty work for you. The end result will be a clean and comfortable couch like it was when it was brand new!

How can you determine if a couch and rug cleaning service is the best fit for you? There are several factors to take into consideration when searching for couch cleaning services in Sunshine coast, Australia. In the guide below, you’ll learn what these factors are to help you find a reputable couch cleaning service.

Continue reading below to find out more!

The Experience

When searching for a couch cleaning service, be sure to look into their experience. How much experience does the cleaning service have in general? Do they have experience cleaning the type of material your couch is made from?

There are a few different ways to check their experience. One of the first ways is to check their website. Look for information about who the company is and how many years they’ve been in business.

You can also check their work record as well. One of the last methods to check their experience is to speak with the company. Be sure to ask them about their past experience and the type of products they use.

The Reputation

The next factor to consider is their reputation. To check a company’s reputation, you can visit their website and search for customer reviews. You can also check on unrelated websites for company reviews.

The last option you have for finding reviews is to check for reviews on social media. Reading through past customer reviews gives you a good idea about what you can expect when hiring the same company.

References are another excellent way to determine the reputation of a company. If desired, you can ask the company to send you a few references for you to call and speak to. If given references, then be sure to call each one and ask them any questions you have.

The Services Provided

Another thing to keep in mind is the type of other services they offer. When conducting your research on different companies, look for all the different services they offer besides couch cleaning. Do they offer carpet cleaning services, tile and grout cleaning, and other services?

If you can find a company that offers multiple services, then you’ll be able to narrow down the number of companies you need to work with. It’s sometimes ideal to have only one company that can come into your home or business and complete a variety of different services.

The Customer Service

Customer service is another important factor to take into consideration. How does the company treat you when you call them to inquire about their experience level and ask other questions about their services? Are they happy to answer all questions and work with you?

If you fill out a contact form, then how long does it take for them to respond back to you? Do you feel like you’re treated as a valued customer or just another number in their books?

These are all questions to keep in mind when speaking with each company. Be sure to choose a company that treats you well and is able to provide you with all the services your home or business needs.

The Cost of the Cleaning

One of the last things to consider is the cost of couch cleaning. The price of the services isn’t something you want to use to determine the best couch cleaning service, but it’s something you want to consider when selecting from your top three candidates.

For example, use the other helpful tips listed above to help you narrow down your potential candidates to the top three. Then, once you have your top three, you can compare prices between those three companies and decide which one you believe offers the fairest price.

Ask About Any Guarantees

Aside from price, guarantees play a big role in the fairness of a price too. What type of guarantees does the company offer, if any? Although one company might be priced higher, it’s more beneficial to go with a company that offers some type of guarantee on their work.

What were to happen if you weren’t happy with the results? Will you be stuck having to pay to have it cleaned again, or will the company offer to come back and redo it free of charge?

It’s Time to Find the Best Couch Cleaning Service for You

Cleaning your couch is a process that must be done correctly. To avoid damages and to ensure a proper clean, be sure to hire a reputable couch cleaning service. When working with professionals, you can have peace of mind knowing the task is done correctly using professional cleaning equipment and products.

Are you ready to have your couch looking and feeling brand new again? It can go through a complete transformation when you hire Rugs ‘n’ Rats Carpet Care and Pest Control!

Contact us today to see how our professionals can help you clean your couches and more!

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Alleviating Allergies: Dust Mite Allergy Treatment and Prevention 700 350 Daniel Hickey

Alleviating Allergies: Dust Mite Allergy Treatment and Prevention

Just because the floor looks clean, doesn’t mean that it actually is. After all, not everything is visible to the naked eye.

For one thing, germs can easily accumulate on the surface. Not only that, but there are microscopic pests as well.

Take dust mites, for example, they can make their homes in carpeting. And while they don’t bite or sting, they can cause skin allergies in some people.

Are you dealing with that? Want to learn more about the different dust mite allergy treatment options? If so, you’re on the right page.

Keep reading for everything that you need to know about the topic!

What Are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are insect-like pests that live in house dust. Microscopic relatives of the spider, they feed on flakes of dead skin or dander shed by people and pets.

Aside from carpets, they can also live in bedding, mattresses, stuffed toys, upholstered furniture, and curtains.

What Is a Dust Mite Allergy?

Some people are allergic to the waste products of dust mites. That is, the substances will cause their immune system to kick into high gear.

Ultimately, it’s this overzealous response that causes allergy symptoms.

According to the National Asthma Council of Australia, about 45% of the population suffer from allergies, and of those 80% are allergic to dust mites.

What Causes a Dust Mite Allergy?

Dust mite allergies are caused by two things—their feces and decaying bodies. When breathed in, they can cause the immune system to produce antibodies against the harmless substances.

Not only that, but they can produce an inflammatory response in your lungs and nasal passages as well.

Symptoms of a Dust Mite Allergy

Dust mite allergy can cause a variety of symptoms, some more severe than others, especially if you have asthma. For example, it can lead to itchy skin, runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, or cough.

Rarely, it can also cause difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest pain.

Note: Prolonged exposure to dust mites can lead to asthma or sinus infections.

Diagnosing Dust Mite Allergies

It’s a good idea to see an allergist if your systems are worsening at home. They will be able to determine whether or not you have a dust mite allergy with certain diagnostic tests.

For example, they might conduct a skin-prick test or a blood test, the latter of which is used to screen for antibodies.

Preventing Dust Mite Allergies

The best treatment option is to limit your exposure to these microscopic bugs. Here are a few things that you can do.

Vacuum Regularly

Try to vacuum the floor at least once a week, especially if you have carpet. For the best results, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter as it’ll prevent the allergens from being released back into the air.

Consider staying out of the area that’s being vacuumed if your allergies are severe.

Tip: Wet-vacuuming is typically more effective than regular vacuuming. Not only will it remove the allergens, but it’ll wash the carpet as well.

Steam Clean Your Carpets

Consider steam cleaning your carpets whenever possible. In addition to cleaning the carpet, the heat of the steam will kill off any dust mites.

Wash Your Bedding Regularly

Wash all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and bedcovers in hot water to kill dust mites. Alternatively, you can put them in the dryer for at least 15 minutes.

As for non-washable items, you can place them in the freezer for 24 hours. While it won’t remove the allergens, it will kill the mites.

Keep the Humidity Low

Dust mites thrive in moist environments. Given that, it helps if you can keep the humidity low. More specifically, you want to maintain a relative humidity of below 50 percent.

If necessary, you can always use a dehumidifier to get rid of some of the extra moisture.

Cut Clutter

Get rid of clutter in the home. Remember, if it can collect dust, it will also collect dust mites. For example, you might want to remove books and ornaments from your bedroom.

The same thing goes for toys like stuffed animals.

Dust Mite Allergy Treatment Options

There are various medications that you can take if your symptoms persist. For example, you can take antihistamines—they’ll reduce the production of histamines, which will help relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays are another option. Not only will they help with the itching, but they’ll also help reduce inflammation.

In addition to that, you can use decongestants, which will help shrink the swollen tissues in your nasal passages. That way, you’ll be able to breathe more easily.

Note: Avoid taking oral decongestants if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.

Other Therapies

Nasal irrigation can help alleviate symptoms. Basically, it involves rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution. If anything, the most important thing is to use water that’s contaminant-free (e.g. previously boiled or distilled water is ideal).

Some people may also benefit from immunotherapy. Put it simply, it’s when you “train” your immune system not to be sensitive to a certain allergen. As it is, it’s usually tried when other treatments are not effective.

Treating and Preventing Dust Mite Allergies

As you can see, there are a few dust mite allergy treatment options. Why live with the symptoms when you can do something about it, right?

Looking for carpet cleaning services on the Sunshine Coast? We can help—feel free to contact us and one of our sales representatives will get back to you!

carpet cleaning hacks sunshine coast
Carpet Cleaning Hacks: 5 Tricks From the Pros 1024 684 Daniel Hickey

Carpet Cleaning Hacks: 5 Tricks From the Pros

Are your carpets looking a little dingy, or do you notice a strange smell you can’t quite place? We try our best to keep our carpets clean and fresh, but accidents happen, and carpets get dirty. Carpets can also trap odours, making our homes or businesses smell less than fresh.

Whether you accidentally spilled something onto your new rug or it’s been a while since you performed a deep cleaning on those carpets, you might be looking for some carpet cleaning hacks.

Below, we go over five simple cleaning and maintenance tips so you can keep your carpets in great shape.

1. Clean Carpets Twice a Year

Even if your carpet is blessedly free of spills and stains, you should consider cleaning the carpets in your home every six months. There’s a lot of grime hiding in those little fibers, even if you’re careful about not wearing shoes inside.

Dust, dirt, and even pollen fall off your shoes and clothes and get tracked through the carpet. Sure, regular vacuuming helps, but some grime gets stuck deep in the fibers. That’s why you should schedule a professional carpet cleaning for your home or business at least twice a year.

2. Treat Stains the Right Way

The way you treat a red wine stain isn’t going to be the same as the way you handle a pet urine stain. First, let’s go over the basic steps you’ll want to follow for all stain removal, and then we’ll cover different ways to treat common staining.

Step 1: Absorb the Liquid

The first step is to soak up the liquids with paper towels or a type of absorbent cloth. Blot the area and gently press down—avoid rubbing the spill, or you could be doing more harm than good. Rubbing liquid causes it to soak further into the carpet fibers, which can make the stain worse!

One of our favorite carpet cleaning hacks is to blot the spill from the outside toward the middle to avoid spreading the stain to the rest of your carpet.

Step 2: Identify the Stain

If you saw the stain happen, such as spilling a wine glass or your child dropping their juice all over the floor, that makes this part easier. However, you may not always know what caused the stain or how long it’s been on the carpeting.

When identifying a stain, you’ll first want to consider the location. A rug in the dining room, by the kitchen sink, or in a common area like a cafeteria or dining hall are prone to food and drink stains. A dark stain near the coffee maker is likely from coffee or tea.

Stains in areas with lots of foot traffic are often from dirt or mud tracked from outside.

Consider the colour and texture of the stain to identify the source. If the stain has been on the carpet for a while, it’s going to take more effort to remove.

When it comes to pet urine stains, you can use a black light or UV light to identify the location of the accident. A black light will illuminate any substance with phosphors, such as dog and cat pee, so you can treat even older stains.

Step 3: Treat the Stain

Common stains such as coffee, food, wine, and pet urine all take a toll on the carpet. However, the way you treat them may vary.

For pet urine, you’ll need to use a cleaner with enzymes. These enzymes break down the urine molecules, which also help eliminate the smell.

What about the dreaded red wine stain? You can use special cleaners meant for wine stains or mix some dish detergent with white vinegar and some warm water. When cleaning a carpet with wine stains, it’s important to act fast.

If you notice coffee stains on your rugs or carpeting, you can either use a special cleaner or use the dish soap and vinegar mixture again. If the coffee contained cream, milk, or sugar, you could use an enzyme laundry detergent. This can help eliminate the stickiness.

Stubborn stains may need more than one treatment.

3. Dealing With Reappearing Stains

Have you ever noticed a stain reappearing after cleaning it up? Stains are annoying enough, but recurring stains are enough to cause a major headache.

Reappearing stains are usually due to soiling or wicking. Soiling is a result of leftover residue on the carpet that wasn’t cleaned up. Wicking happens when a liquid soaks through to the padding. In time, this liquid can reappear on the carpet as it wicks up toward the surface again.

Neither of these situations is ideal, which is why you need to attend to carpet stains as quickly as possible. When dealing with stubborn stains, call a carpet cleaning company. Carpet cleaning professionals have special equipment that can lift stains and odours.

4. Pay Attention to High-Traffic Areas

Areas with lots of foot traffic, such as stairs, entryways, and hallways, see a lot more wear and tear than other areas. As a result, these rooms and spaces are more likely to see ground-in dirt or food and drink stains. Pay closer attention to these areas as they’ll need more frequent cleaning than other rooms.

To keep your carpet looking like new, perform regular vacuuming, and spot-treat these areas when you notice stains and dirt.

It helps to have a vacuum with the right attachments to clean areas like stairs and hard-to-reach spots in the home, such as behind furniture.

5. Invest in a Carpet Cleaning Service

When you’re busy with work, social activities, and taking care of the little ones, cleaning the carpets is often the last thing on your mind. Since regular carpet cleaning is essential to maintaining a clean home, why not have those carpets professionally cleaned?

A professional carpet cleaning uses special equipment to eliminate stains, bacteria, dust, and odours. Regular cleaning can help extend the life of your carpet and make your home a cleaner and safer place.

Use These Carpet Cleaning Hacks for a Cleaner Home

No matter how careful we are, accidents happen, and your carpet is bound to suffer a few spills. Thankfully, you can use these carpet cleaning hacks to make cleaning up that mess a little easier!

If you need a professional carpet cleaning, leave it to us and send us a message. We’ll have your home or business looking like new in no time.

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