Tips & Resources

DCS Cleaning Service is here to help and professionally take careof all your cleaning needs, but we’d like to offer some tips, resources and suggestions to make your “cleaning” tasks a little easier.

Regular Suggested Maintenance to Keep Carpet New & Fresh Longer

Scientists beleive that more than 43 million tons of dust falls over the US every year. Indoor air usually contains about twice as much dust as the air outisde. That’s a million microscopic particles in one cubic inch of air.

Many Nylon carpets are designed for easy care. Just a bit of regular manitenance will keep your carpeting looking just as beautiful as from the day it was installed in your home.

On a regular basis:

• Vacuum your carpet weekly to remove dry particles and dust that can dull carpet fibers and cause matting

Every 18 months:

• A professional steam cleaning/hot water extraction is recommended

When accidents occur:

• Clean spills immediately
• For liquid spills, use a dry cloth to pick up as much moisture from the carpet as you can
• Flush the stain using the suds of a mild dish washing detergent and water

Wine splls:

• Soak up and blot
• Apply 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with 1 cup water
• Leave solution on for 5 minutes
• Rinse with cold water, cover with white paper towel

Pet urine:

• Apply 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with 1 cup water
• Leave solution on for 5 minutes
• Rinse with cold water, cover with wihte paper towel

Dirt:

• Vacuum carpeting as much as possible
• Apply 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with 1 cup water
• Leave solution on for 5 minutes
• Rinse with cold water, cover with white paper towel

Disaster Cleaning and Restoration

What to do in case of a flood?

Be safe:
Avoid downed power lines and smell for gas when entering your home or office. Wear protective clothing like rubber gloves and boots when cleaning your home.

“When in doubt, throw it out”:
Dispose of food, beverages and medicine exposed to floodwaters and mud, including canned goods, capped bottles and sealed containers. Water may not be safe to drink, clean with, or bathe in after an emergency such as a flood. Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water until your water supply is tested and found safe.

What to do in case of a fire?

• “Family Fire Safety Plan” American Red Cross
• “Tips on Smoke Removal and Fire Cleanup” FEMA

CARPET / RUG / UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

• “Carpet Cleaning Tips to Protect Your Investment” Life 123
• “Home Remedies for Carpet Stains” Life 123
• “Pet care tips: how to remove pet stains from carpet” eSSORTMENT

AIR DUCTS / DRYER VENTS

• “How to Prevent Duct Contamination” EPA
• “Cleaning Dryer Vents – Tips to Prevent a House Fire!” eZine

Emergency Tips

Smoke and Fire Damage

The following Emergency Tips were compiled by members of the National Institue of Fire Restoration and are based on their wide experience in this field. It is not likely that you will require all the procedures listed, so examine your situation and use those steps which common sense dictates. The National Institute of Fire Restoration contractor in your area is a good person to know – and a good company to rely upon.

After a fire, it is natural to want to clean a building and its contents. Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect or delayed action can jeopardize or impede successful restoration.

Do: 

• Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly or other oil such as WD40.
• Blow off or brush vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, draperies, and carpets.
• Open windows for ventilation.
• Change furnace filter and make sure blower is operational.
• Empty refrigerator and freezer completely if electricity is off, and prop the doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper.
• Clean and protect smoked bathroom faucets, tub fittings, and towel bars with a light coating of oil.
• Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks, and bathtubs to prevent freezing if heat is off in the winter.
• Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves (water softener helps).
• Call plumber to drain heating system if heat is off in the winter.
• Remove pets (especially birds) to clean environments.

Do Not:

• Wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings, or other absorbent surfaces.
• Use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided.
• Use exposed food items or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
• Use TVs, stereos, or electrical appliances until they have been cleaned and tested.
• Send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke and odor.

Do:

• DO contact your restoration specialist for immediate emergency clean-up & drying services.
• DO start clean-up and removal of excess water using any method such as a shop vac, using absorbent white or light-colored towels, and be sure to blot vs. wiping.
• DO wipe all water immediately from hardwood surfaces and furniture, and blot fabrics and carpets.
• DO use a screwdriver to make holes in ceilings to allow water to drain into a bucket. This can help to relieve water weight and prevent additional damage to ceilings.
• DO move furniture away from water damage and place pieces of wax paper under furniture legs. This prevents further damage to furniture and carpet and prevents rust stains from furniture.
• DO open wet items to immediately start the drying process by allowing air to flow over them

Do Not:

• • DO NOT step into a flooded basement or deep water if you have submerged electrical cords or components as this may lead to electrical shock.
  • DO NOT leave dark-colored items such as books, paperwork, clothing, stained furniture, or anything that has colors or dyes onto a wet carpet or surface as this may cause permanent damage.
  • DO NOT turn on electrical devices or use wet electrical outlets until completely dried these may need to be inspected by an electrician.
  • DO NOT leave wet items in plastic bags or boxes – these items should be opened and spread out to immediately begin the drying process.
  • DO NOT put wet items on top of dry furniture.
  • DO NOT leave metal items such as file cabinets or exercise equipment directly on the flooring as they may leave rust stains. If possible use wood blocks to lift metal items and to provide airflow.