Pet odor is a very common problem. At Hansen Steam Way we can help you deal with your pet challenges. From minor problems to major headaches, Hansen Steam Way can help find the solution that works best for you.

The problem with pet odor is that it can be much deeper than it first appears. Pet urine can easily soak through the backing of the carpet into the padding underneath. In more severe cases the urine can penetrate into the sub-floor beneath the padding. This creates a problem that is multi-layered.

The urine also provides for the growth of bacteria. This, in turn, contributes to a worsening of the odor problem and can contribute to permanent color loss of the carpet fiber.

To eliminate this problem the urine must be removed or neutralized from each of the layers affected. If the contamination is limited to only the face yarn of the carpet, then the cleaning itself may effectively remove the odor. In more severe cases a urine neutralizer may be applied.

In the most severe cases, replacement of the carpet padding, treatment of the under-side of the carpet and the sub-floor may be required. Even replacement of the carpet, however, cannot guarantee complete removal of the odor.

Left untreated over a period of time pet odor can become absorbed into many of the porous materials in your home. Draperies, sheetrock, upholstered furniture, baseboards, even the concrete foundation are just a few of the materials that can absorb these odors.

At Hansen Steam Way we offer a range of solutions to help you with your pet odor problems. In the long run, however, it may be more a matter of proper maintenance instead of total elimination. After all, we love our pets and want to keep them a part of our family. Pet ownership adds to the challenge of maintaining a clean and healthy home. Hansen Steam Way can help you meet those challenges.

Why Spots on Your Carpet Keep Coming Back

Have you ever wondered why spots return after having your carpet cleaned? There are two reason that spots return.

Reason 1: Wicking

Many times, the spot that is being removed has seeped into the backing of the carpet. This is common with pet urine, beverages, and anything that is spilled in “volume”. The material dries in the backing and the cushion (pad) of the carpet. When the spot is cleaned, only the material in the “pile” of the carpet is removed. However, moisture is introduced into the backing of the carpet. As the spot dries, the material that is in the backing of the carpet “wicks” back into the pile of the carpet much like a candle wick. Even traffic area soil that is embedded can wick back. This is especially common in glue down carpet that is heavily impacted with soil. When the carpet is cleaned it looks good, when it dries the spots and traffic areas come back.

Reason 2:  Re-soilingRe-soiling is caused by a sticky residue that has been left behind. The residue may be from the spot itself, the cleaner that was used, or both. Some common residue causes are over-the-counter carpet cleaners purchased at the grocery store. Avoid using these cleaners altogether. If you have to use one of these cleaners, or you have to use dishwashing detergent, use as little as possible and with water thoroughly. Other residue causes would be oily spots. Duct tape residue, body oils, lotions, etc. If all of the oily residue is not removed, it will attract soil as the carpet is walked on. Even quality professional cleaning may not remove all oily residue the first time. 

SPECIAL NOTE: Cheap carpet cleaners use cheap products that are loaded with Optical Brighteners. Optical Brighteners create an illusion of clean that causes the soil or spot to appear to be removed. The spot is still there. The soil is still there. Optical Brighteners create a film that reflects light so that the carpet looks incredibly clean; an optical illusion.

• Purchase a good quality dust mop and sweep your ceramic tile floors daily. This is especially important in new installations where the grout has not fully cured. Dirt, mud, and sand tend to ground into the grout mortar from heavy foot traffic.
• Dirt-collecting, carpet mats should be placed in frequently used entrances and shaken out weekly.
• We do not recommend the use of floor waxes as they can be difficult to remove from ceramic tile floors. As long as your floor is properly sealed and maintained, you should find no need for these products.
• Shower stall and tub enclosures should have proper ventilation. Stagnant water breeds stain-causing mildew as well as other fungi.
• Many tile cleaners are acid-based and their use should be limited. Always read the manufacturer’s label to find out. All acids, no matter how weak, will etch marble surfaces. Natural marble is commonly installed as thresholds in doorways and is also installed in window sills and shower curbs. In addition, avoid any cleaner that contains harsh abrasives.
• Mop or sponge your tile down two to three times weekly. Mix one capful of dishwashing liquid per gallon of hot water. Mop up excess water and allow to dry. Buffing with a dry towel will help to reduce spotting

Having an understanding of proper carpet care can help keep your carpet looking great. If you get into a routine and keep it up, you will see great results and feel better for it. So what happens when your child accidentally spills some juice, your pet has an accident or you spill some coffee or wine on the carpet? Well you must act quickly! This can be the determining factor that results in a permanent stain or takes care of the damage before its too late! We will provide you some steps you can take to address this issue, but please remember when in doubt you should always consult a carpet care professional such as Hansen Steam Way.

Spot Removal Steps

Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.

Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or or white paper toweling (no printing).

Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing may cause pile distortion in the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed. If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in the spot removal computer and follow the directions carefully.

Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to be certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected.

Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth and work in gently.

Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot in order to absorb as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.

Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill.

Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times. After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed.

• Rotation – To ensure even wear, your rug should be rotated once a year. Depending on the traffic, the rotation may vary from six months to two years.
• Vacuuming – Oriental rugs, like most carpeting, should be vacuumed on a regular basis to remove dirt and restore life to the fibers. Be sure not to vacuum the fringe with your beater bar! Use the end of a vacuum hose from a canister vacuum.
• Padding – A quality pad used under your rug helps protect it from dirt, wear, and slippage.

Have you ever asked yourself, how do I clean spills off my rug?

In your daily routine and interactions with children, pets, and friends getting together for an event, accidents such as spills will occur. In moments like that, it is important to act quickly, but most importantly to take the appropriate steps to address the problem. This is important because it can avoid any permanent damage.

Many times, it is easy to react incorrectly to the situation because of the desperation to get the spill cleaned up, but that is why it is important to remain calm and know how to take the appropriate steps. Depending on the spill or when in doubt, you should consider having it professionally cleaned immediately.

Spot and Spill Procedures

Make sure that you safely and immediately clean up spots and spills before they set.

• First, soak up the excess liquid by blotting with a clean absorbent material. Do not brush or rub the stain.
• Blot dry until most of the moisture has been absorbed
• For stains that do not come out using these methods, Call 865-607-5671 and ask our cleaning specialists.

Carpet cleaning is just like exercise! If you get into a routine and keep it up, you will see great results and feel better for it. And understanding the right way to clean your home’s carpet will help you save time by doing it correctly the first time with products that do the job right from the start. Not only will the Seal of Approval cleaning products help keep your carpet looking great, they can also help meet the warranty requirements of the carpet manufacturer.

Below are three simple steps to keeping your carpet clean and looking great:

1. Vacuum at the right frequency with a CRI-approved vacuum.

2. Clean spots and spills quickly with products that do not damage the carpet or cause it to re-soil more quickly.

3. Professionally deep clean your carpets every 12-18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime.

Like you, we’re monitoring the latest news about the coronavirus. Hansen Steam Way is ready and prepared to help your home with preventative cleaning services, such as sanitizing your carpets, rugs, and furniture. Textile surfaces can be cleaned with the highest grade disinfectant in our industry, which can be sprayed onto carpet, upholstery, and rugs to help sanitize your home.