MicroSeal Of The Smokies

Your home’s carpeting, rugs, furniture and textiles are important investments that say a lot about you and your lifestyle. You want to protect them. And you want them looking as perfect as the day you brought them into your home.

Hansen Steam Way is a full-service textile cleaning and sealing company exclusively licensed in our area to apply MicroSeal – a non-toxic and non-allergenic fabric protection formula for permanent stain and sun fading protection.

Your home’s expensive textiles, fabrics and fibers will all benefit from this unique product. Initially developed by researchers in the United Kingdom to imitate the natural protection scientists found in sheep’s wool, it is, quite simply, the perfect protectant. Hansen Steam Way protects your investments with a non toxic, non allergenic fabric protection formula for permanent stain and sun fade protection.

Still have questions? Give us a call at 865.453.5624 or visit us online at hansensteamway.com to schedule a job or consultation. We’ll get back to you just as soon as we can.

Thank you for considering Hansen Steam Way to protect all of those things important in your home.

Protecting Your Family’s Eye Health

August is Family Eye Care Month.  Many eye diseases and disorders can be addressed if they are caught early.  The number one mistake people make when it comes to their eye health is only seeing a doctor once a problem   develops.

But did you know that your optometrist may be able to detect other problems as well? It is possible to detect some problems like diabetes, high blood pressure or even tumors. Take some time this month to schedule an appointment with your health care provider or eye doctor. It is the perfect time to schedule routine eye exams for you and your family.

What to Bring on a Hike

Hiking lets you enjoy the great outdoors while you get in some quality exercise time. This is one activity that you will want to take time to prepare for correctly. What you take will depend on where you are going and how long  you plan to be away, but any backpack should include the following:

– Candle and matches
– Cell phone
– Clothing (always bring something warm, extra socks and rain gear)
– Compass and map
– First aid kit
– Food (bring extra)
– Flashlight
– Hat
– Insect repellent
– Nylon filament
– Pocket knife
– Pocket mirror (to use as a signaling device)
– Prescription glasses and medications
– Radio with batteries
– Space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter)
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Trash bag (makes an adequate poncho)
– Water
– Waterproof matches or matches in a waterproof tin
– Water purification tablets
– Whistle (to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device)

Always allow for bad weather and for the possibility that you may be forced to spend a night outdoors unexpectedly. It’s a good idea to assemble a separate “survival pack” for each hiker to have at all times. In a small waterproof container, place a pocket knife, compass, whistle, space blanket, nylon filament, water purification tablets, matches and candle. With these items, the chances of being able to survive in the wild are greatly improved.

The Benefits of Volunteer Work

It is easy to recognize the benefits of volunteer work to those who take advantage of the services provided. But don’t underestimate the benefits to you personally when you undertake this kind of work. Volunteering can provide you with a way to meet new people,expand your skills, and boost your self-esteem. You will gain career experience along the way as well.

Make sure any volunteer work you do is noted on your resume. If you are unsure of what direction your career is taking, exploring different opportunities through volunteering is a great way to test the waters. You also are networking as you work. You are meeting people in a field you are interested in, who could become important contacts by either offering you a job or highly recommending you for one.

Where should you volunteer? A good place to start is anywhere that you would be interested working. Follow your interests or career path. Approach an organization or company, and ask if they accept volunteers. Be honest about your ability to commit to a certain amount of time and what types of jobs you would be interested in. You may be  surprised at all of the opportunities out there.

CARPET CLEANING… How Often is Enough?

One of the most common questions we are asked is, “How often should I get my carpets cleaned?” It’s a reasonable question. After all, carpet cleaning can be a bit of a disruption in your daily routine. Then there is the expense of professional cleaning.

It makes sense not to get your carpets cleaned any more often than necessary.  But some people think you should wait as long as possible. They believe that once cleaned, carpets get dirty faster.  As with most consumer myths, there is some truth to this.

Many years ago, carpet cleaners did not have access to the quality cleaning agents, equipment and training we have today. As a result, many well meaning carpet cleaners used soaps and shampoos that left sticky detergent residues, which attracted soil like a magnet. Unfortunately, there are still some “professional” carpet cleanersthat use inferior cleaning agents, equipment and methods, so you still have to be careful.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) recommends that carpets be cleaned at a minimum, every 12-18 months. This agrees with the recommendations of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).

Most carpets carry one or more manufacturer warranties. These warranties vary in what they will and will not cover. Some cover spots and spills. Others protect you from premature wear or unwanted changes to texture or  color. One thing all carpet warranties have in common is that they require routine vacuuming, prompt attention to  spots and spills as well as periodic cleaning by a qualified professional. Depending on the manufacturer and the  product, this could be every 12, 18 or 24 months. Again, this is in line with guidelines from both IICRC and CRI. But remember that these are minimum guidelines. Cleaning is about more than appearance. You need your carpets cleaned for health.

So what about YOUR home?

Determining the frequency of carpet cleaning in your home should be based on your family lifestyle. This includes the outdoor environment as well as the number of adults, small children and pets in your home. There are other factors such as whether there are smokers, allergy or asthma sufferers living in your home.

Every family is different. Some families don’t wear street shoes in the house, while in other homes, people are in  such a hurry, they don’t even wipe their feet. Some families only eat and drink in the kitchen, while in other homes food and beverages are enjoyed throughout the house. Then there are the pet accidents, food spills and other soils  common in busy, active households with kids.

In general, annual cleaning works well for most households. But if you have children, pets or any of the other  factors mentioned above, you may want to have your carpets cleaned more often; every 6-9 months. The best way for you to determine how often you should get your carpets cleaned is by observation. Notice how long it takes before routine vacuuming and spot removal efforts are not enough to keep your carpet looking, smelling and feeling clean. Remember, modern carpets are designed to hide soil. So by the time your carpets are visibly soiled, it is already past due for professional cleaning.

If you have questions about carpet cleaning or any other services offered by Hansen Steam Way, just call us. We’re happy to help.