Cleaning Bathroom Tile Through the Humidity

Tile is one of the best materials for areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms for multiple reasons. First, it makes for easy-to-clean messes and it can withstand high temperatures and humidity. However, depending on the amount of space between your tiles, you might need to pay a little extra attention to these areas. The grout between your tiles is far more porous than the tile and is unfortunately susceptible to stains from spills and other messes.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Start off with the most simple, basic, least acidic cleaning solution and work your way up, if you need to. You can try mixtures of vinegar and water, or a paste of baking soda. This is the hard part: use a stiff cleaning brush to scrub the grout, putting in your best effort! Don’t forget to rinse the grout with water, and thoroughly dry the area to prevent mold growth.

Always Look for Mold

Small areas with such high humidity make the perfect environments for mold growth. Whenever you’re cleaning your bathrooms, make sure to look in those hard-to-reach places for signs of mold (areas such as behind the toilet, under the sink, and around the bathtub or shower).

Steam Cleaning Tile & Grout

Steam cleaning is an extremely effective and efficient way to clean tile and grout. Using only pressurized water and intensely hot steam, a steam cleaner easily extracts grime from the pores of grout- and you don’t have to put in nearly as much effort! Consider either renting a steam cleaning machine, or hiring the professionals to come out and restore your bathroom to its original, pristine condition.

Our professionals are highly trained and use the latest equipment to tackle tile and grout cleaning. If you’ve encountered mold or think you may see the beginnings of mold growth, give us a call and we’ll come out to take a look and begin treatment if need be.

3 Areas That Need a Cleaning Now

Springtime is very quickly becoming summer; it’s certainly evident in the temperatures outside! But don’t worry; if you missed out on spring cleaning this year, The Steam Team is available 24/7 for all of your cleaning and restoration needs. We can still help you out! Below, you’ll find three places around your home that we believe should be steam cleaned now. So don’t hesitate; give The Steam Team a call today!

Upholstered Furniture

Do you have any unsightly stains on your upholstery? The Steam Team can bring them right out! Just put your trust in our cleaning methods and we can restore your furniture to its original, pristine condition! And don’t worry; we won’t use anything except highly pressurized water and hot, hot steam!

Carpeting

When was the last time your carpet was professionally treated? It can make all the difference in the world. A professional steam cleaning company can use their professional-grade equipment to lift dirt, dust, and debris from deep within the fibers of your carpet. And you won’t even have to lift a finger! And don’t worry; The Steam Team won’t leave until your carpet is fully dry!

Tile and Grout

If you’re struggling to keep your tile and grout looking bright and clean, rely on The Steam Team! We can extract dirt and debris from the pores of grout, and shine your tile right up! You’ll be absolutely amazed with The Steam Team’s results. We just know it!

And this is just where it begins, friends! We can steam clean almost anything, so if ever you’re in need, you know who to call! We can even help restore your home back to its original condition after fire, water, or smoke damage. So whatever the problem is, you know it’s never too great for The Steam Team Austin!

How Can You Know What Cleaning Products Are Harmful?

These days, it can be somewhat difficult to know if the products you use to clean are actually safe for you and the loved ones in your home. In fact, according to a study by The Environmental Working Group, 53 percent of cleaning products contain lung-harming ingredients. So the question is, what can you do to identify which products are safe to use?

Look Out For These Toxic Chemicals

If any of your cleaning products contain the following chemicals, you might want to think twice about using them:

Phthalates -- These can be found in many fragranced household products like air fresheners, dish soap, and even in toilet paper! If the product says “fragrance”, it likely contains phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors.

Perchloroethylene or “PERC” -- This is a neurotoxin, and possible carcinogen that can be found in most carpet and upholstery cleaners.

Triclosan -- Another possible carcinogen that can be found in most dishwashing detergent and hand soap labeled “antibacterial”.

Ammonia -- This is a very powerful irritant that has been known to cause chronic bronchitis and asthma after prolonged inhalation. Unfortunately, ammonia can be found in most polishing agents and glass cleaners.

DIY Alternatives

Luckily for you, there are safer ways to keep your home clean. We’ll list a few for you here:

For carpet cleaning; mix 3 cups water, ¾ cup vegetable-based liquid soap, and 10 drops peppermint essential oil. Then rub the foam into the carpet with a damp sponge, let the spot dry, and then vacuum!

Instead of regular laundry soap, you can try “soap nuts”. They’re made from the dried fruit of the Chinese soapberry tree. They’re available online and in some natural grocery stores. They come in a cotton sack that goes into the washing machine with the clothes.

Rather than using furniture polish, try a microfiber cloth. You can even use a little olive oil as a polishing agent.

Keep in mind, in this article we have only listed a few of the cleaning products that may contain toxic chemicals, as well as only a few healthier alternatives. For a more in-depth idea of what’s in your cleaning products, call a professional from The Steam Team and feel free to ask!

3 Tips for Clean Up After Christmas

Well friends, now the holidays are over and we’re looking forward to a fresh start in 2018! Let’s talk about cleaning up after the holidays. It can be a mess, and accidents can happen no matter how careful we are. We also have to properly store decorations, and there’s a load of dishes to tend to! But don’t worry, and don’t get overwhelmed. The Steam Team has your back.

Make a List

...and check it twice! Nah, just kidding; that time of the year has ended. But do make a “To Do,” list for all of the chores you need to complete. It’s no secret that taking it one step at a time is less overwhelming. So make your list, down that cup of coffee, and get to cleaning!

Work from Top to Bottom

When cleaning, we always suggest starting from the “top,” of the room and working down to the bottom. Start with countertops, shelving, and other surfaces. You can feel free to brush crumbs onto the floor, because that’s what you’ll be cleaning last. Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping will be necessary- and maybe a little bit of steam cleaning for those wine spills and stains, eh?

Call the Professionals

Sometimes the professionals need to step in, and it makes everything all the easier! Don’t be afraid to call in The Steam Team for a little post-holiday help! We’ll be out in no time, will restore your home to its pre-Christmas condition, and you’ll be more than pleased with the results.

Our team of trained experts can easily extract dirt, debris, and stains from your carpet, and we can even steam clean your countertops, tables, and other surfaces, too! Just give us a call and we’ll be out ASAP to help you clean up after the holidays. We’re excited; are you?

Taking Care of Upholstery And Cleaning it the Right Way

Furniture is a true asset to your home -- it lasts for decades and seems to only get better with age (especially when it’s properly cared for). Here at The Steam Team, we trust that you’ve done your research and have a general idea of how to care for this stunning piece of furniture, but just in case, we’d like to review the basics of how to properly clean and condition leather material. Cleaning furniture regularly is important to make it look new. Voted best cleaning service company in Austin. 

First and Foremost: Know What to Avoid

Do not, under any circumstances, ever put bleach or any ammonia-based cleaners on your leather furniture (or anything that has true, real leather on it). These cleaners will dry out the leather and leave it completely discolored -- not what you want to find after you’re trying to simply clean your furniture! We have to be careful with the materials that we’re using- both the solution, and the cloth.These cleaners, along with anything that isn’t specified to treat leather should all be avoided.

Here’s How It’s Done

The best way to begin cleaning leather is to first ensure there isn’t any dust or dirt laying around or stuck between any cushions. Dirt particles are typically abrasive and could end up scratching the leather if they’re rubbed in with cleaning solution or a cloth. The easiest way to get this done is to use a vacuum attachment and run it over your leather furniture and between any cushions.

If you haven’t found a commercial cleaning product that you like, lean on the professionals. Beginning from the top, they’ll work their way down, carefully cleaning the leather material. Afterwards, they’ll use a specially formulated leather conditioner to ensure that your material won’t dry out over the months to come and that it retains the oils it needs. The Steam Team of Austin is the leading company for cleaning furniture. 

For help cleaning leather furniture or for any other cleaning and restoration service, contact The Steam Team! Our team of skilled professionals are always standing by, eager to help you out! 

Is Dry Carpet Cleaning Effective?

Over time, our carpet collects tons of dust, dirt, dander, and more! It needs to be cleaned frequently and can’t be neglected. But which method do you use to clean your carpet? Today we’re comparing dry carpet cleaning to steam cleaning! Which method is more effective, and which method should we go with? Let’s find out!

What is Dry Carpet Cleaning?

Most people turn to dry carpet cleaning because they don’t know how great steam cleaning can be, or don’t even know what it is! Still though, dry carpet cleaning might be effective, but not as effective as… you guessed it- steam cleaning! Read more about steam cleaning below…

What is Steam Cleaning?

Steam cleaning is a method of cleaning that’s used on a variety of flooring, furniture, and surfaces- not just carpet. This makes it the most versatile cleaning method yet! Steam cleaning, or hot water extraction, uses nothing but hot water and high water pressure to extract dirt and grime from deep within your carpet fibers. It uses little moisture and absolutely no chemicals.

Which Method is Better for Carpet?

We always recommend steam cleaning your carpets! Not only does it clean without the use of chemicals, but it’s also completely safe for your children, pets, other family members, and the environment in general. It can be done in a timely manner, especially if you hire the professionals. Imagine running out for errands and coming home to clean, dry carpet (that’s right- we’ll never leave you with wet or even damp carpets!). Your Austin Texas cleaning headquarters. 

Contact The Steam Team if you’re looking for prices, or more information on our cleaning processes! We’ve been serving the Austin community for over a decade now, and have accumulated plenty of experience and expertise; we can restore your carpet to its original condition in no time! We clean in Round Rock, Cedar Park, and all over Central Texas to include San Marcos.