Why Shoes Are Our Flooring's Worst Enemy

Shoes are now being called our flooring’s worst enemy! Why is this? Well, we’re about to tell you- because it’s true: shoes cause so much wear and tear and damage on our flooring, it’s questionable whether we should be wearing shoes indoors, or not. Read further to find out how your shoes are damaging your flooring!

Dings

Let’s start with scratches, or dings. Our shoes can all-too-easily scratch our flooring! And it’s hard to avoid, when we have to walk around our home. It’s important to protect your flooring with specialized coatings, or even area rugs! You can also place a basket near the entrances to your home, for family members and house guests to leave their shoes in. This way, you don’t even need to worry about anything happening to your flooring.

Dents

Our shoes can also cause dents in our flooring! Perhaps you’ve already dented your floor with a pair of high heels, or you’ve dropped something. These dents can’t be reversed. You’ll have to call in a professional to replace the floorboard! Remember- protect your flooring by laying out area rugs, or keeping shoes off of the floor to begin with!

Damage

Over time, our shoes cause wear and tear, and damage to our flooring. Carpet becomes stained and mushed down, hardwood flooring endures dings and dents, etcetera! It’s inevitable that we’ll have to replace some of our flooring, or call the professionals at some point in time!

The Steam Team is always around to help you with your flooring. Whether it’s a repair, an installation, or a cleaning, we’ll come prepared to make your floor sparkle! Just give our team a call today, or go online to our website and view the services that we offer! You know you’ll be amazed with our results; customers always are.

How To Manage Pet Odors

There’s no denying that we absolutely love our cuddly pets. But sometimes, even for the most affectionate of pet owners, the smells that they leave behind can become a little overwhelming. Here are some tips to manage those odors, so you won’t scare off any of your human guests.

Dog Odor

If you’ve ever owned a dog, you’ll know they often leave a very distinct and nasty smell on things they rub against, especially if they're not bathed enough. The source of this smell left behind, especially on furniture, is usually from the hair that rubs off of them. So the first thing you’ll need to do is take the furniture apart and vacuum every part thoroughly (Pillows, blankets, cushions, etc). Get deep into the crevices of the furniture and remove all the hair. If it’s a mattress, flip it over and vacuum the other side as well. Also be sure to vacuum under the furniture, where hair usually accumulates over time. After you’ve done this, you can just use any pet odor remover found in a supply store.

What Not To Use

Whether you’re getting rid of urine smell or just dog smell, there are a few things you definitely should NOT use:

Bleach- This will disinfect, but won’t actually remove the odor in question. It can also be harmful to breathe, and even toxic for your pets.

Ammonia- Dog and cat urine actually have an ammonia odor. Therefore, ammonia will only intensify the smell. Also, make sure you never mix ammonia and bleach, as this can be fatal.

Homemade Remedies- People may suggest using things like vinegar, peroxide, dish detergent or baking soda. These may be somewhat effective, but won’t fully remove the odor.

Urine Odor

It may seem obvious, but the most effective way of removing any urine odor in a stained carpet is by removing and replacing that soiled area altogether. But if this is too difficult or costly, you can use an enzyme-based product that breaks down the bacteria and neutralizes the odor. These can be purchased online or in pet stores.

Professional Odor Treatment

If your home is riddled with stains and pet odors that seem like too much to handle, call The Steam Team and get those odors removed the right way!

Is Steam Cleaning Safe for Your Family?

So you’re getting ready for some heavy duty cleaning, and wondering which method you should use! The Steam Team always strongly encourages steam cleaning, as it’s completely safe for your family, and the environment! Let’s take a glance at the many benefits of steam cleaning so that you can make an informed decision about which method you should use this time around!

What is Steam Cleaning?

Steam cleaning, or hot water extraction, uses absolutely nothing but hot water and high water pressure to extract grime from many types of flooring and surfaces alike. It doesn’t use any chemicals at all! That’s what makes it so safe for your family.

Why Choose Steam Cleaning?

Steam cleaning is cost efficient. You won’t be spending money on chemicals or household cleaners! You won’t even need ‘em! We know- it’s a huge relief.

Steam cleaning is a versatile method of cleaning. It can clean anything from natural stone flooring, carpeting, tile and grout, and even counter top and draperies! Forget that scrub brush and mop and bucket; all you need is a good ‘ol steam cleaning machine!

The professionals can do it all for you. How convenient is that? You can save both time and energy by hiring a professional cleaning and restoration company to help you out. Just make sure you’re choosing wisely; sometimes it’s better to hire a professional than to rent a machine. A professional steam cleaning company will have the perfect equipment for the job.

The Steam Team is ready and willing to help clean your house today! Go online to view our cleaning and restoration services, and then give us a call! We’re available 24/7 for anything you might need, from cleaning up the house, to restoring your home after a disaster. Whatever it is, we’re here for you!

The 'Ins and Outs' of Cleaning

Leather is an intricate material; having a gorgeous shine and sleek feel that no other material can achieve. However, with such unique properties, comes its challenges- like cleaning and properly moisturizing over the years to ensure your leather furniture lasts as long as possible. The Steam Team cleaning company. We specialize in rug cleaning and tile cleaning too. 

What To Avoid:

When it comes to cleaning any leather, you should never use bleach or any ammonia-based cleaners. These chemicals can ruin the leather material, leaving it dry and discolored. In addition to chemicals, you should also avoid using abrasive towels or cloths to wipe down your sofa or other leather furniture. Anything too tough could leave the leather scratched or otherwise damaged.

What To Use, Instead:

Use a cleaning product specifically made for leather material. In some cases this can be just a wipe down with a damp, soft cloth- or in other cases, for a more thorough clean, you might want soap made for leather. In addition to cleaning soap, you’ll need a conditioner to work into the leather once every year or so to make sure the material doesn’t dry out.

Begin Cleaning...

Once you’ve found the proper cleaning solution and supplies, it’s time to begin! First, vacuum your sofa thoroughly and carefully. This is to avoid dust and dirt from rubbing into the leather as you clean and condition. Beginning from the top, work your way down, using a dampened microfiber cloth to gently clean the surface of your sofa. Make sure to rinse the cloth whenever it’s necessary. Dry your sofa with a fresh towel, and apply your favorite leather conditioner!

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! For amazing cleaning experiences call The Steam Team of Austin today!

How The Steam Team Restores Fire Damage

Fires are devastating events all around; there’s no easy way to get through a house fire. But with some professional help and a little know-how, The Steam Team can help you through the cleanup and restoration process! Below we’ll explain just how we can help in a situation like this one. And we sure hope you call on us if you’re ever in a time of need! We’ll be out in no time, and you’ll be floored by the results. If you have fire damaged area rugs we will pick them up clean them and deliver them back to your home or office. 

Call The Steam Team Immediately

The Steam Team is made up of a group of trained experts who specialize in cleaning up after fire (and water) damage! The most important thing during a fire is to make sure you act quickly. After you’ve made emergency contact and the situation has been diffused, it’s time to call the cleaning and restoration professionals: us. We’ll come in and inspect the area for damage, and begin performing services such as Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp (if they’re necessary).

Taking Care of the Damage

Unfortunately, oftentimes with fire damage, comes water damage. But don’t worry; we’ll help take care of that, too. We have all of the right equipment for the job and will have your home dry in no time! We’ll also examine for soot and smoke damage, and remove any traces of it. Smoke tends to permeate anything in comes into contact with; you’ll definitely need professional help with this one.

The Steam Team of Austin should be your first call (after emergency services, of course) during a disaster such as a house fire. You’d be surprised what the professionals can do! We can inspect, clean, and make repairs. So remember: don’t panic; just rely on The Steam Team. Our team of experts will diffuse this situation as fast as possible so you can have your home back in no time!