Do You Need to Rent Drying Equipment?

Restoration Drying Equipment

Steam cleaning has become a popular, environmentally-friendly cleaning method. It uses only heat and water to thoroughly clean and sanitize a variety of surfaces, including flooring, countertops, drapery, furniture, even pet beds and mattresses.  

How does steam cleaning work?

Steam cleaning uses water heated past the boiling point to clean dirt, debris, and contaminants, including bacteria, mold, and allergens. A floor wand shoots pressurized water onto the surface which is then immediately vacuumed into a holding tank. The high temperature of the water is what cleans and sanitizes at the same time. Also, by using only water, no additional chemicals are required to achieve a thorough and effective cleaning.

Does steam cleaning require separate drying equipment?

If done right, steam cleaning does not require the additional use of drying equipment. The water is hot enough to evaporate quickly, and efficient steam-cleaning equipment vacuums up excess water as you clean. Most professional steam-cleaners have a truck-mounted system, which is the preferable choice for shorter drying times. A truck-mounted system is able to use higher pressure and hotter temperatures, and it exhausts all the air and humidity from your home, leading to faster drying times.    

Buyer—and renter—beware.

The steam cleaners that you can buy or rent yourself often do not have enough suction power to suck up the excess water during the steam cleaning process. Many of the machines for rent are much older, too. Excess water risks the development of mildew. This is particularly a concern with certain types of flooring, such as carpet, where mildew growth could occur out of sight.

The Steam Team proudly offers a wide variety of cleaning and restoration services. From stain removal and carpet cleaning to fire and water damage restoration, The Steam Team has what it takes to complete any project! Contact us today to talk about your cleaning needs. Our team of experts would be pleased to assist you!

A Cleaning Method Using Eco-Friendly Products

Rug Cleaning In Austin, Tx

Consumers today are more aware of the potential environmental impact of the products and services they use. As a result, steam cleaning has become an increasingly popular method of cleaning thanks to its eco-friendliness. Using only water and heat, it is able to clean and sanitize most things, from carpet, vinyl, and tile flooring to drapery and furniture.

How is steam cleaning eco-friendly?

• Only water is used for a thorough, efficient cleaning—without any harsh chemicals. Steam cleaning uses water heated past the boiling point to clean dirt and debris, as well as bacteria, mold, and other allergens. The high temperature of the water does double-duty, cleaning and sanitizing. No additional chemicals need to be added to the water to achieve a thorough and effective cleaning.

• No drying equipment. Drying equipment draws a lot of power. But the water used in steam cleaning is hot enough to evaporate quickly, leading to shorter drying times. Also, a good steam cleaner vacuums up excess moisture from the surface as you clean, immediately sucking it into a holding tank. Most professional steam-cleaners have a truck-mounted system which is even more efficient at removing excess water than a home unit.

• Less water usage. Because a steam cleaner uses steam instead of water, it doesn’t require a lot of water to do the job. More specifically, it uses “dry” steam vapor, which is a high-temperature, low-moisture vapor containing only 5-6% water. This vapor system can produce thousands of gallons of dry steam from only 1.5 quarts of water—per hour! Beware products claiming to be steam cleaners that do not use the vapor system. Their water usage will be much higher.       

The Steam Team proudly offers a wide variety of cleaning and restoration services. From stain removal and carpet cleaning to fire and water damage restoration, The Steam Team has what it takes to complete any project! Contact us today to talk about your cleaning needs. Our team of experts would be pleased to assist you!

Steam Team: What to Know About Carpet Cleaning

Cleaning Service

When it comes to the cons of installing carpet in your home, the inevitable stains, spills, rips, and shedding are just the tip of the iceberg. What’s worse, you ask? A carpet’s shrinkage.

We know- before you read this blog, you had no idea that carpet could shrink, and you’re immediately frustrated that your once perfect living room floor could someday be very much so imperfect. Fortunately, we’re here to take the edge off. We’ll explain why carpet shrinkage occurs, and how you can avoid this potential-problem altogether!

Causes of Carpet Shrinkage

Carpet shrinkage has everything to do with the carpet’s moisture content. For instance, a change in ambient humidity levels, or the carpet being overly-wet during a cleaning could cause shrinkage or expansion. Naturally, outdoor carpet is even more prone to shrinking if not installed correctly.

Don’t worry- if your carpet was properly installed, it shouldn’t shrink or expand, but it’s still wise to know the signs. Are the seams in your carpet splitting? Is your carpet pulling itself away from the room’s perimeter?

Professional Care vs DIY

The DIY debate will always be around. It’s easy to consider cleaning your carpets yourself, with a multitude of online resources at your fingertips. But as a leading professional steam cleaning company in Austin, TX- we always encourage our customers to have their carpets professionally treated at least once a year (depending on the amount of traffic your flooring endures).

And of course, if you suspect your carpet is shrinking or you’d like to ensure your new carpet is installed properly, don’t hesitate to contact the pro’s. The Steam Team has the knowledge, experience, and equipment to make sure your project begins and ends smoothly. Give us a call today!

Cleaning & Restoring the Outdoor Patio with Concrete Staining

Cleaning 

It’s mid-winter; we’re covering plants, igniting our fireplaces, and hunkering down beneath blankets and throws. In our sleep, we can’t help but dream of sun shining days, clear skies, blossoming flowers- and of course- we dream of admiring it all from our picturesque patios.

Spring will be here before we know it. As you’re preparing your home for the change in season, consider extending your efforts to the patio- (where the porch swing awaits, ready for daydreamy visits). A concrete staining is a simple, yet effective way of revamping an old stain job, or changing the atmosphere altogether.

It’s Cost Efficient

Often times, the cost of remodeling, repairing, etc is the most daunting part of beginning a project, but concrete staining is more cost-efficient than most people understand. That’s why we encourage homeowners to have their concrete floors professionally cleaned, and then stained- instead of having them replaced altogether!

It Makes a Difference!

Flooring has a major influence in a room’s aesthetic appeal, and this is no less true outdoors, on the patio. Staining the concrete is a relatively simple way to alter the atmosphere on your patio- you can change the color, shade, or even brightness and tint!

It’s Not Permanent

Concrete staining is not permanent; it’s relatively easy to reverse its effect by layering the flooring with a different shade. A professional cleaning and restoration company can easily do this for you!

With years of experience tackling a wide array of projects, The Steam Team is  your number one choice for cleaning and restoration in Austin, Texas! Our team of experts have over a decade of knowledge and experience, and with the help of our industrial-strength equipment, can complete any project around your home or office! From concrete staining, to tile and grout cleaning, to air duct and upholstery sanitizing, The Steam Team can do it all!

Cleaning: How to Spot Treat the Most Stubborn Stains

Smoke Damage 

There’s simply no way to catch every toppling wine glass, or every muddy paw before it reaches our beautiful, once-flawless carpet. So what can we do to treat these pesky carpet stains?

Pets

Oftentimes, urine stains are left behind after house training sessions, or muddy pawprints plague our entryways. To start, urine stains must always be treated with an enzymatic cleaner. As for mud, vacuum the solid pieces first, and thoroughly dry the carpet. Afterward, combine a teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid with warm water, and blot away!

Wine & Grape Juice

The dining room, the carpet beneath the bedside table, or even the living room: all common places for wine stains! To treat these stains, soak a sponge in a mixture of one tablespoon of ammonia, and two cups of warm water. Blot the stain, and rinse with cold water after it’s been removed.

Bodily Fluids

Blood and vomit will likely require a professional’s attention. But until these pro’s arrive, layer the affected area with a coat of baking soda. This will help to reduce the foul odor that’s likely oozing from the stain.

Coffee

Coffee stains- the typical light-brownish-yellowish patches that are found near desks, or on kitchen rugs. Try applying your own mixture of dishwasher detergent and white vinegar. Blot the stain, as opposed to rubbing!

Ink

Pens break frequently and we’re lucky if the ink misses our clothing on its way down to our once-pristine office carpeting! Ink can be removed by applying rubbing alcohol to a white cloth, and blotting the area until the cloth comes back clean.

If you’ve given these tactics a try without success, consider calling your local carpet cleaning service, or restoration company, but certainly don’t let those stains sit any longer. The Steam Team is made up of experienced technicians who can restore your carpet to its previous condition. Call today!

Hardwood Flooring: To Replace, or Refinish?

Hardwood Floor Cleaning In Austin Texas

While hardwood flooring looks beautiful in our homes, it certainly takes a beating throughout its lifetime. Between staining, warping, chipping and dinging, it’s difficult to stay on top of the wear and tear! At a certain point something must be done to the flooring itself, and we don’t just mean deep cleaning. Sometimes either the hardwood needs to be replaced, or refinished!

Let us start by saying that it is almost always preferable to refinish your hardwood, instead of outright replacing the flooring. But why is this? And when do we know to replace our flooring, instead of giving it a mere “face lift?” We’ll answer these questions below, as well as explain the benefits of hiring a professional to care for your home!

Refinishing

If you’re looking to brighten or alter the color of your floorboards, start by refinishing. More drastic changes (like changing the direction of the planks, for instance) require replacing. But otherwise, you’re likely fine with a simple refinishing- and scratches and gouges will improve, too!

How can you tell that you need a refinishing? If you’re cleaning your floors, and it’s no longer doing any good for their appearance; they still seem dull and dingy. Perhaps it’s time!

Replacing

Replacing the flooring is, of course, the more pricy of the two options, although sometimes this is the only option. If the floorboards are warped, for instance, or there are several dings, cracks, and other signs of damage, you’ll likely need a replacement. Hire a professional for this process, as it’s easy to make a mistake and ruin your project (and your pocketbook)!

Calling in the Pro’s

When it comes time to refinish your hardwood flooring, it’s best to contact your local cleaning and restoration company! Doing so can prevent further damage (and more expensive costs). The Steam Team has the best trained technicians for the job- don’t hesitate, give us a call today! Hardwood floor cleaning in Austin, Texas.

Fire Damage Restoration: The Insurance Process

The Steam Team Helping Install Fire Alarms

When you and your home or place of business are victims of fire damage, the recovery process can be overwhelming. One of the first things you’ll need to do is contact your home insurance company to discuss how to proceed—and ASAP, to prevent further damage to belongings that could potentially be saved. We’ve compiled some tips for communicating with your insurance company during the claims process.  

Leave a trail

Document everything! Have a mindset of gathering proof or evidence, in case any challenges come up later. Confirm updates on your claim or any promises made over the phone by sending a quick follow-up email or letter.   

Be polite and proactive

Everything goes into the company’s records, so no matter how frustrated or justified you feel, refrain from saying or writing anything that would make you come across uncooperative or the cause of any delays or problems. And don’t make the insurance company a target of your venting emotions related to your loss. Instead, be proactive about staying in touch and offering proof of your losses.  

Stay organized

Keep a separate folder, notebook, and/or binder of all paper mail and printouts, and organize any related electronic communications in a separate folder in your inbox. Also, keep a diary of when you spoke with your insurance company, to track info and jog your memory should you need to look back.

Cleanup and restoration are going to require professional help, so you’ll want your insurance company on your side. After speaking with your insurance, you will need to hire a company that can take care of the fire and water damage. It’s important to act fast to minimize permanent damage. The Steam Team offers restoration services 24/7 within 24–48 hours of a fire. Call the emergency line at 800-880-7785, and we will send out a restoration professional to assess the extent of the fire or water damage and provide you with an estimate of costs.   

Carpet Cleaning: Steaming Away the Stench

Carpet And Rug Cleaning 

We often treat our pets as if they’re human. They seem to fit in perfectly with the family, and they even get along well with our closest friends! However… no matter how endearing our pets are they still stink! To make matters worse, pet odors are oftentimes more difficult to remove than stains, as they’re more deeply embedded into carpet/fabric fibers. Pet urine is the number one culprit. So, what, if anything, can we do to relieve our nostrils of this uncomfortable stench, left behind by our darling pets?

Pre-Treating Stains

Hopefully you’ve caught the urine stain in good time. If you happen to be so lucky, begin pretreating the stain immediately! Choose one cleaning solution and stick with it- but make sure it’s appropriate for this kind of stain!

If you’re dealing with a urine puddle, immediately soak up the moisture by layering newspaper over several paper towels, and pressing the affected area. Once fully dry, pretreat the stain with an enzymatic cleaning solution- the best solution for the job.

Permanently Removing Stains & Odors

First- understand that not all stains are going to come up. Sometimes, professional intervention is necessary. Until The Steam Team (or your local cleaning/restoration company) arrives, try mixing a solution of two cups of cool water, and a tablespoon each of vinegar, and dishwashing liquid. Blot into the stain and periodically rinse with clean water.

Hiring a Professional

Pet urine alone is a difficult stain/odor to battle. Don’t fight alone! Give your local cleaning and restoration company a call. The Steam Team has the perfect amount of know-how and high-quality equipment to remove stains from your carpet and upholstery- for good! Finally, you can go back to loving on your pets, and not just cleaning up after them. For rug cleaning call The Steam Team at 512-451-8326 today.

It's Time to Clean the Air Ducts!

Air Duct Cleaning In Austin, Texas

Have you ever considered cleaning the air ducts in your home? If not, consider this: according to the EPA, some studies indicate that we spend as much as 90% of our time indoors, and that the air in some homes and buildings is more polluted than the air outdoors. The young, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions, such as respiratory or cardiovascular disease, are most at risk.

The EPA advises that duct cleaning has not been shown to actually prevent health problems. However, if anyone in your household is suffering from allergies or any unexplained symptoms or illnesses, visually inspect your air ducts for mold growth. Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be easily accessible, so you’ll need to ask a service provider to check into it and show you the mold growth, if there is any. You can easily view air-return grills and ceiling vents yourself. Other reasons to clean your air ducts include infestation by insects or vermin, or an excessive amount of dust and debris, causing particles to be released when the system is running. Whatever the cause, be sure to address the root problem, or the issue will recur even after a thorough cleaning.  

Duct cleaning may also involve the use of biocides and sealants. A biocide kills bacteria and mold and prevents future growth, while a sealant prevents dust within the duct system from being released into the air. Both are chemical products and may involve adverse reactions. Educate yourself on the pros and cons. A service provider can accommodate your preference for avoiding use of either product.

A duct-cleaning service provider will also be able to clean certain heating and cooling components that should help your system run more efficiently. Cleaning of heating and cooling coils and drain pans, regular filter changes, and inspections of heating equipment should be part of your annual home maintenance routine.

If your air ducts are due for an inspection and/or cleaning, don’t hesitate to contact The Steam Team. Air duct cleaning is just one of the many services we provide!

All About Marble Polishing

Marble and Stone Cleaning

Perhaps the home you desire represents your personality, embodies your family core values, and welcomes your loved ones with open arms. When it comes to picking out the perfect materials to create this very atmosphere, options are plentiful. Do you dream of cozy wood floors or plush carpets? Dazzling tile, or stunning natural wood? While the choices seem endless, there’s one material that stands out amongst its competition: Marble.

Marble is a natural material formed from crystallized limestone. It is used in flooring, countertops, walls, columns, vanities, and more. It’s gorgeous, modern, and luxurious; one of the few downsides to installing marble is that it’s not as easy to clean and maintain as other materials.

Marble’s components make it extremely sensitive to acid and cleaning products. In addition to this marble is susceptible to scratches. Over time, it loses its luster and becomes dingy or scratched.

When cleaning marble tile or flooring, avoid cleaners which use bleach, lemon, or vinegar. Instead, you can try a mixture of warm water and diluted dish soap. This homemade mixture is both cost-efficient and gentle on the marble’s sensitive surface.

If you set out to use an all-purpose cleaner, remember to dilute with water, and to also check the label on the bottle! Make sure the label specifically states that the solution is safe to use on marble.

Though it can be difficult to care for, we encourage you to allow your dream of marble flooring and columns to flourish! This is easier done alongside the professionals. The Steam Team’s expertise and professional-grade equipment are no match for the scratches, blemishes, and flaws in your marble. It’s not just carpet, tile, and hardwood that we specialize in. We’re happy to inspect your marble floorings and restore them to their dazzling condition!

Stone Cleaning In Austin, TX

Stone Floor Cleaning In Austin, Texas

Marble has been used in art and architecture for millennia as a beautiful- yet strong and durable material. It is a type of metamorphic rock, which is a sedimentary rock—such as limestone—that has been transformed by heat and pressure in the earth. Marble is more rare than limestone, and therefore more expensive. It also has a finer grain, and can be highly polished, which contributes to its decorative appeal.   

Marble is also delicate, so if you are lucky enough to have it in your home, you are probably aware that it requires particular care to avoid damage. Here are a few reminders how to best care for marble.

Natural v.s. Cultured Marble

Before you determine a cleaning method, first check which type of marble you have. Natural marble is generally cooler to the touch, and will fizz in contact with a couple of drops of vinegar (wipe away the vinegar quickly!). In contrast, cultured marble is manufactured with a protective coating that makes it easier to care for and less likely to experience damage.  

If You Have Natural Marble…

Natural marble is very porous, so you must take care to avoid using cleaners with acidic ingredients. Marble also scratches easily, so don’t use anything abrasive, either, such as hard brushes or Comet. Instead use a pH neutral cleaning solution, such as ammonia or dish soap highly diluted with water, with a gentle mop.

Steam cleaning should also be a safe alternative cleaning method for your natural marble flooring, since it only uses water (no harsh chemicals) and doesn’t involve any scrubbing.       

Also be sure to clean up spills immediately before they seep in. If you clean your marble floor with water, dry it afterward with towels to avoid the water soaking in and staining the floor.

If you Have Cultured Marble…

Cultured marble is not as delicate as natural marble. You may use standard household cleaners, even those that contain acidic ingredients. You also don’t have to be as careful about accidentally scratching it! Whew!

Check with The Steam Team about how we can help you clean your marble flooring. With the right know-how and professional equipment, we’ll take the pressure off of how to treat your prized flooring!

Carpet Cleaning In Round Rock, Texas

Round Rock Carpet Cleaning

In recent years, the demand for effective (yet environmentally-friendly) cleaning methods has caused steam cleaning to gain popularity. Homeowners are not only renting and owning their own steam cleaners, but also enlisting the help of professional steam cleaning companies. In today’s post we’ll look at how effective this method truly is. But first, let’s review a bit of background info!   

What is Steam Cleaning?

A steam cleaner utilizes water (heated past the boiling point) to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants. Afterward, its intense heat quickly and effectively dries all remaining moisture. Steam works well on impervious surfaces, such as countertops, laminate floors, carpet, and tile, as well as on upholstered furniture, window treatments, and even mattresses! Hardwood flooring, however, may become damaged by a steam cleaner’s heat and moisture, so it’s best to use a different method if you have this type of flooring in your home. A steam cleaner can even be used to clean pet beds, or children’s toys!

An All-in-One Method of Cleaning

Hypothetically, if you were forced to stick to just one cleaning method for your home, steam cleaning would be your best bet. Here’s why:

Steam cleaning...

• Destroys dirt, debris, dust mites, bacteria, mold, allergens, and more

• Destroys fleas and flea eggs

• Sanitizes without the use of additional chemicals

• Dries efficiently, eliminating the risk of mold growth

• Is safe for those with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities

• Will not leave behind chemical residue

• Is easier on our bodies (no scrubbing, scraping, or multiple rounds of rubbing)

The Steam Team proudly offers a wide variety of cleaning and restoration services. From stain removal and carpet cleaning to fire and water damage restoration, The Steam Team has what it takes to complete any project! Contact us today to talk about your cleaning needs- our team of experts would be pleased to assist you! Carpet cleaning in Round Rock, Texas. 

Water Damage Georgetown Texas

Water Damage In Georgetown Texas

No matter how prepared we are, we simply can’t predict the wrath of a disastrous house fire. Fire spreads relentlessly, damaging our possessions, and sometimes- our entire homes. Regardless of the degree of damage, house fires are devastating and the aftermath is daunting.

In best-case scenarios our homes get away with minimal fire damage. But even if these cases, most of us are unprepared for cleaning up the smoke, ash, and soot that blankets our belongings! It’s best to begin the cleanup process with the help of a professional cleaning and restoration company- like The Steam Team.

In the meantime, we’ll provide a few handy tips for handling the aftermath of fire damage in your home.

Launder All Washable Items

Anything that can withstand a machine wash should be put into the washer as soon as possible! Afterward, gather the remaining affected items to be dropped off at your local dry cleaner.

Be sure to check on the washer in between the next two steps…

Wash Walls & Surfaces

Left behind ash and soot will perpetuate odors inside your home. Use a rented steam cleaner (or a professional restoration company) to wash interior walls and surfaces. This method is perfectly safe for everyone involved: the environment, your children, and pets. A steam cleaner will use nothing but high water pressure and intense heat to remove soot and ash without leaving behind any residue.

Steam Clean Upholstery, Drapes, & More

Curtains and drapes can be sprayed down with deodorizing products (just be careful not to use sprays which only mask the odor), or otherwise steam cleaned. Steam cleaning is also safe for upholstered furniture, countertops, flooring, tables and chairs, and so many more items.

Once again- in the event of a fire in your home, don’t wait; call The Steam Team! You’d be surprised by a steam cleaner’s effective and efficient results!

Steam Team: All About Refinishing Hardwood Flooring After Water Damage

Water Damage In Round Rock, Texas

Hardwood flooring is often chosen for it’s aesthetic appeal; this type of flooring makes the living room more charming, wholesome, and welcoming. And yes- it’s relatively simple to clean and care for. However, over time wear and tear will become more apparent. Scratches, dings and discoloration stand out, and you’ll wonder if it’s time to have all of the hardwood floors replaced.

But maybe you don’t need to replace your flooring! Often times, hardwood flooring can be salvaged by trained professionals. By replacing a few boards, and making necessary repairs, a team of experts can restore your flooring to its previous condition!

The Refinishing Process

Refinishing hardwood flooring involves several steps that may vary depending on the situation. Below, we’ll list the basic steps involved in the process:

Step 1: Sanding

If your hardwood has a wax coating over its finish, or if the wood underneath has been dinged and damaged, your finish will need to be entirely sanded down- until your hardwood is completely bare!

Step 2: Staining

Though sanding may add time and cost to your refinishing project, it’s the perfect way to alter the color of hardwood flooring. A professional will apply several coats of stain, and will likely need to sand in between applications.

Step 3: Finishing & Coating

The last step, applying the final finish on your hardwood flooring, is the step best left for professionals. There are so many varying types of stain (both oil and water based), each accompanied by a specific set of rules that you do not want to break! By hiring a professional, you can avoid causing further damage.

Don’t despair- this process doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Call your local cleaning and restoration company today; they’ll have the correct equipment and experience for the job- we know that our experts at The Steam Team do!

Hiring Professionals For Cleaning in Cedar Park, TX

Maid Service Austin

Between the ever-inspiring Pinterest posts and a ceaseless flow of “How To,” Youtube videos, the Internet can theoretically teach us just about anything. We’re officially living in the do-it-yourself era!

DIY goes beyond crafts, recipes, and home repairs. In addition to these, the Internet provides us with a multitude of different cleaning methods to try out! When we spill wine on the carpet, we’re quick to run a Google search- and typically, we find a solution that works. But this begs the question: when should we attempt a project by ourselves, and when should we hire a professional, instead?

Why Hire a Professional?

Sure, there’s an obvious cost difference in hiring a professional steam cleaning company, as opposed to utilizing the cleaning solutions in your cupboard. However, It’s important to read labels carefully, as most chemicals aren’t meant to be mixed with the components of your flooring. Using these is a very common, simple mistake.

It’s no secret that DIY projects often go awry. Sometimes, no matter how much time you’ve spent planning, how many videos, articles, and blogs you’ve read- it just doesn’t come out right!

Avoid the letdown; by using industrial strength equipment and utilizing years of experience and expertise, a professional cleaning and restoration company will put out all of the forest fires- without starting new ones.

Professional, Reliable Results

Don’t hesitate to give The Steam Team a call! There’s a reason we call ourselves professionals. We pride ourselves on our ability to restore your home to its spotless, stain-free condition- all at an affordable price! While we’re sure you’re a DIY Master- why not avoid the hassle this time around? Let The Steam Team take care of your home this season.

Water Damage In Austin

The Steam Team Office In Austin, Texas

Pets make loyal, loveable additions to the family, but they’re not the most considerate of companions… especially when it comes to the carpet. For starters, our pets don’t think twice about tracking mud around, and housetraining is a battle in itself.

We’ve compiled a few tips to help you implement a system that protects your carpet from day-to-day damage.

Keep an Enzymatic Cleaner On hand

It’s important to use an enzymatic cleaner on urine—it’s the only product that contains enzymes that break down the non-water-soluble components in urine, such as uric acid. Use as directed on the bottle. If the stain persists, you can try your trusty commercial carpet cleaner, or mix your own solution, using water and dish detergent, or water, baking soda, and white vinegar. As we always suggest... Remember not to scrub the stain. Instead, blot the area with a clean cloth.

Set Up a Paw-Wiping Station

After romping around the muddy backyard, Fido hurries inside, leaving filthy paw prints in his path! Do yourself (and your flooring) a favor and set up a paw-wiping station near the entryway.

Spread out a towel (or doormat) at the backdoor, suitable for your pet to step on as they enter. You can layer this towel with a damp, smaller towel to help wipe away mud. Set a spray bottle and soft bristle brush nearby, if necessary.

Conceal High-Traffic Areas with Decorative Rugs

An area rug is easier to replace than carpet! A smaller pattern will be more forgiving of dust, dirt, and fur. Be sure to include your area rugs in your normal vacuuming routine.

Hire the Professionals

How often should you have your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned? Well, this will depend on how much foot traffic/wear and tear your carpet has endured. Contact The Steam Team if you notice any staining, discoloration, or if your home needs a professional’s magic touch!

3 Benefits of Properly Caring for Leather Furniture

Upholstery Cleaning Specialists

It’s time for a new year, and perhaps a new atmosphere! It can feel refreshing to rearrange the living room from time to time, but if you really want to change things up, try swapping out those worn out recliners with a set of brand new, leather sofas or chairs!

Many homeowners prefer leather upholstery because of its aesthetic appeal, but also for its benefits! If we take the time to properly care for leather, it can outlast our other furniture pieces- and look better, too.

Longevity

Whatever you do, don’t do nothing! It’s up to us to make sure our leather receives the proper attention; without our care, we can dramatically decrease our furniture’s lifespan.

Appearance

Did you know excessive exposure to sunlight can cause leather furniture to fade and dry out over time?  It’s true! Shielding your leather furniture from direct sunlight will reduce discoloration and help the material to hold in moisture.

Prevent permanent staining by cleaning up spills as quickly as possible. Make sure you have the correct upholstery cleaner on hand, and before using a new cleaning solution, perform a spot test on a hidden area of the furniture (the back or underside of a couch).

Comfort

Do you remember how comfortable your sofa was on the day it was brought into your living room? The leather was likely smooth, even-toned, and flawless! There wasn’t single crack or tear in sight.

There are products available which are specially formulated to replenish and rejuvenate your leather furniture. Your sofa can remain just as smooth as it’s first day- with the proper, consistent care and conditioning.

If it’s time to have your leather  furniture deep cleaned, or thoroughly conditioned, The Steam Team would be happy to assist you! Just give us a call today, and before long we’ll have your leather furniture looking good as new!

Keeping Tile Looking Clean and Pristine

Cleaning and Restoration Awards 2016 Austin, Texas

When it comes to keeping our homes clean, and I mean really clean, we’re not always the best at getting the job done. Between work, traffic, the kids, driving to meetings and functions and having some semblance of a life, doing a good clean job of the floors usually gets pushed down to, well -- the floor.

It’s not that we don’t try. We’ll run the vacuum around and we’ll even pull out the mop before company comes over, but when was the last time you got on your hands and knees with an old toothbrush and scrubbed the grout and tile?

Yeah. That’s what we thought.

And hey, we’re not blaming you! We get it. That’s why we’re here. Not only does The Steam Team specialize in getting your carpets soft, clean, and stain-free, but we’re pros at grout, tile, and ceramic floors as well!

Steam Cleaning Your Tile & Grout

We don’t think you should have to spend the time and energy doing the backbreaking work when our professionals can get it done much faster and with much better results.  

By using scalding water, high-pressured steam, and years and year of experience we’re able to get floors dazzling, clean, and restored to their original color. The dirt, mold, and gunk in your grout will vanish and your floor will look as good as new!

So what can you do to keep your tile and grout floors clean year round? Clean up any messes or spills immediately and thoroughly. Use mats to wipe up feet before coming in or leave shoes outside to avoid tracking in dirt and debris. And finally, know when it’s time to put down the toothbrush and call in the professionals. Stop accepting dirty, worn, and dull looking tile as a part of your live and get your floors back to the way they looked when you installed them!

Proper Care for Area Rugs

Area Rug Cleaning Expert Josh Lasch

Maybe your area rug serves to conceal a nasty carpet stain in your living room! Or perhaps it’s the piece that makes the entire atmosphere- or maybe to you, it’s just a rug! No matter its purpose, your area rug will undoubtedly collect enough dust and dirt to warrant a thorough, deep cleaning every once in awhile! In the interim, follow these tips on keeping your rugs in their best condition!

Regular Cleaning & Maintenance

Routine vacuuming is the very best thing you can do for your area rugs (just be careful not to vacuum over fringes!). Determine how frequently you should vacuum by observing foot traffic. Rugs placed in areas with high foot traffic will obviously need to be vacuumed more often (sorry, parents and pet owners!).

If your rug is placed over tile or hardwood flooring, don’t forget to sweep this area thoroughly, too. It may be more convenient to knock out both of these chores simultaneously.

Stain Removal

It’s time to put those cat-like reflexes to good use! As always, we can prevent permanent staining by catching spills as soon as they happen. For liquid stains, start by absorbing as much of the moisture as possible with a clean, white cloth. Next, be careful to blot the stain, as opposed to rubbing the affected area (doing this will likely deepen the stain). Your cleaning solution can be as simple as a spray bottle mixture of warm water,  ¼ tablespoon of Dawn, and 1/4  cup of white vinegar. Spray the affected area, let the mixture settle for 5-10 minutes, and then blot the stain away with a clean cloth.

Professional Care, Professional Results

For impressive results that you can rely on, call The Steam Team today for cleaning in Round Rock, Texas! Our team of experts will work to remove old stains, fresh stains, dust, dirt, allergens- all of it- until your area rugs look brand new!

3 Commercial Cleaning Tips in Cedar Park Texas: Winter Edition

Water Damage In Round Rock Texas

2016 was quite the year for your office! And as it comes to a close, perhaps you’d like to have your workspace thoroughly cleaned out, your carpets washed, your window treatments dusted- the list goes on and on! You’re not sure where to begin, but you know that you must start off the new year on the right foot. And that begins with starting the work week in a clean, healthy environment.

Disinfecting Workspaces & Other Surfaces

Winter time is the worst time of year for the common cold, flu, and other respiratory illnesses! Germs spread like wildfire; even now, you’re probably recalling several coworkers who’ve gone home early in recent weeks. What can you do?

Thankfully, The Steam Team can help to thoroughly disinfect your office. Germs, bacteria, allergens- you name it; they’re no match for a steam cleaner’s intense heat and pressurized water. This method of cleaning is completely safe for the environment, and will not leave behind any excess moisture or harmful residue- so there’s no need to worry about mold growth!

Flooring

Regular vacuuming routines do wonders for keeping up with the dust, dirt, and allergens that plague our carpets on a daily basis. It’s likely that the cleaning crew does a fabulous job of this, but we should still expect the office flooring to need the occasional deep cleaning, just as a house might. But don’t worry- The Steam Team can do all of the heavy leg work.

Call The Steam Team

Don’t let the daunting task of deep cleaning your office overwhelm you! The Steam Team is always willing to help out. With our qualified team of experts and their professional-grade equipment, we’ll have your office looking, smelling, and feeling perfectly pristine! Those who step foot in your office will beg to know your secret! Water Damage in Round Rock Texas