Cleaning the Textiles That We Live On

AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists recently had the opportunity to restore a semi-antique mohair loveseat that was believed to be 50-60 years old. The loveseat was in desperate disrepair and had pre-existing moth damage from being stored unprotected in a barn. In this blog post, we will define what mohair is, how to clean mohair furniture, what moths are, why they eat natural protein fibers, and how AmeriClean can treat the textile to prevent moth damage in the future.

What is Mohair?

Firstly, mohair is a fabric made from the hair of the Angora goat. It is known for its softness, luster, and durability. Mohair is often used in high-end furniture, as it is a luxurious and elegant material.

How to Clean Mohair

Cleaning mohair furniture requires special care, as it is a delicate material. First, it is important to remove any loose dirt and dust using a soft-bristled brush or vacuum. Next, a gentle cleaner specifically designed for mohair should be used. It is important to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire piece. After cleaning, the furniture should be left to air dry.

What are Moths?

Moths are small, flying insects that are known to cause damage to natural protein fibers, such as wool, silk, and mohair. Moths are attracted to these fibers because they contain keratin, a protein that is found in animal hair and skin. Moths will lay their eggs on these fibers, and the larvae will feed on the keratin as they develop into adult moths.

How to Prevent Moths from Damaging Furniture & Rugs

To prevent moth damage, it is important to store natural fiber textiles in a clean, dry place. Regular cleaning and vacuuming can also help to prevent infestations. At AmeriClean, we offer a moth treatment that can be applied to natural fiber textiles to prevent moth damage in the future. This treatment has a lifespan of about 10 years, but it is water soluble, so it will come off when the furniture is cleaned. Additionally, this treatment can also be added to natural wool and silk area rugs.

In conclusion, if you have any natural fiber textiles that are in need of cleaning or restoration, AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists is here to help. We offer professional services for delicate fabrics, including our moth treatment to prevent future damage. You can contact us today at 301-739-4640 or visit our website at GoAmeriClean.com to learn more and schedule an appointment. Trust us to restore your treasured textiles to their original beauty!

At AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists, we take pride in our ability to transform even the most challenging tile and grout floors. Recently, we had the opportunity to work on a beautiful travertine tile floor that was in need of professional cleaning.

Despite the homeowner’s best efforts, their busy lifestyle and daily wear and tear had left the once-beautiful tiles looking dull and dingy. The grout lines were also deeply stained, and no amount of at-home cleaning seemed to make a difference.

Thankfully, the homeowners decided to call AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists for a professional cleaning before giving up on their floor. Our team of experts arrived at the home and quickly got to work, using our specialized tools and techniques to restore the floor to its former glory.

As you can see in the before and after photo, the results were nothing short of remarkable. The once dull and dingy tiles were now shining and vibrant, and the deeply stained grout lines were now clean and uniform. The homeowners were thrilled with the outcome and were relieved that they did not have to replace their beautiful travertine floor.

What is Travertine?

Travertine tile is a natural stone tile that’s popular in many homes and businesses today. Unlike man-made tiles such as porcelain and ceramic, travertine is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock that’s formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate in hot springs and limestone caves. It’s known for its unique and beautiful patterns, which are the result of the minerals that are present in the rock during formation.

Travertine tile is a popular choice for flooring because of its durability and timeless beauty. However, because it’s a natural stone, it’s more porous than man-made tiles and requires a bit more care to keep it looking its best. For example, it’s important to avoid acidic cleaners and harsh chemicals that can etch or damage the surface of the stone.

Identifying Travertine Tile

At AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists, we take great care to ensure that every job is done right the first time. That’s why our cleaning process always begins with proper tile identification and testing to determine exactly what type of tile we’re working with.

When it comes to natural stone tiles like travertine, it’s essential to know the specific type of stone and its unique properties. Using the wrong cleaning products or techniques can cause irreversible damage to the stone, leading to costly repairs or replacement.

That’s why our team of experts carefully tests the tile to determine its porosity and vulnerability to staining and etching. Once we’ve identified the tile and determined the best cleaning approach, we use our specialized equipment and cleaning products to safely and effectively clean the tile and grout without damaging the natural stone surface.

For example, we avoid using harsh acidic cleaners that are commonly used on synthetic tiles because they can etch and ruin natural stone floors immediately. Instead, we use mild, pH-neutral cleaners that are specifically formulated for natural stone surfaces.

How to tell if your tile floor is natural stone or synthetic:

It can sometimes be challenging to tell whether your tile floor is made of natural stone or synthetic material, especially if you’re not familiar with the different types of tile. However, there are a few signs you can look for that may help you determine the type of tile you have.

One of the most significant differences between natural stone and synthetic tile is the appearance. Natural stone tiles like travertine have unique patterns and variations in color that are not found in synthetic tiles like porcelain or ceramic. These patterns are created by the natural process of the stone’s formation and cannot be replicated in synthetic tiles.

Another way to tell if your tile floor is natural stone or synthetic is to look for scratches or chips. Natural stone tiles are more susceptible to damage from everyday wear and tear, so they may have more visible scratches and chips than synthetic tiles. Synthetic tiles, on the other hand, are more durable and resistant to scratches and chips.

You can also try performing a water absorption test to determine whether your tile floor is natural stone or synthetic. Place a few drops of water on the surface of the tile and wait a few minutes. If the water is absorbed into the tile, then it’s likely a natural stone tile. If the water beads up on the surface, then it’s likely a synthetic tile.

If you’re still unsure about the type of tile you have, it’s best to consult a professional. At AmeriClean, we have more advanced methods of determining the type of tile construction. So, if you have us clean your natural stone floors like travertine, we’ll be sure to clean with the proper chemistry ensuring no damage to your investment.

Impregnating Sealer for Natural Stone is Always Recommended — and It Protects the Grout Too!

Once the cleaning was complete, the floors were then sealed using an impregnating sealer that’s designed to protect natural stone tile and grout. This sealer penetrates deeply into the pores of the stone and grout, creating a barrier that helps to repel dirt, water, and other substances that can cause staining or damage.

By using an impregnating sealer, we’re able to provide our clients with added protection for their natural stone floors, helping to keep them looking beautiful for years to come. Whether you have natural stone tiles like travertine or man-made tiles like porcelain and ceramic, AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists has the expertise and knowledge to help keep your floors looking their best.

What is an impregnating sealer for natural stone tile floors?

An impregnating sealer is a type of sealer that’s designed to penetrate deeply into the pores of natural stone tile floors. This sealer is made up of a blend of special ingredients, including resins and solvents, that work together to create a protective barrier within the stone.

The impregnating sealer works by filling the microscopic pores and capillaries within the stone, helping to repel water, oil, and other substances that can cause staining or damage. This type of sealer doesn’t leave a surface coating on the stone, allowing the natural beauty of the stone to shine through.

Because natural stone tiles like travertine are porous and absorbent, they’re more susceptible to staining and damage from spills, dirt, and other substances. An impregnating sealer helps to protect the stone from these types of damage, making it easier to maintain and clean over time.

At AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists, we use only the highest-quality impregnating sealers for our natural stone tile floors. These sealers are specifically formulated to provide long-lasting protection and can help to extend the life of your natural stone floors.

At AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists, we understand the value of a clean and beautiful tile floor. We take pride in our ability to transform even the most challenging floors and leave our customers satisfied with the results. Whether you have a travertine, ceramic, or any other type of tile floor, we have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done right.

So if you’re tired of looking at dull, dirty tiles, give AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists a call today at 301-739-4640 or visit our website at GoAmeriClean.com. Let us help you restore the beauty of your tile floor and create a clean and inviting living space.

We barely noticed the orange and yellow floral accents when it was dirty (before picture).

This beautiful purple Syno-Persian rug was a rare find for us. Even when we sent it to our rug ID expert friends, they all stated that this was a unique piece. To us, it’s like gold-mining when we find these rare pieces of treasure in our community. Then to be trusted to wash and care for the resurrection of the rug is a complete honor.

About Cleaning Fine Oriental Rugs

When it comes to cleaning a fine Syno-Persian area rug, there are several things to consider to ensure that the rug is cleaned properly and effectively without damaging it. One of the most important factors to take into account is ensuring that the dyes in the rug are stable before washing. In this blog post, we will explore why this is so crucial, and the steps you need to take to professionally wash a fine Syno-Persian area rug.

Why is it important to check dye stability?

Syno-Persian rugs are made using a variety of natural fibers and dyes, including wool, silk, and vegetable dyes. While these materials are known for their durability and longevity, they can be sensitive to harsh chemicals and incorrect cleaning methods. One of the most significant risks when cleaning a Syno-Persian rug is the possibility of the dyes bleeding or fading, resulting in an irreparable loss of color and value. That’s why it’s important to test the dye stability before washing the rug to ensure that the dyes won’t run or bleed.

How to test the dye stability

To test the dye stability of a Syno-Persian rug, you need to use a mild detergent and lukewarm water to clean a small, inconspicuous area of the rug. This can be done using a soft brush or a clean, white cloth. If the dye remains stable and there is no color bleeding, then you can proceed with washing the rest of the rug. However, if the dye does bleed or the colors start to fade, it is best to stop immediately and seek professional help.

Professional washing process

Once you have tested the dye stability and determined that the rug is safe to clean (colorfast), you can begin the washing process. Here are the steps involved:

1. Vacuum: Begin by thoroughly vacuuming the rug to remove any loose dirt and debris. This will help prevent any grit or dirt from getting ground into the fibers during washing.
2. Pre-treat stains: If there are any stains on the rug, it’s important to pre-treat them before washing. Use a mild stain remover, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
3. Hand-wash: Fill a large container or bathtub with lukewarm water and a mild detergent specifically designed for wool and silk rugs. Gently agitate the water to create suds. Submerge the rug in the water and use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the fibers.
4. Rinse: Drain the soapy water and refill the container with clean water. Rinse the rug thoroughly to remove any soap residue. You may need to repeat this step several times to ensure all the soap is gone.
5. Dry: Once the rug is clean, remove as much excess water as possible by gently squeezing or rolling it up in clean towels. Hang the rug up to dry in a well-ventilated area, making sure it’s not in direct sunlight. It’s important to make sure the rug is completely dry before using it again to prevent mold or mildew growth.

Cleaning a fine Syno-Persian area rug requires care and attention to detail to ensure that the rug is cleaned effectively without causing any damage. Testing the dye stability before washing is a crucial step in the process, as it helps prevent color bleeding or fading. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your Syno-Persian rug looking beautiful for years to come. However, if you’re unsure about any aspect of cleaning your rug, it’s always best to seek professional help to avoid any accidents or damage.

If you are looking for professional help in cleaning your fine Syno-Persian area rug or any other type of area rug, don’t hesitate to contact AmeriClean for expert services. Call us at 301-739-4640 or visit our website at GoAmeriClean.com to learn more about our rug cleaning services and schedule an appointment with our experienced team. Let us help you restore your beautiful area rug to its former glory.

Professional cleaning of hardwood floors is a great way to keep them looking clean and well-maintained. While there are many DIY methods to clean hardwood floors, hiring a professional can ensure that the job is done properly without causing any damage to the floors.

At AmeriClean we use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions that are designed to clean hardwood floors without damaging the surface. We will first inspect the floors to determine the type of finish and the extent of dirt and grime buildup. Then, we will use a combination of cleaning techniques like dry mopping, wet mopping, and buffing to clean and restore the shine of the hardwood floors.

Sometimes the cleaning can also remove deep-seated stains and scratches from the floors.

Regular professional cleaning of hardwood floors not only enhances the appearance of the floors but also prolongs their lifespan. It prevents the accumulation of dirt and dust, which can lead to wear and tear of the floors over time. We recommend every 12-24 months, depending on the foot traffic and living conditions in your home.

Professional cleaning of hardwood floors is an investment worth making. It not only saves time and effort but also ensures that the floors are cleaned properly, preventing any damage to the surface.

Pet feces on your carpet? We all love our pets. In fact, all of us at AmeriClean have pets at home. So, we get it when accidents happen and we’re here to help when they do. No matter who made the accident, we have the experience and knowledge of how to treat it—even if it’s dog poop, vomit, or urine. The best thing that you can do is just call us before you use any “grocery store” spotters to try to treat the spots yourself. Give us a call or submit a request for quote.

We love a good carpet stain challenge

This before and after picture shows a bold contrast of removing a stain from the carpet. With our experience, continued training and education, and top-of-the-line equipment and products, we accept any carpet stain challenge. Carpet stains like these are so common in our homes. More so if you have pets and/or kids.

We clean your area rugs to look new (or at least almost new).

Tufted rugs, hand-woven rugs, braided rugs… it doesn’t matter what area rug you have, we can clean it. We’ve seen it all. Dog/cat vomit, blood, ink, nail polish, and even the popular slime!

How often should you clean your area rugs?

While popular, this question is loaded with more questions in response than answers. It all depends. The short answer could be anywhere from monthly to once every 24 months. The thing is, you could get your rug cleaned today and tomorrow something might get spilled or your dog pees on it… again. The most common answer that fits most households (and budgets) is once every 12-24 months. Most of the determination comes from the amount of foot traffic, whether you have pets, how often you vacuum, how good your vacuum is, how well you vacuum – you get the idea. If you’re not sure, snap a picture, fill out our quote request form, and attach your pictures to the form before you submit. It’s easy, just click on the link to get started.