Let’s face it; we are living in precarious times. Corrupt politicians, a struggling economy, low wages, high unemployment and an entitlement mentality provide a breeding ground for distrust, unpredictability and anxiety. Pundits provide various views and opinion of the future of our country and of our economy. One thing is for certain, during times of economic adversity social pathologies increase including crimes of burglary.

During the investigation of a burglary forensic law enforcement specialists will dust for finger prints using powder composed of an array of complex ingredients. Most black finger print powder contains rosin, black ferric oxide and lampblack. Many also contain inorganic chemicals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, silicon, titanium and bismuth.  If law enforcement gets this powder on your carpet (and they will) you as the home owner will be none too happy. While their intentions are honorable, law enforcement officers are not carpet cleaners. Whatever you do, do not take their advice to vacuum the powder from your carpet using your home vacuum cleaner.

To remove finger print dust from your carpet follow the guidelines listed below.

1. Ensure the powder remains in a dry state.  For this reason DO NOT wet the powder with any water, cleaner or other type of moisture
2. Vacuum the finger print powder using a vacuum hose ONLY such as a wet/dry vacuum. DO NOT use any type of vacuum brush or bristles as this will only serve to embed the powder further into your carpet fibers.
3. Using the vacuum hose, vacuum from the outside of the powder area working your way towards the middle. This will ensure the powder does not spread to other areas of your carpet. At this point all of the loose powder should be completely vacuumed off the carpet leaving behind residue that attached itself to the carpet fibers.
4. Call your local professional carpet cleaner, such as Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning, who has successful experience in removing complexed stains such as finger print dust.  They should have products that will ensure the safe and complete removal of the finger print powder. In the meantime ensure the area(s) remain in a dry state.

A word of caution…There are many ” do it yourself ” remedies on the Internet for removing finger print powder from your carpets. All of them, in this author’s professional opinion, will not remove the powder stain. Most involve using products such as 409 Cleaner or Scrubbing Bubbles. Using  any of these products on your carpet involve significant risk including bleaching and discoloration.

If you live in the Inland Empire area of Southern California be sure to call Mark at Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning at (909) 856-5353 or (760) 952-7544 for all of your carpet and upholstery cleaning needs.

Think for a moment the last time you and the family went to the beach.  After a day of fun in the sun, swimming and boggie boarding it was time to load up the family car and head back home. Despite everyone’s best efforts I am willing to bet the family car was full of sand. Once you get home all it takes is a quick shake of your swimsuit to get all of the sand out. While your swimsuit was wet, it was virtually impossible to get all of the sand out, even when you rinsed it in water. When the swimsuit was dry, however, just a good shake is enough to get it all out!

Believe it or not, your carpet is just like your swimsuit. According to the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, nearly 80% of all carpet soil is easier to remove with dry soil extracting. In other words, vacuuming. The fact is, sand, hair and many other primary sources of carpet soil are insoluble in water.

In an ideal world, you should vacuum your carpets daily, especially the areas of your carpet that receive high traffic such as entry ways and hallways. However, with our busy lifestyles today Heaven’s Best recommends vacuuming at least once a week.  Soil particles act like sandpaper in between your carpet fibers and will quickly and permanently wear out your carpet’s appearance.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while vacuuming your carpet.

1. Move the vacuum slowly. The slower the vacuum moves, the more the brush agitates each carpet fiber, and the more opportunity for the airflow to grab each soil particle.
2. Use overlapping strokes. The amount of suction can vary between the right, center and left side of your vacuum. Overlapping strokes will maximize the amount of dust removed.
3. Empty the bag or cannister when it is 1/2  – 2/3 full. Very fine dust clogs the pores in the bag long before it is full, reducing suction.

Happy Vacuuming!!

For your Carpet Cleaning Needs in Riverside, San Bernardino, Highland & Inland Empire, Contact Heaven’s Best at (760)952-7544!

Carpet and Upholstery Cleanings Are Key!

Well maintained carpet and upholstery help to ensure a healthy home by reducing the amount of dust and allergens that are present. Simple modifications to your daily routine may help you keep germs that cause infections, like the cold and flu, and allergens at bay. Heaven’s Best ensures your carpets and upholstery are as beautiful, clean and healthy as possible all year long.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Home:

1. Clean and/or replce air filters frequently
2. Keep the humidity in your home below 50% by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner. This will prevent the growth of mold.
3. Aviod using fans whenever possible as they are sure to stir up dust.
4. Sweep entrance mats regularly to reduce the amount of dust and soil tracked inside.
5. Vacuum your carpets, floors and upholstery at least twice a week. Frequent vacuuming prolongs the life of your carpet by preventing the build up of gritty particles that cut the carpet fibers.
6. Wash bed linens and coverings weekly in hot (130F) water.
7. Have your mattreses and box srpings professionally cleaned and then encase them in allergen impermeable covers.
8. If you have pets, consider keeping them outside if possible. Animal dander and saliva are allergens for many people. Be sure to bathe your pets often.
9. Do not allow smoking in your home.

By doing these simple things you can make your home environment healthier and safer for you and your family.

For your Carpet Cleaning Needs in Riverside, San Bernardino, Highland & Inland Empire, Contact Heaven’s Best at (760)952-7544!

Heaven’s Best Dry in One Hour carpet cleaning removes soil and stains that other cleaners leave behind. First, our powerful dry vacuum system removes the loose soil. Our exclusive low moisture cleaning solution then penetrates carpet fibers and gently loosens trapped soil and stains. Next, our powerful buffer, specially designed with absorbent pads, gently lifts aways the soil and moisture. Finally, we groom the carpet fibers to look and feel like new.

For your Carpet Cleaning Needs in Riverside, San Bernardino, Highland & Inland Empire, Contact Heaven’s Best at (760)952-7544!