The Luna-tic Blog

When to Discard, Clean or Call a Professional

When faced with flood-damaged carpeting and rugs, your options will depend on the source of flooding. If floodwater consisted of clean basement seepage or lawn runoff into a sub-basement, drying and cleaning is an easy decision. But if sewage-contaminated floodwater has covered your carpeting, you should discard it for health safety reasons. You can assume the water and the carpet contain infectious organisms. Washable throw rugs usually can be saved with proper cleaning.

General Rules

Wall-to-wall carpeting, most large area rugs and any rug with foam backing should be discarded if flooded with contaminated water. Except for valuable rugs, the time and expense of professional cleaning generally is not worth the effort or the health risk.

If you are determined to salvage carpeting soaked with contaminated water, consult a professional cleaning company that services carpets at its own cleaning and drying facilities. A steam-cleaning (hot-water extraction) method is preferable.

A wall-to-wall carpet soaked by clean rainwater can be salvaged. Have it professionally cleaned or clean it using the directions below.

Washable throw rugs usually can be cleaned adequately in a washing machine.

Cleaning Rain-soaked Carpets

If the carpet has been soaked for more than 24 hours, replace it. If the carpet has been wet for less than 24 hours, you may clean it or have professional cleaners come in to address the need. Check with your insurance company to be sure you respond in a manner that will be covered.

Cleaning basement carpeting indoors is not a good idea in summer because you are adding even more moisture to an already wet area. If the carpeting is installed with tack strips, you may be able to remove it, have it cleaned and reinstalled. Padding is nearly impossible to clean, so it should be replaced.

If you can’t remove the carpeting, dry it as quickly as possible to minimize mold growth. If possible, use a wet/dry vacuum system and circulate the air with an air conditioner, fans and open windows to inhibit mold growth. A dehumidifier can help remove moisture from the air, but keep windows closed when using a dehumidifier.

When the carpet is thoroughly dry, vacuum the area. Shampoo and repeat the drying process. Keep in mind that most modern carpeting is made of nylon and should not be treated with bleach. When dry, vacuum again.

Reduce a musty smell with the following process:

1. Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, working it in with a broom or sponge mop.
2. Leave the baking soda treatment on overnight.
3. Vacuum the baking soda out. Vacuum twice, moving back and forth in a different direction the second time.

Source: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood/home/cleaning-flood-damaged-carpets-and-rugs

As We Look Ahead To…

Invest in Your Home With Current Flooring Trends

“MOTHER’S PEARLS” Whites

Like an heirloom strand of pearls, varying whites are matte, glossy, luminous and glowing.  The whites have made a strong comeback as a countertrend to the dark midnight navy, classic black, black orchid, and even charred gray-black.

 HUMAN TOUCH

The dimensional elements have never been more important than today.  Tactile, textural, subtle gradations, contrasting embroidery, hand-scraped or hand-polished wood:  the surface speaks volumes to the human eye and human touch.  The variety of offerings provide the look of a “one of a kind” product with affordable value.

 A FAVORITE FLOOR

There’s no denying the crisp, cool beauty of ceramic, porcelain and stone. Tile is often the hands-down favorite flooring choice — formal or casual, dressed up or down, dazzlingly decorative or stunningly simple.

 INTO THE WOODS

Wood continues to provide warmth and character in an instant.  Today with the innovations in engineered wood flooring…finally you can put the wood floor over the slab foundation and be finished in an afternoon.  Smart consumers ae selecting domestic hardwood products that are driftwood gray, crackled white oak, polished black or white, as well as the beautiful and familiar birch, maple, oak and walnut.  American forests are being grown 20% faster than they’re harvested so it’s an easy and responsible choice.

 COLOR SELLS

The color specialists at Shaw are constantly traveling and researching to provide the best of the best color palettes from which to choose.  Your floor can be either the artwork or the canvas for the art.  Although beige is an easy choice for anyone, dramatic reds, dark rich chocolates, contemporary grays or serene blues can set the scene for whatever you’d like your room to become.  Within 30 seconds, the human eye and human brain make a decision to purchase a product, any product, based on color alone.

 SET THE SCENE

Use area rugs to define a space and help potential buyers visualize themselves in a room — particularly if the space is open and large.

 CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN

Ceramics are highly regarded for being low maintenance and easy to clean. And what do buyers want to see most? A clutter-free home that sparkles.

 GO FOR COLOR

Need another reason to stay away from white and other neutrals? Go for color and you’ll have a floor that shows better because it’s more forgiving of your busy lifestyle.

 START LOW

A whopping 79% of buyers said they would be willing to pay a premium for a home with a renovated kitchen, according to Realty Times columnist Jim Adair. If you plan a kitchen update, consider a new laminate floor. It provides a fantastic foundation for the rest of the project.

 Source: Shawfloors.com

This could not be more relevant with Halloween approaching!

• Remove as much of the candy as possible by blotting with a white paper towel or scraping with a dull knife.
• Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. (To make the detergent solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dish washing detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with 1 quart of water; examples of safe detergents are Dawn® and Joy®.) Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If spot is being removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper towel until spot is removed.
• Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess moisture.
• Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.
• If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for on (1) hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water so no rinsing is necessary. Apply pad of paper towels and weight down with brick.

Source: www.luna.com

Brrrr! So I turned on the heat today for the first time this year, can summer really truly be over?  The nip in the air reminded me of Halloween and that it’s time to go down to the basement to get out my Halloween decorations and I immediately shivered.  I actually had a physical reaction thinking about my cold, cold, cold basement.  So I started thinking ‘maybe it’s time to warm up the basement, we’ve been putting it off for years’  so naturally I googled and found some great articles on how carpet really warms up your basement and what to think about when considering this type of flooring in a basement.  So here is one article I wanted to share…given the recent flooding on the East Coast I thought this article may give some insight on what to think about when choosing flooring for a basement.

Shopping for a new basement carpet involves a few rules that are different from shopping for other rooms. However, a finished basement adds an entire extra room to your home, and it’s fitting that plush, new carpeting appear high on the priority list. These tips will help you cozy up the cellar with both style and function in mind.

Is Carpet Right for You?

Before you even choose a type of carpet, decide whether this is the best type of flooring for your basement. Consider the main purpose of the space; will it need to be family-friendly and provide some cushioning? Will to be a high-traffic area better suited for quick-cleaning tile or hardwood? And, most importantly, is your basement a dry basement? If there have ever been any water problems or flooding and leaking issues, now is the time to reconsider carpeting.

Features

Fiber content is the first feature to think about. Wool is resilient and soft underfoot, but it is also expensive and can yellow over time. Nylon, the most popular material, is mildew resistant and resilient. Polypropylene, or olefin, is also a good choice for basements because it is resistant to moisture, stains, and fading.

Next, look for pile weight and pile height. A heavier pile weight is considered better, but be prepared to pay more. A longer pile height creates that plush, cushy feel that people enjoy. However, if the basement is the site of frequent snacking, pet-roaming, or other dirty endeavors, opt for shorter piles that retain less dirt and are easier to clean. No matter what type you choose, experts urge staying away from jute backings, which are porous and will let water seep into the carpet quickly.

Source: homeandgardenideas.com

Yes, it’s a new trend (well more like and old trend that came back…don’t they all?) and I’m seeing more and more carpet in bathrooms!  And it looks so warm and inviting!  Here’s a few tips I found online for choosing the right floors for your bathroom…gotta love google!

When choosing the right floors for your bathroom, there can be a lot to think about.  For example, is the flooring impervious to water?  Will it stain with spills, like makeup…ladies?  Is it safe for your kids with wet feet?  There are many top contenders for bathroom flooring, including carpet.  As long as the carpet is water, mildew and stain resistant with a backing that doesn’t allow water to seep into the pad, it’s the perfect choice for warmth and softness.  Laminate is another popular choice; it’s durable and easy to clean.  And if you have hardwood floors throughout the rest of your home, hardwood can be a great choice to create a cohesive, elegant look. 

I’m seriously considering carpet for my bathroom remodel, I will let you all know how it goes! 

Dogs have it right!  When it’s hot out, they relax on the cool hardwood floors and within seconds…relief from that summer heat.   Maybe we should all take a hint from our beloved furry friends.  Who needs sofas?  Send us a cute picture of your pal on hardwood floors! 

Backyard barbecues are a favorite family activity this time of year, especially if Dad does the cooking. However, it’s easy to get a barbecue sauce stain on your clothing  AND your carpet. Here’s a few simple steps to get that barbecue sauce stain out in no time.

CLOTHING:

-Remove excess barbecue sauce off the stained item. Scrape it off with your finger, a sponge or a paper towel.

-Rinse the stained fabric with cold water. Run the water through the back of the barbecue sauce stain to help get the stain out of the item.

-Rub detergent into the barbecue sauce stain. You can use a regular liquid detergent or a solvent such as glycerin. Use your fingers or a sponge to work the detergent into the fabric. Continue rubbing the stain with detergent until the stain no longer appears and then rinse with cold water.

-Use a spray or a gel stain remover and apply it to the barbecue stain. Allow the item to sit for 5 to 15 minutes for best results.

-Wash your item with detergent in a regular wash cycle.

-Check the item for any remaining evidence of the barbecue sauce stain after washing. If any stain remains, repeat Step 3 through Step 5.

-Dry the item in your clothes dryer or hang the item in the sun to dry.

Good news…people with allergies and asthma can have carpet!  Most fibers used in mass-produced rugs and carpets today are harmless materials like polyester and nylon, the same stuff clothes and bags are made out of. These synthetic blends are constructed out of lab-developed fibers that repel allergens, in part because they are nonorganic and offer an inhospitable climate. For example, mold has nothing to eat and pollen dries out. Nylon is the most effective allergy-controlling carpet fiber. Wool, conversely, should be avoided because allergens and mold can thrive in it. Regardless of material, avoid shag — the shorter the strands, the fewer places the pollen can go. Also choose carpet with tightly woven strands for the same reason.

If your a fan of carpet and have allergies, go for it!  Just make sure you ask questions and choose the right material and style for you!

What Should I Know Before Choosing Floors?

Choosing the right floor relies on your making a wants and needs assessment. The “wants” part of the equation is usually easier since you’ve probably seen some materials that really appeal to you. However don’t forego the “needs” analysis because the practical considerations are important determinants in making the right decision.

Each type of surface comes with its own individual advantages and disadvantages. Consider the following points and questions to help narrow your focus. You may already have a preconceived idea of the type of surface you want, but not all materials are suitable for every application. 

 
1. Which room or rooms are you considering?
   The function and location of the room will have some bearing on the best surfacing to use.  An obvious example for illustrative purposes is that you don’t want carpet in the kitchen or dining room due to the propensity for spilled foods and liquids. In contrast, a more subtle fact is that solid wood isn’t suitable for basements due to the moisture issues associated with below-grade (below ground level) rooms.Rooms and spaces that adjoin entry doors from the outside are prone to seeing a lot more dirt and grit that an upstairs bedroom. No floor will last forever if the grit isn’t regularly swept up but some materials do better than others in this situation. Either decide on a suitable material or commit to the upkeep required to maintain more delicate surfaces in these situations.Don’t forget about the garage either – it’s a room too. There’s even specialized surfacing for the garage to help dress it up and help make it a more inviting space than just a place to park your car.

1. Consider your family status and lifestyle — do you have children, elderly or disabled family members? Do you have any pets?    How you and your family live makes a difference in choosing a floor type. Children usually mean more wear and tear from running, banging and simply more traffic. Some of the laminate products might be better in this scenario than solid wood due to the optimal wear characteristics of laminate.

             The grout seams associated with tile may be an annoyance or even hindrance for family members with wheeled walkers or wheelchairs. The wheels could catch or “clunk” as they pass over the grout, especially wider grout lines.

Pets like cats and particularly larger dogs have claws and shed. Hard surfaces work well for cleanup from pets that shed whereas carpeting might retain pet hair. Claws can also scratch wood.

 
1. Does anyone in the home suffer from asthma or respiratory allergies or have sensitivities to chemicals that aggravate these conditions?
   Carpeting can harbor allergens that are more easily cleaned up from hard surfaces. Carpet and other floor materials can contain higher VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that might contribute to ill health effects. In these situations look for products that have lower VOC emissions. As an example, Armstrong® products that meet criteria for low-VOC emissions carry their FloorScore™ certification. The Carpet and Rug Institute identifies low VOC products with their Green Label designation.
    
2. How much care and maintenance are you willing to put into the floor?
   Some materials have higher maintenance needs than others if you want them to last and maintain their aesthetic appeal. Wood should be swept or vacuumed often to avoid the dulling and scratching that comes with ground-in dirt. Stone or tile is durable although their finish will eventually succumb to a lack of regular sweeping. Standing water is better handled by vinyl or tile in comparison to wood. Think of mudrooms and bathrooms in this case. Melted snow from boots and shoes can go unnoticed for a while and you don’t want to have to constantly check the mudroom to mop up any water.
    
3. How important to you is your floor from a style and aesthetics perspective? Do you want a high-end expensive surface or will a more economical choice do?
   If you like the look of Brazilian Cherry but don’t need to have real solid wood to make you happy, compare laminate with wood. You might be surprised to find a laminate that’s a close match to real wood but for less money. If you’re remodeling or building a new home you can apply the savings to something that provides greater service and satisfaction in the long term such as upgraded appliances or cabinets.
    
4. Test drive your short list of choices.
   Looking at pictures and reading about them is one thing but actually seeing them in person and standing on them can help solidify your decision on which product is right for you. This is particularly true with laminate floors, where you can really see if the appearance is close enough to the real thing or not.

Source: www.home-style-choices.com