Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Tile, Stone & Grout Cleaning & Sealing - Santa Cruz CA

Starting in January 09, Connoisseur will be joining hands with Vapor Cleaners in Santa Cruz to offer affordable in plant area rug cleaning.

For the past 8 years we have always provided in HOME cleaning of rugs for our customer’s convenience. While it is certainly more affordable (and timely) to clean a rug in the home verses sending it out, there are many cases where the rug just can not be cleaned as effectively or safely. With more attention, time, agitation and water, the cleaning your rugs will receive in our new facility will restore its beauty and add years to it’s life..

All rugs that can be safely “dusted” will under go a session with our world famous Rug Badger dry soil remover. There is just no sense in making mud by not removing as much sand, grit, garden soil, food particles as well as pet and human dander before getting the rug wet. Vacuuming is great for rugs but dusting takes dry soil removal to a whole different level.

After dusting, your rug will be hand shampooed and spot treated followed by either a soft water extraction or if it is extremely soiled, flushed in our concrete wash pit.  Then its off to our heated drying room followed by an inspection for any needed post spotting or fringe treatment.

Rest assure that all of our cleaning agents are as Green as can be.

We will be offering pick up and delivery in Santa Cruz County or you can drop off your rugs at 285 Water Street, across the street from the county court house.

Gather up your hand or machine made wool, synthetic or bound wall to wall rugs and treat them to a day at our spa. And while your rugs are out of the house it really is a great time to have your tile, wood or carpeted floors thoroughly cleaned by Connoisseur.

Pets are a source of companionship and joy for millions of us.

Understand how to help your pets stay healthy,clean and happy and your home will be fresher for it. There are two pet-related problems that can affect the freshness of your home and its furnishings. These are pet accidents, both urine and feces, and body oils. Knowing about them can make living with a pet an even more positive experience.

Hot steamy weather is the time you are most likely to notice pet odors. That’s when pet hair, skin dander, and the residue from “pet accidents” begin to decompose — generating a distinct “doggie” smell that plagues even the most fastidiously cleaned homes.

Dogs, especially, secrete oils from their fur and paw pads. Good grooming and baths keep this in check. Periodically launder your pet’s bedding. If your pet has a favorite spot on the floor or in a chair, you might want to put a pet blanket/rug or some other washable item there.

Pet accidents are always cause for concern. Animal behaviorists will tell you that by instinct pets are attentive to good hygiene. They don’t want to have accidents in their homes. When they do, it is usually because of some other factor. Perhaps the pet is sick. Perhaps the pet’s exercise schedule was interrupted or wasn’t long enough. Perhaps the litter box needs to be cleaned. Maybe the pet has been traumatized. It’s been recommended that the first thing to do when a pet unexplainably starts having accidents is to talk to your veterinarian.

As far as cleanup goes, you need to blot up as much of the problem as you can. If solids are involved, gently scrape it up with a bit of cardboard. Work from the outside toward the center. This is important: Don’t apply house cleaners to the site. Some of them can change the color, texture or stain resistance of the affected fibers. Some can leave strong smelling residues that serve as “marker” triggering further accidents from your pets. New safe-to-use enzyme products are available which do an excellent job of treating these problems areas.

Here’s How You Can Help Keep Your “Home-With-Pets” Clean and Fresh

1. Act immediately when pet accidents occur. The longer the soil stands, the greater the chance it will seep through the carpet to the pad and floor.
2. Remove as much moisture as possible by blotting the spot with a clean white absorbent material. The more moisture you remove now, the less residue has to be treated later. Using a clean white absorbent material lessens the risk of transferring dye between your cleaning material and your affected fabric. It also helps you to “see” if the stain is being successfully removed.
3. If you catch the animal in the act, use a mixture of one part ammonia to three parts water. Spray it on thespot to neutralize the urine, let stand for five minutes, then flush with water and blot with a dry towel. If theurine spot is not fresh, use an enzyme to help kill the odor
4. Call us. We are trained and equipped to thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize pet stains. We also stand behind our work.

I have to wonder if anyone actually reads carpet cleaning blogs..

I guess one way to find out is to have an exclusive sale.

Lets try $50 off any of our on location services. Minimum charge for your area applies.

Simply print out this:

And then call 831 476 9721 to book an appointment.

Oriental Rugs are not only a work of art but also an
investment, and with proper care, can last for generations.
Oriental rugs are generally made of wool. They are more
durable, resilient and stay cleaner than rugs made from
other fibers. By following these simple suggestions your
Oriental rug will provide you with many years of utility and
satisfaction.
Beating is the traditional and
the best method for cleaning a
rug. The rug should be hung
outside in dry weather and
beaten several times on each
side with a paddle or beater. This
dislodges any fine grit embedded
in the rug.
Rotation. A rug should be rotated once every year or two
to ensure even wear. In higher traffic areas rotation should
be more frequent. Continual direct exposure to sunlight will
damage a rug, so frequent rotation of a rug will equalize the
effect of the sun. Use window shades, shutters or curtains
as often as possible to protect your
rug from damaging ultra-violet rays.
This will also protect the colors
from fading.
Padding. It is recommended to
use a quality area rug padding
under your rugs. This will help
protect them from dirt, wear and
slippage, especially in heavy traffic
areas. The life of an Oriental rug
can be doubled with the use of
Caring for Your Oriental Area Rugs…
good-quality padding. Please contact
Connoisseur with questions or to find out where to
purchase quality area rug padding.
Vacuuming. Oriental rugs
should be vacuumed regularly to
remove dirt and grit that may
damage the fibers and foundation of the
rug. Vacuuming helps prevent dirt on the
surface of the rug from filtering down into the
pile where it can accumulate and cause increased
wear. Be careful with a vacuum equipped with a very stiff
power brush (Dyson in particular) as they create a raking effect on the pile and
can eventually weaken the knots or bloom the fiber. Be very careful with the
fringes as they can get caught and chewed up by the
rotating mechanism of the brush.  Never vacuum against
the nap, as this presses dirt back into the rug.
Occasionally vacuum the back of the rug to remove the
fine grit that may damage the foundation of the rug.
Cleaning. Oriental rugs should be professionally
cleaned every one to two
years, depending on the
amount of traffic your rug

experiences. This will bring out the vibrancy and richness of color as well as the softness of the wool. You may wish to have seriously dirt embedded rugs brought to our plant for a mechanical dusting
Moth Protection. Moths
can cause extensive damage
to Oriental rugs by attacking
the pile, fringes and the knots
on the back of the rugs. Moths are especially attracted to
areas under furniture that remain relatively undisturbed.
Frequent rotation and regular exposure to light and air
will keep moths away. If your rugs are rarely used you
can safeguard against moths by having them professionally
cleaned and sprayed with a moth deterrent.
Storage. To store a rug, wrap it in fabric rather than
plastic. Fabric will allow it to breathe which prevents rot
or mildew. Placing the wrapped rug in a chest with a
moth deterrent is the ideal storage. A rug stored in a
damp or humid area will mildew, which will weaken and
discolor the fibers. Hot, poorly ventilated storage areas
will dry out the base of the rug, making it brittle, which
destroys the rug’s strength and durability. Remember to
inspect your area rugs regularly.

If a your rug is under your regular dining room table or in your TV room it would probably be best for all invloved to have us give it a onlocation cleaning at least once a year and a in plant cleaning every few years.

We are often asked, “How often should
I have my carpets cleaned?” The truth is,
there is no particular schedule. Cleaning
frequency really depends on the type of
traffic you have on your carpet and how
you maintain it.
Some people can get by with professional
cleanings every couple of years,
while others need their carpets cleaned
every three months or so.
Appearance alone should not be
the determining factor when
deciding when to clean your
carpet. Today’s carpets are
engineered from the fiber up
to hide soil. In fact, a tan,
residential grade carpet can
hide up to a pound of dirt per
square foot before it becomes
noticeably soiled!
Once a carpet reaches this
degree of soiling, it is not just
in need of maintenance, but restoration as
well.Commercial carpeting is often placed

on a maintenance program where cleaning is scheduled before it reaches an unacceptable level.

Manufacturers are increasingly requiring that residential carpets
be placed on a regular maintenance
program as well. Soil, grit and grime in a
carpet can work like tiny razor blades, slicing
and dicing your carpet fibers, causing
them to lose that “new” shimmer and taking
years off their life. Carpet that is well
maintained will wear longer and is less
likely to contribute to indoor air pollution.
Appearance, reduction of potentially unhealthy
contamination that may accumulate
in the carpet, and manufacturers requirements
to maintain your warranty
should all be factors that help you decide
how often to clean your carpeting.
A “no shoes policy,” application
of carpet protector, frequent
thorough vacuuming, and spotting
with a residue-free carpet
spotter are all excellent ways for
you to keep your carpeting vibrant
and healthy and extend the length of
time between professional cleanings.
If you would like advice
on how often you should
have your own carpets
cleaned, please give us a

Most people are aware that outdoor
air pollution can damage their health, but
may not know that indoor air pollution
can also have significant effects. The EPA
(Environmental Protection Agency) studies
of human exposure to air
pollutants indicate that indoor
air levels of many pollutants
may be 2-5 times, and on
occasion more than 100 times
higher than outdoor levels.
The levels of indoor air pollutants are of
particular concern because it is estimated
that most people spend as much
as 90% of their time indoors.
A recent study concludes
that carpets may
benefit indoor air quality by
acting as a filter for indoor
air, trapping and holding
dust mites, pollutants, and
allergens like pollen, molds,
and pet dander, which play an
important role in allergy related diseases.
As you can see, regular cleanings
are important… not just to maintain the
appearance of your carpets, but also for
hygienic reasons. Contaminates in your
carpet need to be removed on a consistent
basis.
Waiting until your carpet looks dirty is
waiting too long. The EPA recommends
having carpets & upholstery
cleaned at least once
a year, more often if
you have kids or
pets.
Controlling dust is important. Allergens
and dust mites can contaminate carpets,
upholstered furniture and bedding. Vacuuming
will not remove all the allergens
but it will help keep the dust down which
spreads allergens throughout your
home. Make sure that you use
a vacuum cleaner that filters
the exhausted air. Get in the
habit of vacuuming your
carpets and furniture
thoroughly, at least a
couple of times a
week.
For more information
on this subject, visit the
EPA website: www.epa.gov.
Another good source of information is the
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
website: www.cdc.gov.

I dont blame you.

I’ve seen the same botched jobs you have. Those silly Grout pens from QVC that looks like you used White Out or tooth paste to hide the stains. Lumpy, uneven results that look horrible. I blame the poor quality products from the hardware store, lack of proper prep work and no artistic skill from the applicator.

With our extremely thorough method and superior Acrylic seals you can be sure to get many, many years of perfect looking grout and clean up so easy you wont believe it

http://thinklocalsantacruz.org/c/

Buying from locally owned and independent businesses benefits the local economy

• Locally owned businesses spend their profits locally, purchase more goods from local suppliers, and employ their own office and support staff.
• When more money gets re-circulated in the community, general prosperity as well as tax revenues increase, creating a more vibrant and sustainable economy.
• Locally owned businesses tend to stick around when times get harder. A local owner doesn’t easily pack up and leave town for “better” pastures. This creates more stability in the local economy.
• Because they focus primarily on local markets, locally owned businesses tend to be smaller and place a high premium on being easily accessible by local residents. This cuts down on car travel and promotes sustainable neighborhood economies while at the same time avoids high public expenses for shopping center infrastructure costs.

. . . and the entire community

• Business owners, who live in town, take better care of the environment, participate in public life and local charities.
• A wide variety of locally owned businesses contributes to a stronger local identity and cultural diversity, creating an attractive place to live and visit.
• Strengthening our locally owned business community promotes authentic and meaningful relationships between employees, business owners, customers, suppliers, and neighbors. Chances are, when you buy from a locally owned business, part of your purchase will benefit your neighbors and friends.

What’s Spent Here, Stays Here
Locally owned businesses spend their profits locally, purchase more goods from local suppliers, and employ their own office and support staff.
Get More for Your Money
When more money gets re-circulated in the community, general prosperity as well as tax revenues increase, creating a more vibrant and sustainable economy.
Local Businesses Offer Unique Character
A wide variety of locally owned businesses contributes to a stronger local identity and cultural diversity, creating an attractive place to live and visit.
Neighborly
Strengthening our locally owned business community promotes authentic and meaningful relationships between employees, business owners, customers, suppliers, and neighbors. Business owners, who live in town, take better care of the environment, participate in public life, and donate generously to local charities.

As beautiful as our area is, sometimes its good for the mind, body and soul to just get the heck out of town for a day or week end.

My favorite spot in California, at least on this side of the Sierras is the Tomalas Bay area. Marine country plays host to this luscious rolling landscape that only cows, farmers, artists and oyster

As green as it gets...

shuckers can call home. A few times a year I’ll pack up my wife (or go by myself on my Suzuki) and head up north  and spend the day enjoying the fantastic winding roads, art galleries, hiking trails,  barren beaches, bird watching, happy California cows, bay views, and best of all no college kids (my own included) or in your face SCruz locals..

The tiny town of Point Reyes Station is at the bottom of the Tomales Bay and its where I find myself spending most of my time.

The sidewalks buzz with activity on sunny weekends. As the coast’s commercial anchor, Point Reyes Station has at least one - and usually just one - of everything: one hardware store, one grocery store, the only bank on the Marin coast, and likewise, the only feed supplier, and the only pharmacy. The downtown eateries, of which there are several, seem almost a mandatory stop for caravans of bicyclists, motorcyclists and all manner of visitors coming through. It’s a free port, blue-collar at its roots, and you can still catch a whiff of livestock in the breeze.

I find the best time of year to visit is February through April. The hills are green as can be, the tourists have not arrived and the weather is perfect. Lots of great Bed and Breakfasts around but plan ahead since most only have a few rooms. Pack your hiking boots and make time for a visit to the light house at the bottom of the peninsula.

A long walk down but well worth the effort.

And if you’re into Bicycling, make it a point to stop by this shop. The owner has a fetish for Mountain Bikes from the late 80’s, early 90’s and his collection is on full display. Check out his blog too for more local flavor of the area. Great reading…

http://www.blackmtncycles.com/Black_Mountain_Cycles.html

Let me know what you think!

Natural stone such as tumbled Marble or Travertine is a very popular Shower and Bathtub wall covering here in Santa Cruz County  This is somewhat surprising when you consider that it can be one of the most difficult materials to take care of in a Bathroom.  Most natural stone of these types is quite porous and will absorb soap scum and minerals from the water, leaving them discolored and unsightly.  Once the stone absorbs the discoloring substance, it is difficult or impossible to restore the stone to its original beauty.  Sealers are available for natural stone but they do not last long (approx. 6 months) and they can be extremely messy to reapply. Not something the average home owner is prepared for and let alone has the time to do that often

Although Mother Nature has made natural stone beautiful, she has also made it somewhat fragile.  Many types of marble are fairly brittle and are subject to cracking along fissure lines in the stone.  Costs for good quality natural stone tiles are usually near the high end of all the bathtub and shower wall covering materials.

Currently, some general Contractors are trying to decrease costs by importing low quality natural stone tiles from overseas.  Of course, the lower quality stones will tend to have even more problems than the better quality ones.  Although I likes the look of natural stone, I do not recommend a marble shower for a long lasting, easy care shower or bathtub.  The many tile stores in Santa Cruz all have an excellent selection of beautiful man-made tiles which look just like natural stone but do not have all of the maintenance headaches.

Perfect example..

Soft Scrub should never be used on any stone surface!

In the above picture, a “Professional” cleaning company used Soft Scrub on this home owner’s Polished Marble shower. The company’s owner was unable to fix the problem but if you look at the top left hand corner you can see where we were able to polish the residue away for good.

Now if you just have to have (or keep) your natural stone shower, please follow these helpful tips to keep them looking new and beautiful.

• Never ever use an acidic cleaning agent on any stone but Granite. if you don’t know what kind of stone it is give us a call and we’ll help you figure it out. Realize that just about every tub and tile cleaner found at Longs or Safeway will be acidic. You’ll need to visit a tile store or hardware store to find a Neutral pH cleaner. (Or read my article on Trader Joe’s General Purpose Cleaners here on my Blog) that will be safe for the stone and will not deplete the sealer.
• Squeegee or wipe down the walls and floor after every use.Now I know no one will do this but it is great advice non the less. Doing so will help eliminate the build up of hard water deposits and soap scum.
• Keep the stone and grout well sealed. Sealing keeps the soil, mold and mineral build up on the very surface of the stone so it can be easily (or not so easily) cleaned off later. Once the seal has failed, mold and stains can get too deep to ever successfully clean out 100%. We offer a unique alcohol based sealer that we have to smuggle out of Australia that is chemical, water and UV proof. It’s the ideal sealer for stone showers as you can expect to get at least 5 years of life out of it.
• Make sure the grout, silicon or caulking around the walls and floor stays intact. Once these fail and either crack, peel or crumble, water will be able to get behind the tile and mold and mildew will grow rampant.
• Have Connoisseur come out every two years to professional steam clean and polish or hone your stone shower stall.  What is it your grand mother use to say? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?
• And most of all enjoy your Natural Stone shower with a friend…