Archive for November, 2008
Caring for your Oriental Rugs.
Posted by: | CommentsOriental 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 a 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 involved to have us give it a onlocation cleaning at least once a year and a in plant cleaning every few years.
Professional Carpet Cleaning – How often is normal?
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We are often asked, “How often shouldI 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 the 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 call.
Is Your Home Making Your Family Sick?
Posted by: | CommentsMost 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.
Leary of Color Sealing?
Posted by: | CommentsI 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
Color Seal concerns??
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I get calls from many dirty grout owners who have heard of Color Sealing and are a bit apprehensive about it.
Usually its because they have seen a do it your self job with the low budget products form the hardware store or a rush job done by a company with little to no experience in Color Sealing.
Perfect!
Let me assure you, you will be thrilled wiht the results Connoissuer delivers when restoreing your stained or mismatched grout to “better then new”..
Why Think Local?
Posted by: | Commentshttp://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.
Need to get out of Santa Cruz?
Posted by: | CommentsAs 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!
Stone Showerstall upkeep.
Posted by: | CommentsNatural 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…
What makes a Carpet Cleaning company “Green”?
Posted by: | CommentsWith every business under our sun declaring themselves Green these days you have to wonder whats it really all about?
For some its merely the fact that they have a paperless office and they recycle their coke bottles, for others it means that they ride their bikes to work and they smoke organic cigarettes..
For Connoisseur being Green is a way of life. My wife and I have been vegetarian for over 25 years and our kids have been their whole lives. If your wondering what eating broccoli has to do with being “Green” please check out this link.
Beyond that, we also recycle our all our detergent bottles, our boxes, cans, packing peanuts, cardboard, glass and everything else that comes into our home and business. We compost most everything that is not eaten out of our fridge as well as being very careful about where our cleaning waste water ends up at the end of a day.
Our daily cleaning routes are put together with the least amount of driving possible and we run as much Bio Diesel through our van as we possibly can.
We offer all sorts of child, pet AND adult safe cleaning products for your carpet, hard floors and upholstery. Most could be gargled with if needed. Our hot water extraction cleaning process includes a fresh, thorough soft water only rinse to remove not only the soil but the cleaning agents as well. Your Carpets are left with soft, fluffy, residue free fibers for your family’s bare feet and paws to enjoy.
So if you want to please Mother Earth, get your carpets cleaned and need a recommendation for a great local Vegan restaurant, you now know who to call.
The Power Of Peroxide!
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This inexpensive liquid in the brown bottle can save you plenty of $$$.
Oxygen is the most abundant element on earth, comprising 45.6% of the earth’s crust and 20.95% of dry air, and is one of the most vital elements to support life for plants, animals and man.
Hydrogen peroxide has been sold in drug stores for many years as an antiseptic and a bleach. With a cost of less than .60 cents per 16 oz. bottle, it is one of the world’s great “miracles” in a bottle.
Although it is not approved by the FDA or medical profession to be taken internally, it has many uses in homes, farm and garden. How many have you used?
Use 3% hydrogen peroxide in chilled water for washing chicken or other poultry and beef or pork.
Cleansing for vegetables and salad greens: Add 1/4 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide to a sink full of cold water. Wash vegetables thoroughly, rinse with cold water and drain. This process prolongs freshness.
In the dishwasher or dishwater: Add 2 ounces of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the regular washing formula. Your glasses will sparkle!
Marinade: Place meat, fish or poultry in a casserole (avoid using aluminum pans). Cover with a diluted solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Place in a loosely covered container in refrigerator for 1/2 hour. Rinse and cook.
Leftover tossed salad: Spray with a solution of 1/2 cup water and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide.
Drain, cover and refrigerate. Eliminates use of chemical preservatives.
To freshen kitchen: Keep a spray bottle of 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide in the kitchen. Use to wipe off counter tops and appliances. It will disinfect and give the kitchen a clean, fresh small. Works great in the refrigerator and lunch boxes.
Humidifiers & steamers: Use 1 pint of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a gallon of water. This helps keep them clean too.
Laundry: Add 8 ounces of 3% hydrogen peroxide to your wash in place of bleaches.
Shower: Keep a spray bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide in the shower. Spray your body after washing to replace the acid mantel on your skin that soap removes.
Rejuvenating Detoxifying Bath: Add 6 ounces of 35% hydrogen peroxide to a tub of water. You may increase up to 2 cups. Soak at least 1/2 hour.
Alternate Bath: Add 1/2 cup 35% hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 cup sea salt, 1/2 cup baking soda or Epson salts to water and soak.
Foot soak: Add 1 & 1/2 ounces 35% hydrogen peroxide to 1 gallon water and soak.
Pour a capful of 3% hydrogen peroxide in each of your ears after swimming to prevent ear infections.
Use 3% grade as an astringent on your face, neck and full body after bathing. Gets rid of acne FAST.
Use it in 3% grade in a spray bottle for cuts and soars. Spray on frequently and watch them disappear.
Athlete’s Foot: Soak feet nightly in 3% hydrogen peroxide until condition is improved.
Mouthwash: Use 3% hydrogen peroxide. Add a dash of liquid chlorophyll for flavor if desired.
Swish it around in your mouth for 1-2 minutes before brushing. Watch how white your teeth become!
Toothpaste: Use baking soda and add enough 3% hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Or, just dip your brush in 3% hydrogen peroxide and brush.
Toothbrush: Soak your toothbrush in 3% hydrogen peroxide between brushings.
Pets: For small animals (dogs and cats) use 1 ounce 3% hydrogen peroxide to 1 quart water for their drinking water and bath.
House & Garden Plants: Put 1 ounce 3% hydrogen peroxide in 1-quart water. Water or mist plants with this solution.
Sprouting needs: Add 1 ounce 3% hydrogen peroxide to one pint of water and soak the seeds overnight. Add the same amount of hydrogen peroxide each time you rinse the seeds.