How to Clean and Protect Carpets

There a three primary remedies for treating spots and spills on rugs and carpets. Depending on the type of spill, the age of the carpet, and how long the stain has had time to set, stains will remove differently and require different cleaning methods.

Continue reading to learn all three carpet cleaning remedies, and what types of spills require which method.

Indianapolis Carpet Installation 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Carpet Installation 317-454-3612

General Carpet Care

When dealing with carpets and rugs, preventative maintenance is the secret to prolonged life and luster. Carpet protection is vital in order to maintain long-lasting beautiful rugs and carpeting. Applying a carpet or rug sealcoat protector is a great place to start. These solutions add a layer of protection against daily dirt, dust, and debris. Also, having your carpets and rugs cleaned on a quarterly or annual basis, depending on the amount of foot traffic they see, to keep them in their best condition for years to come.

As for accidents, stains, spots, and spills, the three remedies are what you’ll need to know. Alongside these remedies, always remember to treat spills and stains immediately, because the more time they have to set, the less likely you will be able to remove them. Always use a blotting motion, and never ruin or wipe clean a spill or stain. And always use a clean terry cloth towel or rag to do the blotting. Many people want to pour water on a stain, but it is not a good idea to over-wet. Simply blot all excess liquid, then refer to one of the following remedies:

First Remedy – Use a dry-cleaning solvent, like Carbona®, and be sure to follow all manufacturers’ instructions. Apply the product to the affected area with a clean dry cloth. Next, use a clean dry terry cloth or towel to blot away the excess liquid. Do this until all liquid is absorbed. Repeat if necessary. Allow carpet to dry completely in well-lit and ventilated area.

Second Remedy – Use a standard laundry detergent mixed with water using the ratio 30 parts water to one part detergent. Apply this to the affected area with a clean dry cloth. Use a separate clean dry cloth to absorb up all excess liquid. Use ample pressure when blotting. Repeat if necessary. Allow area to dry completely.

Third Remedy – Make a homemade carpet cleaning solution using rubbing alcohol and distilled white vinegar. Use the ratio one part vinegar to nine parts ethyl alcohol. You may use isopropyl alcohol instead of ethyl rubbing alcohol. Apply this to the affected area with a clean dry cloth. Use a separate clean dry cloth to absorb up all excess liquid. Use plenty of pressure when blotting. Repeat steps if necessary. Allow carpet to dry completely.

Professional Carpet Installation at a Great Price

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional carpet installation and replacement in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and experienced general contractors provide a wide range of residential and commercial flooring services, including repair, installation, replacement, patching, removal, and more. Request an estimate, today.

Quick Guide to Caulk Removal Around the Bathtub

The good news is that you are ready to re-caulk an area of your home that has been bothering you for quite some time. The bad news is that you have to first remove the old caulk around the tub before you can apply the new stuff, which can take some time. Now the better news is that the bad news isn’t so bad; removing old caulk can be done all on your own in just a short series of easy steps!

Continue reading to review a quick guide to removing old caulk around the bathtub, including what you should do if the job proves to be too big for you to manage.

Home Remodeling and Handyman Services 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Handyman Services 317-454-3612

What You Will Need

All of the supplies and tools you will need to remove caulk can be found at any local home improvement or hardware store. They are all reasonably priced too, so you don’t have to worry about spending outside of your budget to complete your caulking project. Here is what you will need:

🛁 Tub-and-Tile Caulk
🛁 Caulk Remover Product
🛁 Needle-Nose Pliers
🛁 Utility Knife
🛁 Putty Knife (or use the hook-end of a 5-in-1 painter’s tool)
🛁 Trash Bin
🛁 Work Gloves
🛁 Paint Brush (or foam brush)
🛁 Non-Ammoniated Bath Cleaner
🛁 Bleach
🛁 Water
🛁 Plastic Scrubbing Pad
🛁 Cloth or Rag

How to Get Started

The first step is to soften the old caulk with your caulk remover product. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions before applying the caulk remover to the old caulk.

Once the old caulk is soft, use your utility knife to slice through it, directly. Be sure the blade is fresh. Most of the old caulk should fall off easily.

Special Note: If there are extra layers of old caulk, or it is just very thick, you may need to pull it free from the joint using needle-nose pliers.

After you have removed most of the old caulk, use your putty knife or painter’s tool to rake away the rest of the remaining chunks from the joint.

With the old caulk gone, you are now ready to cleanse and disinfect the surface area. You can use a non-ammoniated bath cleaner to remove soap scum and more. Do not use cleaner with ammonia because it can produce dangerous toxic fumes when combined with bleach.

After you have removed soap scum and dirt, check for mildew. If you see mold or mildew, combine 1/3 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water, and use your paint brush to apply it directly to the affected surface.

After you apply the bleach solution, use your plastic scrubbing pad to remove any mold and mildew present. Next, rinse the area with water and dry it thoroughly with a clean rag.

Now you are ready to apply your new caulk!

What To Do if the Job is Too Big

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis home handyman services at competitive prices. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition! Request a written estimate, today.