Sharing is Caring, Especially When It Comes to Cleaning

Take a good look at those drapes…

February 3 by

Why is it that we seem to be so much better at getting our carpets, rugs and upholstery cleaned than our drapes?   Drapes are pretty important…after all, they give any room a great “extra touch” and are an easy (and cost-effective) way of change its style, color or mood.

But drapes attract so much dirt, grime and allergens, especially in big cities like New York, particularly when we want our windows open on cool spring evenings or hot summer days.  Cabs, cars, aeroplanes…they all contribute to the pollutants in the air which will leave your windows and the fabrics hanging by them grimy, to say the least.

Here at Flat Rate Carpet, we offer a top-quality drapes cleaning service, and because we’re professionals, we know exactly what care your particular fabric needs.  We’ll take them down, clean them carefully at our factory then hang them back exactly as we found them (using the digital photos we took beforehand).  They’ll be dust, pollen and dirt-free, and your room will take on a whole new look…

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How often should I be cleaning my carpet?

January 25 by

It’s the big question – should you get in professionals regularly or try and do as much of the cleaning as you can yourself?  The general view, in the industry, is that using a company with the right know-how and expertise is the way to go.  As pros, we’ve seen a dirty few carpets in our time, and many of them ended up just like that because they were left until they couldn’t be left a day longer.

The truth is that trying to clean a carpet that’s in such a state is hard work – and it’s also going to be a costly job for the client.  Manufacturers, overall, take the view that your carpet needs professional cleaning every 12-18 months, and more if it sees heavy traffic.  This is really the only way to make sure that grime and dirt are removed effectively.  The good news, is, however that once you’ve invested in the service, subsequent cleanings are going to be easier, because the carpet won’t soil as easily.

So spend a few nickels, and the dimes will take care of themselves…

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Christmas Cleaning Tips – 2010

December 21 by

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year – but it can also be pretty stressful. And if you’ve got family or friends visiting, you’ll probably be anxious to make sure that your home looks as clean and tidy as possible, Here are a five small tips to help you prepare, and make sure that by the time your doorbell rings everything is looking just as you want it to…

  • Make a list of what needs to be done – you can cross items off bit by bit and you will be less distracted throughout the day.
  • Try and de-clutter before you start cleaning, tidying away miscellaneous papers and bills. You don’t have to sort them out or file them away – just put them to one side, in a safe place.
  • Start cleaning at the top of the house (e.g. ceilings, where dust gathers) and work your way down, cleaning the floor last of all.
  • Dust off and wipe down your doormats, so that when your guests arrive the dirt and grime from outside don’t make it into your home.
  • Listen to some Christmas music whilst you’re working – it will make time pass and remind you of the purpose of the work!

Happy Holidays!

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How to keep your home in great shape – Part II

October 4 by

Keeping your living environment pleasant and comfortable creates a good sense of well being.  And it doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming either.  Small things can make a big difference, so here are five tips to keep your home smelling fresh and clean:

  • Use lemon polish on your furniture (one cup of mineral oil mixed with several drops of essential lemon oil)
  • To eliminate unpleasant odors, light a match and let it burn for a few seconds.  It’s a sure way of clearing the air.
  • Place different types of pot pourri in bowls around the salon, hallway and bedroom, to create pleasant and restful scents
  • Run the exhaust fan when showering, to avoid moisture build-up
  • Sprinkle baking soda on your carpets – leave it for 15 minutes then vacuum it up
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How to keep your home in great shape – Part I

September 15 by

Keeping your living environment pleasant and comfortable creates a good sense of well being. And it doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming either. Small things can make a big difference, so here are five tips to keep your home smelling fresh and clean:

  • Purchase some high quality Aromatherapy candles and use them at night – they’re long lasting and very powerful
  • On your stove, simmer a pot of water with a little cinnamon and perhaps a few cloves inside. It will give off an excellent smell.
  • Put some oil or essence in a cotton ball and place it inside your vacuum cleaning bag – it will make
  • Replace your kitchen sponges regularly or put them in the dishwasher to make sure they are washed thoroughly
  • Place a doormat at your house entrance and at other high traffic areas. You can also ask your guests to take off their shoes, if you really want to keep your carpet or hardwood floors in top shape!
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