Ways to prevent mould on carpet

Anybody who experiences even a small amount of water into their house either through floods or broken pipes should be concerned about mould. And, along with walls and wooden furniture, carpets are also prone to mould. It takes very little water for mould to grow and do a lot of harm. Exposure to mould can cause health problems for some people. Mould is always there in the air, it only needs a little moisture and a dark space to grow quickly. Here are some ways to prevent mould from spreading when you know water is present.


1. Get rid of water as quickly as possible

Since mould thrives on water, removing it will be the easiest way to prevent it from growing at all. A dry/wet vacuum cleaner can be used for this purpose which can be rented out from any carpet cleaning company.


2. Using a dehumidifier to dry the air

The ideal humidity on a comfortable day should be between 30-60%. Mould reproduces excessively in humid conditions. If you’re living in a humid area, then using a dehumidifier to keep the humidity below 60% is a good way to prevent mould.


3. Opt for anti-microbial carpet padding

If you have plans of buying a new carpet, choosing one with rubber-slab carpet padding can be a great option as they are less prone to developing mould and bacteria.


4. Don’t feed the mould

Dirt and dust are mould food which needs to be cleared off regularly in order to prevent mould growth. Vacuum the carpet with a good-quality vacuum periodically. And whenever the carpet does need cleaning, using a dry vacuum cleaner will minimise the amount of moisture the carpet has to absorb.


If you suspect that your home harbours mould, we at Classique Chemdry, provide carpet cleaning, water damage restoration services to Bungendore, Crookwell, Goulburn, Yass, Gunning, Marulan, Collector and surrounding areas of NSW. Call 1800 213 006 for a free quote.

7 Simple steps to help you deal with a wet carpet after water damage

Have you had a flooding or a broken pipe in your home? What do you do if you find your carpet has been exposed to or has been under water for a long time?

Don’t worry, most carpets can be saved if addressed as quickly as possible.
And a quick response is vital not just to save your carpet, but for the health of the home occupants too. Water remaining in your carpet becomes a breeding ground for mould in as little as 48 hours. Exposure to airborne mould may trigger symptoms in people with hay fever, asthma, and allergies.

So what are the things you need to do immediately?

1. Turn the water off at the source and be sure to turn off the electricity.
Have a good knowledge of where your main water valve is located and how to turn it off. This would save time, rather than finding out where the leak is.
Don’t step on any wet carpets till you have turned off the power. Water and electricity is a deadly combination.

2.  Identify the source of the damage and address it separately.
Find out how the water damage has happened, fix or replace any leaky or broken pipes. Takes steps to ensure that this kind of accident won't happen again.
It is important to identify the source so you can decide on how to take care of your carpet. If it is clean water, then drying your carpets will be easier. However, if its water from your washing machine or sewer pipes, you’ll have to get a professional cleaning company to disinfect the carpet.

3. Remove water as quickly as possible.
If the water is clean and non-contaminated, try to remove as much water as possible off the carpet and out of your home. However, if it is contaminated, don’t risk touching it. Let the experts and their special equipment handle it.
Using a wet/dry vacuum is one of the most effective tools and it can be easily rented.

4. Remove the carpet any other water-logged furnishings if possible.
You will definitely need help to move a wet carpet as it will be much heavier than usual. But it will dry better if it is out in open air.
Check carefully for water damage to any furniture and your flooring. You may need to avail the services of a water remediation company.

5. Ventilate the area.
Vacuuming the carpet and extracting water from it should help reduce it from soaking wet to damp. But you have to keep drying it, as mould and mildew are just waiting to grow there.
Keep all windows and doors open and fans running as this will ensure fresh air circulates.You can limit mould and mildew growth by using a dehumidifier.

6. Steam clean the carpet and check the carpet padding.
To properly sanitize and deodorize the carpet, you must use an effective steam cleaner. You may need to hire professionals to ensure the cleaning process is completed quickly and efficiently.
Thoroughly check the carpet pad under your carpet. If it is soaked through and you cannot remove the moisture through extracting, vacuuming, and dehumidifying, then it must be replaced. Usually, water damaged carpet padding cannot be saved and it will be less expensive than having to re-carpet your home.

7. Clean up and sanitize the affected areas.
Anything touched by the water, including the walls, hard-surface floors should be cleaned thoroughly and sanitized. Most household surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water. Sanitize and disinfect everything with a chlorine bleach solution. Remember to always wear rubber gloves.

If you are in need of a carpet cleaning after water damage, avail of our professional cleaning services. Your carpet will be clean and dry within hours as we use 80% less water than typical steam cleaners. We provide services in Goulburn and all surrounding suburbs.
Call 1800 213 006 or visit http://www.classiquechemdry.com.au/services/carpet-cleaning/

Leather Care Tips

Leather is a popular choice in furniture that adds style and character to any room in a home. It is one of the more durable and low-maintenance surfaces for home furnishings. Keeping your leather upholstery clean and in top condition is relatively simple if you follow the proper care. However, different types of leather upholstery have different cleaning requirements.

How leather is processed determines which of the three main categories it falls under:

Aniline Leather

This is the most natural-looking leather but is highly priced. As it is not coated with any additional polymers or pigments it retains all the unique markings and characteristics.

Semi-Aniline Leather

It is just a little bit tougher than aniline leather as its surface has been treated with a light coat that contains some pigment, which makes it more soil and stain-resistant.

Protected or Pigmented Leather

This is the most durable type of leather and has a polymer surface coating containing pigments which adds more resistance to scuffing or fading.

What to protect your leather from?

Unlike most fabrics, leather is extremely difficult to restore once it is damaged and it is sensitive to many things. Leather furniture is commonly vulnerable to:

Marks, Scuffs, and Scratches,

Broken Stitching, Cracks, Tears and Rips,

Fading and Discoloration

What are the major causes for Fading and Discoloration?

Oils & Grease 

Over a long time, body oils and perspiration create a chemical reaction changing the pH level and affect the protective finishes of your leather.

Atmospheric Soils 

Direct sunlight / UV rays, humidity, and dust deposits draw moisture out of your leather’s fibers and dislocate vital natural oils that cannot be replenished. Airborne pollutants like cooking oils and atmospheric pollution also cause damage.

Common Soils 

Stains caused by dirt brought into the home by people and pets may leave a permanent tint on your leather. Plants can also easily leave bright green stains due to the chlorophyll in them that acts like a dye on leather. 

Dyes, Inks, and Paints 

Stains from paint, dyes, and inks are considered inorganic stains are tougher to remove. The faster you act, the better. Wet stains are easier to remove, so it’s important to act as quickly as possible before they dry.

Regular care is the best defense against wear and tear to extend the life of your furniture

- Vacuum furniture before using cleaning products

- Blot spills quickly

- Keep pets off of furniture

- Take care to prevent contact with sharp objects

- Protect your furniture from direct sunlight

- Care for cushions by turning them around and fluffing them

- Dust weekly with a dry microfiber cloth

- Check the manufacturer's labels for care instructions

Professional cleaning

Besides your regular cleaning, it is recommended to have furniture cleaned professionally between 2 and 4 times a year, depending on its age and the amount of wear it gets.

In addition to avoiding long-term damage to the upholstery, cleanings also help to remove potential allergens which are obvious health hazards for people who suffer from allergies.

Call Classique Chem-Dry today on 1800 213 006 / 0458 213 408 or schedule an appointment for professional upholstery cleaning to maintain the health and beauty of your leather furniture.