How to clean up smoke damage

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When a fire breaks out, even a small one, there is always some amount of smoke damage to the walls and ceilings of your home. If the damage is minimal, you can clean up the smoke residue, stains, and odour by yourself. To help you out, we have briefed down 10 steps to clean up smoke damage that will help you restore your home to a safe condition.

1. Make sure the fire is out and your home is safe

We all know that if smoke is left too long to set into your home it will make it more difficult to clean and get rid of. This may tempt you to get started on the smoke damage cleanup soon after a fire. However, before jumping at the task it is important to make sure the fire is completely out from the actual source and other potential areas.

2. Wear protective gear

Always wear protective equipment before starting any cleaning process that involves contact with chemicals or other contaminants. This is even more important when dealing with leftover soot as the particles could cause irritation to your eyes, skin and even breathing problems. To shield yourself against toxic substances and avoid health hazards make sure you wear protective clothing, a pair of gloves, goggles, and a face mask. Remember safety comes first.

3. Avoid any delay

As said earlier, the longer the soot and smoke is left to set, the more difficult it is to clean up and repair the damaged areas. Soot stains can even become permanent if smoke damage is left untreated for a very long period. Not forgetting the strong unpleasant odours emitted by soot can cause respiratory issues, and for those suffering from asthma might experience a bad attack. The sooner the soot and smoke damage cleanup is done, lesser the risk of any health problems and further damage.

4. Ensure proper ventilation

Once the situation is stable, switch off the HVAC system to prevent smoke and soot particles from spreading to other areas. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid damage from spreading throughout your home.

Once the HVAC is turned off, open up doors and windows to let soot particles out and ensure proper ventilation. Remember to change the air filters on your HVAC system once the smoke damage cleanup is complete.

5. Dispose of smoke-damaged food

Any food that is exposed to smoke may store soot particles which are hazardous to health. Hence it is important to throw away any such contaminated food to prevent health complications. If the food was left open, without any second thoughts it should be discarded. Don't forget to check the contents in your refrigerator and cupboard as well. If the seal of the refrigerator has been compromised there's a possibility of smoke getting in and affecting the contents.

Even canned food can be at risk of contamination if exposed to extreme heat as the bacteria present get activated and start growing. Thus, it’s always good to discard canned food after a fire instead of salvaging them.

If you are unsure if a food item is safe to consume, throw it out. Your health is worth more than a slice of meat or a can of baked beans.

6. Check your fabrics

While doing the smoke cleanup, check for any signs of damage on any fabric/clothing exposed to fire. Any fabric that has suffered burn holes should be discarded right away. Clothes that are not really burnt but only covered in soot may still be salvageable.

7. Inspect your electronics

Electronics (TVs, DVD players, computers, etc) are delicate items, and smoke can do substantial damage to them if left in the open. After a fire, do a thorough check on all electronic items in the smoke damaged area for signs of soot or charring. If possible try and remove the soot from these devices/appliances to prevent them from getting permanently damaged. You may also document the fire damage to file an insurance claim.

8. Use a handheld vacuum

If you decide to vacuum the smoke and soot damaged carpetings and walls, avoid using the vacuum's brush attachment. As the bristles could rub the soot deeper into the damaged surface, making the smoke damage cleaning and removal process all the more difficult.

As an alternative, you could use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum's hose attachment, holding the nozzle two inches above the affected surface. This will help to suck up soot particles effortlessly and avoid rubbing them deeper into the surface. Although a vacuum is useful, it does not remove soot particles completely. Hence, further smoke cleanup is important.

9. Prepare cleaning solutions

It is important to mix cleaning agents with water in right proportions for cleaning surfaces. Using too much chemical can worsen the damage, and too little will not be effective at all.

10. Ask for help

Cleaning up a smoke damaged area can be a tedious task. For a speedy restoration, you can always ask family members, friends, neighbours for help or call a professional cleaning company to handle the cleaning process.

If your home has suffered major fire damage, leaving it covered in soot and filled with unpleasant smoke, call Classique ChemDry on 1800 213 006. We will clean, repair and restore your home!

Handy Tips to Prevent Carpet Mould After Water Damage

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It’s not uncommon to have your carpets damaged from flooding, water spill, or leaks at home. If you are a homeowner, you sure must have experienced such incidents before. In cases where carpets are not so severely damaged by water spills, it can still be a serious issue if the carpets are left unattended. This is because of the growth of mould. All it needs is a little moisture and a little dark space to thrive in. Before we give you tips to prevent mould growth on carpets, learn why carpet mould is so bad.

Why prevent carpet mould?

Mould patches on carpets not only look bad but can have a serious impact on one's health too. They produce allergens which can give rise to allergic reactions in people living at home, especially if they are sensitive to mould. Inhaling or touching mould spores could trigger sneezing bouts, runny nose, red eyes, skin rashes or hay fever-type symptoms. Hence it is of vital importance to prevent the growth of carpet mould.

Here are tips to prevent carpet mould after water damage.

1) Avoid dampness at home

Carpets are one of the few items that are at high risk of damage and can provide ample of breeding ground for mould growth. All that is needed for mould to thrive is moisture, oxygen, a little food resource and a surface to grow on. Mould spores are everywhere in the atmosphere and if they land on wet surfaces like carpets, the dust on them acts as a food resource allowing them to breed in manifold. It’s best to prevent dampness as far as possible. Keep doors and windows open from time to time to let in sunlight.

2) Act immediately

In case of events like a water spill or incidents wherein individuals have stepped on carpets with wet footwear or carpets have come in contact with standing water, it’s wisest to remove the carpets from the floor and dry them under the fan. Ignoring such incidents may cause the water to seep deep through the layers of the carpet and cause more damage. In case of severe water damage, its best to call a professional carpet cleaning company to clean and restore carpets.

3) Clean the area smartly

When cleaning the floor with wet liquids, be sure to remove carpets from the area. A little touch of moisture can cause a great extent of damage to them. Use dry forms of cleaning if possible. And if there happens to be an accidental contact with water make sure to dry carpets thoroughly.

4) Install carpets at appropriate places

Avoid installing carpets in areas which are prone to coming in contact with moisture or water. Rugs near bathrooms should be cleaned on a regular basis. Hang up bathroom rugs and doormats on a rod for proper ventilation and to dry them out thoroughly.

5) Choose high quality padded carpets

Carpets with a thick level of padding (solid or rubber- slab) have antimicrobial properties that make it difficult for mould to grow on. They may be on the pricey side but are worth the investment. Choose such carpets for your homes to further reduce potential damage.

In case of mould growth on carpets, call Classique ChemDry for professional help. Classique ChemDry provides solutions for carpets damaged by water and mould. Call 1800 213 006 or visit http://www.classiquechemdry.com.au/ for more information on carpet cleaning.

5 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Pet

There is no better joy in the world than to have a pet as your companion. Pets complete our life and make every bad day seem not so bad. Who wouldn’t agree on this? If you have plans to bring home a furry friend, here are 5 reasons to adopt your next pet. Let’s together put an end to pet homelessness for good.

1. Adopting puts a stop to puppy mills

Majority of the pets you buy from a pet store, a local breeder or online come from puppy mills. A puppy mill is a commercial dog breeding home/factory where pets are bred solely for profit. Female dogs are bred over and over again, young puppies are housed in small, wire-floored cages and separated from their mothers at a very young age. Each time you buy a pet, you support these cruel puppy mills. Find out more on where you’re putting your money into the next time you plan to get a pet home.

2. Stray animals deserve better

Every year millions of stray animals are euthanized. Reason being, homes couldn't be found for them. A sad truth, isn’t it? Stray animals freely wandering the streets often have a hard time surviving on their own. Some meet tragic ends with road accidents, others are forced to live with broken limbs and health issues. Some are abused at the hands of uncivilized humans. And a vast majority of them are malnourished and don’t even make it to adulthood. Life on the streets is certainly not all rosy. It’s the survival of the fittest. But every dog or cat out there on the streets deserves a forever home and companion to love them. Why buy a pet from a store when you can give a home to the more unfortunate ones.

3. Shelter pets are cheaper on the pocket

A pet from a shelter home has already had all of its vaccinations. Some shelters also have their animals spayed and neutered before they are put up for adoption. Why go through all the hassle of spaying and neutering, when you can get a healthy pet from a shelter home. Adoption fees are also lighter on the pocket than buying a pet from a pet store. 

4. You save a Life

Adopting from a local rescue shelter gives a pet so many reasons to love you. There are millions of strays in shelter homes, some abused, some rescued from emaciation, some given up by homeowners and some made it there simply because they couldn’t find homes. Each time you open up your home to such strays rather than buying a pet, you save a life and you have something to be proud of. Adopting from a shelter not only saves one life but you also free up a spot at the shelter to save another pet’s life.

5. Shelter pets make great life companions

Often there is a misconception that shelter pets are broken and have temperamental issues. While some may, most pets are simply lonely and in need of a friend. These pets can bond really well and would love you the same way a pure breed would do. You just need to give them a chance. And even if you have an obsession for pure breeds, you can get one at a local shelter at a cheaper price.

Go visit a shelter. Find that waggy tail and wiggly butt you wish to have as your life companion and spread the word about pet adoption. #AdoptDontShop

Further to ensure the wellbeing of your pets and family members always remember to keep your carpets, rugs and upholstery clean. If you need a professional cleaning company to handle this for you, contact Classique ChemDry on 1800 213 006.

6 Tips to Avoid Carpet Stains

A new carpet is a big investment, so of course, you want to make sure that you take every precaution to maintain the carpets in their proper state for as long as possible. A properly maintained carpet can have a life as long as 10 years. Carpets undergo a lot of wear and tear in the house. Especially when there are kids and pets running around the house the whole time, some carpet spills and accidents are bound to happen. So even with all this, how do you prevent the carpet from getting spoilt soon and increase its life? Here are some tips for it.

Get a strain resistant treatment done for the carpet

Treating your carpet with a strain resistant protectant will give it an extra protection from wear and tear for as long as the protective surface holds its ground. Many of the recent day carpets come with this, but you can apply one yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

Clean/Vacuum the carpet regularly

Cleaning and vacuuming your carpet regularly will help prevent stains and remove any dirt present on it. It is very easy for dirt and debris to get trapped inside the carpet's fibres. These dirt particles get accumulated and can accelerate the aging process of your carpet. Make sure you clean your carpet at least once a week (although more often is always better).

No shoes rule for carpets

No shoes or any other footwear allowed on the carpet. Make everyone in the house follow this rule. This will result in a lot less dirt accumulating on the carpet. It will also be easier to clean it.

Make use of plastic mats and rugs

Use a plastic mat under the furniture and in heavy traffic areas of the house. This will prevent the carpet from getting worn out soon. Also, if you eat in a carpeted room, using a plastic mat will help in avoiding any accidental spills.

Immediately treat spills

Any accidental spill should be treated immediately before it sinks in the carpet. Do not rub anything on the carpet. Instead, dab up the moisture to avoid any damage.

Get your carpet professionally cleaned

Even though you can clean your carpet regularly, its best to get your carpet professionally cleaned twice every year. Since the professionals use special cleaning techniques and treating methods for carpets, a professional carpet cleanup will greatly improve the life of your carpet and give it a brand new finish.

Call Classique Chem-Dry on 1800 213 006 and get a free quote!

5 Things That Hide Deep in Your Carpets

Some homeowners believe that carpets that are cleaned regularly and look kempt need no professional cleaning. In order to avoid the expense, they prefer to clean it themselves, which is not enough. There are several things that can get embedded in the fibres of your carpets which can go unnoticed and ruin them as well as affect your health. Below are five things that settle deep into your carpets which you could probably be unaware of.

Allergens

If you or any family member goes into a sneezing frenzy soon after stepping into the house, it could be due to allergens that are trapped in you carpets. Carpets attract all outdoor allergens that are under the soles of our shoes. These allergens settle on carpets and when stirred up become airborne.

Chemicals

Factories use various dyes, glues and other chemicals in manufacturing carpets. Carpets after installation release these chemicals reducing the indoor air quality.

Mould

If the carpet is damp or installed in a high moisture area, it will soon become a home to mould. Mould grows and spreads quickly on damp surfaces and your carpet could be an ideal place for mould growth.

Bacteria

Day in and day out we walk on carpets with our shoes on, not realizing the soles of our shoes come in contact with various surfaces and carry dirt and bacteria. When we walk on carpets using the same shoes, we deposit all the dirt and bacteria on their surface making them not only dirty but also unhealthy.

Dust Mites

These microscopic organisms are responsible for large amounts of allergens in your home. Although relatively harmless, their body fragments and the waste they produce are harmful to human health. These could trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, wheezing and coughing.

The best way to get rid of the things that live in your carpets is to have them cleaned professionally. When it comes to any kind of carpet cleaning, Classique ChemDry is at your service. Call us on 1800 213 006 to know more about our carpet cleaning expertise.

Have Your Upholstery Live a Long and Happy Life

Upholstered furniture can turn a house into a home, giving it style and comfort. But upholstery suffers in the wear and tear process just like all your other furnishings. How do you keep this from happening too quickly and maintain the inviting look of your furniture?

The trick is frequent steps in maintenance, all the more so if you have young kids and pets
at home.

Choose wisely

Begin by choosing the right fabric for your home and lifestyle. There are different types of fabrics that upholstery comes in and you should understand what type would be suitable for each part of your house. For example, in high traffic areas of your house, synthetic fibres would be an appropriate choice. Avoid fabric with heavy texturing if your pets are going to make themselves at home in it.

Protect your upholstery

Turn over loose cushions frequently and change their placement on the furniture. This will delay the formation of unsightly dents in your cushions. Fluff them after they’ve been cleaned to maintain their shape.

Keep your upholstery fabric out of the sun. Frequent exposure to harsh sunlight can cause fabrics to fade. Be especially careful with delicate material like silk. Keep your upholstered furniture away from pollutants such as smoke and kitchen fumes as much as possible. Proper ventilation can go a long way in odour control, too.

Clean with care

Follow instructions for cleaning that you should find on the label of the upholstery or in the
user manual.

Spills:
Spills, spots, and stains are inevitable. Gently blot spills with a clean towel. Placing paper towels underneath the fabric that has been soiled can help keep the spill from spreading and make your cleaning process quicker.

The next step is to deal with staining if any. If you’re using a liquid-based cleaner, run a patch test in an inconspicuous part of the fabric, first. Apply it in a circular motion and remove all soap residue to prevent the fabric from attracting dust after it has been cleaned. Dry the area out and finish by vacuuming.

Vacuum:
Vacuum your upholstered furniture at least once a week to prevent dust, soil, and dirt from getting embedded in the fibres. You can even start by using a soft brush to remove dirt that’s more visible. In case of pet hair, you may find a brush sold at a pet store, especially for this purpose.

Professional cleaning

The above steps are essential for regular maintenance of upholstery. However, there’s no substitute to having it cleaned professionally every year or two.

For deep-cleaning of upholstered furniture or for restoring upholstery that’s suffered from spills and staining, call Classique ChemDry on 1800 213 006. We operate in Bungendore, Crookwell, Goulburn, Yass, Gunning, Marulan, Collector and surrounding areas of NSW. We will help your home look welcoming again.

Special Care for Special Rugs

Regular cleaning of area rugs is important for keeping them in good condition, as well as for maintaining a clean and healthy home. Some rugs require special care and your first step should be to look for a care label that might give instructions on cleaning. If instructions are not provided, here are a few tips on specialty care for rugs. 

Wool

Wool rugs are durable, soft and are a beautiful addition to your home, but are subject to wear and tear especially if placed in high-traffic areas.

Wool shed easily, especially in the first few months. Vacuum two to four times a month, but make sure not to use a vacuum with a beater bar. Over vacuuming or harsh vacuuming irritates wool and damages the fibres.

Spills, stains and your pet’s business on the rug must be given prompt attention to save the rug from permanent damage. First, remove any solid dirt, whether dried mud or food solids. Then, remove any excess liquid using a paper towel or a dry rag. With a solution of dish soap with water, and in some cases white vinegar, gently blot away the stain.
Lastly, dab the area dry, air dry or dry with a cold air fan.

Avoid placing your woolen rug in direct sunlight for long periods of time. It will cause the colour to fade, more so if it is dark. Rotate your rug periodically to protect it from damage from natural light. Use a rug pad underneath for protection and traction.

Artificial Silk

If you thought you needed to be careful when cleaning woolen rugs, artificial silk rugs require an even gentler approach because of the delicate nature of the fibres. Avoid abrasive cleaning, vacuum regularly & gently, and do not rub or scrub the rugs.

Staining and spillages must be dealt with immediately. Use a spoon to scoop up solid items that have spilled onto the rug, without scraping it. Liquid spills should be blotted with clean, white cloth or a paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. In case of staining, use a very gentle cleaner that has already been tested on the rug’s fabric. Leave the rug to air dry and do not use heat, as it may damage the rug.

Leather

Moisture and heat are no friend to your leather rugs and abrasive cleaning could damage them. Leather rugs must be shaken out to remove loose dirt instead of vacuuming. Follow up by cleaning them with a soft hand brush.

To wash, spray a solution of 5% white vinegar and 95% water and clean using a soft sponge. For stain removal, your safest bet is a leather cleaner, after running a test on a small, inconspicuous part of the rug. In all cases, ensure that you dry the rug immediately, using a dry rag. Air dry thoroughly before using.

Air drying your leather rugs in the sun once in every few months is also good, but don’t leave them out for more than an hour or two.

Similarly, avoid placing your leather rugs in direct sunlight for long periods of time, as heat and light cracks the skin.

Handmade

Place a nylon screen over your handmade rug and then vacuum over the screen, carefully.

These tips are great for regular upkeep of your rugs. But if you want your rugs to last long and serve well, do not hesitate to call a cleaning professional every two or three years. We, at Classique ChemDry, are a team of experts in area rug cleaning. Call us on 1800213006 and visit our website to find out more about our services.

Classique ChemDry’s Hot Carbonating Extraction vs. Conventional Steam Cleaning

Sure, everybody can clean a carpet. But we, Classique ChemDry, chose to do things a bit differently. We take pride in being able to deliver a natural, longer lasting carpet cleaning solution than traditional steam cleaning. We aim to provide you with the best cleaning possible with the unique Hot Carbonating Extraction method. Let us now talk about how our process outperforms traditional steam cleaning.

Classique ChemDry has one focus in mind - Clean and healthy home. We have green certified solutions, proprietary equipment and professionally trained technicians who understand individual needs of a home. Our cleaning crew ensures that your carpets get deep cleaned and stay cleaner for longer. Our primary mission is to provide a safe, clean home for you and your family to live in. The first difference between conventional steam cleaning and our unique process is the type of cleaning equipment used. The former process of cleaning involves pumping a high volume of soapy water into your carpet at extremely high pressures. This, along with moderately cleaning the carpet can also damage the fibres by burying some of the dirt deeper into the carpet. Classique ChemDry’s HCE process uses significantly less water - in fact, 80% less water and does a much better job at cleaning without damaging the carpet since it operates at low pressures.

Secondly, the products that are used while cleaning have a significant effect on how effectively the cleaning process is carried out and for how long the carpet stays clean. Most carpet cleaning methods involve detergent and leave a soapy residue on the carpet. This further attracts dust and results in the carpet getting dirty shortly after the cleaning job is done. On the other hand, Classique ChemDry’s proprietary cleaner is made from natural ingredients and doesn’t include any soap or detergent, so there is no dirt attracting residue left behind.

Thirdly, since a lot of water is used in steam cleaning, the carpet takes a longer time to completely dry up. Our process, on the contrary, uses 1/5th amount of water hence the carpet dries up in no time. We are, without doubt, the best carpet cleaners you can get to service your carpets. Reach out to us on 1800 213 006 for a free quote or visit us at www.classiquechemdry.com.au to know more about our services.

10 Tips to prevent a kitchen fire

The kitchen is known to be the most common source of a house fire. Hence, it is important to take some preventive measures to minimise the possibility of a kitchen fire and the risks involved. Below are tips that will help to avoid a kitchen fire.

1. Whether you're grilling, frying, or baking, do not leave the cooking food unattended. Keep an eye on the stove or oven while the food is being cooked. If you must leave the kitchen, make sure you turn off the stove or oven.

2. Use a timer in order to remember there is food cooking on the stove or in the oven.

3. While deep frying, don't overfill the pan with oil.

4. Roll up long, flowing sleeves and take extra care when wearing nylon clothing. Also, keep long hair tied up while cooking.

5. Items like paper towels, pot holders, oven mitts, plastic bags and other flammables must be kept away from your stove and oven.

6. Grease build up is inflammable. Hence, clean the surfaces and wipe up all spills after cooking. Ensure the stove is kept clean and grease free.

7. It is advisable to have a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen, stored in a cool place.

8. Before you step out of your home, check the stove, oven and other heat-generating appliances and make sure they are turned off. Ensure you do the same before you go to bed.

9. Install a smoke detector near your kitchen - in the sitting area, bedroom, etc. Check it every month by using the test button. Have the batteries replaced every year.

10. Unplug electrical appliances like oven, toaster, microwave, mixer as soon as you see some sparks.

If a fire breaks out in your kitchen, call the fire department immediately. For repair and restoration of property call Classique ChemDry on 1800 213 006. Our experienced professionals will quickly and effectively remediate the fire damaged property.

How to Clean Area Rugs

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Area rugs need regular cleaning and upkeep in order to extend their lifespan and get the best out of them. Read on to pick up some tips on cleaning and preserving area rugs.

Follow the instructions
Your rug would most likely come with a label that instructs on how to clean it. It is important to know what material or blend of materials your rug is made of and to follow special cleaning instructions and care directions.

Dust / Sweep
The best way to clean your rugs is to begin by dusting out excess dirt. Do this often to prevent dirt from getting embedded into the fabric. Take them outdoors and shake them up or, in case of sturdier rugs, you can hang them over a clothesline and beat them with a broom to get rid of the dirt. When it comes to hair and pet fur, brush or sweep it out. Best to get as much of it out of the way as possible, before going on to the next step.

Vacuum
Rugs are magnets for dust and dirt and need to be vacuumed at least once a week. If the rug is new, daily vacuuming would help get rid of fluff. Take care when vacuuming rug fringes. It’s best to use a broom to clean them out. Rugs sitting in high-traffic areas and those that your pets have exposure to would benefit from more thorough and frequent vacuuming.

Air-dry
Frequent and long-term exposure to humidity can harm your rugs. Airing out your rugs for a few hours should be regular practice to keep them from accumulating moisture and developing mould.

Launder
If your rug is washable, handwashing it might be best, but understandably not the most convenient option. Machine wash on delicate and take care that rug fringes don’t become tangled and knotted. You could put the rug in a pillowcase that can be zipped or buttoned up or a mesh laundry bag.

Dry
Rugs should be hung in a way that does not ruin their shape. It is possible that their shape could get distorted, since some rugs are made from synthetic fibres similar to carpets. They are best hung over a clothes-drying rack, or a structure where they can be spread out.

Dry Cleaning
Some rugs should not be laundered, only dry-cleaned. This is particularly in the case of coloured rugs that are likely to bleed colour.

Professional Cleaning
To preserve your rugs and increase their longevity, it is highly recommended that you have your rugs professionally cleaned at least once a year. Professional cleaning will get rid of dirt embedded deeply in your rugs, and contribute to the hygiene of your home.

For all rug cleaning services call Classique Chem-Dry on 1800 213 006 / 0458 213 408 or visit us at www.classiquechemdry.com.au We provide services in Goulburn and all surrounding suburbs.

What to do when water invades your home

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Almost everyone has at some point in time faced a situation of potential water damage at home. The water might have affected only a part of the house or impacted the entire property. It takes only minutes for the water to meander through your house and settle in hard-to-reach corners and soak into carpets and rugs. Like an unwelcome guest, mould thrives and takes residence in your home. Flooding, washing machine, dishwasher or water heater leakages and burst pipes can all put your property at risk, if not attended to immediately. If the damage is caused due to a septic overflow or a sewage backup the unsanitary water can cause health complications.

So how does one deal with a flooding or leak?

Act quickly: Safety is crucial when re-entering a flooded area. Ensure structural stability before entering. Quickly try to understand the extent of the damage- if you can clean it up yourself or if it would be better to call in a professional. If you choose to clean it up yourself, first evacuate children, elderly persons and people with an already compromised immune system.

Gear up: Dress appropriately before entering the area to clean it. Thorough eye protection and mask, and non-porous gloves are essential.

Get to work: Make sure to quickly and completely dry wet areas and materials that have been soaked or even dampened. Don’t ignore any item, especially wooden, as mould needs no further invitation.

Go easy on the bleach: Bleach may not always work in your favour, and, being corrosive and strong, might even cause further damage to some items. Inform yourself well of what materials can withstand bleach and what quantities are safe to use.

Discard items if necessary: It may not be feasible to wash and disinfect some items. The may become hosts for mould growth and retain germs and bacteria.

Dry it all out: Ensure to dry out property and items. Focus on getting rid of moisture by keeping doors and windows open, using use heaters, air-conditioning and fans.

Watch the mould: Over the next few days, keep an eye on areas that were dampened to check how well they’re drying out, and watch out for new mould growth. If there is, have it remediated as early as possible. Keep your family’s health in mind. Have an expert assess the damage as they would know best how to catch even an unseen problem.

Look for the problems: Sometimes, to look for a long-term solution, one has to dig deeper into the problem. Thoroughly inspect your home for damaged pipes or taps and have your appliances serviced if required.

When your home has been invaded by water in any way, sometimes the best thing to do is call a professional, as they can best protect your property from further damage, by using the right equipment and procedures. We, at Classique ChemDry specialize in professional water cleanup and water damage restoration. Call us on 1800 213 006 for a free quote or visit us to know more about our services.

How you can help your kids to not ruin the carpet

Kids, no matter how old, seem attracted to carpets like magnets - whether in the house or in your car. But then the little angels go one step further and attempt to destroy them.

Carpets and food

Their elbows may stay off the table for the most part, but your kids, especially the toddlers cannot help themselves spilling food. And if your dining area is carpeted, it must be a crumb magnet.

Using a splat mat or a chair mat would offer some kind of protection and help keep your floors clean. A mat would work well for snacking spots as well and is easy to wipe when snack time is over. Plus, they’re portable so they can go from one room to another, as needed.

Snack time could also mean your toddler picks up their juice cup like they are taught to. But then, they carry it around with them and don’t miss the carpet. Spill-proof cups could go a long way in keeping juice off your carpets and off the rugs in your car, too.

Carpets and shoes

When your kids come home from playtime in the park or from football, they somehow manage to find the carpet with their soiled shoes still on, bringing in grass clippings and mud, thus leaving the evidence all over the house. It’s that much worse if they’ve come in from the rain.

While the “no shoes on the carpet” rule may not produce results by itself, a shoe storage might be the key. If each member of your family and especially your kids could have a special place for their shoes, it might be easier to set a routine that the kids could follow every time they come in from school and play.

Carpets and activities

If your kids seem to arrive at creative epiphanies in the carpeted room, your carpet could be attacked with everything from Play-Doh to paints. When it comes to Play-Doh, a quick cleaning tip would be to let the sticky pieces dry and then vacuum the carpet.

Covering the play space would also help keep those carpets clean. A splat mat could work here, too and can be cleaned in a jiffy.

Tricky as it might be, it could be a good idea to limit material when your kid is at messy play. This should be done not in a way that could hamper their creative process, but in a way that’ll teach them to be responsible with smaller amounts of material. Your carpets will thank you for this.

Kids and carpet cleaning
Of course, this doesn’t mean you make your little kids vacuum the carpet, but while you do this, they could pick their toys off the carpet. This would save you time and teach them to be responsible, even for the carpet.


All of these tips may help you and your kids get through the day with a somewhat clean carpet. But, you still need to think about your family’s health and call in the professionals regularly to keep your carpets ultra-clean. Do this often to keep your carpets free from mould, dust and so much more.

Classique Chem-Dry provides the best carpet cleaning service for a clean and healthy home. Call 1800 213 006 for a free quote.

Simple tips that help in making your carpet stain go away

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Carpets seem like magnets for stains, don't they? Spilt wine, tea, coffee, paint… these are just some of the mishaps that are bound to happen if you have a carpet. Does getting that stain out of your carpet seem impossible? Here are a few tips to help you out.

It is always best to tackle stains immediately to avoid permanent damage to your carpet. Fresh stains are also easier to remove than old ones. You can use baby wipes to blot up spills from your rug or carpet. They absorb both the liquid and the stain and make great homemade carpet cleaners. 

You should have patience while removing stains as it may take a little extra time, muscle and effort.

Removing a stain can be a pain, especially one that has soaked deep down into soft fibers. So it is best to identify the stain and the time it has taken to settle in. 

Different types of stains require different treatment and solutions. Find the best suitable solution and method as the type of stain impacts how you should remove it. 

You should also reference the specific fabric you're treating to determine the appropriate product, water temperature, and technique to use. For example, if the carpet is made of wool do not use ammonia as a stain remover. Always remember to test for colorfastness.

Most stains require a thorough washing after the treatment and vacuuming until the stain is gone and the carpet is dry. You may have to repeat the process a couple of times to remove all traces of the stain. 

Even if you don't have any mishaps, you should always have your carpet thoroughly cleaned every 12 to 18 months. It is best to avail the services of professional carpet cleaning services.

If you are looking for good reliable advice and a carpet cleaning company in Goulburn & regional NSW, then contact us at 1800 213 006. Classique ChemDry provides the best cleaning services in carpet cleaning, pet urine odour removal and spot removal. We have an expert team who are specialised in stain removal from any surface. 

Tips To Remove Pet Urine Odour

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Our pets are like family to us. They are the best part of the day when you come home tired from work. Nothing can match the feeling when your pet gets all happy to see you come home and sits to cuddle with you. But with all the cuddling, there are the pet droppings as well, which can give rise to really bad odour making your home smell very bad. Here are some of the tips to make your home feel fresh throughout and keep the bond with your pets unconditionally loving.

Carpeted areas and upholstery

For the stains that have just happened and are fresh, try soaking up the urine as much as possible with a cotton cloth. Place paper towels on the area to soak up the urine, cover it with a newspaper and stand on it for a while to soak up everything. Repeat this procedure till the area is barely damp. If possible, place one of these urine soaked paper towels near your pets designated bathroom area. Since they are attracted to the smell, it could teach them that this is the place for them do their business. Don’t forget to rinse the accident area with cool water and blot it dry.

Paint and wood damage

If the wooden surface of your furniture, walls, baseboard or floor is discoloured, it means that the varnish or paint has reacted with the acids in the urine. It’s best to get a new layer of varnish or paint. While doing so, don’t forget to make sure that the new paint material is safe for pets to avoid any further such incidents.

Finding Older Mess

Sometimes it so happens that the odour is already present but you do not know where the source is. In such times, turn to your natural instincts, follow your nose to find the source. If you have a black light, use it to identify the soiled area and mark it for cleaning.

Avoid Future Accidents

There’s a high chance that your pets will return to the “accident zone” if they can still smell their personal scent. Make sure you properly clean the area to remove any smell which could lead the animal back to the same spot. Try to make this area not so attractive to them and their actual designated potty area extra attractive. Productively cultivate a new habit in your pet’s mind to do its business in this designated area. Normally re-training will take about a week or two.

Classique Chem-Dry is always available for service of any form of pet urine odour removal. Visit our website to know more about services or call us on 1800 213 006 to get a free quote.

Upholstery Cleaning - Doing it the right way!

Having your upholstery cleaned regularly is a must for all homeowners. With all the bacteria, dust and other allergens that enter your home, your upholstery can be a source of allergies if not cleaned from time to time. However, it's not just about cleaning it timely but also doing it correctly. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your upholstery cleaning is a success.

Use the right cleaning solutions
Using the wrong cleaning products won't give you the desired results. Hence it is important to buy appropriate cleaning products for your upholstery after doing considerable research. If you miss this step you could end up staining and damaging your furniture.

Test the cleaning product
Always do a test patch before you use the product on your entire upholstery. With this, you will know if the cleaning product is safe to use or not. If you see no signs of damage then you can go ahead and clean the remaining parts of your upholstery with the same cleaning product.

Never soak in water
One thing you must avoid is soaking your upholstery in water as this could worsen the stain and do substantial damage.

Do not ignore the upholstery material
When it comes to upholstery cleaning there's no one technique fits all. What works for a plush sofa need not work for a leather sofa. So keep in mind the type of material used in your upholstery before you begin the cleaning process.

Clean regularly
Clean every 12 to 18 months to extend the life of your upholstery. Also, vacuum your furniture every 2 weeks especially if you have children and pets at home. And remember to act right away when you spot any stains on your upholstery.

If you're looking for experts to handle the cleaning for you, look no further. Call Classique Chem-Dry on 1800 213 006. We offer professional upholstery cleaning services to revive the beauty of your upholstery/furniture.

How to bring order to your home

When life gets busy, and we find ourselves caught up in work, cooking, school and other activities, we tend to neglect simple things like the tidiness of our home. But fortunately, there are ways to keep a home neat by putting in even just a little effort. Below outlined are tips that will help you manage things in a better fashion and bring order to your home.

Make your bed

A simple thing like making your bed can make a huge difference. Start by clearing your bed, then put the fitted sheet on and pull up the quilt and lay it evenly, and fluff the pillows before placing them on the bed. This will immediately change the look of your bedroom. Apart from that, your bed will look a lot more inviting at the end of a hectic day than wrinkled, untidy sheets.

Declutter

Often we find things like shoes, bottles, bags, clothes, files, etc. laying around here and there rather than being in their rightful place. This makes the house look messy. A simple way to de-clutter the place is to grab a basket and collect all the items. Start by picking up items from the living room that don't belong there. Repeat the same process with the bedroom. While there, if you have items that belong in the bedroom, place them back to where they belong. Follow this method for every room until your basket is empty. Spend at least 10-15 minutes a day in decluttering your home.

Run the dishwasher at night

Dishwashers are not only water efficient but also save time and effort as compared to cleaning the dishes by hand. Every night run the dishwasher even if the dishes are less. By doing this your kitchen will look clean and clutter free.

Clean the kitchen benchtop

After dinner and before going to bed, make sure you put away all the dishes, food, scraps or waste and clean the kitchen benchtop as well as the stovetop. By doing this you can go to bed without the worry of having to deal with a messy kitchen next morning.

Tidy the bathroom

Quite often we find too many products on the bathroom countertop. This makes the bathroom look untidy. The best thing to do is, keep the daily use products like soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, and maybe a hairbrush on the countertop in a neat manner. While items like shampoo, conditioner, lotions, oils, shaving kit should be kept in a cabinet. This will help to prevent a bathroom from looking unkempt.

Follow these tips on a daily basis and your house will look neat and clean every day.

If you're looking for expert carpet cleaning, area rug cleaning or upholstery cleaning services, call Classique ChemDry on 1800 213 006.

Household Tips on Tackling Dust

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When you’re dealing with a serious dust problem, merely sweeping the dust away won’t help. The dust particles will only move around and won’t be picked up. You can capture the dust with a soft cloth. When you are cleaning from ceiling to floor, a vacuum cleaner is the most efficient tool. Here are a few tips to keep your home free of dust. 

Electronic items: 
Electronic items like television sets, computers, etc., act like dust magnets. Wiping the item with a microfiber cloth will generally do the job. A soft handled brush helps collect dust from other areas. Make sure to vacuum dust from cables/cords. Clean them regularly, as pet hair along with the dust might clog machines or outlets. 

Floor:
Mop at least once a week and clean the place thoroughly. This will help to reduce allergens. Wood flooring needs dusting at least once a month. 

Soft toys:
Put all the soft toys in a plastic bag, and sprinkle a cup’s worth of baking soda. Seal the top and then go outside and shake well. This will remove any dust particles. Take out the items one at a time and shake off all the baking soda. Lastly, vacuum the soft toys using a brush attachment. 

Stove and refrigerator:
With time debris get accumulated. This serves as a source of food for insects and other pests. To avoid this, if possible, try and take apart the appliance. Make use of a slightly damp sponge to clean. Finally, wipe the floor and walls of the area with hot soapy water.

Vents:
Get rid of the heavy dust from ceiling, walls or appliance vents as it can breed allergens. Rinse removable, washable air-conditioning filters well in hot soapy water and air-dry before reassembling. Cleaning your air vents regularly may save you the cost of replacement of heating and air-conditioning vents.

We at Classique Chem-Dry make cleaning easier for you. We tackle homes that have carpets and remove 80% of the dust and dirt that end up in your upholstered fabrics and furniture. We provide you with the best cleaning services with our Chem-Dry’s HCE process which removes an average of 99.1% of common household allergens from upholstery. 

Choosing the right rug for your spaces

When it comes to home decor, the last thing on your to-do list after painting the walls, lightings, and furnishings, is adding rugs. While it may seem like a simple job, as all you got to do is purchase rugs that look nice, but in reality, there's more to it. So here, we are going to talk about different rug types and how they are suitable for different spaces in your house.

Rugs for Hallways or Entryways

Areas like the hallway or entryway are known to have high traffic, therefore, rugs which require low maintenance are best suited for these spaces. While selecting, it is always better to go with a rug that is made of jute material as they are simple to clean and strong. The dirt does not settle on the fibers and remains on the surface of the weave. They are also suitable for damp areas and can also be placed outdoors.

Rugs for a Living Room

A lot of activity including entertainment, family occasion, dinners, parties and other get-togethers take place in this space of your house. So to keep it elegant, your excellent buy would be a rug made of wool. Wool adds to the overall appeal with its features of softness, style, comfort, and durability. Based on the shape of your living room area, you could opt for a rug that is square or rectangular in shape. It is always advisable to buy a rug that is big enough to keep the legs of your furniture off the flooring.

Rugs for a Dining Room

As we all know, the dining room is prone to dangers of dropping food or spilling liquids. So to stay on the safe side, purchase a rug for this area that is made from natural fibers. It makes it easy to dust, wash and clean. Select a rug that covers the area of your entire dining table. And keep in mind the shape of your table so that you can buy a rug that matches it.

Rugs for a Bedroom

For a bedroom, your best option would be a rug that is cozy, comfy and soft. Having one's toes sunk into a rug that is soft and warm is something we all love at the end or start of the day. And that is why wool again is the material you got to look for while buying a good bedroom rug. Buy a rug that ensures the legs of your bed fit well within the area of the rug. Or if you're someone who prefers rugs on either side of the bed, go for something that matches the length of your bed.

Rugs for your Study/Work Area

This is where your creativity comes into the picture. Go for a rug that reflects you and your style. It could be something that is simple or fancy, vibrant or subtle, square, round or rectangular.

We provide excellent rug cleaning services that can give your rugs a clean and fresh look.
Contact us on 1800 213 006 to know more about our rug cleaning expertise.

How is carpet cleaning different from rug cleaning

When it comes to home decor, carpets and rugs make a significant difference. They enhance the beauty of any room by adding a touch of colour, comfort, and warmth. For them to continue to add that spark to your home, they need to be cleaned on a regular basis. They trap dirt and dust which can not only reduce their appeal but also lead to health problems.

To extend their lifespan and ensure your family's health is not compromised, you need to ensure they are cleaned regularly and maintained properly.

Normally, carpet and rug cleaning should be done at least once in a year. But if you notice that they're covered with food or pet stains quite often and look shabby, then you should have them cleaned more frequently.

Most individuals think carpet and rug cleaning is one and the same. But in reality, they both have a different cleaning process.

Carpet cleaning

To clean carpets, the most common techniques followed are steam cleaning and hot water extraction. These methods aim to eliminate dirt, dust, and allergens trapped in the carpets.

As steam cleaning is highly effective and gives good results, professional carpet cleaners usually prefer this method. The process involves deep cleaning using steam and hot water to get rid of all the above-mentioned pollutants including dust mites and pet fur from the carpets.

With the aim to promote healthier cleaning, professional carpet cleaners utilize green cleaning products over harsh chemical agents. This helps in the improvement of indoor air quality and creates a healthier environment.

Rug cleaning

Professional rug cleaning involves getting rid of all the dust and dirt from the rugs to prolong their life. Using steam cleaners is advisable as they do not cause any damage to rugs.

Professional rug cleaners use special methods that ensure effective rug cleaning. They utilise the right techniques, advanced equipment, and safe solutions to preserve the appearance and colour of the rug. They run tests on rugs to check for colour fading or running. They also make use of a specially formulated enzyme that aids in getting rid of pet stains and odours, without affecting the colours of the rug.

So, if your carpets and rugs are due for cleaning, contact Classique Chem-Dry on 1800 213 006 for expert services.

Things to Avoid After a Fire Incident

After a fire damage incident in your house, everyone seems to have great advice of what you should do -- call your insurance company, secure the property, call a restoration team, and so forth. But something they don’t mention is the list of things you should strictly avoid doing after having a fire incident in your house. Here is a list of things you should avoid in the aftermath before seeking professional help.

1. Get rid of all the food items that were there in the house during the fire, including canned food. The excess heat can render the food useless and dangerous to consume. They should be discarded and in some cases, the cost can be itemized and get them replaced as a part of your insurance claim.

2. Hire professionals to clear the fire and ash remains. Trying to clean it on your own and doing it the wrong way can damage your walls, ceilings and other surfaces and leave residues behind. These residues often result in various breathing problems for people living in the house.

3. In case of heavy smoke, avoid reusing the carpet and upholstered furniture. It is advisable to get them replaced as they can give rise to various respiratory problems.

4. Do not turn on any of the electrical appliances in the house without getting them professionally checked and cleaned. Reason for this being that the dust present inside these can lead to a short circuit and damage the equipment.

5. Last but not the least; do not enter the house unless you’re given assurance from a licensed authority about the structural integrity of the house. Although the house might have many valuable things which you need to recover, your life is more precious. It’s best to hire a professional to salvage all the goods and get a complete restoration done before entering the house again.


At Classique ChemDry we have experienced professionals who can quickly and efficiently investigate the fire-damaged property. We estimate the extent of damages which can be a result of the fire, smoke, and water. We also devise a proper plan of restoration for the fire-damaged site.

Give us a call on 1800 213 006 or visit www.classiquechemdry.com.au and we will be there to assist you!

Unseen Health Problems of an Unclean Carpet