How to get the BEST Carpet Cleaning Ever In Macomb County, MI

The Power of Direct Heat Drying

2010-07-13T11:21:00.001-04:00

Can your water damage restorer dry jobs in under 30 hours? Can they also save the carpet, padding and drywall in the process?
http://www.squidoo.com/direct_heat_drying

Insurance Credits - Continuing Education - Ethics

2010-07-12T13:28:00.003-04:00

Need CE credits for your insurance license? Join us 7-28-10 at ABC in Madison Heights for 3 credits in Ethics! Just drop us a line.

Continuing Education for Insurance

2009-07-28T15:09:00.004-04:00

In June, Liberty offered it's first Continuing Education Credits (CEC) course for insurance agents and adjusters. The event was held at Collex Collision in Macomb Township, who were gracious enough to let us use their excellent facility and fill the afternoon slot in their CEC program.
It went very well for our first go. Chris did a great job and all in attendance learned alot about the advantages of Directed Heat Drying with a Thermal Energy System (TES).

The good news (and point, yes there is one!) is that if you need CECs and missed your shot in June, we are offering the course again in August! This time we will be at the Macomb Community College center campus at the John Lewis Buildings (K Bldg), Lake Ontario room (315/317). The class starts at 9am August 20th. You can RSVP via email fax or phone. Find our contact info on our site. HURRY! cause seats are LIMITED!

A continental breakfast is included and the class is FREE! Yes FREE!

So if you or someone you know is in the insurance industry and is in need of CECs, stop on by and visit with us! :)

July newsletter out now!

2009-07-14T11:06:00.004-04:00

By now you almost certainly have received your July newsletter! If you haven't please call us ASAP so we can get it out to you.

Be sure to check out this months insert for more info on our Always Clean Club. Membership in this club means you'll never have to worry about a high cleaning bills again! And your carpet will ALWAYS stay clean! Plus we take care of the scheduling for you. It's a great way to save a load of cash and prolong the life and beauty of your carpet!

You'll also notice the insert about our new epoxy and concrete floor solutions. Liberty can help you freshen up your indoor or outdoor concrete. Take it from old, crack, dull and drab to vibrant and colorful! Whether it's a matte finish or a brilliant shine (yes, we can actually get a mirror polish on your concrete!) it will work wonders in your home or business.

And of course there are all the usual fun facts and contests. Check it out today!

Drying out after the floods

2009-07-07T10:47:00.004-04:00

After the torrential rains and storms of a few weeks go, we had a flood of calls for emergency dry-outs. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not have insurance against rain waters, but we were still able to work with them to help restore them to a pre-loss condition.

It seemed like non-stop action. We dried out 3 basements in less than 7 days! That, less than 56 hours per job, including setting up and breaking down our equipment, driving between jobs, etc. Actually, we average about 30 hours per job on a typical flood (if there is such a thing!)

The secret to our incredibly fast drying time is direct heat drying. Using our Thermal Energy System (TES) we use heat, as well as air movement and dehumidification, to rapidly evaporate even very tough to get at water (like the water that can get under the footing of walls) and dry it out in record time.

Most importantly though, we saved carpet, padding and drywall, reducing or eliminating the need for renovation work afterwards. We feel that this is the most important part of our services--saving our clients time and hassle, and saving their homes and valuables.

If your restorer isn't using direct heat drying, are they doing the best service possible for you?

Winter Strikes back!

2009-04-06T08:34:00.003-04:00

Just when you thought it was over! Can you believe it?

Anyway, it's been awhile! And we've been busy, so I apologize for the infrequent updates. In any event, it will be handy to look back over some of the past advise here for useful tips on keeping the slush off the carpets and keeping your floors clean!

For example, our articles on January 29th and 22nd mention some great examples of why it's so important to keep your flooring clean in harsh weather and what to do with those unsightly winter stains.

Our January 15th article is especially noteworthy with all the rainfall (and now snowfall!) we've had recently. Being prepared and aware in a flood situation can not only save you money, but it could save your life! Safety first should always be your motto in water damage situations. Once you are safe, be sure to give us a call to help dry you out.

Rewinding back to December 18th, our article on holiday spotting is just as applicable with Easter right around the corner (if you can believe it!) If you still have spots lingering from the previous holiday season, don't hesitate to give us a call! As you know, the longer you allow these spots to dwell or the more products applied, the harder it is to remove and the greater the chances of a permanent stain.

Finally, the articles on December 4th and February 19th and 27th have great spring cleaning tips...if we ever get back to spring!

Hold in there folks, I know we'll see the sun soon enough. In the meantime, fight back against mud, slush and grime the Liberty way!

Liberty Services at the Grosse Pointe Home and Garden Expo!

2009-03-12T13:26:00.003-04:00

March 21st 2009 we will be at the 22nd annual Grosse Pointe Home and Garden Expo. The Expo is put on by the Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors and is held at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. The War Memorial is located at 32 Lakeshore Dr. in Grosse Pointe Farms, 48236.

Every year hundreds of home owners from the Pointes and surrounding areas flock to this event to get the latest info on home projects and renovations. Dozens of local businesses will have informational booths and interesting features to see. Whether you're planning a project or just taking a day, come check it out!

We will be located just outside the ballroom. We will have a drawing for FREE cleaning and other prizes, so don't miss out!

See you there!

Allergy Season is Near!

2009-03-05T11:38:00.005-05:00

Our friends at Lack's Cleaning in Arizona had some great tips for helping minimize allergies in the home, so we thought we'd share them with you today! I hope this helps as the weather begins to warm and things start stirring up for spring.

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Allergies Got You Down?

The American Lung Association reports that controlling allergies and asthma begins at home. By reducing the allergens around your home that trigger attacks, you can breathe easier and reduce your susceptibility to future episodes. When it comes to allergies, there are thousands of irritants that can potentially cause allergy and asthma attacks, but researchers estimate that at least 80% of these attacks are triggered by one common culprit: Dust Mite Feces.

Sounds nasty, doesn't it? It is! Have you ever seen a dust mite up close? Chances are you wouldn't. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that lurk about your home unseen. When magnified, however, these itty, bitty insects look like spiders! Seven thousand of these creatures can fit on a single fingernail! Up to two hundred million dust mites can infest your home at any given time, and they can double their population in ten hours! But that's not the real problem. The real problem is that each dust mite can produce up to forty fecal pellets a day. It's protein in the feces that causes most allergy and asthma attacks. Carpeting, furniture, mattresses, pillows and stuffed animals serve as breeding grounds for dust mites and are littered with their dead bodies and waste. In fact, it's estimated that at least one-tenth of the weight of your two year-old pillow is dust mite feces.

As you walk across your carpet, any feces in the fibers are launched airborne and can hang around in the air for quite some time, ending up in your eyes, nose and even in your lungs. Dust mite feces is one of the hardest allergens to control, but it's not impossible. There are steps you can take today to help rid your home of this problem.

Place your mattresses and pillows in allergy-impermeable covers.
Wash your bedding and pillows in hot water once a week.
Vacuum regularly, using a HEPA filter so that microscopic allergens aren't released back into the air through the vacuum's exhaust.
Have your air ducts cleaned once a year.
Use a dehumidifier. Dust mites breed rapidly in high humidity.
Professionally clean your upholstery, drapes and curtains every 6 - 12 months.
Most importantly, clean your carpets every 3 - 6 months using hot water extraction to get your carpets thoroughly cleaned.

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To get all the dirt, allergens, chemicals and other pollutants out, major carpet manufacturers recommend one cleaning method above all others - hot water extraction like we here at Liberty Services use. A shampooer that you rent at the store can't even begin to deliver the same results. Here's why: For every 18 degree increase in water temperature above 118 degrees Fahrenheit, the water's cleaning ability is doubled. This means hot water extraction can get your carpets 4 to 5 times cleaner...

The truck mounted equipment used for hot water extraction shoots the cleaning solution into your carpet at a high pressure to break up the allergens, dirt and other pollutants.
Then the equipment uses strong suction to draw out all residues, including dust mite feces from your carpet, leaving you with not only a clean carpet but also a healthy carpet.
Carpets dry in 2 - 3 hours, leaving you with a clean carpet and less allergens to trigger an attack. In additional to health concerns, with regular professional cleaning and proper maintenance, your carpets will last longer and look better for years to come. In fact, many carpet manufacturers require you to have your carpets cleaned annually to maintain your warranty.

At Liberty Services, we use only hot water extraction to give your carpets the most thorough cleaning you've ever seen. In addition, we fully guarantee every cleaning job we do. Check out our 200% Money Back Guarantee. Tired of sneezing, headaches and a stuffy nose? Relief might be just a phone call away. Give us a call at (586) 294-3111 and we'll schedule your FREE in-home cleaning audit.

Spring Cleaning

2009-02-27T10:02:00.004-05:00

March is nearly upon us and soon (or so we hope) Old Man Winter will be blown away. Even when we get those occasional "nice days" that crop up here and there as winter begins to break, you can almost feel the energy of spring! What a perfect time to clean up around the house.
Today we can put together some of the advise from our previous postings to help you get an effective and healthy spring cleaning.

As we talked about, regular vacuuming is very important not just to the life and appearance of your carpet, but also to your health. Now is the perfect time to rearrange the furniture to alter traffic patterns and reduce wear marks in your carpet. And while you're moving the furniture about, you can do some intensive dusting and vacuuming in places you don't normally get to.

Of course all that cleaning might kick up some dust too, or get you breaking a sweat, so open the windows! If it's a nice day out, nothing is more refreshing than a change of air. It will do wonders to improve the air quality in your home, which is likely been shut up tight all winter.

Speaking of air quality, a duct cleaning might be in order. Having your ducts cleaned once every five years is highly recommended. Not only does it reduce the amount of dusting you have to do, it also removes contaminants from your ventilation system, creating a much healthier environment. Liberty does not provide duct cleaning, but we do recommend Safety King for those of you in south east Michigan. We use them in our own homes and they do a GREAT job!

Now that you've cleaned up, got some fresh air and refreshed your living spaces, it's time to relax! But wait! How clean is your furniture? Regularly vacuuming the furniture will help too. Most vacuums will have an adequate tool for this. We also recommend that you pick up the cushions and get in all the cracks and crevices. You might find some sofa change! Like your carpet, the upholstery will last longer if the soils are vacuumed out often.

With all the rain and melting snow, it's sure to make a mess on your floors. Make sure you use indoor AND outdoor entry mats and take off your shoes in the home. Even so, stuff still gets tracked in. If the spring slop has stained your grout lines, we can help you out there. Not only can we clean the grout up, we can also color seal it so it NEVER stains again! How cool would that be?

Of course with rain comes flooding. Hopefully not for you, but if it does, we are available 24 hours a day for flood cleanup. You can always reach the emergency line at 586.872.3112.

Liberty also offers profession pest control, rodent control, lawn care and window cleaning. You can call for more info on any of these services: 586.294.3111.

Here's to spring! Hope to see you soon!

Spring Is The Perfect Time To Clean Your Upholstery

2009-02-19T16:12:00.004-05:00

We talk alot here about your carpeting and other flooring, but I bet you that there are things siting on your floors that need just as much love and attention....

The upholstery of course!

Just as with carpets, upholstery fabrics can and do hold a great deal of soil. Further, they can be released into the air with use, just as with carpeting. Not to mention all the possible contaminants, contagions, and other nasty buggers that could be harboring just below the surface.

Regular vacuuming of your upholstery with a gentle agitating attachment will certainly help, but just as with carpeting, you'll want a deep cleaning at least once per year. Most common pieces can be cleaned with steam extraction, but certain pieces require "dry" cleaning methods. You can check any tags the furniture might have, but its better and easier to have a professional evaluate your needs and inspect the upholstery for any flaws, defects or special needs.

If you do have a spot or spill you want to try to get out right away, the BEST thing to do is gently scrape away any solids on the surface. Next, blot LIGHTLY with a white cotton towel. Don't press too hard or you'll push the liquids deeper in! Also, ALWAYS test any cleaner on an inconspicuous spot BEFORE using it on an open area. Many special fabrics can be very sensitive to chemicals, and you don't want to cause more damage!

The best thing to do is call your local professional (Liberty Services in south east Michigan) and have them clean it for you. They can address any special needs and have a trained professional staff.

Anyways, spring is around the corner and now is the time to schedule your clean, BEFORE your cleaner's schedule is full!

What To Look For In A Vacuum

2009-02-12T15:44:00.010-05:00

We get a lot of clients who ask us "what sort of vacuum do you recommend?" or "Do you like [those] vacuums?" usually after we bring in our Dyson to perform the pre-vacuuming prior to cleaning.

The short answer is: yes, we do. ;)

To get a bit more in-depth, the very first thing we recommend, and the most important feature to any vacuum, is that it can be set to the proper height. Proper agitation of the carpet fibers is essential to good vacuuming. Without it, you are either doing nothing at all or possibly damaging your carpet! To obtain proper agitation, the bristles of the beater bar need to brush the tips of the fibers, creating a vibration that shakes the soil loose from the fibers. If your vacuum is set too high, then there is no contact, or insufficient contact and you are removing topical soils at best (most likely though, you're just moving air around). The one tip you've likely heard from us (if we've had the honor to clean your home) is to place your foot in front of the vacuum and lower the bar setting (if you have an adjustable setting) until you can feel the vibration on the floor.
NOTE! this does NOT mean "all the way down." If you have a particularly low pile, that is a possibility, but not likely in most homes. If you have a self-adjusting vacuum, all the better. Of course regular maintenance should be performed to ensure that this function is in working order. Our vacuums are self-adjusting. It just makes it easier.

Next we look for good suction. Alot can be made of this, and many gearheads will rattle off all sorts of numbers, sizes, powers and so on, most of it rather unimportant. Most vacuums of similar types have similar suction. So long as it is sufficient to capture the soils you are releasing, that is whats most important. You don't need the suckingest vacuum that has ever sucked, but neither will the cheapest vacuum do the best job of capturing soils. These days, most quality vacuums will have acceptable suction. We use a cyclonic system that does a great job.

After loosening the soil and capturing it, of course you need to keep it contained. This is where the differences lie. A good vacuum will not re-release the soils back into the atmosphere. This is why we do not recommend any bag vacuums, even double bag systems. The simple fact is that the even if the bags themselves are not easily permeated (and many of them are, at a certain size), the connection point where the bag attaches is often the point of release, causing recontamination. We only use bagless vacuums with HEPA filters. This ensures that we aren't just spreading the soils around the house.

As I mentioned, we use Dyson vacuums on all our jobs. They are more expensive than many common vacuums out there, but they also do a MUCH better job at the three above criteria than said other vacuums. Dyson vacuums are bagless cyclonic vacuums with HEPA filters and a self-adjusting beater bar. They are also light-weight and easy to handle, perfect for home use. Of course there are other comparable brands out there, so feel free to shop around and find what you like. Though I will say that we did do a fair amount of legwork before making our choice, and we've been very satisfied.

So while all you husbands are doing the house work for your lovely wives this Valentine's weekend, and while all you wives are admiring your hard-working husbands, consider how much easier your cleaning could be if you had the right vacuum. ;D

10 Myths About Carpets

2009-02-06T09:10:00.007-05:00

Today I'm going to share some info with you from our friends Len and Annette at PCS Niagara. They have a great info sheet that dispels many often-held myths about carpeting. Read on and see if you've been fooling yourself!

Myth #1: "There are health risks associated with carpet installed in the home."

The Truth: An extensive toxicological assessment of components of carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet pose no health risks of public concern.
Reference: In 1994, Environ Corporation of Arlington, Virginia, prepared a study, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets. The conclusion was: "For the chemicals identified as being present in, but not emitted from carpet, there is no reason to believe that they present any health risk of public concern. For chemicals identified as being from carpet, no cancer risk of public health concern is predicted for any chemical individually, or when the predicted upper limit on risk is added for all potential carcinogens. Similarly, no non-carcinogenic effects of public health concern would be anticipated."

Myth #2: "Mold and mildew can grow in carpet."

Truth: Mold and mildew exist ONLY where there is excess moisture and dirt coupled with poor cleaning and maintenance habits. Mold growth can occur on any surface—from windowpanes to carpet—that is not properly maintained and when moisture is extreme. Eliminating sources of excessive moisture, such as water leaks, and controlling humidity greatly offset the potential for mold to grow.
Reference: In a study conducted by HOST/Racine Industries, six Florida schools were checked for indoor air problems triggered by high humidity and reduced ventilation. Dust-lined, moldy ducts and plumbing leaks onto ceiling tiles allowed mold to grow and released millions of spores into the air. The research supported that mold and mildew are not associated with a particular surface, such as carpet.

Myth #3: "Carpet is a cause of the asthma and allergy increase."

Truth: Comparison data from Sweden supports that there is no link between carpet usage and the incidence of asthma or allergies. We are not aware of any published scientific research demonstrating a link between carpet and asthma or allergies.
Reference: A study, based on historical figures for ten years, was reported by scientists at the Swedish Institute of Fibre and Polymer Research. They found that while the use of carpet in Sweden had steadily decreased since 1975, the occurrences of allergic reactions in the general population had increased.

Myth #4: "Carpet is a sink for allergy-causing substances."

Truth: This is true as stated. The critical point, however, is often missed. Carpet holds allergen-causing substances tightly and, as a result, keeps allergens from becoming airborne, minimizing the level of allergens in the breathing zone. This translates to lower exposure potential. The allergens held by carpet’s filter-like effect may be removed by vacuuming, refreshing the filter-like properties of the carpet to allow more material to be removed from the air. Vacuuming mattresses, carpet, and upholstery once or twice a week removed allergens, including dust mite feces—a known source of allergen. It is important to use the proper type of vacuum to minimize re-suspending allergens.
Reference: In Carpet and Airborne Allergens, A Literature Review, Dr. Alan Luedtke refers to the results of a study aimed at determining the effect of routine vacuuming cleaning that indicate frequent vacuum cleaning over a short time significantly reduces house dust and mite allergen levels in carpets.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies indicate the effectiveness of carpet in reducing airborne particles. This data indicates that soil in carpet is significantly reduced following cleaning.

Myth #5: "Carpet is a source of indoor quality (IAQ) problems."

Truth: As noted previously, an extensive toxicological assessment of components of, and emissions from, carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet "present no health risks of public health concern." Further, allergens in carpet may be removed by vacuuming.
Reference: EPA/RTI Total Building Cleaning Effectiveness Study states, "Organized cleaning contributes to reduction of particle VOCs and biological pollutants 50%+." Also referenced is the previously mentioned 1994 report from the Environ Corporation, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets.

Myth #6: "Carpet is more expensive and harder to maintain than hard-floor surfaces."

Truth: Properly maintained carpet only needs vacuuming once or twice weekly and periodic extraction cleaning. The sweeping, mopping, stripping, waxing, and buffing that hard surface floors demand are more laborious and costly.
Reference: A Building Office Managers Association (BOMA) study found hard-surface floors require two-and-a-half times more annual cleaning than carpet.

Myth #7: "Carpet is environmentally non-sustainable."

Truth: CRI member companies, representing over 90 percent of the industry’s manufacturers, have an excellent track record over the last dozen years of decreasing wastes produced and energy consumed, improving the industry’s sustainability.
Reference: The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Sustainability Report, 2001 details the industry’s environmental efforts.

Myth #8: "Carpet is a major emitter of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)."

Truth: Most new interior furnishings and building materials emit VOCs for a period of time. Emissions from new carpet are among the lowest of any household’s indoor furnishings, and most VOCs dissipate within 24 hours—even faster with good ventilation.
Reference: To further minimize other IAQ concerns, specify low-emitting products, including CRI Green Label carpet, cushion, and adhesive, when selecting household products and furnishings.

Myth #9: "Formaldehyde is used in the production of new carpet."

Truth: Formaldehyde is not used in the carpet manufacturing process. It is not emitted from new carpet.
Reference: An article published in 1989 in the American Textile Chemist and Colorists Journal stated that research conducted by the School of Textile Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, under Dr. Wayne Tincher and other researchers dispelled this widely-held myth.

Myth #10: "Latex in carpet produces allergic reactions."

Truth: The latex that holds the fibers and backing together in broadloom carpet is synthetic. Synthetic latex is not associated with the allergic reactions of natural latex, which are caused by the proteins found in natural latex.
Reference: Carpet is made primarily of the same innocuous materials found in clothing and other everyday fabrics, including polyester and nylon.

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Undoubtably some essential info to have when deciding on which sort of floor coverings you'd like to have in a new home or if you are adding an addition or renovating! Be sure to check back often, as we here at Liberty are committed to providing you the best resources and information availible regarding your flooring! We are your one-stop shop for any carpet, tile or stone needs!

Happy Birthday Joe Polish!

2009-02-02T10:03:00.003-05:00

Pardon us for a moment while we wish a very happy birthday to marketing guru to carpet cleaners everywhere. Joe is a great guy and has helped us, and many other quality cleaners like us, to improve our businesses and increase our services. Many of his genius ideas are what helped us find new and innovative to put ourselves in a place where excellent clients just like you could find us!

We think you deserve the very best service we can offer. So does Joe. Nobody likes a "splash 'dash" cleaner or a lowball price that inflates once they're in your home. That's why Joe helps good companies promote their services in the best way possible, all for your benefit.

You can check out Joe's site at: http://www.joepolish.com/, watch some of his interviews here: http://www.geniusnetwork.com/, or check out his blog here: http://www.richcleanerblog.com/.

Or you can always shot him a Tweet on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JPolish.

Joe's birthday is Wednesday, February 4th. Drop him a line. :)

Clean My Carpets In The Winter???

2009-01-29T16:11:00.003-05:00

YES!

As we've mentioned, soils in your carpets cause abrasion to the fibers as you walk over it. In plainspeak we call this "wear and tear" and "traffic patterns." If you've been following along, you'll know that a good, regular vacuuming will go a LONG way towards preserving your carpet's appearance and life. Just the same, periodically rearranging furniture to alter traffic flow helps as well. And of course, cleaning AT LEAST once per year to remove ground in soils and greasy soiling.

However, many people wait until spring to clean their homes, especially with the weather we've had! I'm sure you have thought as many of us have: "I'll just wait until the snow and salt clears up." Even if that wait puts their scheduled clean back by several months or more! But waiting for a spring clean could mean dramatically reducing the life of your carpeting, or even causing irreversible damage!

It's true. All that salt and soiling coming in the house is clogging up your fibers and scratching them up. This is further compounded by heavy footwear like snow boots. Plus there is often post-holiday stain build-ups that are slowly setting into the carpets and potentially becoming permanent, or very difficult to remove!

If you have heavy traffic in your home, had some big holiday events, haven't cleaned the carpets in the last twelve months, and its starting to look a bit shabby--DON'T WAIT! Call you quality local cleaner today! If you are not in south east Michigan, check out ethicalservices.com to find a GREAT cleaner in your area.

Otherwise, you're in luck! Cause Liberty is here for YOU!

Winter Salt In Your Carpets

2009-01-22T15:21:00.004-05:00

Anyone who has spent a winter in Michigan knows how great road salting can be, especially if it's been icy recently, which it has.

The downside is when it gets tracked in the home or business and stains the carpets. There are steps you can take to prevent this!

First, have plenty of entry matting. All the comments from our earlier blog on soil prevention apply here. Having sufficient outdoor and indoor entry mats is critical for catching as much of teh large particulate as possible BEFORE it hits your carpets.

Second, Vacuuming! Vacuum regularly, daily if needed, or even twice a day! What does hit the carpeting can and should be captured as soon as possible to prevent it from getting ground in. As above, our earlier blog comments on proper vacuuming apply 100%.

The first two steps here will do ALOT to reduce or prevent salt from getting in your carpeting, but if some still makes its way through your defenses, worry not! One step you can take i to keep a mixture of white vinegar and water on hand. Wet the areas stained with salt with your solution and soak it up with a terry cloth towel. Be sure to follow this up with a rinse of straight water to remove the vinegar from the carpeting, again blotting it dry with a towel.

Now, carpeting does dry from the bottom up, so you can leave a towel on top of the damp spot while it dries. Its ok to put a phone book or similar heavy object on top of the towel to keep it in place and aid absorbtion. Putting a floor fan over the area will also speed drying.

And of course, if the problems persist or you have a BIG problem on your hands, don't hesitate to call your local quality cleaning company. :)

What To Do In Case Of Flood

2009-01-15T16:05:00.003-05:00

With the heavy snows and below-freezing temperatures we’ve had lately around metro Detroit, water damage can suddenly be a very real problem. Whether from burst pipes or ice dams or any other source, if you suddenly find yourself in such a situation CALL US IMMEDIATELY!

With flooding time is of the essence. Drying with speed matters. You want to start drying A.S.A.P. before mold and mildew have a chance to start propagating. However here’s a few tips you can use to address the problem before the professionals arrive.

Think Safety First! Identify any safety hazards and address them immediately! Water is conducive to electricity, so watch out for any potential risk of shock. Water can also make walking surfaces slippery, so take care when crossing the wet surface.
Stop the source of the water. Until the leak or source is stopped, you can’t start drying. You might need to call a plumber. And of course, watch out for hazards.
Increased airflow. Airflow promotes evaporation, so if the weather permits, open the windows. If you can, place fans to blow over the affected areas and turn up the heat or air conditioning. You can also open doors, drawers, closets and cupboards in any affected areas to promote air movement.
Move or protect any furniture. If an item to too big or bulky to remove from the area, elevate it or place a protective surface underneath until professionals arrive. This will help prevent any potential rust or wood staining, and also protect the furniture from water damage.
Hang up or pin up drapes and pin up upholstery skirting. Don’t let these items hang in the water or touch the affected flooring.
Wash and dry any clothing and linens. Don’t put anything in plastic bags, as they will begin to mold.

You might be tempted to dry the affected flooring, walls or furnishing. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TREAT THESE ITEMS YOURSELF! Let a trained and certified professional treat these items. Wood floors and furniture can easily be damaged when exposed to water. All of Liberty’s specialists are IICRC trained in Water Damage Restoration and know exactly what to do and how best to save your valuable items. Professionals have the tools and knowledge necessary to evaluate the damage and begin restoring your belongings to pre-loss conditions. Once the source is stopped and drying has begun, we will check back periodically to monitor progress until everything is completely dry. Our Thermal Energy System (TES) is great at drying safely with speed. The power of dry, heated air increases drying potential, allowing us to restore your home faster and safer, getting you back on track as soon as possible.

Liberty offers 24 hour emergency service to Macomb County, Oakland County and Grosse Pointe MI. Call 586-872-3112 in case of emergency.

Holiday Spotting Tips!

2008-12-18T09:42:00.008-05:00

Happy Holidays Everyone!

That time of year is upon us again when we are inflicted with seasonal guests. Hoepfully your holidays will be spot-free, but should Aunt Dottie spill the gravy, or if Uncle Fred gets a little wild with the eggnog, we have some quick tips you can keep handy for an immediate cleanup!

HOMEOWNERS, BLOT THAT SPOT! Seriously, always blot, never scrub. That's our motto and I'm sure you've heard it before if we've had the priviledge to clean your home. Scrubbing creates friction and friction creates heat and heat can cause stains to set, and nobody wants that! Blotting with a cool, damp, white cotton towel will give you some great absorbancy potential, allowing you to soak up the bulk of the spill. You can use your hand OR your foot (or both, if you fancy Twister) to slowly and gently apply pressure to the towel for several minutes.

STEP AWAY FROM THE CLEANER! Most household cleaners and over-the-counter products are really not the sorts of things you want on your carpet. They can be very aggressive and abrasive, causing damage to your fibers and possibly even letting stains set easier and faster! While they may be well intentioned, most cleaners just mask the spot and damage the fibers, leaving a soapy or greasy residue that attracts more soiling over time, making spot "come back." Rather than risk a permanent stain, its better to use a neutral solution (like a 50/50 mixture of cold water and white vinegar). If this doesn't do the job, you should call your regular professional cleaner (when you have a minute!). A quality company will have trained and certified technicians who can address the spot much better and with the right tools.

SLEEP ON IT! OK, not really. But it doesn't hurt to leave a cool, damp, white cotton towel on top of the spot for a few hours, or even over night, if you suspect it might stain or if some residue is left. You can put a handy phonebook or similar weighty item on top of the towel to hold it in place and help absorbtion. Wet carpeting dries from the bottom up, so that wet towel will "trick" the carpet into thinking it's taller than it really is. It's a pretty neat trick, as the product will end up in the towel and not your carpet, and we find it alot easier to wash a towel than a carpet!

So there you are, three short, handy tips yo can keep in mind during your holiday functions. No matter what kind of spill you encounter, these three steps are the first things you should do! Save your own carpet from the "Holiday Spots" or be the hero and save a friends!

In any event, we wish you the best of Health, Wealth and Happiness over your holidays and in the New Year!

Natural Stone Care the Liberty Way

2008-12-11T15:37:00.004-05:00

With the way the economy has been going recently, alot of folks have gone from trading up their homes to home renovations to increase the value of their home for when the market does come back. Often enough, this involves replacing old counter tops and flooring with new, more valuable surfaces. And when it comes to counters, granite is an old favorite. So we thought we would share some helpful tips for you to use when taking care of your granite surfaces. Whether they are part of a new update you've done or will do, or an old favorite feature, these tips will help you get the most out of your investment. :)

What you Should do

Do: Protect counter top surfaces with coasters, trivets or place mats, particularly under containers or glasses with alcohol or citrus juices.
Do: Blot up spills immediately. Acidic substances like wine, coffee, fruit juices, tomato sauce and sodas can etch the polish or stain the surface. Cooking oils may also leave a stain if not wiped up quickly.
Do: Clean surfaces using a sponge or soft cloth. Always use a specially formulated neutral pH stone cleaner. Repeated or excessive use of regular soap, household cleaners or even water will cause a build-up of chemicals and mineral deposits that will dull your counter top's shine.
Do: Polish your counter top regularly using a Granite spray polish, this really helps maintain brilliant color and the protective coating that safeguards your Granite. (By the way, Liberty does have Granite Spray Polish available for you. Call 586-294-3111 or log on to http://www.libertyservicesofamerica.com/ )
Do: Remove water spots by rubbing with a #000 steel wool.
Do: ALWAYS USE A CUTTING BOARD! Again, avoid the possibility of scratching the surface and protect your knives.
Do: Use trivets and hotpads under pots, pans and dinnerware. Yes, you can take a hot pot off the stove and put it right on the granite, without any problems. Not true for all other surfaces. But you must consider other issues as well.

Grit that gets trapped between objects and the countertop surface may scratch the surface, even granite. Granite is very hard and can withstand considerable abuse, but will wear eventually. ALL other surfaces are softer than granite. Better safe than sorry. If it does happen, don't fret too much. Most chips and scratches can be repaired by a skilled professional, but it's best to avoid them by following these simple Granite counter top care tips.

What you SHOULD NOT do

Don't: Cut on your counter top surface, this will prematurely scratch, dull and damage your Granite as well as wear the knives' edges quickly.
Don't: Use generic cleaners such as bleach, glass cleaner or degreasers. The products at your local store contain acids, alkali and other chemicals that can damage the counter top surface, leave dirt attracting residues or degrade the granite sealer leaving the stone more vulnerable to permanent staining. Trying to save money by using these chemicals only ensures that you'll spend a lot more time and money on your granite counter top maintenance in the long-run.
Don't: Use vinegar, ammonia, bleach or citrus cleansers.
Don't: Use dish soap for regular cleaning. Dish soap is also commonly recommended for stone and counter top care as a daily cleaner because it will not damage your stone or sealant if it's mild, plain soap like Ivory. However, soap scum will build up over time, dulling the surface and requiring a thorough cleaning with special products to restore the original luster. So, while using a soapy sponge or cloth for quick clean-up while you're cooking, etc. is certainly fine, cleaning your counter tops with soap is not the best or easiest method.
Don't: Use bathroom, tub and tile or grout cleaners. The powders and even the "soft" creams contain abrasives that will scratch and dull surfaces.
Don't: Sit or stand on your counter tops. Unlike laminate counter tops, granite, marble and quartz counter tops are very hard, but not flexible, and the DO NOT have a plywood backing, so too much weight in one spot could cause a crack.
Don't: Place toiletry products directly on your counter top surface. Hair products, perfumes, colognes, nail products, creams, lotions and potions may stain or damage the surface or etch the polish, leaving a ring. Protect your counter top by placing these products on a decorative tray like they do in fancy hotels!

Bad Advice You May Have Heard

'Unfortunately, if you search around the web you'll find lots of conflicting and plain wrong information about the characteristics of counter top surface maintenance. I've seen Windex, Pledge and even Simple Green recommended for cleaning granite. True, it will clean it and your counter top will look nice and shiny. But as noted above, when used consistently over time, Windex and all other generic cleaners may damage the surface or granite sealer. You won't see it right away, but by the time you notice the damage is done.

You May Even Void Your Warranty

And don't forget when cleaning your mirrors in the bathrooms, to spray the glass cleaner away from the counter top and on to the paper towel or cloth FIRST, then wipe the mirror. Don't spray it onto the mirror because guess where the overspray goes? That's right, all over your counter tops.

Good Advice

Daily: Hot water and a sponge is sufficient to wipe up spills and debris and keep your counter tops clean and tidy throughout the day. At the end of the day, a quick spray and wipe of the most heavily used areas with our stone cleaner will adequately clean, disinfect and protect your counter tops.

Weekly: Use the stone cleaner over the entire surface. Then spray with aerosol counter top polish and buff dry with a clean, dry terrycloth towel. (And don't forget! We have that in stock for you!)

Granite counter to maintenance is very easy. In fact, if all you ever did was follow thee instructions after we have completely protected your surface, your stone will still look great 20 years from now!

I hope you found this valuable, and that you use these tips for years to come. If you have any further questions, we're always more than happy to help you! Call 586-294-3111 or click on http://www.libertyservicesofamerica.com/

Tips You Can Use At Home To Prolong The Life Of Your Carpet

2008-12-04T11:19:00.004-05:00

Nobody like a worn, soiled-looking carpet. And I'm sure everyone has heard enough about traffic and wear patterns. Well here are a few tips you can use around your house to extend the wear life of your carpeting for FREE!

And they are easy too!

1. Rearrange furniture often in rooms that receive high traffic.

Some of us fear change, but for others rearranging the furniture is almost a hobby! Either way, altering the flow of traffic through a room will spread out that daily wear and tear, creating a more even appearance and increasing the amount of time it takes wear to show. Plus, it gives you a fresh perspective on things! ;)

2. Change your furnace filter at least monthly, or more often when its dry or dusty.

Indoor air quality is a very hot topic nowadays. As I'm sure you know, your carpeting is also a filter in your house. Maintaining a fresh air filter will help reduce some of the soiling in your carpet. So let the filter do the filtering and let your carpet do the comforting!

3. Consult with the professionals.

Some rooms, homes, or areas have special flooring needs. Make sure each room is optimized to handle its use. Having the right flooring in the right areas will contribute to the overall cleanliness of your home and make cleanings alot easier.

4. Vacuum regularly.

Lets say that again: Vacuum Regularly! This is probably the single greatest controlling factor that decides how long your carpet will last and how quickly it soils. It may not be the most enjoyable task ever, but it is a very important one and can have a suprising effect not just on your carpet, but also on your physical and mental health! Once again, Indoor air quality has been linked to a number of illnesses, diseases and disorders. Keeping your carpet clean and fresh eliminates so many contaminates from your home.
Vacuum at least once a week or more!

5. Quality flooring.

The cheapest carpeting is probably not the best. And while you may not need to shell out top dollar for the fanciest of carpets you should select a quality carpet. The extra cost up front will save you alot of time and stress later, when you need to quickly replace a cheap carpet that has worn too quickly. And of course, buyer beware. Always check out the dealer and installer and make sure they are a quality company.

There you have it! 5 quick tips you can use to keep your home and carpets fresh, clean and healthy in between regular cleanings! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or are looking for a good referral. If we don't have one directly, we can always point you in the right direction! :)

Big saving in Macomb, Oakland and Grosse Pointe Michigan

2008-11-26T08:32:00.004-05:00

Just a quick update before the big turkey day. Right now, any businesses in Macomb County, Oakland County and Grosse Pointe can save BIG on Stone, Tile and Carpet Cleaning! Call 586-294-3111 or toll-free at 800-KARPETS and get up to 200 sq. ft. of carpet cleaning FREE! Got stone or tile? Get up to 50 sq. ft. of tile and grout or natural stone flooring FREE! When you schedule a cleaning between December 26th and December 31st. All appointments must be made by December 19th to qualify.

Don't Wait! Scheduling will be limited an it will be first come, first served! Save money on your flooring investments and give you and your employees a safe, healthy environment for the holidays!

What's in YOUR Carpet?

2008-11-20T09:00:00.008-05:00

No, I'm not talking about the soils today! Instead, lets talk about what your carpet is made out of. Chances are, your carpet is a man-made fiber rather than a natural one like wool.

There are quite a variety of these fibers on the market today--nylon, olefin, polyester, acrylic--and your carpet may have one, or more likely, a blend of them. Why is that? Well, different fibers have different advantages and disadvantages depending on the location and use of the carpet.

Most homes will have a nylon or nylon blend of carpet. This is because nylon is the most wear-resistant of the common fibers, shows its color nicely and has some inherent soil and stain resistance. It is the most expensive to make though, which can be a prohibitive factor for large installations or tight budgets.

On the flipside, many commercial and public carpets are olefin or an olefin blend. This is because olefin is the cheapest to manufacture, which allows a lower price--a nice advantage when you need to carpet large areas! But olefin is not as wear-resistant, and though it also has a nice visual appeal, it can soil quickly and easily--even more so over time, as its quicker abrasion makes resoiling even quicker and easier.

Additionally, olefin (and polypropylene, essentially the same material) are petroleum-based products, as you might have guessed by the name. This means they are "oleophilic," or oil-loving. In plain terms, it means that this fiber attracts and bonds to oil-based soils VERY easily and DO NOT like to let them go, making it difficult to clean them. As you might recall from an earlier blog here, oil-based soils are a large part of the soiling process, making olefin a short-lived product that will wear quickly and soil easily.
If you have an olefin, vacuum it OFTEN and WELL! Keep it as free of soils as you can to reduce wear. Also keep it on a regular maintenance clean.

Polyester and acrylic both have low wear-resistance, which makes them less appealing for high-use areas, which results in a low frequency of use.

Now for the dirty secret. Many carpets being sold today are a blend. Most commonly you'll find a nylon/olefin blend. Knowing what you know now about olefin, you might wonder "Why? Olefins wear quickly and soil easily, and love to hold onto oily soils, making them difficult to clean, so why blend them?"

Recall that olefin is the cheapest fiber, while nylon is the most expensive. Selling a blend means that the production cost is lower for the mill and that the carpet will wear faster, requiring more cleaning and more frequent replacement. A very common ratio you'll find is 70% nylon and 30% olefin. Not too bad, right? Maybe so, but that 30% is enough to visually reduce the appearance over time and with soiling.
Remember that in school, 70% was a C-. Not so appealing, eh?

Nylons are great in the home, but certain rooms, like the bathroom, might be better served with an olefin, as it is hydrophobic, which means the moisture in that room will affect it less. It will wear quicker, but if properly maintained, can look good in the meantime.
In the kitchen though, olefin would probably be a terrible idea!

So be aware and check the labels when you are buying carpet! Knowing what you are putting in your home is one huge step towards maintaining that investment for a long time. The right stuff in the right spot with the proper cleaning measures can keep any carpet looking good for years to come!

The Value of Soil Retarding Treatments (such as Scotchgard)

2008-11-13T15:32:00.005-05:00

Soil retardants help to protect your carpet in two ways: One, it causes spills to bead up on the carpet surface, rather than letting them sink in immediately. This allows you more time to respond to a spill before a stain sets in. Two, dry soils do not adhere to the fibers as easily, making the carpet much easier to clean, especially at six to twelve month intervals.

Of course this doesn't mean that soils can't adhere to the carpet, but it does mean it will slow down the process. Like anything else, its not a miracle cure-all, rather it is a measure of protection for your carpet.

Typically, a soil retardant is applied as a coating to the fibers. And just like the fibers themselves, it is subject to wear and tear from soils, shoes and the like. So to better understand the challenges and benefits lets examine the soiling process:

Oil-based soils are the most likely to adhere to a carpet fiber first. These can be airborne, such as from cooking vapors and vehicle exhaust. Others might be tracked in on your shoes from the parking lot or pavement outside.

Over time, these small amounts add up to one big headache in the form of a dirty, stained carpet, as the oily soils build up. This is especially noticeable in your traffic lanes and pivot areas, like corners in hallways or next to your bed or in front of your sofas or chairs. Of course, the more people or traffic you have, the faster these soils will work their way into your fibers.

Even worse, these oily soils have a tacky consistency which allow them to trap and hold other soil types--especially dust which contains a wide range of contaminants (organic, inorganic and biological) as well as abrasive grits. This combination of soils is what causes those unsightly traffic patterns, which is permanent damage to your fibers, caused by the abrading action of the grits on the fibers thanks to the weight and movement of your feet across the surface. This is why regular cleanings are highly recommended, even for new carpets, and why soil retardants are offered with each cleaning. Getting and staying on a regular maintenance program will greatly reduce the amount of soils in your carpet, which reduces the wear and tear and consequently extends the life of the carpet, saving you money.

So get the sandpaper out of your carpet! save yourself the time, hassle and cost of traffic patterns and replacing carpets. Find a cleaner who will provide quality cleaning on a regular schedule and who will offer you quality protectants for your valuable investment.

To Clean or Not to Clean, That is the Question

2008-11-06T14:56:00.006-05:00

We often hear from our clients how they "meant to get a cleaning done sooner." With today's hectic lifestyles it easy to overlook something as onerous as getting the carpeting, or other surfaces, cleaned.
We understand. Really, we do.

Just like you, we work hard all day, and when you get home, its easy to want to just zone out and forget the problems of the day and enjoy your own personal paradise. A cleaning can feel disruptive and intrusive. You have to find a company (hopefully one you can trust!, set a date, get stuffed moved, and tidy up. Plus, you have to be there (physically, anyways). So we put it off, wait "just a little longer," or just plain forget.
It happens.

However, procrastination carries its own costs with it:

Threat to health
Causes odors
Degrades air quality
Causes dyes and fabrics to deteriorate, possibly causing permanent damage

Maybe you don't want to spend the money, or maybe you want to avoid the hassle, or maybe you've had a bad cleaner in the past. But all of these excuses (and they are excuses) will only cost you more money and create more problems in the long run. Clean floors and furniture directly impacts the environmental quality of your home, your own personal retreat. And clean fabrics last longer. So keeping up on regular cleanings will save you money and preserve your health over the long run, which is invaluable.

How can you help stay clean between cleans?

Don't eat over the carpet
Don't wear outdoor shoes in the home
Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum!
Clean up spills (Properly!!!) when they happen

Further, there are good, trustworthy companies out there. Trust us, we know, we're one of them. ;) A good company will save you alot of time and hassle and treat you with the respect you deserve. Once you find that company, you can build a relationship that will have you in a clean, healthy home for years to come.

Stay tuned for more great tips on keeping clean and healthy! In the meantime, click this link to find a great cleaner in your area.

http://www.ethicalservices.com/