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Where is that Urine smell coming from?

June 12, 2023 / Avocado Services

Using a UV (ultraviolet) light to find urine stains in carpet

Urine contains phosphorus, which fluoresces under UV light, making it easier to spot the stains. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a UV light to find urine stains in carpet:

Choose a UV light: This doesn’t have to be an expensive purchase, you can easily pick these up online at a low price. These lights look like torches and come in various sizes but a small handheld one is all you need.
Prepare the room: Turn off as many lights as possible in the room to increase the visibility of the UV light. It’s always best to perform this inspection in a darkened room or during nighttime. Closing curtains, lowering blinds and closing any doors will help.
Inspect the carpet: Hold the UV light close to the carpet surface, about 1 to 2 feet above it, and slowly move it around. Pay attention to any areas that appear bright green or yellowish-green. These bright areas are likely to be urine stains.
Mark the stains: Once you identify a urine stain, mark the spot with a piece of tape or paper so that you can easily locate it later when you turn the UV light off.
Assess the extent of the stains: Continue scanning the entire carpet to identify all the urine stains. Some stains may be visible immediately, while others may require a closer look. Take your time to ensure you don’t miss any spots.
Treat the stains: After identifying the urine stains, you can proceed with treating them. Spraying a carpet sanitiser or deodoriser will temporally mask the odour. At this stage give us a call. We can arrange for someone to come out and machine extract those areas for you. We can neutralise, sanitise and machine extract those stains for you. Unfortunately, you can never guarantee that the yellowing left behind will disappear, but the odour can certainly be reduced. The main trick here is time. The quicker you get to the area and treat it the easier it is to remove.

Remember, UV lights only help you locate urine stains, but they are not a substitute for cleaning. This is only for identifying and finding where they are. Because UV light can cause nausea when used for long periods of time it’s always advised to wear safety UV protective goggles. Never shine or point the light into your eyes, always hold the device downwards when turning it on and off.

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How To Care For Your Leather Sofa

February 20, 2023 / Avocado Services

Leather upholstery is a very hard wearing material and can last for decades if properly cared for. Maintaining the cushions and especially the armrests will prevent the leather from drying out leading to cracks and splits.

Following these simple tips and tricks will act as a guide to maintaining a clean sofa environment.

Dust and vacuum the leather regularly.

Using a microfibre cloth to dust the tops and backs of all areas will not only brighten the leather but also prevents dust allergies from developing. If you have a vacuum cleaner then adding a brush attachment to it can also be an effective way to lift dust and debris. If the cushions are loose, remove them fully so the base can be cleaned as well. Sometimes you may even find that missing pen.

Soak up spillages immediately

If for example a drink or some kind of liquid happens to spill over the sofa, don’t panic. With leather, it’s usually quite easy. Grab a dry cloth, press it over the spillage and let the cloth draw up the liquid. Do not rub or put any cleaning product down at this stage. Just hold the cloth over the area and soak up as much as you can.
Most of the time this will be all that’s needed to clean the area, however, if some colouring remains after then it may require a professional. Try to avoid using washing up liquid or other products to clean with. This can lead to all sorts of problems such as colour loss or damage to the leather itself. Using a dry or slightly damp cloth with just water is the best and effective method for a quick fix.

Preventing cracking and splits

Over time leather hardens and becomes stiff. With the constant sitting down and moving around on the sofa can cause the leather to split or crack. You will tend to notice this more on the seat cushions and the armrests. Preventing this is quite a simple task, use Leather Conditioners. These can be applied by a professional, or if you feel confident, you can do it yourself.
These liquid based creams are applied by hand and are massaged into the leather. This softens the leather itself and keeps the whole sofa supple. Usually lasts between 2 to 3 months and can be easily reapplied when needed.

Avoid sunlight

The most common thing we see in leather is colour loss. This is where certain areas of the leather look a different colour from the rest. Usually, this is caused by UV from the sun. Sunlight beaming down through a window onto the leather on a hot day can lead to discolouration, this unfortunately is irreversible.
So when positioning your lovely new leather furniture, just take a moment to check how much sunlight if any will shine directly down onto it. Also check any other forms of heat such as radiators, making sure no part of the upholstery is directly touching.

Regular professional cleaning

Wiping down and conditioning your leather upholstery is something you can do yourself. But to clean the leather properly may require a professional. Using the correct methods and products designed for leather restoration can make all the difference.

We recommend twice a year should be enough to keep your leather upholstery looking its best.

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How To Safely Clean Your Phone

June 15, 2022 / Avocado Services

In today’s society, your mobile phone is one of the most important items you carry around. It’s in your bag, your pocket, on tables, on charge and in your hand multiple times. So keeping it clean is very important.

Over time dust and debris can build up on the screen, in the charging ports, and under the edges of the case. This can result in things like improper button response to difficulty with connecting cables.

Now phones are very delicate pieces of equipment, so your want to make sure you have the right cleaning tools for the job.

Step 1

Turn off your device, and remove the battery if you can.

Step 2 – Gather Cleaning Tools

Wooden toothpick
Paper Towel
Sanitiser Spray

The quickest and easiest tool for removing debris is a wooden toothpick. This is great for scrapping bits out the edges, around buttons and in the charge ports. Due to it being wooden it does not conduct electricity so there’s no chance of you getting a shock or damaging the connections if used softly.

What you do not want to do is use any metal tools of any kind, as these could short out components and damage your device. You should also avoid using compressed air as this can just force the dirt in further.

Once you are happy you have removed as much dirt as you can it’s time to clean the whole facia of the device.

To do this spray some sanitiser directly onto a folded paper towel, 2 small squirts should be enough. Gently rub the towel over the whole device insuring you cover all sides, front and back. The reason we use sanitiser is it will kill any bacteria but also clean at the same time.

Once the device is looking sparkling and fingerprint-free fold the towel and dry off.

We recommend cleaning your phones and tablets at least once a week.

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Fleas – A Pest In The Home

April 28, 2022 / Avocado Services

Fleas are very common in the UK and the main way they enter your home is via our pets. Cats and Dogs like to show you what they have found but these are always unwanted gifts.

A common sign your pet has fleas is to look for them scratching and generally a bit jumpy. This usually means fleas are present and should be treated immediately to stop the spread. Like Mosquitoes, they are blood-sucking insects and can cause irritation for both the pet and the owner.

Fleas pass through four life stages: egg, larva, pupae and adult.

Stage 1: Egg

Once an adult female flea has found a host and eaten a blood meal she can start to reproduce and lay eggs. These tiny white objects smaller than a grain of sand make it nearly impossible to see.

Once left and the temperature is right the eggs will hatch and form larvae.

Stage 2: Larvae

Flea larvae bury themselves deep into fabrics, carpets, and shaded areas out of direct sunlight. As they cannot yet feed on a host they eat dirt from the environment. Feeding on organic debris which is basically dried blood. Once left for up to a week the larvae will spin cocoons and enter the pupae stage.

Stage 3: Pupae

Flea pupae refer to the final cocoon stage before it turns into an adult. This can take a couple of days or weeks depending on the conditions. Usually, an adult flea will not emerge until a presence of a potential host is detected. Vibrations, rising levels of carbon dioxide and body heat. Your pet walking past or people moving around the home can alert the flea to free itself from the cocoon and start to feed. The cocoon acts as a protective barrier until its ready to hatch. It’s at this stage that some household flea remover sprays and foggers will not work. This gives fleas a better chance to avoid being killed off and is one reason they return. So when using treatments make sure you repeat over several weeks to insure this stage is not reached.

Stage 4: Adult

The flea emerges from the cocoon stage and is hungry, seeking a host to feed on. Fleas look very small and flat, to begin with, but once the bloodsuckers have had their fill they change to the familiar shade we all know.

So these are the 4 stages a flea takes on its life journey, so imagine this happening 400-500 times.

Flea Facts

A female flea can produce between 400-500 offspring.
Fleas live off a host, usually warm-blooded creatures such as Dogs, Cats, and Humans.
Fleas carry diseases as well as give a painful and itchy bump on the skin.
Fleas can jump 100 times their length.

Treatment

Flea treatment from the vets or pet store is usually the first point of call.
Regularly bathe your pets using pet shampoo and use a flea comb/brush to part the fur.
Wash any bedding pets or yourself have used. Air all pillows, and duvets and turn the mattress every day.
Spray flea killer on upholstery, use foggers and open windows.
Professionally clean carpets, rugs, upholstery, mattresses and headboard.

For some effective flea treatment foggers: Johnsons Foggers

For flea treatment sprays: Rentokil Flea Killer Spray

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Is Steam Cleaning Carpets The Same As Hot Water Extraction?

April 19, 2022 / Avocado Services

When it comes to cleaning carpets many people confuse Steam Cleaning with Hot Water Extraction (HWE) and refer to them as the same.

These are two completely different methods and only one is generally used throughout the industry. Nearly all modern machines use HWE as the preferred way of cleaning carpets. The reason for this is the temperature the cleaning solutions need to be at to get the right results. When carpets are professionally cleaned a liquid solution is injected into the carpet fibres and then the machine extracts it all back out. Keeping the solution hot but not too hot makes cleaning, rinsing and extracting dirt from the carpet easier leaving it cleaner and fresher.

Now if steam was being used the cleaning products would not be a liquid anymore and would turn to gas instead. With these high boiling point temperatures, you could run the risk of damaging the carpet and causing irreversible changes. So Hot Water Extraction is the method commonly used.

To add more confusion to this not all carpets can be cleaned using HWE, so it’s very important to test all carpet types before and call a professional for expert advice. Free Quotation

Steam Cleaning

Using a Steam Cleaner or Steaming on its own works great in some situations just not on carpet. Steaming hard floors, using steam for vehicle trims and dashboards, kitchens, bathrooms and other hard surfaces work great.

Using steam vapour to blast dirt away and sanitise at 100 degrees can kill germs, and viruses and can reduce mould and mildew. Better still no chemicals or products are needed, just water.

But for professional carpet cleaning “Hot Water Extraction” is generally the method used. Its effective, safe and will ensure the best results possible.

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Tips For Longer Lasting Carpet

February 24, 2022 / Avocado Services

When it comes to caring for your carpet there are a few things you can do to make it last a lot longer. Carpet costs money and to replace it can be a small fortune, so taking a few simple steps can ensure they stay in great condition all year round. The tip here is maintenance.

Maintaining your carpet is key to prolonging the life span. Cleaning, regular vacuuming and placing mats in doorways and entrances really do help.

Doorway and Entrance Mats

Placing a mat inside your doorway or entrance will take off the initial soil from your feet. As you walk in from outside you naturally bring in debris and moisture which can then transfer straight onto the carpet. Depending on the weather this can be little or a lot, but over time can make your carpet dirty and look grubby if you don’t have one. What a doormat does is absorb most of the dirt straight off your feet as you walk in.

Owning a mat can result in huge savings and they can be easily vacuumed, brushed or quickly replaced if needed. You can also get some great designs, colours and enhance the look of your property.

Professional Cleaning

Having the carpet professionally machine cleaned is a great way of dealing with many things at the same time. Stain removal, deodorising, cleaning and a new fresh look are a few benefits of having a professional clean. For more information on this please take a look at our carpet cleaning page.

Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming lifts up loose debris and dirt and stops it from being walked into the fibres. Skin cells, bacteria, dust and other contaminants can form and spread throughout if not picked up. So from a health perspective, it improves air and living quality. We recommend once a week for residential properties and once a day for a commercial.

Removing surface debris not only keeps the carpet cleaner but prolongs the life as particles are then not trapped within the fibres. Carpet that has not been vacuumed for a long time can result in dust mites, mould, discolouration, bad odour and generally looking bad.

Following these simple steps can keep your carpet looking its best for a long time. Saving you money in replacement and ensuring they stay clean and free of contaminates.

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Looking After Your Vacuum Cleaner

December 3, 2021 / Avocado Services

Used throughout the house, the vacuum cleaner sits proudly in the cupboard ready and waiting.

But this working machine is sometimes overlooked in maintenance and can often start to fail or get blocked up.

A few simple steps will ensure the vacuum stays in tip-top condition.

Step 1:

Replace the bag

Seems quite an obvious thing to do but using a vacuum cleaner when the bag is full reduces suction. The machine may sound like it’s working but with a full bag dust and debris just will not lift up. One quick and easy tip is to feel the bag, if it’s stiff and not very soft then chances are the bag is full. Some vacuum cleaners are bagless so it’s even easier to check, there should be a window or clear section where you can see the debris inside. Again if it’s full empty it straight away and you will notice a difference immediately.

Step 2:

Check the hoses and attachments

If the vacuum cleaner is not picking up anything and you have checked it’s empty, chances are it’s blocked. Somewhere along the tube or under the attachments, there may be debris blocking the flow. This will restrict the suction and cause the vacuum not to work properly. If you hear the motor struggling or working harder than usual then that’s one sure giveaway.

Turn off the vacuum and unplug it from the mains or switch off and remove the battery if it’s cordless. Next, check all attachments and clean out the pipes and tubes using wire or a broom handle.

Once all the debris has been removed and unblocked, replace all the attachments back together and you are good to go.

Step 3:

Keep the filters clean

Most vacuums will have a filter of some kind, every so often you will get a build-up of debris on them and they will need to be cleaned. Detach the filter where possible, some unclip others will need to be unscrewed. Depending on your model refer to the owner’s manual for instructions.

Once the filter is off, clean and dry brush any dust or dirt you may see. Some filters can be rinsed under a tap or washed with soapy water. But do check the manufacturer’s spec if that’s safe to do so.

Once cleaned and fully dry put back in reverse and job done.

Step 4:

Storage

Keeping your vacuum cleaner inside and away from cold temperatures will help prolong its life. Storing in damp sheds, or outside garages can ruin the machine, especially in winter. Moisture can build up inside the electrical components and short out the connections causing them to stop working. The old saying is “look after your tools, they will look after you”

Additional Info:

Some popular brands of vacuum cleaners can be found in the links below. We will also be reviewing some models soon and seeing which ones are best for home use.

https://numatic.co.uk/products/cleancare

https://www.dyson.co.uk/vacuum-cleaners

https://sharkvacuum.co.uk

https://sebo.co.uk

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The Cold And Flu Season Is Upon Us

December 3, 2021 / Avocado Services

Preventing Cold And Flu

With the weather changing and temperatures falling the flu and cold season begin. Many people are aware of the way cold and flu spreads, through coughing sneezing and other physical contact. However, people might not be aware of germs surviving weeks on surfaces and on items we use on a daily basis.

It’s important to sanitise phones, light switches, door handles and anything we touch many times a day without even thinking. These can be easily cleaned tho with a sanitiser spray or cleaning wipe. But going deeper still, what about fabrics and carpet?

Some reports suggest that bacteria and viruses can last for days even weeks on textiles. These include chairs, pillows, carpets, rugs, sofas and beds. We are all used to washing our bed linen, changing the sheets and pillows, but what about your carpet or sofa?

Getting your carpet and upholstery professionally cleaned can reduce transmission and keep the flu and cold virus at bay.

Using hot water extraction, sanitiser pre-spray and chemical cleaning agents combined can kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses that can make us ill. Plus this method also removes stains, spillages and brings back that like-new appearance.

So let’s all stay cold and flu-free at home this year.

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Spring Carpet Clean

May 4, 2021 / Avocado Services

Spring is upon us and it’s time to give the home a thorough clean from top to bottom. Carpets can start to look a bit grubby this time of year due to the winter months. Your entrance, hallways and runners can begin to have that brown line up the middle caused by walking in from the wet outside.

Giving your carpets a good professional clean this time of year is a popular choice, now the sun is out a little bit and the ground is drying up it will get your carpets back to looking great again.

If you need a free quotation please send us a message and we can provide you with a price and how long it will take.

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Removing Chewing Gum

March 25, 2021 / Avocado Services

How To Remove Chewing Gum From Carpet

There’s nothing worse than coming home and noticing you have just walked chewing gum through. You look down and see a big white blob stuck to the carpet. But don’t panic, removing chewing gum from the carpet is easy. If you’re lucky it may be loose enough for you to pick up with a tissue. However, depending on your carpet type it may have already stuck to the fibres. The best thing to do at this point is to leave it, walk away and come back later.

With fresh eyes, you can now see that the chewing gum has gone hard. With a spoon tap the gum to double-check all of it has hardened and is ready for removing. Now the trick is you need to freeze the gum, by doing this it will break up easily. Some say heat or hot water will remove it but all that does is turn it back to a soft sticky residue that will just become a mess. You want to remove the gum without ripping or damaging the carpet fibres.

There are two options for freezing chewing gum, first is to buy some freezing spray that comes in a can. Most hardware stores or online shops sell this. You can then spray the gum and freeze it instantly. The second option which takes a little bit longer is using ice. Take some ice cubes, place them in a small clear bag and place it onto the gum and leave it to freeze.

Once the gum is cold and frozen you can now begin to scrap the gum, it should break up into pieces and lift off. Using only a plastic scraper, guitar pick or something blunt. Take your time not to pull at the carpet or damage the fibres, be patient and work slowly. If you find it is starting to stick again re-apply the ice or freezing spray.

Once the gum is removed you can now rinse the area with a sponge and warm water. Dab the area not rub, and gently rinse the carpet to finish.

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