Does Carpet Padding Help Your Carpet?

In short, the answer is yes, carpet padding can tremendously help and even protect your carpet at times. Many homeowners don’t realize how important its impact may be, as it’s usually the first to go when building a home or installing new flooring and trying to cut costs. However, with ineffective carpet padding, your carpeting doesn’t have enough support. The better the support, the longer the flooring lasts!

So, let’s talk carpet padding for a minute to help you understand the best decision to make when installing your new carpet flooring. There are many variables to consider when it comes to flooring; the area of the home, the amount of traffic it’s going to endure, and the amount of messes you expect. The padding beneath the carpeting needs to be chosen with these factors in mind so you choose the right padding for your home and family.

The Benefits of Carpet Padding

Besides offering additional support for carpet and carpet fibers, the padding beneath carpet serves to protect the subfloor, cushion the flooring to offer more comfort, and absorb spills or messes (and keep them from damaging the subfloor).

Having a high-quality padding beneath your carpet, allows the carpet fibers to absorb less of the shock from the force of when people (or animals) walk and move around. Without enduring additional force, the fibers are protected from extensive damage, allowing them to last longer.

Replacing the carpeting or other flooring typically only occurs a few times throughout the lifetime of a home (of course this depends on a variety of factors, but generally speaking). But, even so, if you’re faced with picking out new carpet and looking at installing new floors, we always recommend not skimping on the padding and ensuring that it’s going to be the best option for you.

If you need a professional company to come in a clean your carpet, look at your flooring, or even refinish your hardwoods- we’re here for you! Give us a call anytime, here at The Steam Team.

We also provide emergency service. 

Quick Professional Tips to Make the Best First Impressions with House Guests

With all of the holidays around the corner, there’s no doubt that many of us will be sharing our homes with guests whether they’re family, neighbors, or friends. While all of the time we get to spend together is joyous and celebratory, it involves a lot of preparation and a lot of clean up both before and after.

Decide What’s ‘Essential’ and ‘Non-Essential’

Before you begin cleaning, the best way to prioritize your home is to decide what’s essential and what’s non-essential. If you have a buildup of clutter, that may be on your ‘essential’ list as clutter usually makes a space feel smaller and is more difficult to clean. On the other hand, if you haven’t checked your air ducts in a while, that may fall on your ‘non-essential’ list. In other words; don’t stress about your air ducts if you’re not able to get to them before company is coming over.

Allow Yourself Enough Time

This may mean different things for different people. For some, you may want to allow yourself enough time to hammer out your cleaning schedule; something different on each day. For others, this may mean you’re allowing yourself enough time to hire the professionals to come in and thoroughly clean your home top to bottom.

Take a Load Off, Put Your Feet Up

It’s the holidays- don’t stress yourself out about cleaning for your house guests. Instead spend that time planning your meals for the big day, picking out decorations or games, and of course- on the day of- spending quality time with your people. The most relaxing choice for you is to call in the professionals and let them take care of the rest!

Here at The Steam Team, we’ve got you covered with all of your cleaning needs. From steam cleaning carpet, tile and grout, and even window treatments- we can make your house sparkle and shine just in time for your guests.

Office Cleaning Around the Holidays

It’s one of the greatest times of the year- for some of us, the greatest time of the year- the holidays. With holidays usually comes time with family, days off from work, and lots and lots of food. The office stays dark, the door stays closed, and dust begins to collect for just a few days- but, on top of the previous dust, and the previous dust, and the previous dust that’s settled far into the carpeting beneath each desk. What better way to spend these quiet days where no one is around than to hire a professional company to come in and thoroughly clean your flooring, furniture, window treatments, and check for anything abnormal (like damage or mold under sinks, etc.).

Here at The Steam Team, we specialize in cleaning offices and highrises around Austin. We’ve enjoyed watching Austin grow up over the years, and even more so, serving the city! We offer an array of services to ensure that each inch of your office is taken care of and left sparkling and shining for months to come.

Covering Your Floors

Steam cleaning is a great option for cleaning when it comes to carpet, tile, grout, hardwoods and any other types of flooring. It cleans with ease and even better- thoroughly cleans with ease. It reaches deep down into the fibers of your carpet or pores of grout and extracts dirt, dust, debris, and any other grime.

Walls and Window Coverings

From drapery to air ducts, The Steam Team has you covered. It’s especially important to check your air ducts around this time of year to ensure that your employees aren’t suffering from any additional allergies and everyone feels (and hopefully stays) healthy.

And Finally Furniture

Whether you have upholstered office furniture or leather sofas and chairs, The Steam Team works to remove any grime from within the fabric or dirt that may be damaging the leather so that the furniture will last longer and look better.

Give us a call today, here at The Steam Team for your holiday office cleaning. It’s the perfect time of the year- maybe even the perfect gift for your boss!

Protecting Your Flooring From Water Damage: Before & After

Whether the damage stems from a flash flood or a faulty dishwasher, excess water can wreak havoc on our homes and valuables. Especially with all of the storms and rain the great state of Texas has encountered in the past couple of months, it’s always been important (and more so now, than ever) to be prepared for water damage.

Before:

If you know there’s a storm coming and you’re in danger of flooding, there are several things you can do to prepare and stay safe before you’re faced with the water.

Disconnect Electronics

Your first move should be to disconnect anything electronic- water and electricity should never mix!

Move Belongings

If there are any belongings or furniture that might be affected by the water, it’s always a good idea to move them to higher ground or a space where the water is less likely to get to them.

After:

Turn Off Electricity

If you notice any standing water, turn off the main power source, and contact an electrician! It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Dry Out the Affected Area

Everything must be dried thoroughly in order to prevent the growth and spread of mold (all it takes is twenty four hours in a dim, damp environment).

Dry out everything (carpet, upholstery, laundry, bedding, etc) to the best of your ability (and remember- The Steam Team has all of the proper training and equipment to handle any situation, no matter how daunting!)

Calling in the Professionals

Lastly (and most important), call your local steam cleaning company! A professional knows exactly what to look for, and will effectively clean, disinfect, and dry without missing a single spot! Contact us immediately after detecting water damage inside your home. The Steam Team comes in and assess the damages, make repairs, and finally- returns your home to its beautiful condition.

Time to Go Green: Eliminating Chemicals from Your Household Cleaners

Are you looking to go a bit more green? Maybe it’s time to eliminate those pesky chemicals from your household (for good this time). As always, we encourage you to start steam cleaning your home right now so that you can protect your family from potentially harmful chemicals, but there are other great reasons to steam clean, too! Let’s delve into a few of them: steam cleaning cleans without chemicals, doesn’t leave behind any harmful residue, and also kills other pesky substances like germs, bacteria, and allergens!

Cleans Without Using Chemicals

As we mentioned before, steam cleaning cleans your home without using any chemicals. There won’t be any bleach, or specially formulated cleaning products. The only thing a steam cleaner uses is hot water, and high water pressure! That’s what makes it such an incredibly safe method of cleaning- and that’s why we’re always pushing you to start right now.

Doesn’t Leave Behind Any Residue

Since a steam cleaning machine doesn’t use any chemicals, there is no residue to be left behind. This makes steam cleaning an even safer option for cleaning in your home, especially if you have small children or pets in the household.

Kills Germs, Bacteria, Dust Mites, Etc

Even better news: Not only will you be eliminating chemicals from your household with steam cleaning, but you’ll also be killing germs, bacteria, dust mites, allergens, and more! This is really important if you have members of the household who have allergies. They’ll be so relieved!

The Steam Team has over a decade of experience under their belt, and the right tools and equipment for any cleaning and restoration job. If you home is looking a little dingy and you’re looking for some help restoring it to its original, cleaner, more pristine condition, call The Steam Team! We’ll be out in no time, and eager to help!

3 Frequently Asked Questions About Caring for Leather Furniture After Fire Damage

So perhaps you’ve just bought a brand new set of living room furniture- all leather upholstered. If you’re wondering how to properly care for it, you’ve come to the right place! Below, The Steam Team has three frequently asked questions about leather furniture and how it’s cared for, and we hope you find the answers helpful!

How Can Leather Be Cleaned?

When it comes to cleaning, leather upholstery typically needs to be dusted and vacuumed on a weekly basis. You can wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth, or a damp cloth if the dust is thicker. Remember to never, ever use a soaking wet cloth on your leather upholstery. Use your vacuum’s cleaning attachment to vacuum corners, nooks, and crannies in leather furniture. It’ll do wonders!

How Often Should Leather Be Conditioned?

Next, comes conditioning. Leather conditioning is just as important as leather cleaning! Leather furniture should be conditioned once to twice a year, depending on the amount of wear and tear it endures on a daily basis, and quickly it’s drying out.

What Causes Leather to Dry Out?

Leather is similar to our skin, which needs to stay moisturized in order to remain healthy and in good condition. What causes leather to dry out? Well, if your sofa or chair is near an air vent, or a sunny window, it could dry out and fade quicker than if it were placed away from the vent/window (or if the window were covered).

The Steam Team has over a decade of experience with cleaning, conditioning, and caring for leather furniture! Especially after fire damage and water damage. If your furniture is in need of a little bit of tender loving care, don’t be afraid to contact The Steam Team. We can clean and restore your leather to its original condition, and you’ll love the results! Visit our locations at 9901 Burnet Road Austin, Texas 78758 or 1904 West Koenig Lane Austin, Texas 78756 or 222 West Ave. Austin, Texas 78701 anytime. 

Upholstered Furniture and Stains: What To Do

That brand new upholstered couch looks amazing in your living room! You’ve simply fallen in love with it. But, most importantly, you want to make sure it lasts as long as possible, and retains its fresh, new look. Stains definitely work against creating such an image! So here’s a quick guide to cleaning and removing stains from upholstery!

Clean Stains Right When They Happen

Ah, Rule #1, always clean up stains immediately. Basically, the longer the stain sits, the more likely it is to become permanent. So blot them clean- never scrub the stain, as you may end up spreading the affected area.

Check the Label

Check the label on your furniture for cleaning instructions. It can contain some very valuable information! For instance, an “X,” means that the item should only be professionally cleaned. It’s better to be in the know!

Perform a Spot Test

Before using any cleaning product, find an inconspicuous area on the piece of furniture to perform a spot test. This way you could potentially avoid ruining a larger section of the piece of furniture.

Fight Food Spills and Stains

For food spills and stains, try mixing your own concoction of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and two cups of cold water. Dab this solution onto the stain with a clean, white cloth. Do this until all of the stain is absorbed, and your cloth is coming back dry.

Steam Clean

Occasionally, you need to call in the professionals! Simply put, they have the right tools, knowledge, and experience for any stain or cleaning/restoration project!

And of course, don’t forget that The Steam Team has your back when it comes to fighting stains! It’s one of our many specialties. Visit our website here to view all of our services, as well as cleaning tips!

3 Tips to Keep Your Rugs Clean During The Holidays

Although the eggnog, wine, and leftovers have their way of winding up on the carpet during the holidays, there are ways to combat stains! Here’s a quick guide to three things you can do to keep stains off of your floors through the holidays! So happy holidays, and happy cleaning!

Find a Festive Doormat

It’s smart to place doormats at the entrances of your home. Doormats help to catch dust, dirt, and other substances that stick to our shoes before they have the opportunity to reach our flooring. This can keep carpet looking new for much longer, and certainly makes cleaning day easier! It’s a simple solution to a not-so-simple problem!

Clean Up Spills Immediately

No matter how many glasses of wine you’ve had… (just kidding), spills must be cleaned up immediately after they happen. We’re not kidding about that part! The longer a spill sits on an area of your flooring, the more likely it is to permanently stain. So keep your cleaning supplies handy, and your eye out for spills and accidents! They’re bound to happen, no matter how careful we are.

Spread a Rug Out

Do you have a festive rug hanging out with all of your holiday decorations?Maybe it’s time to bring it out! You can protect your carpet (or hardwood, marble, etc) flooring from stains by simply covering it up! So utilize those are and oriental rugs that you’ve been storing! Plus, they easily spice up the look of a room!

And as always, don’t forget that The Steam Team is here for you this holiday season! From carpet stains to tile, grout, and hardwood flooring, we can cover it all! We have the right equipment, expertise, and experience for any job. So if you need help keeping stains off of your floors this season, give The Steam Team a call!

Best Carpet Cleaning Options Austin Texas

Do you know what the best methods are for cleaning your carpet? There’s certainly more than one! Today we’ll go over three methods of carpet cleaning, and you can decide which one is best for you. But as always, we recommend steam cleaning; it’s the most effective out of the three we’ll list here! The Steam Team has been serving the Austin community for over a decade now; we’d love to come out and care for your flooring!

Sweeping and Vacuuming

Sweeping and vacuuming are chores that definitely make the routine list. It’s necessary to sweep and vacuum carpeting on a daily basis to pick up dirt, sand, dander, dust mites, crumbs, and other unsightly things we don’t want camping out in our carpet! But of course, after so much foot traffic and so many spills, vacuuming may not cut it.

Shampooing

Carpet shampooing is typically that step you take when vacuuming no longer restores your carpet like it used to. There are many products and tools available on the market for shampooing your carpet; be careful with certain chemicals and make sure to perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area of your flooring!

Hot Water Extraction

Hot water extraction, or rather- steam cleaning, is the method we prefer and always recommend! Using absolutely no chemicals (nothing but hot water and high pressure, in fact), a professional grade steam cleaning machine can reach deep within the fibers of your carpet, and extract everything from dust to dander!

The Steam Team has ten years of experience in steam cleaning carpets, and many other types of flooring, too! So don’t even bother with rental machines or DIY methods; skip straight to hiring the professionals! They’ll have all of the right equipment, knowledge, and experience needed for the job! Give us a call today.

Holiday Tile Cleaning: Before & After Company

Well, it’s that time of year again! It seems like just yesterday we were exchanging gifts and holiday cheer, but alas, another year has passed! And with it, come the holidays again. For most of us, that means preparing our homes for guests: family members and friends alike. It means cleaning all of those nooks and crannies and mopping the floors. And it means dealing with the aftermath. So let’s talk about cleaning before and after company!

Here are the areas we should dutifully clean before and after having company over:

The Living Room

This could also be known as “the party room.” You’ll be spending most of your time here, so make sure it’s nice and clean! Make sure floors are swept and/or vacuumed thoroughly, and all surfaces are wiped down and ready for drinks. Dust bookshelves and window blinds. And upholstered furniture should also be cleaned, so that your guests have a clean seating area.

Kitchen and Dining Areas

Ah, the food areas- we can’t neglect those! Countertops, flooring, and stove tops should all be cleaned (and can all be steam cleaned). The professionals can totally step in here, and help you get the work done at a faster rate. Plus, a professional steam cleaning company has all of the right equipment for the job!

Bathrooms

Your guests are going to see your bathrooms, so make sure they’re clean and pristine. Like in the kitchen, counter tops and flooring can be steam cleaned- but so can tile and grout! Cleaning your flooring and shower has never been easier.

If the holidays have left you feeling too exhausted for all of this leg work, don’t hesitate to contact The Steam Team of Austin Texas for assistance! We’re available 24/7, and can clean up any mess for you, no matter how extreme.

5 Ways to Make Your Tile In Your Kitchen Sparkle

Do you need a quick guide to cleaning your kitchen (and keeping it that way)? You’ve come to the right place! Below you’ll find five expert tips for cleaning your kitchen and making it look marvelous! Here at The Steam Team, we hope you find them useful! Your number one company in Austin Texas for  tile cleaning. 

Start With the Small Things

Start by doing simple tasks, like unloading the dishwasher, or taking out the garbage. This will make the task seem more manageable, and motivate you to move onto the next step!

Clean From the Top - Down

Start at the top of your kitchen and work your way downward. Yes, this means cleaning the tops of your refrigerator and cabinets! These are very common places for dust mites and dead critters! The floor should obviously be the last thing you tackle- we’ll cover that later.

Steam Clean Stove and Countertops

We always recommend steam cleaning when it comes to cleaning and sanitizing stove tops and countertops. Not only will it kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria, but it also alleviates a lot of scrubbing and hard work! Your surfaces will look amazing after a good steam cleaning.

Sweep Every Day

In order to keep your flooring in good condition, you’ll have to sweep on a daily basis, especially if there are pets or children in the house.

Mop or Steam Clean Flooring

Lastly, the flooring. After sweeping, it’s a good idea to either thoroughly mop the floor, or steam clean it! Steam cleaning is easier on your back by far; machines can be rented or you can call in the professionals. Voted best tile cleaning company in Austin.

Hopefully your kitchen now reflects all of the hard work you’ve put into it! If you need help restoring your kitchen to its prime condition, don’t hesitate to call in The Steam Team! We’re experts at making sure your kitchen sparkles.

Does your carpet need replace with tile in Austin Texas?

Unfortunately, our beautiful, plush carpet doesn’t last forever! Carpet can last about 10-15 years, depending on its condition. Eventually cleaning doesn’t do it justice, and carpet needs replacing. We’re here to tell you when that might be! What should you look out for? And what should you keep in mind?

Lost Texture

Is your carpet becoming matted down? Of course, some loss in texture is normal, with pets, children, and regular wear and tear. But over time, the carpet may not look or feel as plush and comfy as it once was.

Tears and Rips

Carpet that’s tearing is a good sign that it needs to be replaced. Some tears can be repaired, but some are, well, beyond repair. Tears often start appearing in corners, or in the middle of the door between two rooms. Catch them before they get too bad!̧

Loss of Color

Another reason to replace your old carpet is color loss. It's just not aesthetically pleasing! You can prevent color loss by preventing spills and stains, and also by keeping your carpet out of direct sunlight; sunlight easily causes carpet to fade and discolor.

Persistent Odors

Sorry pet owners, but pet urine is often the cause of carpet replacing. It seeps through the carpet, into the padding, and even into the walls if not treated in a timely manner. Steam cleaning is the best option for removing pet odors, but if it’s not doing the job, it may be time for a replacement.

Persistent Stains

And lastly, if you have persistent, unsightly stains, replacing your carpet may be the best option! But first, try steam cleaning; The Steam Team is well known for ridding carpet of persistent stains, preventing you from having to replace everything.

If your carpet does need replacing, don’t stress! The Steam Team can help with that! We have over ten years of experience handling carpet, and many other materials. We’re your go-to when it comes to cleaning and restoration projects! So give us a call today! If your carpet is not performing get some tile floors. 

The Perks of Concrete Cleaning & Staining

Here in Texas, the temperatures don’t drop too drastically during the wintertime. That means that we can still enjoy our patios- and our freshly stained concrete! Oh, you don’t know about concrete staining? That’s okay; we’re here to teach you. The Steam Team is a group of experts when it comes to concrete cleaning and staining (and a multitude of other tasks) so stay tuned to learn all about the perks of concrete staining!

It Revamps Your Patio’s “Look”

Obviously concrete staining is going to change the look of your patio. But this is a good thing! Aren’t you tired of that dull, grey, concrete color? We are too! Let us help you out by staining your concrete and revamping the entire look of your patio!

It Also Affects the Look of Your Backyard

A new patio does wonders to an old backyard. You’ll be so surprised at the results! And hey- maybe it’ll even inspire you to change up your landscaping, or build a matching shed! Well, okay, maybe building a shed would be going overboard, but even so, a freshly stained concrete patio will certainly revitalize that old, dingy backyard.

It’s a Fun DIY Project

As long as you have the right tools and information, concrete staining can be a fun DIY project for everyone! Although, if the concrete is uneven, the job may require some sanding and you may want to leave it up to the professionals. It all depends on your own level of expertise!

Maybe you’ve started that DIY project, but can’t finish it correctly. Or maybe you don’t want to do-it-yourself at all! That’s okay! The Steam Team has your back. Just give us a call, we’ll be out in a jiffy, and we’ll either repair your concrete staining situation, or perform the task all by ourselves. Either way, you won’t regret relying on The Steam Team of Austin!

Area Rug Cleaning: Done Right In Austin Texas

Area rugs are a great way to add personality to an otherwise bland and boring room! They also protect our carpet from foot traffic, and catch dirt and dust right in their tracks! But that’s one reason why they need to be cleaned so frequently- and thoroughly. For professional area rug cleaning, always trust in The Steam Team. We have over ten years of experience cleaning and caring for them; you won’t be disappointed in our results. But until we arrive, follow these guidelines for keeping your area rugs in tip top shape! Visit our state-of-the-art rug cleaning facility. 

If the Rug is Small, Shake it Out!

If your area rug is small enough, you can simply take it outside for a good old fashioned beating! This will help rid the rug of dirt, dust, and grit. It’s also a great way to take out your frustration!

Vacuum Large Area Rugs

Large area rugs must be vacuumed frequently. You’ll be surprised at how much dust, dirt, and hair your vacuum extracts from your rug.

Turn Rugs Every Year

Foot traffic can put extra stress on area rugs. Try to turn them once or twice a year to even out the wear and tear!

Brush Rugs to Rid Them of Pet Hair

Sometimes vacuuming doesn’t cut it when it comes to pet hair, and you’ll need to brush it out. This is a much more effective method.

Keep Area Rugs Out of Direct Sunlight

Sunlight does a great job at causing discoloration in our beautiful area rugs. If you can’t keep your rugs out of direct sunlight, rotate them periodically so that they at least fade evenly.

And as we mentioned before, if ever you’re in a pickle, just pick up the phone and call The Steam Team! We have everything you need to clean and care for your area rugs. Steam cleaning is quite possibly the best option for cleaning carpet and rugs; it extracts dirt and debris from those fibers like no tomorrow!

Professional Carpet Cleaning Austin Tx

Ah… keeping carpet clean. The struggle! It’s not easy, especially if there are pets or children in the home. Or if you’re just clumsy and prone to spilling food and drinks! But don’t worry, if ever you’re in a true pickle with your carpet, you can always call in the professionals, like The Steam Team! We have plenty of experience and expertise when it comes to keeping carpet clean. But until we arrive, follow these 5 guidelines:

Place Doormats at Entrances and Exits

Placing doormats at the entrances and exits of your home will help catch dirt and dust before it reaches your carpet. Isn’t that a handy trick? It’ll save you time and inconvenience when vacuuming, too!

Remove Shoes at the Door

Like the doormats, removing shoes at your door will keep dirt off of carpet. Encourage every member of the household to do this, especially children (their shoes are always the muddiest!).

Vacuum Often

Carpet should be vacuumed at least weekly to keep up with dirt and dust around the home. It also prevents carpet fibers from becoming matted down, which is very unsightly. Keep your carpet clean and soft by vacuuming on the regular.

Clean Up Spills and Stains Immediately

This is rule #1 to carpet cleaning! As soon as an accident happens, clean it up! Letting liquids and spills sit on the floor increases their chances of staining your carpet!

Call the Professionals Periodically

It’s wise to occasionally call in the professionals for a deep cleaning! Sometimes, there’s only so much we can do for our carpet, and we need to let the pro’s step in.

Following these five simple “rules,” will help your carpet stay clean and looking great! And as always, don’t hesitate to give The Steam Team a call when you need assistance. We’re your #1 option for professional cleaning and restoration; let us prove it to you.

Tile and Grout Cleaning Round Rock Texas

Tile looks marvelous in our homes, and it’s beautifully accentuated by grout. However, the problem is that grout in particular is porous, meaning it easily absorbs liquids. Those inevitable spills and stains become embedded into our grout, causing discoloration that can look horrid- especially when compared to what our grout looked like when it was originally installed. The Steam Team are tile and grout cleaning experts. We have been cleaning Round Rock for over 40 years. 

But don’t fret! The Steam Team can restore your tile and grout to its original condition in a flash. In fact, we always recommend steam cleaning for tile and grout! Below, you’ll find some general information about keeping grout clean!

Grout Sealant

Unless you have epoxy-based grout, you need grout sealer. Simply put, it serves as a barrier between your grout and liquid. Don’t forget to let the sealer dry completely before using your tile and grout. For all your Round Rock cleaning needs give us a call today at 512-451-8326.

Scrubbing Tile and Grout

The most traditional method of cleaning grout is by scrubbing it. You can use chlorine bleach to clean the grout, but since it’s toxic and lets off noxious fumes, make sure your area is properly ventilated, and that you’re wearing safety glasses! Sometimes our scrub brushes cause the bleach to splash.

When scrubbing grout, it’s important to remember to not use any abrasive cleaning materials.  

Steam Cleaning Tile and Grout

Steam cleaning is your all around best method for cleaning tile and grout! A professional-grade steam cleaning machine effortlessly reaches into the pores of grout and extracts dirt, grime, and stains. Rely on the professionals for this task; they’re your best bet!

The Steam Team has been serving the Round Rock Texas community for over a decade now, and we’re not going to quit any time soon! If you need help with keeping your tile and grout clean, don’t hesitate to rely on us! We’ll have your tile and grout looking bright and shiny in no time!

Fire Damage Tips Austin Texas

Winter is right around the corner… and as temperatures begin to drop, some of us are lighting our fireplaces already! It’s important, however, to remain educated about fire safety this season. Fire damage is definitely not something you want to deal with, so let’s follow these five safety guidelines when burning fires and heating your home this winter:

For space heaters:

Don’t Use Space Heaters (As Primary Sources of Heat)

Space heaters can be very dangerous and should only be used as supplementary sources of heat. And of course, they should be placed in a safe area, away from curtains, clothing items, flammable liquids, decorations, etc!

Use a Reliable Extension Cord

When it comes to the extension cord for your handy space heater, make sure it’s the adequate cord! If the extension cord is unable to handle the current, it could potentially overheat and melt. Then you’re in need of a replacement cord at best, or dealing with fire damage at worst.

For fireplaces:

Use a Fire Screen

Fire screens are used to shield the room from popping embers. They’re made of chain link or sometimes glass (always remember that glass can get really hot, and thus dangerous for pets and children).

Utilize the Proper Tools

Your fire will need to be poked and prodded periodically to keep it burning. Be sure you’re using the correct tools, for your own safety!

Clean Your Chimney

Lastly, it’s important to have your chimney cleaned at least once per year. Clearing it of dust, dirt, soot, and debris will help smoke flow through it easily. We service all of Central Texas. Please visit our website for service areas in Austin. 

Remember, accidents do happen, and we can’t do much to prevent them. So in case of your fire in your home, contact The Steam Team to help with the cleanup process. We’re experts at it, and have been doing it for over a decade now! So don’t hesitate!

Carpet Cleaning Round Rock

With the cooler weather and holidays approaching, we may be getting ready for parties and house guests to come visit! But before they arrive, it’s wise to do a little bit of house cleaning (or a lot!). So let’s discuss a few areas that need our attention the most! We want our guests to not only feel welcome in our home, but to also be dazzled at how clean everything is. And, not to brag, but when they ask how you did it, you can send them to us: The Steam Team Carpet Cleaning of Austin.

Bathroom Tile and Grout

Tile and grout are notorious for staining and discoloration. It’s porous by nature, so it absorbs spills and accidents very easily and needs to be cleaned often! When cleaning tile and grout, it’s important to remember not to use any abrasive materials as to not scratch your tile. We recommend steam cleaning tile and grout; it’s easy, saves you time and labor, and cleans effectively!

Living Room Carpeting

Remember all of those carpet stains you’ve been hiding beneath your area rugs? Well, we can help to remove them! A professional grade steam cleaning machine can reach deep within the fibers of your carpet and extract the dirt and debris lurking underneath. They’ll look sparkling clean when we’re finished.

Kitchen Countertops

Steam cleaning is great for kitchen countertops and other surfaces, whether they’re granite, marble, or other natural stone! It effortlessly removes grime and all of those sticky substances that have gone unnoticed for far too long! Rely on The Steam Team to get your kitchen ready to be shown off this season!

The Steam Team has been serving the city of Austin for over 4 decades now! If you’re in need of some deep cleaning as you’re getting ready for the holidays, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We can effortlessly prepare your home for house guests this holiday season!

Best Area Rug Cleaning Austin Texas

Oriental rugs are known for their vibrant colors and unique designs. They look fantastic in our homes and are often family heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation! So it’s important that we protect our oriental rugs and learn to clean and care for them properly! You can keep your rugs looking great all the time by following these guidelines:

Check the Oriental Rug’s Care Label

The care label on your oriental rug is as important as ever. Oriental rugs are made of several different materials and this matters greatly when cleaning. For instance, silk rugs should be taken straight to the professionals, while cotton and wool rugs are more durable and can be vacuumed clean. Check your rug’s care label for special, important instructions!

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Keep your rug out of direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause the rug’s colors to fade over time. To let them “fade evenly,” rotate your rugs at least once a month!

Vacuum Regularly

Unless your rug is antique or silk, it should be vacuumed at least once a week. Vacuuming on the regular will help lift dirt and debris from the carpet fibers, and also prevent the fibers from becoming matted down!

Rearrange Your Furniture

To increase your rug’s longevity, try moving around your furniture once every six months. Heavy furniture that sits atop your rugs can cause damage over time- we certainly don’t want that!

Spot Clean Your Oriental Rug

Learn the best tips for spot treating your oriental rugs, and just like anything- clean up spills immediately after they happen!

Did you know that The Steam Team takes the best care of area and oriental rugs? It’s true! With over a decade of experience and expertise, we’re the absolute best choice for the job. So if your oriental rug is in need of a deep carpet cleaning Austin, don’t wait- just call The Steam Team!

Do's and Don't's for Natural Stone Flooring

Natural stone flooring gives us the aesthetic appeal that we crave in our homes! It can last a lifetime when given the proper treatment and care, and there are definitely things we have to watch out for. Below, you’ll find a list of Do’s and Don’t’s for caring for your natural stone flooring, and we hope this basic guide is helpful! Follow these guidelines and you’ll be good to go!

Do:

One of the most common questions regarding sealing tile and natural stone is “Do we need it?” Yes, absolutely! Do seal your natural stone flooring upon installation. Furthermore, check with the manufacturer to see when the sealant should be refreshed.

Do vacuum or sweep on a regular basis to remove abrasive materials like dirt and sand from the flooring. It’ll save you a lot of trouble in the long run, and help maintain that flawless appearance your flooring had upon installation.

Don’t:

Don’t use abrasive cleaning tools to remove dirt and grime from your natural stone flooring. Abrasive cleaning tools could be steel wool, microfiber scrub pads, or scrapers. Avoid all of these entirely!

Don’t use ammonia-based cleaners. They’re dangerous to the flooring’s surface; we certainly don’t want any harm done while cleaning!

Don’t use cleaning products that contain lemon juice, or vinegar. They tend to dull the surface of your natural stone flooring!

We get it- life is busy, and it can be difficult to not only keep up a regular cleaning routine, but also to clean our flooring properly. That’s where The Steam Team comes in. We have over a decade of experience caring for not only natural stone flooring but also tile and grout, carpeting, hardwood flooring and more! No task is too complicated or too daunting for The Steam Team. Give us a call today.