Pop Quiz! Testing Your Knowledge of Tile Cleaning

How much do you know about tile care? Do you have questions, such as what materials you should use to clean tile, which chemicals aren’t safe, etc? Well, don’t fret! We’re here to answer them. Today we’ll brush up on tile basics, and explain how The Steam Team can help care for your tile- whether it be in your home, or office. Voted the best tile cleaning professionals in Austin, Texas located at 9901 Burnet Road. 

What Should I NOT Do To Tile?

When cleaning tile and grout, it’s best not to use abrasive materials. You could end up permanently scratching your tile and we don’t want that! It’s also wise to clean spills and stains immediately, instead of letting them sit and linger. And don’t forget to sweep and mop frequently to keep up with dirt, dust, stains, and the like.

Why Does Grout Stain So Easily?

Grout is porous in nature, meaning- it absorbs spills and stains easily. This causes discoloration or the buildup of mold and mildew. Most people take to scrubbing their grout, and this is an effective method- although tiring. You can use a mild detergent or warm water to wipe your tile and grout clean.

What is the Most Efficient Way to Clean Tile?

To more efficiently and effectively clean tile and grout, we always recommend steam cleaning! A steam cleaning machine can reach deep down into the pores of tile and grout and extract dirt, dust, and debris, leaving it clean as a whistle! For more information on steam cleaning tile, visit our website!

The Steam Team has been serving the city of Austin for over a decade- and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! If your home or office needs a good old fashioned deep cleaning, we’re here to help! We have all of the equipment and expertise needed for any cleaning and restoration job; you can count on that!

Fire Damage and Safety: Protect Yourself and Your Family- Austin Tx

With the recent fires in California, many homeowners are dealing with the tragedy of smoke damage first-hand. When fire damages our property, it leaves behind a trail of smoke, soot, and ash that can permanently destroy our furniture and possessions. It’s devastating to our homes, our belongings, and sometimes even our lives. Today, The Steam Team wants to stress how important your safety is when faced with fire or fire damage. Where there’s fire, there’s smoke -- smoke can potentially be extremely dangerous.

Following a fire, many homeowners first instinct is to rush to the scene to assess the damage. The most important factor here, however, is time. Do not rush-- take things slowly, instead, call the professionals for help. Fire and smoke damage should always be handled by the professionals, and safety must remain the top priority!

Safety is Our Top Priority

When The Steam Team comes in to help clean up after fire damage, safety is our top priority. The safety of you, your family, and our technicians. That’s why we follow rigorous safety guidelines and ensure that every area is properly ventilated throughout the entire process.

Equipment and Execution

Wearing the proper masks to protect from smoke inhalation and ash, our technicians always use the most advanced and effective equipment. Following our custom and proven method, they’ll properly ventilate each area that was touched by the fire and bring in the equipment to begin removal.

Practice Proper Safety Moving Forward

In the days and weeks following the fire damage, it’s always recommended to take extra safety precautions to protect yourself and your family from any contaminants that may still be lingering in the air.

With professional-grade equipment and extensive knowledge, The Steam Team will restore your home to its previous condition! Give us a call today to learn more- and don’t forget that we’re available in emergency situations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3 Steps You Should Take After Water Damage - Austin Texas

No matter the source, water damage is a serious issue. To prevent mold from growing and spreading around your home, start off by taking the following three steps. And don’t forget- The Steam Team is your leading cleaning and restoration company in Austin, TX, so don’t hesitate to give us a call if you’re in need of assistance!

Turn Off the Power and Gas

Shut off the electricity and gas from its main source. Of course, if you’re dealing with minor puddles and leaks, you’re likely safe. But in more extreme situations where there is standing water around, it’s necessary to turn off the power for obvious safety concerns. Next, consult an electrician!

Be Careful Around Standing Water

Unfortunately, sometimes enough water may enter our home to the extent that it’s standing. Wading through this flood water is dirty and dangerous, but unfortunately sometimes it’s something we have to do. If you have standing water in your home, make sure you’re wearing proper boots for protection, and safety masks, too. Watch out for dangerous debris and substances floating in the water.

Call the Professionals

In addition to calling your insurance company to come out and assess the situation, make sure to call a professional cleaning and restoration company. They’ll help you start to put everything back in its place, and they’ll have the necessary knowledge and equipment for the situation. The Steam Team is always here for you, through thick and thin! We truly care about our customers; if you have standing water in your home, or a leak you can’t control, don’t hesitate to lean on us!

The Steam Team has over a decade of experience in serving the Austin area- especially in times of trouble. If you’ve had flooding in your home, rely on The Steam Team to remedy the situation; we know exactly what to do.

7 Benefits of Cleaning You Probably Don't Know

Are you thinking of switching up your cleaning methods, and trying out The Steam Team cleaning? You’re on the right track! Here are seven reasons as to why it’s best to steam clean your home, versus any other cleaning method:

Cleans Without Chemicals

Steam cleaning only involves the use of hot water and high pressure. That’s it! No cleaning supplies, no chemicals are needed.

No Residue Left Behind

Because steam cleaning doesn’t use any chemicals, there’s no residue to be left behind.

Completely Safe for the Environment

Thinking of going green? Start thinking of steam cleaning. It’s perfectly safe for the environment!

Safe for Pets and Children

No bleach, no chemicals, no nonsense! Steam cleaning is completely safe for your pets and children.

Provides a ‘Clean’ You Can Trust

Steam cleaning really works and provides you with a ‘clean,’ that you can trust. You won’t have to worry about going over the counter tops one last time; it gets the grime on the first try!

Effectively Cleans Tile and Grout

Tile and grout are notorious for being difficult to clean and care for. But finally, a steam cleaning machine can reach deep down into the pores of grout and extract dirt, dust, and debris that are causing discoloration and general nastiness!

Cleans a Multitude of Surfaces

From upholstered furniture, to drapes, to carpet and tile, you can steam clean almost anything (except hardwood flooring)! It’s a great method for cleaning the entire house; you’ll love how easy and effortless the process is.

There you have it, friends! We hope we’ve convinced you to start steam cleaning today. And remember- The Steam Team is always standing by, ready to give you a hand! Don’t hesitate to give us a call! We have over a decade of experience with cleaning and restoration, and are your best bet for restoring your home to its original, pristine condition.

Carpet Cleaning Tips for Keeping Your Office Clean

It’s a new season, and that means it’s time for a change. A little cleaning and rearranging of the office furniture never hurt anyone, right? It can feel renewing, stepping into a freshly cleaned office. After all, your office is an investment, so why not treat it as such? The Steam Team can help you keep your office clean this season- just follow these few simple guidelines!

Don’t Eat Lunch at Your Desk

Don’t eat lunch at your desk! Instead, head to the break room. Besides, it can feel incredibly refreshing to step away for a little while. Eating at your desk will cause grime to build up faster; you simply can’t avoid accidents, and sometimes lunch gets messy!

Dust on the Regular

...Even if you don’t feel like it. The more frequently you dust, the easier it will be each time. You simply can’t avoid it, friends! Offices collect dust rather quickly and need to be cleaned on the regular.

Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum

We’ve got to get rid of those dust mites somehow! Not to mention the crumbs around your desk from you not following guideline #1. Vacuum your office thoroughly at least once a week to keep the flooring looking fantastic.

Clean the Window Blinds

Window blinds are notorious for capturing dust, dirt, and debris. What’s worse- cleaning them is an easy chore to procrastinate because it can be so inconvenient! But with a steam cleaning machine, you won’t even need to remove the blinds from where they hang. At least, not when we do it! Call The Steam Team for all your rug cleaning.

Lastly, call The Steam Team for all of your high rise cleaning needs. We have over a decade of experience cleaning office buildings, homes, apartments, retail spaces, and so many more- you can definitely rely on us to get the job done quickly and effectively!

5 Ways to Protect Your Carpet Cleaning

Carpet looks great in our homes and offices, but it definitely requires some TLC on the regular to keep it looking great! Below you’ll find several tips on keeping your carpet safe and protected. The Steam Team has been cleaning rugs in Austin for over 40 years. Call us today at 512-451-8326.

Utilize Door Mats

Door mats were invented for a very great purpose! They help catch dirt from the outside and on our shoes, and prevent it from reaching our beautiful carpet. Keep a door mat at each entrance to your home and you’ll be surprised at the impact it makes (just don’t forget to clean the mat itself every once in awhile)!

Remove Shoes at the Door

An impressive amount of dirt, dust, and debris cling to our shoes as we walk about. All of that debris can really take a toll on our carpet- if we let it. Another option is to leave our filthy shoes at the entrances to our homes, so that it doesn’t even have a chance to reach our carpet!

Vacuum Frequently

We simply can’t get around vacuuming and sweeping our floor! It has to be done at least once a week, depending on the amount of traffic your carpet experiences. If you have pets or children, expect to clean a little bit more frequently.

Use a Carpet Protector

Carpet protection works by repelling dirt, and by protecting it from spills and stains. It also helps to prevent wear and tear on your carpet and increases its longevity!

Call in The Steam Team!

Lastly, call the professionals. The Steam Team is your leading cleaning and restoration company in Austin, TX, and we have over a decade of experience taking care of this city! We don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. So if your carpeting is in need of some professional attention, absolutely do not hesitate to give us a call!

Is Carpet Cleaning Safe for Kids?

As you get ready to clean your home (or office, or retail space, or what have you…), you may be wondering which method you should use. We strongly suggest steam cleaning, for its many benefits, but mostly because it’s completely safe for your kids and the environment. Let’s review the basics when it comes to steam cleaning, and why it’s so beneficial!

What is Steam Cleaning?

Steam cleaning is a method of cleaning that uses nothing but hot water, and high pressure to clean a variety of surfaces and furniture pieces. It cleans without chemicals and provides you with a clean that you can truly trust!

Benefits of Steam Cleaning

Since professional carpet cleaning doesn’t involve the usage of harsh chemicals, it’s completely safe for the environment. It doesn’t even leave behind any residue that you need to fuss over! What’s left, after steam cleaning, is a perfectly clean surface (or sofa! Or window treatments!) that’s completely safe for your children.

It’s versatile. You can steam clean almost anything, from leather upholstery to grout and tile flooring. How great is that? Forget the mop and bucket; all you need is a steam cleaning machine!

It’s simple. Water, heat, pressure. A steam cleaning machine effortlessly removes dirt, debris, dander, dust, and so much more from your flooring and furniture! It can even be used on leather furniture, and works great for cleaning countertops!

It saves you money. Since a steam cleaning machine doesn’t use any chemicals, once again, you’re not buying any cleaning products! You’ll save money in the long run.

Choose The Steam Team

Choose The Steam Team for all of your cleaning needs! We’ll work hard to make sure that your home looks as great as it did the day you moved in- and we’ll do it in an efficient, timely manner!

Taking a Toll on Tile: What Not to Do When Cleaning Tile

Are you taking a toll on your tile? There are many things we can do that aren’t so great for tile, and we might not know we’re doing them. Below you’ll find a great list of don’ts when it comes to tile care, and we’ll also explain how The Steam Team can help you keep your flooring clean. We are Austin's tile and grout cleaning experts. 

Don’t Use Abrasive Tools

Never use abrasive tools, or anything like steel wool to clean your tile flooring. They easily damage the finishing. Soft mops and sponges are usually all that’s needed!

Don’t Let Stains Sit

Don’t forget to not let stains sit! The longer they sit, the more likely they are to stay.

Be Careful With Your Vacuum

Not all vacuums are suitable for tile flooring. Make sure yours is set to the correct setting at all times. Don’t use a vacuum’s beater bar on tile flooring as it may scratch or dull the finish.

Don’t Forget to Sweep and Mop

It’s not too difficult to frequently sweep and mop your tile floors, and it does wonders at preventing damage to both the tile and grout. Lightly sweep on the daily, and mop once a week; as long as you don’t have intense foot traffic, you should be good to go!

Don’t Forget Your Door Mats!

Catch that dirt before it has an opportunity to reach your tile! Place doormats at all entrances to your home, as most dirt that enters the home does so through our shoes. Doormats are extremely helpful in keeping your flooring clean- we just don’t think about it all the time!

We hope you aren’t making these mistakes, but if you are, at least now you know what to do! Follow these guidelines and your tile will continue to sparkle! And don’t forget- The Steam Team is always on your side. We know that it’s easy to neglect tile floors because they’re so difficult to clean, so leave the job to us. We’ll take expert care of your tile and grout!

Carpet Cleaning this Fall?

It’s Fall, ya’ll! As the temperatures begin to drop, both kids and pets are spending more time outdoors- and we probably are, too. This means that our carpet is experiencing more foot traffic, and dirt that’s being tracked in as we exit and enter our homes. It may feel impossible at times to keep your carpet clean, but, trust us; The Steam Team has all of the knowledge and expertise needed to take care of your carpet! Below, you’ll find a few tips for keeping your flooring clean this season, and how we can help, too!

Vacuum and Sweep

Unfortunately, we can’t get around it. Our floor and carpet needs to be swept and vacuumed regularly in order for it to stay clean. Use a strong broom, preferably one with a longer handle so you don’t have to bend over, and a vacuum with an attachment. The vacuum’s attachment can help rid dust and dirt from the corners of baseboards, and you can clean off your furniture! If you do this regularly, you’ll be surprised at how great your flooring looks!

Mop Occasionally

Those paw prints, shoe prints, and skid marks are definitely something for the mop to tackle! Mopping the floor is essential to keeping it clean. Use a bucket of warm water with your handy household carpet cleaner, and your preferred mop- there are so many kinds, from a standard rag mop to a Swiffer. It doesn’t matter what brand you go with as long as the job gets done!

Hire the Professionals

We always recommend hiring the professionals to help take care of your flooring! The Steam Team is your leading cleaning and restoration company in Austin, TX. We have ample experience in taking care of all types of flooring, from carpet to natural stone! Don’t hesitate to give us a call today for the thorough deep cleaning you’ve been trying to achieve!

The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Floors Austin Texas

Hardwood Floor Cleaning

There are a variety of pros and cons when it comes to all types of flooring, but today, we’re talking about hardwood floors. They’re a beautiful and practical addition to a home and, unlike other flooring, they last for decades upon decades. Like other flooring, however, they do require a bit of TLC over the years to keep them looking as brilliant as they did in the beginning. That’s what we’re here for -- the experts on cleaning all types of flooring -- we have a few tips up our sleeves for keeping those hardwoods clean and cared for over the years and when you may need to refinish them.

Occasional Spills and Other Every Day Messes

Messes cannot be avoided altogether; they’re inevitable- but it’s critical (especially for hardwood floors) that they be cleaned up immediately. The longer they’re left, the harder they will be to clean up and the higher the chance of damage to the flooring.

When it comes to dirt, dust, and other grime, it’s best to try and eliminate as much as you can as often as you can. Sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting are great options for cleaning these particles up on a regular basis.

Wear, Tear, and Damage With Age

With such a long lifetime, hardwood floors can take a lot of wear and tear over the years. Furniture can cause damage to the flooring if it’s moved improperly or heavy objects are dropped or dragged across the floor -- even though it’s incredibly durable, it will start to show damage the longer the wood lasts. In more extreme cases, it may be time to refinish your hardwood flooring depending on the type of damage it’s undergone.

If you have any questions or just want to speak to a flooring expert about your floors, don’t hesitate to give us a call here at The Steam Team! For expert hardwood floor cleaning call The Steam Team today. 

How Important is sealing your floors? Austin Cleaning Company

Professional Cleaning in Austin 

Does your carpet have protectant? Do you know whether or not you need it? When we spill liquids and substances onto our carpet, the fibers absorb the mess, causing the carpet to stain or develop an odor. Or multiple odors- uh oh! But carpet protectant can help with this, and we’ll tell you how! We can protect your marble and stone floors too. 

If your carpet doesn’t have protectant, perhaps it’s time to make an investment! Let’s discuss how carpet protector works, and whether or not you should install it in your home.

How Does it Work?

Ultimately, carpet protector helps prevent wear and tear on your flooring! It also repels dirt and helps to prevent stains and odors from forming; isn’t that a relief? It basically does everything we want it to! And on the plus side, if your carpet is near a window and is fading from the sunlight, carpet protector provides ultraviolet protection to reduce discoloration. So there are many advantages to making this investment; you just have to decide whether it’s right for you.

Do I need Carpet Protectant?

Is there anyone in your household who’s known for making messes, spilling their drinks, tracking in dirt, etcetera? Do you have children or pets? If your carpet experiences a lot of foot traffic and you’re noticing wear and tear more quickly than you prefer, you might need carpet protectant!

The Steam Team knows just about everything there is to know about carpet, and yes, carpet protectant. We believe it’s highly important to have for your flooring, so your carpet will last longer, look better, and feel fresher! If you’re curious about carpet protectant, don’t hesitate to contact your leading carpet cleaning and restoration company in Austin, TX - The Steam Team. We’ll be more than happy to come out and install protectant for your carpet! For 24 hour water damage service call us at 512-451-8326 now. 

3 Expert Tips For Cleaning Your Home: The Steam Team of Austin

Voted best in Austin for cleaning 

When it comes to keeping any type of flooring clean, vacuuming is a huge part of the process. Often times it can be difficult to gauge how often your home needs a thorough vacuuming, but it really all comes down to one factor: foot traffic. This factor obviously changes in different areas of the home, but the heavier the foot traffic, the more often you’ll need to break out the vacuum. Today on our blog, we’re sharing three tips from the experts about vacuuming and keeping your home clean in general. We also clean residential and commercial air ducts. 

Frequency

Typically, carpet should be vacuumed about once a week, but when you have pets, kids, or a large amount of people in the house -- the frequency for certain areas may increase.

Our first tip is to figure out a vacuuming schedule that works best for the areas around your home. You should never be able to see dirt in your carpets with the naked eye, which is why most professionals recommend vacuuming at least weekly. Throw a couple pets and kids in the mix, you may need to vacuum 2-3 times per week just to keep the dirt and other grime at a minimum. Voted best rug cleaning company in Austin, Texas. 

Children

Next, the best way to eliminate dirt particles in your carpets is to avoid them entering your home at all. Children’s shoes are the biggest culprit of mess when it comes to tracking things around the house, we always suggest leaving the shoes at the entrance of the home.

Professionals

The Steam Team is a team of trained experts who have many years of experience in professional carpet cleaning. If your carpet is in need of a deep cleaning, don’t hesitate- pick up the phone and give us a call! We’re available 24/7 to help you out! One last service you might not know about is our tile cleaning service. 

Fighting Mold Contamination By The Steam Team of Austin

Mold Damage

There are several dangers to mold growth: harm to those with allergies, asthma, other illnesses, and of course the spread of bacteria. And it doesn’t take long for mold to begin growing, either. So it’s very important that we catch it as soon as possible, and remove the issue from our homes. Here are three steps to take to fight mold contamination! Call The Steam Team for mold remediation. We are the leader in mold removal and licensed by The State of Texas #RCO1264. 

Dry Up Wet Spills Immediately

Don’t let spills sit! Act quickly, and you won’t regret the effort. The longer a wet spill sits on your carpet, hardwood, or upholstery, the more likely it is that mold will grow. Clean spills immediately; you can even use a dehumidifier if there’s a lot of liquid.

Inspect Your Home for Leaks

Always watch out for leaks in and around the home. It can be as simple as your shower head misfiring and soaking the ceiling or wall with water each time it’s used. Do what you can to keep these areas dry, as moist areas are a perfect breeding ground for mold spores.

Wear Protection While Cleaning

It’s important to protect your health and wellbeing while cleaning up a moldy situation. Wear a protective mask at all times to prevent inhaling mold spores. You can buy such masks at your local pharmacy or department stores. Remember: your health and safety comes first!

Don’t forget- in the case of an emergency (such as a flood) call the professionals immediately. Mold only needs twenty four hours to begin to grow and take over your home, and the professionals are the best ones for the job! They have the right equipment and expertise for any mold remediation situation. The Steam Team is your leading steam cleaning and restoration company in Austin, TX- don’t hesitate to give us a call when you’re in need!

Your Austin Area Water Damage Restoration Company

Flood Cleanup

Unfortunately many of us know people who have suffered water damage recently, whether it’s our friends, family, or maybe even you’ve suffered yourself. It’s devastating to the home, it’s devastating to the people, and it’s devastating financially. Whether it’s caused from a natural disaster (like a hurricane or heavy storm), a broken pipe or leaky appliance, or even a house fire -- the water damage is all the same. It can destroy our furniture, weaken the structure of our home, and risk mold growth around every affected area. As difficult as it is to deal with devastating water damage, we’re here to help you along the way.

Most Importantly: Get Rid of All Water

Water has a way of seeping into everything and if you’re not careful, you could have a mold infestation to deal with in the near future. Calling in the professionals from the very beginning will help to get rid of every drop of water around your home. Until they get there with fans and other equipment, you can help by opening windows and turning on ceiling fans to try and get the air circulating (and drying out the water).

Be Proactive Against Mold

Mold grows quickly and quietly. Once everything has dried out (including walls and carpet padding) it’s important to disinfect the affected area to protect against bacteria. Your walls, counters, floors, and other surfaces will likely need professional treatment to prevent mold growth, odors, and permanent staining.

A professional cleaning and restoration company will have the right equipment to tackle mold and stop it in its tracks. Your best choice when dealing with water damage is going to be to call in the professionals to ensure that you and your family are safe in the future and that your home is properly taken care of. Give us a call today at The Steam Team!

The First Steps in Fire Damage Restoration

The Steam Team Austin

A house fire can start from a variety of sources and can spread quite rapidly. It’s completely devastating when you suffer from a house fire, no matter the cause. It’s both difficult and dangerous to handle the fire or the fire damage by yourself, but, many homeowners try to take the task upon themselves. In our blog today, we’re covering the best way to help as a homeowner who has suffered from fire damage recently because we want you to be as equipped as you can.

Act Immediately

As soon as the fire starts, there are a few phone calls you should make. First and foremost, 911 -- the firefighters should be the ones to deal with extinguishing the house fire. Next, your insurance company -- they’ll help you through the next steps to make sure you’re taken care of. Finally, a professional cleaning and restoration company -- like us, here at The Steam Team, who can help you along the way through the restoration process until your home looks as if it was never damaged.

After the Fire; Survey the Damage

After the firefighters have successfully extinguished the fire and you’ve made the necessary phone calls, you may be tempted to begin surveying the damage. The smoke that still remains in the air and the soot settling on the surfaces around your home pose a huge risk to your health -- especially without any protective gear. That’s why it’s so important to call in the professional restoration team. When our fire damage restoration technicians arrive at your home, they will first begin surveying the damage. Afterward, we’ll begin the restoration process by making sure your home is protected from further damage.

The Steam Team understands how devastating a house fire can be to you and your family. We strive to restore your home to its previous condition using our many years of experience, and expert restoration techniques. Let us handle this burden for you, and call The Steam Team today!

The Best Way to Eliminate Common Household Odors

rug cleaning company

No matter who lives in your house, sometimes there are just areas where a certain odor takes its toll. Of course, if you have kids or pets, you might deal with odors more often, but everyone is susceptible to the buildup of grime around the home. We’re here to review a few common household odors and how to treat them (not just mask them), so that your home may smell as fresh and clean as the day you moved in! We guarantee our work and back it up with love. Call The Steam Team of Austin. We are the leading cleaning company in Central Texas. 

We can treat some odors with light cleaning and a moderate use of air fresheners, but others are more persistent and difficult to remove:

Carpet Odors

While carpet is typically a favored flooring for good reason -- it’s both visually appealing and comfortable to walk on -- it also picks up a ton of dirt, grime, and other particles around the home. Inadequately treated stains and spills, dusty carpet, and worn down rugs are often sources of musty smells. In some cases, pets are notorious for causing a variety of pesky odors, no matter how well “trained” they are.

Or, what about the smell coming from the laundry room? The lids on washing machines close too tightly to allow moisture to escape, causing a mildew scent to linger.

In any of these instances, the biggest issue is going to be the amount of time between the accident or spill and the cleanup. Most household cleaners are unable to adequately clean pet urine from carpet simply because they can’t reach deeply enough, simply because the liquid was left to soak into the pad beneath the carpeting.

Don’t worry just yet, though! The best way to eliminate these messes and get rid of those odors for good is by contacting a professional steam cleaning company.

The Steam Cleaning Method

Steam cleaning uses extreme heat and high pressurized water to extract dirt, dust, and urine crystals from your carpet. The Steam Team is a professional cleaning and restoration service, with years of experience handling water and fire damage, disaster cleanup, mold, household odors, and many more -- give The Steam Team a call today!

A Quick Guide to Cleaning Your Drapery

Professional cleaning in Austin Texas

Although curtains, blinds, and other window treatments are usually the last thing on your mind (even when cleaning), they easily gather dirt, dust, and other grime just as quickly as anything else. How often you clean your window treatments depends on how quickly you notice your house gets dirty in general, right? Here’s a quick guide to help you best maintain your drapery and other window treatments. Check out our testimonials at The Steam Team of Austin, Texas. 

Take a Close Look at the Material

Believe it or not, the material of your window treatments will determine how often they need to be cleaned and just how to clean them. For every material, be sure to check the care instructions before using any cleaning product or method on it.

The Material Determines the Cleaning Method

For most draperies, we recommend steam cleaning the material. Since steam cleaning doesn’t use any harsh chemicals, most fabrics and other materials can withstand (and benefit from) a thorough steam clean. For sheer material and other thin fabrics, it’s best to call in the professionals. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with heavier materials that are pretty thick, it’s a good idea to phone the professionals, too. It takes the entire task right off your hands, you know the job will get done right, and you know the job will be done well.

In most cases, steam cleaning is your best option for those semi-annual thorough cleanings. Here at The Steam Team, we specialize in steam cleaning upholstery, flooring, and yes -- even those custom window treatments. Our technicians are highly trained professionals that use only the latest equipment in the industry. If you haven’t paid attention to your drapes recently, now’s the perfect time! Give us a call today to set up an appointment with one of our experienced technicians who will walk you through our process and advise you on the what the best care for your home would be.

Air Duct Cleaning: Effective and Efficient

Duct Cleaning 

With the change of seasons, comes the changing of allergens in the air. And, when allergens are stirred up and affecting you more than normal, it’s easy to want to coop up inside and “rest.” While indoor air shields us from exposure to the elements, we are still exposed to indoor air pollutants -- especially if you haven’t cleaned your air ducts in a while!

If you have a major problem with your ductwork, such as a leak, you'll need to contact a professional as soon as possible. Leaky ducts can suck in dust, dirt, allergens, and other nasty materials from areas like basements, crawlspaces, or attics. In these situations, we urge you to simply call in the professionals! This is a job that requires very specific equipment (high powered vacuums, video equipment, etc) and a precise, well-trained method of breaking up the dirt and dust inside your ductwork.

Regular Maintenance

Leaky ducts or other problems aside, air ducts function most efficiently and effectively when they’re regularly maintained. However, it can be an extremely difficult job because of many hard-to-reach places and lack of equipment. Dusting off the air vents is part of the job, but if you’re having to dust them frequently -- it’s probably time to get inside the ducts for a thorough clean.

No matter what shape your ducts are in, calling in the professionals will ensure that your ducts aren’t circulating air full of allergen particles and other dust or dirt. Regular maintenance will also prevent further damage from occurring -- saving you time, energy, and money!

Contact Us

Contact your local cleaning and restoration company for details on air duct cleaning services. Gone are the days of sniffling, coughing, and taking allergy medicine! A professional cleaning company (like The Steam Team!) will gladly inspect and clean your air ducts, leaving your home’s air quality more clean, more pure than ever before. Contact us today!

Caring for Your Flooring Over Time: Avoiding Damage

Cleaning Austin Texas

No matter what type of flooring you have, it’s inevitable that it will wear over time. All floors show their wear differently, though, so it’s important to know how you can prevent damage and when it’s time to call in the professionals. We’ve put together some tips to help you care for your floors effectively and efficiently! Voted best carpet cleaning in Austin, Texas. 

No Shoes

When debris is tracked into the house, it can get stuck in carpet, cause scratches on tile, grout, or even hardwoods. If you have a porch, that can be a great spot to stick shoes before walking in the house, or you could simply set down a mat near the door for guests and family members to place their shoes.

Don’t forget about area rugs! They’re great for protecting your flooring and being a beautiful accent piece in your home.   

Pet Care

Now that you’re keeping majority of the dirt and grime out of your house by removing shoes and asking guests to do the same, the second-biggest thing to consider when it comes to protecting your flooring is your pets! Not only will they track in extra grime from the outdoors, their nails can also cause a lot of damage to flooring if they’re not regularly trimmed.

Furniture Placement

The last thing that causes concern when it comes to flooring is furniture. It’s best to use protective pads for furniture that’s frequently used, like office chairs or even dining room chairs, but be careful moving anything around. Depending on the type of furniture and how heavy it is, you may want to have professionals move and place your furniture to best protect your flooring.

Don’t forget about regular maintenance for all flooring! Give us a call at The Steam Team to learn about taking care of your flooring or for help cleaning your flooring, furniture, and more!

Are You Suffering From Flood Damage?

Restoration

With the heavy, heavy rains our city has experienced over the last few months and the devastating weather that surrounding areas have experienced, it’s extremely important that homeowners know what they should and should not do after a flood.

Do: Contact Your Insurance Company

First things first: contact your insurance company to figure out exactly what they cover. Remember to be straightforward about the incident so that there isn’t any confusion down the line. Then, call us! The Steam Team will immediately come out and help you through the cleanup and water extraction process.

Don’t: Try to Clean Up Immediately

We know how tempting it can be to get back in your home and try to clean up the entire mess, but it can be dangerous and even detrimental to your health. Before you start to dive in and clean up, talk to your insurance company and a professional restoration company first.

Do: Keep An Eye Out for Mold Spores

To protect  yourself against mold spores, be sure to purchase masks from your local pharmacy or department store. Wear them as you begin the process of cleaning up. If you spot any items that have already been affected by mold spores, take them outside immediately. This is where you’ll need to clean them, to prevent the mold from spreading indoors.

Don’t: Feel Overwhelmed

It takes time. Extracting the water alone is time consuming and a very careful process. If too much water is pumped out too quickly, you risk causing your walls to collapse from the pressure. To keep this from happening, only two to three feet of water are pumped out at a time. So remember to be patient, and let the professionals do what they do best.

We’re always here to help, no matter the time of day. Give us a call if you’re in need of water damage restoration, or even just a routine steam cleaning for your furniture!