Archive for the ‘Care and Maintenance’ Category

Everyday Luxuries for the Home

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

Over the holidays, you may have been lucky enough to give or get one or more luxury gifts. From jewelry to beautiful clothes, maybe a gift certificate to a spa, these gifts are as fun and exciting to give as to receive.

When it’s time to do something special for you however, how about thinking beyond the traditional luxuries to gifts that provide a pampered feeling every day? Here are some of our favorites.

A whole-house vacuum. If you’ve never experienced one of these, it’s amazing how easy it is to keep your home looking beautiful with limited effort. Instead of hauling a heavy vacuum around, the hose is light and easy to maneuver. Vacuum outlets are placed for maximum convenience and utility. Since 1908, Hoover, our central vacuum provider, has been the most trusted and reliable name in vacuum cleaners. These central vacuum systems offer simplicity, convenience and the best in air quality. It is an easy solution to cumbersome vacuum cleaners not to mention allergy-sensitive homeowners. The Teflon filter is self-cleaning and assures very few allergens or little dust will be left in the air, providing a clean home environment.

Garage floor coatings and garage cabinets. Give your garage a look as finished and appealing as the rest of your home. Our floor coatings use commercial-grade products for durability and come in solid colors or a granite-look. These floors also substantially reduce the dirt tracked into your home. With our line of garage cabinetry you will finally have space to store everything including your car. We can design a solution for you based on your needs and the layout of your garage. You will be able to select cabinet styles, sizes and colors. You can even have overhead storage and a workbench.

By adding these luxury features to your home, you can feel pampered every day. You may even decide that they’re not luxuries at all, but necessities you didn’t even know you needed until you experienced the difference having them made in your life.

How To Remove BBQ Sauce From Carpet

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

We hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend that was full of celebrating independence, fireworks and barbequing!  We thought we’d share some helpful hints on how to remove barbeque sauce from carpet, just in case some was spilled on your floor!  We hope this was not the case, but if so, we hope you find this information useful.

Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.

Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (fluorescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar per two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution. It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.

Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.

Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. CRI – 1-800-882-8846.

How To Remove Easter Egg Dye From Your Carpet

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

Can you believe that Easter Sunday is this week?  It seems as if the year is flying right by!  We’d like to share some useful information with you just in case you or someone in your family dropped some Easter egg dye on the carpet.  Happy Easter!

Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.

Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. CRI – 1-800-882-8846.

Five Ideas for an Organized and Stress-free Closet

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Let us face it. Our closet is one of the things that most of us face every day. Wouldn’t it be great if it were organized so you don’t encounter a stress filled morning rummaging through all the stuff inside your closet? There is hope!

Here are five ideas for an organized and stress-free closet.

  1. Declutter. Look through all the clothes in your closet and decide which goes and which stays. You can even donate these extra clothes to charity. Your trash can be someone else’s treasure.
  2. Categorize. Group your clothes together so you can allocate certain areas of your closet for certain items. For example, group all of your t-shirts, blouses, coats, underwear, etc and then allocate a certain space for each group. By doing this, you can find things easily as each group of clothes are together.
  3. Organize your clothes per season. You will not wear your winter jacket during summer time, right? So organize your clothes per season and store in your closet only those clothes that you can wear for that season and keep the out of season clothes in a separate closet. This can also help create extra room in your closet.
  4. Customize. It will even be better if you can get the service of a contractor, like Arizona Wholesale Supply, who can customize a closet for you. These contractors will go to your home, measure your space and design the best closet for a more efficient storage solution.
  5. Start a habit. Once you are done organizing your closet, make it a habit to at least check and re-organize your closet at least three or four times a year. Otherwise, it will just pile up again with new clothes that you have acquired during the year and you will end up with a chaotic closet again.

Your closet is a very useful storage space and it can help make your life easy if you implement an effective closet organization. Visit the Arizona Wholesale Supply website to find out more about our terrific closet organization systems.

How To Remove Chocolate From Carpet

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

We hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day this year!  Just in case some chocolate accidentally melted on your carpet, here’s a few pointers on how to remove it.

Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together.  Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.

Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.)  Care should be used in selecting a detergent.  Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (fluorescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar per two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution.  It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.

Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change.  Be sure to test a hidden area.

Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills.  Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question.  Carpet & Rug Institute – 1-800-882-8846

What Phosphate-Free Detergents Mean To You

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

Have you noticed a white film or residue on your dishes, glassware, plastic items, utensils or tub interior?

ECO-FRIENDLY CHANGE IN DETERGENTS

* As of July 1, 2010, 17 states passed laws PHOSPHATE-FREE (P-FREE) DETERGENTS
limiting the amount of phosphorous (phosphates) in household dishwasher detergents to no more than 0.5 percent. (Previous detergents contained up to 8.7 percent.)
Major manufacturers have reformulated their dishwasher detergents for the entire United States.
• Phosphates are difficult to remove in waste water at sewage treatment plants. They’re then discharged into rivers, lakes, streams and drinking water reservoirs where they cause environmental harm.
WHY THE BAN
• In freshwater, phosphates boost algae growth, which consume all the oxygen, ultimately killing the fish and plants
• They’re chemical additives in detergents that act as a cleaning agent helping to remove stains, break down grease and prevent spotting

WHAT ARE PHOSPHATES
• During washing, phosphates suspend food particles so they don’t stick to dishes. Plus, they soften water allowing suds to form for cleaning

Did You Know: Phosphates have been limited in laundry detergents since 1994. The change in dishwasher detergents is another step in the eco-conscious awareness found in today’s products and the eco-friendly choices consumers are making.
• Detergents without phosphates may leave a white film or residue on dishes, glassware, plastic items, utensils, even the dishwasher tub.
MAY CAUSE WHITE FILM ON DISHES
• When customers see this white film this can lead them to doubt or blame their dishwasher’s cleaning performance
Note: If a customer notices a white film, it can be assumed that the phosphate-free detergent is the problem. This film is a mineral buildup and not etching as a result of too much detergent.

WAYS TO HELP REDUCE WHITE FILM BUILDUP

  • Tablets and Pacs perform better than powder, liquid or gel detergents**
  • To minimize a repeat buildup of the white film, use a rinse aid.
  • This issue is more frequent in homes with hard water.
  • Dishwashers with built-in water softener systems are available in the market to soften the water and help reduce the white film.

How to Remove Gravy Stains from Carpet

Thursday, November 25th, 2010

Let the festivities begin, Thanksgiving day is finally here!  We thought we’d share some of our gravy stain removal techniques with you.  Hopefully you won’t have to use them; however, there’s always the possibility that little Billy or even big Molly may drop their plate full of food on your carpet.  Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Arizona Wholesale Supply!

Nail Polish Remover – Two types of nail polish removers are available. One type contains acetone, a dry cleaning solvent. Use the same precautions as with other dry cleaning solutions. The second type contains amyl acetate, which is used in many paint, oil, and grease (POG) removers. Many POG removers leave residues that may cause rapid soiling. When using a POG remover, always rinse the area thoroughly with a dry solvent.

Solvent - A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.

Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar per two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution. It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.

Warm Water - Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.

When in doubt, call a professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. Carpet and Rug Institute – 1-800-882-8846.

How to Remove Easter Egg Dye Stains from Carpet

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

spaceball

Easter is just around the corner! Who doesn’t love to dye Easter eggs? Who is terrified of the mess if some of the dye spills on your carpet? If you love to dye Easter eggs, but hate the worry of wondering what to do if you spill the dye on the carpet, stop worrying! Below are simple and easy steps to follow if you have a spill with Easter egg dye. You always want to treat spills as soon as possible and follow the instructions closely.

Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.

Not sure? Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. Carpet and Rug Institute – 1-800-882-8846.

How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Carpet

Friday, February 12th, 2010

We all know how popular chocolate is on Valentine’s Day! If you are giving or receiving chocolate on this Valentine holiday don’t worry if you drop a piece, step on a piece or spill the whole box on your carpet. We’ve got some easy tips on how to properly remove chocolate stains from your carpet. So, enjoy your holiday and eat all of the chocolate you can get your hands on. You can blame it all on us!

Easy instructions for how to remove chocolate stains:

Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.

Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar per two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution. It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.

Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.

When in doubt – Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. CRI – 1-800-882-8846.

Happy Valentines Day!

Floor Care and Maintenance

Friday, February 5th, 2010

One of the goals of this blog is to help educate you on topics ranging from design ideas for new projects to how to care for and maintain the products you already have. We feel it’s important to educate you on how to maintain your floors properly because we know they are an investment that you want to keep. Floors take a lot of abuse, but like anything else, if you treat them well they will return the favor by staying in good shape for as long as possible.

A few things to keep in mind before we talk specifics about cleaning:

  • Always have walk off mats at every entrance to your home. These are important because they can aide in trapping dirt from shoes before it can enter your home and scratch the floors.
  • Check your furniture feet to ensure they have feet protectors on the bottom. These will prevent the chair bottoms from scratching and denting your floors when people slide their chairs out to stand up.
  • Remove any spills as quickly as possible. The longer a spill sits, the more risk you run of damage or permanent staining.

Ok, now let’s talk specifics!

First are foremost, you should always try to use a manufacture approved floor cleaner. (and follow the directions) Why, you ask?

  • Manufacturers have spent countless hours designing cleaners that are most effective for their product. They know how it was made and what ingredients are most effective in caring for their product.
  • Side note: You want to follow the directions because we are Americans….. meaning that we generally think that more is better. Many floor cleaners only require minimal amounts of product to achieve optimal results. Too much of a good thing can actually cause more harm than good.
  • Some warranties can be voided if the proper cleaner is not used.  It would be a shame to ruin your floors over a bottle of the wrong cleaner. It happens, believe us!
  • Using multiple cleaners on the same product (particularly hard surfaces) can leave a film that can permanently damage the floors.

How to tackle each type of flooring product: Click on the category below for more information:

Carpet

Hardwood

Tile

Vinyl

Laminate

Stone

Area Rugs

If you have specific stain concerns, please leave us a comment and we will publish the proper way to remove the stain and share with others in case they have the same concern!