Protect Your Hardwood Floors

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If you protect your hardwood floors from dirt, oils and water they will last longer. If you have hardwood floors you should use floor mats at each of your entry doors to collect dirt and debris from shoes. Tiny particles of dirt can scratch wood flooring and damage the finish. Place mats near any work areas such as the kitchen sink where water can splash on the floor. Floor mats without backing can cause slips but be careful when choosing mats: remember that rubber or plastic type mats can damage your floor, so it’s important to buy rugs especially made for hardwood floors.

The three most common things that leave big scratches in hardwood flooring are moving big pieces of furniture, women’s high heels, and sand and gravel beneath entry mats. Be careful when moving heavy objects across your floor to avoid scratches. By removing shoes before you enter an area with wood flooring you avoid dents and scratches made from wearing heels indoors. Finally, shake out your entry mats frequently and clean the floor beneath carefully.

To maintain your hardwood floor…

  • Sweep your floor regularly to remove dirt and dust.
  • Use a vacuum without the beater bar to get into cracks and between thresholds.
  • Clean up spills with a damp towel or sponge, minimize water spills and clean up water immediately.
  • If your floor has a urethane finish don’t use wax on it.
  • Don’t use a wet mop or use excessive water on your hardwood floor.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning your hardwood floor.

Indoor Waterparks – Fun and Swimming During Winter and Spring

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It’s still a little cold outside but you can still enjoy a little swimming in Minnesota’s water parks. If you have been cooped up all winter and have cabin fever this is a great way to spend the day. Most of the indoor water parks are at hotels and resorts and require a day pass. This is a great activity for little kids as most water parks have special kiddie pools with fountains and slides. Other water parks are designed for older kids and adults and have long tube slides, floating inner tube rides, and whirl pools.

Some of the local Twin Cities water parks include:

Tropics Indoor Waterpark and Playground – St. Paul – adult $8, Youth (1-17 yrs) $7, family $28

The Grove Aquatics Waterpark – Inver Grove Heights – single $7.50, 4 person family $19.50

Safari Island Waterpark – Waconia – adult $8.75, Youth $7.75

Water Park of America – Bloomington – Prices start at $15 each

The Depot Waterpark – Minneapolis – Prices start at $20 each

Static Cling, Static Electricity and Carpet

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The air is very dry and cold in winter and makes the perfect environment for static electricity to strike. You can walk across your carpet and reach for something made of metal and get a static shock.  If you come inside from the cold and remove your hat and your hair stands up straight it’s due to a positive charge of static electricity. Static electricity is the buildup of electric charge on the surface of objects like your shoes or your hair.

One of the most common tips to remove static electricity is to increase the moisture in the air with a humidifier. Here are some other great tips:

  • Touch something with a quick, solid grasp. Larger points of contact allow the charge to transfer with less current at any single point, reducing the chance for a painful shock.
  • Synthetic fibers such as polyester carry more static so try switching to natural fiber clothing such as cotton.
  • Shoes usually collect the most static so try walking barefoot on your carpet or wear leather soled shoes.
  • Avoid sliding your feet; the friction between your feet and the floor will build up a static charge in your body.
  • Try touching metal objects with the back of your hand or fore arm first to discharge the static. This is not as painful as touching things with your fingertips, which is more painful because your fingers contain more nerves.
  • Using hand lotion will put more moisture on your skin and may help cut down on static zaps when you touch objects.
  • If you get zapped every time you get out of your car try rubbing a fabric softener sheet on your car seat.
  • When petting your pet, first try a firm solid touch on its back to discharge the static without a shock.

Have some static electricity fun by rubbing a balloon in your hair for 15 seconds and sticking it on a wall. Try brushing your hair in the dark and you can watch sparks fly from your hair. Taking your wool sweater off in the dark can also provide an interesting spark light show.

If we can help you with your carpet in anyway please call Commercial Steam Team at 952-224-7222

Car and Truck Carpet Protection

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Salt and chemicals that melt ice and snow can leave a white ring of chemicals in your automobiles carpet and can damage the metal underneath. Ice melting salts are caustic to metal so if you let it build up in your vehicle’s carpet it can start rusting and eating away at the metal in your car or truck.

It’s a given that ice melt chemicals will get on your shoes and then be deposited in your vehicle as you drive unless you have something placed down as a barrier. A thick rubber mat with deep grooves and a lip that runs around the edge can collect the melting snow and chemicals from your feet. By collecting the chemicals and winter sludge from getting in your carpet you protect the carpeting and the metal beneath.

Remember to periodically clean the mat off as it becomes filled with melting snow, sand or ice melt crystals.

If we can help you with any carpet questions please call our team at 952-224-7222