How to Clean Your Fireplace this Fall

How to Clean Your Fireplace this Fall

Every day is a little cooler and winter is right around the corner, which means in a few short weeks you might be chopping wood or scooping your pellet stove insert into your fireplace to stay warm. Now is the right time to clean the chimney to make sure it is safe to use.How do you know it is time for cleaning? The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) says fireplaces need cleaning when the inside of the chimney or flue system has 1/8″ of soot buildup.The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages homeowners to clean and inspect their fireplaces at least once a year even if it isn’t used often. It isn’t uncommon for animals to makes nests in the area, and when they do, it is unsafe to start a fire below.You might be looking to clean your chimney, or maybe you just want to know more about the process. Either way, here are the steps needed to ensure your chimney is ready to keep you cozy warm during the cold winter. 

Step 1: Inspect the buildup

Start by making sure there isn’t a downdraft, and if you feel air flow open a window in the same room as the chimney to stop it. Next, put on goggles and a dust mask. Grab a good flashlight and a fireplace poker. Scratch the surface of the smoke chamber.If the groove is ⅛ inch thick, then it is time to schedule cleaning. If it is ¼ inch thick or more, then don’t start another fire until a cleaning is completed.Also check for creosote at the top of the firebox, in the smoke chamber, the damper and the flue. 

Step 2: Limit the mess

Cleaning a chimney is a dirty job. It’s best to start by controlling the mess. Grab a roll of duct tape, lay canvas tarp over the hearth and seal it up around the entire opening of the chimney. Put the hose of a shop vacuum behind the seal of the opening to grab the dust and soot.It helps to use extra hoses so you can place the vacuum outside, so when you dump it or clean it, you are not releasing all of the ash in your home. Furthermore, many shop vacuum filters don’t trap the fine soot and will blow right out the exhaust port. This step will save you extra clean up. 

Step 3: Top to bottom brushing

It’s time to jump on the roof with your chimney brush, but first, turn on the shop vacuum, so it is ready to grab what you are throwing down. Ram the cleaning brush down the flue and move it up and down several times in one small section.Use a good flashlight to inspect your work before going to the next section. Continue down the fireplace until you reach the smoke box. The rest of the work needs to be completed from the inside.Peel back a part of the sheeting sealing off the fireplace. Then, use a long-handled brush and noodle brush to remove the soot from the smoke shelf and firebox. 

Step 4: Finish the job carefully.

Before you remove the shop vacuum, use it to remove the remaining soot. When you are finished, carefully remove the seal from the fireplace. Wrap up the canvas and throw it away, so you don’t spread the soot around your home.Cleaning a chimney requires quite a few tools including several different types of chimney brushes. If you don’t have the equipment, time or experience give Sooner Carpet a call at (405) 329-8999, and we'll make sure you have a safe chimney. We want to give you peace of mind while you depend on its warmth this winter.

7 Tips to Keep Your New Carpet Looking Grand

7 Tips to Keep Your New Carpet Looking Grand

The installation of your new carpet is complete, and you couldn’t be happier. The rooms in your home have new life because of the fresh and clean floor. Now, you are left wondering how long it will last.We all make those promises. After buying a new car, you swear the kids will never eat in it. When you purchase a new shirt, you strengthen your resolve not to spill coffee or drop mustard during lunch. When you get a new carpet, you commit to vacuuming every day. Those ambitions are quickly doused by a dose of reality. A two-year-old demanding their starving and you hand them a chicken nugget because you really need to focus on driving. The speed bump that tips your sip of coffee down the front of your shirt and a busy month goes by with the vacuuming gathering dust in the back of a closet.We have all been there. It happens, but right now you need to know exactly how to keep your carpet pristine for decades to come, and there are seven ways to reach your goal. 

1. Vacuum (not every day, but often)

We feel a bit like a broken record with this tip, but it is so important. Don’t let your carpet become a home for dust and dirt. Create a vacuuming schedule by dropping an alert in your calendar, so you don’t forget. Always remember it is not a race. Moving the vacuum slowly rather than quickly it time to really grab the dirt below the surface. Once is not enough. Run the vacuum horizontally over a room, and then vacuum again by running it vertically over the room. Use the attachments to grab dirt and dust from hard to reach places in corners or up against the baseboards. 

2. Welcome mats keep out unwanted guests

The hard-bristled mat outside of your front door offers more than a clever catchphrase. It is the first line of defense to prevent dirt from entering your home. The fibers latch on to debris stuck to the bottom of a shoe to keep the mess outside.Be diligent about taking off your shoes, and ask guests to do the same. This further prevents tracking mud or dust across you clean carpet.

3. Avoid powder carpet fresheners

Carpet powder is one way to make a room smell fresh! However, without proper vacuuming techniques, it is possible to leave behind residue in the carpet.  If you use it excessively, it is more likely to cause more problems than it solves. It can even result in white stains on the surface. 

4. Trim the snags you are destined to discover

Snags will eventually happen, especially if you have kids or pets. The most important thing to remember is to never pull a snag because it will just make it worse by tearing the carpet away from the backing. The best strategy is to use a pair of scissors and trim it at the base to prevent further damage.The best strategy is to use a pair of scissors and trim it at the base to prevent further damage.

5. Potty train your furry family member

It is challenging to keep carpets clean and fresh with a pet, especially if he or she isn’t house trained yet. Train fast and early to limit excessive damage to your carpet. Clean up those inevitable accidents quickly. Treat the area with cleaners that are safe for your pet and will eliminate the odor. Even the slightest smell might encourage your pet to repeat the accident in the same area. Treat the area with cleaners that are safe for your pet and will eliminate the odor. Even the slightest smell might encourage your pet to repeat the accident in the same area.Vacuuming regularly will keep their fur out of the fibers of your carpet, and wiping their paws will eliminate some dust and dirt they could track in from outside.

6. Don’t engage in habits that result in spills

It only takes one trip to cause an accident. While a spill won’t result in an entirely ruined carpet, multiple messes over time will cause stains that are really hard to remove or hide.Encourage the young children in your house to eat and drink somewhere kid-friendly, like at a table with placemats or somewhere that has tile.Don’t live life on the edge, scoot your wine glasses and other liquids to the center of an end table to prevent it from dropping to the floor.Serve dinner at the table in the dining room rather than eating on the couch in front of the TV. All of these habits can result in a mess.No matter how hard you try, it is highly likely there will be an accident on your carpet, but don’t sweat the spills, that is why we are here!

7. Hire the professionals

Your carpet is new, so you don’t need a professional clean anytime soon right? Wrong, you need to professionally clean your carpet twice a year regardless of the age of the floor. In fact, if your goal is to keep the carpet looking new, then the sooner, the better. If you have a water leak or other types of major damage, then a professional can provide quality restoration. We have experience cleaning up all types of messes, so call Sooner Carpet Cleaning at 405-329-8999 for an estimate.

Spring Cleaning: Room by Room

Spring is finally here and there’s never been a better time to clean up around the house. It can be intimating working with a mass amount of square space, but don’t worry. Our team here at Sooner Cleaning + Restoration is here to help.

We believe that with a few basic tricks, you’ll be able to transform your chaotic house into a relaxing space to enjoy with family and friends. It’s all a matter of conquering it in smaller, digestible pieces. Keep reading to learn how you can dominate spring cleaning, room by room.

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

Wipe walls and floorboards

Wipe down cabinetry and counters

Clean mirrors and windows

Spray and soak the tub

Spray and scrub the toilet

Wash bath mats

Sweep and mop floors

Bedroom Cleaning Checklist

Wipe walls and floorboards

Dust ceiling fans, furniture and other surfaces

Wash bedding, sheets and other linens

Clean windows and window treatments

Vacuum carpets and rugs, or sweep and mop floors

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

Wipe down cabinetry and counters

Clean the fridge and freezer

Clean and prime cooking appliances

Wipe down the stove top, oven and microwave

Vacuum rugs, sweep and mop floors

Living Room Cleaning Checklist

Wipe walls and floorboards

Dust ceiling fans, furniture and other services

Clean windows and window treatments

Clean furniture upholstery and pillows

Clean and dust electronics

Vacuum carpets and rugs, or sweep and mop floors

Laundry Room Cleaning List

Wipe down the outside of each appliance

Run white vinegar through the washer to sanitize (provided you get the washer repair on time, if required)

Empty dryer lint trap

Wipe interior walls of the dryer

Check dryer vent for lint build up

Launder rugs, sweep and mop floors

Sooner Carpet Cleaning Tips and Tricks

1. Wipe walls and floorboards

You’d be surprised how much dirt, grime and scuff collect over the course of a year. To avoid damaging the paint on your walls, use a slightly damp sponge and baking soda for mild exfoliation. On tougher marks along the floorboards, you can use a more abrasive tool like a Magic Eraser.

2. Wipe down cabinetry and counters

Noticing some buildup around your cabinet and counter handles? There are two ways you can mitigate the grime. One, dampen a clean cloth with vinegar and wipe down. Second, create a mixture of vegetable oil and baking side and exfoliate in circles around the discolored area.

3. Clean mirrors and windows

Streaks are the worst, aren’t they? We recommend using a microfiber cloth to clean mirrors and windows. And if you’re still stuck with swipe marks, take a crumbled piece of newspaper and apply it in circular motions.

4. Dust ceiling fans, furniture and other surfaces

Ceiling fans can be tricky to reach. To save yourself some trouble, grab a cheap pillowcase and let’s go to work. Slide the pillowcase around each blade at a time and wipe. All the gunk will be confined inside. Then, you can simply shake the pillowcase clean outdoors and throw into the wash!

5. Vacuum carpets and rugs

Vacuums and brooms can remove debris for the most part, but did you know there’s an easier way to enjoy freshly cleaned carpeting and rugs? We use a special steam cleaning method, also known as hot water extraction — which is recommended by leading carpet manufacturers.

For all your spring cleaning needs, you don’t have to go at it alone. Tackle your home, room by room, give our team a call at (405) 329-8999 and we’ll take care of the rest!

It's Time to Get Your Chimney Cleaned!

Fireplaces are a cool weather luxury that we enjoy here in Oklahoma, but periodic cleaning and maintenance is necessary in order to keep your family and home safe. While the frequency of cleaning a chimney can depend on different factors such as usage of the fireplace, types of products burned in the fireplace and the age of the home/fireplace, it is important that your fireplace is inspected at least once per year. This is the 14-Point Chimney Inspection that our experts will complete on your chimney:

1. What year was your home built?
2. How often do you have a fire during the cold months?
3. When is the last time you changed the batteries in your smoke detectors?
4. Do you ever notice smoke escaping from your fireplace when you first start a fire?
5. Is the Damper difficult to open?
6. Do you have a Carbon Monoxide Detector in the home?
7. Do you ever hear animal noises in your chimney?
8. Firebox:  All embers removed.  Checked all sides for cracks or loose mortar.
9. Damper:  Inspected with flashlight for proper opening and closing and checked for rust and cracks.
10. Smoke Shelf:  Thoroughly Cleaned
11. Flue:  Cleaned and inspected for creosote.
12. Chimney Cap:  Checked for damage from storms.  Checked for loose or missing screws
13. Chimney Flashing:  Checked to see if securely attached.
14. Chimney Crown:  Checked for cracks or loose mortar

Introducing Tip Tuesday

Sooner Carpet Cleaning is excited to announce Tip Tuesday. Follow us on twitter, @SoonerCarpet, and receive our weekly carpet cleaning tips posted every Tuesday. Sooner Carpet Cleaning is dedicated to serving the Norman community and sharing our knowledge on quick tricks to ensure great looking carpet. To kick off our Tip Tuesday carpet cleaning tricks we are posting a preview of what to expect! 

• Add baking soda to your vacuum bag to fight odors #TipTuesday
• Be sure to blot any carpet spill with water before any cleaning solution #TipTuesday
• We all love chocolate, club soda is the instant trick to remove chocolate stains #TipTuesday
• Club Soda= the oldie but goodie for removing carpet stains! #TipTuesday
• Red wine spill? Dilute with white wine, cold water, cover with table salt; wait 10 minutes then vacuum salt #TipTuesday

 Follow Sooner Carpet Cleaning on Twitter and tweet us with any questions, comments or concerns and we would love to help! 

Commercial Air Duct Cleaning

Commercial Air duct cleaning is something that many people overlook; however, Sooner Carpet Cleaning is here to inform the Norman community about this essential cleaning. Commercial Air duct cleaning can help reduce costs for both heating and cooling. We receive great feedback from businesses that clean air ducts can aid in decreasing expenses. Commercial Air duct cleaning removes bacteria, dust and mold to ensure greater air quality.Using state-of-the-art “source removal” equipment, Sooner Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning can thoroughly clean your home’s ventilation system.  Each duct is cleaned individually from the grill back to the main unit.Do not hesitate to reach out to Sooner Carpet Cleaning for cleaner air ducts with our superior equipment. We pride ourselves in our service that helps people breathe easier!Interested in obtaining a quote for your business?  Complete the contact form below.[si-contact-form form='1']

Stay Fresh: Carpet Cleaning Style

Stay Fresh: Carpet Cleaning StyleOne of the best tips for maintaining great carpet is to be sure to vacuum at least once a week! Seems simple enough but, it is also great to keep in mind to give special attention to those areas that family and friends are constantly venturing through. To combat unwanted odors, add a little baking soda to the vacuum cleaning bag.*Note: for any over-achievers out there, let’s take it one step further with this home remedy:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup crushed dried rosemary or lavender (or your favorite dried herb-- get creative!)
• Combine the ingredients and spread lightly over carpet. Let it settle for a few minutes before vacuuming.

 Just like my daily routine, I like to mix up my cleaning routine; hopefully this simple mixture can make chores a little more motivating.For those carpets and rugs that need a real makeover, please do not hesitate to call Sooner Carpet Cleaning! Our services also include: water restoration, dryer vent cleaning, air duct cleaning, chimney cleaning, and sooner contracting.

Still Need a 2013 Resolution?

With the holidays and the New Year always flying by, I find myself always considering possible New Year’s resolutions. Once the Times Square ball is dropped and festivities end, more times than not, I realize that I never committed to a goal for the year. If anyone is thinking that you have that in common, let me give you an idea for 2013.Have you been contemplating any changes to your home? With Pinterest, blogs, and other social media networks, we constantly see pictures of beautiful homes that inspire us to create our own dreams held for our house.For over 10 years, Sooner Carpet Cleaning has been helping people follow through on desired plans of making their home the best it can be. Don’t let January come and go without thinking of that goal. Sooner Carpet Cleaning is a resolution that is worth keeping and we promise that you will love the results.

Meet Sooner Carpet Cleaning

The Mitchell Family

Sooner Carpet Cleaning has been locally owned and operated since 1994.  We serve clients in and around Norman, Oklahoma, with expert water restoration solutions, air duct maintenance and an array of carpet services.  We solve all types of common and uncommon property problems that can arise from unexpected natural disasters or aging flooring 24 hours a day, seven days a week.We understand how important your home and business are to you.  We work with insurance companies, but we work FOR our customers.  We invest thousands of dollars in software, training and certifications that improve our working relationship with adjusters and agents.  Knowing the language of insurance companies and having the right technology give us an advantage over other restorers.  Insurance companies want to close the file on claims.  Sooner Carpet Cleaning wants the customer’s home or business returned to its original condition as soon as possible.

Thanks for considering us for your needs.  Call us today to speak to a friendly representative.

What you need to know about Chimney Cleaning.

Fireplaces are an enjoyable feature in many Oklahoma homes, but periodic cleaning is important to avoid clogs and fires in the chimney.Frequency of cleaning a chimney can depend on the following factors: usage of fireplace, type of products burned in fireplace, and the age of home/fireplace.Some facts about home fires might motivate you to consider calling Sooner Carpet & Chimney Cleaning to schedule a thorough fireplace cleaning and chimney inspection. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 14,000 residential home fires will be caused by chimneys and fireplaces. The leading cause of these fires is poorly maintained and dirty chimneys and chimney flues. In most cases these fires could be eliminated with an annual fireplace cleaning and inspection done by a qualified chimney sweep company.A simple call to Sooner Carpet, Air Duct & Chimney Cleaning will help ensure that you or your home does not become part of these statistics. A well-maintained chimney that is given a yearly inspection will reduce the threat of fire. The cost of this service is very affordable and is a basic step in home maintenance. You will be investing in your most valuable possession and in keeping your family safe.