Tile and Grout 101: Back to Basics

Tile looks amazing in our homes, and oftentimes the grout compliments its tile quite well! But too often, discoloration occurs and ruins the beautiful look of our tile flooring. So what are the basic rules to keeping tile and grout clean? Well, let’s take a look. Some clean methods require a lot of elbow grease, but others, like steam cleaning, are nearly effortless. 

Sweeping and Mopping

Grout is porous in nature, so it absorbs spills and accidents quickly, as well as dirt and other grime. For this reason, regular sweeping and mopping is necessary to keeping tile clean and free of discoloration. We know it’s a lot of legwork, but you definitely won’t regret it in the end! Plus, when it comes time to scrub your tile… well, you’ll be thanking yourself for all of your previous hard work. 

Scrubbing

Yes, scrubbing may be involved! Occasionally your grout will need a thorough cleaning, and that’s when it’s time to bring out the scrub brush. Just make sure you aren’t using any abrasive materials to clean your tile and grout, as this may scratch the surface of your tile! And of course, make sure that you’re using cleaner that’s specifically made for cleaning tile and grout. 

Steam Cleaning

Finally, consider steam cleaning your tile flooring! A professional-grade steam cleaner effortlessly extracts dirt and grime from deep within the pores of grout, and shines up your tile, too! It doesn’t involve the use of any chemicals, and is completely safe for the environment! If you’ve never had your flooring steam cleaned before, just wait… you’ll be amazed!

The Steam Team has been at this for over a decade, friends! So don’t wait for your tile and grout to become yucky and grimey. Give The Steam Team a call and be impressed with our results, instead!

The Ins and Outs of Cleaning

Leather upholstery isn’t just gorgeous, it’s also durable, long-lasting, and pretty easy to care for (if you ask us)! When properly cared for, leather can last a lifetime. It’s one of the toughest materials and is actually the most recommended furniture upholstery material if you have kids and pets because you won’t risk any of those permanent stains. However, the cleaning process is specific and requires a little more involved than most. The Steam Team is here for you and your leather conditioning and cleaning!

From the Beginning

With new furniture, it’s easy to want to jump right into enjoying your new couch or recliner, but before you begin relaxing let’s make sure a few things are taken care of. First and foremost, leather needs to be conditioned in order to keep its elasticity over time, so it’s important that it’s conditioned initially as well. From there on, every six to twelve months (depending on what type of climate you live in) your leather should be conditioned.

Next, before there are any paws or cute little hands all over your new furniture, make sure there’s a layer of protectant over the leather. While leather is one of the toughest materials used in upholstery, it’s always a good idea to have something for extra protection.

Last (but certainly not least), the best time to learn about commercial cleaning products and leather is before you need to use them- like now, when you’ve just moved your new furniture in. Avoid any commercial cleaners that aren’t specifically made for leather as they could cause significant damage to the material.

The Steam Team can effectively and efficiently remove dirt, grease, and debris from your leather furniture, and then condition it to restore it to its like-new condition. And the best part? ‘We’ll clean it correctly the very first time. For more information on leather cleaning, conditioning, and other cleaning and restoration projects, visit our website today!

The Importance of Cleaning Your Air Ducts

Austin is the allergy capital of the world! We’re all struggling with pollen, dander, and other allergens. But there’s got to be something we can do, right? Well, certainly! The Steam Team is a team of trained professionals who’ve been serving the Austin community for well over a decade now- and there’s no stopping any time soon! Let’s see what The Steam Team can do for your air ducts, and why that’s so important in the first place!

The Importance of Cleaning Your Air Ducts

Simply put, air ducts serve as a sponge for contaminants like dirt, dust, dander, pollen, and more! And what makes this worse? They’re often neglected on chore day because they’re difficult to clean (or you know, we just “forget,”). But it’s very important to occasionally clean your air ducts, at least for the sake of allergens!

Contact the Professionals

This is no DIY project, friends! When it comes to cleaning your air ducts, it’s wise to call in the professionals! The pro’s know how to do it, and do it right. Professional cleaning and restoration companies, like The Steam Team, can come out, inspect your ducts, and give them a good, thorough cleaning! You’ll be satisfied with the results, and you won’t have to do any of the work!

Choose The Steam Team

You can always rely on The Steam Team. We’re here for you 24/7, no matter what the issue is! We’ll help restore your air ducts to their original condition, and get you breathing easier in no time! Allergens, be gone!

Don’t hesitate to give The Steam Team a call today, or log online to view our list of services! We can’t wait to offer you the best customer service you’ve ever had, and to give your air ducts the cleaning they deserve! So don’t wait; give us a call today.

Window Cleaning in Austin

Your windows are one of the first impressions your home makes. The Steam Team will make them sparkle, no matter how long it has been since your last deep cleaning. We get rid of the smudges, fingerprints, dirt, oak pollen, and other grime that builds up over the months and years of living near the Hill Country. Our Austin window cleaners are highly trained and we use environmentally friendly cleaning techniques that will leave your windows and glass looking great with no harsh chemicals.

KEEP YOUR AUSTIN HOME'S WINDOWS LOOKING GREAT

Every home needs a thorough window cleaning from time to time. And when that time comes for Austin homeowners, then call on The Steam Team — the company that's served the area for more than 30 years in just about every area of home and commercial maintenance. And as with all of our home services, The Steam Team backs it's window cleaning work with a 100% guarantee. 

OUR WINDOW CLEANING SERVICES ALSO INCLUDE:  

• Storm Window Cleaning
• Awning Cleaning
• Skylight Cleaning
• Sill Cleaning

If you are looking for commercial window cleaning in Austin, we do that too!

Furniture Stain Tips

Do you find it difficult to get the furniture that best fits your comfort and design needs? You are not alone, millions of people have difficulty locating the right chair or right sofa for their home, then caring for it is another project!  

Here are some general tips on furniture and how to care for it:

• Look at Goodwill stores for used furniture. You may be surprised at the quality of furniture that you'll find at Goodwill. They typically don't accept furniture with any sort of tears or stains, so the overall quality is pretty good. And the prices are much less than what you'll see buying new.
• Choose your fabric and colors based on your lifestyle. If you have children or pets, it is best to steer clear of delicate fabrics and light colors. These will be worn through and stained in no time. A darker, sturdier fabric will hold up to the abuse, and hides many stains.
• Be cautious about wear warranties offered on many furniture pieces. Many are not worth the money. These discounts offer extra protection against spills and stains or rips and scratches. The problem with many of these warranties is that, when you consider the price you're paying, you could purchase a new piece of furniture for the same amount as the warranty or have the piece cleaned yourself for less.
• Avoid high maintenance furniture unless you have the time to take good care of it. If you do not want to constantly clean your furniture, look for pieces with a quality finish. Do not hesitate to purchase some fabric protection so you do not have to worry about stains on your sofa.

With care and consideration, your home will soon be furnished with lovely furniture. If you need help cleaning furniture in your Austin home or business, that's what we do! Contact us today.