Welcome. As an Organic Carpet Cleaning Provider, we at Fosters Carpet Dry Cleaning often encounter carpets that have Permanent color damage.

Many of our clients are unaware initially, that carpet is highly susceptable to permanent discoloration as a result of being exposed to many items commonly found in your homes.

Here is a list of some of those items, which may help you to prevent discoloration, add longer life to your carpets aesthetic value, and generally improve your next carpet cleaning experience.

Common Items That Cause Permanent Discoloration:

Benzoyl Peroxide: a common ingredient in acne medications. Can strip color from carpet, especially when coupled with heat and moisture.

Bleach: removes/alters color from carpet. Never try to "brighten" your carpets with bleach. Carpets, even those with white fibers, are at some point dyed to look that way during the manufacturing process.

Disinfectants/Pesticides/Plant Food: can cause discoloration

Skin Fade Creams: similar effect to Benzoyl Peroxide

Urine: can alter permanently by removing original color or adding a new one.

Toilet/Oven Cleaners: these contain acids that may destroy the carpet fiber

Cigar/Cigarette Burns: almost always cause irreversable  damage.

Of course, it's virtually impossible for most of us to avoid completely the products that contain these chemicals.

However, early treatment of problem areas (when you first notice a spot) will result in an improved carpet cleaning experience next time.

Treat areas with a white terrycloth towel damp with cold tap water. Blot the area versus trying to push down. Repeat this process until you no longer find color transfer from the spot to the towel.

Awareness is half the battle in keeping your carpets enjoyable and beautiful. And, trust us on this one...keep kool-aid and mustard in the kitchen!

Call us anytime during regular business hours with any questions.

Stay Green!

Michael Foster

Fosters Carpet Dry Cleaning

http://www.callfosters.com

This Summer, we at Fosters Carpet Dry Cleaning want to educate/inform our clients about "Greenwashing." Greenwashing is the slick marketing technique used by advertisers who are interested in cashing in on the Sustainability Movement. They may not be providing products or services that are truly Green, however.

Step 1: Do Your Homework

Research the ingredients and manufacturing processes of the green products that you may purchase. Petroleum based or chemicals that you can't pronounce? Keep digging. Trust in sites like www.greenseal.org to provide you with updated, relevant information.

Step 2: Ask Questions

We recently polled our competitors claiming to be "eco-friendly" and were surprised by some of the responses. Who/Which organizations recognize or certify their product or service as organic? Some were unsure, and others were sadly incorrect. Fosters Carpet Dry Cleaning, for example uses Host Sponges to clean carpets and rugs. The good folks at Green Seal have certified and approved them as green!

Step 3: Use Common Sense

Most Natural and Organic products can be disposed of simply or even composted after initial use. Ask questions regarding disposal procedures and if there are any regulatory bodies that oversee that disposal. Waste water from "wet" carpet cleaning, for example, is not regulated yet is environmentally harmful. Where does that dirty, chemical laden water go?

Step 4: Trust Someone in the Know

Sites like Greenopia, Green Seal, and other local networks (like Holistic Mom's Network in Los Angeles) can provide you with solid, verifiable resources to help you in answering these questions.

Congratulations on efforting to Get Green. We encourage and applaud your efforts. If we may be of any assistance, just give us a call toll free at 1-866-993-6783. Or drop us a line through mike@callfosters.com and I will answer your questions directly.

Be safe this Fourth of July. Be Green. Be informed and have a great summer!

Michael Foster

President, Fosters Carpet Dry Cleaning

www.callfosters.com

Foster’s Carpet Dry Cleaning, based in Glendale, has implemented a dry cleaning process for carpets using a Green Seal Certified product and equipment manufactured in an EPA-registered facility.

“Our concern about personal health and environmental issues really dictate our role in a changing business climate,” said Michael Foster, the company owner. “ Our process has environmental and health benefits for our clients in addition to the aesthetic benefit of having clean carpets.”

Foster’s Carpet Dry Cleaning uses a method that reduces allergens trapped in carpet fibers but that also conserves electricity and water for their clients. How much water is conserved?

“About 200,000 gallons. That’s enough to fill your bathtub over 4,000 times or to brush your teeth…103,000 times!” adds Mr. Foster. And the health benefits? “The first time that we clean your carpets we safely remove or reduce dust mites, mold spores, and pet allergens. Plus, our product is completely safe for children and families with pets…and it works!”

By using Green Seal Certified products to clean carpets, conserving water and electricity, and improving the Indoor Air Quality of their clients’ homes, Foster’s Carpet Dry Cleaning is working towards becoming a “Green Cleaning” leader in the community.