regular maintenance Archives

Simple & Quick Ways To Make Your Carpet Last As Long As Possible

Posted Wednesday, February 20th, 2019

You just got your carpets cleaned. They look great now but with kids, pets, and life in general you’re concerned they won’t stay that way. After all, flooring is one of your home’s biggest investments. It’s only natural to ask yourself what you can do between professional cleanings to make sure your carpet lasts as long as possible. Luckily, there are a few Simple & Quick steps you can take to make sure you get the most out of your investment!

There are some very easy things you can do to help prolong the life of your carpeting. The first thing is 3M Scotchgard! This is a protectant that can be applied by the professional cleaners right after they clean, and it’s something we recommend for all our customers who want their carpet to last. 3M Scotchgard will help repel liquids (which gives you longer to get it out before the spill sets into the fibers) and also help repel dry soil (which will help prevent wear damage). Many carpet manufacturers actually require protectant after cleanings in order to keep the warranty up to date!

While it’s impossible to keep all the dirt off your carpet there are things you can do every day. Having everyone take their shoes off when they enter your home is a huge step to reduce the influx dirt and wear of your carpet fibers. Have a plastic mat for everyone to set their shoes in. If that isn’t an option, an entry rug right by the entryway will help make sure you and your family aren’t tracking in soil from the outside world.

Another important way to keep your carpet looking fresh is frequent vacuuming. Carpet can hold much more than its own weight in dirt that isn’t visible to the naked eye, and vacuuming is a great way to remove it. There’s no such thing as vacuuming too often! The more you do it the cleaner your carpeting will be – and the longer it will last.

There are also things that can be done every few years to prolong the life of your carpeting. One of them is to get your air ducts cleaned. Your ducts push air all throughout your home, and if they aren’t clean, they are pushing all the dust, soil, debris, and allergens they collect into your home’s indoor air – and eventually, down into your carpeting. Over time, this can create filtration lines – visible lines of worn in dirt along the edges of your walls or under doorways. These lines show where the soil in your home’s air settles into your carpeting. Getting your air ducts cleaned will not only help keep the dirt and dust out of your carpet, it will keep the dirt and dust out of your entire home!

Another way to get the most out of your carpet between cleanings is to rearrange the furniture in high traffic rooms like your living room. No matter how clean your home is eventually your carpet fibers will begin to wear from use. Moving where the chairs and sofas sit will change where the wear is most prevalent.

It’s is a significant home investment, and we all want to make sure our carpet lasts as long as possible. With these easy steps, you can keep your carpet looking great in between professional Modcleans!

Modernistic has been extending the life of Michigan carpets since 1973. Call or click today to see how we can help you protect your flooring investment!

Get Your HVAC System Ready For Winter With 5 Simple & Quick Tips

Posted Wednesday, September 12th, 2018

Winter is coming! Our warm summer temperatures are dropping, and we can confidently say that fall is on the way here in Michigan. Ok, confidently might be a strong word; we all know what Michigan weather is like!

Nevertheless, it’s time to start thinking about our furnaces! We’ll be turning them on in short order (if you haven’t already), and it pays to have your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible. Here are 5 Simple & Quick ways to get your HVAC system ready for winter:

1: Have your HVAC system inspected

Before making any changes to your heating and cooling system, have a professional give your home a thorough HVAC inspection. That way, you can find out exactly what your system needs to perform its best. Personalized attention from a professional is always the best way to go, but chances are your home could benefit from the rest of these tips!

2: Change the air filter

One of the best things you can do for your ventilation system is changing the air filter every 3 months! Capturing and removing all the dust, allergens, and other tiny particles is a great way to keep that unwanted junk out of your ductwork and out of your home’s air. Depending on various factors, like whether or not you have pets or if you are susceptible to allergies, you may want to change your air filter even more frequently.

3: Check the insulation in your attic

A great way to make sure the warm air circulating in your home actually stays in your home is to make sure your attic has proper insulation. If you haven’t checked it recently, head up there and see what’s going on.
An easy way to tell if you need more insulation is if you can see the ceiling joists. Proper coverage will obscure the joists, making sure you don’t lose any more heat than you have to this winter!

4: Install a programmable thermostat

If you don’t have one already, go out and buy a programmable thermostat! Also, learn how to use it! There are many times throughout the day where your furnace doesn’t need to put out as much heat, and a programmable thermostat will help give your system a “rest” and keep it heating your home efficiently.

5: Clean the air ducts

Dirty or blocked air ducts will significantly drain your furnace efficiency! In order to heat your home effectively, warm air has to travel through many lengths of ductwork. If that ductwork is filled with soil, debris, dander, dust, and other conductive material, then guess what you’re paying extra for your furnace to heat up?
Clogged ductwork will eat up your warm air before it even reaches the rooms you want it to, which is why it’s imperative to make sure your ductwork is clean prior to turning on your furnace for the winter. A thorough air duct cleaning from a professional with a truck-mounted vacuum system will increase your furnace efficiency by as much as 20-25%!

These are some easy ways to get your HVAC system ready for winter that you can do in a weekend. Just a little bit of preparation now will help you save money on your heating bills and help your furnace run more efficiently; it’s Simple & Quick!

Modernistic has been helping Michigan homes get their HVAC systems ready for the last 45 winters and counting! Call or click if you need the most thorough air duct cleaning in Michigan to help your furnace this winter.

Do I Really Need Scotchgard?

Posted Tuesday, July 17th, 2018

If you have ever had your carpets or upholstery professionally cleaned you’ve probably been asked if you wanted Scotchgard protection applied, right? You said yes because you care about the impression your facility leaves on your customers and employees. But do you know what it does and do you really need Scotchgard? We do, and we really think it’s worth its weight in gold.

WHAT DOES SCOTCHGARD DO?

Scotchgard creates a protective barrier that helps repel liquids and blocks stains. It’s an odorless application that can be applied to any fabric material such carpet, upholstery, cubicle walls, and entry rugs, and it is best applied during a professional carpet cleaning.

READ: Advantages Of A Cleaner Carpet

Helps You Clean Stains And Spills More Easily

Because Scotchgard creates a protective barrier around the fibers of your carpet and upholstery, it makes cleaning stains and spills much, MUCH easier. Instead of the liquid instantly absorbing into the fibers, the Scotchgard barrier keeps it on the surface, so you can quickly and more effectively clean up the mess. It’s a huge benefit, but that’s just one of the reasons you need Scotchgard applied in your business.

Makes Vacuuming Easier And More Effective

Vacuuming is more effective when your carpet and upholstery is protected by Scotchgard because its protective barrier keeps dry soil, like dirt and dust, on the surface instead of deep down in the fibers. This means that every vacuum pass is more effective because dirt and dry soil is on the surface and more easily sucked up. Without Scotchgard, these dirt particles would work their way into the fibers and cause unsightly wear patterns.

Helps Limit Wear Patterns

Wear patterns, typically called traffic areas, occur when the fibers of the carpeting become damaged by dirt and soil. On a microscopic level, dirt is made up of very sharp particles. When these particles grind against the fibers of your carpet, it breaks down the individual woven fibers, leaving your carpet looking worn and faded.

When Scotchgard is applied, it keeps the loose dirt and soil on the surface, making it more difficult for those sharp particles to grind up against the fibers and cause wear patterns. Fewer wear patterns means your carpet will last longer, look better, and save you the cost of frequently replacing your carpet.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED SCOTCHGARD?

It all depends on how much you use your carpet or upholstery. If you have Scotchgard applied in an area such as a lobby, hallway, or conference room, it’s a good idea to have it reapplied during every professional carpet cleaning (or every 6 months, whichever comes first). If you have areas that don’t have as much foot traffic or usage, you may be able to go longer in between applications.

QUICK TIP: If you’ve recently had new carpet installed, check the manufacturer’s warranty. Believe it or not, some carpet and upholstery manufacturers require regular applications of Scotchgard in order to maintain the warranty.

For over 45 years, Modernistic has been helping Michigan businesses enjoy a cleaner, healthier, more enjoyable work environment. Want to learn more about how we can help? Click here to contact your local Modernistic for a FREE cleaning quote!

5 Tips to Keep Your Workplace Clean

Posted Thursday, June 28th, 2018

Did you know that if you have a 9 to 5 job, you’ll spend one third of your life at work? It’s true! That means keeping your workplace clean and inviting is just as important as maintaining a clean home. Do you wish you had some ideas on how to keep your workplace clean? A sanitary, organized and comfortable workplace will have a positive effect on productivity and on your employees’ mindsets. Even if your workspace is closed to the public it is important for team morale to maintain a space people are happy to come to everyday. And consider your business’s reputation; customers react better to a clean and organized workplace. It’s easy to get so caught up in day-to-day tasks that office cleanliness slips to the wayside, so here are 5 tips to keep your workplace clean!

1: Make A Cleaning Maintenance Plan

The best way to protect your carpet (and the investment you made in it) is to schedule regular professional carpet cleanings. Dirt and small debris are tracked in every day by your staff, and continued buildup of even the tiniest particles can damage the individual carpet fibers. Regular cleanings will keep your business looking and smelling great. For a small business with only a few employees, yearly cleanings would probably suffice. A larger business or a public space with heavy traffic would benefit from more frequent cleanings on a commercial cleaning maintenance plan.

2: Protect Your Investment

Many professional carpet cleaners offer additional products to protect your carpets. Take advantage of these products! 3M Scotchgard provides additional protection to your carpeting. This is perfect to apply to cubicle areas, break rooms, or areas with heavy traffic such as your lobby.

3: Don’t Forget About Air Quality!

Out of sight, out of mind, right? Air quality is not usually brought up in a conversation about cleanliness, which is why your HVAC system could be the filthiest part of your business! Your air duct system works around the clock to keep your staff comfortable. Over time, dust, dirt, dander, and other contaminants like mold and mildew will accumulate and circulate throughout your building. Keeping your air ducts clean will help your employees who suffer from allergies stay healthy, and the person responsible for cleaning will spend a lot less time dusting. In general, your office will feel much fresher and be a healthier environment for employees and customers alike.

4: Keep Cleaning Products Accessible – To Everyone!

Don’t keep all the cleaning supplies behind lock and key! Even if you have someone who handles general cleaning make the supplies accessible to everyone. Disinfectant wipes are easily kept in office drawers and are perfect for wiping down a desk, keyboard, phone, and most other surfaces. Having these wipes accessible can greatly reduce the spread of disease! Swiffer dusters can also easily be stored in a desk drawer and are perfect for dusting those hard-to-reach places – like behind the desk and up near the ceiling!

5: Provide Organization Options

One of the first steps to creating a clean environment is to reduce clutter. Built up clutter can make even the cleanest and tidiest environments seem messy even though they are not! The best way to reduce clutter is make it as easy as possible to keep your workplace clean. Clean work spaces improve productivity, which is important for team health. It is also much harder for dust and grime to build up on a clean desk than one covered in piles of paper. Provide your employees with desk organizers and encourage them to maintain a clean and organized desk. You may be surprised at how excited people are about organizing their personal workspace!

The office reflects the culture and work ethic of the people who occupy it. Disorganization can result is distraction, disrupted productivity, and eventually chaos. If the staff doesn’t pick up on it your customers will! Using these tips to keep your workplace clean will help will help your business make the right impression on staff and customers, new and old. And remember to lead by example!

Modernistic has been helping Michigan businesses stay clean and organized for over 45 years! To learn more about our commercial cleaning maintenance programs, call us today or click here.

You Have To See It To Believe It

Posted Monday, June 11th, 2018

When we say we’ll get your carpet, upholstery, tile, and air ducts clean, we mean C-L-E-A-N! Check out these awesome before and after photos of the level of clean you can expect from Modernistic, and you’ll see why Michigan businesses have been choosing us for over 45 years!

From small one-room offices to giant NBA arenas, Modernistic has been helping keep Michigan businesses clean for over 45 years. Click here to see how we can help your business look its absolute best.

How a Commercial Cleaning Maintenance Plan Will Save You Money

Posted Wednesday, March 28th, 2018

There are so many factors to consider when running a successful business that it would be impossible to ever cover them all. Because of this, some issues, such as repetitive cleaning for your carpet, tile, or upholstery, can get pushed off as less important. However there are several reasons that getting your business on a commercial cleaning maintenance plan can benefit your long term growth.

The most obvious reason to be on a commercial cleaning maintenance plan is keeping your business clean. Appearance is the first thing many customers notice when they enter a business and having stains in the carpet, grout lines, or seats can negatively shape their opinion, regardless of the quality of the actual services performed. Having a clean workspace will show customers and employees alike that you take pride in your business.

Most businesses receive much more foot traffic than the average home and, guess what? They get dirtier much faster as well. While all carpeting and upholstery will eventually begin to wear with age, having it regularly cleaned will help prolong its life. Having professional cleaning done every month, or even every few months, removes the buildup of dirt before it gets deep into the fibers of your carpet and upholstery. For further protection, 3M Scotchgard can be applied after the cleaning to help prevent stains. This topical product safely coats the surface of the fabric to help prevent stains and dirt from setting in, making spots much easier to remove.

It’s not only dirt that can reside the carpet of your business. Allergens like dust mites and even mold spores will build up over time, causing allergies and promoting illnesses. Professional carpet cleaning removes these allergens and sanitizes the carpet to promote a healthy work environment. After all, a healthy worker is a happy worker (and one that doesn’t miss time!)

Scheduling repetitive cleaning can benefit your business in many ways; whether it’s improving company image, prolonging the life of your property, or protecting the health of your employees. Many of our cleaning maintenance customers find that the biggest benefit isn’t any of those. Letting us worry about keeping their office clean means it’s one less thing on their plate. That way, they can focus on what they do best: running their business!

If a commercial cleaning maintenance plan is right for your business, contact Modernistic today for more info.

Why You Should Outsource Your Office Cleaning

Posted Wednesday, October 19th, 2016

Why Savvy Mt. Pleasant Companies Outsource Their Cleaning

We know Mt. Pleasant companies fit a lot into the workday. Unfortunately, the byproduct of all that work is dirt – dirty walls, dirty floors, dirty drapes, dirty furniture. It’s might seem like your company has the resources to handle all that dirt in-house. Here’s a few reasons why it’s better business not to.

Uninterrupted Maintenance

When that seasonal flu sweeps through the office, you have enough to handle without wondering who is going to clean the floor. Professional cleaning services are committed to consistently caring for your facilities, so you never have to worry. They have a qualified pool of substitutes for holidays, sick days, or when employees just have to attend that family function.

Cost-effective

Cleaning services assuming their own operating costs. This means your company doesn’t need to budget for equipment and supplies, recruiting qualified maintenance staff, or adding more employee benefit packages. All of this lets your company focus its resources on the thing that really matters – growing your business.

High Standards of Cleanliness

When you outsource your office cleaning, you should hire people who make it their job to adhere to the highest industry standards. They will track recommendations for methods and products, as well as observe any regulatory guidelines regarding sanitary conditions. They train their staff to provide the safest, most effectual, and thorough cleaning possible.

Protecting Your Company from Legal Liability

Industrial cleaning can be a hazardous occupation, and requires a tailored insurance policy. If your company cleaners are in-house, you shoulder the burden of providing that insurance. You could also potentially face any litigation related to workplace accidents. By contracting your cleaning services instead, that company will assume liability and cover the costs of additional insurance.

Access to Specialized Maintenance Services

Do your office carpets need cleaning? When was your HVAC system last serviced? Are you prepared to deep-clean that high ceiling? Chances are, even if you assemble an in-house janitorial team, your company will still spend time and money hiring outside cleaners for certain jobs. When you outsource your office cleaning to a qualified company you will be able to select from a wide range of services. And you will see better prices than shopping for each individually.

Call Modernistic to Keep It Clean

Modernistic is ready to create a custom plan with your business to keep that factory floor sparkling, either with regular maintenance or an annual deep clean. Contact us, and take advantage of our quick simple scheduling, top of the line equipment, and years of expertise.

Cleaning Your Dryer Vents can Extend the Life of Your Dryer

Posted Monday, October 17th, 2016

Is Your Dryer Working the Way It Should in Mason?

Most of us want to plan and save to buy new appliances. Having to make a big purchase unexpectedly can be a real burden on a family, not to mention inconvenient. Although most of us are aware that a clogged dryer vent can result in a dangerous fire, did you know that it can also shorten the life of your dryer? The best way to keep your dryer working as long as should is properly cleaning the vent.

How Does a Dryer Vent Work?

Air that has passed through the dryer’s heating element is drawn through the clothes and then into the holes in the dryer door. From there it enters the space in the bottom the door and where an exhaust duct is covered by your lint screen. A fan sucks the now moist air out of this duct, and vents it outdoors. This allows more heated dry air to pass through your clothes.

Dirty Vents and Broken Dryers

Because the lint screen is not one-hundred percent effective at filtering lint, threads, and other debris, some of this ends up in the dryer vent, the exhaust duct, and the dryer hose. Eventually the obstruction begins to interfere with your dryer’s performance. You may notice that it takes longer and longer for a load of clothes to dry, or that the clothes seem dangerously heated when you take them out of the dryer. You could also notice a burning smell, or that the outside of the drying unit is too hot to touch when it runs.

How Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Extend the Life of Your Dryer?

When your dryer doesn’t vent properly, your dryer has to work extra hard to dry your clothes. This added wear and tear can lead to a breakdown. Plus, because your dryer runs longer, you waste energy. At the end of the day, between what you save on repair and energy costs, a regular dryer vent cleaning will practically pay for itself.

Keeping Vents Clear

It’s important that your dryer ducts are no smaller than four inches in diameter, and that the outdoor vent cover opens easily. You should also regularly clean your lint trap. If you want to take further steps at home, it is possible to disassemble and clean the dryer vent and hose yourself. A shop vacuum and some mechanical know-how are all it takes.

However, the best and simplest way to clean your dryer vent is to call the professionals at Modernistic. We have all the expertise and equipment to make this cumbersome chore no more difficult than dialing our number. Watch what we can do here, then contact us today, and schedule your appointment!