Dealing With Daily Allergy Symptoms? Try This!

Lot’s of people deal with daily allergy symptoms, and usually it's worse in the spring, but you might still feel irritating allergy symptoms even in the middle of fall! If you’re wondering why these symptoms just don't seem to be going away, it could have something to do with how you clean your home. You need to make sure you’re using natural, non-allergy-aggravating cleaning methods, otherwise your newly cleaned home may make your allergy symptoms worse than your dirty home did. Let’s talk about how professional steam cleaning or air duct cleaning can help.

Chemical Cleaners Aggravate Allergies

Chemical cleaners are decent enough at disinfecting surfaces. However, for the large number of homeowners who suffer from frequent allergies or upper respiratory issues, many of these harsh chemicals can trigger reactions and even worsen these conditions over time. Not to mention, most chemical cleaners require vigorous scrubbing or long periods of waiting time to clean just a percentage of dust, dirt, grime or stains. There has to be a better way.

Natural, Allergy-Free Cleaning

To avoid the possible harmful and allergy-inducing effects of most chemical cleaners, you should consider the healthier and more natural alternative; steam cleaning. Steam cleaners use only water and heat to disinfect areas much more quickly and effectively than any chemical based cleaner. 

AIR DUCT CLEANING IN AUSTIN TEXAS

Because they don’t use toxic chemical solvents, they won’t aggravate any allergies. Steam cleaners can easily remove bacteria, dirt, mold and viruses from any surface in a safe, healthy manner. They can also easily remove dust mites and pet dander, taking away all of your pesky allergy symptoms with them.

Steam Team Professionals

When it comes to steam cleaning, no one does it quite like The Steam Team. We employ trained technicians who are well versed in cleaning and disinfecting all areas of any home. They’ll use only the most powerful and effective steam cleaners and other cleaning equipment to rid your home of anything that might aggravate your allergy symptoms. For more information on our steam cleaning and other services, visit The Steam Team website.

The Best Way To Clean Up After Construction

Professional Cleaning in Austin

The Steam Team is staffed full of experts in cleaning, remodelling, construction and more. When you’ve had major construction work done in your home or business, and you need to know the best way to clean up, The Steam Team can help.

Cleaning Dust and Debris

After that construction or remodeling work has finally finished, it's likely that you’ll have dust and debris all over the main surfaces. This can take a long time to clean up yourself, but if you call in The Steam Team, our professional technicians will clean all walls, floors and hard surfaces. All these surfaces will be sanitized, all floors will be vacuumed with powerful commercial vacuums, and many other surfaces like cabinets, windows, countertops and various furniture will be hand scrubbed until all dust and debris is gone. Only after all of these major surfaces have been completely cleaned, our technicians will move onto the finer details.

Final Details

With the major surfaces finished, our technicians will move on to other areas like the vents. Construction and remodeling jobs often tend to send dirt and debris into the vents, which can cause a problem for anyone in the property with allergy issues, or may cause allergy or respiratory issues to even those who didn’t already have them. Our cleanup crew will clean the vents, then move on to light fixtures, ceiling fans, small appliances and even small decorative items, leaving your home or business looking even cleaner than it did before the construction or remodeling took place.

How Else Can We Help?

We don’t just offer cleaning in the aftermath of construction and remodeling. In fact, we offer cleaning services for marble polishing, hardwood floor cleaning and refinishing, leather cleaning, air duct cleaning, carpet cleaning and odor removal just to name a few. For more information on how we can help you, visit The Steam Team website.

How The Steam Team Helps Fight Allergies

Air Duct Cleaning Austin, Texas

Do you have frequent, irritating allergies, or do you live with someone else who has constant allergy issues? In either scenario, keeping your home clean is very important. But what products are you using to clean? In many cases, the cleaning products themselves can aggravate allergies or make symptoms worse. Let’s talk about how The Steam Team can help you fight allergies the right way.

The Limits of Most Cleaners

When it comes to those of us with frequent allergies or respiratory issues, common household cleaners may not be the best option. That’s because, as mentioned before, many common household cleaners can aggravate your allergy symptoms and make life around your home harder for you. And not only that, but most common cleaning products only take care of a fraction of dirt and contaminants, leaving behind a lot that can still aggravate your symptoms. That means those standard cleaning products might not even clean well enough to alleviate your allergies.

How We Get The Job Done

Here at The Steam Team, we don’t want to take the risk of aggravating your allergies for a clean that doesn’t even get the full job done. That’s why we use steam cleaners instead! Steam cleaning provides a deep, natural clean that kills 99.99% of bacteria, viruses and mold without using any harsh chemicals. It can also get rid of pet dander and even dust mites that live deep within carpets. And steam cleaners use only heat and water! That means there's no risk of aggravating your symptoms! And our high-powered steam cleaners are handled by trained professional technicians who know exactly how to get your home looking just the way you want it. Our team of professionals will make sure that your home is rid of anything that may worsen your allergies. For more information on how we can help, please visit The Steam Team website.

Why Choose The Steam Team for Rug Cleaning?

We at The Steam Team are now one of a select few companies certified as “Master Rug Cleaners”, a distinguished certification that requires extensive training and expertise. So what is it that makes The Steam Team so different when it comes to cleaning valuable Oriental and Persian rugs?

Understanding The Value

The first thing that sets The Steam Team apart when it comes to rugs is that we understand the value of your Oriental rug. We understand that for many people it's more than just a gorgeous decoration, it’s an investment. Oriental rugs, if they’re kept up well enough, increase in value over time. Because of this, we only use technology, tools, and equipment designed specifically for a gentle and safe cleaning of your oriental rugs. This is one reason we’re the best carpet and rug cleaning service in the Austin area!

The Cleaning Process

The Steam Team’s rug cleaning process will begin with a thorough inspection of your fine textile to determine the best cleaning method for your specific type of rug. After inspection, our professional technicians will use pressurized air to carefully remove all loose dirt particles from the rug. Then, a pile lifter and vacuum is used to carefully remove the remaining dirt.

When all dirt has been removed, it’s time for the real cleaning to begin. The rug will be sprayed with a preconditioning agent and shampooed with area rug cleaning agents. The next step will be to completely rinse away all contaminants along with the cleaning solution. The rug will then be hand groomed to insure perfect lay of the fibers and to promote even drying.

With the cleaning finished, it’s time for drying and finishing touches. Your rug will be hung up to dry in our controlled atmosphere drying room to ensure the best conditions possible. When drying is complete, your rug will be inspected again to ensure it has been fully cleaned and dried, then our technicians will hand-comb all fringes and use specialized tools to brighten them to their original color.

Now you know why you should choose http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-air-duct-cleaningfor your Oriental rug cleaning needs or air duct cleaning. For more information, be sure to call or visit The Steam Team website.

Do Your Cleaning Methods Effect Your Pets?

Often times we don’t put enough thought into the cleaning solutions that we purchase and use. But when it comes down to it, it’s worth paying attention to, if only for the sake our pets’ health! Many everyday cleaning solutions are made up of chemicals that could harm your pet in several ways.

The following cleaning solutions may be harmful your pets: 

Counter Cleaners

Is your dog known for counter surfing? Be careful which counter cleaner you’re using. You also might want to wash your dog’s water dish after cleaning, too, as the spray can sometimes contaminate Fido’s water. 

Air Fresheners

If your dog has allergies, air fresheners could potentially aggravate them. Instead of using spray air fresheners or plug in scents, try diffusing essential oils or even making potpourri! 

Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Definitely pay attention to what type of toilet bowl cleaner you’re using if your pet is known to sneak a drink or two from the commode. Try not to use bleach or ammonia (we know… they work so well). 

Fabric Softeners

Did you know that fabric softener sheets (especially ones that haven’t been used yet) can be harmful to your dog? They contain some detergents that could induce oral ulcers, vomiting, and more. 

Floor Cleaners

Think about it: your dog spends almost all of their time on the floor. What kind of floor cleaner do you use? Read the caution labels on your cleaning bottles and make sure the solution is safe for pets. If it isn’t, try a natural mixture- or steam cleaning, which is perfectly safe for everyone, including pets! 

If you’re looking for a safer, more pet-friendly method of cleaning, why not try out steam cleaning? Hire the professionals to clean and restore your home in an efficient, timely manner. Contact The Steam Team today for more details! 

How Duct and Vent Cleaning Works

There are two ways of duct and vent cleaning. One system is connected into the ducting to provide suction. A high-pressure air hose is passed through the ducting to remove the particles from the interior. The other system uses a large specialized vacuum attached to a hose and a brushing system that is run through the ducting. Both systems are effective when operated by properly trained personnel. 

A proper cleaning should include the following: cleaning of all registers, inside the ducting, and the interior of the heating and ventilating system.

The furnace fan must be cleaned, and if you have air conditioning or a heat pump, the coils inside the system must also be thoroughly cleaned. Finally, a disinfectant can be fogged through the cleaned system to eliminate any mold, bacteria, and dust mites that might remain. 

Proper cleaning of a home should take a minimum of three to five hours, depending on the size of the house. If the home has more than one heating and cooling system, or the system is located on the roof, it can take longer. Most duct cleaning companies base their price upon square footage and/or the number of registers, systems, and levels to be cleaned.

If a low price is offered, a consumer needs to make sure that the price includes a thorough cleaning, including registers, the inside of the ductwork, and all the fans and coils. 

Health Facts about Air Duct Cleaning

In your Austin home, the quality of your air quality is directly related to quality of life -- for you and your family. Keeping your Austin Air Duct Cleaning system working properly is a major component in keeping your home safe for every one.

Risks of not doing regular air duct maintenance

• If not properly maintained and operated, furnace components may become contaminated with particles of dust, dirt, pollen and debris.
• If moister is present, potential for micro bacterial growth (e.g. mold) and ultimately may be released into living space causing poor indoor air quality.
• Poor indoor air quality may cause allergic reactions or other respiratory problems to individuals who are exposed to them.

Health Facts

• Most people do not realize that their Air Ducts are breeding grounds for dust, dust mites, dirt, bacteria, fungi and thousands of other micro-organisms.
• These contaminants are released into the air you breathe every time the system is working and ventilation occurs. This leads to sinus problems, respiratory difficulties and allergies.
• We will sanitize your air ducts and vents with an environmentally safe sanitizer commonly used in hospitals and nursing homes, leaving behind a fresh scent. 
• Additionally, your air filters must be replaced upon the cleaning service and it is highly recommended that you replace your air filters with electrostatic air filters. 
• Electrostatic air filters absorb more harmful contaminants that regular paper or fiberglass air filters. 
• Lifetime electrostatic air filters have 100% efficiency at controlling pet dander, pollen, dust mites, & mold problems.

Air duct cleaning is an important service that must be done regularly in order to avoid dirt, dust and debris thereby making sure your family breathes clean uncontaminated air. If your air duct and furnace are not cleaned it may prove to be quite costly. The dirtier the air duct and furnace the harder they are to clean and decontaminate.

When Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

When is it time to have your Austin air duct cleaning performed? In most cases, the best jobs are performed annually by a professional. What should you look for in an air duct cleaning company? Here are some tips for deciding on when it needs to be done and how to choose the right company. Or to do it yourself.

Air duct cleaning is essential if you have mold, rodents or your air ducts are clogged with dust and debris. The air filter traps dirt and keep sit from entering your home.  If you suspect you have mold, rodents, or an excessive amount of dust, then you’ll need to decide whether to clean the ducts yourself or hire someone to do it.

Do it yourself if…

• You have gotten rid of rodents completely
• Mold is minor and hasn’t overrun the entire system
• Your air ducts are easy to access

Have a professional do it if…

• You still have rodents
• Mold is extensive or in hard to reach places
• You air ducts are hard to access
• You would like the entire line of ducts cleaned

The Steam Team has more than 30 years of experience in all areas of Austin home services and emergency remediation, including Austin carpet and steam cleaning, upholstery cleaning, water and fire damage remediation and tile and grout cleaning.

Give us a call today at 512-451-8326 for your Austin Air Duct Cleaning needs. 

Allergies In Austin

Fight Your Austin Allergies With These Helpful Tips

Allergies could be a common problem for a lot of people. But, the true impact they have on the lives of some sufferers is not well understood. Do not allow your symptoms to control your life. By reading the tips we present in this article, you will find practical and effective allergy management techniques.

Carpet Cleaning Austin

Whenever possible, choose tile, linoleum, or hardwood floors over carpeting. Even with regular vacuuming, carpet traps dust, pollen, pet dander, and many other common allergens. Solid floor types are easier to keep clean and allergen-free. If you prefer the soft feeling of carpet, rugs can be used. Area rugs trap less irritants, are easier to keep clean, and less expensive to replace.

The amount of dander and pet hair produced by indoor dogs and cats is immense and ends up in carpet, on furniture and throughout the air. In most cases, simply vacuuming or dusting is not sufficient to remove enough pet allergens to make a home suitable for those who are allergic to these animals. Even with allergy shots, this type of allergy is best accommodated by keeping pet's outdoors for the majority of the time.

Consider removing out your carpet. Carpet is well known for being a host for pollen, dust, and dust mites. If your home is carpeted throughout, you might look into other flooring options; tile, wood and linoleum are all far easier on your allergies. That will create a major difference in the number of allergens you breathe in every day. If this is not possible, be sure to vacuum daily.

Some can easily stay away from certain allergens (especially those that can be fatal), but for other people, dust and pet allergens are hard to stay away from. Let go of your ill feelings about the change of seasons. Learn to cope with your allergies in a better way! Remember to keep the information you just read so you can for once put a stop to all that sneezing.

Your Austin Air Ducts Are Your Homes Respritory System

Your home's Austin air duct system functions are the respiratory system of your living space. Dust, pollen, dust mites and other airborne contaminants can create a very unhealthy living environment. Keeping your home's vent duct system clean and in good working order is crucial in many ways.

If your system is not properly installed, maintained and operated, these components can become contaminated with these particles.  Microbacterial growth is also a strong possibility if moisture is present in significant levels. These, in-turn, can trigger allergic reactions and potentially serious respiratory issues over time,  These contaminants will build up in your air duct system over a period of time making your system a breeding ground for mold spores, bacteria, fungus, mildew and other microbes, impacting the quality of air and comfort for your family.  Allergic reactions to pollen, bacteria, dust mites feces and mold are common for many people.  These particles and their pollutants settle in the air ducts and re-circulate every time the furnace blower is turned on.  Cleaning and sanitizing your air ducts will not only eliminate most contaminants but also may improve the efficiency of your air conditioner/furnace buy improving the air flow.  Doctors, particularly allergists, are more often "prescribing" air duct cleaning as a potential remedy for health problems related to indoor air quality.  Those who suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory ailments are most vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution (especially children and elderly).

Step By Step Austin Texas Air Duct Cleaning

The Steam Team is versed in all aspects of air duct cleaning in Austin, Texas. We've been in the industry for more than 30 years, and customers all across central Texas trust us with their most important home services needs.

For air duct cleaning in Austin, here's a primer on The Steam Team process. 

Austin Texas Air Duct Cleaning 

A large, flexible truck-mounted vacuum hose is brought to your furnace. It’s attached to the air ducts either by removing an existing take-off or making a clean-out opening         in your air ducts. After the cleaning is completed, the supervisor reseals this opening which can then be used for future cleaning and for easy inspection of your air ducts.

Next, all vents throughout the building are closed or covered, and the vacuuming process begins. While the vacuuming is going on, we go to each room of the building, one by one, and use a special compressed air gun, air snake or whip. Thoroughly,           we clean each vent, so that the dirt and dust is not only being pulled from one end by the giant vacuum, it’s also being dislodged from the vent in each room.

Compressed air devices are inserted into each vent and the compressed air will dislodge the dirt and debris  toward the drawing vacuum hose.

For slab homes we work at each individual register with compressed air and vacuum hose.

Keeping Your Austin Air Ducts Clean

Austin is well known for dust and other air pollutants that can wreak havoc on your allergies and your home's ventilation system.

Ventilation systems are many times the biggest contributor to poor indoor air quality. And that's why it's vital to regularly inspect and clean your Austin home or business air duct system..

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates.

The Steam Team is the leader in Austin air duct cleaning. We can regularly inspect your heating, ventilation system to keep them clean and extend the life of the equipment. This not only saves you money over time but gives you a Franchise Professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

Call The Steam Team today for more information and a free evaluation of your Austin home or business air duct system.