Three Carpet Cleaning Tips

There are three carpet cleaning tricks homeowners can do to keep a decent flooring until a professional can treat it.

Blot spills before scrubbing. It is essential for homeowners to blot spills and liquid stains instead of scrubbing. Scrubbing the stains causes the satin to get deeper into the fibers and it will become harder to remove. Blot the stain from the edges and most of the stain can be removed without the use of cleaning supplies.



Club soda for beer and wine stains. Add some club soda into stain and let it sit. If you don't see any changes make a solution of club soda with some white vinegar and spray the solution on the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes and blot it starting from the edges. There might be an improvement on the stain.


Scrape away the waste. Candy and gum are hard to remove if stuck in the floor. The first thing that comes to mind is to add moisture, but try to scrape it off first. If this doesn't work place a bag with ice cubes for 15 minutes to 'freeze' the gum, then try to scrape off again.

Disclaimer: Use the techniques in this brochure at your own risk. If you feel unsure about removing the stain, call us right away at 831-444-0811 to prevent damage. Don't forget to visit our website at www.montereybaysolutions.com.

Source: IICRC

Does Insurance Cover Water Damage?

A lot of homeowners think that their homeowner’s insurance policy can easily cover the cost of water damage once they’ve paid the deductibles. However, this is not always the case. Water damage to your home can be very expensive to repair. Moreover, you need to understand some important considerations related to your insurance policy.

Here’s an overview of the four most common water damage problems, and how an insurance company might handle them.

Burst Pipe 

A burst pipe can prove to be quite expensive. Fortunately, a major part of the damage is generally covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. It can cover water damage to the house frame, personal property and surrounding walls. However, a basic or standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover the repairs to burst pipes.

Moreover, there are situations when the insurance company may deny your claim. It may believe that the burst pipes were caused because of your negligence. This may happen if you let the home’s temperature drop below the freezing point. If you’re able to maintain proper temperature in the home or insulated your pipes during the winter season, you’re less likely to be found at fault.

Washing Machine Leaks 

Washing machine leaks are one of the most common water damage problems. According to a study, over 50% cases of washing machine leaks are caused by a leak in the main supply hose. This connects the washing machine to the home’s water supply.

In this case, the insurance agent will consider the state and age of your washing machine to determine whether water damage should be covered by the insurance policy. The insurance company may also claim that the leak was caused by usual wear and tear to the washing machine. Thus, you may have to pay for the repairs on your own.

It is very important to get all the problems fixed in time. In case you notice any problems with your washing machine, it is important to replace or repair it right away. This will allow you to be eligible for coverage.

Roof Leaks Causing Water Damage 

Whether water damage to your home’s interior or roof will be covered depends on the coverage in your policy. In order to receive compensation, the roof leak should have been caused by a covered peril in the policy.

In most homeowner’s insurance policies, covered perils include rain, fire, hail and wind. In case your insurance agent finds out that the water damage was caused because of an old roof which needed replacement, such damage won’t be covered.

In addition to this, if the roof damage happened during a hurricane or flood, it may not be covered. Although there are many insurance policies which cover damage from hurricanes in the coverage, most claims are subject to higher deductibles. These can easily add up to 1-5% of the total insured value of your house. In case the claim amount does not exceed the total deductible, it won’t be worth filing a claim.

Damage Caused by Storm or Hurricane 

In most standard homeowner’s insurance policies, flood damage is not covered. This is regardless of whether the water damage was caused by a hurricane or storm. A hurricane is defined as a storm with wind speed over 74 miles per hour.

Flood coverage needs to be bought separately. It can be purchased from either a private insurance company or the United States Government. According to industry experts, most insurance providers don’t offer coverage related to hurricane and storm causing water damage.

In fact, in most hurricane-prone and coastal regions, it is mandatory to buy a separate flood insurance policy if there’s mortgage on your home. It is always important to discuss all your options with your insurance carrier.

In case you haven’t purchase flood insurance before a storm or hurricane hits your house, you will have to pay for all the damage out of your own pocket. However, damage caused by wind may be covered once you’ve reached your insurance policy’s deductible. This will depend on the details of your insurance policy. 


It is important to understand your insurance policy in case of water damage. In the event you suffer from water damage be sure to call a professional service company such as Monterey Bay Solutions. 

The Importance of a Professional Carpet Cleaner for your Business

Why does a Business Need a Professional Carpet Cleaner?

Clean carpets are a ‘must’ for any business (big or small) because it’s representative of their reputation, morale and even their level of professionalism. Have you ever been on the verge of hiring a company you desperately needed their service for…until you saw how unprofessional their working conditions were? A company’s carpets are a dead giveaway: the cleaner they are, the more confident you are…in them!

Carpets count—so if you’re still wondering if you really need a professional service, here are some additional things to keep in mind. 

Vacuuming Alone Doesn’t Get Rid of Tough Stains

Carpets are a great addition to any office space. They add warmth to a room and are inviting to prospective clients, executives and employees alike. However, carpets are also a trap for the dirt, chemicals and allergens others bring in on a daily basis.

For that reason, vacuuming alone doesn’t thoroughly clean your carpets fibers, and buying expensive department store carpet cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that are bad for the health of your office and the environment—not to mention, takes an entire afternoon to dry!

It Dramatically Reduces Allergens for Your Employees and Customers

Are you allergic to pollen? Spring time is known as the worst season of all for allergies, but the truth is, carpets can trap grass, oak, or the pollen seed any time of the year—making it uncomfortable for anyone sensitive to allergies.

A thorough professional cleaning company such as Monterey Bay Solutions knows you don’t have a day or two to waste (like many other cleanings involve). That’s why as opposed to taking a few days to dry, it takes just an hour or two—and they think that’s the perfect way to start your work week!

Using a hot extraction procedure which allows the carbonation to break apart the dirt, pollen and grass stains and extract it completely, you have the pleasure of enjoying a deep clean that lasts!

Your business is a top priority and cleaning it is ours!

How to Get Ink Out of Carpet

Carpet stains can be quite stressful, but nothing like seeing fresh ink on your carpet! Below are a few options you can try to get the ink out. Try whichever one you feel more comfortable with and/or have on hand. Time is of the essence so the sooner you attempt to remove the ink the higher likelihood that the ink will come off.

Detergent: Mix about 1 cup of water with a teaspoon of dish washing detergent, creating a soapy solution. Spray this solution onto the stain or dip a cloth into the solution and dab onto the stain. Continue blotting until the stain is removed. If the stain is small, this method should work well.

Rubbing Alcohol: Wet a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and use it to blot the stain, starting at the edges and working your way inwards to prevent the stain from spreading. Continue re-wetting and blotting until the spot fades away. This will probably take 30 minutes or more.

WD-40:  Spray the lubricant onto the stain and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, blot the stain with a sponge and soapy water to remove both the ink and the lubricant.

Hairspray: We can’t vouch for the success of this claim, but many people believe that hairspray can help remove ink stains. It works in a similar way to alcohol, which is why we simply recommend using rubbing alcohol. But if you want to try it, spray hairspray onto the stain and allow the hairspray to sink in for 3-5 minutes. Then, apply a soapy water solution and blot up.

With all of these products, we recommend that you do a test patch on an unimportant and unseen area of the carpet beforehand. Some products (especially spray lubricants) can permanently stain your carpet. Also, always remember to blot (not rub) and don’t pour a liquid product directly onto the stain as this could cause the stain to spread.

After you’ve removed the stain, rinse the area with warm water to remove any residue. Blot the area with a dry cloth to remove excess water and then leave the area alone, allowing the carpet to dry. After it dries, you may need to fluff the carpet fibers up with your fingers.

If your stain still hasn’t disappeared after you attempt with one method you can try another until you find one that works. However, if the stain still isn’t gone after multiple attempts, call Monterey Bay Solutions.  

Water Damage: Questions and Answers

If my carpet and pad is wet, is it ruined?

In most cases, your carpet and pad is restorable IF the water was clean water and has been in the carpet for less than 24 hours.  Repairs can often be done to the carpet if necessary to restore the carpet as it was before the flood.  In most cases your home will be dry in 2-4 days.

What will happen if I try to dry the carpet out myself with a shop vacuum and fans?

Without the proper experience and equipment, the flooded area could take days, weeks, or
months to dry.  The water begins to wick up into the drywall and into the studs inside the wall.  This makes a perfect environment for mold and wood destroying organisms to grow.  Mold grows on wood, baseboards, drywall, and inside cabinets if the building is not quickly dried.  If mold is present, the affected area must be replaced.

What about my hardwood floors?

When a hardwood floor takes in water, it will buckle within a matter of days if not properly dried.  We use special moisture meters to determine how much moisture is present in the wood.  If the flood has just occurred, the hardwood may be restorable.

Do I have to keep this drying equipment continuously going?

Yes.  Turning it off can cause further damage.  Most of our equipment has a timer to tell us how long the equipment was run.

What is this musty odor?

There is often a musty odor that is associated with a flood.  This odor will dissipate soon after the building is dry.  Foggers and deodorizers are used if necessary.  If this odor bothers you, ask your insurance company if they will reimburse you for a hotel expense while the building is drying.

Will opening up my windows help the carpet dry faster?

No.  In almost all cases we will have created a better drying environment with our drying equipment than there is by opening windows.

Will my drywall need to be replaced?

Wet drywall can be restored in most cases provided there is not mold on the drywall.

Will my insurance company pay for this?

In every situation that we have seen, the cost for water damage restoration is paid for by the insurance company (minus your deductible).  Your insurance company wants you to take immediate action in stopping further damage.  Every service that we do for you will appear on the bill to your insurance company.  As soon as we begin the job, you’ll want to call your insurance carrier to let them know that you have a certified company drying the building for you.

How much will this cost?

We will provide you with a current price list of equipment and service costs.  All of our prices are similar to other certified water damage restoration companies and are in accordance with the Bluebook of Cleaning, Reconstruction, and Repair Costs.  The total cost for our service will be determined by how long the structure takes to dry.


Disclaimer:  The information in this booklet is not meant for professional or legal advice.  The statements mentioned are generalities and each individual case could be different.

What Does Scotchgard REALLY Do?

When your carpet was new, it had a coating usually of 3M Scotchgard or Dupont Teflon which had a protector called “flourechemical.”  This treatment prevents spills and dry soils from bonding to the fibers.

2 Ways Factory Protector is Removed From Carpet

1.  Regular foot traffic.  Over a period of six months to two years, depending on traffic, a significant amount of protector is removed from traffic areas and protector needs to be reapplied.

2.  High alkaline cleaner.  Some carpet cleaners use harsh chemicals that strip the protector out.  If you notice your carpet getting dirtier after cleaning, this is likely the reason.

4 Reasons to Get Fabric Protector Re-applied After Cleaning

1.  Reduces permanent stains.  Unprotected carpet and rugs will easily absorb spills even if cleaned up immediately.

2.  Helps save traffic areas from being destroyed.  Traffic area soil cuts your carpet like a knife and causes ugly traffic lanes.  Protector makes vacuuming more efficient.

3.  Makes spots easier to remove for you and the next time your carpet is cleaned.

4.  Helps avoid costly service calls.  For minor spots, you are more likely to be able to remove a stain yourself if the carpet is protected.


The result of having protector applied properly to your carpet and rugs is that it will look better and last much longer.

How Often Should You Clean Commercial Carpet?

It depends.  How much traffic do you have?  Is there food served in any of the areas?  Are children present? The EPA recommends that offices be cleaned every 1-6 months depending on the amount of traffic and whether or not food is served.

Carpet manufacturers will recommend every 2 weeks-6 months depending on the same conditions. Call us at 444-0811 to set up a FREE Flooring Consultation and Inspection.  We will inspect your floors and help you decide how often to clean and what method is best for your situation.

                                EPA Carpet Cleaning Frequency Guide

Environment                      Normal                  Contaminated                           High
                                                                       Outside, Dusty                       Humidity
                                                                                                                     Biogenic

Day Care Center                2 weeks                       1 week                                1 week

Nursing Home                  1 month                        1 month                               1 week

Office Building-

Ground Floor                   3-6 months                  1-4 months                         2-6 months

Office Building-

Higher Floors                   6-12 months                2-6 months                         3-9 months

Food Service 
Establishment                    1 month                       1 week                                2 weeks

Commercial-

Retail, Shop, Bank           3-6 months                    1 month                              2 months 

                                                                                   
                                                                              (From U.S. EPA Letter, January 1989)

Our Cleaning System Also Does This...

• Makes your office healthier
• Your carpet smells fresh and clean
• Washes out spots to prevent them from returning
• Prolongs carpet life and avoids replacement
• Brightens colors of your carpet
• Rinses residue from previous carpet cleaners
• Removes grease and dirt tracks
• Removes dirt, coffee, soda, food spills, grease, oils, vomit, urine, gum, wax, some paints, rust,     inks, make-up, toner, and more!