Solar panels provide a greener way to power your home, and they also help lower your energy costs by up to 20% or more. The key to maintaining their capacity and longevity, is to keep them clean, which professional power washing can help you accomplish.

Solar panels generate power by utilizing sunlight. When light hits the panels, it will convert it into energy that can then be used to provide a low-cost alternative source of electricity, depending on your solar system type, for your home.

Over time, the panels can become riddled with various outdoor elements, such as dust, dirt, pollen, sap, animal droppings, and more. This will essentially coat the panels with grime and prevent sunlight from fully penetrating them, resulting in a loss of energy absorption.

In fact, according to reports, dirty solar panels can decrease energy absorption by up to 10% or more in some cases.

Frequently cleaning your panels provides various benefits. Continue reading to learn more about why maintaining clean solar panels is ideal.

Solar Panel cleaning intervals will mostly depend on the environment.

For instance, panels installed in areas with high dust levels, such as in rural areas, near areas of high traffic, or in areas with lots of air pollution will require more frequent cleanings because they will accumulate dirt faster than panels installed in low dust areas.

This is also true for solar panels installed near the sea because they can collect salt build-up, which can cause erosion.

The angle of your panels can also affect how often they will get dirty. For instance, flat-mounted panels can allow rainwater to pool at the lower edge, which enables debris to gather there. They need to be cleaned more often than vertical panels where most debris is more likely to roll off with the rain.

On average, you should have your panels cleaned at least once every six months to every year to maintain maximum performance.

In the meantime, should you notice a drop in energy output, it could be an indicator that your panels need to be cleaned.

Solar panels contain electrical parts, which can become easily damaged without the proper care when cleaning them, which is why it is usually recommended to have your panels washed by professional cleaners.

It also helps ensure the panels are cleaned as per the manufacturer's directions, which helps keep your warranty valid.

Professional solar panel cleaners also have the right professional tools and pressure washing equipment to safely reach and thoroughly clean the panels, which helps eliminate the danger of doing it yourself.

They can also inspect your panels for cracks and worn seals that can enable water to seep into the panel's inner parts, which can damage them.

If you have found that your solar panels have lost their brilliance, or if your system is experiencing a drop in energy, feel free to schedule an appointment with us to see if dirty panels could be the issue.

There is nothing like coming home to or stepping into a freshly deodorized carpeted room and feeling like its clean, especially if you have small children who play on the carpet. However, after some time, your carpet can retain odors due to trapped dirt, spills, pet stains, and even humidity, which can cause it to become smelly, especially during the hotter months when the temperatures rise, causing the odors to become more airborne and the moisture in the air to increase, which can cause mold and mildew growth under the carpet, thus also emitting a musty odor.

Fortunately, if your carpet smells, it doesn't mean you have to take drastic measures to replace it in order to enjoy a clean smell again. Instead, simply try the following tips to help restore your carpet, as well as refresh the air around your home, for a more comforting space you can be proud to relax in.

Surface dirt and particles, such as pet hair and dandruff, dust buildup, food crumbs, and stains, can cause an unpleasant odor in your carpet, especially if the carpet hasn't been vacuumed in a while, so the most obvious step to begin with to help remove odors from your carpet is to thoroughly vacuum the carpet.

To do so, remove as many furniture items as you can from the carpet's surface.

With the furniture out of the way, thoroughly vacuum the entire carpet area to help loosen and remove any dirt particles.

If, after thoroughly vacuuming the carpet, the odor still persists, then move onto the next step.

Carpet deodorizers contain special odor-fighting agents that penetrate deep into the fibers of the carpet to eliminate odors, leaving a long-lasting scent that freshens both the carpet as well as the room.

Sprinkle the deodorizer powder all over the carpet and then wait five minutes to allow it to penetrate the fibers.

After five minutes, vacuum the carpet as usual.

If the smell is still present, you may need to repeat the process, only this time, use more of the product.

Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is one of the most natural and economical products for ridding carpets of odors. In fact, it has even been shown more effective at removing odors than many commercial carpet deodorizers, and it won't harm your carpet.

Baking soda helps trap and neutralize acidic odors, as well as other foul smells, in carpet, especially those that have been deep-rooted in the carpet for years, such as pet urine and feces stains, smoke, and more.

Sprinkle a generous amount of the sodium bicarbonate onto the carpet, applying it a bit more liberally in areas of stubborn stains, and then using a broom, press the powder down deep into the carpet fibers.

Once the baking soda is applied, allow it to sit on the carpet for a night or two if you have the time.

To get rid of the baking soda, first, use a broom and dustpan to remove the top layer of sodium bicarbonate, and then use a vacuum to suction the rest of the powder away.

If there is still a lingering odor, repeat the process until the smell is gone.

White vinegar is another all-natural odor fighter that works by destroying odor-causing bacteria, which is why it is often used to clean and deodorize many areas throughout the home.

To make your own natural deep cleaning solution to deodorize your carpet, mix one part vinegar with one part warm water in a spray bottle. Mix the solution thoroughly, and then spray it evenly all over the carpet, careful not to get the carpet too wet because it can cause mold and mildew growth.

Allow the solution to sit on the carpet for 15 to 20 minutes to enable its odor-fighting properties to work. If the smell is especially unpleasant, you could also add a few teaspoons of baking soda to the vinegar solution to help increase its effectiveness.

Allow the carpet to dry.

Enzyme cleaners are great at removing organic stains, such as stains caused by pet accidents, and in most cases, even more than traditional cleaners, and they are also safer. Therefore, if stubborn carpet stains, such as pet stains, are the cause of the odor in your carpet, and all else has failed, it may be time to reach for an enzyme cleaner.

Enzyme cleaners contain enzyme-producing bacteria that work by breaking down starches, oils, proteins, and the bacteria that feed on them, to help remove stubborn stains and odors, and they also continue to work long after they have been applied, which is also why they are so effective.

Apply the enzyme cleaner to areas of stubborn stains. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes then use a clean cloth to soak up the cleaner. Aim a fan at the area to accelerate the drying process.

If all else fails, or you just simply prefer to save time and energy deodorizing your carpet yourself, then feel free to contact the professional carpet cleaners at Yuba City Carpet Cleaning to help.

Not only do we have years of experience effectively treating all types of carpet stains and odors, but we also do so using a collection of industry-proven spot treatments and cleaning solutions, including some of the most effective enzyme cleaners on the market, that are specially selected to treat your specific stain and carpet type for optimum results. We also offer Eco-friendly cleaning solutions to help keep kids, pets, allergy sufferers, and other chemical sensitive individuals in your home safe.

Our professional equipment is also uniquely designed to be more effective at removing bacteria and odors in carpet than rented carpet cleaners and in half the time.

To help keep your carpet sanitized year-round, we also offer a maintenance plan that enables us to come out at least once a year and professionally clean your carpets for a healthier home and added confidence.

In fact, the longer you leave dirt and odors to buildup in the carpet, the harder it will be to remove whether you clean the carpet yourself or you hire a professional; therefore, we suggest having your carpets cleaned at least once annually to help keep stubborn contaminants at bay.

In the meantime, to help keep your carpet fresh, be sure to keep the area properly ventilated, which will help prevent odors from becoming trapped in the carpet. You might also consider adding a humidifier in your home, which will help deter mold and mildew growth in the carpet. Should any spills occur on the carpet, be sure to clean them up immediately to help prevent stains, and vacuum the carpet regularly to help prevent dirt from collecting inside the carpet.

Chances are you've experienced the dreaded day of spilling your coffee on yourself while rushing the door in the morning or perhaps even had a pet or other accident-prone family member accidentally knock over your mug of coffee only to have it land on your carpet, upholstery, or other fabrics.

In either case, given the dark color of coffee, it most likely caused an unsightly stain that left you fretting over how to remove it. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do yourself to help safely remove coffee stains from just about any surface or material, including cotton and synthetic fabrics, which these tips will show you.

Since materials comprised of cotton are fairly strong, they are sturdy enough to withstand various home treatments; however, you should always begin with the following basic at-home treatment.

• As with any material, when working with spilled coffee, the first thing you want to do is use a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much of the coffee from the stained area as you can.
  
  
• You will next need to pre-soak the stain with a basic cleaning solution that is
  safe for cotton, or for a simple, noncommercial cleaning solution, combine 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap with 1 quart of warm water.
  
  
• Add a small amount of the solution to the stained area and allow it 15 minutes to work.
  
  
• After 15 minutes, rinse the treated area with warm water.
  
  
• If the stain is still present, place a few drops of rubbing alcohol onto a sponge and then dab the sponge onto the spot to help absorb any remainder of the stain.
  
  
• Use warm water to rinse the cotton material once more.
  
  
• If there are still traces of the stain, repeat these steps until the stain is fully removed.
• Once the stain has been successfully removed, allow the material to completely dry.
  
  
• Follow up with a machine wash.
  

Sometimes the coffee stain may be intense, or perhaps it may have had too much time to set in, resulting in a deeper carpet stain, in which case, you may need to try a more vigorous treatment to remove the spot.

If this is the case, and you do not wish to use a commercial stain remover, simply try the following steps first:

• Fully extend the stained portion of the cotton material over a bowl and then use a rubber band to secure it in place.
  
  
• Fill a kettle with water and then allow the water to heat to 200°F.
  
  
• Pour the heated water over the coffee stain.
  
  
• You made need to repeat these steps a few times until the stain is removed.
  
  
• Do not allow the material to fully dry until the spot has been removed because it will only permit the stain to set in even further, making it more difficult to treat.
  

Synthetic materials, such as spandex, polyester, nylon, olefin, acrylic, and mod-acrylic, are also susceptible to coffee stains. However, like cotton materials, there are also some things you can do at home to help remove the stain.

• Again, the first and most important step you can take after spilling coffee onto synthetic materials is to use a clean, dry cloth to soak up as much of the liquid as you can before treating the area.
  
  
• Next, follow up with a commercial cleaning solution, or you can use the basic at-home cleaning solution of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap added to 1 quart of warm water.
  
  
• Allow the solution time to work or about 15 minutes.
  
  
• Once 15 minutes have passed, thoroughly rinse the treated area with warm water.
  
  
• If the stain is still visible, use a sponge along with rubbing alcohol to gently blot away the rest of the discoloration.
  
  
• Repeat this process until the blemish is completely removed.
  
  
• Wash the treated material as you would normally.
  

Most likely, along with spilling onto your clothes and other fabrics, the coffee has also spilled onto the carpet, if you have one, where it has also caused a nasty stain that makes your carpet look dingy.

Fortunately, there are also some steps you can take to safely remove coffee stains from your carpet before contacting your local carpet cleaning yuba city professionals.

• Use a clean dry cloth to absorb as much coffee from the carpet as possible
  
  
• Combine 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 2 cups of warm water.
  
  
• Spray or sprinkle just a bit of the solution onto the stain and then use a dry, clean cloth to dab the area.
  
  
• Repeat these steps until the stain is successfully removed.
  
  
• Rinse the area using a sponge and cool water.
  
  
• Use a clean, dry cloth to blot the area dry

When attempting to remove coffee stains from your fabric or carpet yourself, if all else fails, feel free to contact carpet cleaning yuba city for help.

Our friendly, licensed, bonded, and fully insured professionals will arrive promptly at your home or business with the expert knowledge and equipment needed to treat your particular upholstery fabric or carpet and restore it like new.

In fact, our equipment is designed to reach deep below the surface to remove stubborn, set-in stains that may be more challenging to remove on your own with traditional solutions or cleaning methods, and without damaging your material. Our professional cleaning methods also leave your materials dry almost instantly after they have been treated, so you can get back to enjoying your space in no time.

For more information on how we can help get your materials coffee-stain free, call or reach out to us via our website.

Plush, fresh-smelling carpets are the pride of your home; however, to maintain their beauty, they should be professionally steam cleaned often. In fact, carpet can harbor its share of dirt, dust, and other particles deep within its fibers, which, though even when regularly vacuumed, may look clean on the surface, can still retain odors and germs, which can cause various health issues.

Therefore, it is recommended that you have your carpets professionally cleaned periodically to preserve their integrity as well as to also help keep them sanitary. However, how often you should have your carpet steamed cleaned depends on several factors, including:

Frequent foot traffic into and out of your home can expose your carpets to mud and other outdoor elements, which can cause your carpet to get dirty much quicker. Hence, it will need to be professionally cleaned more often to keep it thoroughly cleaned.

Having children in your home can mean lots of spills and colorful stains, which can leave your carpets looking unsightly. Therefore, you may need to have your carpets cleaned at least once or twice a year to maintain its uniformity.

Pets in your home can also cause you to need your carpets cleaned more frequently, as
they can shed hair, track in dirt and other outdoor elements, and leave occasional accident stains, which can make your carpet smell. So if you have pets, it is also recommended you have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once to twice a year.

The combination of both children and pets in your home can mean that your carpets get twice as dirty, twice as fast; therefore, you may consider having the carpets steam cleaned at least twice a year to help keep them clean.

Open windows and doors during the warmer months can allow pollen, dust, and other allergens into your home, which can accumulate in your carpets and trigger allergies in some individuals. Therefore, if anyone in your home suffers from allergies, having your carpets cleaned at least twice a year can help reduce their allergy symptoms.

Nasty stains in your carpet can be home to more than 100,000 infectious bacteria spores, which can cause various health issues, including skin infections, stomach viruses, meningitis, and more. Unfortunately, these types of stains can only be removed by a professional carpet cleaner; therefore, anytime you sight nasty stains in your carpet, it is a good idea to have your carpets professionally cleaned to help keep them bacteria-free.

Carpet odor can also be a sign of bacteria buildup in your carpets, especially mold spores, which can also cause various health issues. Therefore, if your carpets smell musty or funky, it is time to have them professionally cleaned.

Over time, dirt buildup can cause your carpet to lose its vitality, while heavy traffic can eventually weigh down the carpet fibers, which can cause your carpet to lose its fluff. Having your carpet deep cleaned by a professional can help restore the look and feel of your carpet.

In the end, regular professional carpet cleaning yuba city helps prolong the life of your carpet and also helps safeguard your family's health. When in doubt about how often your carpets should be steam cleaned, as a general rule, busy households should be cleaned at least every six months, while less busy households can benefit from a professional carpet cleaning at least once a year.