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styles in East Idaho—especially for summer homes or cabins. A hardwood floor can also add a sense of warmth, and its natural characteristics of wood add depth and a visual appearance that is hard to match with other materials. Not only do they look good; they can also add value to your home at resale time. Laminate According to the WFCA, this material is ideal for a look of real hardwood or stone but without the cost or maintenance that can be associated with natural products. It’s beautiful yet durable. And it is by all means cost-effective. Options range from natural colors and dark wood grains to cool color tones that can complement any room décor in your home. And if the “plank” look interests you, many hardwood plank designs are offered in laminate, including rare, exotic wood species. Because laminate flooring is stain resis- tant, it doesn’t need to be varnished or waxed. Area Rugs Want to change the mood or character of a room in a split second? According to the WFCA, the easiest way to do it is by adding an area rug. Area rugs are nearly universal in their application, and usually work well with other types of flooring as long as you are attentive to matching color and texture. A rug becomes your design centerpiece, or it may simply deliver a colorful finishing touch. The options are endless. Finally there is the cost, which may be the most inviting feature compared to other types of flooring. Most area rugs will be comparatively inexpensive, while a few may actually be phenomenally expensive (such as ancient weaves). It all depends on the material used and the degree of artistry or intricacy in the design. These four types of flooring are hardly comprehensive. The number of options is nearly endless including stone surfacing, ceramic and porcelain, vinyl and linoleum. Check out the association’s website at wfca. org, and be sure to explore East Idaho’s local retailers for the best deals on flooring designs and installation packages. Back from the Brink Carpet Restoration FAQ’s The summer dust and winter weather can be harsh on your carpets, requiring them to be cleaned regularly. Thankfully, regular carpet cleaning will extend the life of your carpets. Regardless of geographic location, most carpet manufacturers recommend hot water extraction cleaning. Here in the harsh environment of East Idaho, that advice makes all the more sense. Soil and dust are routinely kicked up by our unique—how shall we say—“breezy” spring and early summer conditions. The effects are especially abrasive on carpet. Soil particles dull the appearance of carpet and make it look dirty and ugly long before it has actually worn out. (Carpet also traps and holds allergens.) Frequently Asked Carpet Cleaning Questions: How long does it take to clean the average house? The average house takes three to four hours, depending on how soiled the carpet is, and the amount of furniture being moved. How long does it take for the carpets to dry? The dry time depends on several factors including the method of cleaning used, air temperature, humidity and air movement in the room. The carpet professional will give you some estimate of dry time when completing the post-cleaning inspection. What is causing the lighter spots in the car- pet? There are a number of causes. One pos- sible cause is chlorine bleach. Be careful of the disinfectant sprays that contain chlorine bleach. Even a fine mist landing on the carpet can permanently alter the color of the carpet. Another possible cause is a bleaching effect from contact with topical acne medicine. Skin treated with acne medicine (such as on hands that have applied acne medicine that touch the carpet) can leave a small amount of the medicine which will bleach the carpet. Why do some spots return even after a pro- fessional cleaning? If contaminants have absorbed into the carpet backing or the pad, spots can resurface overtime by wicking or migrating up through the carpet fibers, espe- cially when the spot is moistened. Why has the carpet turned a dark gray around the edge of the room? The dark gray is called filtration soil. This situation occurs when dust and airborne pollutants accumulate on the carpet face fibers as air flows by convection in the room. The condition is more obvious on lighter-colored carpets. Filtration soil may appear along baseboards, under doors or along the edge of stairs. Depending on air quality and air movement, filtration soil may appear quickly or develop over a long time. Is there any way to remove filtration soil? There is no one cleaning technique that is recommended. Removal of the contaminants from the soiled area can be complicated and depends on the type of substance in the filtra- tion soil. For best results, contact a cleaning professional. How is the carpet protected from the stain in my wood furniture or rusting of metal feet when the carpet is damp? The furniture will be moved during the cleaning process, then replaced and tabbed with Styrofoam blocks after the cleaning. Information courtesy of Tobin Cleaning & Restoration in Idaho Falls. Tobin has been doing Idaho Falls Carpet Cleaning for over 35 years. For more informa- tion, call 523-1080. IDAHOFALLSMAGAZINE.COM | 51