Why is there gross black lining along the baseboards and below doorways?

Carpet that is light in color can cause this dirty lining to show around the baseboards and under doorways. The dirt is a type of “filtration soiling” which occurs as a result of air escaping the carpet. Oxygen can only release where there are gaps which is primarily along the baseboards and under doorways. Soil deposits get stuck and build up to create a dark film. This process happens for a while before it is visibly noticeable. Once the soiling is seen by the naked eye it means there is a considerable amount of contaminants present. The filtration soiling is an indicator that the carpets are far too dirty and need a thorough cleaning.

How do you clean carpets?

We use many processes and procedures to achieve top results when cleaning carpet floors. We follow manufacturer's instructions to ensure dependable results. The majority of our carpet cleaning jobs are executed via “hot water extraction”. This technique is essentially steam cleaning which the vast majority of carpet cleaning services utilize. This practice is what the majority of carpet makers suggest as the best way to clean.

What is the drying time for a carpet cleaning?

Usually it will take between two and six hours to fully dry carpet floors. Carpet will only be damp to touch as our technique avoids over-wetting the floor. The actual drying time will vary depending on many factors such as the weather, temperature and humidity in the room, ventilation quality, etc.

How long should you go between carpet cleanings?

Most carpet manufacturers suggest that you get your carpets professionally cleaned a minimum of once every 12 months. The accumulated soil in the fibers of your carpet will cause damage to the floor. The fibers will wear out and the carpet will need replaced quicker if it is inadequately maintained. For businesses, the wear and tear can lead to damage at a fast rate if a deep cleaning is not done on a periodic basis.

Is it better to dry clean or steam clean carpets?

The steam cleaning method is most popular and what carpet makers typically suggest. Steam is a very efficient soil extractant and polluted carpet fibers respond well. While there are a handful of carpet cleaning methods that exist, steam cleaning is the most common one by far. Roughly 95% of carpet cleaning companies use this method. Dry cleaning is usually done with no water. This practice is not as common or as effective. The contaminants found in your carpet fibers are water soluble. Therefore, a wet method will yield better results in the end. We do provide “Encapuclean” which is a form of dry cleaning and some businesses prefer this tactic. The main benefit would be the one to two hour drying time. This tactic uses very little water but is not completely water-free.

Will water go through the carpet onto the padding?

Our carpet cleaning is very penetrative but it will not reach into the underside of your carpet floors. We make sure to effectively soak and rinse your carpet floors. However, at the end the surface will be damp and the underneath parts will still be dry.

Is it possible to eliminate pet odor?

Pet dander, urine, and other pet-related contaminants can cause horrible odor. Duraclean has a special approach for dealing with these jobs. We are able to clean and treat floors and furniture with pet-related smells and stains. Even the most severe cases will not be a problem due to our highly effective cleaning products and equipment. Pet odor that won’t go away is usually because the cause is further into the carpet than you would expect. It’s possible that the underside of your carpet and the padding below it have absorbed the pet-related contaminants. Cleaning the top layer will not achieve odor-eliminating results. Further, bacteria can develop as a result of the pet urine. If left ignored it is possible for the fibers to start to lose color and the smell will be harder to fix. It will be easy to remedy the issue if the pet pollutants are only on the surface of the carpet. However, in tougher cases a urine neutralizer is required. In the worst situations it will be necessary to put in new carpet padding and possibly treat the sub-floor and underside of your carpet. You might not get rid of the odor by simply putting in new carpet because the sub-floor itself could be contaminated. Failing to fix a dirty floor with foul pet odor can cause further issues. The pollutants can get stuck into the pores of other fabrics within the property. Your upholstery, drywall, baseboards, and various other building materials will all be at risk. Worst case scenario, you will need to treat the entire room to completely extract the foul smell. Duraclean provides an excellent variety of cleaning practices for pet-related issues. We will help with the cleaning and also aid in preventing further issues. We know it’s a difficult battle keeping a home clean with pets. Our technicians are always willing to help advise our pet-loving clients on the best cleaning and maintenance practices.

Spring Showers: How to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

April’s rainy season may bring blooming flowers – but it can also bring unexpected headaches like flooding, roof leaks, and water damage. As rainstorms roll in, so does the risk of moisture sneaking into places it doesn’t belong – like basements, crawl spaces, and walls.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, knowing how to prevent water damage can save you thousands in costly repairs down the line. Let’s break down the most effective ways to protect your space this spring – and how Duraclean’s professional restoration services can help when disaster strikes.

🌧️ Why Water Damage Is a Spring Concern

As the snow melts and April showers begin, the ground becomes saturated. Heavy rains combined with poor drainage or foundation cracks can lead to basement flooding, roof leaks, and mold growth. Water damage can happen fast and if not handled properly, can weaken your structure and affect your health.

✅ Preventative Tips to Protect Your Home or Business

Here are some clever ways to reduce your water damage risk this spring:

Check gutters & downspouts: Clear debris so water flows away from your foundation.
Seal cracks: Inspect your basement walls and floors for cracks, and seal them with waterproofing materials.
Grade your landscape: Make sure your yard slopes away from the building to prevent pooling water.
Inspect your roof: Look for missing shingles or damaged flashing that could allow leaks.
Install a sump pump: This is especially helpful in flood-prone basements.

💧 When Water Damage Happens – Act Fast

Even with the best planning, sometimes water gets in. Whether it’s a broken pipe or a flash flood, quick action is key. That’s where Duraclean Specialists come in. Our trained technicians offer 24/7 water damage mitigation services and use professional-grade equipment to:

Extract standing water
Dry and dehumidify affected areas
Prevent mold growth
Restore damaged floors, walls, and belongings

🧼 The Duraclean Difference

At Duraclean, we’ve been helping homes and businesses recover from water damage for over 30 years. Our goal? Minimize damage, maximize restoration – and get you back to normal, fast.

With our deep cleaning services and expert water damage restoration, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your property is in good hands.

📞 Don’t Wait for the Damage to Get Worse – Call Duraclean Today!

Be proactive this spring. If you suspect water damage – or want to prepare before it starts – Duraclean Specialists are here to help.

📞 Call us at 815-544-9244
🌐 Visit duraclean.us to schedule service

1-815-544-9244

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The Duraclean Difference

Trustworthy

Our unparalleled commitment to providing dependable services is clear. We have a proven reputation in the community. Our clients love us!
Qualified

Our staff consists of certified and insured professionals. We provide specialized training to our workers and use industry-leading tools and equipment.
Effective

Our duct cleaning experts get the job done to the highest degree. We ensure all microbial growth harboring in your ducts is removed. Our methods are the most efficient in the industry.
Integrity

Our cleaning specialists are all absolute professionals. Every technician on our team follows a code of ethics. Our technicians also go to each job site with photo identification and will present it if requested.

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Remember, It Isn't
Clean Until It's

We’re Duraclean, a full-service cleaning and restoration company based out of Belvidere, Illinois. Our primary services include water damage mitigation, mold remediation, and general cleaning. Duraclean specialists are available for both residential and commercial cleaning services. We offer 24/7 help to local businesses for when a disaster strikes.

Call Us Today 1-815-544-9244