My Dollar Store Solution For Removing Wallpaper From Drywall

The Prows House is seriously ALWAYS a work in progress.  We wouldn't trade where we live for the world - we have the best neighbors and friends - but sometimes it would be nice to trade up to a house that was fixed up just the way we would like it.  Although is that ever truly accomplished by anyone?

Anyway.... I'm always driving Jeremy crazy with one project or another.  Our main bathroom is in pretty poor shape right now.  When we bought the house, the bathroom had wallpaper on the walls.  In case you ever wonder, wallpaper and moisture are not a great combination.  We're big fans of hot showers in this family, and we must be much steamier than the previous owners, because it didn't take long after we moved in for that wallpaper to start rippling, and peeling at the seems.  I decided the wallpaper needed to go.

Now I'm no expert at removing wallpaper, but I had researched a few tricks online and got to work.  I soon ran into quite the dilemma.  Once the top layer, the "vinyl-like" part of the wallpaper was peeled off, the paper/glued down part was a nightmare to try to remove.  It should have come off so easily after the soaking I gave it.  I quickly realized the problem.  The wallpaper was applied directly to the drywall!  There was no smooth layer of paint, or even primer to make the soaked pieces of paper and glue easier to remove.

I tried to research solutions to my problem online.  But mostly I found posts that said it couldn't really be done, or questionable companies trying to sell expensive wallpaper removal kits.  I wasn't about to take a chance on shelling out my money for a product that may not work.

I was so embarrassed whenever company came over and wanted to use the bathroom.  Partially stripped walls with splotches of adhesive everywhere looks way worse than rippled, peeling at the edges wallpaper.  It was bad.  I finally couldn't take it anymore and decided that I needed to experiment, to try something.  After all, it couldn't get any worse, right?

I had read that fabric softener works well to remove wallpaper.  But I knew I had to be careful scraping off the wallpaper, if I didn't want to make gouges in the drywall.  I headed to the dollar store, picked up a spray bottle, and a cheap jug of fabric softener.

I was still not sure what I would use as a scraper.  The paint scraper at the dollar store was quite sharp, and was sure to do some serious damage to the drywall.  Then I ran across this 2-pack of sanding blocks.  It was worth a try, right?

It worked like a charm!  I filled my spray bottle with fabric softener, sprayed a generous amount onto a section of the wall, and let it sit for just a minute.  I didn't want it to be too saturated, as I wanted to make sure the drywall didn't get ruined.  I then peeled what I could, and used the sanding block to sort of "file" away the excess paper and adhesive.  I immediately wiped the excess moisture from the wall with a dry rag.

I'm so glad I didn't waste my money on one of the expensive products online, that may or may not have worked!  I spent under $5: 1 spray bottle, one jug of fabric softener, and 2 sanding block packs.  I can tell that I will have to purchase more of the sanding blocks before the project is finished - but I will still be into it less than $10.

I'll keep you posted on how the bathroom makeover works out!  Do you have any great DIY tricks or tips you'd like to share?  I love all the help I can get in the ongoing adventure that is my "homemaking".

Making my Mark

I recently had a little bit of fun while cleaning the carpets of a rental property owned by a family friend. It is truly remarkable the difference good equipment and quality technique can make in the appearance of your carpet.

If you have any questions you'd like answered, shoot me an email, leave a comment, or connect with us on Facebook.

The Dryness Factor

One of the most talked about issues in the carpet cleaning industry, particularly in the advertising of services, is drying time. Many companies tout quickest drying times as the sole reason to choose their services above the rest.

Although alternative methods of carpet cleaning (i.e. carbonated chemical cleaning, and bonnet cleaning) can have shorter drying times, there are pros and cons (to be discussed in a future post) to all of the different methods of carpet cleaning. Drying time, although important, should not be the only consideration when choosing a cleaning company.

Let's learn a little bit more about the "dryness factor", as it pertains to the hot water extraction method.

The truth is, many variables contribute to the length of time carpets will take to dry.

Dry times vary depending upon the temperature inside the home, as well as the weather outside the home. For example, rainy or humid weather can cause carpets to dry more slowly. Whereas, in dry, warm weather, opening windows can increase the speed of drying. Turning the furnace up during the winter can also speed up the drying process.

Another factor that affects drying time is how much water it actually takes the technician to clean a particular area. For instance, the area in front of the couch may take more effort (thus more water) to clean, and will usually take more time to dry.

The quality of equipment used can also play a large role in carpet drying times. Higher powered machines, with stronger suction will pull more of the water out, thus leaving less moisture that needs to dry by evaporation. However, even smaller companies with less powerful equipment can impact their drying times greatly, simply by the effort they are willing to put into the process. The more "dry strokes", or passes of the carpet cleaning wand where water is being extracted rather than injected, that a technician performs - the shorter the drying time will be. A good technician will perform dry strokes until he is satisfied that there is no more moisture that can possibly be extracted by suction.

At J.P. Carpet and Tile Care, not only is our equipment top of the line with high-powered extraction, but our service is also top of the line. We take extra care and time to make sure carpets are left as dry as possible by our process, insuring the quickest drying times along with the highest quality cleaning. Most areas will dry in 2-4 hours, however, many areas are dry before we ever leave your home.

I hope this insight into the "dryness factor" was helpful, and I welcome any feedback, or questions you may have. We're gearing up for a fantastic promotion and giveaway, so make sure to check back!

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Proper Technique for Cleaning Spills From Your Carpet....

It happens to the best of us. You're entertaining family or friends, when somebody accidentally knocks their drink with their elbow! Yikes! Diet Coke seeping into your beige carpet! Your guest feels horrible, and you're trying to smile it off so he or she won't feel so bad, but inside you're cringing.

Our first reaction is to grab a rag and scrub. But this actually is counter-productive. By rubbing the spill, you're actually working it further down into your carpet, making it more likely to create a stain that will be difficult to remove.

So what should you do?

You will need to start with a clean, white towel. Sop up the spill as much as you can, using multiple towels if needed. Blot, blot, blot until you're sure there's no way you can possibly blot up any more of the spill. Remember...resist the temptation to rub!

Next, dampen (but not soak) a clean white towel or rag with warm water. Continue to work on the spill, blotting with the warm, damp towel until you can no longer see the spill.

If you are unable to completely remove the spill with this method, you may then try a mixture of 1 part water to 1 part distilled white vinegar. Mix in a spray bottle, and lightly spray the spot and blot up with a clean white towel.

Following these steps will be your best chance for cleaning the spill and avoiding a stain that is set deep in your carpet.

Testimonial - Russel T., The Boyer Company

I would like to recommend Jeremy Prows of J.P. Carpet and Tile Care for your floor covering cleaning needs. For the past three years I have had Jeremy clean carpets and tile for me at several office buildings. I have enjoyed associating with him because he is prompt, reliable and does quality work. In addition, he follows up to make sure the cleaning meets my expectations. Jeremy is friendly and relates well with my property management customers.

Sincerely,
Russell T.
Property Manager

Testimonial - Mickie L., Stonehaven Condominiums HOA

Stonehaven Condominiums has five buildings with 132 units and a clubhouse situated within its gates. The HOA has contracted exclusively with Jeremy B. Prows, the owner of J.P. Carpet and Tile Care, since the Spring of 2004, to take care of our foyers, hallways and clubhouse carpet and tile cleaning needs.

Not only for our semi annual cleanings, but once a month for our foyers, and elevators, etc., where touch-ups are needed. the HOA has called Jeremy in emergency type situations, of which, the complex has had many. Jeremy is reliable and extremely thorough.
His prices are competitive with other bids the HOA received. Jeremy was chosen for several reasons, 1) he was highly recommended by our contracted housekeeping company, 2) Jeremy goes the extra mile in accommodating the complexes carpet cleaning needs, 3) he is an honest and fair person in his business dealings and above reproach in his work ethics. Jeremy repeats the cleaning process until the problems are corrected and doesn't need anyone watching over him. He just comes in and does the job.

Many residents have since employed J.P. Carpet and Tile Care for their individual units' carpet cleaning, and have reported how happy they are with the results and fair prices.

The Stonehaven Condominium HOA is pleased to give J.P. Carpet and Tile Care a recommendation.

Sincerely,
Mickie L.
President
Stonehaven condominiums
Home Owners Association.

Testimonial - Mary C., Aetna Behavioral Health

I am writing this letter of recommendation for J.P. Carpet and tile Care. I have used their services for quite some time and have always received great services and costumer service. Jeremy has helped us with everything from office chairs to cubical panels in addition to carpeting and in every instance he has done an excellent job.

Jeremy is flexible with scheduling and is very accommodating in every way. I am happy to recommend J.P. Carpet and Tile Care.

Sincerely,
Mary C.
Admin Head
Facilities Department
Aetna Behavioral Health