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As the seasons change and the warmth of spring breathes new life into our surroundings, it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate our living spaces. Magnum York recently hosted a webinar, bringing together industry leaders in building maintenance and cleaning for an in-depth discussion on spring cleaning strategies.

From optimizing duct cleaning to maximizing recycling efforts and elevating common area maintenance through carpet cleaning, the webinar delved into essential aspects that can significantly impact a condo’s life and value. Attendees gained access to expert tips from our spring cleaning experts; ProClean Janitorial Ltd, Waste in Motion and Modern PURAIR. For those unable to join us, we’re happy to share the key takeaways from each expert in this blog.

ProClean Janitorial Ltd Presents “Four Steps for Proper Carpet Care”

Importance of Carpet Cleaning

Neglecting carpet cleaning can have serious consequences, as carpets act as filters, trapping dust, dirt, allergens, and microbes. This build-up not only affects the appearance of your carpet but can also lead to health hazards like respiratory issues and allergies. However, with regular cleaning, you can significantly prolong the life of your carpet and keep it looking almost as good as new for up to 20 years, especially in high-traffic areas like the common areas of condominiums and apartments.

Four types of Carpet Cleaning

1. There are many types of carpet cleaning, but the most important and most commonly used is vacuuming. Carpets need to be vacuumed regularly. Different carpet types require specific vacuuming techniques. The suction power, agitation provided by the powerhead, and air filtration are all crucial factors to consider when choosing a vacuum. Pay attention to how effectively it removes dirt from the carpet, the level of agitation it offers, and how clean the air is that releases back into the room.
2. Promptly address spots and spills, especially in commercial settings where this can be particularly challenging. Follow these two steps:
   • Step 1: Begin by absorbing the spill with a dry white absorbent cloth or plain paper towel without colours as they may transfer into the damp carpet. Blot the area to remove as much liquid as possible, continuing until the area is nearly dry. Avoid scrubbing or using a brush, as this can damage and alter the texture of the carpet fibres.
   • Step 2: Treat the stain by applying a small amount of spot cleaner onto a white cloth. Gently work the cleaner from the edges toward the center of the stain. Repeat this process as needed until the spot is removed. Once the stain is gone, blot the area with clear water to remove any residue from the cleaning products. You can use any spot cleaner available at supermarkets. Alternatively, you can mix 1/4 teaspoon of liquid dish soap with 1 cup of warm water as a substitute for spot cleaner. Avoid using a stronger concentration, as more is not necessarily better in this case.
3. Professionally deep clean carpets. At some point, you will need to get your carpets clean. Within condominiums, we recommend between 6 – 24 months. There are a few common methods for carpet cleaning.
   • Shampooing – Applies foamy shampoo to the carpet surface, followed by rinsing and vacuuming. This method is not typically used as commonly these days.
   • Dry Cleaning – Uses low moisture sand and is suitable for delicate carpets.
   • Steam Cleaning (hot water extraction) – Utilizes hot water and detergent.
   • Encapsulation – Uses specialized cleaning solutions that crystalize dirt for easy removal.
4. Mitigate dirt and debris by strategically placing durable mats at entryways, or in front of elevators. This practice is especially crucial for condominiums, where cleanliness and maintenance contribute to a welcoming and well-maintained environment.

Q&A with ProClean Janitorial

Q: How long does it take for carpets to dry after steam cleaning?
A: This depends on the type of carpet, as the thicker the carpet, the longer it will take. Airflow will also influence the drying time. During winter, steam cleaning is not advisable due to increased humidity. The cleaning process typically takes around 6 hours for standard carpets with adequate ventilation.

Q: How do you deal with the traffic of people in the building during a deep cleaning?
A: To address high-traffic areas effectively, consider using the encapsulation method. This approach ensures faster drying times, with carpets typically becoming dry within an hour. Place signs and provide advance notices to inform occupants about the cleaning process as an additional measure.

Waste,Recycling & Organics Best Practices with Waste in Motion

Waste Best Practices

• Do not discard automobile waste in your garbage. This includes tires, parts and batteries.
• Do not discard hazardous waste. This includes chemicals, paint, bear spray, etc.
• Do not discard oil or oil containers. Hazardous waste can be dropped off at specific locations. See here for further details: https://www.calgary.ca/waste/residential/household-hazardous-waste-drop-off-program.html

Managing oversized items poses a challenge for condominiums and apartments, including chairs, couches, and mattresses. These items cannot simply be placed in a regular garbage bin, especially if they protrude from the top. When dealing with oversized items, consider the following options:

• If the bin is sufficiently large, place the items inside.
• If not, either break down the items to fit or explore alternative disposal arrangements. Consider donating items to a charity if they are in decent condition.

Recycling Best Practices

Approximately 30% to 35% of all recycling material ends up in landfills due to contamination. This inadequate recycling rate not only harms the environment but also escalates costs for the community.

• Do not put recyclable materials in a black garbage bag.
• Do not put organic material into your recycling bin (grass clippings, trees, leaves, wood, etc.)

To reduce costs and divert materials from landfills, follow these steps:

1. Rinse out your cans and plastic containers thoroughly.
2. Crush your cans to save space.
3. Break down and flatten cardboard boxes before disposal.
4. Use a CLEAR plastic bag if you’re putting recyclable items in a bag.

You can put shredded paper in your recycling as long as it’s in a clear plastic bag.

Organics Best Practices

Organics refer to any carbon-based material that can naturally decompose into soil. These include plant matter, food scraps, and other biodegradable substances.

• Before disposing of organic materials, trim tree branches/stems and bundle with string. In addition, ensure they are not protruding out the top of the bin.
• Place leaves, dried grass, dead flowers and other yard waste in paper bags or certified compostable bags.

Spring Cleaning Ideas

Certain corporations organize spring cleaning weekends, providing residents with rented roll-off bins for disposing of unwanted items. Additionally, consider collaborating with a charity to arrange item pickups for donation. To foster community engagement, combine this event with a BBQ or family-friendly activities.

Q&A with Waste in Motion

Q: Does Waste in Motion take away oversized items and if so, do you charge additional fees?
A: Yes, Waste in Motion does provide this service and the cost is dependant on what the item is.

Q: Do you collect appliances?
A: Yes, we can arrange for appliances to be collected. There are also drop-off locations for these items – https://www.calgary.ca/waste/what-goes-where/appliances-stoves.html

Q: If the bins are full to the rim, do you remove those bins?
A: The standard practice is that if the waste level is 5 to 10 inches above the lip of the bin, it’s generally acceptable. However, when the bin is excessively piled up, it poses several challenges. First, the weight becomes a concern, especially when the bin needs to be lifted over the top of the truck by the driver. We certainly don’t want any items falling out during this process. Second, an overly full bin can compromise safety if items fall out upon lifting. Therefore, it’s essential to strike a balance between maximizing bin capacity and ensuring safe handling.

Q: Do you provide roll-off bins? And can you put electronics in those bins?
A: Yes and yes! Waste in Motion also has a relationship with some electronic recyclers, so they can work with their partners who can provide bins specifically for electronic disposal.

Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality with Modern PURAIR

Modern PURAIR offers a comprehensive range of services, including dryer vent cleaning, rooftop unit maintenance, makeup air system servicing, furnace and duct cleaning, and indoor air quality testing.

Modern PURAIR provide a free inspection for a quote!

When it comes to maintaining your dryer, choosing a professional dryer vent cleaning company offers several advantages. Here’s why:

1. Extended Reach: Dryer vents can span considerable distances—anywhere from 30 to 100 feet. A standard household vacuum won’t effectively cover such lengths. Professional technicians have specialized equipment that can reach deep into the vent system, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
2. Eliminating Build-Up: Over time, lint and debris accumulate within the dryer vent, obstructing airflow and posing a fire hazard. Professionals can efficiently remove this build-up, enhancing safety and performance.
3. HEPA Filtration: During the cleaning process, all the dust and particles extracted from the vent are captured by a HEPA filter bag. This ensures that no contaminants escape into your living space.
4. Regular Maintenance: Establishing a maintenance program with professionals is crucial. Regular cleaning—ideally once a year or every other year—prevents excessive build-up, reduces energy consumption, and prolongs the lifespan of your dryer.

Modern PURAIR proudly holds the NADCA Certification, which stands for the North American Duct Cleaning Association. This certification ensures adherence to rigorous standards for cleaning, techniques, equipment, and organic compounds used in the duct cleaning process.

Dryer Vent Exhaust Cleaning

Duct lint significantly restricts airflow, leading to extended drying times and elevated humidity levels within the units. It’s crucial to remove debris and lint buildup. If the exhaust vents onto a patio or is accessible, the Modern PURAIR technicians meticulously wipe and clean the ports and grates to ensure optimal performance.

Dryer Vent Duct Safety

Fire prevention maintenance is crucial for all exhaust systems. Lint buildup can significantly restrict airflow and, over time, lead to increased heat. Dryers are the leading cause of home fires. Therefore, yearly inspections are highly recommended to assess cleanliness and implement a proactive maintenance program. If you have pets, you may want to have your dryer vents cleaned on more of a regular basis.

Recommendation: Don’t dry laundry when you are not home. It’s important to be able to act quickly if a fire were to occur.

• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
• Make sure to clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry and remove the link that has collected around the drum.
• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dyer is operating.
• Keep dryers in good working order.
• Clothes that have come in contact with flammable substances, like gasoline, or paint thinner, should be laid outside to dry before being washed and dried.

Laundy Area and Accessibility

Both owners and tenants should maintain a clutter-free laundry area to expedite technician visits and prevent damage to the property. The Modern PURAIR technicians handle appliance removal and replacement safely using certified equipment.

Dryer Vent Pest Protectors

When dealing with exterior pest protectors, there are instances where removal and replacement become necessary. However, some protectors cannot be safely removed from exteriors without the aid of a lift or ladders. It’s essential to ensure that the exit port remains unobstructed, allowing for unrestricted airflow.

Dryer Vent Cleaning & Energy Savings

Accumulation of dust, dirt, and lint can cause your dryer or any mechanical machine to operate up to 30% harder. Consequently, this increased workload leads to higher energy costs and a reduced appliance lifespan.

Exterior Landscaping & Accessibility

When it comes to safety considerations, both landscaping and the location of exterior exhaust ports play a crucial role. The technicians efficiently clean exterior vents using ladders for units on the first and second floors. However, for units on the third floor and above, either interior access or a lift is necessary. It’s important to note that using a lift incurs additional costs per unit and extends the overall time spent on-site.

Work Scope – Dryer Vent Cleaning

Q&A with Modern PURAIR

Q: Do you clean fireplaces, exhaust pipes and ducts?
A: No as this is a different certification and insurance carrier. There are companies that offer this service.

Q: Would the condo board typically set up dryer cleaning for every condo in the building (that the owner will then pay), or is it set up that the owners have to set this up individually?
A: During our on-site visit, we conduct a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. To streamline the process, we can establish a schedule that accommodates all units interested in proceeding with dryer/duct cleaning. Each unit will be billed individually based on their specific needs.

Q: Do you have a price range for individual duct cleaning?
A: For one unit, the cost is $299. If you have several units, contact Modern PURAIR and they can customize the pricing.

Q: How often should I get my ducts cleaned?
A: If you have pets, you should get them cleaned every 6 months, in the spring and fall. If not, once a year is sufficient.

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Further Resources:

• Register for future webinars – https://magnumyork.com/webinar/
• ProClean Janitorial Ltd – https://pcalgary.com/
• Waste in Motion – https://wasteinmotion.com/
• Modern PURAIR – https://modernpurair.com/calgary/
• Disposing of hazardous waste – https://www.calgary.ca/waste/residential/household-hazardous-waste-drop-off-program.html
• Waste recycling resources – https://www.calgary.ca/waste/what-goes-where/a-to-z-listing.html
  • https://albertadepot.ca/
• ‘Tis The Season … Top 6 Spring Cleaning Hacks from the Experts
• Webinar Recap: Condo Law 101 – Alberta Condominium Law with Roberto Noce of Miller Thomson LLP.