30. April 2009 by Dean of Clean.

So you’re looking for a business - whether it be a plumber, attorney, cleaning service or bookstore, and you see several that claim that they are “green”, or that they offer “green” services. What does that really mean? How do you make sure that you’re not being “greenwashed” by a company that is simply hopping on what they think is the next hot bandwagon?

“Green” is in, no doubt about it - and this is definitely a good thing! But you won’t be surprised to learn that there are different shades of green in business, as in our personal lives. First of all, green means different things to different people. It can range from “we recycle” to a deeper look at (and commitment to) sustainability by the business within their chosen field.

It’s true that large multinational companies like Wal-Mart are “Greening” their operations these days, and that is no small achievement. These corporations can make a huge difference for good; however, small local businesses seem far more likely to be genuinely green than behemoth companies…if your definition of green includes living wages and keeping dollars local. Here’s what I personally look for:

-Livable wages for employees…since no business is truly sustainable without this! Also, call me crazy, but it just seems like the right thing to do.

-Use of Green Power, such as wind or solar, recycling wherever available, energy-saving lights/appliances and other “no-brainer” initiatives that all of us can participate in. (Do you practice these at your house?)

-Local ownership, keeping dollars here in La Plata County (or wherever you live).

-Use of carbon offsets, alternative fuels and modernized, economical vehicles or equipment where applicable.

-Specialized “Green” initiatives (these will vary by industry or trade.) For instance, a plumber might use a pipe cement that has fewer or no harmful VOCs…a carpet installer might use the same reformulated type of adhesive to lay your recycled carpet, or your local coffee shop might use shade-grown organic coffee that doesn’t require clear-cutting and chemicals to make you an aromatic cup of morning wake-up.

So the next time a company claims to be “Green”, don’t be afraid to ask “Why?” and “How?” if they haven’t explained it. Click here to learn more about “Green” Cleaning in Durango, Hesperus and Bayfield…and have a great day!

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25. April 2009 by Dean of Clean.

Come visit us at the Durango Home & Ranch show at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and we’ll give you FREE car mat cleaning while you browse the show! Just drop your mats off to our big white truck in the parking lot, and we’ll clean them for you and have them ready when you leave.

And while you’re there, stop by our booth to learn more about “Green” carpet cleaning, stone, tile & grout cleaning and sandless wood floor cleaning and refinishing. You can enter our contest to win free carpet cleaning, giftcards to Carver’s and Maria’s, and more! See the equipment we use for water damage and flood restoration, ask any questions you may have about stain removal, and we’ll even give you some free spot remover.

To top it all off, we’ll have a huge display of beautiful hand-woven rugs from around the world! You’ll meet Linda Barnes, world traveler, who brought them back to Durango, and Richard Carpenter, one of the few Certified Master Rug Cleaners in the world. Together they can answer any questions you may have about rug care, construction and lore!

See you there!

Learn more about UltraSteam Professional Carpet, Upholstery, Stone, Tile, Grout and Wood floor Cleaning

Posted in Upholstery Cleaning, Sandless Wood Floor Cleaning and Refinishing, Carpet Cleaning, Tile & Grout Cleaning, Stone Cleaning, "Green" Cleaning and Living | No Comments »

10. April 2009 by Dean of Clean.

Durango has a new business directory and review site…kind of like a phonebook, only on the web. The coolest part? You can rate businesses, or shop for a business by checking out the reviews it has gotten from other people, and the articles that the employees may have written in their fields of expertise.

Just click on the title to see the home page, or click below to see UltraSteam or RugMasters’ pages, reviews and articles.

UltraSteam on Buzztown: Carpet, Stone, Tile and Grout Cleaning for Durango, (81303, 81301) Bayfield, (81122) and Hesperus (81326)

RugMasters of Durango on Buzztown: Oriental, Indian, Persian and Navajo Rug Cleaning in Durango (81301, 81303), Telluride (81435), and Farmington (87401, 87402, 87410)

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10. April 2009 by Dean of Clean.

…To our annual Client Appreciation Night! This year it will be happening at Christina’s Restaurant, April 16th (next Thursday) - we’ll have drinks, food, and great door prizes. You can meet the whole UltraSteam and RugMasters team, and your friends and neighbors who also use us…while enjoying great food and drinks at no cost to you! It’s our way of saying thanks for letting us be your carpet, stone, tile and grout or rug cleaner here in the Durango.

We look forward to seeing you there! (Please RSVP to our office - 385-8444, so we know how much food to plan for.)

Get free spot removal tips and current specials at Durango, Bayfield and Hesperus Carpet Cleaner (81301, 81303, 81122, 81326)

Learn more about fine area rug cleaning at Oriental, Indian, Persian and Navajo Rug Cleaning for Durango, Telluride, Farmington and Aztec (81301, 81303, 81435, 87401, 87402, 87410)

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3. April 2009 by Dean of Clean.

Hi all! I just got back from Dallas, where I spent several days in an intensive training at Oriental Rug Cleaning. Our teachers were Ellen Amirkhan, a fourth-generation rug cleaner, and Aaron Groseclose, president of MasterBlend in Denver.

Click the title or go here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb4v7XyzMos to see a highlight video.

We learned a great deal about rug cleaning, and especially about rug identification. I’m engaged in distance learning this summer, and then go back for some more hands-on work and testing in the fall to obtain my Master Rug Cleaner certification.

Got a fine rug? Got questions about them? Go to Rug Cleaning for Durango, Telluride, Pagosa, Farmington to find information about rug cleaning and free spot removal tips. Or call us at 970-385-5777 to drop off your rugs for cleaning or see some of our rugs for sale.

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