130 Cecil Malone Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850
|
|
Welcome to Our Monthly Newsletter
This month's topics are:
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
AREA & ORIENTAL RUG CLEANING
- Why Cleaning Area Rugs in Your Home or Business is NOT a Good Idea!
HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
- Air-Purifying Houseplants
CONSIGNMENT RUGS FOR SALE REMINDER
FEBRUARY RCAD CLEANING SPECIAL
If there is a topic you would like us to cover in one of our upcoming newsletters, please call or text us at:
607-272-1566
or contact us
|
REMINDER:
Don't forget to keep checking our website for our beautiful
We have a variety of rugs available to view on our website or come into our office!
|
COVID-19 TESTS
There are currently 3 types of COVID-19 tests available to identify COVID-19 infections. They are the PCR or Polymerase Chain Reaction Test, the Antibody Test, and the Antigen Test, including the Rapid Antigen and At-Home Rapid Antigen Tests.
Please note: These tests are available as of the end of January 2022. Currently, they can detect the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and both the delta and omicron variants. They may or may not be as accurate for any future variants.
THE VALUE OF COVID-19 TESTS
COVID-19 tests can cut down infections in the community by identifying people who may be a threat to others and advising them to self-isolate.
Unfortunately, conflicting messages about these tests, along with shifting CDC guidance on quarantine periods, has made it very confusing for people to navigate this stage of the pandemic.
In this article we offer information about the currently available tests—what they are, how they work, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
THE PCR COVID-19 TEST
What It Is
The PCR or Polymerase Chain Reaction test is the gold standard for detecting the presence of COVID-19 in bodily secretions. It is a molecular test that measures specific genetic material from a virus that has entered the body. The PCR test can identify pathogenic organisms that are difficult to culture by detecting their DNA or RNA and then amplifying it.
How It Works
The PCR test is done by collecting material from the nose or throat using a long swab. The resulting genetic material is sent to a lab to be amplified. The amplification technique is called a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
This process allows the PCR test to detect even the smallest amount of coronavirus genetic material in a sample, making it a highly sensitive and accurate test, approaching an accuracy of 100%.
Advantages of the PCR Test
- The PCR test is quick and easy, providing very accurate and reliable results in detecting a current infection.
- If symptoms are present or a known exposure has occurred, the PCR test can accurately detect a current infection, but only as long as there is enough genetic material available. It should be done 2 to 5 days after symptoms are present or a known exposure has occurred.
- The results are typically available in 1 to 3 days. Although there are rapid PCR tests available with faster results, they are not as common.
Disadvantages of the PCR Test
- It requires samples to be sent to a lab (usually a large, centralized testing facility such as a hospital lab with a skilled laboratory and special equipment) and delivery of results may take days.
- The length of time for results makes the technique impractical for screening asymptomatic individuals who may have been exposed. Unfortunately, such individuals, even though they exhibit no symptoms, can still transmit the virus to others.
- If the development of the COVID-19 infection is very recent, the level of the virus may be too low to properly detect it.
- The PCR test is so extremely sensitive that it may give a positive result even after a person is no longer infectious since remnants of genetic material from the virus can still be floating around.
THE ANTIBODY COVID-19 TEST
What It Is
The Antibody test is a blood test.
How It Works
Certain foreign substances (called antigens) from either outside the body (such as viruses, chemicals, bacteria, toxins) or inside the body (such as cancer cells) produce an immune response in the form of the production of specific antibodies to those specific antigens.
The antibodies bind to those antigens and neutralize them. This knowledge is stored in the immune system’s long-term memory and if the antigen should attempt to attack again, the body will launch antibodies against it.
Material for testing is blood drawn from a finger or an arm and sent to a lab to measure with results available in 1 to 3 days.
If the results are positive, a person may have COVID-19 antibodies in their blood with a good chance that COVID-19 had occurred in the past or there was at least exposure.
If the results are negative, there are no COVID-19 antibodies in the blood. Therefore, it may be assumed that the individual has not had COVID-19 in the past, although we do not have enough data to know how long COVID-19 antibodies remain in the body after an infection.
Advantages
Antibody tests are crucial to understanding how our population may adapt to the virus and how those with antibodies respond to other variants.
Disadvantages
- The antibody test needs to be done in a lab, testing center or a hospital.
- Antibody tests commonly produce false negatives and false positives. It takes one to three weeks after an infection for antibodies to be detectable. In the months after an infection, antibody levels may decrease below the detectable level.
-
A negative result can suggest that there has not been a recent COVID-19 infection, but it doesn’t prove that there has been no prior or current infection because antibodies could be present at levels below the test’s threshold for detection, or, as noted above, the antibodies from a previous infection may no longer be present in the body.
- It is best to repeat the test to confirm the results and continue to follow public health guidelines regardless of the results.
IF AN INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN VACCINATED AND AN ANTIBODY TEST SHOWS NO ANTIBODIES TO COVID-19 , DOES THIS MEAN THE VACCINES ARE NOT WORKING?
Please continue reading here for the answer to the above question as well as information on antigen COVID-19 tests including the rapid at-home antigen tests, as well as when to get a test, what to do while waiting for results, what to do if you test positive, and more.
|
|
In This Issue
Consignment Rugs for Sale Reminder-We have added more rugs!
COVID-19 Tests
Why Cleaning Area Rugs in Your Home or Business is NOT a Good Idea!
Rug Repair at ABC
Air-Purifying Houseplants
FEBRUARY RCAD Cleaning Special
Links to Our Services:
WELCOME!
ABC Oriental Rug & Carpet Cleaning Co. has been family-owned and operated in Ithaca and surrounding areas for 50 years!
Our company is a reflection of our family name and pride.
|
Please Like Us on Facebook
for more information and to find out what we are doing at our business and in the community!
Stay Connected
|
Article
Archives
Categories
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
|
|
WHY CLEANING AREA RUGS IN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS IS NOT A GOOD IDEA!
At ABC, we are often asked why we recommend cleaning area rugs in our specialized rug cleaning plant rather than in customers' homes or businesses.
The Answer is:
Cleaning Rugs in Our Cleaning Plant Allows Us To PROPERLY and THOROUGHLY
Clean Your Rugs in a Professional Manner
HERE IS WHAT HAPPENS IN OUR PLANT...
Most rugs will go through an 8-step procedure as shown below: (Certain rugs may need special attention and a modified procedure may be in order).
1. Pre-Inspection.
The rug is inspected on the back and on the front for any problems that could arise during the cleaning process. We will also advise the customer of possible options for repair, either by hand or by machine. All rugs must be cleaned before repair.
2. Dusting.
The rug is thoroughly 'dusted,' either by hand, special machinery or air in order to remove as much of the impacted soil as possible before washing.
3. Washing.
The rug is thoroughly but gently cleaned with solutions specifically formulated for its particular fibers and dyes. It is during this procedure on the wash floor that treatments such as spot and odor removal are administered if needed.
4. Rinsing.
Gallons of water are gently pushed through the rug to ensure all cleaning and treatment solutions are completely and thoroughly rinsed out of the rug after washing.
5. Wringing.
The rug is put through the 16' automatic wringer to extract excess water.
6. Drying.
After the wringer, the rug will be brushed to set the pile. It is then hung to dry in our temperature-controlled dry room.
7. Post-Inspection.
After the rug has been tested and is completely dry, it will be taken down and inspected (re-cleaned if necessary), vacuumed on both sides, then rolled and put into a bin awaiting your arrival for pick up.
8. Repairs.
If a rug is in need of repairs of any type, our repair specialists are available to discuss appropriate options. Cleaning of a rug before repair is required for the safety of our personnel.
Cleaning area rugs in our plant as explained above assures we have full control over the entire cleaning process. It is not possible to maintain our high standards and properly clean your area rugs in your own home or business.
THERE ARE SOME EXCEPTIONS!
IT IS POSSIBLE to CLEAN SOME SYNTHETIC RUGS
ON SITE IN YOUR HOME or BUSINESS!
The majority of area rugs MUST ALWAYS be cleaned in our plant but there can be an unusual situation in which it would be necessary to clean an area rug on site in a home or business.
An example might be a rug made of synthetic fibers such as nylon, olefin, polyester, etc., that is very large or has a lot of heavy furniture on it. This could possibly qualify for cleaning on location. An exception to this situation would be a rug with a natural fiber backing (such as jute).
WHAT TYPES of RUGS MUST ALWAYS BE CLEANED in PLANT?
-
Area rugs of any fiber type that contain animal or human urine MUST be cleaned in our plant to specially treat them for odors. This is a labor-intensive process guaranteed to remove all URINE ODOR from the rugs. (URINE STAINS, on the other hand, are permanent on certain types of rugs and carpet, although it is possible under some conditions to significantly lighten them.)
~~~
-
All natural fiber rugs such as wool, cotton, silk or sisal must be brought back to our plant for washing. These fibers require much longer drying times and a significant amount of extra care in order to produce a quality washing without damaging the rug. Some of the risks involved could include dye migration, cellulose browning, improper drying, bacteria production, damage to floors, etc. Additionally, since wool fiber can hold up to 30% of its weight in water and still feel dry, it is essential to make certain that the rug we return to you is completely dry to prevent any possibility of mold, mildew or dry rot from occurring. These are risks that neither the homeowner nor the business owner should assume.
~~~
-
Rugs with any kind of insect infestation such as moths, carpet beetles, etc. Rugs such as these must be treated before, and sometimes after, cleaning. In the case of moths, cleaning will remove the live moths and larvae, but will have no effect on the eggs. They require special treatment in our plant.
ABC's FREE PICK UP & DELIVERY SERVICE AREA
HAS BEEN EXTENDED!
Please continue reading here for more information. Our pick-up & delivery service policy and a complete list of the areas we service can be found here.
|
|
ORIENTAL RUG REPAIR
(INCLUDING ALL AREA RUGS)
At ABC, our oriental and area rug repair process uses the combined knowledge and experience of our entire staff. Any repairs we suggest will be based on our understanding of the fiber and construction of each individual rug. It is our wish for any repair we do to be as true to the weaver's original design as possible while retaining as much of the rug's value as possible following the repair.
AREA RUG REPAIR
Our oriental rug repair facility is not limited specifically to handmade oriental rugs, but to any number of area rugs, including but not limited to:
- Navajo Rugs
- Zapotec Rugs
- Hooked Rugs
- Belgian Wool Rugs
- Dhurries
- Karastan Rugs
- Courestan Rugs
- Custom Rugs
- Braids
TYPES OF RUG REPAIR
End Repairs
-
Hand Overcast - The rug is first unraveled to the last undamaged row of pile. An interior hand stitch is then inserted, locking into the foundation to secure the weft line (from left to right) to create an even fringe not foreign to the oriental.
-
Hand Fringe Reinsertion - Warps (from top to bottom) are re-inserted into the foundation to replicate the original fringe.
-
Hand Sew Pre-Woven Fringe - A pre-woven fringe is hand sewn on to the end of the oriental (both ends, if necessary). This will stop any further unraveling and make the rug look presentable. The fringe is removable, allowing the customer to restore the rug in the future, if desired.
Side Work
-
Hand Serging - A hand sewn stitch is applied, which binds the edges (sides) of the oriental, protecting it from unraveling. There are several different stitches and styles depending on the country of origin.
-
Machine Serging - A stitch is sewn, with a machine, which binds the edges (sides) of the carpet, protecting it from unraveling. This is a temporary solution and NOT recommended for hand-made rugs.
-
Cloth Binding - This procedure is generally used for cut area rugs. A cloth binding is machine sewn on to prevent fraying of the rug.
Holes/Tears
-
Patches - A hole can be patched with another oriental rug or area rug with a similar design, but it is not always possible to obtain an exact match. This will protect the rug from any further damage.
-
Hand Re-Weaving - This labor-intensive type of repair is also available, utilizing similar wool, silk, and cotton as originally used.
MISCELLANEOUS REPAIRS
- Cutting Rug to Size
- Decorative Chain/Cashmere Stitch
- De-Curling of Edges on Rug
- Dye Removal~~Heat-seaming of a Rug
- Leatherette Stripping Application to Edge
- Reversing Scrim on Hooked Rug
- Specialty Fringe Work
- Spot Dyeing
- Tack-Out (Squaring) of a Rug or Tapestry
- Tea-Washing of Fringe
- Velcro Application for Hanging Rug or Tapestry
RUG APPRAISALS
Please continue reading here for more information and repair photos as well.
|
|
AIR PURIFYING HOUSEPLANTS
Air purifying houseplants? Yes, very definitely. No one gets through elementary biology without learning about the ability of plants to convert the carbon dioxide we exhale to the oxygen we cannot do without, converting light to food during the process of photosynthesis.
But there is more to some of these amazing plants, especially the ones that are able to remove certain toxins from our indoor environment. These are the air purifying plants.
Please note: Some varieties can be toxic, especially if ingested by humans, dogs, and cats. In this article we will focus on the non-toxic varieties. For homes without pets or small children, please see Toxic Purifying Houseplants.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS and RESPIRATION
The processes of photosynthesis and respiration are reactions that complement each other and occur in reverse. In simple terms, living organisms supply plants with carbon dioxide. The plants use the carbon dioxide to produce their food and release oxygen which all living organisms need for respiration.
Photosynthesis actually takes place in the leaves of plants which are made up of very small cells called chloroplasts. Each chloroplast contains a green chemical called chlorophyll. The chlorophyll absorbs the sun’s energy. This energy is used to split the H2O water molecules (from the roots and stems) into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere and the hydrogen and carbon dioxide are used to form glucose or food for plants.
AIR-PURIFYING PLANTS and INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Houseplants don’t actually exist in nature. Their ancestors once grew wild in the rain forests, deserts, woodlands, or prairies. As indoor plants, they have been forced to adjust to totally new conditions. Their root systems are no longer deep enough to seek water and nutrients and there is no rain to clean their foliage.
They are totally dependent upon us for their care and watering. But that is a small fee to pay for the enormous favor many of them do for us by purifying our indoor air quality.
Some of the harmful toxins a number of houseplants have the ability to absorb from the air in the home and work environment include Toluene, Xylene, and Styrene, as well as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nicotine, radiation, bacteria, and viruses.
(Since we are currently fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability of some plants to absorb viruses and clear the air could prove to be very helpful in this battle.)
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
In our homes as well as our businesses we can be continuously bombarded by contaminants that may harm us.
There are at least 350 common toxins found in the home. These include Benzene, Formaldehyde, Acetone, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chloroform, Dichlorobenzene, Ethyl Acetate, Methylene Chloride, and many more.
These toxins come from the building materials and products we use every day. Technology, also, has its dark side once we are made aware of the number of contaminants and the amount of radiation emitted by just our computers, tablets, and smartphones, even our TVs.
BENEFITS OF AIR-PURIFYING HOUSEPLANTS
When we bring certain houseplants into our home and work environment, they can not only be used for their ability as air purifying houseplants but they can also provide many other benefits such as:
- Reduced stress
- Less anxiety
- Better smell
- Headache relief
- Boosted mooed
- Cold/illness prevention
- Improved brain function
- Improved sleep
WHICH ARE THE BEST AIR PURIFYING HOUSEPLANTS?
Please continue reading here for information on the top 5 air-purifying houseplants.
|
|
GREAT NEWS!
GOT QUESTIONS?
NOW YOU CAN TEXT US at
607-272-1566
|
|
FEBRUARY RCAD CLEANING SPECIAL |
|
Please click here for an explanation of our RCAD
(Regular Customer Appreciation Discount).
Our regular customers will receive the postcard pictured below which can be shared with family and friends.
Please call early for an appointment.
~~~
JANUARY 3 - MARCH 31, 2022
20% OFF Carpet Cleaning
~~
FOR FEBRUARY ONLY
30% OFF Area & Oriental Rug Cleaning
PLUS
PAY WITH CASH FOR AN EXTRA 5% OFF
the above discounted offers!
|
|
CLICK HERE to check out our video - It's What We Do!
|
|
Visit us on Facebook
for
Tips, trends, the latest industry information, and even
Facebook only Discounts
Like us on Facebook and receive a $10 credit off your next cleaning order!
|
|
The Cleanest Clean You've Ever Seen! |
|
130 Cecil Malone Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
|
|
THANK YOU!!
We look forward to continuing
to serve your textile cleaning & repair needs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
