YOUR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CLEANING COMPANYYOUR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CLEANING COMPANY
September 19th, 2018
Signs of efflorescence developing on building wall (left) and results of surface cleaning (right)
If you have ever seen a white, powdery substance on the surface of a concrete or brick wall, you may be looking at something called “efflorescence”.
What is Efflorescence?
Most tradesmen and builders will have come across efflorescence at some stage. In French, efflorescence means to “flower out”. In this case, it is the “flowering out” of salt and mineral deposits on building surfaces such as concrete, masonry, brick and natural stone. It can have a white or grayish tint and take on a powdery form. As the salt deposits are white in colour, efflorescence is generally more noticeable on darker coloured surfaces.
While some may think of efflorescence as merely an aesthetic issue, the presence of this chalky substance can also be an indication of moisture intrusion that could lead to more major structural issues within the building.
What causes Efflorescence?
To put it simply, efflorescence happens when water-soluble salt migrates to the surface of a porous material. This forms a coating on the surface. Both water and salt is needed for efflorescence to make an appearance as moisture is what causes the salt to crystallise. The water could already be present in the surface itself or it can come from external sources such as rain and washing down surfaces. In many cases, efflorescence occurs during home construction when building surfaces are not properly covered overnight, allowing them to absorb moisture from rain and soil. While efflorescence is more common during the winter seasons due to the increased likelihood of wet weather conditions, it can still occur all year round.
Can Efflorescence be prevented?
The best way to remove efflorescence is to prevent it from happening in the first place. In general, efflorescence will only stop developing when the source of moisture is discovered and eliminated. This, however, is not always possible so it is likely that the salts will continue to reappear over time.
It is important and helpful to consider the formation of efflorescence during the early stages of a construction project as there are a number of construction techniques that can be used to minimise the chance of efflorescence developing such as proper storage of masonry materials, installation of capillary breaks or use of a sealant.
Before and after efflorescence cleaning
The Benefits of Efflorescence Cleaning
If left ignored, efflorescence can lead to more severe structural damage, deterioration or the formation of mould. While the substance itself is not harmful and is often seen as an aesthetic issue, if efflorescence is not properly examined and dealt with in a timely manner, it can lead to more expensive costs to fix the problem.
It is also recommended to remove efflorescence prior to painting as a surface with signs of efflorescence makes for a poor and brittle base that can stop paint from adhering to the surface effectively, thereby increasing the need for repairs in the future.
Before and after results of efflorescence cleaning
It is important to get efflorescence examined by a professional to determine if there are underlying issues that need to be addressed. Here at FCT, we have over 20 years of experience in professional surface cleaning so you can be confident leaving your efflorescence cleaning needs in our hands. We are a fully mobile operation and pride ourselves in providing exceptional service at competitive prices.
For an obligation-free quote or if you would like more information about what we can for you, please contact our friendly team on (08) 9204 3333 or email us at admin@fctcleaning.com.au.
July 10th, 2018
For many Australians out there, they will be renting a property instead of living in one that they own. This can be for many different reasons, but commonly it is because someone is saving for a deposit for their own home. Others may be wanting to try out a certain area to see if they like it before they buy, and some will have recently gone through a separation or divorce and so will need to rent for a while until they can get back on their feet. But no matter the reason for renting, it is always important to leave a building in tip-top condition when it comes time to leave. This is not only to pay respect to the building that has housed someone for the duration of their tenancy, but it is also a great way for people to ensure that they will have their full bond payments returned. Furthermore, it can build trust with the landlord and make it more likely that they will give them a positive reference if the person ever wants to rent again. It can also simply be common courtesy to leave a home in the best condition possible.
What is usually involved in an end-of-lease clean?
For some, when they complete an end-of-lease clean, they will think about the basics such as sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, and moping. There is actually a lot more involved in the process which is why so many people will hire professional help such as ourselves here at FCT. Many will not know that they will need to complete tasks such as cleaning the inside of an oven, washing walls, getting rid of cobwebs, hosing down windows, and clearing any overgrown garden areas. Another area that many people forget to focus on is driveways or any paths areas. The reason why it can be important to take care of these areas is because vehicles such as cars and motorbikes are driven over and parked on these areas. This means that they can suffer from tyre marks, dirt, and even oil leaks. A great way to make sure that outdoor paved areas are taken care of is with professional high-pressure cleaning. While this is not regularly the first thing that people will think of when it comes to an end-of-lease clean, it can actually be a great investment as it can lift the whole appearance of a building and help ensure that bond payments are returned in their entirety.
What does professional high-pressure cleaning involve?
Professional high-pressure cleaning is a completely mobile service where a company such as ourselves here at FCT will come to a property to take care of driveways, barbeque areas, outdoor furniture, and patios. We bring our own equipment which is designed to remove grime, grease, and dirt without damaging the integrity of the surface. This service is completely affordable and is the perfect way to take care of a building when ending a rental lease. Renters are able to implement professional high-pressure cleaning to not only impress their landlords with the immaculate condition that they leave a building, but they can ensure that they receive all of their bond payment back as well. This is why it can be so important to think about these types of services when it comes to an end-of-lease clean.
June 11th, 2018
Graffiti refers to a written slogan or drawing that has been sprayed, scratched or scribbled on to a wall or another surface in a public place. Whilst spray painted graffiti is the most common, drawings and tags in permanent marker or other substances are common sights around Perth. Not only is graffiti illegal; it is an unsightly eyesore that can greatly impact the overall presentation or value of a building.
There are several methods to remove graffiti safely and effectively:
FCT Cleaning specialise in graffiti removal on all kinds of surfaces on both public and private premises. We understand that graffiti can greatly impact the overall appearance of your property, and that the timely and efficient removal of graffiti is essential. FCT Cleaning have held a government contract for graffiti removal in the greater Perth area for over 20 years, and our professional team are fully trained to handle the removal of graffiti from all kinds of surfaces.
May 9th, 2018
Recently, FCT Cleaning conducted a thorough cleaning and decontamination of a dwelling that had been previously used as a meth lab.
Our specialist cleaning team were instructed to go to the aforementioned premises in order to complete a thorough cleaning and decontamination of the former meth lab. After cleaning down the walls and swab testing the area, the swabs were sent away to a specialist laboratory for testing. The sites of the dwelling that were cleaned and tested included the following areas:
Each site was thoroughly analysed for several hazardous substances, including methamphetamine, MDMA and heavy metals.
After the investigation and cleaning operation completed by FCT cleaning, the reports showed that the dwelling was now free from hazardous substances and illegal contaminants. This is an excellent outcome, and both the team at FCT Cleaning and the client are extremely happy with the results.
April 5th, 2018
Is your driveway looking a little worse for wear?
In autumn, falling leaves from deciduous trees and windy conditions can clog your driveway up with debris. Not only are leaves and dirt on your driveway unsightly, they can be hazardous to vehicles and damage the surface over time. Leaves will break down and create mold and surface stains on concrete, which can be very difficult to remove. Don’t panic! Call the experts at FCT Cleaning for highly effective driveway cleaning that will save you both time and money.
Don’t waste time trying to remove stubborn dirt, stains and leaves from your concrete driveway this autumn. The easiest and most effective way to clean a concrete driveway surface is high pressure cleaning. High pressure cleaning involves the use of powerful hoses that release a stream of water at extremely high pressure. When the jet of water hits the surface, the fast moving water particles blast away anything and everything stuck to the concrete. In addition to this, the electrical polarity of the water molecules allows them to stick to any stubborn dirt and grime.
High pressure cleaning is so powerful with water alone, it completely removes the need to use corrosive and harmful chemicals to effectively clean the surface. Choose a safer and more environmentally friendly way to clean your property today with high pressure cleaning from the experts at FCT Cleaning.
If you are thinking of selling your home or property this autumn, a clean driveway lifts the entire appearance of your property and sends a positive first impression to potential buyers. On the other hand, a dirty or grimy driveway is a guaranteed way to make your home look less valuable. Send the right impression with your home and maximise your chances of selling; contact the experts at FCT Cleaning for effective and affordable high pressure driveway cleaning today.
At FCT Cleaning, we don’t just specialize in residential cleaning; we also offer highly effective driveway and entrance cleaning services for office buildings, schools and council properties.
Autumn is a particularly busy time of year for schools, with students returning to classes and high foot and vehicle traffic using school pathways and entrances. Keep the concrete driveways and paths in your school clean and clear with professional and affordable high pressure cleaning from FCT Cleaning. At FCT Cleaning, we understand that trying to clean school property can be disruptive to the daily routine of the school. Our expert team are highly trained to operate effectively in a busy school environment, and will safely and quickly clean the area with minimal disruption to both staff and students.
So why choose FCT Cleaning? Our friendly team have over 20 years experience providing homes, businesses and schools in Perth with professional surface cleaning services. We are a fully mobile operation that will travel anywhere in the greater Perth area to you, providing obligation free quotes at extremely competitive prices. FCT are also committed to providing cleaning services that are gentle on the environment. We understand that traditional cleaning services can be extremely damaging to the environment, so all of the products we use are green safe, allergy and pet friendly. Don’t settle for a dirty and damaged driveway – contact the experts at FCT Cleaning today and make your home or business sparkle like new.
March 12th, 2018
A high pressure cleaning (also known as a pressure washer) is a machine that mechanically sprays a surface to remove any stubborn debris.
These machines have incredibly high-power hoses that blast surfaces with their water jets. This is very efficient at cleaning outdoor areas such as patios, driveways, decking and even things like barbeques and outdoor furniture. Grime, dirt, dust and other properties can quickly and easily be removed, and leave an area looking fresh and brand new.
Many people use soapy water to hand scrub surfaces only to find that stubborn things like paint remains and grime just won’t budge.
The good news is that there are experts that can be called, like our team here at FCT Surface Cleaning, that will bring professional equipment to your home or place of business and easily take care of the issue. Here are some of the benefits of our high pressure cleaning services in Perth.
We can remove paint and graffiti
Here at FCT, we understand how frustrating graffiti or paint stains can be. They are just so hard to remove and can leave a surface looking less than perfect. Instead of scrubbing for hours trying to remove the paint yourself, we can easily clean the area with a high pressure wash. Our expert equipment ensures that graffiti is easily removed and can leave your home or place of business looking professional once again.
We can get your home ready to sell or rent
When selling a home or getting it ready to rent, it is imperative that it is looking its best. An outdoor area can look dark and dreary when the ground and surroundings are covered in dirt, plants and other grime. A quick clean can leave the area looking lighter and more modern.
Graffiti can be removed from fences, dirt can be removed from driveways and moss can be removed from windows. In order to get the best value for your property possible, it is wise to call our team to give your home the proper clean it deserves.
We can save you from unnecessary purchases
Instead of replacing barbeques and outdoor furniture, we can give them a blast and have them looking brand new again. Moss, black marks, and mould can be washed away, and you can get a few more years out of your possessions. We understand the importance of recycling and know that it is ideal to keep items as long as possible.
Many people also have family possessions that have been passed down, so it is important to be able to keep that item. Hiring one of our professionals is the perfect way to clear your current possessions and save you from any unnecessary purchases.
In conclusion, there are many benefits to getting a high pressure clean in your home or place of business.
Surfaces can become clean and clear, grime can be removed, and properties or businesses can be left looking a million bucks.
We can help you or your company by easily removing graffiti and paint, by getting your home ready for sale or for rent and by saving you from any unnecessary purchases.
Take advance of our professional services by giving one of our friendly team members a call today on (08) 9204 3333 or send us an email at admin@fctcleaning.com.au
March 5th, 2018
Limestone is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock and contains at least 50% calcium carbonate. When it comes to buildings, it is commonly used as flooring, shower surfaces, countertops, and walls. This rock is formed in shallow seas and is created by the compression of marine invertebrates over many years.
This is quite often the building material of choice because it lasts for a long time and is aesthetically pleasing. It can come in almost any colour depending on what type of elements are combined with the calcium carbonate inside of the rock. It is also an environmentally suitable option and is easy to get a hold of, giving more reason to why so many buildings are made from limestone.
One of the downsides to limestone is that it easily scratches and crumbles as it is relatively soft. As it is a lighter material, it is also more likely to show dirt and grime when it sticks to the surface. With proper care this isn’t an issue, however, without methodical cleaning, it may become irreversibly damaged and will need to be replaced.
This is where expert limestone cleaning comes in. Here at FCT Cleaning, we are able to come to your home or place of work and cater to your limestone cleaning needs.
As Perth is home to many limestone buildings, we understand how is important it is to remove dark marks that can arise and protect the surface as much as possible. We are able to easily achieve this by using a high-pressure water cleaner. This blasts water onto the surface and is able to remove all of the muck without damaging the surface itself. We also believe that using water is one of the best methods because no chemicals are involved which can also negatively affect limestone.
We have some amazing before an after shots on our website that show the difference pressure cleaning can make on your limestone pavements, pool areas or walls. This can make a huge impact when it comes time to selling a property or even renting it out. Pressure washing can give your home an instant facelift that is sure to impress family and friends.
We recommend booking in a professional clean every few months, so your home will be looking at its best at all times. For those wanting to make their clean last even longer, they are able to enquire into our sealing services.
This is when we professionally spray a sealant over a surface to protect it from the elements. If you are not sure if your surface needs a clean or a seal, we are also able to inspect your property to let you know what we think the best thing to do for your surfaces is.
Here at FCT, we have years of experience in the surface cleaning industry and pride ourselves on our exceptional and fully mobile surface.
We are the preferred company to use by many businesses and we are confident that you will enjoy our limestone cleaning services too.
We are up-front with our prices and even offer obligation free quotes for your convenience. Get in contact with us by calling (08) 9204 3333, by filling out our online contact form or by emailing us at admin@fctcleaning.com.au.
All enquiries are more than welcome, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have about limestone.
February 7th, 2018
It is widely known that investing in a property can be one of the smartest financial moves to make. Whether you decide to rent out the property or to live in the residence, it is likely that interest will build on that property and that equity will be gained. This, however, becomes less likely to occur when a property is not taken care of.
This involves ensuring that all wiring and appliances are working and kept in good condition, as well as regularly clearing the guttering. It means controlling any garden areas so that weeds and rouge branching are never causing any issues or becoming an eyesore. This further involves, ensuring that all outdoor surfaces are free of grime, dirt, mould, and algae. The outside of a home or property is the first thing that people will see, and it is imperative to give good impressions. A homes surfaces can set the tone for the rest of the property, so it is important to have them looking as clean and clear as possible. This way is it more likely that a building will retain its value (if not increase in value) and is a great way to protect your investment.
High-pressure cleaning
Here at FCT cleaning, we offer professional high-pressure cleaning that will ensure any outdoor surface is looking its best. We find this method extremely effective as the positively charged water molecules will stick to any dirt or grime and pull it away from a surface. This means that stone pavements, feature walls and outdoor furniture can be cleaned to look brand new again. This is the perfect way to ensure that your property keeps an up-to-date look and tenants will be kept happy.
Regular surface cleaning
Here at FCT, we encourage regular surface cleaning to achieve the best results. We do understand, however, that this cannot always be done, especially when there are tenants living in a property. A great way to counter this is by implementing a professional clean before tenants move into a property, and we can apply a seal. A seal can be used on a driveway or other outdoor surfaces to keep grime and mould at bay for longer. It can also be wise to include a maintenance clean every six months in your lease details, so tenants can know that an outdoor surface clean will regularly take place.
Other benefits
As well as removing dirt and grime from a surface, our professional team can also cater to graffiti removal and chewing gum removal. Graffiti can immediately reduce the value of a property and can be detrimental when trying to make a sale. We can easily remove this as well as gum to ensure that a building is looking professional at all times. We can further strip paint from old surfaces or furniture to allow for a repaint. This is a great option for older properties that are in dire need of a paint job.
As is can be seen, there are many benefits to regularly cleaning a properties surfaces. Our professional team only use the most ethical and natural products possible, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your children and pets are safe after a clean. Furthermore, seeking the support of an expert team is a great way to retain value in the property as well as protect your investment for years to come.
