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How to Select a Carpet Cleaning Company
Avoid the Cowboys and Still Get Great Value
Because the carpet cleaning industry in the UK is unregulated it is seen by many as an
easy way to make some quick money or as an easy add on to an existing company. For
a small outlay a cheap machine can be bought from ebay and the service is then offered
as a professional service. Even established companies are still using outdated
machinery and have used the same cleaning solutions for years despite there being
better options available. As an owner of a carpet cleaning company, and an operator of
the equipment the difference in the standards of carpet cleaning is clear to me, let me
show you.
Surveys
Surveys, these are not simply a sales technique, they are for your benefit! Cleaning is
tailored to suit by knowing the fibre of your carpet, knowing the spills and marks, they are
treated appropriately giving better results. Incorrect previous cleaning can leave high pH,
damaging some fabrics. You should use this time to discuss the furniture to be moved
and to highlight any problem areas, like tea or coffee spilt and any pet urine or smells on
the carpet. Do not be worried about mentioning an area of concern as your carpet
cleaner may need certain treatments to deal with the problem and so they need to know
in advance. Surveys allow for a proper pricing of the cleaning task, a set price per room
without viewing does not allow the operator to be prepared for any problems that may
arise.
Pre-spray
Demanding carpet cleaners use only the best cleaning treatments, known as pre-sprays,
the spray is worked into the carpet pile with a brushing machine (this is known as
agitation). Pre-sprays will vary due to the fibre, and the type of soiling, they are vital as
they loosen the dirt, enzymes break up food deposits, and the dirt is held ready for
extraction.
Warning
Bait and switch is an illegal sales technique where the cleaning company baits the
customer with low priced cleaning. When the operator arrives he uses no pre-spray and
simply uses the extraction machine on the carpet – this is like washing your clothes
using just the washing machine rinse and no detergent. When the carpet still looks dirty
the operator then suggests a pre-spray, at a vastly increased cost. The homeowner then
ends up paying more for an inferior clean than they would have paid for a quality clean
from a reputable company.
Hot Water Extraction only cleaning, or One Step cleaning, cleaning without pre-sprays
and agitation is sometimes the technique used by untrained operators who know no
better. They simply use the extraction machine with a cleaning chemical in the rinse this
gives poor results and is generally used by companies trying to be the cheapest. Simply
ask yourself, having taken out the costs of running their business, and travelling to your
home and the costs of the cleaning products, what profit are the company actually
making. Will they need to do a quick clean of your room and get on to the next job?
Marks and Stains
Marks and worrying stains are treated with a vast array of cleaning agents! Different
fibres, and different spills mean that a one fix chemical is not possible (treating a wine
spill is totally different from nail varnish or make up). A reputable company will carry a
spotting kit, with treatments for a wide range of marks and also specialist bleaching
agents for treating permanent stains.
Equipment Used
The agitation machine works the pre-spray through the carpet, without it the agent would
sit on top and not reach right down into the pile. Universally recognised as the best type
of machine for this are the larger CRB machines, or contra rotating brush machines they
will also lift the carpet pile. Another but inferior option is a rotary machine (like a buffing
machine but slower).
Operators of small carpet cleaning extraction machines say that the actual extraction
machine you use does not matter, that the pre-spray is all important. However in the
process we have to get the pre-spray and the dirt out of the carpet, a low powered rinse
and low power vacuum leaves behind some of the pre-spray and dirt, so while the water
in the machine may look dirty a good proportion of that dirty water remains in the carpet.
The truckmount operator also has the option of hotter and instantly heated rinse
solutions to help break down stubborn dirt and also sanitise the carpet.
Finishing Off
Putting furniture back on tabs prevents rusting or wood stain from furniture legs marking
the carpet, grooming re-sets the pile to enhance the final look of your carpet, and carpet
dryers, large blowers, along with a powerful extraction vacuum mean your carpet is dry
within a few hours.
Reputable
Company
Free Survey
Pre-Vacuum
Pre-Spray and Agitation
Treatment of Marks
Moving of Furniture
Hot Water Extraction
Furniture on Tabs
Carpet Groomed
Carpet Dryers
Insurance
IICRC Training
High Power Truck Mount
Low Price Quick
Cleaners
How can you know?
Generally when buying a product you can examine it, pick it up and look at it and see if it
fits your needs. A service like carpet cleaning is different, especially if you don’t even
meet the technician beforehand and he takes your booking by phone. So when getting
quotes, even if it’s over the phone there are questions you must ask.
What steps are included in the cleaning process you are quoting for?
You need a quote, a fixed price and not an estimate. Look out that they will move the
furniture (if you need it), that they will use a pre-spray and agitate, to work the pre-spray
into the pile. Then Hot Water Extraction with a powerful machine, grooming the pile so
the pile is all in the same direction, replacing the furniture on protective tabs, and fast
drying with air movers or fans. The process is sometimes broken down and listed as
seven or nine steps, but is essentially the process as listed here.
What method will you use clean my carpets?
Carpet manufacturers recommend Hot Water Extraction (HWE), sometimes called
Steam Cleaning. When it’s done properly HWE will clean deep into the carpet pile. Low
moisture cleaning is also available, bonnet cleaning or the Host system. Low moisture
methods should be used if you have a carpet sensitive to water, or you need to use the
carpet immediately or even during the cleaning, but low moisture cleaning is not
recommended by carpet manufacturers as it is not a thorough cleaning system.
How long will it take?
Cleaning properly is not as simple as running a vacuum over the carpet. A minimum of
two machines should go over the carpet along with moving the furniture and putting it
back, the pre-spry and fans for drying. Remembering that the technician does this work
every day, does the time given seem reasonable for all the work to be carried out?
What equipment do you use?
Built specifically for cleaning domestic carpets the Truckmount HWE machine provides
the rinsing and vacuum power for deep cleaning. The machine has its own tanks for
clean and waste water, good news if you are on a water meter, and the waste will not be
poured down your toilet. (Waste water must by law go into the foul water drain).
Are you qualified with the IICRC?
The IICRC also called The Cleantrust sets the world standard in training for carpet
cleaners. The NCCA, also provides training, and passing their examinations or the
IICRC exams means you can join the NCCA by paying a subscription. Joining TACCA
requires that you have not only training but also a minimum standard in equipment. City
and Guilds and other bodies run cleaning courses but not specific to cleaning carpets,
and not including carpet construction which is needed to prevent damage when using
certain chemicals.
Are the cleaning agents you use biodegradable and eco friendly?
Today cleaning agents that are biodegradable and eco friendly are readily available and
not overly expensive, they are also very effective.
Are you insured? Is that public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance is required by law, but it is not enough, a properly insured
company will have either indemnity or item worked upon insurance. If an untrained
operator shrinks your carpet or strips the colour out of your sofa, or bleeds the dye on
your rug, his public liability insurance will not cover him for the damage. It is very unlikely
that a fully qualified technician will cause any damage and even if it does happen they
will be fully insured.
Getting Great Value
Now you know how to select the right cleaning company, but in the questions to ask we
did not mention price. The price is usually the first thing that a person asks, mostly due
to the fact that they don’t know how different carpet cleaning companies can be. Without
having read this report most will look for the cheapest clean, but as we know that cheap
clean isn’t really going to do a very good job of cleaning their carpets. So do you have to
go to one of the large franchises and pay their high prices? NO.
When you contact a company use the questions to gather the information you need, if
you are happy that they will provide a quality clean and have good customer service then
ask for them to prepare a quote. Don’t be afraid to ask if they have any offers at the
moment. Having a few companies that have prepared a quote you can now get a
professional deep clean for your carpets at the best price available.
I hope this information helps you to make the right choice in which company you choose.
If you have any questions or would like further information you can contact me on 01376
585973 or 07810077821 or [email protected]
Richard Meads
Afresh Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.