Why hire a professional carpet cleaner?

Eliminate the need to rent a machine
This is probably the biggest reason to hire a professional rather than go at it yourself. When you add up the cost of the carpet cleaning machine, the cost of the cleaning chemicals and the additional tools you may need to do stairs or upholstery you are not saving all that much and the rental or homeowner cleaners are no where near as powerful as professional carpet cleaning systems.
Different types of carpet
There are many different types of carpet on the market, nylon, berber, wool and so on. Professionals have the skills and knowledge to determine what type of carpet you have and what type of cleaning agents will work best without damaging the carpet.
Sanitizing
A true professional will be using powerful  equipment capable  of high pressure that is needed to get a deep clean that will remove germs, dust mites and other contaminates found deep in the carpet pile.
Difficult spots and stains
There are many different types of stains, some can be very challenging such as urine,  dyes found in lots of chilcrens drinks  the types of specialty spottersneeded to remove these are just not available to the public.
The physical aspect
Carpet cleaning is very strenuous work, just lugging the machine to and from the store is enough to cause back pain and the actual cleaning is even harder work.
Inferior cleaning
The  equipment available for rent is with out a doubt leaving dirt and soil behind. The vacuum motors in this type of equipment are no comparison to the what the pros use. Not only is dirt being left behind but usually too much water and cleaning agents are left behind as well. Over wetting can cause mold, mildew and odors. Leaving chemicals behind will cause faster re soiling from sticky residue.

Cleanbright the Dublin carpet cleaner www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu

Chicken curry stain removal

We all love Chicken curry but what if we leave a stain on our sofa or carpet heres a good article i found on the web                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        If the curry stain is on upholstery or the carpet, you have a bit more work cut out for you since you can’t exactly fit your sofa in the washing machine.

However, the effort required to remove curry stains from carpets or furniture is not all that tough. Curry is organic material and does not contain harsh staining chemical ingredients. As such, it can be curry stain removal is relatively easy with the right effort.

Scraping off the excess of the spilled curry should be the first step as it should always be the first step anytime you spill something. Once you have scrapped off the excess, you will need to apply a cleaning solution to it. What type of cleaning solution should you use?

Basically, you will want to mix cold water, a teaspoon of dishwashing fluid, and a tablespoon of white vinegar. This new curry cleaning solution will be dabbed onto the stain allowing the cleaning liquid to absorb into where the stain is present.

Keep doing this over and over until the stain is removed. Wash away the cleaning solution with cold water and the dry the spot. If you notice there are traces of the stain still present, you will want to dab the area with rubbing alcohol. This should help make your carpet or your upholstery look as good as new and as if no stain ever occurred in the first place. Just be sure to also dry up the area you added the alcohol in with a dry cloth after it has been rubbed into the stain.

 

 

Cleanbright the Dublin carpet cleaners

www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu

 

 

why cut corners on carpet cleaning

this is a great article by Kevin loomes he really knows his stuff

 

PAY ONCE , PAY TWICE

So what on earth am I talking about - what does this pay once, pay twice mean? Well it's an expression commonly used when someone tries to cut corners. Let me explain.

We all want a great deal right? - yes! But sometimes actively seeking out the cheapest quotation for a service that we believe will be the exactly the same as a more expensive option, can (and usually does) lead to all sorts of issues. In this industry it's actually quite common for someone to hire a cheap clean, because seeing the word 'carpet cleaning' convinces them that no matter where they go - it must be the same service wherever they go. Of course this is ridiculous but some people are convinced of this.

What happens is that after the customer/client has been very disappointed with the service (because they have gone for the cheapest option), they fall in to despair and then seek out a 'proper' professional company to re-clean the carpets (or upholstery etc) to a standard they thought they were going to get originally!

So you can see, that after paying for a cheap clean, they then have to pay AGAIN for it to be done properly/correctly. This is where the term 'Pay Once, Pay Twice' comes in because this is exactly what has just happened. So by trying to cut corners on cost, has actually cost MORE than if they went to a proper company in the first place.

It's a tough lesson to learn, but there is always an expression that overrides all expressions and that is 'You Get What You Pay For'. So don't waste more money that you need to - get it done right in the first place!

 

At Cleanbright we could not agree more, the amount of times our new clients are amazed by the time and effort we put in to get their carpets cleaned compared to previous less than professonal cleaners , why waste your hard earned money

 

www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu   the Dublin carpet cleaner

Carpet cleaning cowboys

Here is a really good article by kevin loomes this man knows his stuff

 

We have all heard the expression 'cowboy traders' and it's probably one of our worst nightmares - allowing someone in to your home that you thought you could trust, to carry out a good job and they then proceed to rip you off.

It's something we hope that doesn't ever happen to us - and we like to think that we are switched on and be able to spot these cowboys and stop them in their tracks.

But what if you can't spot them - and risk them coming in to your home?

Well before they even get near your home, you need to ask them 7 easy questions to determine whether they are genuine professionals or 'after a quick buck' cowboys. So, here are the things you need to ask:

1). Have you been professionally trained?
I know it sounds a bit daft right - training for just a bit of carpet cleaning? I mean you can hire a carpet cleaning machine - with no training, so it can't be that important right? Unfortunately this is very WRONG. You see, it is very very technical indeed and not as easy as you think.

Let me ask you a couple of questions: What is the ideal ph value that a carpet should be left in? What is 'off gassing', what is the construction process of nylon or bonded flocks? Ok, your not going to know the answers but it is these and HUNDREDS of others that we ask ourselves every day when carrying out our tasks. It's this critical knowledge of chemistry, manufacturing and cleaning that parts a proper professional to a chancer and a guesser. Even after 30yrs, a professional still learns something new every day.

2). Are you certified by any trade associations?
A trade association like the National Carpet Cleaners Association is a governing body that has specific training and industry news that really any professional should be part of. There are even in depth industry exams just to pass. Also part of the criteria are having the correct insurance, and all members must carry out industry standard processes and run an ethical ship.

3). Do you use the most powerful cleaning systems available?
This is a contentious issue, as most companies will say that 'their' system is the best, so it's bound to get confusing. It is an industry fact, that if the most powerful system is used that it will clean a carpet much better and leave it much drier. But how do you know what 'the most powerful system' really is? It's quite easy.

You see, the most powerful systems are NOT what is plugged in to your home's electric socket (despite what the company says). The most powerful ones are either run on petrol, diesel or LPG. They generate much more suction, pressure and heat than any electrical machine - this is a 100% fact. We call it a 'mobile cleaning plant' because it is independent and even contains the waste tanks so nothing is poured down your sink or toilet - filling it with grit particles.

4). Do you offer a full money back guarantee?
If they don't offer this - then run a mile! It means they want to take your money and run. Any genuine professional will say to you - 'we can pre clean an area for you and if you don't think there is any difference, then we will not charge you a penny and walk away. If you are happy then we will carry on'. But even if the job is completed and there is a clear issue, and you are not happy for whatever reason, then they should refund all your money. Real professionals only want to please people and have clients who recommend their services.

5). Do you have proper insurance?
If the cleaning company say nothing - then they haven't got any! It costs money of course, but is critical in not only covering them - but also you. You see, if there is no cover, and an issue arises - what are they going to do? Yes, they are going to run like the wind, and leave you with a big bill. THIS IS WHY IT'S IMPORTANT.

BUT, even if the cleaning company say 'yes' to having insurance - have they got the right one? You would be surprised to hear that there are a large amount of cleaning companies who DO NOT have the right insurance. They may say that they have 'liability insurance', well guess what? That's not going to cover you. Yes it will cover your home - but it will not cover your furnishings that the cleaning company are 'cleaning'.

This type of cover is called 'Treatments Risk' insurance. This is what covers you. Unfortunately, for the cleaning companies that actually do have insurance and think this is enough are completely oblivious to the huge risk that they are taking. These companies are usually domestic cleaning companies - who 'add on' a service of 'carpet cleaning' etc to their list of services - without even realising that they have no cover. This usually goes hand in hand with no training too - but we have already mentioned this above!

6). Is your price fixed, with no hidden extras?
Some companies are quite unethical (what's new right). What can happen a lot is a system called 'Bait and Switch' an illegal practice indeed. First they advertise an incredibly cheap price (let's say £10 a room), to bait you in to ringing them. You ask 'is that all I am going to pay' and they say yes of course. What happens next is quite shocking, but when they get to your home they 'demonstrate' a so called clean, then demonstrate another clean (slightly different processes) which is much better. BUT if you want the better clean then you are pressurised in to going for the MUCH more expensive clean. Terrible isn't it? But it goes on EVERY day in the UK. Here is a Watchdog special on this very subject...more

A genuine company will give you a fixed price promise guarantee - that means you will be given written/printed clear costs - and no pressure selling to a different service. You would normally recieve the best possible service without underhand practices.

7). Do you carry out free surveys?
Not all companies like to visit prior to cleaning, but guessing isn't in the remit of a professional outfit. Not only is it good to see what we are actually cleaning, but also to go over any issues or concerns you may have. This would always be a free service and it really is of great benefit to both parties. If they won't visit or want to charge, then you have to ask why. Do you really want them in your home if you feel uneasy about them?

If after having asked your cleaning company these simple questions - and they do not respond positively to ALL of them, then you need to ask yourself - who really are these people?

Is it worth the risk? Don't forget, if after getting a problem through hiring a 'cowboy' and you try to contact them to sort the issue - they will traditionally ignore your calls and never return.

So the moral of the story is, you don't have to be sucked in by the gift of the gab, persueded by slick sales and consequently taken for a ride. It's easy to weed them out - just try the 7 questions above - and see if they can answer any of them - or dismiss them as irrelevant!

 

Cleanbright the Dublin carpet cleaner

Cleanbright- the Dublin carpet cleaners: red wine removal

Cleanbright- the Dublin carpet cleaners: red wine removal: Red Wine Removal Tips Posted on February 21, 2012 by admin How to Remove Red Wine Stains Everyone that drinks wine has, at one po...

Why get your carpet cleaned

Just as the clothes we wear need regular washing to keep them fresh and hygienic, our carpets and upholstered furniture require periodic cleaning. Accumulated soil and grit are major causes of reduced carpet and fabric life, and enable destructive and health harmful mites and bacteria to work unchecked. Cleaning costs are minimal when you consider the replacement cost of carpets and furnishings, so regular cleaning makes economic sense too.

Little do most of us realise that what we are seeing is only a tiny fraction of the soil that a carpet contains. The visible grime we notice is only the tip of the iceberg; up to 85 per cent of the dirt the carpet holds is buried deep within the pile. And when you consider that a carpet can eventually trap its own weight or more in soil - as much as 150 lbs for an average-sized living-room - you'll agree it's no trivial matter.

Regular professional cleaning can ensure:

Increased life expectancy - Eliminating many of the problems that may lead to carpet and soft furnishings needing to be replaced before their time.
Stain Removal - No longer worry about concealing those discomforting spots, marks and dried in spillages, professional cleaning can ensure removal of most stubborn stains.
A more hygienic environment - Complete removal of general dust, soil and accumulated debris.
Improved appearance - Even the oldest of carpets and furniture can look brand new following professional cleaning.
Elimination of mites and bacteria - Reducing the risk of allergies, mould and many other potential problems.
Deodorisation - Most odours can be eliminated by general professional cleaning and a professional carpet cleaner can offer specialist treatments to ensure a fresh, clean smelling carpet.

Why is just vacuuming not enough ?
Regular vacuuming is a necessity to keep your carpets clean and hygienic, and some of you will use other equipment to help maintain and preserve your valuable floor coverings. However, most domestic vacuum cleaners, shampooers and steamers, even the more powerful ones, haven't got what it takes to get rid of that deep-down dirt or nasty germs. This is one of those jobs for the professionals, with their highly sophisticated equipment and the training and experience to know how, when and where to use it.

For your local Dublin carpet cleaner call cleanbright  www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu

Stain removal tips

Some stain removal tips are well worth knowing, always remember however best practise is to completely avoid rubbing and over wetting by simply applying the solution to your clean cloth and press from the outside in to avoid spreading. Scrubbing any carpet or upholstery stain is always tempting but it will only penetrate the undesired colouration further. Be patient!

Here are some of our favourites:

• Pen ink - Apply hairspray and absorb with dry kitchen roll, repeat as necessary and then rinse gently with tepid water and blot dry.
• Coffee and Tea - Mix a liquid detergent such as Ariel Excel with an equal amount of white vinegar and apply gently using a blotting tecnique without any rubbing pressure. Finally rinse gently with weak vinegar solution and blot dry. This method is also used for alcohol, urine and soluble food stains.
• Best practise is to completely avoid rubbing and over wetting by simply applying the solution to your clean cloth and press from the outside in to avoid spreading. Scrubbing any carpet or upholstery stain is always tempting but it will only penetrate the undesired colouration further. Be patient!
• Chewing gum - Use crushed ice in a plastic bag to make the gum brittle without dampening the carpet fibres whilst scraping off gently with a knife. Any excess can be treated with nail varnish remover.
• Candle wax - Firstly remove what you can by scraping very gently so as not to damage the fibres using a blunt knife. Next, place a plain piece of paper and apply pressure with an iron on its lowest setting repeating until all the wax has been melted and absorbed by the paper.
• PVA or Craft glue - This is best removed with the gentle application of very hot but not boiling water, if a large quantity of the glue has set you will need to repeat the process several times for as long as it takes, use rubber gloves to withstand the heat.
• Super glue - Depending on your carpet, nail varnish remover with acetone is best but test it on an inconspicuous area first as it may cause discolouration or even melt carpet fibres.
• Blood - As soon as possible use a gentle salt+non alkaline soap solution (not washing up liquid) then blot. Bear in mind that for organic stains, enzymes found in biological soaps take time to work but are extremely effective. However if this does not remove the entire stain then use Resolve carpet cleaner as a failsafe method.
• Engine oil and grease - 'Surgical spirit' or 'rubbing alcohol' can be purchased from Asda or Boots and is usually the best method. Again, do not rub but blot the stain from the outside in. Sometimes general dirt (water soluble) will also be engrained in this stain type and should be removed in a secondary process with water based detergent (fairy liquid + warm water). Apply alcohol treatment again if necessary.
• Red wine - Blot the wet stain initially and then add just water to dilute the stain. After thoroughly blotting the stain again mix up a paste of water and baking soda and apply with gentle rubbing motion. Once dry, vacuum the remainder away.
• Furniture stains (wood varnish) - The best solution for this type of stain is often liberal application of WD40 then blotting. This can cause discoloration so always test a coloured carpet first. If however, this does not remove the entire stain give Resolve spot carpet cleaner dual power with oxi stain a try.
• Urine - For fresh urine stains apply wet paper towels to an area larger than the stain itself, use as heavy a weight as possible and leave for 30 minutes. Next apply an enzymatic cleaner found in most pet stores and use in accordance to the directions, finally, dry using paper towels and heavy weight method. Dry urine stains are more tricky, start by using above method for wet stains, next mix a teaspoon of bleach with a litre of distilled water and execute the same method with this solution. (An ultra-violet torch in a dark room will pinpoint any urine stain).

If in doubt consult a professional Cleanbright the Dublin carpet cleaner www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu

 

Cleanbright- the Dublin carpet cleaners: Tips on upholstery stains

Cleanbright- the Dublin carpet cleaners: Tips on upholstery stains: Another useful article form the web worth a look UPHOLSTERY CLEANING TIPS: DIY OR GO PRO? Spills, stains and normal wear and tear can le...

Bait and switch amazing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDQLwJoU0B8

Watch this video truly shocking

Tips on upholstery stains

Another useful article form the web worth a look

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING TIPS: DIY OR GO PRO?

Spills, stains and normal wear and tear can leave your upholstered furniture looking less than fresh. Should you clean it yourself or leave the job to the pros? That depends.

While manufacturers often recommend professional cleaning, many spots and stains can be treated at home without risk to the furniture. To help you decide, consider three main factors:

1. Fabric type

2. Size and location of stain

3. Type of stain

First, look at the manufacturer’s label to identify the fabric content. (If necessary, ask your retailer or check with the manufacturer). If the fabric is synthetic, you can usually safely clean it at home, since synthetic fabrics were designed for ease of care. If the fabric is a natural/synthetic blend, however, use caution and test a small, hidden patch first. If the upholstery is more than 50% cotton, professional cleaning may be your best bet if the stain is large, dark or in a very noticeable area.

The easiest upholstery stains to clean are those that are treated while they are still fresh. The hardest to clean are grease and oil. Any very large stain may be best left to a professional. Some tips on increasing your chance of successful results:

1. Moisture is not your friend. Use as little water as possible to clean upholstery. Try a spot remover first, but if you must use a water-based approach, use it sparingly for best results.

2. Upholstery sprays are inexpensive and often work well on organic stains, but they are ineffective on grease or oil.

3. Baby wipes are surprisingly effective for cleaning upholstery because they deliver the right amount of soap and water, are quite gentle, and evaporate quickly.

4. Coffee Stains: Combine a small amount of dish detergent, water and vinegar and dab sparingly until coffee disappears.

5. Mold or mildew: Mix a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide and a quarter teaspoon of color safe bleach. Lightly rub the stain with a clean cloth dipped in the solution. Rub area with fresh water applied sparingly and let dry.

6. Stubborn Stains:

CRAYON: Try using non-gel toothpaste to remove crayon marks from water-safe upholstery. Rub it gently on the surface, a small section at a time, then wipe off with a damp cloth.

GREASE OR OIL: Sprinkle salt, cornstarch or talcum powder on the spot as soon as you discover it. Rub in carefully, allow grease to lift off upholstery and absorb into spot remover. Brush off grease and powder and wipe with a damp cloth.

Did you know you can reduce overall grime and soiling of your upholstered furniture by vacuuming it regularly? Special upholstery attachments for your vacuum system can make it easy to reach small corners and creases, and are safe for use on fabrics. Vacuum furniture at least every two months, or weekly if you have pets or allergies.

 

if in any doubt contact a professional

www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu

Cleanbright the Dublin carpet cleaner

DIY or professional, the dangers of diy

another good article by Kevin loomes this man knows his stuff

 

And why you could be very disappointed indeed

There's something special about having fresh, clean carpets. It makes you feel better and gives your guests a great welcome. Cleaning them yourself may have been an idea you may have thought about before - afterall there are lots of adverts saying how you can hire 'professional' machines and the results look really good. Great! You may think, I'll get them done at the weekend and save money too!

So off you go to the DIY store and hire a machine with detergents, and you get them in the back of the car and get home ready for action! After a whole day of slogging away, filling up, emptying etc - will you be impressed with the results?

The honest answer is more than likely not. But why do you say? It's quite simple really....so be prepared for a little education based on facts, and ignore it at your peril.

A small machine from a hire store has to be small for a reason. If it's too big you won't be able to lift it - or fit it in to your car. Now being so small (and light) means that there is a limit on power - hhmm you may think, surely a carpet cleaning machine is a carpet cleaning machine. Yes, but there are MASSIVE differences between different types - and ALL giving different results.

Basically the bigger the machine the heavier it gets - due to much bigger internal motors and pumps for example, meaning it will have more power, allowing much better results to be had. Lets take this further. As the power increases even more (and again, along with the weight and size of the machine) the better it will perform in the worst conditions. There will be more VACUUM, more HEAT and more water PRESSURE leaving carpets much cleaner, brighter and dryer.

So you really have to try and ignore the suggestively 'amazing' sales videos and literature that are associated with these machines and realise that it is essentially impossible to achieve the same result as a genuine professional machine (hire machines are certainly not professional by the way). But you have to understand that they want to sell the 'hiring' of these machines for a reason - it makes them money (hey they are a business afterall). So yes they will have great 'images' etc - merely offering visual representations (as opposed to actual genuine cleaning photos).

If you think about this situation logically - if it were true (i.e. they do the same job as any other machine) then companies (certainly in our case), wouldn't buy machines costing many thousands of pounds - no-one would want to waste that sort of money right? - ABSOLUTELY! But they don't do the same - nowhere near, which is why some companies invest heavily to give the ultimate cleaning experience to their clients (note: not all companies/individuals do).

So What Are The Hidden Dangers?
Well they certainly are present that's for sure, and we occasionally SEE the result - and rectify issues commonly experienced with them. I will list them - and if you have used one before you may notice one of them - or even all of them.

1) Poor results - due to lack of power from the machines
2) Damp carpets for days - causing smells
3) Mould build up - due to incorrect cleaning attempts
4) Delaminated carpets - caused by overwetting
5) Browning discolouration - caused by overwetting
6) Shrinkage - caused by excessive moisture
7) Rapid re-soiling - caused by high residue content of detergent left behind

The actual dangers are mould spores being breathed in which can cause health issues, and physically damaged carpets - which may have to be removed & replaced. THIS IS NOT A SCARE TACTIC. These are genuine problems that arise because of these machines. We had a client contact us recently who experienced the exact same problem and explained to me that it was a waste of time BUYING one of these machines as it now sits in her cupboard (and she will not use it any more). And yes, we visited her to clean her carpets properly.

So, the idea of saving a few pounds now.......well could it actually cost you more financially? Yes it could indeed, and you have been warned.

Author: Kevin Loomes

 

cleanbright the dublin carpet cleaner www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu

 

Agitation why do it

Another great article by kevin loomes

What On Earth is 'Agitation'? & Why Should it NEVER Be Missed?

And why every company should be doing it.

Its a simple process, an action of loosening soil to make it easier to remove from where it's attached to. It's not complicated, but it can and and does get missed - even though it's critically important.

Allow me to explain. If your washing your hands, you first apply a cleaning agent, and then you 'agitate' your hands together and then you rinse under water making them lovely and clean. If your washing your car, you put the sponge in to the bucket containing a cleaning product, and then you 'agitate' the paintwork - and rinse off with water to get a great shiny finish . If your washing your hair, you apply a shampoo and 'agitate' with your fingers prior to rinsing off and leaving it squeeky clean. I think you get the picture. Fundamentally they all require agitation to get the desired result.

So if we didn't agitate what we clean - and just applied the product and merely rinsed off - what would happen to your hands, your car or your hair? Well not a lot really, it really wouldn't look any different.

So logic says that ANY cleaning being undertaken, whether it's something as simple as above - or even cleaning a floor for example, tells you that you cannot miss this critical process otherwise there wouldn't be any proper cleaning being carried out. This is just a simple fact but one I hope you can now easily understand why it's such an important aspect to the whole cleaning service. It's simple isn't it? Yes it's really that simple!

So Why Should Every Company 'Do It' & How Does It Relate To Professional Cleaning?
Well first of all it is irrelevant whether a professional company carry it out or not - it's still the same principal. So if a company chooses to miss this aspect of the cleaning process, then they really are missing out on giving a thorough 'proper' clean. Whether it's carpets, upholstery, leather, rugs or hard floors, only by agitating will the item be really clean - prior to the rinsing action of the fibres or hard surface.

You know it makes logical sense, so if a company decides to miss out on this (i.e. carpet cleaning for example) - just ask them why, and see what they say. Maybe they charged a really low price and subsequently haven't got time to do it? It's quite a common scenario unfortunately, as something has to 'give' the lower the price goes.

So how does a company actually 'agitate'? Well it's the use of a separate machine that does the work - prior to the main machine rinsing it all out. This can be by different types of equipment, using brushes or pads for example, but essentially it massages the area deep down and loosens the soil, in conjunction with a suitable cleaning agent (and suitable equipment).

So, if you haven't yet experienced proper cleaning - then make sure your furnishings are agitated!

Author: Kevin Loomes

 

thought this was such a good piece , we always agitate ,but sadly alot of the cowboys dont
Cleanbright the Dublin carpet cleaners
www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu

Dark Patches in Front of Sofas - Is It Damage....or Dirt?

 Really good article by kevin loomes                                                                                                                                                                                                         Dark Patches in Front of Sofas - Is It Damage....or Dirt?

You may be sitting there one day and looking at your carpet, and notice that in front of your sofa or armchair on the carpet - that the foot area looks well, downright grubby - and wouldn't it be nice if it wasn't there! Maybe a good clean will get rid of it you think - or will it?

Surely a clean will return it to new again?
Well,...possibly. What do you mean I hear you say! Well it's not as simple as that - for a number of reasons. Usually if its quite bad then it's usually down to people wearing outdoor shoes - in the house, treading all over the carpets. I can hear your brain saying "But we all wipe our shoes when we come in - so what on earth do you mean?" And that's fair enough, so let me explain.

You see even when wiping your shoes on a mat, this doesn't remove ALL the soil particles. It may remove the bulk but not the tiny particles, even minute particles caught inbetween the tread of the sole. When you walk over a carpet - or sit in the same area, its the shoes rubbing against the carpet fibres - wearing them away. It's almost like sandpaper. The tiny particles act as an abrasive, and they grind against the carpet fibre surface causing damage.

But why is it darker there than the rest of the carpet?
Well lets take a different look on it - and then you should understand. Imagine a carpet fibre.....when manufactured they are cylindrical, round and smooth on the surface - reflecting lots of light bouncing off this smooth finish. When this surface is abraded it reflects light a lot less and subsequently looks duller. Imagine a sheet of new pvc plastic, it's hard, smooth and really shiny when reflected in the light. If you get a piece of sandpaper and rub the plastic - what happens? It goes all dull and consequently darker. This is exactly the same as a carpet fibre when shoes coarsely rub against it.

Doesn't that make sense? Of course it does. Now mix in some soil from shoes and it becomes quite unsightly. Cleaning may well indeed improve the appearance but it is possible that the area could be permanently damaged. To make matters worse even slippers can cause issues too! If they are black soled, the constant rubbing of the sole can penetrate the fibres leaving them darker in appearance. If you think about it and look at your slipper soles right now - if they are black and maybe smooth and shiny? Where has the sole thickness and tread gone - if you've only worn them indoors? That's right - in to your carpet! It's not rocket science.

One last thing...
Heavy soiling created by shoes can make the same area become victim of 'inground soil' too. OK - what's this? Well essentially it's the constant bombardment of soil in one place, and it isnt always possible to remove it. It's true, and let me give you a similar scenario. If you have a white shirt, and you start to notice that the top of the collar edge and the cuff edges are showing black soil/grubbiness - and you have just taken it out of the washing machine (even at 90 degrees!) - you put this down to the fact that the machine just cannot lift any more out, as it's just not possible. Well it's exactly the same with fibres and fabrics. So it's not ineffective cleaning - it's simply issues with that particular carpet [if it was ineffective cleaning then everyone would be complaining to their washing machine manufacturer!!].

So try to look after your carpet by removing outdoor shoes and obtaining light coloured soled slippers. With these 2 actions alone the carpet will last much longer - and cleaning will have a better chance of making it look fabulous afterwards.

Author: Kevin Loomes

 

Thanks for reading www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu the dublin carpet cleaner

why carpets resoil faster after cleaning by Omar Khabat

This is a seriously good article by omar Khabat just wanted to share it with every one
http://ezinearticles.com/?Reasons-Why-Carpets-Re-Soil-Faster-After-Cleaning&id=7443184

cleaning upholstery DIY or pro

This article had a good approach , but how do you feel about these articles can more damage than good be done read it and let me know
www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING TIPS: DIY OR GO PRO?

Spills, stains and normal wear and tear can leave your upholstered furniture looking less than fresh. Should you clean it yourself or leave the job to the pros? That depends.

While manufacturers often recommend professional cleaning, many spots and stains can be treated at home without risk to the furniture. To help you decide, consider three main factors:

1. Fabric type

2. Size and location of stain

3. Type of stain

First, look at the manufacturer’s label to identify the fabric content. (If necessary, ask your retailer or check with the manufacturer). If the fabric is synthetic, you can usually safely clean it at home, since synthetic fabrics were designed for ease of care. If the fabric is a natural/synthetic blend, however, use caution and test a small, hidden patch first. If the upholstery is more than 50% cotton, professional cleaning may be your best bet if the stain is large, dark or in a very noticeable area.

The easiest upholstery stains to clean are those that are treated while they are still fresh. The hardest to clean are grease and oil. Any very large stain may be best left to a professional. Some tips on increasing your chance of successful results:

1. Moisture is not your friend. Use as little water as possible to clean upholstery. Try a spot remover first, but if you must use a water-based approach, use it sparingly for best results.

2. Upholstery sprays are inexpensive and often work well on organic stains, but they are ineffective on grease or oil.

3. Baby wipes are surprisingly effective for cleaning upholstery because they deliver the right amount of soap and water, are quite gentle, and evaporate quickly.

4. Coffee Stains: Combine a small amount of dish detergent, water and vinegar and dab sparingly until coffee disappears.

5. Mold or mildew: Mix a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide and a quarter teaspoon of color safe bleach. Lightly rub the stain with a clean cloth dipped in the solution. Rub area with fresh water applied sparingly and let dry.

6. Stubborn Stains:

CRAYON: Try using non-gel toothpaste to remove crayon marks from water-safe upholstery. Rub it gently on the surface, a small section at a time, then wipe off with a damp cloth.

GREASE OR OIL: Sprinkle salt, cornstarch or talcum powder on the spot as soon as you discover it. Rub in carefully, allow grease to lift off upholstery and absorb into spot remover. Brush off grease and powder and wipe with a damp cloth.

Did you know you can reduce overall grime and soiling of your upholstered furniture by vacuuming it regularly? Special upholstery attachments for your vacuum system can make it easy to reach small corners and creases, and are safe for use on fabrics. Vacuum furniture at least every two months, or weekly if you have pets or allergies.

Carpet cleaning myths exposed

i thought this was a good article and wanted to share it, i find alot of the assertians made in it are a common enough occurance read and let me know what you think

Most people have already formed certain assumptions about carpet cleaning and professional carpet cleaning companies. As are many assumptions lingering out there in the world, many of them are either incorrect or misguided. It is important to go into any situation being armed with the knowledge to get you the best service for the best price. If a consumer is unaware of what to look for and just is not armed with the proper knowledge to negotiate and make sure the carpet cleaning company they choose will do the job right, then there is a chance they could get hustled by a less than reputable business.

After all, there are unsavory people working in every industry, so even in the professional carpet cleaning industry you may run across a few companies that allow these people to work there. These crooks love to find a consumer who does not know how much a service should cost or what steps should be taken to make sure it gets done right. They will overcharge them, cut corners on the job and pocket the extra cash they make. This is why it is important to operate with knowledge in hand, rather than misguided assumptions.

For that reason and many more, here are some common myths about carpet cleaning, and what the real truth behind them is.

1. MYTH: Professional Carpet Cleaning is Too Expensive; I can Do a Better Job Myself, and For Less Money! – It is highly unlikely that a person with little to no knowledge of how to professionally clean a carpet will be able to do a more efficient, better job for less money than a reputable and professional carpet cleaning company. These companies have permits and wholesale pricing to get equipment, industrial cleansers and unique patents on better cleaning products that an individual just does not have access to. By the time the consumer has rented the proper vacuum, bought the right cleanser, moved all the furniture out of the house and tried to figure out how to operate the vacuum, more time would have been spent than would have been worth it. On top of that, it is much simpler to make mistakes as a novice, and mistakes in carpet cleaning can cost a lot more money than an original professional carpet cleaning job ever would have.
   
   
2. MYTH: Professional Carpet Cleaning Companies Use Far Too Many Harmful Chemicals on Carpets. I Don't Want to Get Sick! – Although there are some companies that use harsher chemicals than others, many professional carpet cleaning companies have been transitioning as the "going green" movement has gained strength. If a professional carpet cleaning company does not offer any non-toxic environmentally friendly cleansers, then just call another company because there are plenty of professional carpet cleaning companies out there that support the "going green" movement and protecting homes with safe cleansers.
   
   
3. MYTH: If I Just Vacuum My Carpet Regularly, I Do Not Need To Have It Cleaned Professionally – It would be great if this were true, right? Be diligent about keeping your home clean, and you'll never need any professional cleaning services. However, it just isn't true. Dust, fibers and dirt can build up in air ducts, in carpet pads and in plenty of other places a person just never thinks to check. As these harmful things build up overtime, they can make everyone in the household sick with respiratory problems and other health issues. That is why it is important to have the deep clean that only a professional carpet cleaning company can provide, at least every once in a while.
   
   
4. MYTH: My Carpet is only a Year Old; It Does Not Need to Be Cleaned Yet – This is an assumption that most homeowners make, and it is unequivocally false. Operating under the false assumption that a carpet does not need to be cleaned until it actually looks dirty is a poor way to go about carpet cleaning. Most of the harmful dirt, dust, mold and other toxins are hidden deep down in the carpet pad. The only way to get them out? A professional carpet cleaning job. So just because the carpet is relatively new, do not assume that it does not need to be cleaned yet.
   
   
5. MYTH: I Can Buy Spot Cleaners For My Carpet At The Store and They Are The Same Thing! – No, not really, not even a little bit, not even at all. Once again, carpet cleaning professionals are able to have access to products and equipment that someone outside of the industry would not be able to purchase in a mainstream store. Even if they were able to get their hands on some professional grade spot remover for carpets, it is unlikely that it will come cheap. Industry professionals are able to pass on a better price for the use of those products because they buy in bulk for their business and get a wholesale discount. Many store bought spot removers either do not work, or have bleach in them, which can leave a darker carpet completely ruined.

These are only a few of the many, many myths that most people believe about carpet cleaning and professional carpet cleaning services. Be sure to keep these things in mind before attempting to clean a carpet without the assistance of a professional carpet cleaning company. It will be worth any extra money to have the peace of mind that the carpet will be cleaned swiftly, and without any unexpected issues.

www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu
the dublin carpet cleaners

Every one thinks there way of cleaning is the best and off course if you have invested thousands in your equipment or a franchise then thats what will happen you will promote your sysytem , how do they compare, here is an interesting item i picked up , let me know what you think

Comparison of Carpet Cleaning Methods

Most carpet manufacturers recommend professional cleaning versus “Do-It-Yourself” for a variety of reasons. Your own, or rental, equipment may not be properly adjusted or cleaned and could cause problems such as the wrong proportion of detergents or cleaners which can leave residue and cause re-soiling, over wetting, damage to rug fibers, yellowing, etc. Many rental units do not clean adequately and may actually damage your carpet. The consensus of manufacturers and professional cleaners is that do-it-yourself methods work best as temporary treatments for high traffic or spill areas between professional cleanings.
In general, there are four basic methods for cleaning carpet:

* Carpet Shampooing
* Dry Chemical or Foam
* Bonnet or Adsorbent Pad
* Hot Water Extraction or Steam Cleaning.

Which system you chose depends on factors such as the carpet material, type of pile, wear, tear and the amount of soiling. Some systems leave residues which promote re-soiling and defeat the whole purpose of cleaning. Some methods can actually damage the carpet fibers and shorten the life of the carpet. Check with the carpet manufacturer for recommendations. For a typical household most manufacturers recommend that carpet be professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months depending upon the number in the household, amount and type of activity, and whether the carpet is light or dark. You should try to clean the carpets before they become too heavily soiled. In spite of beliefs to the contrary, frequent cleaning will not cause the carpets to re-soil faster unless you use a method which leaves a dirt-attracting residue.

Shampoo:

A wet shampoo/detergent solution is scrubbed onto the carpet through openings in a rotary brush, whose turning converts the solution into foam and works it into the carpet. Once dry, most residue containing loose, encapsulated soil is vacuumed to remove it (although often dirt attracting residue remains). Chemicals may be added to the shampoo solution to reduce odors, retard soiling, brighten colors and/or speed drying which may also leave a residue. Sometimes this method is combined with Hot Water Extraction using water rather than a detergent solution to remove shampoo. Although more expensive this method is especially effective for cleaning highly soiled carpets, with heavy oil/soil build-up. Self-applied aerosols foams are a variation of shampoo. The foam is usually sprayed onto the carpet and worked in rubbed in with a sponge or cloth. When dry, the residue containing suspended soil is vacuumed up. The foam uses little water and usually does over wet the carpet. Generally the foam does not clean as deeply as a wetter method and some foams may leave a difficult to remove residue which could cause problems with subsequent wet cleaning.

Dry Methods

Dry methods use dry chemicals or dry foams and are generally best for public or high traffic areas where a more thorough wetting could be a problem and they are typically used with periodic with deep cleanings. “Dry” is often a misnomer since quite some dampness may be involved. The process is fairly simple. First, because this method does not reach as deeply into the carpet fibers as a wet method, vacuum thoroughly. You might consider renting a commercial vacuum if yours is not very powerful (not only to pre-clean, but also to extract the dried foam and soil). If the carpet is heavily soiled you may wish to use a pre-conditioner to help clean it. Then the chemicals are dusted into the carpet and worked in by brushing a number of times in different directions with a brushing machine. After a short period of drying, usually about an hour, the entire carpet and floor surface are vacuumed. The process can be repeated, if necessary, without damage to the carpet and will remove most surface soil. When using a dry foam machine always brush with the grain or flow of the pile if there is one. This could entail turning it off and returning to the original edge of the carpet to foam an adjacent area going in the same direction. When foam is dry vacuum it and the soil out. As potential drawback is that if not properly applied and removed the dry materials can act as dirt attractants.

Bonnet or Adsorbent Pad Method

The Absorbent Pad method of cleaning (often called bonnet cleaning) is similar to the Shampoo Method. It uses an absorbent pad ('bonnet') attached to the bottom of a rotary machine. A detergent solution is sprayed onto the carpet and the rotary pad is used to agitate and remove the soil suspended in the solution from the carpet. When one side of the pad gets soiled it can be reversed. And when both sides are soiled, the pad can be replaced and later cleaned. Often, his method is used in regular maintenance of commercial buildings. Like the dry methods, Adsorbent Pad cleaning does not wet the carpet fibers completely and dies relatively quickly. For the same reason the method does not clean as thoroughly or deeply as wetter methods and may leave residues. This method may not be effective for carpets with a distinct grain or flow to the carpet pile.

Hot Water Extraction or Steam Cleaning

As with other methods you’ll get the best results if the carpet is thoroughly vacuumed and pre-treated, if necessary, prior to cleaning. In recent years the most effective steam cleaning method appears to be truck-mounted units. Either portable or truck-mounted equipment is used to spray heated detergent solution into the carpet pile at a high pressure and immediately extracted along with the suspended soil particles. The machine may employ rotary brushes or another agitating device to work the solution into the pile and loosen soil. Results may vary. One reason truck mounted units function more effectively than portable units do is that they are powered by the truck's engine and not your residential electric supply. Other reasons are that they provide higher solution temperatures and spray pressures as well as more vacuum power for full extraction. This method wets the rug and you must wait for it to dry completely before normal use.


www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu

Carpet Cleaning and Traffic Wear: 6 Steps to Maintaining Your Carpet

Everyone loves the feeling they get right after a professional carpet cleaning. It looks clean and almost new again, it smells good and it feels good. After a carpet cleaning I often hear my clients say, “now I just have to try to keep it this way,” which is always the biggest challenge in keeping a clean home. The most frequently mentioned concern I hear from my carpet cleaning clients is how to prevent ugly traffic wear patterns from returning after the carpet has been cleaned. The solution to the traffic wear problem is both extremely simple and extremely complicated, but we’ll get into that later.

The Problem

To find a solution we need to examine what causes ugly traffic patterns. The simple answer is dirt, but there is more to it than that. Synthetic fibers make up over 90% of the carpet in our homes today. Nylon takes the lion’s share of that 90% with polypropylene (olefin) and polyester filling out most of the rest. All three of these materials have different pros and cons when it comes to their use in carpet but the one thing they all have in common is that they are all plastic.

Plastic and dirt don’t mix.

Dirt, dust and soil when examined under a microscope look like shards of broken glass. Plastic surfaces such as a Plexiglas window are very smooth and easily scratched. When you combine broken glass with smooth plastic and a catalyst such as friction you get gouged, scratched, unsightly plastic.
Anyone with kids has seen the difference between a new plastic sand toy, and an old one that has been thoroughly enjoyed at the beach and in the sand box. The harsh grains of sand scratch and abrade the plastic making it appear dull and faded.
The very same thing is happening to synthetic carpet the world over. Between the dust that settles on the carpet from the air and the soil we track in on the bottoms of our shoes, the cards are definitely stacked against our carpet. All of that soil on the carpet gets moved across the surface of the carpet fiber whenever we walk on the carpet and abrades the fiber just like the aforementioned sand toys and Plexiglas. This abrasion causes the carpet fiber to become dull in comparison to the less traveled on areas near the walls and – voila! -the traffic wear pattern is born.
Unfortunately just like the used sand toys, no amount of carpet cleaning will restore the damaged carpet fibers to their like new condition. The good news, however, is that a professional carpet cleaning will improve the appearance of the carpet and further damage can be prevented. This is where the dichotomy of the solution to this problem comes in. As I said before the solution is both extremely simple and extremely complicated. On the one hand all you need to do to prevent the wear on new carpet and further wear on older carpet is to simply keep the dust, dirt and soil off the carpet. Therein lies the complication; how to do that. The answer requires a bit of a commitment by you and the other members of your household.

The Solution

1. The first thing people usually do to combat the traffic wear problem is to buy a mat or a runner to put down at the entry point to the carpet. This is a good idea but it is not enough by far. It takes approximately 27 steps to walk off all of the soil from your shoes. To do this effectively you would need a runner about 100 feet long. Not practical. A mat or small runner will help to keep soil off of the carpet but it is only part of the solution.
2. The next step is to remove your shoes before coming in the house. It can be a little inconvenient but it will become like second nature after you get used to it. The key here is to put your shoes on when you go back outside. It does no good to take your shoes off when you come in and then go outside in your socks or bare feet and only to come back in the house with dirty socks or feet.
3. The worst traffic patterns occur at transition areas between carpet and a hard surface like tile or wood because while carpet has the ability to hold on to soil, hard surfaces do not. The soil sticks to the bottom of your shoes or feet and is then transferred to the carpet. Keeping the hard surface clean is a very important part of the process. So important in fact, that I would tie it with step 4.
4. The most important step is regular vacuuming. Frequent vacuuming is the single best way to remove soil from your carpet and prevent ugly traffic wear patterns. More than half of all the soil in your carpet can be removed through vacuuming alone. When you consider the cost of your carpet compared to the cost of a vacuum it’s a no brainer. Spending a little extra time every week to vacuum your carpet will extend the life of your carpet and improve the overall air quality inside your home which will make for a generally healthier environment for your family.
5. The rest can be removed through carpet cleaning. Regular carpet cleaning will be more effective when all of these other steps are implemented and adhered to. If you choose to perform your own carpet cleaning it will be easier to clean and take less of your valuable time. If you hire a professional carpet cleaning company they will be able to use a less invasive interim carpet cleaning process and it will save you money if they don’t have to use a restorative carpet cleaning process every time they clean your carpet.
6. After the carpet cleaning, carpet protector should be applied. A good carpet protector, properly applied, will prevent food spills from staining as well as protecting the carpet fiber from dry soil abrasion. It will coat the carpet fiber and prevent soil and spills from ever touching the fiber thereby preventing dry soil abrasion and staining.

Environmental Benefits

In addition to saving you money, keeping your home looking beautiful and making your indoor environment healthier, following these 6 steps will also benefit the environment.
By keeping the hard surfaces and carpet in your home clean you will extend their life by many years. If they continue to look aesthetically pleasing you will continue to enjoy them and not be tempted to replace them as often. This will keep the used carpet, padding, wood, tile, vinyl, linoleum, etc. out of the landfills.
Maintaining your flooring instead of replacing it will also save you thousands of dollars over the life of your home. In this economy and even in a better economy I’m sure we can all find better things to do with our money than spend it on floor coverings.
When your carpet is properly maintained it will not require extensive restorative carpet cleaning. This means that fewer chemicals will be needed. Fewer chemicals, no matter how green and environmentally friendly they are, are always a good thing. It’s better for you, your family your pets and the environment.
A good maintenance plan applied to anything will cut costs, reduce waste, and save time in the long run. In these hard times that is more important than ever before and now is the perfect time to start from the floor up to make your plan for cleaner carpet and cleaner living.

www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu

Busy day ahead

Its good to be busy, In the tough economic climate we live in it seems that on a daily basis companys go under . hopefully all you out there are still working talk soon
www.cleanbrightcarpet.eu
The Dublin carpet cleaner

Carpet cleaning -dangerous- Misinformation

I read this article with interest the other day, and it got me thinking
http://www.babycenter.com/0_clean-carpets-without-dangerous-chemicals_3651159.bc

What are peoples opinions of Carpet cleaning chemicals, as a child i remember the noxious odour that came of carpet cleaning chemicals ..
Today though we know things have changed , there are ranges of eco-friendly chemicals on the market, enzyme based etc.
Still though there seems a body of opinion that seems suspicous of what we clean carpets with.
What have you found in this regard?