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