Misconception # 1   You should wait as long as possible before cleaning your carpet.

No.  Dirt is an abrasive- like sandpaper.  Every time you step on the carpet, you grind dirt into your carpet fibers.  This cuts your carpet, just as if you had used a knife, causing it to wear out faster.  A dirty carpet will not last nearly as long as a clean carpet.  And while vacuuming helps by itself, it’s simply not enough.  Then longer you wait to have your   carpet cleaned, the more damage you do to your carpet and the faster it wears out.

Misconception # 2   The only reason to clean carpets is to get out the dirt.

Incorrect.  As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air      pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust - - and hundreds of other chemicals.  When you and your   family members come into your home you carry those pollens, bacteria and      chemicals in on your shoes, hair, your skin, clothing, etc.  Not surprisingly, all those    chemicals, pollens and bacteria wind up - - where? - - you guessed it - - in your carpet!

If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems - - one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, and chemicals in your carpet.

In addition, as you may know tobacco smoke contains over 4000 different chemical compounds, 43 of which cause cancer.  And even if you don’t smoke, those chemicals get on your shoes, you track them in to your home and leave them in your carpet.

If you’re sensitive to cigarette smoke, you might find that you’ll breath easier after you hire a company to get those harmful chemicals out of your carpet.

So, in addition to getting rid of dirt, another important reason to clean your carpet is to get rid of pollen, fungus, bacteria, chemicals and the tar and residue from tobacco smoke. Not to mention a reduction in dust mites, their feces and a reduction in allergies, asthma and respiratory challenges.

Misconception # 3  One method of carpet cleaning is a good as another.

Not true.  You can choose from two primary cleaning methods:  Dry cleaning or hot water extraction. First, I’ll explain the three different methods of dry cleaning.  Many people  believe that dry cleaning your carpet is like dry cleaning your clothing.  This is not true.  All carpet cleaning methods use water in one form or another.  Here are the three methods of dry cleaning carpet.

When a carpet cleaner uses the dry foam method, a shampoo is applied to your carpet,  allowed to dry, and then extracted with a vacuum.  Can you imagine applying shampoo to your hair, allowing it to dry and then removing the shampoo from your head with a vacuum?  This method can leave residues in your carpet, which is one reason dry foam is not  very effective.

…to be continued!

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SEVEN MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN CHOOSING A CARPET CLEANER

MISTAKE #1: Choosing a carpet cleaner based on equipment alone. No question, your carpet cleaner needs first-rate equipment. But they also need something else. They need technicians who are skilled at operating the equipment. Many companies own hot-water extractors, but very few companies teach their employees how to use them properly. The best way to know that the carpet cleaner’s employees have been properly trained is to make sure the cleaner has been certified by the Institute of  Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Before you choose a carpet cleaner, ask to see written proof of their IICRC certification.

MISTAKE #2: Choosing a carpet cleaner based on low price. Low price could be a problem in three ways: (1) Low price can be the bait that attracts your phone call. But once the cleaner gets into your home, they pressure you into a much more expensive job. (2) Low price can be for single-process cleaning. Rarely does the consumer know what this means and, when told, asks for dual-process cleaning  instead, which costs much more. (3) Low price means the carpet cleaner has cheap equipment, which will not effectively clean your carpet. Look for cleaners, who package their services, you’ll always get a better deal.

MISTAKE #3: Choosing a carpet cleaner based on a single telephone call. Instead, invite them to your home and ask for a specific price quotation. Then you’ll know exactly what the carpet cleaner recommends–and you won’t be the victim of high-pressure sales tactics when the technician steps into your living room.

MISTAKE #4: Choosing a carpet cleaner who doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee. In my view, every carpet cleaning company should be fully accountable for their work. And if you aren’t pleased with the job, you shouldn’t have to pay for it. Period! Not all carpet cleaners offer a guarantee. Or, if they do, the guarantee may be “limited.” Ask the carpet cleaner if they offer a complete money-back guarantee.

MISTAKE #5: Choosing a carpet cleaner without getting comments from other clients. Any carpet cleaner can say anything about his past jobs. And, sadly, some of what they say may not be true. Make sure you ask for references or read testimonials from current customers so you can depend on the carpet cleaner and their work. Any carpet cleaner that does quality work should be able to provide you with comments from their clients.

MISTAKE #6: Choosing a carpet cleaner who isn’t certified by the Institute of  Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). If your carpet cleaner isn’t a close friend, you may not know whether they have the knowledge or experience to clean your carpet well. If you want to be sure you’re hiring a competent professional, make sure they are IICRC certified. The carpet cleaner must earn that certification through study, experience, and the successful completion of formal, written examinations. In effect, cleaners who are certified by the IICRC have earned a college degree in carpet cleaning.

MISTAKE #7: Choosing a carpet cleaner who doesn’t use a truck-mounted, hot water extraction system. Portable hot water systems are good, but they’re nowhere as powerful as a system mounted into a truck for several good reasons. 1) Suction power. Truck mounted system use state of the art technology to extract the moisture used during cleaning from your carpet allowing for fast and speedy drying times. 2) Truck mounted systems produce constant high heat, and higher pressure to help blast the pollutants from your carpet, so you get a much better job done, hands down!

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If you’re thinking about having your carpets cleaned, I encourage you to follow these 4 Steps:

4 Steps To A Fresh, Clean, Healthy Carpet

Step # 1: Make a commitment to yourself to get your carpets cleaned. The longer they  remain dirty, the sooner they’ll wear out.  Plus you have to breathe all the pollens, fungus, chemicals, and dust mites that live in your carpet.

Step # 2: List your objectives.  Do you want only the dirt removed,  something you could do with a rented machine?  Or do you want the bacteria, fungus and chemicals removed, which will required a hot water truck mounted cleaner, like us?  Do you want to work with an honest, reputable company-or are you willing to risk working with the company that offers you the lowest price-knowing that company might not be in business tomorrow?

Step # 3:   Ask questions.  The way you learn about a company is to ask   specific questions and listen carefully to the answers.  Here are questions I suggest you ask:

1.      What method of carpet cleaning do you recommend?

2.      What type of equipment do you use to clean carpet?

3.      What does your equipment remove from my carpet?

4.      How often should I get my carpet cleaned?

5.      What training have you had in cleaning carpets?

6.       Are you a member of any trade associations and, if so, which ones?

7.       Are you certified by IICRC and will you show me your certificate?

Step # 4: Once you’re satisfied that you’re working with an honest, competent professional, invite him into your home and ask for a specific quotation in writing.  A written quotation gives you the assurance that you know exactly what your job will cost- no  surprises.

By following these four recommendations, you’ll gain all the information you need to make an informed, intelligent decision.  If you want a quick, cheap carpet cleaning job, many  companies in the phone book can help you,  or you can rent a shampooer and do the job yourself.

But if you want your carpeting to be completely and thoroughly cleaned-removing the   bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollens, and tobacco products-then I invite you to call us.

We’ll be happy to answer your questions and come into your home and give you a free demonstration and Carpet Evaluation-without obligation of any kind, naturally.

To reach us today call 832-1524

Or, if you prefer, just leave your name and telephone number and we’ll glad to return your call.

You could even shoot me an email, maxcare@flooringam.com

Brett Brodie

PS: Here’s one last point: We know that many consumers are skeptical about carpet cleaning  companies.  Before getting into the business, I was skeptical too.  So in addition to dedicating our business to consumer education, we do one more thing as well.

We stronglyguarantee our work.  That’s right.  We fully guarantee every carpet-cleaning job we do.  If you aren’t happy with our work, we’ll re-clean the area for free.  And if you still aren’t pleased, you can have your money back. What could be more fair?

As a matter of fact, add this question to the list.

Question #8 is “Do you guarantee your work?” Not all companies do -and it’s    important that you have this information before you make your decision. Satisfaction guarantees don’t count either. We’ve heard some incredible stories about how cleaners have weaseled their way out of refunds on satisfaction guarantees. Get a copy of the company’s guarantee up front.

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