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HOW TO AVOID FOUR CARPET CLEANING RIP-OFFS
RIP-OFF #1: UNBELIEVABLY LOW PRICE. To some degree, all of us are
attracted by low price because we want to work within a budget. But some
carpet cleaners use price as the bait for their false and misleading
advertising. They offer a cheap price – usually between $10.95 and $15.95
per room – and then, once they’re in your home, they pressure you to buy
“add-ons.” It’s as if you were buying a car and found that the dealer was
charging extra for the tires and steering wheel. Carpet cleaning is not as
cheap as some unethical carpet cleaners would like you to believe.
RIP-OFF #2: BAIT AND SWITCH. Dual process carpet cleaning describes
the process of shampooing or heavy preconditioning, followed with hot water
extraction cleaning. Unfortunately, unethical carpet cleaners often use dual
process as a bait-and-switch technique. Here’s how it is done: First they
“bait” you with a basic cleaning (single process) at an unbelievably low
price. Then, when you call, they try to “switch” you to more expensive dual
process cleaning. If you don’t fall for their switch and choose their basic
service, you’ll likely receive poor workmanship using little or no chemical and
they will not guarantee their work.
RIP-OFF #3: UNSUPPORTED CLAIMS. “THIS CLEANING METHOD IS THE
BEST.” You’ll read this in almost every ad. You’ll hear this from virtually
every carpet cleaner. Remember this: the method that’s best for you is the
method that achieves your goal. If you want a method that cleans the deep-
down soil in the carpet, then a method that top cleans only, would not be the
best for you. So before you choose a carpet cleaner, identify your
objectives. Then select the method that best reaches those objectives.
RIP-OFF #4: OUTDATED BELIEFS. “HOT WATER DAMAGES YOUR
CARPET.” Years ago, many people believed this was true because carpets
were damaged by “technicians” who didn’t know how to properly clean using
hot water. But today, we know it’s false. By washing and then rinsing your
carpet with hot water, your carpet is thoroughly cleaned – in the same way
that the person who showers and then rinses off the dirt and soap will be
much cleaner than the person who takes only a sponge bath. Obviously,
each carpet cleaner will be biased toward his/her own method. And each
method does have advantages. So I suggest you look at what carpet
manufacturers say. Shaw Industries, the largest carpet manufacturer in the
world, recommends only hot water extraction cleaning with a truck-mounted
unit.
For Honest carpet cleaning service in AZ click here.
6 COSTLY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CARPET CLEANING
MISCONCEPTION #1: You should wait as long as possible before
cleaning your carpet.
No. Dirt is abrasive – like sandpaper. Every time you step on your carpet,
you grind dirt into the carpet fibers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you had
used a knife. This cutting causes your carpet to wear out faster. A dirty
carpet will not last as long as a clean carpet. And while vacuuming helps –
by itself, it’s simply not enough. The 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 your carpet is to
remove the dirt.
No. As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air
pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust – and hundreds of other chemicals.
When you come into your home, you carry those pollens, bacteria and
chemicals in your hair and on your skin, clothing and shoes. Not
surprisingly, all those chemicals and toxins wind up in your carpet.
If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems –
one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, smoke and
chemicals in your carpet.
MISCONCEPTION #3: One method of cleaning is as good as another.
No. The dry cleaning methods – which are dry chemicals, and dry
compound – do not rinse your carpet in any way. Instead they leave a dirty
residue. You might say they clean your carpet only halfway. The most
effective cleaning method for annual deep cleaning is hot water extraction.
Hot water extraction means a hot water cleaning solution, under high
pressure, is forced into your carpet and then sucked out of your carpet.
Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer,
recommends hot water extraction as the primary method of cleaning
carpets. For this type cleaning click this link Arizona carpet cleaner.
Carpet cleaners use one of two types of hot water extraction. If they use a
large unit that operates from a van or truck outside your facility, it’s called
truck-mount extraction. If they use a small unit that can be brought inside, it’
s called portable extraction. Shaw’s first choice is the truck-mounted unit –
and it recommends the small, portable unit only in areas where the truck-
mounted unit won’t reach. Click here to see our truck mount.
The truck-mount extraction unit cleans much better because it heats the
water to a high temperature – which breaks up the dirt, bacteria, chemicals
and pollens in the carpet. Then the machine uses high suction to draw the
dirt and chemicals out of your carpet. This is the main method our company
uses. C
MISCONCEPTION #4: Having the right equipment is all a company
needs to clean your carpets properly.
Not true. Many companies own hot-water cleaners but very few companies
teach their employees how to use them properly. This is why it’s important
that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully.
MISCONCEPTION #5: The company that offers the lowest price is the
company you should hire.
No. We’ve seen so many problems arise from the lowest-bid companies that
I suggest you NEVER hire a company that quotes the cheapest price. The
two most common problems are:
(1) The price may not be for the services you want performed. The company
may be equipped to remove only the dirt from your carpet. But you may
want bacteria, fungus, pollens, dust mites and tobacco residues removed as
well.
(2) The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many home
owners have learned that the low price they saw advertised lasted only until
the carpet cleaner got into their home. Then they were pressured into
paying a lot more for a variety of add-ons. (Some cleaners even break the
law by using illegal bait and switch tactics.)
On which type to choose, Shaw’s Technical Bulletin states: “[cleaning]
can be done from a truck mounted unit outside the facility with only the hose
and wand brought inside, or where a truck-mounted unit cannot reach, by a
portable, self contained system brought into the facility.”
As you see, Shaw recommends the truck mounted unit first.
This isn’t surprising. You see, the truck mounted unit cleans much better
because it heats the water to a high temperature – and shoots the cleaning
solution into the carpet at higher pressure. This breaks up the dirt, bacteria,
chemicals, and pollens in the carpet. Then the machine produces a huge
vacuum volume to draw the dirt and chemicals out of your carpet. This is the
main method our company uses.
No question, the most effective way to clean carpeting is with a hot water
unit mounted in a truck. It’s the most powerful cleaning machine on the
market and the only machine that cleans your carpet of dirt, harmful
bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollens, tobacco residue and dust mites.
Some people believe that hot water damages your carpet, but this isn’t true.
By washing and then rinsing your carpet with hot water, we clean your
carpet completely – in the same way that the person who showers and then
rinses off the dirt and soap will be much cleaner than the person who takes
only a sponge bath.
MISTAKE #1: 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 a single-
process cleaning. Rarely does the consumer know what this means, and
when told, asks for dual-process cleaning instead, which costs more. (3)
Low price may mean the carpet cleaner has cheap equipment, which will not
effectively clean your carpet.
MISTAKE #2: Choosing a carpet cleaner based on a single telephone
call. Instead, invite the person into your home and ask for a specific written
quotation. Then you’ll know exactly what the carpet cleaner recommends –
and you won’t be the victim of high pressure tactics when the technician
steps into your living room.
MISTAKE #3: Choosing a carpet cleaner who doesn’t offer a money-
back guarantee. In our view, every carpet cleaning company should be
fully accountable for its work. And if you aren’t pleased with the job in every
way, 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 he/she offers a money-back guarantee and then make sure the
carpet cleaner includes the guarantee with your written quotation.
MISTAKE #4: Choosing a carpet cleaner without getting comments
from his/her other clients.
Any carpet cleaner can say anything about their past jobs. And, sadly, some
of what is said may not be true. Make sure you ask for references or read
comments from current customers so you can depend on the carpet cleaner
and his/her work.
MISTAKE #5: Choosing a carpet cleaner who doesn’t offer a truck-
mounted hot water extraction system.
You might expect this from us, since our employees use this type of system.
But, there are several good reasons. Portable hot water systems are good,
but they aren’t as good as truck-mounted systems. Truck-mount systems
are the Rolls Royce of carpet cleaners. Compared with portable hot water
systems, truck-mount systems use hotter water, higher pressure and
stronger suction. So all the way around, you get a much better job. No two
ways about it!
WHICH METHOD CLEANS BEST?
Dry foam: The carpet cleaner applies shampoo to your carpet, allows it to
dry, and then, without rinsing, sucks the dried shampoo into a vacuum. This
method leaves dirty residue in your carpet.
Low-moisture foam: A low-moisture cleaning foam is brushed into the
carpet fibers. The soils are suspended in the foam and extracted
immediately.
Absorbent pad (bonnet cleaning): A cotton bonnet is used with a floor
polishing buffer machine. The rotating motion causes the bonnet to absorb
dirt from your carpet. This method is also called bonnet cleaning.
Absorbent Powder: The dry-compound method spreads a moist,
absorbent powder through the carpet. The powder is allowed to dry and
then sucked into a vacuum. This method leaves dry sponge particles at the
base of the carpet yarn which must be vacuumed again to remove.
Hot water extraction: This is a fancy way of saying that a hot water
solution under high pressure is forced into your carpet and then sucked out
of your carpet.
In a recent Technical Bulletin, Shaw Industries, the world’s largest
carpet manufacturer, “recommends the hot water extraction system
which research indicates provides the best capability for cleaning.”
You can choose from two different types: Truck-mount extraction,
which is done with a large machine mounted in a truck or van. Or portable
extraction, which is done with a small, hand-held unit.
CRAWLIN’ CRITTERS AND CRUD: A GUIDE TO THE SLIME, GRIME AND
LIVESTOCK THAT’S SLEEPING, CREEPING AND GALLOPING THROUGH
YOUR CARPET.
Asphalt. Bacteria. Car Exhaust. Chemicals. Dirt. Dust. Earth. Food Particles.
Fungus. Germs. Gravel. Grease. Grime. Grit. Hair. Industrial waste. Lint.
Mud. Pet stains. Pollens. Pollutants. Rock. Sand. Scum. Smoke. Soil. Soot.
Tar. Tobacco smoke. Urine. Vomit.
Plus, don’t forget living creatures, such as dust mites, fleas and critters that
live, hide and breed in your carpet.
THE IMPORTANCE OF VALUE AND PRICE
Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.
When you select a carpet cleaner, you’ll choose from a wide variety of
cleaning methods and prices.
Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, recommends hot
water extraction from a truck-mounted unit, and using a portable unit only in
areas where a truck-mounted unit won’t reach.
Here’s why: a truck-mounted unit cleans much better than a portable
for three reasons:
(1) It heats the water to a higher temperature. For every 18 degree increase
in temperature above 118 degrees F, you double the water’s cleaning
ability. So if the water temperature is 136 degrees F, is will clean twice as
well as water that is 118 degrees F. 154 degree water will clean four times
as well as 118 degree water. And so on, until you reach a water temperature
of 250 degrees F.
(2) It shoots the cleaning solution into your carpet at high pressures, which
breaks up the dirt, bacteria, chemicals and pollens. 300 to 400 pounds per
square inch is the optimum pressure for truck-mount hot water extraction.
(3) The machine uses stronger suction to draw the dirt, chemicals, bacteria,
pollens and tobacco smoke residue out of your carpet.
Not surprisingly, having a carpet thoroughly cleaned with a truck-mount hot
water extraction costs more than renting a shampooer at the corner grocery
store.
If you bought the cheapest carpeting you could find, then renting a small
shampooer might be all you need. No question, it will get out some of the dirt
– but the key word here is “some”. It will not get out many of the pollens,
chemicals, bacteria and dust mite residues.
On the other hand – if you want your carpet to look good and give you
years of dependable service – then you need to take extra good care of it.
This means you need to have it cleaned by a skilled, qualified technician at
least every six months to one year, depending on the amount of soiling and
foot traffic it receives. And you need to have it cleaned thoroughly, as only a
truck-mount hot water extractor can do.
WHY YOU WANT A CLEAN, HEALTHY CARPET!
Which is more important to you: a clean carpet – or a clean and healthy
carpet? Yes, I assure you, there is a big difference.
Each carpet cleaning method has advantages and disadvantages. Some
methods will get out only the dirt. Other methods will get out dirt and grease.
Still others will get out virtually everything. And, to be sure, some are more
expensive than others.
If all you want is a cheap, rinse-the-dirt-off-the-top cleaning which you might
find for around $13.95 per room – then I respectfully ask you to call another
company.
But if you want to protect your health – if you want to protect your
investment in carpeting – if you want to protect your family from the
countless bacteria, fungus, pollens and dust mites that reside in your
carpet, then you’re invited to call me.
The truck-mounted hot water unit we use is a very effective cleaning system.
Likewise, it’s a very expensive unit in today’s market. But we bought this unit
for a good reason: More and more families want the good health benefits
that come with having a fresh, clean carpet.
Have you ever seen how dirty children’s pants get when they play outdoors?
If you have, then you know you can brush off their pants and make them
think they’re clean. Or, if you want the job done right, you can machine wash
them in hot water and detergent and you’ll KNOW they’re clean.
The same is true for carpet. You can hire someone for $4.95 to $19.95 who
will “brush off” your carpeting and make you think it’s clean. Or, if you want
the job done right, we’ll wash your carpets with water and cleaning agents
using our state-of-the-art cleaning machine and you’ll KNOW they’re clean.
So if you want a thoroughly clean carpet – if you’re willing to invest in your
family’s good health – you’re invited to call us. You’ll receive a written
estimate, at no cost or obligation. And if you give us the go-ahead, you’re
further protected with our…
4 STEPS TO A FRESH, CLEAN, HEALTHY CARPET
If you’re thinking about having your carpet cleaned, we encourage you to
follow these four steps:
STEP #1: Make a commitment to yourself to get your carpets cleaned. The
longer they remain dirty, the sooner they’ll wear out. Plus the longer you
have to breathe all the pollens, fungus and chemicals that hide in your
carpet.
STEP #2: List your objectives. Do you want only the dirt removed,
something you could do with a rented shampooer. Or do you want all the
bacteria, fungus, chemicals, and dust mites removed, which will require a
hot water truck-mounted cleaner, as we use. 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 the 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 seven
questions to ask a carpet cleaner before he/she begins to clean your carpet:
1. What method of carpet cleaning do you recommend?
2. What type of equipment do you use to clean carpet?
3. What will your equipment remove from my carpet?
4. How often should I get my carpets cleaned?
Step #4: Once you’re satisfied that you’re working with an honest,
competent professional, invite him/her 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 steps, 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 from the grocery store and do the job yourself.
But if you want your carpeting to be completely and healthfully cleaned –
removing the bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollens, and tobacco products –
then we invite you to call us.
Sincerely,
Paul Fratella
Owner / Southwest Image Cleaning
RIP-OFF #1: UNBELIEVABLY LOW PRICE. To some degree, all of us are
attracted by low price because we want to work within a budget. But some
carpet cleaners use price as the bait for their false and misleading
advertising. They offer a cheap price – usually between $10.95 and $15.95
per room – and then, once they’re in your home, they pressure you to buy
“add-ons.” It’s as if you were buying a car and found that the dealer was
charging extra for the tires and steering wheel. Carpet cleaning is not as
cheap as some unethical carpet cleaners would like you to believe.
RIP-OFF #2: BAIT AND SWITCH. Dual process carpet cleaning describes
the process of shampooing or heavy preconditioning, followed with hot water
extraction cleaning. Unfortunately, unethical carpet cleaners often use dual
process as a bait-and-switch technique. Here’s how it is done: First they
“bait” you with a basic cleaning (single process) at an unbelievably low
price. Then, when you call, they try to “switch” you to more expensive dual
process cleaning. If you don’t fall for their switch and choose their basic
service, you’ll likely receive poor workmanship using little or no chemical and
they will not guarantee their work.
RIP-OFF #3: UNSUPPORTED CLAIMS. “THIS CLEANING METHOD IS THE
BEST.” You’ll read this in almost every ad. You’ll hear this from virtually
every carpet cleaner. Remember this: the method that’s best for you is the
method that achieves your goal. If you want a method that cleans the deep-
down soil in the carpet, then a method that top cleans only, would not be the
best for you. So before you choose a carpet cleaner, identify your
objectives. Then select the method that best reaches those objectives.
RIP-OFF #4: OUTDATED BELIEFS. “HOT WATER DAMAGES YOUR
CARPET.” Years ago, many people believed this was true because carpets
were damaged by “technicians” who didn’t know how to properly clean using
hot water. But today, we know it’s false. By washing and then rinsing your
carpet with hot water, your carpet is thoroughly cleaned – in the same way
that the person who showers and then rinses off the dirt and soap will be
much cleaner than the person who takes only a sponge bath. Obviously,
each carpet cleaner will be biased toward his/her own method. And each
method does have advantages. So I suggest you look at what carpet
manufacturers say. Shaw Industries, the largest carpet manufacturer in the
world, recommends only hot water extraction cleaning with a truck-mounted
unit.
For Honest carpet cleaning service in AZ click here.
6 COSTLY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CARPET CLEANING
MISCONCEPTION #1: You should wait as long as possible before
cleaning your carpet.
No. Dirt is abrasive – like sandpaper. Every time you step on your carpet,
you grind dirt into the carpet fibers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you had
used a knife. This cutting causes your carpet to wear out faster. A dirty
carpet will not last as long as a clean carpet. And while vacuuming helps –
by itself, it’s simply not enough. The 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 your carpet is to
remove the dirt.
No. As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air
pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust – and hundreds of other chemicals.
When you come into your home, you carry those pollens, bacteria and
chemicals in your hair and on your skin, clothing and shoes. Not
surprisingly, all those chemicals and toxins wind up in your carpet.
If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems –
one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, smoke and
chemicals in your carpet.
MISCONCEPTION #3: One method of cleaning is as good as another.
No. The dry cleaning methods – which are dry chemicals, and dry
compound – do not rinse your carpet in any way. Instead they leave a dirty
residue. You might say they clean your carpet only halfway. The most
effective cleaning method for annual deep cleaning is hot water extraction.
Hot water extraction means a hot water cleaning solution, under high
pressure, is forced into your carpet and then sucked out of your carpet.
Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer,
recommends hot water extraction as the primary method of cleaning
carpets. For this type cleaning click this link Arizona carpet cleaner.
Carpet cleaners use one of two types of hot water extraction. If they use a
large unit that operates from a van or truck outside your facility, it’s called
truck-mount extraction. If they use a small unit that can be brought inside, it’
s called portable extraction. Shaw’s first choice is the truck-mounted unit –
and it recommends the small, portable unit only in areas where the truck-
mounted unit won’t reach. Click here to see our truck mount.
The truck-mount extraction unit cleans much better because it heats the
water to a high temperature – which breaks up the dirt, bacteria, chemicals
and pollens in the carpet. Then the machine uses high suction to draw the
dirt and chemicals out of your carpet. This is the main method our company
uses. C
MISCONCEPTION #4: Having the right equipment is all a company
needs to clean your carpets properly.
Not true. Many companies own hot-water cleaners but very few companies
teach their employees how to use them properly. This is why it’s important
that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully.
MISCONCEPTION #5: The company that offers the lowest price is the
company you should hire.
No. We’ve seen so many problems arise from the lowest-bid companies that
I suggest you NEVER hire a company that quotes the cheapest price. The
two most common problems are:
(1) The price may not be for the services you want performed. The company
may be equipped to remove only the dirt from your carpet. But you may
want bacteria, fungus, pollens, dust mites and tobacco residues removed as
well.
(2) The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many home
owners have learned that the low price they saw advertised lasted only until
the carpet cleaner got into their home. Then they were pressured into
paying a lot more for a variety of add-ons. (Some cleaners even break the
law by using illegal bait and switch tactics.)
On which type to choose, Shaw’s Technical Bulletin states: “[cleaning]
can be done from a truck mounted unit outside the facility with only the hose
and wand brought inside, or where a truck-mounted unit cannot reach, by a
portable, self contained system brought into the facility.”
As you see, Shaw recommends the truck mounted unit first.
This isn’t surprising. You see, the truck mounted unit cleans much better
because it heats the water to a high temperature – and shoots the cleaning
solution into the carpet at higher pressure. This breaks up the dirt, bacteria,
chemicals, and pollens in the carpet. Then the machine produces a huge
vacuum volume to draw the dirt and chemicals out of your carpet. This is the
main method our company uses.
No question, the most effective way to clean carpeting is with a hot water
unit mounted in a truck. It’s the most powerful cleaning machine on the
market and the only machine that cleans your carpet of dirt, harmful
bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollens, tobacco residue and dust mites.
Some people believe that hot water damages your carpet, but this isn’t true.
By washing and then rinsing your carpet with hot water, we clean your
carpet completely – in the same way that the person who showers and then
rinses off the dirt and soap will be much cleaner than the person who takes
only a sponge bath.
MISTAKE #1: 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 a single-
process cleaning. Rarely does the consumer know what this means, and
when told, asks for dual-process cleaning instead, which costs more. (3)
Low price may mean the carpet cleaner has cheap equipment, which will not
effectively clean your carpet.
MISTAKE #2: Choosing a carpet cleaner based on a single telephone
call. Instead, invite the person into your home and ask for a specific written
quotation. Then you’ll know exactly what the carpet cleaner recommends –
and you won’t be the victim of high pressure tactics when the technician
steps into your living room.
MISTAKE #3: Choosing a carpet cleaner who doesn’t offer a money-
back guarantee. In our view, every carpet cleaning company should be
fully accountable for its work. And if you aren’t pleased with the job in every
way, 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 he/she offers a money-back guarantee and then make sure the
carpet cleaner includes the guarantee with your written quotation.
MISTAKE #4: Choosing a carpet cleaner without getting comments
from his/her other clients.
Any carpet cleaner can say anything about their past jobs. And, sadly, some
of what is said may not be true. Make sure you ask for references or read
comments from current customers so you can depend on the carpet cleaner
and his/her work.
MISTAKE #5: Choosing a carpet cleaner who doesn’t offer a truck-
mounted hot water extraction system.
You might expect this from us, since our employees use this type of system.
But, there are several good reasons. Portable hot water systems are good,
but they aren’t as good as truck-mounted systems. Truck-mount systems
are the Rolls Royce of carpet cleaners. Compared with portable hot water
systems, truck-mount systems use hotter water, higher pressure and
stronger suction. So all the way around, you get a much better job. No two
ways about it!
WHICH METHOD CLEANS BEST?
Dry foam: The carpet cleaner applies shampoo to your carpet, allows it to
dry, and then, without rinsing, sucks the dried shampoo into a vacuum. This
method leaves dirty residue in your carpet.
Low-moisture foam: A low-moisture cleaning foam is brushed into the
carpet fibers. The soils are suspended in the foam and extracted
immediately.
Absorbent pad (bonnet cleaning): A cotton bonnet is used with a floor
polishing buffer machine. The rotating motion causes the bonnet to absorb
dirt from your carpet. This method is also called bonnet cleaning.
Absorbent Powder: The dry-compound method spreads a moist,
absorbent powder through the carpet. The powder is allowed to dry and
then sucked into a vacuum. This method leaves dry sponge particles at the
base of the carpet yarn which must be vacuumed again to remove.
Hot water extraction: This is a fancy way of saying that a hot water
solution under high pressure is forced into your carpet and then sucked out
of your carpet.
In a recent Technical Bulletin, Shaw Industries, the world’s largest
carpet manufacturer, “recommends the hot water extraction system
which research indicates provides the best capability for cleaning.”
You can choose from two different types: Truck-mount extraction,
which is done with a large machine mounted in a truck or van. Or portable
extraction, which is done with a small, hand-held unit.
CRAWLIN’ CRITTERS AND CRUD: A GUIDE TO THE SLIME, GRIME AND
LIVESTOCK THAT’S SLEEPING, CREEPING AND GALLOPING THROUGH
YOUR CARPET.
Asphalt. Bacteria. Car Exhaust. Chemicals. Dirt. Dust. Earth. Food Particles.
Fungus. Germs. Gravel. Grease. Grime. Grit. Hair. Industrial waste. Lint.
Mud. Pet stains. Pollens. Pollutants. Rock. Sand. Scum. Smoke. Soil. Soot.
Tar. Tobacco smoke. Urine. Vomit.
Plus, don’t forget living creatures, such as dust mites, fleas and critters that
live, hide and breed in your carpet.
THE IMPORTANCE OF VALUE AND PRICE
Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.
When you select a carpet cleaner, you’ll choose from a wide variety of
cleaning methods and prices.
Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, recommends hot
water extraction from a truck-mounted unit, and using a portable unit only in
areas where a truck-mounted unit won’t reach.
Here’s why: a truck-mounted unit cleans much better than a portable
for three reasons:
(1) It heats the water to a higher temperature. For every 18 degree increase
in temperature above 118 degrees F, you double the water’s cleaning
ability. So if the water temperature is 136 degrees F, is will clean twice as
well as water that is 118 degrees F. 154 degree water will clean four times
as well as 118 degree water. And so on, until you reach a water temperature
of 250 degrees F.
(2) It shoots the cleaning solution into your carpet at high pressures, which
breaks up the dirt, bacteria, chemicals and pollens. 300 to 400 pounds per
square inch is the optimum pressure for truck-mount hot water extraction.
(3) The machine uses stronger suction to draw the dirt, chemicals, bacteria,
pollens and tobacco smoke residue out of your carpet.
Not surprisingly, having a carpet thoroughly cleaned with a truck-mount hot
water extraction costs more than renting a shampooer at the corner grocery
store.
If you bought the cheapest carpeting you could find, then renting a small
shampooer might be all you need. No question, it will get out some of the dirt
– but the key word here is “some”. It will not get out many of the pollens,
chemicals, bacteria and dust mite residues.
On the other hand – if you want your carpet to look good and give you
years of dependable service – then you need to take extra good care of it.
This means you need to have it cleaned by a skilled, qualified technician at
least every six months to one year, depending on the amount of soiling and
foot traffic it receives. And you need to have it cleaned thoroughly, as only a
truck-mount hot water extractor can do.
WHY YOU WANT A CLEAN, HEALTHY CARPET!
Which is more important to you: a clean carpet – or a clean and healthy
carpet? Yes, I assure you, there is a big difference.
Each carpet cleaning method has advantages and disadvantages. Some
methods will get out only the dirt. Other methods will get out dirt and grease.
Still others will get out virtually everything. And, to be sure, some are more
expensive than others.
If all you want is a cheap, rinse-the-dirt-off-the-top cleaning which you might
find for around $13.95 per room – then I respectfully ask you to call another
company.
But if you want to protect your health – if you want to protect your
investment in carpeting – if you want to protect your family from the
countless bacteria, fungus, pollens and dust mites that reside in your
carpet, then you’re invited to call me.
The truck-mounted hot water unit we use is a very effective cleaning system.
Likewise, it’s a very expensive unit in today’s market. But we bought this unit
for a good reason: More and more families want the good health benefits
that come with having a fresh, clean carpet.
Have you ever seen how dirty children’s pants get when they play outdoors?
If you have, then you know you can brush off their pants and make them
think they’re clean. Or, if you want the job done right, you can machine wash
them in hot water and detergent and you’ll KNOW they’re clean.
The same is true for carpet. You can hire someone for $4.95 to $19.95 who
will “brush off” your carpeting and make you think it’s clean. Or, if you want
the job done right, we’ll wash your carpets with water and cleaning agents
using our state-of-the-art cleaning machine and you’ll KNOW they’re clean.
So if you want a thoroughly clean carpet – if you’re willing to invest in your
family’s good health – you’re invited to call us. You’ll receive a written
estimate, at no cost or obligation. And if you give us the go-ahead, you’re
further protected with our…
4 STEPS TO A FRESH, CLEAN, HEALTHY CARPET
If you’re thinking about having your carpet cleaned, we encourage you to
follow these four steps:
STEP #1: Make a commitment to yourself to get your carpets cleaned. The
longer they remain dirty, the sooner they’ll wear out. Plus the longer you
have to breathe all the pollens, fungus and chemicals that hide in your
carpet.
STEP #2: List your objectives. Do you want only the dirt removed,
something you could do with a rented shampooer. Or do you want all the
bacteria, fungus, chemicals, and dust mites removed, which will require a
hot water truck-mounted cleaner, as we use. 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 the 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 seven
questions to ask a carpet cleaner before he/she begins to clean your carpet:
1. What method of carpet cleaning do you recommend?
2. What type of equipment do you use to clean carpet?
3. What will your equipment remove from my carpet?
4. How often should I get my carpets cleaned?
Step #4: Once you’re satisfied that you’re working with an honest,
competent professional, invite him/her 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 steps, 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 from the grocery store and do the job yourself.
But if you want your carpeting to be completely and healthfully cleaned –
removing the bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollens, and tobacco products –
then we invite you to call us.
Sincerely,
Paul Fratella
Owner / Southwest Image Cleaning
Southwest Image Cleaning, P.O. Box 52913 Mesa, AZ 85208-0146
(Phone) 480.988.6402 or toll free 1-866-988-6402 (fax) 480.718.7730 (e-mail)
info@sicleaning.com Paul Fratella Owner (cell) 480.444.8693
(Phone) 480.988.6402 or toll free 1-866-988-6402 (fax) 480.718.7730 (e-mail)
info@sicleaning.com Paul Fratella Owner (cell) 480.444.8693
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