Carpet Cleaning Industry

Steam cleaning is the most popular form of carpet cleaning today. In this method cleaning equipment (usually truck mounted) is used to spray a high temperature detergent solution onto the carpets at high pressure. The high temperatures and pressures break up the dirt which is then extracted immediately. Although the name says "steam cleaning" no steam is actually used, just hot water.

Drying times with steam cleaning usually range from 6 - 12 hours. So when considering hiring a steam cleaner you need to consider whether or not 6 - 12 hours is an acceptable amount of time to be out of the house and off the carpet. Also, if you are considering buying a steam cleaning business you need to consider whether or not 6 - 12 hours is an acceptable amount of time for your customers to be off their carpet.

A pro to this system is that if you are looking to have your carpets cleaned you have many options (i.e. many companies use steam cleaning). This gives you choice but also allows for cheaper services as companies will be competing with one another. This works well if you are a consumer.

If, however, you are looking to get into the carpet cleaning business this may be a hindrance. Buying a steam cleaning business is an economically viable one to start but the money spent in competitive advertising and special offers may cost you a lot of money in the long run.

As steam cleaning is the most popular form it is also the most trusted. Although not entirely rightly so. Consumers have a tendency to go with what they know. Most people don't know that steam cleaning can (and in many cases does) leave a residue in the carpet which can actually attract dirt and make carpets soil faster.

In this method cleaning products are applied beforehand onto the carpet (pre-sprayed) which is then passed over with a floor machine (a buffer) with an absorbent cotton pad on the base which absorbs dirt from the carpet.

This is generally used to superficially clean the carpet at times where a deep clean may not be viable. Most types of bonnet cleaning do not clean deep down into the carpet. Cleaning the top of the carpet allows the

appearance of the carpet to change.

The majority of bonnet cleaning companies require a change of tactics for a high traffic heavy dirt area and will usually do an extraction before doing the bonnet cleaning.

There are other methods of cleaning using circular pads and floor machines.

Some circular pad methods employ the use of different chemicals that work under a different principle than the "brute force" method of bonnet cleaning. Some of these methods use other kinds of circular pads (like vinyl as opposed to cotton) and use science and technology to draw the dirt from the carpet.

In our experience these companies use environmentally safe products and have many other advantages. They have all the advantages of bonnet cleaning like much shorter drying times, and all the advantages of steam cleaning like a deep thorough extraction clean.

In this method a detergent solution is "whipped up" into a foam. The foam is then applied to the carpet with a rotary agitator where it is allowed to settle and dry and is then vacuumed up (usually later by the consumer). The dirt suspended in the foam is brought up with the foam during vacuuming.

During shampooing a solution is pre-sprayed onto the carpet and is then "whipped up" by the machine as it is passed over.

Some dry foam systems allow the partially wet foam to be vacuumed immediately (before it dries) so the consumer does not need to do it.

This method does not involve rinsing and as such can actually leave a dirt attracting residue in the carpet. This is a highly undesirable side effect.

When using a method that uses an agitator you must be careful. A certain amount of agitation is required (as in the amount of agitation a vacuum provides) but excessive agitation can significantly reduce the life of the carpet by fraying the fibers. This gives the carpet an unsightly appearance.

Dry chemical cleaning or dry extraction is the carpet cleaning method involving the least amount of moisture (hence the name). This method involves applying a dry extraction compound that is usually partially moistened with a detergent. It is then spread over the carpet and worked in with a brush. After the compound has been worked in it is vacuumed out, along with the dirt.

A pro to this method is that there is no chance of over-wetting the carpet. This results in minimal drying time (for any type of cleaning there is always some moisture needed and as such there is a drying time).

Some cons to this method are that the compounds used are usually laced with compounds which aren't environmentally friendly but are needed to extract the dirt. Also the chemicals are difficult to vacuum out and as such leave a residue in the carpet. The compounds used in this method are also very expensive (sometimes up to 30% of the job cost!).

Vacuuming

The first line of defense as a home owner against dirty carpets is the most obvious: vacuuming. Heavy traffic areas should be vacuumed daily. This may seem laborious but it will increase the life and attractiveness of your carpets. Medium traffic areas should be vacuumed twice weekly and minimal traffic areas can suffice with once weekly or even bi-weekly.

Particles of dirt cause additional friction on the fibers in the carpet when it is walked on and this creates additional wear, reducing the life of the carpet.

When vacuuming you should assure that your beater bar is set to the correct height for your specific carpet and that you move the vacuum across the carpet at a reasonable rate. Moving the vacuum to fast will result in dirt not being picked up, effectively making the entire process useless.

Stain/Spot Removal

Stain removal can be a tricky business. Before using any chemicals on your carpet you should try them out on an inconspicuous area to begin with. This ensures that if there is any discoloration you know about it before you go to fix a stain and make a much larger, uglier one.

Once that is taken care of its time to get down to the stain. Using an absorbent cloth or towel blot up the excess of the stain. Blotting is imperative as scrubbing will more than likely spread the stain around. Apply an amount of cleaning solution to the stain making sure not to over wet the carpet. Different stains generally have largely different chemical make ups and as such require different cleaning products to clean them. Make sure that you are using the appropriate cleaning product for the type of stain that you have. Allow to sit for 10-20 seconds and then blot with a clean cloth. Some stubborn stains may take multiple applications and some may require professional help.

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Firstly its important to discern what kind of carpet cleaning you think will suit you best. You should check with your carpet manufacturer to see what kind of cleaning method they recommend.

After you've discovered what cleaning method will be the most appropriate for you you'll need to find all of the carpet cleaning businesses in your area that offer this type of cleaning (yellow pages is usually a good start). Call each of them, find out what sort of prices they are offering and then play on the competitive nature of the business to get yourself cheaper rates. Just because you need it done doesn't mean you have to pay top dollar for it.

You should check references for each company as well. Most companies will offer good references but you should find out if any of your friends or family or co-workers have had their carpets cleaned by this company and make sure they are competent. An incompetent carpet cleaner can sometimes do more damage than repair, wasting a lot of your time, money and effort.

Checking the small print on the contract is always a good idea (as with any venture). You should see what kind of stains aren't guaranteed to be removed so as to avoid disappointment at the hands of a legality.

Be sure to get a firm estimate so that you are not paying more than had been originally agreed (or implied).

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When buying a carpet cleaning business you need to consider all possible options. Firstly you need to make sure that you have enough capital to invest in the system that is right for you. Many people will invest in a sub-par business opportunity based on the fact that they do not have the appropriate funds to buy from a decent company.

Consider what type of carpet cleaning business you would like to run. Do you want to join the steam cleaning industry? It is the most well known and as such consumers will trust it. However, being the most popular type of carpet cleaning business you are subjected to cut-throat pricing and competition.

Foam cleaning and dry chemical cleaning offer cleaning which wouldn't be classed as "restorative". So if you are looking to be a company which does the little in-between cleaning jobs then this would be easily financed but the return on your investment would be diminished.

Using a bonnet system which implores the use of superior cleaning products with an acceptable amount of agitation is what we at carpetcleaningindustry.com recommend. This will give you a competitive advantage as you have a one of a kind system and also allows you to charge enough to have your business do well.

So what exactly are the financial implications of owning a carpet cleaning business?

First and foremost you know that you are entering an occupation in which there is always available work. People will always need their carpets cleaned at some point in time. If you consider that almost every home and almost every business has carpet somewhere on their property you realize that you have a limitless client base.

If done properly, and with the proper support from the franchising company you can turn a minimum investment into a maximum return.

Depending on the location of the carpet or the type of treatment required for the carpet, two different carpet cleaning processes may be used.

* "Dry" cleaning uses a minimal amount of liquid and a blend of compounds for restorative cleaning, regular scheduled maintenance, and emergency cleanup. This process uses a homogenized blend of solvents, including a cleaning agent, rinsing agent, and neutralizing agent, heated to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit and applied to the carpet.
* Steam extraction is commonly used for restoration jobs. This truck-mounted system uses antimicrobial, urine and odor treatment chemicals. This process uses the same chemicals used in "dry" cleaning, but the rinsing agent is blended in the truck-mount, and more water is used in rinsing.

Industry standards exist for upholstery, carpet and other cleaning procedures. Carpet cleaning requires the following procedures: vacuuming, pretreatment and conditioning, extraction, nap setting, and drying. Vacuuming removes most particulate soil, pretreatment and conditioning loosen soil with a mild solvent cleaner, extraction rinses away the cleaning solvent, and nap setting and drying allow the remaining solvent to vaporize and dry. If these procedures are not followed, indoor air quality could pose a health concern both for the cleaner and those at the residence or business.
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More Information at the IEPA Website

Carpet normally brings luxury, fashion and comfort to mind. It's quiet, insulates well from cold and the color options are numerous. There are many materials and styles available, enough that you might need a little help choosing. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you.

Select carpet based on:

• Fiber - the carpet material itself. Single fibers are spun together
  to create two, three or four-ply yarn, which is then attached to a woven backing.
  
  


• Pile - the height of the fiber.
  
  


• Density - the amount of fiber tufts per square inch. Carpet weight is measured
  in ounces per square yard. When using weight to compare carpets, make
  sure you're comparing like materials (ex: nylon to nylon, not nylon to polyester).
  
  



• Texture - the style in which fibers are looped, twisted or cut provides texture.

For more information, visit Lowes Website.

Carpet fibers are either natural or synthetic. Wool is the natural fiber used in carpet;
cotton and other natural fibers are widely used in rugs. The major synthetic
yarns are nylon, olefin, acrylic and polyester.

• Wool offers a deep, rich look and feel with excellent resilience and durability.
  Although it's naturally stain resistant, it requires a high level
  of maintenance, including mothproofing.
  
  


• Nylon is the most common carpet material. It's the strongest fiber, making
  it an excellent choice for heavy traffic areas. It's also the most
  durable of the synthetics, easy to clean and maintain. Nylon is soil-
  and mildew-resistant, resilient and non-allergenic. Some nylon may pill
  and be prone to static.
  
  



• Olefin (Polypropylene) was originally for outdoor carpeting and basements
  due to its resistance to moisture, mildew, water damage, staining, pilling,
  shedding and static. Now it's more widely used for its durability
  and wool-like feel and appearance. Olefin is dyed before it's made
  into a fiber and therefore is colorfast. Some olefin can flatten and
  fade in direct sunlight.
  
  


• Polyester is not as durable or as nylon, but still quite wear-resistant.
  Polyester offers a wide selection of textures and colors. While it's
  susceptible to pilling and shedding, it's non-allergenic, sheds
  moisture, resists moths and mildew and cleans easily.
  
  


• Acrylic is the closest to wool of any of the synthetics. Acrylic is manufactured
  primarily for commercial use. It offers soil resistance, excellent cleanability
  and resistance to static, moths and mildew. Acrylic is available in
  a wide choice of colors, and is less likely to fade in bright sunlight
  than nylon or polyester.

Cut Pile carpets fiber ends are cut on a level face.

• Saxony is a popular carpet of dense, level-cut pile with loops clipped to about
  1/2" high. The closely packed yarns give a soft smooth surface
  which is perfect in formal settings. A smooth- finished saxony is sometimes referred to as plush.
  
  
• Textured is also a cut pile, but isn't as densely tufted as a saxony. Two-toned
  yarn and an uneven surface gives it a casual look suited for any room. Its tight-twist construction helps resist soil, so it's often a good choice for family rooms and kitchens.
  
  


• Frieze carpets have a short, durable, twisted pile fiber well suited for busy areas.

Loop Pile yarns are looped and fastened to the backing.

• Berber features large, uncut loops of natural-tone fibers, usually of olefin.
  Berber is very durable and a good choice for high-traffic areas.
  
  


• Level loop refers to tufted, uncut loops of equal height. It's durable,
  and a great carpet for high traffic areas and informal rooms.
  
  

Cut & Loop offers a combination of the above, allowing more textures and
patterns. Cut and loop achieves a sculptured pattern with varied levels
of uncut low loops and sheared top loops. The pattern looks as if it's been cut into the carpet and usually features several tones from the same color family. The change in color helps disguise wear and soiling.