“Black Mold Forces Family to Move”… “The Hidden Dangers of Toxic Mold”…“Is Your House Making You Sick?” Headlines like these are used to shine a spotlight on the health risks associated with mold. Naturally, the more extreme stories get the most interest. But is mold really as bad as they say? Where does it come from? How can you prevent it?
There is much debate about whether you should go with “dry cleaning” or “steam cleaning” your carpet. As usual, this is only a part of the picture. In this chapter, you will learn about cleaning methods and, more importantly, what steps are required for maximum soil and spot removal without over-wetting the carpet or leaving a sticky residue behind.
Also, you want to know what kind of customer service systems the company has in place. Our world-class customer service means we will show up on time in a clean, lettered vehicle. Our technicians are clean-cut, in uniform, and ready to serve. They will treat you, your family, and your home or office with the utmost courtesy and respect.
We will communicate with you throughout the cleaning process and do our best to answer any questions you have after the job. In fact, we will call you few days after the job to make sure you are 100% satisfied.
Have you ever had a carpet cleaner race through your cleaning job? You wonder how he could have possibly cleaned the carpet in such a short amount of time!
It “looks” clean, but what will resurface in the near future?
We have identified 12 vital steps in the carpet cleaning process that result in maximum soil and spot removal without over-wetting the carpet or leaving a sticky residue behind. These 12 steps also ensure that you are satisfied. Most carpet cleaners don’t apply even a fraction of these steps.
When a cleaner rushes through the job, insisting that his “super-duper cleaning machine” does all the work, soil that could have been removed is left behind. In the worst cases, a sticky residue that attracts dirt like a magnet is left on your carpet. And to top it off, it takes three days to dry! That means it is now susceptible to mold and mildew.
Most of the 12 steps are required by IICRC, yet many cleaners ignore the fact, leaving you holding the bag.
J&S Steamway has one of the best systems for carpet cleaning Anchorage has to offer. Call 907 349-0911 for your free cleaning estimate!
The number one reason for poor carpet cleaning is technician error. Would you be surprised to learn that most carpet companies have no formal training? That they are not required to be licensed? That there is no requirement to have any certification whatsoever? ls training and certification important? After all, isn’t carpet cleaning a “menial” task that anyone can perform? Actually, a carpet cleaning professional is working with one of your most valuable assets. Should it be
Actually, a carpet cleaning professional is working with one of your most valuable assets. Should it be trusted with just anyone? unfortunately, our industry is full of “rogues” who only care about how much money they can get from you, and who care nothing about the life of your carpeting. They do not care about the industry in which they work.
Have you ever noticed that in many states, air-conditioning companies, plumbers, and pest-control companies are required to be licensed? Not so for carpet cleaners. Fortunately for you, and for me, there are many fine people in the carpet cleaning industry who realize the standard must be raised. Those of us in that process help to police our own industry. In order to do this, associations and certification organizations were created. One such organization is the Institute of Inspection,
One such organization is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This organization provides certification courses and exams for the carpet cleaning industry. By attending these courses, carpet cleaners are taught about fiber identification, carpet construction, cleaning chemistry, cleaning methods, and professionalism.
In this training, technicians learn the technical aspects of cleaning assist them in using the proper methods for cleaning specific types of soil from specific types of carpet. A certified firm knows the right way to apply cleaning procedures and chemistry. A certifies firm is working together with other certified firms to raise the standard of carpet cleaning in general, therefore providing you with a higher-quality product.
Special Note: Never use a carpet cleaner that is not certified by the IICRC.
The IICRC is just one entity that provides training. There are many opportunities for advanced training and learning. Be sure to ask questions about the specific training the company has. Our company is certified by the IICRC and is heavily engaged in training in our industry. We are thoroughly trained in each area of services. Be sure to ask us about our designations and certifications.
Cleaning has historically been viewed as a commodity – a menial task that anyone can do. Long before sophisticated textiles and complexly-built indoor environments were created, cleaning may have been a simple task, but that is no longer the case.
Complex flooring systems, sensitive fabrics, and new-age soiling conditions have created a need for advanced education in the cleaning industry. Unfortunately, many cleaners (and consumers) have not understood this concept. We still see ads for $6.95 per room for carpet cleaning and sofa cleaning for $45.00. The cleaner puts the ads out, never intending to clean for those prices, and the consuming public gets the idea that cleaning should be cheap.
These so-called “cleaning” companies also happen to be the ones that don’t educate themselves or their employees.The result is that carpets and fabrics are being ruined every day by uneducated, uninformed and sometimes downright unscrupulous carpet cleaners.
They are facing soiling conditions they have never seen or heard of due to a lack of education. Or worse, they create a situation on a carpet or fabric that they have no idea how to fix. One example: they leave sticky residues in the carpet that cause the carpet or fabric to re-soil rapidly or to discolor.
Top-notch education is readily available in our industry. There is no excuse for cleaners to not educate themselves (and provide fallen education to their clients). Part of the problem is since they have fallen into the trap of viewing cleaning as a commodity themselves, they can’t afford to educate themselves. Education is expensive, but the result of not getting the necessary knowledge is much more costly. Our company invests a great deal in education. Not only do we spend thousands of dollars per year on education, we are heavily involved in our industry, making us well connected with our industry leaders This way, if a unique situation arises in the field, we have experts that we can call on, thereby bringing the cutting edge of cleaning
Our company invests a great deal in education. Not only do we spend thousands of dollars per year on education, we are heavily involved in our industry, making us well connected with our industry leaders. This way, if a unique situation arises in the field, we have experts that we can call on, thereby bringing the cutting edge of cleaning
This way, if a unique situation arises in the field, we have experts that we can call on, thereby bringing the cutting edge of cleaning technology to you.
Our industry provides courses in carpet cleaning, repair, fabric cleaning, marble and tile cleaning, area rug cleaning, marketing, management, and other related subjects.
Many of the organizations offer certification programs that involve testing and ethics requirements. There are trade publications, websites, bulletin boards, and a variety of other opportunities to stay plugged in.
We attend every course we can in order to bring you the very best. Many of these courses require travel across the U.S. and can, therefore, be quite costly. However, we believe, as fiber technology changes and as floor coverings become more complex, proper education, becomes even more important.
The bottom line is that you have a tremendous investment in your textiles and flooring systems and it is our duty to know how to best care for them. Understanding cleaning technology at the highest level helps to reduce cleaning residues and creates a healthier indoor environment by eliminating invisible germs and bacteria. It also empowers the cleaner to remove more soil, thereby creating a longer-lasting fabric or floor.
A number of situations that arise in professional cleaning experience to get the best cleaning and avoid problems.
First, the cleaner must understand what type of carpet they are working on. The of soiling and how the carpet is used are important factors. Are pets and/or children present? What kind of traffic does it get? What about cooking oils and other environmental soils?
Second, experience is a factor in knowing how to handle other situations that aren’t even related to cleaning, but have to do with customer service. Do the carpet cleaners know how to treat me and others they may come in contact with during the service experience? More about this in Chapter 5.
Training is a good start towards understanding these factors, but nothing replaces the right kind of experience. And I do stress the right kind of experience. Practicing something the wrong way for years just means that doing it wrong becomes a habit.
One thing you want to ask is “how long have you been in business?” If they have been in business for a while and the references check out from Chapter 1, then you are most likely on your way towards a good fit.
Finally, your professional cleaners need to understand and be experienced in the reason you are cleaning. There are actually six reasons people clean, and many times the cleaning is for more than one reason: What prompted you to have cleaning done at this time?
The Six Reasons
Reason 1
Events
Experience proves that events drive more carpet cleaning than any other reason. Whether it is getting ready for Thanksgiving or mother-in-law is coming, events create a sense of urgency that doesn’t exist otherwise. Although entertaining guests or family on clean carpet is a fantastic idea, don’t let this be the only reason you clean.
Reason 2
Visible Soil
The second most common reason for cleaning is some type of visible soiling. Whether it is a spot or a traffic area, it just becomes unsightly. Many times, waiting until your carpet is visibly soiled is waiting too long. Traffic area damage may have occurred, and spots may have become permanent.
Reason 3
Maintenance
This is one of the best reasons to order cleaning. By properly caring for your carpet, you will dramatically increase the useful life of your carpet and it will look better all the time even when mother-in-law springs a surprise visit!
Reason 4
Health
This is also a great reasons to clean. As your carpet does its job as a
“sink” or a “filter” it eventually becomes “full.” is cat It bacteria, insecticides, asphalt, and many other contaminants that need to be cleaned out.
Reason 5
Problem Solving
Occasionally something happens to a textile that appears to be a defect but can actually be corrected through professional cleaning. Usually before they send out a representative, carpet manufacturers will require your carpet to be serviced by a certified professional cleaning firm.
Reason 6
Odor Problems
Pet odors, cooking odors and others make their way into carpets, rugs, fabrics, and floors. There are a variety of new techniques and products available today to treat odor problems. Get a complete evaluation from one of our consultants. Regardless of what your reason is for cleaning, our company at your service. We are available for the most routine or complex questions you have.
We always want to get the best work at the best price. However, many companies offer poor quality work and a good price. So, how do you choose a good carpet cleaner with so many options?
When selecting a professional carpet cleaning company you three choices:
You’ll likely get the worst experience you ever imagined.
This is typically a high-volume company that does a lot of mass media advertising. They may not be the lowest, but their prices are “competitive.” The problem is they don’t train their staff very well and they skip vital steps in the cleaning process; that ends up costing YOU in the long run.
Choose a cleaning firm that measures up to the seven questions in this book. You will end up with a phenomenal cleaning job AND a pleasant service experience.
The typical scenario with the first two types is to “bait” you with a low price, then “switch” you to their “dual scrub” or “deep clean” system. They proceed to soak your carpet and leave a soapy residue behind. Good luck getting them back again!
Beware cleaning low-priced carpet cleaning:
If their price is truly low, you should be concerned about their quality. What are they leaving out? How can they pay their technicians a decent wage and have the best products and equipment at the lowest price?
They can’t.
Many companies advertise a low price then charge you more when they get there. Be clear about what is included and what is not.
These so-called “cleaning” companies also happen to be the ones that don’t educate themselves or their employees. The result is that carpets and fabrics are ruined every day by uneducated, uninformed, and sometimes downright unscrupulous carpet cleaners.
They are facing soiling conditions they have never seen or heard of due to a lack of education. Or worse, they create a problem on a carpet or fabric, and they have no idea how to fix it. One example is they leave sticky residues in the carpet that cause the carpet or fabric to re-soil rapidly or to discolor.
Top-notch education is readily available in our industry. There is no excuse for cleaners not to educate themselves (and provide a useful education to their clients). Part of the problem is that they have fallen into the trap of viewing cleaning as a commodity, and they can’t afford to educate themselves. Education is expensive, but ignorance can result in disaster on YOUR carpet!
Our company invests a great deal in education. Not only do we spend thousands of dollars per year on education, we are heavily involved in our industry, which makes us well-connected with our industry leaders.
This way, if a unique situation arises in the field, we have experts we a can call on thereby bringing the cutting edge of cleaning technology to you.
Our industry provides courses in carpet cleaning, repair, fabric cleaning, marble and tile cleaning, area rug cleaning, customer service marketing, management, and other related courses.
Many of the organizations offer certification programs that involve testing, and ethics requirements. There is a variety of opportunities to stay plugged into; trade publication, websites, bulletin boards, and more.
We attend every course we can in order to bring you the very best. Many of these courses require travel across the U.S. and can, therefore, be quite costly. However, we believe, as fiber technology changes and as floor coverings become more complex, proper education becomes even more important.
The bottom line is that you have a tremendous investment in your textiles and flooring systems and it is our duty to know how to best care for them. Understanding cleaning technology at the highest level helps to reduce cleaning residues and creates a healthier indoor environment by eliminating invisible germs and bacteria. It also empowers the cleaner to remove more soil, thereby creating a longer-lasting fabric or floor.
Mystery Shopper Experience Reveals Poor Customer Service and Inadequate Cleaning Systems:
A reputable consulting firm in the carpet cleaning industry undertook a “mystery shop” of three very visible companies in the carpet cleaning industry. The findings shocked even us!
The first company
The first company that was called not only had horrible telephone manners but sent out the rudest, most unprofessional and uninformed crew you could imagine. They acted like they were being bothered the entire time they were there which was a total of 37 minutes! This crew did not pre-vacuum the carpet, didn’t pre-spot it and didn’t groom it.
Even though the spots were not satisfactorily removed, the crew was unconcerned and unwilling to try harder. Their one-step method doesn’t even come close to meeting minimum standards of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Because the crew just brushed over the carpet with the cleaning tool, the soils returned before the day was even over!
At the end of the job, our consultant was required to sign a lengthy document even though the company couldn’t clearly state any reasonable guarantee. And the company had stressed their guarantee to secure the job over the telephone.
To top it off, these idiots never said thank you. Not even a smile the entire time proved that a customer was just another bother in their day. How sad.
The second company
The second company sounded more promising at first. Their telephone courtesies were somewhat better but not anywhere near what they should be. This company gave us a 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. arrival window. At one O’Clock, the consultant called to check on the arrival time. “Toward the latter,” he was told.
At 4:10 p.m. he called again. “The crew is still at their previous job They should be about an hour.
At 5:10, still no crew. Another call revealed they were still at the previous job. When pressed, the operator said, “Well, their previous job went from two rooms to two houses.”
“Oh, so you took on more work on your previous job and bumped me huh?” the consultant replied.
“Let me get the Operations Manager.”
The so-called Operations Manager said, “It’s only 5:10!” insinuating they weren’t actually late. They couldn’t give a specific arrival time so our consultant canceled the job. If a company doesn’t care enough to communicate with the client, turn down extra work, and offer alternate arrangements for their clients, they don’t deserve the work, no matter how good they are. If you’re not there, you can’t very well do a good job, now, can you?
The third company
The third company was better than the first two but was found to be very lacking for a company considered a “top” company. Booking the job was about as average as the other two. Incorrect information and ignorance ran throughout this experience. This company gave a two-hour window for arrival. They called the day before to confirm which was good. The morning of the appointment, they called to confirm the arrival time. Good.
When the technician arrived, he was very nice. But due to his inexperience, that was not enough to get them more than a “C average.” He didn’t know anything about the carpet, although he claimed to have been around carpet for a long time. He was baffled and it was a basic nylon carpet! This technician pre-vacuumed the carpet, pre-sprayed the traffic area and rinsed. Upon completion, he requested a signature beside several cleaning steps that were not provided. When pressed, we got the tired, old “well I didn’t have it on the truck.’ Duh!
Both companies that actually made it to the job site had cleaning steps on their work order that they were unwilling to do. One step was grooming the carpet. In both cases the step was on the ticket (put there by their operational system to make sure they do it). Both blew it off as unimportant.
Obviously any company has their bad days or days when employees just don’t want to perform. The scary part about these three companies is that they are very visible companies in the market they serve. The inadequacies and poor attitudes were obviously routine.
At our company, we are extremely passionate about raising the standard of our industry. We commit to being courteous, to do our very best to show up on time, to educate you, to inform you, and to give your carpet the absolutely most thorough cleaning we possibly can. If we ever fail you on that, we will not only express deep regret and concern but will insist on refunding your money if we can’t satisfy you.
Our carpets and rugs are our homes largest filters. The fibers collects soil, dead skin, dust mites, and allergens, which then work their way through the pile to the backing, where they build up over time. The Eureka company did a study several years ago and found that a 9’ x 12’ rug can hold up to 87 pounds of dirt! Regular vacuuming and surface cleaning are inadequate to address rugs with even a fraction of this level of soiling.
The Rug Spa at J&S Steamway is Alaska’s premier Oriental and area rug cleaning facility. Our state-of-the-art, top of the line equipment provides the greatest opportunity to bring your rugs back to their original clean, healthy condition.
Step 1: Pre-Inspection and Pick Up
We will determine as much as we possibly can about the type of rug and inherent qualities that may affect cleaning. We will outline the expected results and cleaning “prescription”. Our company will come to your home to pick up your rug, or you may drop it by our shop.
Step 2: Dry Soil Removal
Woven rugs, especially hand knotted rugs are designed to hide dry soil. We use a variety of techniques to “dust” the rugs from the front and back. A machine called a Rug Badger and special vacuum attachments are methods implemented to remove this soil build-up. This is the most important step in cleaning any textile.
Step 3: Pre-Condition
Depending on fiber content and soiling type, the rug will be pre-treated to emulsify the soils.
Step 4: Pre-Spot and Fringe Preparation
Any potentially difficult spots will be pre-treated with special solutions to increase chances of removal. The fringe is also pre-treated for maximum soil removal.
Step 5: Shampoo
Depending on fiber content and soiling type, the rug will be pre-treated to emulsify the soiling. We will then select the people and pet friendly, environmentally safe cleaning solution best suited for your specific rug type, to ensure maximum cleaning while protecting sensitive natural fibers.
Step 6: Rinse or Wash
Depending on the type of rug it will be rinsed with extraction equipment on both sides or washed in a wash pool designed especially for Oriental Rugs.
Step 7: Speed Dry
Once the soil is rinsed away, the rug will enter our Rug Revolution for final rinsing and water extraction. This machine is a centrifuge which safely spins your rug at high revolution, extracting 98 percent of the remaining water and along with it any soil remaining after the cleaning process. Our high volume air movers and dehumidifiers will then quickly complete the drying process eliminating the risk of mildew development common with other rug cleaning methods.
Step 8: Finishing
When the rug is dry, it is combed and finished with soft groomers made for specialty rugs.
Step 9: Post Inspection and Delivery
Our cleaning specialist will give the rug a final inspection and release it for pick up or delivery. Your rug will be wrapped in brown craft paper or plastic bag to protect it while in transport. Upon delivery, we will lay the rug for you.
Soil Filtration is the discoloration of carpet due to the passage of air through carpet fibers in concentrated areas. It is most common along baseboards on perimeter walls. Gaps between the bottom wall plate and the subfloor allow the passage of air thru the carpet. The carpet along the base acts as a filter where soil particulate is deposited.
Filtration lines can also develop under doors that are left closed for long periods of time, and around any wall penetrations such as gas piping and ducting.
The ability of your professional carpet cleaner to remove these lines varies depending on the type and amount of soil, length of time the soil has been accumulating, amount of airflow, and the color and type of carpet fiber. The discoloration can be removed from most synthetic fibers. However, in severe cases, especially on light colored carpets, traces may remain after cleaning. It is usually very difficult to completely remove filtration soiling from wool or olefin carpets.
Our technicians are experienced, educated, and armed with state-of-the-art equipment and solutions. Your tech will inspect your carpet, explain the recommended treatment, and let you know up front what you should expect from the cleaning. What we will not do is over-promise and under-deliver. It is our goal to provide you the best possible information with which to make your decisions.
Now what?
Here are a few tips to help make the most of your cleaning…
Should wicking occur after your cleaning, please give us a call do discuss the options. In some cases we will come out and re-clean the affected areas at no cost to you. In other cases our techs will have recognized the potential for wicking based on heavy soiling and alerted you to the possibility. We do offer reduced rates when re-cleaning is necessary based on the need to wick heavy particulate toward the surface in a first cleaning, that is then possible to extract in a second cleaning. In either case, rest assured that your satisfaction is our primary interest!
Carpet Cleaning
Our carpet is the largest filter in our homes. It collects and holds dirt, volcanic ash, pet dander and pet feces tracked in from outdoors, mold spores, dust mites and their feces, dead skin, allergens and list goes on. Not a very pleasant thing to think about, but an important issue to consider none-the-less.
No two carpet cleaning companies employ the same equipment, procedures, and cleaning solutions, and no two carpets present the same issues. Over the course of near 40 years, J&S Steamway has developed what we believe to be the most comprehensive approach available in Alaska, to the cleaning of all carpet types and soiling levels.
It is our focus on continuing education, methodology, chemistry, and customer service that sets us apart in the industry. We are not only dedicated to providing the best services possible to our own customers, but we educate and supply many of our competitors as well. It is our desire to be as great an asset to our community as possible. To us, it’s not just carpet cleaning… its providing a clean and healthy environment for our families… a charge we do not take lightly!
The J&S 12 Step Carpet Cleaning Process:
Your technician will evaluate the overall condition of your carpet, while focusing upon fiber type, existing stain make-up, and the soiling conditions present. He will develop a plan of action best suited to these conditions and inform you of the results you might expect.
Our commercial vacuums will be used to remove dry soil that household vacuums miss. This very important part of the process is deemed unnecessary by the majority of carpet cleaners who believe it will be removed during the extraction process anyway. The reality is, the more soil that exists, the more flushing is required to remove it. If not removed, it is forced deeper into the carpet pile requiring over-wetting to remove it.
We are happy to move your furniture items such as couches, recliners, and tables. Not included in your regular pricing is the moving of larger items such as china hutches, beds, and dressers. We do ask that you remove any valuable and/or breakable items from atop furniture that will be moved, ahead of the scheduled cleaning.
Traffic areas and spotting will be pre-treated to emulsify heavy soiling in advance of regular cleaning. This extra step provides a more thorough cleaning and greater visual appeal.
Stains and difficult spots are pre-treated to provide the greatest possibility of removal.
We will now use our mechanical groomer to loosen embedded soils from the fibers and work pre-spray into the pile. Soils will then be more readily available for extraction.
Our top of the line, truck mounted hot water extraction equipment is then employed to flush the carpet pile and remove cleaning solutions, soils, and contaminates without over-wetting the carpet. Precise control of pressures and temperatures ensures adequate flushing of fibers so that no residue is left behind, which can cause premature re-soiling and unfavorable texture changes.
The proper pH balance of your carpet plays an integral role in ensuring that no sticky residue is left behind. Your carpet will not only be clean… it will be soft, fresh, and healthy as well!
At this point in the process, your tech will have identified any remaining stubborn stains. He will use specialty spotters in an attempt to either remove them or make permanent stains less visible. The reality?… Some stains are permanent. If they can be removed, J&S is your best bet!
This step involves hand grooming with specialty groomers to leave the carpet fibers standing upright. It is done both for the visual appeal and to provide for quicker drying.
As each area is groomed, high velocity air movers will be placed to kick-start the drying process. As the surface of the fibers are dried, moisture from below is wicked to the surface.
The final step in our process involves checking to ensure that you are satisfied with the results, that we have not missed anything, that we leave your property in better condition than we found it, and to provide tips regarding safety and after cleaning care of your carpet.
