How to Remove Laundry Detergent from Carpet – Newport Beach CA

How to Remove Laundry Detergent from Carpet – Newport Beach CA

Laundry detergent is one most common household items found within the home. If you spill detergent on carpet, you could spend hours trying to remove it because the liquid, which is very thick, gets deep into carpet fibers.

It could take several hours for you to even make a dent. One of the best ways to take care of the problem is to use a heavy-duty wet/dry vacuum cleaner as well as a steamer.

Here’s a quick guide to help you remove laundry detergent from your carpet.

Run your kitchen faucet until the water is as hot as it can get

Make sure the water is at its highest temperature to effectively remove the laundry detergent from your carpet. Fill a clean spray bottle with the hot water.

Spray down the entire surface of the affected area of carpet

Cover the area that has the laundry detergent embedded in it with the hot water. Run your hand over the carpet until it feels sudsy like a sponge. The use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to clean up excess water from the carpet. After you have vacuumed up the excess water, the carpet fibers will still be wet.

Allow the carpet to sit for a couple of minutes

This will allow the laundry detergent to separate from the fibers. Repeat the process with your high-powered vacuum cleaner until you have gotten most of laundry detergent out of the carpet. Use a towel to dab the carpet until the rest of the laundry detergent has come up.

Although it may seem that the carpet is clean and all of the laundry detergent has been removed, there are still particles embedded in the fibers that could potentially damage your carpet or harm your pets.

Rent a steam cleaner or borrow one from a friend

Once you have successfully extracted most of the laundry detergent from the carpet, fill the steam cleaner up with the cleaning solution provided with the unit and then fill the water container to the fill line. The fill line should be at the front or back of the water tank. Do not overfill the tank as this could damage the unit. Run the steam cleaner over the spot on the carpet until the carpet fibers feel like they have gone back to their normal texture.

Consider hiring a carpet cleaning service

If you don’t want to undergo the task of getting laundry detergent out of your carpet yourself, contact a highly rated carpet company that specializes in stain removal. Professionalcarpet cleaning companies have specialized equipment to remove the detergent and leave your carpet fresh. Carpet cleaning companies use specific steam cleaners and chemicals to break down the detergent components. You can even contact a carpet company after you have tried to remove the detergent yourself.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

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What are the best carpet cleaning methods? Newport Beach CA

What are the best carpet cleaning methods? Newport Beach CA

Carpet cleaning runs the gamut from store-bought products to rented steam cleaners and professional cleaning services. You have several different options when it comes to refreshing your carpets, but how do you know which is best for your home?

At-home carpet cleaning methods

There’s a wide range of carpet cleaning products for under $10 that use a combination of chemicals to break down and lift stains out of your carpet. Popular examples include spray-on products and carpet cleaning powders that can be applied and then vacuumed up.

One benefit to at-home carpet cleaning products is they can be used to remove small stains and for spot treatments. They’re also less expensive than other methods, and they have a short drying time.

However, the chemicals in these products, including perchloroethylene and naphthalene, can cause damage to the central nervous system if inhaled in large amounts. Some store-bought cleaning products have been know to bleach carpets, so it’s always wise to test a small section of carpet before applying it throughout your home.

Renting carpet cleaners from a store

To deal with larger stains or clean the entire house, some homeowners choose to rent a steam-cleaning machine from their local supermarket or hardware store. These machines are often available for $20 to $30 per day, and usually require a security deposit. You may also have to purchase cleaning chemicals separately. Be sure to follow directions that come with the cleaner to make sure it isn’t damaged during use.

It’s also important to note that despite the name, these machines don’t actually use steam to clean. Instead, they use hot water in combination with detergent to soak your carpet, and then use powerful suction to suck the water back out.

Some of the benefits to renting a carpet cleaning machines is they are inexpensive and are typically more effective than store-bought carpet cleaning products. However, they also have a long drying time, and the tanks need to be changed periodically as they fill with dirty carpet water.

Hiring a professional service

Another option is to hire a professional cleaning service. These companies use steam-cleaning or dry cleaning methods to refresh your carpets.

Professional steam-cleaning machines are similar to the type you can rent, except that actually use high-powered steam to remove stains. Dry cleaning methods use almost no water, instead relying on chemicals to break them down. Once destroyed, the stains can be vacuumed up.

Professional companies may charge per square foot or by the room. Some charge extra for cleaning stairs or moving furniture.

Many companies now use eco-friendly products. In addition, they know how to effectively remove chemical residue and can recommend specific cleaning methods based on your carpet type, its age and the type of cleaning you need.

Professional services are generally more effective and removing stains than other carpet cleaning methods. The main drawbacks include the higher cost and longer drying time.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

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What are the best carpet cleaning methods? Newport Beach CA

What are the best carpet cleaning methods? Newport Beach CA

Carpet cleaning runs the gamut from store-bought products to rented steam cleaners and professional cleaning services. You have several different options when it comes to refreshing your carpets, but how do you know which is best for your home?

At-home carpet cleaning methods

There’s a wide range of carpet cleaning products for under $10 that use a combination of chemicals to break down and lift stains out of your carpet. Popular examples include spray-on products and carpet cleaning powders that can be applied and then vacuumed up.

One benefit to at-home carpet cleaning products is they can be used to remove small stains and for spot treatments. They’re also less expensive than other methods, and they have a short drying time.

However, the chemicals in these products, including perchloroethylene and naphthalene, can cause damage to the central nervous system if inhaled in large amounts. Some store-bought cleaning products have been know to bleach carpets, so it’s always wise to test a small section of carpet before applying it throughout your home.

Renting carpet cleaners from a store

To deal with larger stains or clean the entire house, some homeowners choose to rent a steam-cleaning machine from their local supermarket or hardware store. These machines are often available for $20 to $30 per day, and usually require a security deposit. You may also have to purchase cleaning chemicals separately. Be sure to follow directions that come with the cleaner to make sure it isn’t damaged during use.

It’s also important to note that despite the name, these machines don’t actually use steam to clean. Instead, they use hot water in combination with detergent to soak your carpet, and then use powerful suction to suck the water back out.

Some of the benefits to renting a carpet cleaning machines is they are inexpensive and are typically more effective than store-bought carpet cleaning products. However, they also have a long drying time, and the tanks need to be changed periodically as they fill with dirty carpet water.

Hiring a professional service

Another option is to hire a professional cleaning service. These companies use steam-cleaning or dry cleaning methods to refresh your carpets.

Professional steam-cleaning machines are similar to the type you can rent, except that actually use high-powered steam to remove stains. Dry cleaning methods use almost no water, instead relying on chemicals to break them down. Once destroyed, the stains can be vacuumed up.

Professional companies may charge per square foot or by the room. Some charge extra for cleaning stairs or moving furniture.

Many companies now use eco-friendly products. In addition, they know how to effectively remove chemical residue and can recommend specific cleaning methods based on your carpet type, its age and the type of cleaning you need.

Professional services are generally more effective and removing stains than other carpet cleaning methods. The main drawbacks include the higher cost and longer drying time.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

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Clearing up your carpet cleaning choices – Newport Beach CA

Clearing up your carpet cleaning choices – Newport Beach CA

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices offered by carpet cleaning companies.

How’s a consumer to know whether hot water extraction, bonnet, or “dry” carbonation techniques are best? A reputable carpet cleaner can break it all down for you and help you make the right choice, and you will find great guidance from your carpet manufacturer. But here’s a quick translation of some of the most commonly bandied about terms.

Hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, is the most universally used carpet cleaning technique. This process typically involves spraying a solution of warm or hot water and a cleaning agent into the carpet, then extracting it all with a powerful vacuum. This can be a truck-mounted system or a portable unit. The truck mounted system ensures the dirt is removed outside the home.

“Hot water extraction is what (many of the major) carpet manufacturers recommend just because it gets rid of everything,” said Tony Taylor of PGF Carpet Care, Inc. in Camby. “I vacuum if needed; do a pre-spray to break up some of the dirt and then come right behind that with the hot water extraction. All of the dirt and water is being sucked out of your home, right into my truck.”

A downside to hot water extraction cleaning is a long dry time, which typically ranges from four to 10 hours, Taylor said, depending on the carpet type and the humidity level in the home.

Randy Carter, owner of Eco Carpet Cleaning, LLC in Indianapolis, offers both steam cleaning and “bonnet” — or low moisture — cleaning methods. He prefers the low-moisture approach.

“With low-moisture cleaning, there is less of a chance for mold and mildew,” Carter said. “When carpets get soaking wet, if moisture stays behind, let’s say, in a corner where there’s not good ventilation, it could create mold spores.”

The bonnet method consists of a round cleaning pad that fits like a cap over a rotary brush to help loosen dirt from the carpet. The method works particularly well in homes with pets, Carter said. Carter’s company uses plant and vegetable based cleaners, which are safe for children and pets, he said.

Kevin Jones, owner of ChemDry by Kevin Jones in Indianapolis, prefers his eco-friendly hot carbonating extraction method. It uses carbonation to create effervescent bubbles, which lift dirt from the carpet before extracting it with a strong vacuum. Though frequently referred to as a “dry” method, it actually does use water, but requires just a fifth of the water needed for traditional steam cleaning, Jones said.

“We heat our solution up before we apply it to the carpet, which gives it more reaction to the carpet versus using just plain water,” Jones said. “That gives us another edge in cleaning.”

While most carpet types can withstand any of these cleaning methods, it’s important to follow your carpet manufacturer’s recommended method. Some manufacturers will not honor the carpet’s warranty to cover damage if their specified method is not followed.

To keep your carpets cleaner longer, vacuum them regularly yourself with a good, household vacuum cleaner and have them professionally cleaned by a qualified and reputable company at least once a year and in accordance with your manufacturer’s instructions. Clean more often if you have pets or heavy foot traffic.

Professional cleaning costs typically start at around $59 for a small area and go up from there, depending on the size of your home and the type of cleaning you choose. According to Angie’s List reports for the past year in the Irvine area, the average carpet cleaning job costs about $300. This investment will pay off in the long-term by extending the useful life of your carpets. Avoid the temptation of offers from companies offering super-cheap cleanings: for example, a $49 whole-house cleaning. Generally speaking, these deals are too good to be true.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

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Clearing up your carpet cleaning choices – Newport Beach CA

Clearing up your carpet cleaning choices – Newport Beach CA

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices offered by carpet cleaning companies.

How’s a consumer to know whether hot water extraction, bonnet, or “dry” carbonation techniques are best? A reputable carpet cleaner can break it all down for you and help you make the right choice, and you will find great guidance from your carpet manufacturer. But here’s a quick translation of some of the most commonly bandied about terms.

Hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, is the most universally used carpet cleaning technique. This process typically involves spraying a solution of warm or hot water and a cleaning agent into the carpet, then extracting it all with a powerful vacuum. This can be a truck-mounted system or a portable unit. The truck mounted system ensures the dirt is removed outside the home.

“Hot water extraction is what (many of the major) carpet manufacturers recommend just because it gets rid of everything,” said Tony Taylor of PGF Carpet Care, Inc. in Camby. “I vacuum if needed; do a pre-spray to break up some of the dirt and then come right behind that with the hot water extraction. All of the dirt and water is being sucked out of your home, right into my truck.”

A downside to hot water extraction cleaning is a long dry time, which typically ranges from four to 10 hours, Taylor said, depending on the carpet type and the humidity level in the home.

Randy Carter, owner of Eco Carpet Cleaning, LLC in Indianapolis, offers both steam cleaning and “bonnet” — or low moisture — cleaning methods. He prefers the low-moisture approach.

“With low-moisture cleaning, there is less of a chance for mold and mildew,” Carter said. “When carpets get soaking wet, if moisture stays behind, let’s say, in a corner where there’s not good ventilation, it could create mold spores.”

The bonnet method consists of a round cleaning pad that fits like a cap over a rotary brush to help loosen dirt from the carpet. The method works particularly well in homes with pets, Carter said. Carter’s company uses plant and vegetable based cleaners, which are safe for children and pets, he said.

Kevin Jones, owner of ChemDry by Kevin Jones in Indianapolis, prefers his eco-friendly hot carbonating extraction method. It uses carbonation to create effervescent bubbles, which lift dirt from the carpet before extracting it with a strong vacuum. Though frequently referred to as a “dry” method, it actually does use water, but requires just a fifth of the water needed for traditional steam cleaning, Jones said.

“We heat our solution up before we apply it to the carpet, which gives it more reaction to the carpet versus using just plain water,” Jones said. “That gives us another edge in cleaning.”

While most carpet types can withstand any of these cleaning methods, it’s important to follow your carpet manufacturer’s recommended method. Some manufacturers will not honor the carpet’s warranty to cover damage if their specified method is not followed.

To keep your carpets cleaner longer, vacuum them regularly yourself with a good, household vacuum cleaner and have them professionally cleaned by a qualified and reputable company at least once a year and in accordance with your manufacturer’s instructions. Clean more often if you have pets or heavy foot traffic.

Professional cleaning costs typically start at around $59 for a small area and go up from there, depending on the size of your home and the type of cleaning you choose. According to Angie’s List reports for the past year in the Irvine area, the average carpet cleaning job costs about $300. This investment will pay off in the long-term by extending the useful life of your carpets. Avoid the temptation of offers from companies offering super-cheap cleanings: for example, a $49 whole-house cleaning. Generally speaking, these deals are too good to be true.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

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Dry Carpet Cleaning vs Steam Cleaning Methods – Newport Beach CA

Dry Carpet Cleaning vs Steam Cleaning Methods – Newport Beach CA

The time has come. Despite your best efforts, years of stains, dirt and grime have accumulated in your carpet. You need to clean the carpets, but how do you know which carpet cleaning method to pick?

Steam cleaning and dry cleaning are both popular methods for cleaning carpets, but does one have an advantage over the other?

Steam won’t clean your carpets

In the dry carpet cleaning vs. steam cleaning debate, it’s important to clear up the myth that steam is actually used to clean your carpets. While home and commercial machines use hot water, which gives off steam, the steam itself does not clean carpet.

Instead, the machine sprays detergent onto your carpet. Hot water activates the detergent on the carpet fibers — alkaline for synthetic carpets and acidic for wool or natural fiber carpets. A wet-vac is then used to suck up the bulk of the water on the floor.

Rent a steam cleaner, but prepare to wait

You can buy or rent a carpet steam cleaner for your home. These models typically rely on hot tap water to work properly, while machines rented from a hardware or grocery store may have a heating element.

Both operate by placing a cleaning solution in the machine and moving it slowly and methodically over the carpet. The machine will then suck up and dump out the water.

After you’ve cleaned the carpets, stay off of them for about 12 to 24 hours while they dry. In some cases, the carpet shrinks after the leftover water dries. However, unless your carpet is made entirely of natural, untreated fibers, this will not be a problem.

Professional steam cleaning dries more quickly

You can also hire a professional to steam clean your carpets. They often use a more powerful machine or one attached to a vehicle.

Because a professional carpet steam cleaner contains more power, it can spray more detergent into the carpet and suck up more water. Carpets take less time to dry if you use a professional carpet steam cleaner.

Dry carpet cleaning takes least amount of time

You can also dry clean carpets by using dry chemical compounds. Place these chemicals on a carpet and they will break down whatever soil they find.

The name of the dry cleaning method is also misleading because the professional use a small amount of moisture in the form of application solutions, which complement the dry compounds used.

Dry cleaning offers the advantage of time; floors can be used again almost instantly after cleaning is complete. Dry cleaning compounds are often used in industrial and retail settings for this reason.

Steam or Dry: Pros and cons of both techniques

Steam cleaning your carpet yourself means you need only hot water, a rented machine and detergent. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait between 12 and 24 hours to walk on your carpet again.

Ground-in stains typically reappear in the first few days after cleaning. Commercial solutions can eliminate some of these problems, but there are certain stains — pet stains or chemical stains, for example — that require multiple treatments or cannot be removed.

Dry cleaning, meanwhile, offers the advantage of almost no drying time and an effective cleaning through chemical agents and application solutions.

The chemicals used, however, can often be harsh, and homeowners are advised to speak with a commercial cleaning company about the products they use and any strong odors they may have.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

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How to Keep Carpet Clean in a Pet-Friendly Home – Newport Beach CA

How to Keep Carpet Clean in a Pet-Friendly Home – Newport Beach CA

 

Newly installed carpet looks beautiful and can give any home a fresh look, but it doesn’t come cheaply. If your household is pet friendly, protecting your new investment is paramount.

Here are some tips to keep your pets happy and your carpet clean:

1. Dry paws when animals come indoors

Have a towel close by to wipe your furry friend’s feet. The cat won’t like it, but wiping its feet will certainly help keep stains from appearing on your carpet. A dog can learn quickly that not having its feet wiped means it’s not coming inside.

2. Use pet safe spray carpet cleaners

This solution works very easily. If Fluffy or Fido has an accident, quickly remove debris and excess moisture from the area, then spray it with a product such as Woolite Pet Spray carpet cleaner, wait a few minutes, then wipe it clean.

3. Confine your pet to another room

While this solution may keep the carpets clean, it probably won’t sit well with your pets. You may spend more time on the battle of keeping your pets confined than you would spend cleaning the carpet.

4. Place area rugs and carpet runners

An area rug or runner can be an ideal solution for a pet-friendly home. If an accident occurs, smaller rugs can be easily tossed into the washing machine and quickly put back in place.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

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How to Keep Carpet Clean in a Pet-Friendly Home – Newport Beach CA

How to Keep Carpet Clean in a Pet-Friendly Home – Newport Beach CA

 

Newly installed carpet looks beautiful and can give any home a fresh look, but it doesn’t come cheaply. If your household is pet friendly, protecting your new investment is paramount.

Here are some tips to keep your pets happy and your carpet clean:

1. Dry paws when animals come indoors

Have a towel close by to wipe your furry friend’s feet. The cat won’t like it, but wiping its feet will certainly help keep stains from appearing on your carpet. A dog can learn quickly that not having its feet wiped means it’s not coming inside.

2. Use pet safe spray carpet cleaners

This solution works very easily. If Fluffy or Fido has an accident, quickly remove debris and excess moisture from the area, then spray it with a product such as Woolite Pet Spray carpet cleaner, wait a few minutes, then wipe it clean.

3. Confine your pet to another room

While this solution may keep the carpets clean, it probably won’t sit well with your pets. You may spend more time on the battle of keeping your pets confined than you would spend cleaning the carpet.

4. Place area rugs and carpet runners

An area rug or runner can be an ideal solution for a pet-friendly home. If an accident occurs, smaller rugs can be easily tossed into the washing machine and quickly put back in place.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

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Tips for removing pet stains and odors from carpet – Newport Beach CA

Tips for removing pet stains and odors from carpet – Newport Beach CA

Most people who keep animals in the house know that the joys of pet ownership come with a few prices. Even pets that have been trained to use a litter box may have an “accident” from time to time, leaving stains on your carpet and causing unpleasant odors.

Here are a few tips for eliminating both stains and odors from your carpet:

Removing stains

Avoid using steam cleaners or strong chemicals. According to the Humane Society, a steam cleaner will only make pet stains and odors worse, as the heat will cause the protein to bond to the carpet’s fibers.

Chemicals such as ammonia or vinegar not only give off unpleasant odors of their own, they might actually make the spot more attractive to your pet as a place to relieve itself in the future.

You will have much better results if you use an extractor or wet vac. Use water and not cleaning compounds. Not only is water more effective, it’s also healthier. Cleaning compounds can give off small amounts of toxic chemicals, creating dangerous indoor air pollution that you and your family might inhale.

Removing odors

Pets stains can also cause odors that cling to you carpet. Two simple, inexpensive and natural ways to fight pet odor involves using baking soda and corn starch.

Sprinkle the baking soda over the affected area and use a broom to work it into the carpet. Sprinkle on a second layer, and let it sit for about 24 hours. Then, vacuum up the baking soda, and the unwanted odor should be gone.

For stronger smells, you might want to add some water to the baking soda, and then allow the paste to dry before applying the vacuum. The procedure is basically the same if you use corn starch, although in this case, you’ll definitely want to use water as well.

Call in the professionals

If you can still see the stain or smell the odor after trying the methods listed above, you should consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning company. Sign in to Angie’s List to read trusted consumer reviews on highly rated carper cleaners in the Irvine CA area.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

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Commercial Carpet Cleaning ​- Newport Beach CA

Commercial Carpet Cleaning ​- Newport Beach CA

Successful textile cleaning companies that continue to grow in and survive during lean times are those that do not rely solely on residential accounts. Residential accounts are adversely affected by factors beyond one’s control, including weather. In many areas of the country, cleaning becomes a seasonal service.Commercial accounts provide a steady source of work and income all year long, month after month. They provide peace of mind, knowing you can count on a certain amount of income every month even when residential cleaning is slow. Commercial accounts also provide a great referral source; employees and patrons of commercial accounts will often inquire and use your services.There is a world of work in the commercial arena. Professional corporate offices, restaurants, schools, hotels, movies theaters, health care facilities, casinos, commercial vehicles such as buses and aircraft, apartment buildings, timeshares…you get the picture. Most of these facilities require cleaning on a monthly basis, providing secure work for your company.Securing commercial work and bidding for these accounts requires specialized training combined with top-notch communication and presentation skills. The ability to sell your service is crucial to obtaining commercial accounts. Consider enrolling in an IICRC Commercial Maintenance or local trade association course. Courses such as these teach the science and current cleaning technologies necessary to maintain carpet in a commercial environment. Education adds tremendous credibility to a company, something vital in today’s business environment.

For bidding purposes a professional bidding as well as marketing program should be utilized. There are computerized bidding programs available on the market. Sales letters, customized maintenance programs, proposals and contracts should be included in the program you select for your company. Of course, if you have a strong business and marketing background you can develop your own marketing and bidding materials. Remember, however, there is something to be said for computerized programs with a proven track record. There are different ways to break into the commercial market and sell your services. An easy way to get your foot in the door and start working commercial accounts is to offer a cleaning maintenance plan that is flexible, a “flex plan” if you will. If you have the business savvy and experience, the ultimate way to secure commercial work is by signed contract. This legal document states the terms of the maintenance program, which should include information on the pre-existing condition of the carpet being maintained; interval of cleaning; price of cleaning; methods of cleaning to be employed and terms of payment. Prior to using any legal contract, it would be wise to have it reviewed by an attorney.Now, with all this said, first make sure your company is prepared to handle commercial work. Most commercial work is done off hours on weekends and at night. When going full force into commercial cleaning, many underestimate the tough aspects of working off hours combined with cleaning commercial carpet that may exhibit improper and infrequent maintenance. Consider the following carefully before starting a commercial carpet cleaning division.Off-Hour Work and Labor. Commercial contracts will require technicians to work off hours. Are your technicians willing and available for these hours? Are your technicians reliable? Perhaps you will need to hire and pay more in salary to technicians that handle off-hour commercial work. Are you and your family prepared to have Dad working off hours, normally considered family time?Equipment/Cleaning Systems. Many cleaners new to the commercial market do not take into account the need to be able to employ low moisture systems such as encapsulation cleaning for maintenance and hot water extraction for restorative cleaning. A well-thought-out commercial cleaning system will use a combination of maintenance cleaning systems, followed by restorative systems employed to rinse the carpet fibers when the carpet develops a heavy soil load and low-moisture systems are no longer effective in removing the soils and oils to achieve an acceptable appearance. Is extra equipment available in the event of malfunction? Canceling commercial cleaning accounts for equipment breakdown or labor issues is unacceptable to clients, and may lead to poor business relations in addition to loss of work and income.Management. How much will your expenses increase? Perhaps you will need to hire a manager with previous experience in textile maintenance to run the night crew.Sales. The foundation of commercial work is bidding and the ability to sell contract work. Who will accomplish this for the company? Will you need to hire a sales executive with experience dealing with commercial accounts?Bidding for Commercial Work

  1. Identify prospects for commercial work in your area. Refer to Yellow Pages, mailing lists and local business networking organizations, to name a few.
  2. Call prospects to pinpoint decision makers. Larger corporations have many layers of management. Send introductory sales letter stating your reason for contact. For example, the sales letter could include the following: “Our professional textile cleaning company would like to provide you with a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. Our company uses the latest technology in commercial carpet maintenance and our technicians are IICRC certified professionals. We would appreciate the opportunity to tell you about our money saving maintenance programs and how we will enhance the overall appearance of your facility. We will be calling to make an appointment.”
  3. Call to schedule a follow up to your sales letter appointment.
  4. Prepare a short presentation. Computerized commercial bidding systems are available for laptop use and can be used right in front of a prospective client. It shows current use of technology and gives a good impression to your prospect. Ask for brief tour of facility for measurement and pre-inspection. Make sure you use a professional pre-inspection kit.
  5. Thank the prospect for his or her time and advise them that a written proposal will be forwarded.
  6. Follow up to proposal. Offer to take client to lunch or schedule appointment to further discuss the proposal. Have the contract ready to sign at that time.

Flex Plans and How They WorkThe flex plan is similar to a gentleman’s agreement. There is no contract signed, but the professional textile cleaning company will provide a price list with service options to choose from, with suggested cleaning frequency. The account that chooses the flex plan for their cleaning maintenance needs is one that is not ready to commit to using your services, but is willing to give you a try. They will refer to your price list and will also provide you with their requested frequency intervals for cleaning. The company is not obligated to your service at these intervals but agrees to accept your phone call and discuss if service is necessary at this time. It gives the account a feeling of control without obligation.The plan allows you to build credibility with the account and offers the opportunity to further build your business through referrals. Initiating a flex plan is also a way to keep your competition at bay. Most managers, even under a flex plan, will advise that they have a cleaning company when a competitor calls. That’s a big plus!Maintenance price list for flex plans. Please note, this is just an example. Prices should be based on current market rates combined with profit margins necessary for your company to be successful:Spot Cleaning @ $45 per hourPile lifting/Deep vacuuming @ $.14 per sq. ft.Encapsulation cleaning/Traffic Areas @ $.12 per sq. ft.Restorative Hot Water extraction @ $.20 per sq. ft.Carpet Protector @ $.10 per sq. ft.

Additional ConsiderationsIn your proposal, how often will cleaning take place? This is known as the requested frequency of contract cleaning, whether weekly, monthly or quarterly.Initial restorative cleaning. In regard to initial cleaning, if carpet is heavily soiled, you will need to provide restorative cleaning measures. This way you begin your maintenance program with the carpet in its best possible condition. This restorative cleaning process should be a separate line item in your proposal and contract and billed at a higher rate. There is more expense involved in restorative cleaning.When writing a written proposal be sure to remember each commercial carpet installation is different. Many factors contribute to the overall maintenance requirements. The following must be evaluated and addressed in your proposal.

  • Type of carpet (construction and fiber)
  • Type of facility (restaurant; high-rise office building, etc.)
  • Traffic patterns
  • Number of occupants
  • Type of weather
  • Soil types, outside dirt tracked in, food, drinks
  • Manager’s expectations
  • Budget for cleaning

Explain in the proposal that your service will protect the client’s investment. Carpet neglect leads to permanent wear, substandard appearance and a waste of money. Enhance their image. Carpet is a major part of the overall appearance and comfort level of the facility. Soiled and damaged carpet detracts from corporate image.Explain how your service will help safeguard the comfort and well being of your valued employees and customers. Studies have shown employees and customers are more comfortable in clean environments. Carpets that are clean and well maintained contribute to that feeling of well-being. Customers return to facilities where there is a clean, comfortable atmosphere.The end game of a maintenance program is an overall plan to provide the client with a series of benefits. The benefits translate to improved appearance, image, a healthier indoor environment and financial benefits by adding extended life to the carpet at reasonable costs, using the latest in earth-friendly, environmentally sound cleaning systems operated by IICRC-certified personnel.The world of commercial carpet cleaning can certainly be demanding, but it can definitely be worth the challenge. Commercial accounts will help your business grow and infuse it with some serious capital. Commercial work puts your company out in front of the business community and helps establish beneficial relationships.Okay, use your education and the suggestions in the article to go out and make 2008 a great year for commercial carpet cleaning.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

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