Householders guide  

On this page you will find lots of useful information split into the following sections:

• 10 Ways To Select A Professional Carpet Cleaning Company
• The 4 Critical Questions To Ask Before Having Your Carpets Cleaned
• The 4 Hottest Carpet Cleaning Tips – How To Get Your Carpets Cleaned Properly At A Fair Price
• What To Do When Things Go Wrong
• 8 Reasons Why Top Carpet Cleaners Insist On Seeing Your Carpets BEFORE Giving You A Price To Clean
• Learn How Often A Carpet Should Be Cleaned
• Discover The 15 Reasons Why You MUST Clean Your Carpet
• Staggering! What Carpet Protection Will And Will NOT Do For You
• 6 Hot Tips For Maintaining The Beauty And Extending The Life Of Your Carpet

Important: Price Is What You Pay. Value Is What You Get

Dear Homeowner

Finding a trustworthy, honest, qualified carpet cleaner you can rely on isn’t easy.

It’s well known that many carpet cleaners:

Advertise low, low prices then up-sell (increase their prices) once you’ve let them into your home

Aren’t professionally trained and experienced in cleaning the wide range of fabric and carpet fibres on the market today – you risk shrinkage, colour run or other damage

Are not properly insured; if something goes wrong you’ll be left to pay for the damage

Never reveal their office address – they’ll hide behind a PO Box or free phone number. Why? Well when things go wrong you’ll not be able to find them. Be especially careful of leaflets that say “We’re In Your Area For The Next Month” or similar

Price over the phone; think about it. How could any professional possibly give you a firm price to clean over the phone? You see a proper carpet cleaner will want carry out colour run and shrinkage tests; only then will they be able to decide on the safest way to clean your furnishings – and only then can an accurate price be given.

I’ve written this guide to help ensure you make a safe, rational decision when deciding on who you have clean your carpets.

Use the information I share with you here to make sure you ask the right questions (and get the right answers) BEFORE you invite any carpet cleaner into your home.

Regards

MARGARET HORSFIELD

How To Select A Professional Carpet Cleaning Company

In the following  I’ll show you how to choose between one carpet cleaning company and another.

I’ve put together a checklist to make sure you don’t get ripped-off. This checklist will “arm” you with the right questions to ask.

Ask to see the letters and testimonials of satisfied customers.

Any honest, ethical, trustworthy professional  and capable carpet cleaner will have a bucket-full of  clients who have written in praise of his company’s work. Read these testimonials, they should keep an up to date file of references for you to browse.

Look at the dates on the references; check they are up to date. Check they refer to work done by the actual cleaning technicians who’ll be cleaning your furnishings.

I keep an up to date file of the actual references -- I encourage clients to browse and ask questions.

Ask  questions.

ASK:

How long have you been cleaning?

What training and accreditations have you earned?

Do you offer a MONEY-BACK guarantee?

What happens if something goes wrong?

Are you fully insured?

They should be helpful with lots of information, stories and anecdotes to describe their cleaning experience.

This also gives you some insight to their enthusiasm and application.

I’ve been cleaning carpets and upholstery since 1989. I’m a fully accredited ProCLEAN? Master Member. I offer a 100% money back guarantee. What does this mean? Simply this – if you’re not totally delighted with the cleaning I’ve done for you I’ll call back and re-clean the particular area again for FREE; if you’re still not satisfied I’ll refund every penny you’ve spent with me. No small print. I am fully insured (with Zurich Insurance) for both professional and public liability (up to £500,000). You’ll already have guessed I’m passionate about this business and determined to pull the standards of the industry up by the bootstraps to make sure all consumers benefit from a great job at a reasonable price.

Sadly, most companies in our industry don’t invest in educating themselves or their cleaning technicians.

This is the problem: You probably don’t know your carpet cleaner well. And if so, you won’t know if they are well trained – won’t know if they have the technical knowledge to clean your furnishings properly; and safely.

Here’s the answer: make sure they are certified at least by the NCCA* or the IICRC** or ProCLEAN?***. That way you’ll know they are well-trained and professional.

The cleaning technician must earn these qualifications. They are not “paid-for” credentials. You have to study and successfully complete formal written examinations.

* The NCCA is the only independent UK trade body solely dedicated to the craft of carpet, upholstery and other soft furnishings cleaning. The NCCA is recognised by the government, media, industry, commerce and of course homeowners as the authoritative source of information and independent advice on all aspects of the industry. In 1982, the Association, recognised as representing a substantial segment of professional cleaners, was invited to become a founder member of the British Cleaning Council, co-ordinators of the entire UK cleaning industry.

** The IICRC is the largest accreditation body in the world, dedicated to improving the competence of cleaning and restoration.

*** ProCLEAN? - The Professional Cleaners Association – You can only become a Member of this independent body having passed examinations and personal assessments to prove your professional skill, honesty, trustworthiness and competence.

All three of these bodies, the NCCA, the IICRC, and ProCLEAN? demand that any certified business and Technicians are dedicated to:

• honest, ethical business practices
• staying current on the latest methods for carpet and upholstery care, cleaning and restoration,
• the highest possible level of customer service.

You're making a wise decision when you have your carpets cleaned by an NCCA,  IICRC or ProCLEAN? certified Firm.

MAGS CLEANING is a Master ProCLEAN?  Member. Further, I regularly attend educational courses, certification schools, conventions and study trade journals and books related to our industry.

Many cleaners use underpowered and outdated equipment; ineffective equipment that doesn’t work well.

There are 4 main cleaning systems:

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. The theory is the dirt is sucked up with the dried shampoo. The reality is this method can leave a dirty residue in your carpet. Look at it this way: Can you imagine applying shampoo to your hair, allowing it to dry and then removing the shampoo from your head with a vacuum? This is one reason dry foam is not too effective.  

Absorbent pad: (bonnet cleaning) This method involves a floor polishing buffer machine with a large cotton pad being spun over your carpet. The theory is the spinning motion helps the cotton pad to absorb the dirt from your carpet. This system has its place in a carpet cleaners armoury; it is reasonably effective on lightly soiled carpet and has the advantages of being relatively quick to carry out and quick to dry. It’s worth noting that effectively the bonnet cleaning system is like trying to use a large cotton towel or mop to rub the dirt out of your carpet. It's not very effective. 

Dry, absorbent powder: Really a bit like using “Shake-n-Vac”. This is a very simple maintenance cleaning process where a very slightly moist absorbent powder is spread over the carpet. The powder is allowed to dry and then sucked into a vacuum. The downside is the dry sponge particles tend to collect at the base of the carpet yarn and are very difficult to remove completely, leaving a potentially unhealthy residue. And because the carpet is not rinsed, this method is not very effective on really dirty carpets.

Hot water extraction: The most thorough of all the possible cleaning systems. It works like this:  a hot water cleaning solution (not unlike the solution you clean your clothes in the washing machine) is fired under high pressure into your carpet – right down to the base of the fibres. This detergent cleaning solution is then – almost instantly – sucked up out of your carpet bringing all the dirt and oils and bacteria with it.  

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." And this isn't surprising. You see, a twin-vacuum, high-pressure hot water extraction unit cleans much better because it heats the water to a high temperature - and shoots the cleaning solution into the carpet at higher pressures. This breaks up the dirt, bacteria, chemicals and pollens in the carpet. Then the machine produces huge vacuum volume to draw the dirt and chemicals out of your carpet.

This is the main method my company uses.

I use some of the most advanced and effective cleaning equipment available. As well as giving a really "deep down" clean, my equipment doesn’t over-wet the carpet or fabric. My aim is to achieve maximum soil removal; maximum cleanliness; minimum disruption to you. And carpets “standing tall” and  dry enough to  use in hours not days!

The range and choice of carpet cleaning products is astonishing. Some of the products are very effective; others are little better than coloured water. There’s a big range of prices too. Many carpet cleaners cut costs by buying discounted, imported products.

Know this: the largest and most prestigious manufacturer of carpet cleaning machines and chemicals is UK based Prochem. Prochem are an English company with over 25 years in the industry; they are by far the biggest and most highly respected manufacturer in the country.

I only use their products. They are quality products at a premium price. I could save hundreds of pounds a year buying discount alternatives; but I won’t.  

This is why. I refuse to use discount products; they tend to leave a sticky residue behind and discolour the carpet.

You can be assured the products I use are the most effective, efficient and safe products for your carpet, your family and the environment.

Nevertheless if a spot can possibly be removed without harming the fibre, I will be able to remove it!

Please don't fall into the trap of selecting a carpet cleaning company based on price.

Here’s why:

Call the cheapest company you can find and I’ll bet that you get a big sales pitch with little cleaning.

It only makes sense that the cheapest company has to cut costs by using cheap cleaning equipment, cheap cleaning agents, and cheap personnel, spending as little time as possible cleaning your carpet.

Will they have the tools, qualifications and experience to recognize the fibre, construction and fitting?

They’ll need to if they’re going to clean properly, without causing irreparable damage to your furnishings?

And if they don’t you’ll be stuck will a carpet full of oils, soils, pollens, bacteria, moulds and other pollutants …

Beware of carpet cleaning companies who claim to have a “crystal ball”.

What I mean is this: If they are able to thoroughly analyse and test for colour-run and shrinkage, decide on the most appropriate cleaning process and give you a price over the phone ….

They must be mystics!  Or fly-by-night cowboys.

Professional carpet cleanings have to visit your home to carry out a barrage of tests and assessments, decide on the best method of cleaning depending on your individual particular requirements and only then give you a firm, fair price – with no surprise “extras”.

One other point: Will these “quote-on-the-phone” cleaners be prepared to return for free should stains re-appear - as they can even with the most expert cleaner correctly using the most powerful equipment and materials?

Not surprisingly, having your carpet thoroughly cleaned by a fully trained professional craftsman will cost you more that using one of the fly-by-night cowboy cleaners.

But it will extend the life of your investment and care for your furnishings in a way that will save you money in the long run.

After having an uninformed, uneducated or downright unscrupulous cleaner in your home, the hardest part is getting them to fix any problems.

I offer my 100% Money Back Guarantee. I don’t want to have anyone in our community that feels they have paid us for something that they did not get.

The iron-clad guarantee works like this: If you’re not absolutely delighted with the work I’ve done, then I’ll call back and re-clean for free. If you’re still not happy I’ll return every penny you gave to me. With no hard feelings.

That’s not all: In fact I offer a unique Double guarantee:

1. 100 per cent Absolutely Thrilled Or You Don’t Pay A Penny If you are not 100% thrilled and delighted with your freshly cleaned carpet I will not expect you to pay me.

2.  The Price You Pay Is The Price We Quote. I will not ask for extra ‘surprise’ or small print payment once I’m in your home. The price you were quoted will be the full price you will pay. No small print.

As you know, "word of mouth" is the best form of advertising and we actively promote it.

For each new customer you send to us, we say "thank you " with a lovely gift.

Beware of "here today, gone tomorrow" cleaners.

The typical ones advertise with flyers that say things like "We are in your area next week…"

I am always in your area.

In fact I will keep in touch with you. Valued clients receive a monthly newsletter with handy hints, information and special offers.

I also offer maintenance plans. I will come to your home, evaluate your needs and create a custom plan that will help keep your home and carpet; cleaner, healthier, and preserve its appearance for years to come.

This is a free service to preferred clients only.

How To Get Your Carpets Cleaned Properly – And At A Fair Price!

Revealed – The Hottest Cleaning Tips And Questions You Need To Ask To Guarantee You Get A Great Job Without Getting “Taken To The Cleaners”

In the following I’ll reveal to you:

• the 4 critical questions to ask before having your carpets cleaned;
• the BEST way to clean your carpets and what the best carpet cleaners should do for you.

Let me explain:

The 3 Hottest Carpet Cleaning Tips – How To Get Your Carpets Cleaned Properly At A Fair Price

Top carpet cleaners are very confident of their ability to IMPRESS you. In fact  ‘If I Don’t Clean Your Carpets Better Than You Expected, Don’t Pay Me!’

A WORD OF WARNING

Throrough Cleaning: There are many different ways to clean carpet; but only one way recommended by the world’s largest carpet mills. Listen, some ways use chemicals that leave a nasty, dirt-attracting residue in your carpet – avoid them. These residues hide unhealthy soiling – they don’t remove it. Instead, look for a way that doesn’t leave a residue and is very powerful.

What should you look for then? First off you want your carpet cleaned down to the base of the fibres – you want harmful dirt and bacteria collected there, sucked away. Make sure this is done if you want clean, fresh, healthy carpet.

Most important of all – ask your cleaner if he uses the Hot Water Extraction way of cleaning; if he does you’ll be sure to get a good, thorough, clean.

There’s more …

What To Do When Things Go Wrong

What if something goes wrong? What if the promises made by the carpet cleaner just don’t add up – what if you’re disappointed with the cleaning? Remember this: you’ll be glad you choose a carpet cleaner who offered a …

100% Money-Back Guarantee: If you’re lucky enough to be dealing with a top carpet cleaner you won’t have to ask him if he guarantees his work; it’ll be splashed across his ads!

Let’s take a closer look why:

A top carpet cleaner is sure he can clean carpets to impress you. He sees himself as the expert and wants to thrill you in a way you don’t expect. If he doesn’t – in your eyes – he is so disappointed he’ll not expect to be paid!

Look at my next tip:

Honest Pricing: Top carpet cleaners will almost never give you a price over the phone. That’s worth repeating:

Be careful of carpet cleaners who price over the phone. The bottom line is this: to get the job done right and safely he has to SEE your carpets first; why?

8 Reasons Why Top Carpet Cleaners Insist On Seeing Your Carpets BEFORE Giving You A Price To Clean

• To test the type of carpet to be cleaned
• To test the carpet for shrinkage
• To test the carpet for colour run
• To test the carpet for correct fitting

There’s more …

• To measure accurately the size of your carpet
• To discuss the type of clean you want
• To discuss particular problem areas or stains

And, finally, this one is VERY important …

To give you a firm price – the price you will actually pay

LET ME SHARE A SECRET WITH YOU

If you’re thinking: ‘You say seeing the carpet is so important. How come I get flyers through my door saying ‘carpets cleaned - £15 a room?’ Let me share a secret with you. The flyer prices are not the prices you pay Companies advertising low, low prices are just Bait & Switch cowboys.

Here’s what they do:

First they offer you the BAIT of a very low price; then they drop the bombshell of SWITCHING you (using high-pressure sales techniques) to a higher price once they’ve slithered their way into your home.

Remember: If a price seems too good to be true, it usually is.

This Is What Top Carpet Cleaners (1 in  200) Do!

This is important. Top carpet cleaners visit your home and do an survey of what you want cleaned; they go through a series of tests and questions. Only then can they give you a fair, firm price – the price you’ll pay – with no sneaky extras added later.

To summarise – To be sure of getting your carpets cleaned perfectly, without damage, shrinkage, or risk, choose a carpet cleaner who:

Cleans the best way; as recommended by the world’s largest carpet makers

Won’t accept payment if you’re not totally delighted

Comes to your home to give your carpet a proper survey and firm price (with no tricky “extras”).

Tips for Maintaining The Beauty and Extending The Life of Your Carpet

Carpet maintenance is all about reducing damage to the carpet fibres; your biggest problem areas will always be where traffic – footfall – is heaviest.

Here’s why. If ground-in soil is not removed on a regular basis, the traffic areas will begin to wear excessively.  You see, dirt is very abrasive and grinds against the fibres of the carpet as you walk across it.  More than that, the dirt also contains oils and greases – contaminants that will oxidise and damage the colour of the carpet.

The second important focus of carpet maintenance is spot removal. You must treat spills immediately. Some cause more problems than others. Be very prompt in dealing with the following “Code RED” spills: Red wine, red beverages, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, urine, and blood. These can all cause a permanent stain if not treated immediately.

Listed below are steps to take to properly maintain your carpeting.

Entrance Mats

Using entrance mats inside and outside of doorways will reduce the amount of soil brought onto carpet. As much as 85% of the dirt and grime in your carpet is walked-in soil.

Vacuuming (Dry Soil Removal)

Regular thorough vacuuming is vital in keeping your carpets looking “as new”. Dry soil is abrasive, it damages carpet fibres and will make your carpet wear through quicker.

That’s not all:  As well as creating a dingy, poor appearance, it will also stop your stain protector working so well..

Professional Cleaning

As a general rule, cleaning by a professional, certified firm should take place about once per year. For extremely heavy traffic areas, cleaning is required more often. Proper professional cleaning will not leave a sticky residue behind and can be done as many times per year as needed.

MANY STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL CLEANING AT LEAST EVERY 2 YEARS.

Professional cleaning removes the damaging soils in traffic areas that vacuuming has not been able to remove.

Clean Up Spills Immediately

The quicker you can get to a spill, the easier it is to remove. Always blot the spill. Use a clean, white absorbent cloth. Never rub or use a brush. Rubbing can actually make the stain worse and damage the carpet fibre or fabric.

Spot Removal

The key here is to always pre-test the spot remover on a hidden area of your carpet or fabric BEFORE you attempt to tackle the spot. Put a small amount onto the carpet or fabric and blot it with a clean white cloth. If any colour appears on your cloth or you see any colour change, do not use the spot remover.

After testing, put the spot remover onto your cloth, and then blot it on the spot. Repeat until the spot is gone. Next, rinse by wetting the cloth with water and blotting it onto the area. Finally, with a clean dry cloth, blot dry.

This is important: Most spot removers you buy at the supermarket leave too much soap residue and can cause yellowing. Avoid using foam carpet cleaners or any product that is not made specifically for carpet. For any spot you are unable to remove and for pet urine and faeces, call us immediately.

Protective Coatings

Residential carpets when new are often treated with stain resist properties and soil resisters known as carpet protectors, such as Nuva, Dupont Teflon, EnviroShield or ProMite.

12 months or so after installation some of the protection will have worn off – especially in the heavy traffic areas.  You should consider having a professional carpet cleaner re-apply the treatment after professional cleaning. The soil resister will help the

soil slide off the carpet easier when vacuuming, spots will be easier to remove, and professional cleaning will be more effective.

Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.

As you know, having your carpets thoroughly cleaned by MAGS CLEANING costs more than renting a shampooer at the DIY shop. You may think that's all you need to clean your carpets.

But what about the "deep down" soils, bacteria, fungus, dust mite bodies & droppings, oils, greases and other pollutants. You won't be going even half way to removing these. So your carpet may "look" clean, but won't be really clean.

You'll have only done half the job and in the end it will cost you in early replacement of your carpet. To get years of dependable service from your carpet - you know  you need to take extra good care of it.

BEWARE!

You see, this industry is not regulated and anyone can buy himself or herself a shampooer, charge you a price and call himself or herself a  "professional."

For your protection. MAGS CLEANING is insured, uses highly trained cleaning technicians, and is actively certified by proCLEAN, and the IICRC to insure that they have the most up to date cleaning procedures.

There is a lot more to carpet cleaning than soap and water, and many a carpet has been ruined by an unskilled "professional."  But most importantly MAGS CLEANING stands behind their work with a 100% money back guarantee so you can be sure you will be happy.

Remember, a truly professional company has equipment to maintain, chemicals to buy etc. So, we educate our clients to beware of low prices, they could be a front for pricey "add-ons."

If the final price is too good to be true and the company is legitimate, consider yourself lucky. Next time, the company either won't be around (couldn't afford to keep their doors open), or they will have needed to raise their prices to a reasonable rate so they can afford to stay in business.
 

15 West Street   Oldland Common  Bristol  BS30 9QT  UK    Tel  0117 9326372