I think it's easy to get the accidental attitude of "I know everything" I this business, but the more I learn and expand my business the more I realize the need for continueing my education and staying sharp. I am reading a lot of post about oriental rug cleaning and blown away by the detailed knowledge some have on the subject. And since I'm wanting to get out of the truck more while starting a rug spa with a partner, I'm wanting to delve into the deeper aspects of rugs as It is much more delicate than your regular carpet cleaning. My partner know a ton more than me on a lot of these subjects and will be a great help but I want to make sure this isn't anything we don't know inn this field. What are the best resources for this information and or classes that teach this subject? I live in Indiana and would be willing to travel some to attend a worth while class. Any suggestions or warnings?
I get asked this a lot so I am chopping chuncks out of emails I sent out this Week. You know I hope about rug university on Pro Cleaners Network wed (tonight) at 9 – 11.Eastern time Paul Lucas, Dusty Robers, Scott Kentfield and I lead the program. It is all about how to clean rugs. Tonight is a recap of the NYC trip but next week back to rug cleaning. This is free. Here is from another email I sent out recently. Dusty, Paul Lucas, Nathan Koets and I are putting together a 3 day weekend in Alexandria Va. We are planning on a class on Rug ID, Rug Cleaning and Pet Decontamination. I have lined up access to a 10,000 rug wholesale warehouse where we can learn ID hands on with everything from machine made rugs on up to antique Oriental Rugs and everything in between. Paul and Nathan have a great course on cleaning rugs for carpet cleaners. It will deal with truck mounts, steamin demons, low moisture, etc… The focus will be on doing the best work without the pit. Then we will deal with how wash piss soaked rugs. We will also deal with bleeders. This whole weekend will be for carpet cleaners who are getting into rugs as well as established rug cleaners. We will be offering ICR certifications including the brand new BCS Biological Contamination Specialist cert for rug cleaners which incorporated the Federally mandated guidelines for Bloodborne Pathogens. Rug ID and the Rug Cleaning also offer certifications. The certification programs are optional but we are lining up a certification program that can not only teach but also bring you business. This seems like it was made for you so I wanted you to be one of the first to get the inside story. Best wishes, Barry O’Connell Cell – 570-447-4395 BTW I also really like lisa Wagners Program. She offers a lot of value.
For Oriental rug cleaning my two favorites are: Nathan Koets and Paul Lucas. Great all around training. Or Lisa Wagner and Jim Pemberton also great training. The other good trainers: Jeff Bishop. Lost a lot when he and Ruth Travis stopped working together but still a good choice. Aaron Grosenclose and Ellen Amirkhan. A good choice if you are a 3rd generatin cleaner or if you run a Moore Plant. Not much on rug washing but great for history, stories, rug id and MasterBlend soap. My recommendation is that if you want to clean rugs use Nate and Paul or Lisa and Jim. Best wishes, Barry O’Connell http://www.orientalrugtalk.com
The more you learn about rugs (or almost any topic) the more you realize there is more to learn. The beginner has the problem that he doesn't know what he doesn't know. That can get you into trouble. Barry - Send me information about your training trip to Virginia. I would very much to to be a part of this, even help out if I can. BTW- I will be helping Tom Forsythe and some others put together a rug cleaning class over the next 6 months. We will feature the new Bridgepoint wool products and letting people get hands-on experience with extraction cleaning, pit cleaning and in locations where facilities permit, working on a wash floor.
Scott hit the nail on the head here. After I had been cleaning for a few years I thought I was quite the expert and knew just about everything I needed to know. Now that I have been in the business for 17 years I realize how little I knew back then and that this is an ever changing field of work that requires constant learning. The more I learn the more I see just how little I know. I too am in the process of seting up a wash pit and learning the process. I saw Jeff Bishops display at Connections in Las Vegas last month that was real informitave. Barry, I am interested in this "rug university" you mentioned. Where can I find this and how can I get involved?
To dispel any rumors that I'm no longer doing rug cleaning training, I have just started my own school, Rug Lady Seminars. I also continue as the Director of the WoolSafe program in North America. We have an on-line course available for those interested in learning more about cleaning wool and other natural fibers. Not every one can travel to a course so it's been extremely popular.
Rob has been going through the same process, starting a rug spa(that name just sounds funny to me) You may want to talk to him, see what he has come up with over these last few months
If you haven't heard - Barry O'Connel has put together a Rug Lovers educational tour in Washington DC and Virgina for next month. This includes training by Barry, Dusty (Mr. Rug Badger), Paul Lucas. Nathan Koets, Tom Forsythe, Lisa Wagner and I will also be on hand to add what we can to the experience. There is a tour of rug washing plant, a major rug sales location, a guided tour of the National Textile Museum and a fund-raiser with lots of door prizes to raise money for the museum. Contact Barry (SpongoBongo), Paul Lucas or Dusty to join the group.
