®®® Tips and Tricks!

[Boogie]

I wanted to start a tips and tricks thread. All of us use different things to make are job easier, faster and that give us lower operating costs. The Fels-Naptha tip was one of the best I've ever used. Well I'm going to start this thread off with this tip. I have more to add if everyone participates.

To cover my quick connects and protect wood floors from getting scratched and from the heat. I cut 6 inch sections of a swimming noodle that are already slit down one side. They are very easy to slide over and take off the quick connects. They work great for protection and are very cheap to replace when they get worn out or dirty. I buy noodles that are my company colors.

I'll go ahead and add one more. This one is for Pre-vacuuming a home. I keep a cheap box of fabric softener sheets in my van. I put a sheet in my vac canister before I start. It puts off a much better smell in the house when you pre-vac and have not had time to properly clean your vac between houses.

I'm new here and didn't see the fels-naptha tip. What is this about Spencer?

 

[marioskid]

 

[workplacejanitorialservices]

I just got on the froums and found this. Far out this is a massive thread but so much good info already. Only read to page 2 so far!

 

[mrotto]

I have had one callback this past year and it was a good learning experience. It was a set of white steps that I cleaned. On the bottom three steps, there was an off white discoloration on the bullnose. Ive cleaned this house many times and it never happened.

These particular steps had carpet in the middle and hardwood on each side. What occured was that after the cleaning, I vacuum the bullnose with the hose cuff. Since the bottom steps were unusually soiled, I did have some overspray on the wood and I vacuumed the wood first thereby introducing soil in the cuff. Then I proceeded to vacuum the bullnose. And then up one step and do the same.

So now when I have overspray, I vacuum the bullnose first to the top of the steps and then the wood going back down.

 

[1ST CHOICE CLEANING]

Knowing what to do before picking a good carpet cleaning company can be hard. You need the best decision with the right information. Keep the following advice in mind when you are looking for a company to clean your carpets.

It is easier to clean a floor if you do it in sections. This means you see what areas you already have vacuumed so you do not waste time vacuuming the same areas. If the room being vacuumed is square, it should be divided into four quadrants when you're cleaning it.

Test any cleaning solution on a small area of carpet before applying it all over. This is important to do because there are acids in some cleaners that may damage or stain your rug permanently. This simple test can save you lots of time and lots of money in the long run.

Look for online reviews on the carpet cleaning service you are considering. Some companies may not provide the best services. Do some research on your own to ensure they provide their customers with a cleaning company.

Just because a company uses a well-known product doesn't mean they are reputable. Make certain the company has the right certifications. You can simply ask about their certification and look it up on your own to verify the information.

Try out a lot of cleaning products before determining which one you want to use.If you find a product that workers out well for you, remember what it is and use it often.

Shampoo carpers with a mixture of vinegar and warm water. This is much cheaper than cleaning products if you better results. Rinse well and use a fan to dry it.

Vacuum all of your entire home very thoroughly. You will remove more dirt the longer you divide your carpet into different portions and vacuum carefully. This can prevent stains and help your carpet and prolong its life considerably. The small amount of time you spend on this is very much worth the results.

You can check with your local chamber of commerce for a good list of the available companies. They know who is available in your area and they will have record of any complaints that were filed. This will give you from making the mistake of using a problematic company.

Your carpets need cleaned more with pets.If possible, you should keep them away from those areas or use rugs on them.

Talk to any company before hiring them about the procedures they have. You will want to be sure that they vacuum your carpet prior to actually doing any steam cleaning. The carpet is going to look great if this happens, so if the company doesn't vacuum, consider finding someone else to work with.

Remove houseplants before a carpet cleaner. The chemicals that are used to clean may be harmful to plants, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

Make sure there is a suitable parking place for your carpet cleaner is able to easily park his van. It can become a big deal because of their equipment.The equipment these companies use to clean your carpets tend to be heavy, so they need to be close to your home.

If some liquid is spilled, you should blot it right away. Use dry towels to absorb the liquid. Cleaning those stains will be simpler if the liquid doesn't seep far into the carpet.

Ask your loved ones if they are able to recommend a cleaner. You are not going to be the first or last person ever to need their carpets professionally cleaned. Someone you know most likely has had their carpet cleaned professionally. You are sure to be able to get great recommendation.If they don't like a cleaner, you will know they should be avoided.

Always read any coupons you may have. There could be stipulations about the services provided. You may be charged extra fees you weren't expecting if you don't pay attention to the fine print. Talk with the company beforehand and describe exactly what needs to be done. Make sure they are clear with you about what is covered with the coupon is going to cover for you. You can also inquire about any unadvertised specials.

Instead of just trying to get a price on carpet cleaning on the phone, have the carpet cleaning professional come to your house and provide an estimate. This allows the cleaner to give you an accurate estimate and assessment of the cost. If you decide to proceed with them, request a paper agreement that you can sign.

Because you are now much more knowledgeable on just what professional carpet cleaners do, you should be better able to select the best possible company for your needs. There are quite a few things to go over, so be sure that you use the things that have been learned here to get the job done right. You will be happy with your choice.

@Todd the Cleaner please get rid of this fella, I know I have edited several of his posts...

 

[1ST CHOICE CLEANING]

Give this a try
topnotchnotchbills.com

@Todd the Cleaner get rid of this one also

 

[1ST CHOICE CLEANING]

I have had one callback this past year and it was a good learning experience. It was a set of white steps that I cleaned. On the bottom three steps, there was an off white discoloration on the bullnose. Ive cleaned this house many times and it never happened.

These particular steps had carpet in the middle and hardwood on each side. What occured was that after the cleaning, I vacuum the bullnose with the hose cuff. Since the bottom steps were unusually soiled, I did have some overspray on the wood and I vacuumed the wood first thereby introducing soil in the cuff. Then I proceeded to vacuum the bullnose. And then up one step and do the same.

So now when I have overspray, I vacuum the bullnose first to the top of the steps and then the wood going back down.

We also average about 1 call back a year, it always seem like the ones that we have to hit an area again before we leave are the ones that have carpet that is 10+ years old and fully understood when you explained to them about wear during the walk through when we got there.

 

[Todd the Cleaner]

@Todd the Cleaner please get rid of this fella, I know I have edited several of his posts...

@Todd the Cleaner get rid of this one also

Done

 

[postguns]

Its humanly impossible to do this cleaning on earth. even the astronauts can't clean the carpet like we do. Its humanly impossible I tell you.

 

[Dantsull]

I wanted to start a tips and tricks thread. All of us use different things to make are job easier, faster and that give us lower operating costs. The Fels-Naptha tip was one of the best I've ever used. Well I'm going to start this thread off with this tip. I have more to add if everyone participates.

To cover my quick connects and protect wood floors from getting scratched and from the heat. I cut 6 inch sections of a swimming noodle that are already slit down one side. They are very easy to slide over and take off the quick connects. They work great for protection and are very cheap to replace when they get worn out or dirty. I buy noodles that are my company colors.

I'll go ahead and add one more. This one is for Pre-vacuuming a home. I keep a cheap box of fabric softener sheets in my van. I put a sheet in my vac canister before I start. It puts off a much better smell in the house when you pre-vac and have not had time to properly clean your vac between houses.

Thank you for the tips! I especially appreciate the fabric softener idea

 

[Dantsull]

Ok guys here's my tip....before i start every job I put down moving pads on the hard wood outside of the rooms I clean and at the bottom of the stairs im cleaning.(the same pads/blankets that movers use to rap furniture) I also use them to protect walls and corners from pulling hoses. These pads are are very thick so you can protect just about anything with them. I also use them when Im cleaning couches on hardwood floors. Just put the blanket down on the floor and place the couch or chair on top and your ready to clean without worry of over spray or scratches. You can find these pads online at moving supplies stores, home depot, or storage facilities. Im telling you, give it a shot, you will never use a regular drop cloth again.

I love this idea and had been using them for everything, however, I had a client that had put them down to protect their carpet from painters and after a few weeks, when she puled the moving blankets, they had dyed her carpet blue.
I stopped using them but, only out of caution.

 

[Dantsull]

I'm amazed how many cleaners don't offer carpet cleaning packages on their site. We offer the Refresh, Refresh+ and Renew Package as it helps convert shoppers into customers.

well done!

 

[shanebasil44]

Thanks for the useful tips.

 

[chrissgeorge]

All these useful cleaning tips and tricks going to be very helpful. Thanks for posting such stuff.

 

[WaterDamSpecialist]

Ok guys here's my tip....before i start every job I put down moving pads on the hard wood outside of the rooms I clean and at the bottom of the stairs im cleaning.(the same pads/blankets that movers use to rap furniture) I also use them to protect walls and corners from pulling hoses. These pads are are very thick so you can protect just about anything with them. I also use them when Im cleaning couches on hardwood floors. Just put the blanket down on the floor and place the couch or chair on top and your ready to clean without worry of over spray or scratches. You can find these pads online at moving supplies stores, home depot, or storage facilities. Im telling you, give it a shot, you will never use a regular drop cloth again.

Awesome we do the same things. www.absoluteindiana.com

 

[JonS]

I can see this thread will help us, lot of amazing ideas
thanks

 

[JonS]

I can see this thread will help us, lot of amazing ideas
thanks

 

[Carpetcleaeningforce]

My waste water tank corner has some hole due to friction with wands overtime. So will leak water when water level rises.

Did a cheap repair myself, just seal the external holes with silicon.

 

[Hilbrands Carpet Care]

I think many know these things but adding a shut off valve on the other side of the quick disconnect saves a lot of time not having to shut machine off to change carpet wands or hydra force. Another is using a rope with a loop and string around the carpet cleaning hose and tie to the top of stairs. Keeps hose from falling down. Having a drain on the truck with a 2 inch union and short hose makes it easier to route waste water into grass or wherever. Using a tool belt that the hammer hook can hold a hand spray bottle and inside has tabs and solvent makes spotting and tabbing furniture easier.

 

[JoshCC]

any tips on keep hose from sleeping

give me some tips on keeping the vaccum and solution hose from sliding back downt the steps....

I just wrap the stair rail with a towel and bungee my hoses to it. Works enough and shows I care about their stuff.