Residential - Commercial
Carpet Cleaning Process
Step # 1--Pilate
Raises the nap of the carpet allowing for deep penetration of cleaning products.
Step # 2--Pre-Spot
Spot removal has never been an exact science. Many variables have to be considered when attempting to spot clean a carpet. Different types of spots requires different types of cleaning products. If you are aware of the nature of the spot or spill, describe it to the technician and he will determine the best course of action.
Step # 3--Pre-Spray
Cleaning product is applied to the carpet and allowed to penetrate for a few minutes, loosening the soil. Using more product does not translate into a cleaner carpet.
Step # 4--Hot Rinse Deep Extraction
This carpet cleaning method is commonly referred to as "steam cleaning." This is the rinsing stage and is a very important part of the cleaning process. An industrial extractor is used to force hot water into the carpet and then followed with a deep extraction. If carpets are not rinsed thoroughly a sticky residue will be left behind that will attract soil like a magnet; causing your carpets will re-soil quicker.
Step # 5--Post-Spot
If required, for stubborn stains and spills. Heavy beverage spills may "wick" back up to the surface as the carpet dries. Almost like a sponge effect. This situation is common on heavy beverage spills that penetrate deep into the carpet, pad and floor. If the spot does re-appear, another service call may be required.
Step # 6--Drying time
Your carpets will need 6-8 hours to dry completely. Carpet protectors are inserted under furniture legs and can be removed once carpets are completely dry. Walking on the damp carpet in your stocking feet is fine. If a carpet protector is applied we recommend staying off of the carpet for 2-3 hours.
"Hot Water Deep Extraction"carpet cleaning process is the most highly recommended by 99% of carpet manufacturers and delivers the highest satisfactory result. Shaw Industries is the largest manufacturer of carpet in the world. Shaw Industries recommends "Hot Water Deep Extraction" as the best method to clean your carpets.
Optional Step # 7--Carpet Protection
ScotchGard or Dupont Teflon are carpet & fabric protectors recommended as a final step.
Carpet Protection will add a barrier so spills don't penetrate and become permanent stains.
The spill will bead (like a spill on a hard surface) giving you more time to blot the spill or stain with a clean, dry cloth. Carpets that have a stain protector when purchased require re-application after cleaning in order to sustain the warrantee.
Other Carpet Cleaning Methods:
Shampooing--This method may be required if your carpets are heavily soiled or are glued down to the floor. An industrial rotary machine is used to apply the cleaning product. The rotary process agitates the carpet in turn loosening the deeply embedded soil and transferring the soil onto a clean pad or disc. Unless the carpet is glued down to the floor, the carpets must still be hot water extracted to complete the process.
Other Information: If you think your carpets are not dirty, think again! Just because you can't see the soil does not mean your carpets are not soiled! Dirt gets deep down to the bottom of your carpet and slowly eats away at the fibers. Over time you actually get used to the carpet in your home and do not realize it has become soiled. Common foot traffic, HVAC air circulation, open windows are all sources of soil. Carpet soils can contain things like pesticides, fertilizers, mold & mildew spores, dust mites, tar, and paint. Don't assume--Clean that room!
Common Myths about Carpet Cleaning:
Your carpets will NOT re-soil quicker if you have them cleaned regularly. The only reason that carpets re-soil quickly is due to improper rinsing of the cleaning process.
If the carpets are not rinsed thoroughly, the residues from the cleaning products leave behind a sticky film that actually attracts soil like a magnet. If the carpets are rinsed properly they will NOT re-soil quicker!
Carpet should be cleaned using Dry cleaning methods:
Dry cleaning carpeting is NOT a better method, it is a preference. Possibly due to an advertisement or marketing schemes. Sometimes in a commercial setting, where there is heavy traffic and little time to allow the carpets to dry after cleaning; dry cleaning may be an alternative. BUT, wet cleaning using hot water rinse extraction is the most highly recommended cleaning procedure. Wet cleaning removes more soil, adds to the life of the carpet and allows for higher success in removing stubborn stains. Hot water extraction cleaning method is recommended by 99.9% of all the leading carpet manufacturers.
A few reminders:
Remember that cleaning your carpets regularly will make your home healthier. Carpets can hold large amount of dirt, sand, tar, allergens, pollens, mold spores and environmental debris. Things you cannot necessarily touch, see or smell. As time goes by, day to day you get used to how the carpet looks. You may actually think the carpet is clean.
But don't be fooled! Carpet cleaning is recommended on an annual basis, regardless of where or how you live.
Buyer Beware----There are many carpet cleaning companies that advertise
"$5.95 per room." Think about this logically before you commit to the scheme. A wise consumer knows that this price is not possible. These prices are just too good to be true!
Do It Yourself---Yes, you can save money by cleaning your own carpets. Renting a machine at the local grocery store can be easy. But, the typical home or business owner is not trained in carpet cleaning processes. Improper use of the rental equipment and over the counter cleaning products can lead to disaster. Over wetting the carpet can produce mold and mildew, color run, browning effects, even shrinkage. Remember the old saying--"Penny wise and dollar foolish".
DIY Carpet Cleaning
There once was a surface named carpet,
And it's owner decided to mop it.
When soap suds began to rise,
much to the owner's demise.
Who then thought the choice was unwise,
that he didn't hire the Advantage Cleaning guys.
Carpet Cleaning Stain Removal Tips--
Everyday Soil: Believe it or not, 90% of the soil in your carpet can be removed through regular vacuuming. Be sure to thoroughly vacuum your carpets at least once a week.
Gum: Take a sturdy plastic bag and fill it with ice cubes. Place the plastic bag on top of the gum. Wait a few minutes and the gum will harden. Crack or scrape off the hardened gum.
Blood: Whenever cleaning blood stains, wear rubber gloves to avoid any possible contamination. Blot the blood stain using paper towels or a clean white terry cloth towel. Be sure to blot from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading the stain. Rinse using clear luke warm water or club soda, but do not over wet. Take a roll of paper towels and blot stain onto the paper towels or until the blood stain is removed. Do not over wet! Blood is a difficult stain to remove, especially from a light colored carpet. If you follow these steps, the stain will lighten and give you enough time to call Advantage Cleaning to come and remove the stain professionally.
Black Coffee: Rinse repeatedly using clear, luke warm water or club soda but DO NOT over wet. Use paper towels or a clean, white terry cloth towel to blot and transfer the coffee stain onto the towel until dry.
Coffee with Cream: Follow the directions above for coffee stain removal. In addition use a carpet cleaning product to remove the remaining stain. DO NOT over wet.
Pet Stains: There are variations in the type of pet stains that can occur. Some urine stains may not be 100% removable. Some urine stains will be noticeable immediately whereas others may take time to appear. The odors associated with the pet stain (especially cat urine) will probably be more noticeable than the stain itself. Especially when the humidity levels are high. The only way to completely remove the odor associated with urine is to replace the carpet, pad and clean/seal the sub-floor. Believe it or not the floors underneath the carpet & pad will sweat when the weather is hot and humid making the odors more pronounced.
To spot clean a pet stain of urine, be sure to blot the area using a clean dry absorbent paper towel as soon as you realize the pet has had an accident. Use a carpet cleaning product to clean the spot, but do not over wet. Blot continually using thick pile of paper towels until you see that no transfer of the stain appears on the paper towels. Follow up with a vinegar rinse made of 1 part white vinegar to two parts water. Continue to rinse but do not over wet, blot using paper towels until area is as dry as possible.
Never mix products when attempting to remove a stain from your carpeting. Never over wet a carpet in your attempts, the pad under the carpet may become saturated. Once the pad is saturated with water; it cannot dry properly and may begin to mildew. Call Advantage Cleaning for advice.
The carpet you purchased for your home should be considered a major investment. As you know, if you do not monitor your investment or seek the advice of a professional, you could lose it.
