Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Starting Your Carpet Cleaning Business

By Andrew Caxton

As most homes tend to have carpeting in one or more rooms that need cleaning at least once a year, starting a carpet-cleaning business can be a well worth venture.

Families with young kids and pets are amongst the many who have their carpets professionally cleaned several times a year. As carpeting fibers have a tendency to harbor dust and pet dander, people with allergies also tend to get their carpeting cleaned by specialists more often as it is more effective than vacuuming in getting rid of allergens.

If you are serious about starting your own carpet-cleaning venture you can look at various ways to make it happen. It is worth considering buying a franchise from an established business. A number of carpet cleaning companies that have made a good name for themselves are looking for franchisees to expand their business rapidly and cost-effectively.

For a fee you can purchase the right to use an established business’ trading name. They may also provide guidance and training to the franchise. In some cases a further monthly payment is required.

It is very likely that you will have to purchase equipment such as the carpet-cleaning machine when you buy a franchise. The machine may also have to be of a certain type, so all the franchisees use the same equipment: it is part of your initial outlay and you should be able to recoup this cost rapidly when your business does take off.

Buying a franchise is not suitable for everyone, however, so another option is to set up on your own. While operating the carpet-cleaning machine is a key element you should not under estimate the business management and marketing aspects of things. You should consider hiring someone to help out if your personal experience in these areas is limited.

In order to survive and expand your business needs customers. When you first start out you need to let people know that you are open for business and can take care of their carpet-cleaning requirements. A very cost-effective way to do this is to give your customers a promotional incentive: for instance you can offer a discount on their cleaning tab, or include a room cleaned free of charge for each two-room booking.

Cleaning carpets for a living can be both an enjoyable and profitable business. As for any business, though, you should make sure that your new venture is properly managed for the best chance of success.

Andrew Caxton is the author and editor of more area rugs resources published at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com A website with tips on carpet cleaning, amongst many related topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Caxton



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Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Are There Any Good Carpet Cleaning Companies Out There

By Moses Wright

It is like a battlefield out there when it comes to engaging the service of a carpet cleaning company. With so many companies fighting for your business, advertising and claiming to have the best price and services, whom should you believe in?

Choosing a good carpet cleaning company is easier said than done, but with the right resources and guide, finding the right one would certainly be much more simple and problems free.

This article seeks to help find a good carpet cleaning company in your area and get the best value for your money. Note that we are not looking for companies that offer the cheapest services, but best valued company because service quality cannot be gauge by the price factor only, the overall cleaning packages should be considered in order to be labeled a good carpet cleaning company.

1. Ask your neighbors for any good reference and recommendation. If they lived in the area long enough, I’m sure they know one or two good carpet cleaning companies or maybe even some companies that you should avoid.

2. Get the carpet cleaning company to give you a quotation before they start working on your carpets. Know exactly what kind of services and cleaning methods they are provide in the quotation. There are many cleaners who quote “bonnet carpet cleaning” at very low rates, but bonnet carpet cleaning does not deep clean a carpet. (The quoted price should include all pre-spotting and stains removal services and of course to guaranteed that they will get the job done to your satisfaction.)

3. Avoid deals that promise offers that you can’t resist – “3 rooms of carpet cleaned for $39.95. These companies either offer lousy services or always add additional charges to the bill when they charge you.

4. Ask any necessary questions that you might have about the services before the price is set or anyone comes in to do the job. Point out any stains and odors to them, ask what they can do or will do for you.

5. Do your research on the price list. Get a rough idea of how much carpet cleaning companies are charging in your areas. Again, talk to your neighbors or do some research online. It pays to do your homework.

It is not difficult to find a good carpet cleaning company if you remember to go through the five points above whenever you need carpet cleaning services. Hopefully, you can find a good one knocking on your door.

Moses Wright is the webmaster of Carpet-Solution.com. He offers more useful information on Carpet Cleaning, Carpet Choosing and Carpet Cleaning Company that you can find online on his website. You can reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Moses_Wright



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Sunday, December 17, 2006

The Benefits of Using a Hoover Carpet Cleaning Machine

By Matthew Meyer

There are many different machines on the market to keep your rugs clean and looking new, and a Hoover carpet cleaning machine can be useful in maintaining older carpets and keeping them looking like they were just installed.

Most carpet cleaners offer a single inverted “V” extractor to remove water from carpets. This configuration focuses the power from the center out. One of the better Hoover carpet cleaning machine offers a dual inverted “V” extractor to increase the suction power to remove more water faster, allowing quicker drying of the carpets.

The Hoover F7427-900 SteamVac Dual V® Carpet Extractor is available at around $300 and uses a 12 amp motor with six rotating cleaning brushes and utilizes a heated cleaning method to help with deep cleaning. It has a 13 inch cleaning width, one gallon storage tank and automatic rinse to help remove any liquid cleaners used. It is one of three Hoover carpet cleaning machines currently on the market.

Other Hoover carpet cleaning machines are the model F7222 and the F7452. The main differences are that the F7222 uses five spinning brushes for an 11 inch cleaning path and the F7452 utilizes six brushes for a 14 inch path. This is 20 percent wider meaning you can steam-clean the carpet 20 percent faster.

Dual “V” Design Extracts More Water

The unique design of a Hoover carpet cleaning machine is the dual inverted “V” extractor. It allows for more water to be extracted from the carpet by creating two centers of suction instead of the typical one. Since it leave less water in the carpet, it will dry faster.

Even when using a Hoover carpet cleaning machine, it’s important to make sure the carpet has been thoroughly vacuumed prior to scrubbing. Do not rely on the Hoover carpet cleaning machine to vacuum at the same time it cleans.

Another popular Hoover carpet cleaning machine is the commercial upright, which uses hot tap water mixed with the cleaning solution. It has a detachable handle for cleaning under furniture as well as a trigger control for dispensing cleaner. Prices on this unt can vary from $210 to just over $300 depending on the point of purchase.

Most of the Hoover carpet cleaning machines are used upright, but also come with attachments to allow for furniture cleaning as well. Whether you’re looking for a steam cleaner or a shampoo scrubber for large area or small rug, you can find a Hoover carpet cleaning machine to fit your household or business.

Matthew Meyer. For more information on carpet cleaning from Matthew Meyer see the carpet cleaning section of TheFreeAdForum.com directory at: http://www.quickregister.net/infowizards/CAT/Carpet-Cleaning_80_1.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Meyer

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Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Carpet Cleaning Tips to Try Before Calling the Professional Carpet Cleaner

By Jonni Good

Most of us can’t afford to call a professional carpet cleaner every time company is expected. When that spot just has to come out, the following tips might help. Remember to try these ideas on a hidden spot to make sure they don’t cause permanent damage! Be especially careful with any solution containing ammonia, which should never be used on a wool carpet. Vinegar can affect dark colors, so always test.

For oily spots:

Try mixing one tablespoon of mild detergent, one-third cup of white vinegar (not apple cider or fancy salad dressing vinegar), and two-thirds cup of water. Gently blot the stain with a clean towel dipped in the solution. Next, lay several layers of paper towels on the wet spot and press down to dry the carpet as much as possible. Then blot with plain water to remove the solution, and dry with paper towels a second time.

Another trick that may work on grease is to spread foaming shaving cream over the stain. Gently work it into the carpet, allow it to dry, and then vacuum the spot.

If the grease stain is brand new, try pouring baking soda over the area and rub it in. Give the baking soda about an hour to soak up the grease, and then vacuum.

For protein spots, such as blood, eggs, or milk:

Mix one cup of water, two tablespoons of ammonia and one tablespoon of mild detergent. Blot and dry as recommended above.

Protein spots are incredibly difficult to get out of carpets, so you may prefer to call in professional help.

For “mystery” spots:

Use one cup of warm water with a small squirt (about a quarter teaspoon) of dishwashing soap.
Any detergent or soap used on carpets should contain no bleach, and should be rinsed out of the carpet to avoid re-staining.

Red wine:

Use these tips with a lot of caution! You can sometimes remove red wine stains if you catch them quickly enough. Before the red wine has dried, pour white wine on the spot. This may stop the red wine from causing a permanent stain, but it’s also possible that it will simply make the stain bigger.

Another option for new red wine spills on carpet is to cover the area with salt to soak up the red wine, remove as much of the salt as possible, and then blot with club soda. Always rinse with clean water and blot dry with clean white paper towels.

Coffee stains:

Blot the stain with a solution made from a half teaspoon of mild detergent mixed in two cups of clean water. If that doesn’t work, mix up a batch of ½ cup of water and ½ cup of white vinegar.
If in doubt, always call in a professional carpet cleaner.

Do you need to find a local professional carpet cleaner, or discount cleaning supplies? Visit http://www.find-cleaning-supplies.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonni_Good

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Monday, December 11, 2006

How To Judge A Carpet Cleaning Company

By James C

Like every other industry carpet cleaning has its share of good and bad companies. The question you may be asking yourself is , how can you judge whether a company is good or bad? It can be a difficult task but this article will give you some advice on how you can judge the character of a carpet cleaning company.

The first thing you should do is check the company out with the better business bureau. This does not mean that the company has to be a member. Being a member of the BBB just means that they have paid them dues so that they can use the BBB logo in advertising. Check to see if they have had any complaints and if so check to see if the complaints have been resolved.

If they passed the BBB test you should then find out if they have any professional certifications. If they do , it means that they are more likely to take their job seriously. When they give you the name of the organizations Google the names. You'd be amazed at how many cleaners make up names of organizations. Check them out and make sure they are legit. You could even contact the organization and verify that the company or carpet cleaner is a member.

The last test is to ask for a reference or references. If a carpet cleaner is worth anything they should be able to give you the names of some references that you can check. f they don't have any names it should make you wonder.

Above all else remember to listen to your gut. If a company passes all of the tests but you still do not feel right about them, do not use them. You have to feel comfortable with the company you hire. So do your home work and find yourself a great carpet cleaner.

Find a cheap Detroit carpet cleaning company at the author's website. Get quotes from local Detroit carpet cleaners.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_C

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Sunday, December 10, 2006

Tips on the Use of Dry Carpet Cleaning Rentals

By James C

Many people have turned to dry carpet cleaning to clean their carpets. It offers many advantages to steam cleaning. It dries much faster and is less prone to stains wicking back. One way in which you can have your carpets dry cleaned is to rent a dry cleaning machine. Learn about this process and learn how to successfully clean your carpets the dry way.

The first step is to rent the dry cleaning machine. Look in your phone book or do an online search for "Host Dry Cleaning". You should easily find a store where you can rent the machine. It is a small machine with counter rotating nylon brushes. You will also need to pick up a bottle of pre-clean and a box of absorbent sponges. It should run you around $60 for the machine rental and supplies.

Once you have the machine home the fun begins. First you need to vacuum your carpet thoroughly. Do not rush through this. Go slowly and do a good job. Next you will spray a small area (10 foot by 10 foot) lightly with the pre-clean that you have bought. It will help break down and loosen the soil. After spraying this solution, sprinkle some of the absorbent sponges onto the carpet. not too much, a few handfuls will do. Next turn the machine on and go over the carpeting. Run the machine north to south and then east to west. Do not linger in one spot for too long or you could abrade the carpet fibers. After you have thoroughly agitated the powder you need to let the carpe dry. It usually doesn't take more than 15 to 30 minutes to dry. After it dries you simply vacuum it up and you are done. Congratulations you now have clean carpet.

As you can see, carpet dry cleaning is not a difficult process. Just take your time and do not skip any steps. Most places will have a video available with the machine which will demonstrate the process. be sure to grab one of them if it is available. Good luck.

For information on Boston carpet cleaners visit the author's website. Learn about carpet and upholstery care in Boston.

http://www.bostoncarpetcleaning.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_C

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Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Use Dry Carpet Cleaning Equipment to Avoid Messy Liquids

By Matthew Meyer

Looking for a mean of cleaning your carpets without all the liquid chemicals, which can cause spots to reappear as it dries, you may consider dry carpet cleaning equipment as a dryer, cleaner alternative.

While the cleaners used in dry carpet cleaning equipment may still be wet, they generally use a carbonating cleaner to remove stains. Similar to using a club soda on stains in clothing, these carbonating cleaners are used sparingly to break down the dirt and stains in a carpet and are then extracted to be virtually dry immediately after cleaning.

A company called ChemDry, www.chemdry.com, has perfected this method of cleaning and several franchises are locate throughout the company to help make their dry carpet cleaning equipment available for cleaning your carpets. You can have it cleaned in the morning and use it that night.

No Soapy Liquids Left Behind

Typical carpet cleaners use water and liquid detergents to clean. What really happens is that they leave a wet soapy residue to dry on the rug. This wetness becomes a main attraction for dirt and often pulls dirt from under the rug to bring stains to the surface. Another company using dry carpet cleaning equipment is at www.drycarpet.com which uses Swedry cleaners of clean and leave the carpet dry in a matter of minutes.

Since nearly all carpet dirt, an estimated 85 percent, can be removed by vacuuming, this process uses a moistened granular cleaner to get to remaining 15 percent, usually comprised of grease and oils. Using dry carpet cleaning equipment the rug is thoroughly vacuumed before the granules are applied. They break down and absorb the oily dirt and then are vacuumed up with the dry carpet cleaning equipment and removed.

Because the granules are moistened and not wet, the carpet is ready for use at about the same time the dry carpet cleaning equipment is done doing its job. The big secret to dry carpet cleaning equipment is the vacuuming process. By removing all loose dirt from a carpet with a quality vacuum cleaner before using any dry carpet cleaning equipment increase your chance of success at achieving a cleaner, healthier carpet.

While some people insist a carpet isn’t clean unless it has been saturated with wet chemical cleaners, dry carpet cleaning is fast becoming a trend. The ability to clean only a high traffic section of a carpet and blend it in with the rest of the areas or reducing downtime associated with wet carpet cleaning, dry carpet cleaning equipment use is growing at a rapid pace.

Matthew Meyer. For more information on carpet cleaning see the carpet cleaning section of TheFreeAdForum.com directory at: http://www.quickregister.net/infowizards/CAT/Carpet-Cleaning_80_1.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Meyer

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