Shawn

Shawn Bisaillon, owner of PCS Superior, recently wrote an article for one of the largest carpet cleaning distributors in the world.

See the article here:

https://www.jondon.com/blog/post/psychology-of-pet-odor-jobs-how-to-handle-common-customer-challenges

Here’s a recap of the article:

Pet odor removal jobs present unique challenges for carpet cleaners, not only due to the odors themselves but also because of the psychological and emotional aspects involved. Addressing pet odors involves handling urine, feces, and the wear from pets’ paws, while also managing the expectations and emotions of pet owners. Establishing yourself as an expert in pet odor removal can lead to repeat business and referrals.

Managing Customer Expectations

The process begins with setting clear expectations and maintaining professionalism. Understand that pets are often beloved family members, and avoid making negative comments about them. Instead, focus on asking questions and explaining what can and cannot be achieved.

Common Challenges

1. Denial About Pet Accidents: Some owners may deny their pets are the cause of odors, even though they’ve called for help. Using a black light to reveal hidden stains can help demonstrate the problem without causing confrontation. Approach the situation with compassion and professionalism, simply stating the facts and proposing solutions.

2. Demand for Quick Service: Customers may want the job done quickly, often for reasons like an upcoming event or to sell a house. While rushing may be tempting, it can compromise the quality of work. Clear communication is crucial to explain why thorough cleaning is necessary for effective odor removal. Emphasize that high-quality work requires adequate time, which ultimately leads to better results and customer satisfaction.

3. From Cleaning to Restoration: If more than 30% of the carpet is affected, it moves from cleaning to restoration. In such cases, the damage may be too severe for cleaning, and replacing the carpet could be a more cost-effective solution. It’s important to communicate the health risks of heavily soiled carpets and to get customer acknowledgment of the limitations and recommendations in writing.

4. Misunderstanding of “Pet-Resistant” Carpets: Customers may believe their carpets are pet-proof due to marketing claims. Educate them that no carpet is completely immune to pet damage. Maintain professionalism and provide recommendations for cleaning and future prevention.

Professionalism and expertise in pet odor removal can lead to a steady stream of business from pet owners, realtors, and other potential clients. Continuous learning and certification, such as through IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician and Odor Control Technician courses, are valuable for improving skills and knowledge.

**About the Author**

Shawn Bisaillon, an IICRC Master Textile Cleaner and Master Restorer, has over 20 years of experience teaching and running a successful cleaning and restoration business in Denver, CO. His expertise underscores the importance of professionalism and proper training in the cleaning industry.

Here’s our September 2021 Client Newsletter

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Carpet Wrinkles, Ripples, and Buckles

Why does this happen?  And can it be fixed?

Carpet ripples and buckles can happen to old carpet, new carpet, in high traffic areas and in low traffic areas. These ripples not only look terrible, but can cause dangerous tripping hazards. Since this unsightly phenomenon can happen any time during the life of your carpet, even when it is new, prevention is the best medicine.

Ripples Happen

Ripples can occur throughout the life of a carpet. Ripples are small waves that usually appear sometime after the carpet is installed. They can happen in a localized area or throughout the entire room. Installer error is the most common cause. Though ripples can also develop from excessive rolling traffic, improper carpet cushion, delamination of the primary and secondary backings and even some manufacturing defects. To avoid ripples carpet should be installed using a power stretcher. Too often installers save time by using a knee-kicker. This results in inadequate stretch and the potential for ripples to develop as the carpet relaxes. Ripples also occur to carpet that is not properly acclimated to the environment prior to installation, especially if the carpet is installed in cold weather. A carpet needs to acclimate to normal room temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours before installation.

Wrinkles are Born

Wrinkles are usually seen in new carpet immediately after installation. Carpet wrinkles are areas where the carpet has been folded or crushed during storage. Wrinkles not only affect the surface yarns, they go all the way through the carpet backings and may be permanent. It is best if this condition is identified before the carpet is installed. If possible the wrinkled portion of the carpet roll should not be used. Wrinkles may be improved by steaming and grooming the carpet, but the results will vary based on the type of carpet yarn, backing, and the severity of the wrinkles.

Cleaning and Repair of Wrinkled and Rippled Carpet

Occasionally, carpet will develop ripples immediately after cleaning. This can be quite disturbing to both the homeowner and the cleaner. The cause is moisture absorption into the adhesive layer between the primary and secondary backings of the carpet. Even though the ripples appear after cleaning, the root cause is improper stretch of the carpet during installation. Usually once the carpet dries completely and acclimates to the normal temperature and humidity of the home the carpet will lie flat again. This can take up to 48 hours, though in rare cases the ripples may persist.

The only way to fix rippled carpet is to re-stretch the carpet. Re-stretching requires training, skill and patience. It is more difficult to re-stretch a carpet than it is to stretch it right the first time. If ripples are ignored for too long, the carpet will develop buckles. Buckles are large ripples that form breaks and/or wrinkles through the face yarns and carpet backing. If buckles are not corrected permanent damage to the texture and structure of the carpet results. Even if the carpet is re-stretched the damage from buckles may still be apparent.

So what should you do if your carpet develops ripples? If the carpet is still under warranty, it’s best to contact the installer and the retailer where you purchased the carpet. If you don’t get any help there the manufacturer would be the next logical step. You may have to be persistent and patient to get results, so keep track of names, dates, and times of all calls or e-mails. If your carpet is out of warranty and has ripples or buckles, steaming and grooming the pile yarns may help minimize the appearance of the damage.

Contact Professional Carpet Systems today for more tips, help or to schedule an appointment.

Here’s our July 2021 Client Newsletter.

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Home Fire Safety Guide

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest days of the year for house fires. Sure, it’s a celebration and, yes, fireworks are traditional and they can be used safely. Nonetheless, nearly 20,000 fires annually are blamed on fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Even the most common fireworks, such as a sparkler, can start a fire.

You think it will never happen to you, but it makes sense to be prepared. The most important thing you can do is to have working smoke detectors on every level of your home. An early warning is your best defense against a house fire. Taking the right steps in the event of a house fire could save your home and even your life.

Make sure that all adults and older children understand how to RACE and PASS if there is a fire. This doesn’t mean RACE around the house in a panic and PASS your spouse on your way out the door! RACE and PASS are simply memory aids for what you should do in case of a fire.

R.A.C.E.

R is for Remove. Remove all occupants from the area of the fire.

A is for Alert. Alert the authorities; call 911.

C is for Contain. Close windows and doors to contain and smother the fire.

E is for Extinguish or Evacuate. Which one? That depends on the stage of the fire.

A house fire goes through 4 stages:

Stage 1: Incipient. The fire is just starting and there is a good chance of extinguishing it.

Stage 2: Growth. The fire spreads to other combustible materials. You should evacuate.

Stage 3: Developed. The hottest, most deadly stage; evacuation is your primary objective.

Stage 4: Decay. The fire is running out of fuel or oxygen but still smolders; a deadly backdraft is possible.

If the fire is beyond the incipient stage and spreading rapidly, you should evacuate and let the fire department handle it. If you are confident that you can safely extinguish the fire, do so only after you have gotten people out of the area, called 911 and contained the fire if possible. Make sure you have an escape route. Then use a portable fire extinguisher to put out the fire using the PASS method.

P.A.S.S.

P is for Pull. Pull the pin out of the handle.

A is for Aim. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.

S is for Squeeze. Squeeze the handle to discharge the fire extinguisher.

S is for Sweep. Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire.

Keep portable fire extinguishers in strategic locations of your home such as the kitchen, utility areas, garage and storage rooms. After a home has suffered even a small fire, proper cleanup needs to be done. There may be fire extinguisher residue, charred materials and smoke residue to clean up. Water-damaged contents, floors, walls and structural materials need to be dried and cleaned. Strong, lingering odors often require a combination of techniques for successful treatment.

Professional Carpet Systems will work directly with your insurance company to make sure your house is clean, dry and odor-free. We hope you never have to make that call, but if you do, we’ll be there with you to help every step of the way.

Here’s our May 2021 client newsletter.

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Why Spring Cleaning?

Have you ever wondered why we are annually seized by a sudden urge to air out the house, banish dust, organize closets, clean out cabinets, scrub floors, wash windows and organize our garages, attics and basements? It turns out that there are biological, social and psychological reasons for the spring cleaning ritual… and that’s a good thing.

Spring Fever.

In the winter time days are shorter and melatonin production (the hormone that produces drowsiness and enables us to fall asleep) is increased, making us want to relax and sleep more. We spend more time indoors. Our mood tends to be more subdued and energy levels are lower causing our housekeeping habits to slip. Various soils and contaminants begin to build-up in our homes as a result.

Then, the first day of spring comes in late March, and when it arrives most of us are ready. As we make it through April, the weather gets warmer and the days are getting progressively longer and nights are getting shorter. The additional daylight suppresses production of melatonin. The more daylight we are exposed to, the less melatonin we produce and the more alert, energetic and active we feel.

Spring has always been a time of change. Americans tend to have two distinct wardrobes: one for warm weather and one for cool weather. Since closet space is limited, we often clean and organize closets this time of year. The type of work and play activities change, so we put away winter toys and tools and get out the ones for warmer weather. Now we not only need to clean the house itself, but we also need to clean out and organize our garages, basements and attics. All of these biological, psychological and social reasons mean that we are basically hard-wired for spring cleaning. However, it is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the things you want to clean and organize.

Here are some suggestions on how to get motivated, accomplish more, and maybe even have a little fun in the process!

1. Break each large task into a list of smaller ones. For instance, divide “clean the garage” into “organize garage shelves”, “sweep garage floor”, “sort tools”, etc. Make a list and cross each task off as you complete it.

2. Listen to your favorite music. Up-tempo music is great while you are doing mundane activities like sorting through a “junk drawer” or cleaning out the closet. It’s okay to dance and sing while you work. In fact, you’ll enjoy working more if you move around! Remember the vacuuming scene from the movie Mrs. Doubtfire? Classic!

3. If you feel overwhelmed by a big project, don’t commit yourself to finishing it. Simply commit to work on it for 30 or even just 15 minutes. Then if you feel like it, keep going. Most often the momentum will be enough to keep you going. If not, quit and resolve to give it a go on another day.

4. Read your to-do list and prepare the necessary tools and supplies the night before. Your subconscious mind will work on the project while you sleep. Often you will wake up with ideas on how to do the job more efficiently. If you get the prep work out of the way, you will have a lot more momentum when you get started on your projects. Your attitude will be much better and you will be fired up and ready to go if much of the prep work is done beforehand.

5. Be ruthless with clutter! If you are cleaning out a closet or storage area, keep a large trash container nearby. Undecided as to whether you should keep something? Ask yourself, “When was the last time I used this? What’s the worst thing that could happen if I get rid of this and how hard would it be to replace?” Donate useful items to a charity. You’ll have less to store and you will feel really good about it!

6. Big projects like carpet and upholstery cleaning require expert help. Call Professional Carpet Systems for these. Your home will look, feel and smell fresh. An added benefit? Just knowing that we are coming to clean will give you the incentive to start on other spring cleaning projects that you may be putting off.

Here’s our Client Newsletter April 2021.

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The Truth About Spots and Stains

Floods happen, everywhere in the country. Water can come from a storm surge, broken pipes, poor landscaping and so much more, and you needn’t live near a dam to be in danger. How you handle a water intrusion usually has to do with the rate at which water enters a structure, the amount of water, the source of the water, and what areas are affected.

In short term water management, slip fall hazards, possible electric shock, biological or toxic contamination and other potential dangers must be considered before you take any action. In cases when there is a large quantity of standing water it is usually safest to turn off the electricity and gas to the structure before you begin any cleanup.

Once you have determined that it is safe to proceed, identify the source of the water, and stop the water intrusion, if possible. If it is from rainwater or other sources beyond your control, take steps to reduce the rate at which it is spreading. You can do this by placing towels to absorb the water, using a shop vac to extract the water, or even using a push broom or squeegee to push the water outside. If you have them, sandbags can help keep water out as well.

The services of a professional restoration company will usually be needed when the water has saturated building materials such as carpet and pad.

It is nearly impossible for a homeowner to remove water and dry a structure in a safe and efficient manner. This is because cleaning companies have the fans, heaters, other equipment and experience to dry water quickly.

Often, homeowner attempts at saving money end up costing thousands of dollars later in mold contamination and permanent damage to the structure.

Many items in the home that could have been saved by quick response from a professional may have to be discarded, or undergo expensive restoration. Your best course of action in the event of a substantial water intrusion is to ensure the safety of yourself and other inhabitants of the structure. Then, determine the source of the water, try to stop or slow the entry of water, move furnishings out of the water and call a professional restoration contractor to handle the extraction of water and structural drying.

Homeowners’ insurance may or may not cover the damages caused from water intrusion. It depends on your policy and how the water entered. Many policies do not cover “rising water” from flood conditions unless you have specific flood coverage.

Yet, they will usually cover the damage from rainwater that enters the structure from above, as from a hole in the roof. You can get additional insurance to cover flood and other water hazards. Double check your insurance policy or talk to your insurance provider to see what’s covered.

No matter your policy type, most insurance companies will require you to act fast and contact a professional restoration company to minimize damage and reduce the cost of the claim. That’s why, if water intrusion occurs, you should call a trusted restoration company immediately. Fast response and having the right equipment are both critical in getting your home back to a pre-loss condition as quickly as possible.

Our trained and educated team at Professional Carpet Systems are here to help you when the unthinkable happens. Trust the professionals to help you when floods happen.

Here’s our March 2021 Client Newsletter.

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For the Love of Cotton

You may not know this, but cotton is the most popular fiber in the world. Why? Because it’s durable, easily dyed, absorbent, soft and comfortable to touch. These characteristics make it the fabric of choice for clothing, towels, bedding and more.

We’re not the first people to recognize the virtues of this versatile fiber. Cotton has been cultivated globally for thousands of years. From underwear to overcoats, clothing continues to be the most common use for cotton.

The same features that make cotton ideal for clothing make it perfect for upholstery. Like your clothing, all upholstery –including cotton– must be cleaned periodically for appearance and health. Furniture manufacturers recommend cleaning every 12-24 months. Failure to do so can result in an unwanted appearance change called soil staining. Soil staining occurs when soils, oils and pollutants adhere to the fibers and oxidize. This can result in permanent dulling of colors and changes to fabric texture.

Aside from a certain amount of normal shrinkage and potential wrinkles, most cotton clothing can be washed without any major problems. The fabrics used in upholstery differ in a number of ways from clothing, including how we clean them.

When used in upholstery, cotton may be blended with other fibers that have different characteristics and dye systems. Often the fabric is made up of multiple layers and can be quite thick. This creates challenges when cleaning. Ripples and distortion to the fabric texture are not uncommon.

Second, while most cotton clothing is designed to be washed in the laundry with lots of water, detergents and agitation, upholstery fabric is not. Lighter colored cotton upholstery may turn brown or yellow as the cellulose material in the cotton breaks down. Dyes may bleed or run. With some cleaning agents, cotton fabrics can actually degrade and become weak or even split.

There is also the potential that the fabric will shrink. This leads to cushion covers not fitting properly, skirts and dust ruffles curling or wrinkling and other appearance problems. That’s why you should never remove cushion covers to launder them.

You can hang your clothing on a line or put it in a dryer to dry. Not so with upholstery. The multiple layers of fabric, batting and cushion can cause slow drying, which could cause browning and dye bleed. We prevent such damage by using high velocity air movers to encourage rapid drying and carefully controlling the amount of moisture while cleaning.

Most fabrics can be cleaned safely with the right equipment, cleaning agents and proper training. One of the most important steps is to test the fabric for dye stability, browning and potential shrinkage, as well as inspect for other possible issues.

Taking all of this into account, some fabrics will require low moisture, controlled pH, and the gentle hand of an experienced upholstery cleaner to avoid damage. A fabric protector application should follow every cleaning. Your fabric will stay cleaner longer and resist permanent staining.

Contact Professional Carpet Systems today for more tips, help or to schedule your next appointment.

Here’s our February 2021 Client Newsletter

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LOVE That New Carpet Smell

Smell is the most primitive of the five senses. The fragrances of food enhance our sense of taste. Pleasant scents create a feeling of calm and contentment, while unpleasant ones may be a cause for alarm. Unfamiliar odors can create anxiety, especially when the source is unknown.

The nose knows, as they say. But what about “new carpet smell?” For many, this odor is welcome, as we enter a carpet store or have new carpet installed in our own homes. It smells like a new beginning. But is this smell hazardous? Volatile Organic Compounds

The unmistakable odor produced by new carpet is caused by a volatile organic compound or VOC. Volatile simply means it evaporates readily at normal temperatures. This volatility makes it easy for us to smell. VOC’s are present in many new man-made building materials including sheet vinyl floorcovering, wall coverings, floor finishes, adhesives and paint. VOCs are what create “new car smell”, “new carpet smell” and the smell that you probably don’t enjoy so much after you paint a room.

There are many different types of VOCs but the one related to new carpet odor is 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH), a by-product of the synthetic latex binders used to hold the carpet backing together. Although new carpet does produce this volatile organic compound, emissions from carpet as measured during EPA studies ranked among the lowest overall contributors to indoor air quality issues. Most of the VOCs present in carpet dissipate within 24-48 hours after installation. Ventilation during and after carpet installation helps to reduce that length of time. EPA Testing Several years ago, as the EPA was renovating its Washington DC headquarters, some employees complained that odor from the new carpet was making them sick with a variety of symptoms including respiratory irritation, headaches and general malaise. The EPA enlisted help from carpet and latex manufacturers to investigate the complaints. Following laboratory testing and extensive government agency review, no connection between 4-PCH and any kind of adverse human health outcome could be established. As a result, the EPA describes 4-PCH as an “unremarkable chemical.”

Many people have the belief that “new carpet odor” is caused by formaldehyde used in the production of carpet. Research conducted by the School of Textile Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology dispelled this widely held myth. Current industry standards are in place so that all new carpet produced is monitored for this chemical. Formaldehyde has not been used in the production of carpet in the United States for decades. Latex Issues What about people who are allergic to latex? The latex used in modern carpet is synthetic and not linked with the allergic reactions caused by proteins found in natural latex. All of the materials used in the manufacture of carpeting are primarily the same harmless materials found in clothing, furniture and bedding. Nylon, polypropylene, polyester and wool constitute the majority of the components found in carpet.

So the conclusion is that there is no evidence that new carpet odor is a cause for alarm. However, since odors can create different reactions in individuals, it makes sense to address any complaints to prevent discomfort. As mentioned earlier, ventilating the structure during and after installation is the best way to reduce the buildup of 4-PCH in the indoor environment.

Contact Professional Carpet Systems today for more tips, help or to schedule your next appointment.

Here’s our December 2020 client newsletter.

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What SURPRISES are Lurking in Your Bedroom?

Yes, it is often easy to tell when it’s time to clean the carpet in your family room, hallway or the main entrance to your house. You begin to see soil in the traffic areas, or there are those inevitable spots and spills. Despite your best efforts at vacuuming the carpet still looks soiled and you clearly know it needs to be cleaned. But what about the carpet in your bedrooms? Tracked in soils or spills aren’t usually a major problem in bedrooms. This may lead you to think that bedroom carpets don’t need cleaning as often as the rest of the house. Think again.

Your Bedroom is Dirtier than you Realize.

Your bedroom is the place where you sleep, dress and groom. The natural body oils, perspiration, dander, hair, particles from coughing and sneezing, residue from recently showering and the moisture it generates make the bedroom among the most heavily soiled carpets in your home, even if they still look good. Of course, don’t forget all of the sprays, lotions and potions we use when grooming. These can leave residue behind that is unhealthy itself but which also attracts dirt and germs. It’s no surprise that much of this “stuff” ends up in your carpet. And even though you can’t see these soils, they are there. Need proof? Walk into your bedroom, master closet or dressing area and take a whiff. Chances are, you will notice a natural musky odor that is unique to that room.

The Surprises Lurking in Your Private Spaces

Discussing the most personal space in your home may make you feel a bit uncomfortable, but the fact is that you spend a huge portion of your day in that room. It should be the cleanest room in the house, if you want to be healthy. Let’s consider two major bedroom problems: your carpet and your mattress. Much of the body oil, sweat and dander you lose every day remains in your carpet and mattress. During the natural processes of oxidation and decay, these organic materials break down and release gases that are the source of odors. Your bed sheets help protect your mattress, but some of the tiny dead skin cells and body oils, along with 8-12 ounces of perspiration adults lose each night, do make it through and end up in your mattress.

Another concern is dust mites. The highest population of dust mites in any house is in the bedroom. This is because the 3 things that a dust mite needs to survive are found there in abundance: food, moisture and warmth. Dust mites eat dead skin, they get all the moisture they need from bedroom humidity and perspiration, and they love the warmth your body leaves in the bed. All of this makes your bedroom the perfect breeding ground to raise happy, healthy dust mites.

Wake Up Refreshed

If you are one of the millions of Americans with allergies, dust mite droppings could be a major cause of your suffering. Dust mite feces, a major component of household dust, is one of the most potent allergic irritants known to medical science. This is especially true in bedrooms. If you really want your house to be clean and healthy, include occupied bedrooms in every carpet cleaning. For extra protection and potential relief from allergies have your mattress cleaned as well to remove these contaminants. Do you go to bed breathing easy, but wake up congested and sneezy? You may find that detailed cleaning helps to alleviate your symptoms. Contact Professional Carpet Systems today for more tips, help or to schedule your next appointment.

 

Here’s our November 2020 Client Newsletter.

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Do I REALLY Need Flood Insurance?

Believe it or not, everyone lives in a potential flood zone. You may not realize it but you do not need to live near water to be flooded. Floods can be caused by storms, melting snow, hurricanes, water backup due to inadequate or overloaded drainage systems, as well as broken water mains.

Many people are surprised to find out that flood damage, which includes almost any damage due to standing water in your home, is not covered by most homeowners’ policies. Sadly, water damage can lead to devastating losses, both financial and emotional. Flood water can damage furniture, personal belongings, your treasured heirlooms, photographs, drywall, carpeting, wood floors, building structure and so much more – and without flood insurance you would be left to repair and replace everything on your own.

You Need Flood Insurance

You should consider protecting your home, business, and belongings with flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) whether your flood risk is high or low. Almost anyone who is in a community that participates in the NFIP can buy building and/or contents coverage, with very few exceptions. It is a good idea to buy even in lower risk areas because 25 to 30 percent of flood insurance claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas.

The Cost of Flood Insurance

Fortunately, flood insurance is very affordable. The low-cost Preferred Risk Policy is ideal for homes and businesses in low-to-moderate-risk areas. Homeowners can insure buildings and contents sometimes for less than $100 per year, and renters (yes, renters need it too) can do it for less than $50, depending on where you live and how much coverage you choose. Even in higher risk areas flood insurance is usually about 20% the cost of your full homeowners’ policy.

Purchasing Flood Insurance

About 90 private insurance companies nationally offer affordable flood insurance backed by the federal government. Policies are available to homeowners, renters, and business owners alike. Flood insurance is easy to get through private insurance companies and independent insurance agents. You can even purchase flood insurance with a credit card. When you buy flood insurance you can purchase building and contents coverage separately, so renters can insure just their belongings. Generally, up to $100,000 contents coverage is available for homeowners and renters. If you own your home or business, make sure to ask your insurance agent about contents coverage as it is not necessarily included with the building coverage. It is important to note that there is usually a 30-day waiting period before flood coverage goes into effect. Plan ahead so you are not caught without insurance if a flood threatens your home or business.

Don’t Rely on Disaster Assistance

You might wonder, doesn’t the federal government help people who have suffered a flood? Federal disaster assistance is only available if the President declares a disaster in a given area, so this is not something you can depend on. And, in many cases, any assistance you are given is a loan that must be paid back with interest. Flood insurance, on the other hand, pays even if a disaster is not declared, and of course you never have to pay it back.

Unfortunately, flooding is an unpredictable fact of life for property owners. Dealing with the aftermath of even a small flood can be overwhelming. Hopefully you never have to go through flooding in your home. But if you do it is important to minimize the damage immediately by calling a qualified cleaning company to get your home back in shape fast.

Contact Professional Carpet Systems today for more tips, help or to schedule your next appointment.

 

 

This is our newsletter for October 2020.

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Don’t Make These Common Carpet Care Mistakes

Keeping your carpets clean is not only important to the look and feel of your home, it’s also a vital factor in maintaining good indoor air quality. And that’s good for your health. Here are some common mistakes to avoid so that your carpet remains clean, beautiful and healthy for as long as possible.

Mistake #1 – ALLOWING SPOTS AND SPILLS TO SET Accidents are going to happen, but permanent stains don’t have to. While it’s possible to clean and deodorize an old spot or stain, your chance of removing a fresh spill is much higher if you act fast. Spills continue to penetrate into the carpet and bond to carpet fibers the longer they sit. Depending on what has spilled, the stain could begin to oxidize and become permanent. If the spill penetrates into the carpet pad, you may have a much bigger problem later. Old spills in padding have a tendency to wick back to the surface during future cleanings.

Mistake #2 – NOT TESTING SPOT REMOVERS BEFORE USING Do you have a sample of your carpeting or some extra pieces that weren’t needed when the carpeting was installed? These are perfect to use for testing any type of cleaners, spotters and deodorizers. The last thing you want to see is a stain develop from one of the cleaning products you are using to remove a stain or odor. Instead, use an extra piece of carpeting, and if there is none available, pick out a spot in the rear of a closet to test.

Mistake #3 – IMPROPER SPOT & SPILL CLEANUP Different spots require different cleaning agents, equipment and techniques. Applying a particular chemical to one stain may produce great results. Applying that same spotter to another type of spill could make the spot permanent. Scrubbing the carpet with brushes and towels can cause permanent distortion to the yarns. Carpet should never be scrubbed. The preferred action is called tamping or blotting. After testing in an inconspicuous location, apply the appropriate cleaning agent to the spot, agitate gently, and blot the area with a clean white terry cloth towel. If the directions call for rinsing the product out of the carpet, spray clean water from a trigger sprayer onto the area, agitate gently and blot up the excess moisture. Repeat the rinsing procedure, if necessary, to remove any soapy residue.

Mistake #4 – NOT HIRING A PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANER Keeping your carpets clean and beautiful includes regular vacuuming, prompt attention to spots and spills and keeping soils outside with the right mats at entrances. It’s even better if you can refrain from wearing “street” shoes in the home. Eventually, your carpets need a deep cleaning. And regardless of what manufacturers of do-it-yourself carpet cleaners tell you, you do need a trained professional to get your carpets thoroughly cleaned. We use professional cleaning agents, equipment and techniques to get your carpets deep down clean. Carpets that are cleaned and protected regularly will last longer and help improve indoor air quality. That’s why major carpet manufacturers require professional cleaning every 12-24 months to maintain your carpet warranty and extend the use-life of your carpets.

Contact Professional Carpet Systems today for more tips, help or to schedule an appointment.