SPECIAL REPORT:

The Consumer’s Inside Guide To

Carpet Cleaning

Dear Homeowner,

Choosing a carpet cleaner isn’t easy.

Why? Because you’re bombarded with misleading advertising, confusing claims, and simply bad information.

From super-low prices and high-pressure sales--to unqualified technicians and near worthless methods--how do you ever find a qualified, competent, professional carpet cleaner?

You start by reading this special report. In this fact-filled report, you’ll discover how to avoid carpet cleaning rip-offs, mistakes to avoid when choosing a carpet cleaner, and steps to a fresh, clean, healthy carpet.

This report will give you a better understanding of the importance of carpet cleaning, not just for appearance, but to insure your family’s health as well. You’ll now be able to make more informed, intelligent decisions.

In this special report you will find the following topics:

· How to Avoid 4 Carpet Cleaning Rip-Offs

· 3 Costly Misconceptions about Carpet Cleaning

· 7 Mistakes to Avoid when Choosing a Carpet Cleaner

· 4 Steps to a Fresh, Clean, Healthy Carpet

· Importance of Value and Price

· Do you want a clean healthy carpet?

· CarpetSoClean, LLC. 100% Guarantee

HOW TO AVOID 4 CARPET CLEANING RIP-OFFS

RIP-OFF #1:  UNBELIEVABLY LOW PRICE. To some degree, all of us are attracted by low price because we want to work within a budget. But some carpet cleaners use price as the bait for their false and misleading advertising. They offer a cheap price—usually between $3.95 and $9.95 per room--and then, once they’re in your home, they pressure you into buying “add-ons.” It’s as if you were buying a car and found that the dealer was charging you extra for the tires and steering wheel. Carpet cleaning is not as cheap as some unethical carpet cleaners would like you to believe.

RIP-OFF  #2:  BAIT AND SWITCH. Dual process carpet cleaning describes the process of shampooing or heavy preconditioning, followed with hot water extraction cleaning. Unfortunately, unethical carpet cleaners often use dual process as a bait and switch technique. Here’s how it’s done: First they “bait” you with a basic cleaning (single process) at an unbelievably low price. Then, when you call, they try to “switch” you to the more expensive dual-process cleaning. If you don’t fall for their switch and choose their basic service, you’ll likely receive poor workmanship using little or no chemicals, and they will not guarantee their work.

RIP-OFF#3:  UNSUPPORTED CLAIMS, ”THIS CLEANING METHOD IS THE BEST.”  You’ll read this in almost every ad

and hear this from virtually every carpet cleaner. But remember this, the method that’s best for you is the method that achieves your goal. If you want a method that dries quickly, then a method that takes a long time to dry isn’t for you. So before you choose a carpet cleaner, identify your objectives. Then select the method that best reaches those objectives.

RIP-OFF #4:  MISLEADING BELIEFS, “NOTHING CLEANS BETTER THAN HOT WATER.”  Years ago, many people believed this was true because they had no other options to choose from.  But today, we know it’s false.  By washing and then rinsing your carpet with hot water, your carpet pad retains a portion of the dirt, grime and bacteria steam cleaners claim to remove, not to mention excessive amounts of water — the hot water can contribute to delaminating your carpet’s backing, causing your carpet to ripple or even shrink. The large amounts of water used to clean your carpet will cause your carpet pad to lose it’s density over a period of time — in the same way a sponge, after many uses, will flatten and loose it’s fluff.  Obviously, each carpet cleaner will be biased toward his own method.

And each method does have advantages.  So I suggest you look to what carpet sales people and installers say. They will recommend using a dry cleaning method — knowing that the worlds largest carpet manufacturer, Shaw Industries, recommends hot water extraction. To maintain your carpet’s manufacture warranty it stipulates that you have your carpet professionally cleaned once every 12 to 18 months.  The reason they recommend using dry cleaning is because they know it’s impossible to ruin the construction of your carpet or the comfort of your carpet pad, due to the minimal amount of water used in the process.

3 COSTLY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CARPET CLEANING

MISCONCEPTION #1: You should wait as long as possible before cleaning your carpet!

No. Dirt is an abrasive--like sandpaper. Every time you step on your carpet, you grind dirt into the carpet fibers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you had used a knife. This cutting causes your carpet to wear out faster. A dirty carpet will not last as long as a clean carpet. And while vacuuming helps--by itself, it is simply not enough. The longer you wait to have your carpet cleaned, the more damage you do to your carpet and the faster it wears out.

MISCONCEPTION #2: The only reason to clean carpets is to remove the dirt!

No.  As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust – and hundreds of other chemicals.  When you and your family members come into your home, you carry those pollens, bacteria and chemicals in your hair and on your skin, clothing and shoes.  Not surprisingly, all those chemicals, pollens and bacteria wind up – you guessed it – in your carpet.

If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems – one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, and chemical in your carpet.  

In addition, as you may know, tobacco smoke contains over 4000 different chemical compounds, 43 of which cause cancer.   And even if you don’t smoke, those chemicals get on your shoes, you track them in to your home and leave them in your carpet. If your sensitive to cigarette smoke, you might find that you’ll breath easier after you hire a company to get those harmful chemicals out of your carpet.

So, besides getting rid of dirt, another important reason to clean your carpet is to get rid of pollens, fungus, bacteria, chemicals and the tars and residue from tobacco smoke.

MISCONCEPTION #3: One method of carpet cleaning is as good as another!

No. You can choose from many methods, most of which are inefficient.  The only two good one’s Dry Extraction (Polymer Compound) Method with a low moisture process or Hot Water Extraction. Certain carpets are better serviced with one cleaning method over the other.  Be sure the company you choose is able to recommend the process that best fits your individual situation. 

The Dry Extraction (Polymer Compound) Method, also known as the dry clean method, an absorbent compound saturated with detergents and solvents is brushed in and around the fibers with especially-designed machines or brushes. The compound attaches to the soil particles, and both the soil and compound are then removed by vacuuming.  Dry time will be extended if there is Carpet Stain Protection applied.

Hot water extraction is sometimes called "steam cleaning." Areas of heavy use are preconditioned to suspend ground-in soil, then a pressurized cleaning solution is injected into the pile. - which breaks up the dirt, bacteria and pollens.  Then the machine uses high suction to draw the dirt out of the carpet.  Carpet will dry in approximately 12-18 hours.  I.I.C.R.C. Standards require carpets to be completely dry within a 4 to 6 hour time frame.  So if you have experience lengthy dry times before you were most likely not serviced by a certified trained technician.  And you did not receive the Carpet and Rug Institutes (CRI), Seal of approval deep cleaning, hot water extraction system using the Steamin Demon high water flow machine.

CRI’s Seal of Approval addresses cleaning effectiveness by testing and certifying only those products that meet high performance standards. Companies whose products are certified can assure customers that their products remove stains and soil from carpet without damaging the carpet pile or causing resoiling problems. Steamin Demon is one of eight cleaning systems certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute. 

7 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN CHOOSING

A CARPET CLEANER

MISTAKE #1: Choosing a carpet cleaner based on equipment alone.  No question, your carpet cleaner needs first rate equipment.  But he/she also needs something else:  employees who are skilled at operating that equipment.  Many companies own hot-water extractors, but very few companies teach their employees how to use them properly.  The best way to know that the carpet cleaner’s employees have been properly trained is to make sure the cleaner has been certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).  Before you choose a carpet cleaner, ask to see written proof of the company’s and the technician’s IICRC certification.

MISTAKE #2: Choosing a carpet cleaner based on low price.  Low price could be a problem in three ways: (1) Low price can be the bait that attracts your phone call.  But once the cleaner gets into your home, they pressure you into a much more expensive job.  (2) Low price can be for single-process cleaning.  Rarely does the consumer know what this means, and when told, asks for dual-process cleaning instead, which costs much more.  (3) Low price means the carpet cleaner has cheap equipment, which will not effectively clean your carpet.

MISTAKE #3:  Choosing a carpet cleaner based on a single telephone call.  Instead, invite the person to your home and ask for a specific written quotation.  Then you’ll know exactly what the carpet cleaner recommends - and you won’t be the victim of high pressure tactics when the technician steps into your living room. 

MISTAKE #4: Choosing a carpet cleaner who doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee.  In my view, every carpet cleaning company should be fully accountable for it’s work.  And if you aren’t pleased with the job in every way, you shouldn’t have to pay for it.  Period.  Not all carpet cleaners offer a guarantee.  Or, if they do, the guarantee may be “limited.”  Ask the carpet cleaner if he/she offers a money-back guarantee and then make sure the carpet cleaner includes the guarantee on your written quotation.

MISTAKE #5: Choosing a carpet cleaner without getting comments from his/her other clients. Any carpet cleaner can say anything about their past jobs.  And, sadly, some of what is said may not be true.  Make sure you ask for references or read comments from current customers so you can depend on the carpet cleaner and his/her work.

MISTAKE #6: Choosing a carpet cleaner who isn’t certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC).  If you’re carpet cleaner isn’t a close friend, you may not know whether or not he/she has the knowledge or experience to clean your carpet well.  If you want to be sure you’re hiring a competent professional, make sure they are IICRC certified.  The carpet cleaner must earn that certification through study, experience and successful completion of formal, written examinations.  In effect, cleaners who are certified by the IICRC have earned a college degree in carpet cleaning.

MISTAKE #7: Choosing a carpet cleaner who doesn’t use a Carpet and Rug Institute approved, hot water extraction system. You might expect this from me, since my employees and I use this type of system.  But there are several good reasons. CRI independent laboratory tests the products on carpet samples according to manufacturer specifications. Water is used as a control standard. The differences between the soiled carpet and the cleaned sample are rated by instruments and professionals using industry standard performance ratings.  In addition, the soil removal efficiency of extractors is rated on three levels. Extractors that exceed average soil removal receive a Bronze Seal rating. Those achieving higher soil removal receive a Silver rating and those receiving the highest level of measurable soil removal are awarded a Gold-level Seal of Approval. The Steamin Demon high water flow extraction system received the Gold seal of approval. So all the way around, you get a much better job.  Not two ways about it! 

4 STEPS TO A FRESH, CLEAN, HEALTHY CARPET

If you’re thinking about having your carpet cleaned, we encourage you to follow these four steps:

STEP #1: Make a commitment to yourself to get your carpets cleaned.  The longer they remain dirty, the sooner they’ll wear out.  Plus the longer you have to breathe all the pollens, fungus and chemicals that hide in your carpet.

STEP #2: List your objectives.  Do you want only the dirt removed, something you could do with a rented shampooer.  Or do you want all the bacteria, fungus, chemicals, and dust mites removed, which will require a hot water cleaner, as we use.  Do you want to work with an honest, reputable company - or are you willing to risk working with the company that offers you the lowest price - knowing that the company might not be in business tomorrow?

STEP #3: Ask questions.  The way you learn about a company is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to he answers.  Here are seven tough questions to ask a carpet cleaner before he/she beings to clean your carpet:

            1.   What method of cleaning do you recommend?

            2.   Do you pre-vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum system?

            3.   Do you pre-spot difficult spots before cleaning?

            4.   Do you pre-condition the areas to be cleaned?

            5.   What type of cleaning system do you use to clean carpet?

            6.   What will your cleaning system remove from my carpet?

            7.   Do you pile set/final groom my carpet after cleaning?

            8.   How often should I get my carpets cleaned?

            9.    What training have you had in cleaning carpets?

            10. Are you certified by the IICRC and can I see your certificate?

            11. Will you show me proof of your Liability Insurance?

            12. Do you have a 100% Iron-Glad No-Risk Guarantee in writing?

STEP #4: Once you’re satisfied that you’re working with an honest, competent professional, invite him/her into your home and ask for a specific quotation in writing.  A written quotation gives you the assurance that you know exactly what your job will cost - no surprises.

By following these four steps, you’ll gain all the information you need to make an informed, intelligent decision.  If you want a quick, cheap carpet cleaning job, many companies in the phone book can help you.  Or you can rent a shampooer from the grocery store and do the job yourself.

But if you want your carpeting to be completely an healthfully cleaned - removing the bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollens, and tobacco products - then we invite you to call us. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and come into your home and give you a FREE, NO OBLIGATION CARPET AUDIT  - without cost or obligation of any kind.  To reach us, call 678-522-9835.

THE IMPORTANCE OF VALUE AND PRICE

Price is what you pay.  Value is what you get. 

When you select a carpet cleaner, you’ll choose from a wide variety of cleaning methods and prices.

Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, recommends hot water extraction from the Steamin Demon. The Steamin Demon is the only machine specifically endorsed by Shaw Industries, the world's largest carpet manufacturer:

"Shaw has never endorsed any machine or chemical until recently.... Over the past 10 years we have evaluated a large number of machines and have never been particularly impresses. When we completed the evaluation of the Steamin Demon machine, we recognized that it solves many of the problems inherent with most machines in use today.... for these reasons, we have adjusted our policy and today we endorse only one machine, the Steamin Demon."  Mr. Carey Mitchell, Director, Shaw Technical Services

Not surprisingly, having a carpet thoroughly cleaned with the Steamin Demon high water flow extraction system costs more than renting a shampooer at the corner grocery store.

If you bought the cheapest carpeting you could find, then renting a small shampooer might be all you need.  No question, it will get some of the dirt - but the key word here is “some”.  It will not get out many of the pollens, chemicals, bacteria and dust mite residues.

On the other hand - if you want your carpet to look good and give you years of dependable service - then you need to take extra good care of it.  This means you need to have it cleaned by a skilled, qualified technician at least six months to one year, depending on the amount of soiling and foot traffic it receives.  And you need to have it cleaned thoroughly and disinfected, as only the Steamin Demon extractor can do.

To give you an idea of how we estimate the cost of cleaning, here are the three things we consider:

First, the type of carpet.  Certain types of carpet are harder to clean than other types.

Second, the amount of soiling.  Carpet that hasn’t been cleaned for ten years will take longer to clean than carpet that we cleaned within the last six months.

Last, the amount of furniture we have to move.  If you move your furniture, you’ll save money.

 DO YOU WANT A CLEAN, HEALTHY CARPET?

Which is more important to you: a clean carpet - or a clean and healthy carpet?  Yes, I assure you, there is a big difference.  

Each carpet cleaning method has advantages and disadvantages.  Some methods will get out only the dirt.  Other methods will get out dirt and grease.  Still others will get out virtually everything.  And, to be sure, some are more expensive than others.

If all you want is a cheap, rinse-the-dirt-off-the-top cleaning which you might find for around $13.95 per room - then I respectfully ask you to call another company.

But if you want to protect your health - if you want to protect your investment in carpeting - if you want to protect your family from the countless bacteria, fungus, pollens and dust mites that reside in your carpet, then you’re invited to call me. 

The Steamin Demon unit we use is the most effective cleaning system available today.  Likewise, it’s one of the most expensive units on the market.  But we bought this unit for a good reason:  More and more families want the good health benefits that come from having a fresh, clean carpet.

Have you ever seen how dirty a little boy’s pants get when he plays outdoors?  If you have, then you know you can brush off his pants and make him think they’re clean.  Or, if you want the job done right, you can machine wash them in hot water and detergent and you’ll KNOW they’re clean.

The same is true for your carpet.  You can hire someone for $23 to $50 who will “brush off” your carpeting and make you think it’s clean.  Or, if you want the job done right, I’ll shampoo and wash your carpets with hot water and detergent using my state-of-the-art cleaning machine and you’ll KNOW they’re clean.

So if you want a thoroughly clean carpet - if you’re willing to invest in your family’s good health - you’re invited to call us.  You’ll receive a written estimate, at no cost or obligation.  And if you give us the go-ahead, you’re further protected with our . . .

CarpetSoClean, LLC. 100% Guarantee!