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Ask Cleanfax!
October 13, 2010
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Q: When cleaning carpet, what is the maximum temperature that I want to use with our truckmount? The cleaning specifications of various fiber types can be confusing. How hot can I go?
— Bill, Grand Rapids, MI
A: Don''t worry too much about the maximum temperature. The heat is wet heat, and you would be hard pressed to harm carpet fibers with the heat from a truckmount.
Today''s truckmount manufacturers produce machines that are capable of providing extremely high heat, but it''s rare to hear of any problems — unless a solution hose breaks.
Be careful of the brass or metal quick disconnects, though. Some say they can melt olefin, although reports of such occurrences are rare.
And, you might wear protective gloves if you find handling hot solution hoses and cleaning tools to be a challenge.
Some feel that you must use cooler temperatures when cleaning wool carpet fibers. While precautions are always recommended, it''s unlikely your truckmount will produce high heat that is capable of damaging wool fibers, especially by the time the heated solution reaches the carpeted areas you are cleaning.
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Q: I recently bid a large commercial job and priced it by the square foot. It seems building management wants to hire my company because of our reputation and referrals, but we were not, in their words, "the cheapest." They want to know how I justify my prices. What should I tell them?
— Doug, Miami, FL
A: There are some pricing guidelines that you use that are no doubt "none of their business." While you don''t want to say those exact words to your potential customer, there are some details you can share with them that may help.
For instance, most know that you "get what you pay for." There is a reason you have a good reputation and referrals. A simple conversation with building management on how you plan to deliver top quality instead of quantity may be necessary.
There are too many companies out there that use undocumented workers, unskilled subcontractors, cheaper equipment and inferior products — just to name a few — and can thus bid and price their services lower than you are able to.
So, instead of stressing price, stress what you bring to the table in regards to quality and peace of mind. They want you — that''s why they are asking for verification.
The challenge is the assumption that all companies provide the exact same level of service, and we know that is not always true.
You have your foot in the door. Now go sell yourself as a company that is the absolute best choice.
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Q: What is the best way to take blood out of nylon carpet?
— Sally, Las Vegas, NV
A: For minor blood spots, your regular carpet cleaning method should suffice. Application of pretreatment, agitation, rinse and dry.
You might keep your cleaning temperature in the "warm" range, instead of using high heat, as this can make protein-type spots and stains more of a challenge to remove, especially if you don''t get it right the first time.
Of course, being familiar with blood borne pathogen regulations is smart, but for small spills, spots and stains, you can easily — and safely — tackle this task.
After cleaning, any remaining stain can usually be removed with the application of a hydrogen peroxide solution. Apply the product, allow dwell time and rinse.
Problem solved — usually!
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Have a question for us? Ask at Cleanfax.com/experts or jcross@ntpmedia.com.
