I am not an average cleaner.

An average cleaner may or may not be certified.

An average cleaner has picked one method of cleaning Truck Mounted Hot Water Extraction, Dry Chemical, Bonnet.

An average cleaner feels his method is best and all others are trash.

An average cleaner uses his method exclusively.

An average cleaner justifies his method and its superiority to the client. 

An average cleaner manipulates his method to fit all his jobs.

An average cleaner sets his price in relation to his competition.

An average cleaner competes on price.

An average cleaner will drop his price to close a sale.

An average cleaner is in business to make money.

I am a certified cleaner. Fewer than 30% of all cleaners are certified.

As a certified and educated cleaner, I am familiar with all methods of carpet cleaning recognizing that each has an appropriate use.

I will consult with my client and match the method to the specific situation and need.

I will explain to my client why I am using one method over another.

I will not try to cut corners and use an inappropriate method.

I have done detailed analysis through the use of industry specific software to know how much it costs to produce a particular result and have set my prices in order to cover my cost and make a reasonable profit.

I don’t compete on price.  If all a client is concerned with is price and not the quality and service I provide, I encourage them to seek another provider with the warning that they may not like the result.  They may get an average cleaner and an average job or worse.  My clients don't hire me because I have the lowest price.

I will adjust the area to be cleaned to fit my clients’ budget constraints.

I am in business to serve people and meet their cleaning needs.  I am in business to build friendships, pleasant working environments and have fun doing my work.  I am more interested in a satisfied client than the money that’s generated.  I don’t want to just ask for referrals and testimonials, I want to earn them.  I am convinced with every fiber in my being that if I do my job correctly, focused on the client, the money will take care of itself.

All Carpet Cleaners Are They Same.  Are They?

Some people think that all carpet cleaners are the same.  In fact, some rationalize that they could be carpet cleaners, too, just rent a machine from the grocery store and go to work.  So, are all carpet cleaners really the same?  The answer at least from a professional's point of view is categorically, NO!

   First of all, there are a variety of methods for cleaning carpet and each has its own merits and applications. The pros and cons of differing methods of carpet cleaning is outside the scope of this discussion.  However, methods can be broadly divided into two main categories, very low moisture or dry, (VLM) and hot water extraction or wet, (HWE).  Hot water extraction or "steam cleaning", as it is sometimes referred, is about 85% of the market when surveying the industry as a whole.  Only hot water extraction meets the standards set by the industry for restorative cleaning.  HWE can be further divided into portable extractors and truck mounts.  Even truck mounted systems vary in capacity but more about that later.  As you can see just in the area of method and equipment alone there is a wide range of possibilities.

    Many savvy homeowners have seized on the fact that truck mounted systems are "the way to go" and all others need not apply.  On the surface, this is a good idea but is not a guarantee to hiring the ideal carpet cleaner.  Just because a cleaner has a van and the van has a carpet cleaning machine doesn’t mean he can out-clean all comers.  As mentioned earlier, truck mounts vary in “capacity” and deliver different results in cleaning.  Most truck mounted machines are powered by auxiliary engines from lawn mower size to automobile size.  The smaller units can’t compete with the large automobile engines in their ability to produce very hot water (235°F) in a continuous flow.  They also lag behind the big boys in vacuum and the ability to extract the dirt and waste water leaving behind a wetter and somewhat dirtier carpet.

So, if you decide to hire a cleaner and want restorative cleaning make sure to look for a cleaner offering hot water extraction with a truck mounted machine that can produce (235-240°F) water in a continuous stream with lots of vacuum.