How we clean them

Firstly we thoroughly vacuum using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, which helps to remove the smallest particles using a crevice tool around the edges and going slowly across the traffic lanes, ensuring we remove as much dry soil before the extraction cleaning begins.

Next we will identify the fabric to be cleaned as some fabrics such as wool have to be cleaned in a particular .fashion. Factors such as PH, heat, dye bleed are taken into account and addressed accordingly.

We will then examine and identify any particular stains, ascertain the correct spotter for the stain and carpet type and treat them.

Next we apply our appropriate pre-spray solution to the carpet, and gently agitate into the fibres. This advanced odourless eco friendly cleaner will eliminate dust mites, allergens and electro-mechanically separate oily dirt and pollutants from your carpet fibres and suspend them floating in an aqueous solution, ready to quickly and safely remove using state of the art truck mounted extraction rinsing.

The machine we use to thoroughly clean and rinse your carpets is a truck mount high pressure hot water extraction unit that is situated in the van all ready to go. It heats the water to the correct temperature and then shoots it into the carpet at high pressure. lifting out the dirt, bacteria and pollens that are in your carpet using the machines huge vacuums. This ensures a residue free rinse that keeps the integrity of your carpet and helps to reduce further soiling.

Your furniture is replaced onto foil or polystyrene blocks to prevent marks coming off onto the freshly cleaned carpet. Your carpet pile is then groomed and set to leave it in the best possible condition.

To ensure your carpets stay in good condition for even longer we can apply our superior protector.

Rugs: Depending on the type of rug and level of soiling we clean these using a similar method to above. We normally need to take them back to our workshop, where once cleaned and conditioned we would return them to you dry.

Some frequently asked questions

Will my carpets get dirty more quickly after cleaning?

No! We do not use shampoo or other sticky detergents. These leave a residue in the pile that attracts soil. We use micro splitting technology to separate the soil from the fibres, followed by an extraction rinse leaving them fresh, clean, and healthy. Conditioner is added if appropriate, but again will leave no residue.

Will cleaning my carpets destroy my soil and stain protector?

No! Carpet cleaning should not affect these treatments. Soil protectors can be removed through normal foot traffic, and should be reapplied every 3 -4 years regardless of the number of carpet cleanings.

Will warm water extraction damage my carpets?

No! Warm water extraction is the method preferred by leading carpet manufacturers. It is considered to be the best method of removing embedded soil and other contaminants.

Should I wait until my carpets shows soiling before having them cleaned?

No! Carpets should be professionally cleaned a minimum of every 18 to 24 months. Allowing dry soils to build up in the carpet pile scars fibre allowing it to take on a dull, dirty hue. This permanent fibre damage will give the impression of soiling even after cleaning.

How long will my carpets take to dry?

This will vary depending on the amount of ventilation, heat and carpet type; it is usually between 4-12 hours. The process can be speeded up by the use of Turbo-dryers.

What about the furniture?

We normally ask you to move the smaller portable items from the areas to be cleaned. We are happy to assist with this. Larger items like suites and dining tables can stay, as we move, clean, and replace items. (Ensuring to protect your carpet from dye bleeds by placing foil pads or polystyrene blocks underneath the furniture)

Care Tips - How to keep your carpets in top condition

A carpet can very quickly trap vast amounts of trodden - in dirt and grit from pavements containing all manner of unpleasant contaminants. It is also a store for invisible air borne pollutants such as human and animal dander, mould spores, pollen, engine fumes, dust mites and their faeces, bacteria, smoke, and other nasty chemicals.

The grit, if left in the carpet, will work its way to the bottom of the pile and slowly wear it away without anybody noticing until it is too late. The pollutants, if not removed from the carpet, will be a threat to the health and comfort of the occupants and visitors, and will begin to smell stale.

All these elements can be present even though the carpet may look clean. Preventative action is essential. There is a great deal that can be done to combat these problems without having to call in a professional cleaner too frequently.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Outside the building

Because trodden in dirt starts its life outside, it does help enormously if one can brush and preferably wash down the approaches to entrance doors, and place a substantial scraper mat outside or within each doorway. The bigger the better. It needs to be shaken out daily. If dirt is allowed to build up in a mat, it will lose its ability to collect dirt.

Indoor Doormats

Trodden in wet muddy dirt is best dealt with by doormats at the inside of each entrance. You may already be using them, but what are they supposed to be doing? They should be trapping any wet dirt that escapes the outdoors mat. Synthetic mat materials such as polypropylene absorb very little moisture. I recommend the use of rubber backed cotton pile mats within each doorway. They are absorbent and thus collect wet dirt before it is trodden further into the building to rapidly soak into the carpets. It is important to wash these mats regularly.

Vacuuming

Even if you manage to reduce trodden in dirt to zero, there are still all those invisible but undesirable bits of dry debris constantly floating down onto your carpet. As they get walked on so they get pushed further into the pile. That is why it is important to vacuum main walkways regularly and frequently before the particles "take root", even when there is no visible dirt on the surface.

In order to loosen dirt the vacuum cleaner must have a revolving brush at the suction end. If there is a collection bag, empty it when it is more than half full. If there is a filter, clean it regularly. Both these actions will ensure efficient suction. Set the cleaner at the correct brush height. If you are thinking of buying a new vacuum cleaner I can give you details of good models. Please telephone me on 01395 340111.

Spillages and Stains

Don't leave a liquid stain to set. Soak up what you can with an absorbent colourfast towel, kitchen paper, or a spoon. Apply just a little Woolsafe approved spray stain remover such as 1001 Trouble-shooter, as per the instructions, and call me on 01395 340111

Tap or press it in with a small stiff brush or cloth (don't rub, and therefore fuzz!). Blot with towel or paper.

To dilute the stain apply a little water with a fine sprayer, and blot. If needed, repeat. Don't over wet as this might cause a browning stain to rise from the backing. Put layers of towels or paper over the spillage and place a heavy waterproof weight on top and leave for several hours. Use loads of tissues if needed - they are less expensive than a new carpet. Vacuum when dry.

Beware of furniture legs and other items staining a damp carpet, leaking plant pots, paint spots, cleaning fluids, bleaches, skin creams, candle wax, leaking radiators and chewing gum.

Professional Cleaning - How Often?

Experience has shown that if a carpet is properly used and maintained, then the following frequencies will keep it in top condition. It may not always be necessary to clean every square foot of every area on every occasion - a walkways only clean on every second or third session would in many cases be enough to maintain appearance and hygiene, thus reducing expense. Ideal frequencies are:-

• Areas regularly used by children or for eating Every 3 to 6 months
• Areas of other heavy use Every 6 to 12 months
• Areas of moderate use Every 12 to 24 months
• Areas of light use Every 24 to 48 months

More Ways To Avoid Ruining A Carpet

Direct sunlight can cause pronounced fading of furnishings. Draw curtains or blinds when necessary.

Holes, split seams, and ripples are a trip hazard, and should be put right before the carpet deteriorates beyond hope Odd pieces of carpet that sprout up from nowhere should be neatly snipped off - not pulled.

Don't leave any items on a damp carpet. They could cause stains and dye bleed.

A heavy object dragged across a Polypropylene pile carpet may leave a permanent heat distortion mark.

When choosing a new carpet avoid buying a pale coloured one for busy areas. Despite much care, it would probably look well past its best after a couple of months.

Greyish/black lines can appear around the perimeters of fitted carpets. These marks can also appear under doors, and as dots and blobs around radiator pipes and where little holes have been made by the spikes on a carpet fitter's kneekicker. They are called draught or filtration marks resulting from the passage of dust-laden air blowing into the room. Sometimes they can be partly, and occasionally completely, removed by a professional carpet cleaner. To avoid this problem, when having a new carpet laid, insist that any floorboards are first covered by an impervious material. For all fitted carpets, gaps between floors and skirting boards and around radiator pipes should be sealed.

Castor cups or gliders under some furniture will reduce the depth of unsightly dents.

Pets usually have their favourite places to sprawl out when they are tired. This slowly soils and flattens a carpet - often irreversibly.

Shoes and trainers with rubber soles can cause considerable wear, particularly where people turn when walking, and by chairs in frequent use . Strategic use of mats or rugs will protect the vulnerable areas. Better still, encourage the occupants to wear indoor only footwear.

Carpet tiles can sometimes rescue a situation. When an area becomes worn or badly stained, soiled tiles can be replaced by good ones from an out of sight area.