Hello! My name is Graeme Stephens. I am a IICRC Certified “master restoration technician” which took me 9 years of training to achieve.  I also have over 24 years of carpet restoration experience.

This consumer advice message is sponsored by both the Auckland Carpet Steam ‘n’ Dry & N.Z. Carpet Steam ‘n’ Dry, known as the STEAM ‘N’ DRY group.

In just a moment, I’ll share with you:

6 costly misconceptions about carpet cleaning.
Plus I’ll offer 4 recommendations.
And I’ll give you 7 questions you should ask a carpet cleaner before you invite him into your premises. 

So you the consumer can make an informed decision when cleaning your carpet

Now, here’s

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

No dirt is a abrasive - like sandpaper. Every time you step on your carpet, you grind dirt into you carpet fibbers.
A dirty carpet will not last nearly as long as a clean carpet.
And while vacuuming helps - by itself is simply not enough.

MISCONCEPTION #2:
The only reason to clean your carpet is to get out the dirt.

No. Indoor Air quality experts say, “Once a carpet looks dirty, it’s really filthy, And filthy carpet can be a serious heath risk.
Especially since New Zealanders spend 90% of their time indoors”.

If you have allergies, asthma or any other breathing problems -
one major source of you problem could be the pollens, and Dust Mites
in your carpet.
By cleaning your carpet you also control bacteria, chemicals and
tobacco tar residue.

MISCONCEPTION #3
One method of cleaning is as good as another.

No. You can choose from 2 primary methods: Dry cleaning or hot water extraction.
First, I’ll explain dry cleaning. many people believe that dry cleaning you carpet is like dry cleaning your clothing. This is not true.
All carpet cleaning methods use water in one way or another.

Here is the main method of dry cleaning.
When the dry method is used, the company uses a machine similar
to a floor polisher spinning a large cotton bonnet for side to side,
absorbing dirt that’s in the carpet, it’s like trying to rub the dirt out of carpet with a large towel.

This method can leave a chemical residue in your carpet, which is the main reason dry cleaning is not very effective.

The second carpet cleaning method is called hot water extraction.
This is a fancy way of say that a hot water cleaning solution is sprayed
into the carpet and then sucked out of the carpet. This method is also referred to as steam cleaning,

Shaw Industries, the world largest carpet manufacturer, recommend
hot water extraction, in fact it’s part of their carpet extended warrantee plan, Dupont 3m international and the New Zealand wool board also recommend this method.

You can choose from 3 different types of hot water extraction ;

Small units, which is done with a either portable or electric machine, these are often run from the van so the user can claim it’s a van-mount.
The vacuum performance is approx 8hg

Medium units which or from the van, which is done using a small pull start, lawn mower size motor. The vacuum performance is approx 14hg,
Or…

Large truck powered extraction which the larger machine is mounted in a van or truck and runs off the vans motor without using your electricity or hot water. these machines cost allot more, which may be why they are still fairly new to New Zealand.

Not surprisingly, the truck powered machine gives a much more superior clean because it heats the water up to a higher temperature - and shoots less cleaning solution into the carpet at a higher pressure - which breaks up the dirt and bacteria. Then the machine uses higher suction to draw the dirt out of the carpet, leaving a drier finish.

This is the method both Auckland Carpet Steam ‘n’ Dryand N.Z. Carpet Steam ‘n’ Dry uses, and is the most preferred carpet cleaning method in the world today.
It’s like when you have a shower you rinse off the dirt and soap.
This method is currently used by the worlds largest carpet manufacturer “shore industries”

MISCONCEPTION #4
Having the right equipment is all a company needs to clean your carpets properly.
Some companies may own good equipment, but the employees may not know how to use it correctly.
This is why it is important to choose your carpet cleaner carefully.

The recommended carpet cleaners companies are those whom are certified by the international Institute of Carpet Restoration and Cleaning Certification, known as the I.I.C.R.C. A carpet cleaning company cannot buy this certification. The carpet cleaner must earn the certification through study, experience and a successful completion of formal written examinations.
Cleaners whom are certified by the I.I.C.R.C have, in effect, earned a degree in carpet cleaning.

MISCONCEPTION #5
The company that offers the lowest price is the company is the company I should hire.

Maybe but not always. Here are 2 important points to consider.

POINT #1: The price you see advertised may not be for the service you
want preformed.
If you want the carpet cleaner to remove only some of the dirt you can choose from hundreds of companies that use small shampooer or other cleaning methods. Or you can even hire a machine from the grocery store and do the job yourself.

POINT #2: The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay.

Many home owners in New Zealand have learnt the low price they saw advertised was not the price they where charged using an illegal bait and switch tactics.

By their misleading advertising they cast a shadow on our entire industry.

Then you’ll find professionals like myself whom work extra hard to earn your trust and respect.

 

MISCONCEPTION #6
Any honest carpet cleaning company can give an exact price over the phone.

Normally yes, but not always.

Set in stains like dye, pH burns cordial, and pet urine may not come out completely with any cleaning process. In this case the stain can usually be removed with a chemical removal treatment, which may cost extra.

Second  , the amount of soiling. Carpet that hasn’t been cleaned for ten years may need a solvent boost and will take longer to clean than carpet that was cleaned 6 months ago.

If your thinking about cleaning your carpets I offer these 4 recommendations.

RECOMMENDATION # 1
Make a commitment to yourself to get your carpets cleaned. The longer they remain dirty, the sooner they’ll wear out, and the longer you have
to breath the pathogens in your carpet.

RECOMMENDATION # 2
Work with a honest reputable company, don’t risk working with the cheapest cleaner, whom may not be in business tomorrow.

RECOMMENDATION # 3
Ask questions, the way to learn about a company is to ask them questions. Here are the questions I suggest you ask:

1. What method of cleaning do you recommend?
2. What type of equipment do you use?
3. What does your equipment remove from my carpets.
4. How often should I get my carpets cleaned.
5. What training have you had in carpet cleaning.
6. Are you a member of any trade association and, if so, which ones,
8. Is your company or technicians certified by the I.I.C.R.C?

 

RECOMMENDATION # 4
Once your satisfied that your working with a honest, competent professional, invite him to your home and ask for a written quotation, which gives you the assurance you know exactly what your job will cost.  No surprises.

If you want your carpets to have a superior cleaning removing the pollens, bacteria, pollens and dust mites - then I suggest you call Auckland Carpet Steam ‘n’ Dry or N.Z. Carpet Steam ‘N’ Dry

They’ll be happy to answer your questions - provide you with a cost estimate over the phone - or come to your home and give you a written quotation - without obligation of any kind. just phone.

Here’s one last point: Both Auckland & N.Z. Carpet Steam ‘n’ Dry fully guarantee our work. If you aren’t happy with the workmanship you don’t pay.
What could be more fair.

As a matter of fact add this question to your list, Do you guarantee your
work? Not all companies do - and it’s important to have this information before you make your decision.

Thanks very much for listening. I hope you found this consumer message helpful.
If you have any questions or comments - or if you’d like to schedule a free, carpet assessment report, please leave your name and number after the tone. Your call will be returned promptly.

Or for Auckland call 09-376 7007 or for the other NZ areas phone 0800 783-266.

On behalf of Auckland Carpet Steam ‘N’ Dry  - I thank you for you kind attention.