Carpet GUIDE
Hot Water Extraction
Additional Information
The process includes spraying a solution of water and a rinsing agent onto the carpet pile and recovering the water and soil with a powerful vacuum and into our holding tank. Hot water extraction carpet cleaning services is a much more effective way of cleaning carpets. This method doesn’t just clean the surface carpet fibers like some methods (such as bonnet cleaning), nor does it leave a residue or powdery substance on the carpet like the dry cleaning method. Our method deep cleans your carpet to remove ground in soil that rests beneath the surface fibers.
Most carpet manufactures, such as DuPont and Shaw, prefer home owners to use the hot water extraction method to guarantee the warranty of the carpet (just check the fine print of your warranty). Our process for carpet cleaning will ensure that your carpet is brought back to life and will stay cleaner longer, saving you money.
Our Technicians...
Are fully trained in the proper execution of the hot water extraction cleaning method. QMI’s cleaning technicians are certified through IICRC and continually stay up to date on new methods because Quality Maintenance believes that a highly skilled - informed technician means that you will get the best carpet and upholstery cleaning you have ever had.
Carpet Cleaning Services Audit
What other company will spend this kind of time with you and your carpet for free?
- First we will cover all the problems you have with your carpet and upholstery. These “problems” could include unwanted stains; whether they are pet stain, make-up stains, drink stains etc. Our technicians will let you know if these stains can be removed and how we will remove them.
- Second we will calculate the age of your carpet. Your carpet may be 10 years old but only have a wear age of 2 years. Or your carpet may be 2 years old but have a wear age of 10 years. Our technicians will explain to you how long it will be before you will need to get a new carpet and they will give you a ‘prescription’ to make your carpet last as long as possible.
- Third we will determine if your carpet is in good health. Healthy carpets are great for healthy wallets and healthy families. That’s right, your carpet’s health can affect yours and your family’s health. Just as dirt is tracked into your home from the outside, you and your family also track in car exhaust, cigarette smoke, asphalt, chemicals, dust, germs, pollen, tar, soot and many others. These pollutants get lodged into your carpet just like dirt. When your carpets are cleaned using the hot water extraction method these pollutants are removed directly to our holding tank and out of your carpet, leaving them “healthy” again.
- Fourth we will test your traffic areas. Traffic areas are the main spots that get walked on constantly in your home. They visibly look more worn and dirtier than other areas of your carpet. Our cleaning process and cleaning agents will make those nasty traffic areas look as good and healthy as the rest of your carpet.
- Fifth we will give you a complete written report of the condition of your carpet. This report and our technicians will tell you what your carpets needs are.
Our Cleaning Process
Step 1: Walk Through
Step 2: Move Furniture
Step 2: Move Furniture
We walk through your home or business with you, evaluating the carpet. At this time we are looking for and discussing any potential problems or situations as they may pertain to stains, odor, wear, or the general condition as well as your normal cleaning procedures.
Step 2: Move Furniture
Step 2: Move Furniture
Step 2: Move Furniture
We move your furniture for two reasons:
- Protect your furniture from getting wet or damaged during our cleaning process
- Ensure that all areas of your carpet get fully cleaned.
Step 3: Pre-Spot treat
Step 2: Move Furniture
Step 3: Pre-Spot treat
We pre-spot treat your carpet to remove unsightly stains. This may include:
- Juice, Wine, Coffee
- Oil, Grease, Make-up
- Pet Stains or various others
Step 4: Pre-Condition
Step 7 and 8: Groom, Dry & Replace Furniture
Step 3: Pre-Spot treat
We pre-condition your carpet with our specially formulated cleaning agents. These cleaning agents will break down the soil and grease in your carpet. Our cleaning agents cannot be bought in a grocery store.
Step 5 and 6: Agitate & Rinse
Step 7 and 8: Groom, Dry & Replace Furniture
Step 7 and 8: Groom, Dry & Replace Furniture
We agitate your carpet. This allows the soil and grease that has been encapsulated by the cleaning agents to break away from the carpet fibers. Then we rinse your carpet thoroughly and follow up by vacuuming to pull out any remaining debris or dirt.
Step 7 and 8: Groom, Dry & Replace Furniture
Step 7 and 8: Groom, Dry & Replace Furniture
Step 7 and 8: Groom, Dry & Replace Furniture
We put the final touches on your carpet service by grooming your carpet to look its best, drying it and then replacing your furniture. We also have you inspect the carpet to make sure the job was done to your satisfaction.
8 Things You Should Know about Your Carpet
Become an Expert:
- Only 80% of the soil and dirt in your carpet is eliminated by vacuuming. -THAT LEAVES 20% REQUIRING ANOTHER METHOD OF REMOVAL OTHERWISE BUILD UP OCCURS!
- Do those pesky stains keep coming back? This could be because the stains are locked into the pad underneath the carpet. Carpet padding is relatively inexpensive, but a hassle to replace. Using a Truck Mounted Hydra System that penetrated deep can help remove those set in stains so they don't return.
- Walking barefoot on your carpet is the worst thing you can do to it. When you walk your feet usually grind into the carpet. Think about how dirty your feet can get and how much dirt you are potentially grinding into your carpet.
- Get carpet protectant applied to your carpet after a professional carpet cleaning will help repel stains, keeping traffic areas looking cleaner, make the next carpet cleaning more effective, makes removing spills easier and saves you money on your next carpet cleaning.
- For every person who lives in your home equals the number of days per week that you should vacuum your carpets. So what does that say about your business?
- Contrary to popular opinion, your carpet is a great barrier for allergens, if kept up properly. Carpet holds and traps dust, dirt, pollen etc until it is removed. If you're not cleaning your carpet, your allergies and health are begging you to.
- New carpet can cost anywhere between $2 – $9 a square yard. That can really add up. You can protect your carpet with protectant and regular cleanings. This will help your carpet last.
- DuPont and Shaw (major carpet manufacturers) require that you have your carpets cleaned using the hot water extraction method by a professional to guarantee the warranty.
Stain Removal
Disclaimer
Important - Always read and follow the care instructions and any warnings provided by the carpet manufacturer. Rugs and carpets with natural fibers and/or certain dyes may require special treatment. If in doubt contact a cleaning professional for advice/service.
Blood
Additional Information
- Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting with a white paper towel, then neutralize with an ammonia solution (1 tablespoon of clear household ammonia to 1/2 cup of water.). Saturate spot with the ammonia solution using a spray bottle. Do not wet backing. Blot with a white paper towel to remove excess moisture. All solutions for removing blood must be cool.
- Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. (To make the detergent solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dish washing detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with 1 quart of water; examples of safe detergents are Dawn® and Joy®.) Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If spot is being removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper towel until spot is removed.
- Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess moisture.
- Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.
- If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for on (1) hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water so no rinsing is necessary. Apply pad of paper towels and weight down with brick.
Coffee
Stain Removal Tips
- Blot with a white paper towel to remove as much of the stain as possible then neutralize with the white vinegar solution (1/3 cup WHITE vinegar to 2/3 cup of water). Saturate spot with white vinegar solution, using a spray bottle and blot to remove excess moisture.
- Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. (To make the detergent solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dish washing detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with 1 quart of water; examples of safe detergents are Dawn® and Joy®.) Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If spot is being removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper towel until spot is removed.
- Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess moisture.
- Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.
- If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for on (1) hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water so no rinsing is necessary. Apply pad of paper towels and weight down with brick.
Make-up
Step 1
Mix Vinegar or Dish soap with Water
Step 2
Blot the stain until there is no more left on the carpet
Step 3
Lightly Dampen a Microfiber cloth with water to remove the solution, let dry.
Sauces
Refer to Disclaimer Above
- Remove as much of the foreign material as possible by blotting with a white paper towel or scraping with a dull knife.
- Apply isopropyl rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth, white paper towel or cotton ball. If the spot extends deep into the pile use a blotting motion until the spot is removed or no color is transferred to the cloth. Do not allow the alcohol to penetrate into the backing as this will destroy the latex bond. If the spot is on the surface only, rub in one direction at a time. Never us a circular motion to remove spot as this may destroy the texture. Stop if spot is removed. If not, go to the next step.
- Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. (To make the detergent solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dish washing detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with 1 quart of water; examples of safe detergents are Dawn® and Joy®.) Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If spot is being removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper towel until spot is removed.
- Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess moisture.
- Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.
- If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for on (1) hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water so no rinsing is necessary. Apply pad of paper towels and weight down with brick.
Urine
Process for Removing Stain
- Remove as much of the stain as possible by using a spoon or dull knife. And, blot up as much of the stain as possible with white paper towels.
- Neutralize by spraying the affected area with the ammonia solution (1 tablespoon of clear household ammonia and 1/2 cup of water). Care should be taken to remove all protein matter. Blot to remove excess moisture.
- Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. (To make the detergent solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dish washing detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with 1 quart of water; examples of safe detergents are Dawn® and Joy®.) Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If spot is being removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper towel until spot is removed.
- Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess moisture.
- Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.
- If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for on (1) hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water so no rinsing is necessary. Apply pad of paper towels and weight down with brick.
- Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If spot is being removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper towel until spot is removed.
- Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess moisture.
- Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.
- If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for on (1) hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water so no rinsing is necessary. Apply pad of paper towels and weight down with brick.
The Smell
Use a mixture of peroxide, baking soda, and dish detergent to quash the smell. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are both famed detergents. Mix together with a few drops of dish detergent and you're ready to go. Pour into a spray bottle, spray on, and work into the urine stain with a brush or sponge.