Evaluate how well a Carpet Cleaning method meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in carpet cleaning and you've learned about the different features. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of carpet cleaning method - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the options available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed cleaning solutions to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well Carpet Cleaning meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available choices in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any methods that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any carpet cleaning services that clearly exceed your price limit.
In-plant cleaning is an option for area carpets and smaller throw-rugs. In this case the carpet is simply rolled-up and taken to the cleaning facility and returned once thoroughly cleaned.
Carpet cleaning machines vary in size from smaller units on wheels capable of being handled by one person to large truck-mounted units. The larger machines, it is argued, have much more powerful suction to withdraw dirt from carpets and therefore do a better job overall. These large machines are generally not available for rental purposes, but are accessible only though professional cleaners.
Cleaning agents are delivered in four basic ways. Wet and dry carpet shampoo systems, bonnet (use of a rotary or oscillating brush adapted with a stiff brush or drive block designed to drive wet, damp or dry pads) and external extraction methods.
Tip: Some foam may leave a residue that is difficult to remove and may cause problems with subsequent wet cleaning.
Shampoos are by far the most common methods of carpet cleaning by both homeowners and professionals. There are several shampoo delivery methods, but all are similar and produce acceptable results.
Tip: For residential cleaning, hot water extraction on its own is usually powerful enough to clean most carpets and rugs.
The external dirt extraction cleanings, both hot and cold water, are the only true “deep cleaning” methods. The hot water extraction system is often referred to as “steam cleaning”.
Several factors will determine the method and cleaning agents to be used. The degree of soiling, costs, environmental factors, and, perhaps most importantly, the type of fibres in a carpet will all indicate a particular method.
Tip: Carpets woven with silk fibres are best left to professional cleaners.
If you don't have the expertise to decide which method of cleaning, perhaps a professional cleaning service would be the best choice. A homeowner can gather some basic information before deciding which professional cleaning service to use.
Always ask a few pointed questions before allowing a cleaning service into your home. Ask to see credentials, licenses and certifications, insurance and bonding information. See if the service provides a free in-home estimate and be sure they include all costs in the estimate and that no “extras” will be added.
Tip: If the prices quoted look too good to be true…they probably are. Accept what you consider a “realistic” estimated price.
Ask friends, the local Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau about the cleaning service's reputation and about any complaints which might have been filed against the company.
Only after you are comfortable with a company should you allow them to enter your home and begin operations. A reputable carpet cleaning firm will provide an invaluable service and keep your carpets in excellent shape for years to come.
When you were considering your requirements in carpet cleaning it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as cost, reputation, labor, chemical use and results as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various choices meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Primary Methods of Carpet Cleaning
- Dry cleaning
- Hot water extraction
- Combination hot water extraction and dry cleaning
Carpet Cleaning Options
- Owner
- Professional
- In-Plant
Dry Cleaning Methods
- Dry foam
- Dry chemical
- Dry compound
Hot Water Extraction Methods (Steam Cleaning)
- Portable extraction machine
- Truck mounted extraction machine
Cleaning Agent Delivery Systems
- Carpet shampoo
- Dry powder method
- Bonnet cleaning
- Steam deep cleaning
Factors Effecting Choice of Cleaning System
- Environmental conditions
- Degree of soiling
- Cost
- Fibre system composition of carpet
- Manufacturer's recommendations
Carpet Fibre Systems Cleaning Needs
- Wool - Wool fibres may be cleaned using all cleaning methods, although excessive agitation and excessive heat should be avoided.
- Cotton or Rayon - Cotton and rayon are each cellulose fibre and may be cleaned using all cleaning methods depending upon carpet or rug construction.
- Silk - Silk is a natural fibre that is used for many carpet applications. Silk fibres should be cleaned using a dry cleaning process. These fibres may be damaged by high temperatures.
- Sisal and other plant fibres - Sisal and other plant fibres have characteristics similar to cotton. These fibres may be cleaned with all cleaning methods but dry extraction and dry foam extraction are most often recommended.
Factors Effecting Machine Cleaning Results
- Operator skill
- Vacuum power
- Spray pressure
- Solution temperature
- Delay in extracting cleaning solution
Characteristics of Shampoo Products
- Very high foam levels to reduce wetting
- Very stable foam
- High lubrication to reduce damage to the carpet fibres from brushes
- Dries to a non-sticky residue
Shampoo Delivery Machines
- Cylindrical foam - The Cylindrical Foam Shampoo machine uses an air compressor to create dry foam before the foam is applied to the carpet and the carpet is then agitated with a revolving cylindrical brush which combs the foam through carpet pile.
- Rotary shampoo - Uses an ordinary rotary floor machine (the same kind used for stripping wax), sprays shampoo onto the carpet from a dispensing tank, and a rotary brush whips the detergent to foam.
Questions to Ask Professional Carpet Cleaners
- Type of chemicals to be used
- Dangers and benefits of those chemicals
- In-home based (free) estimate
- Licensing
- Insurance (performance and liability)
- Bonding
- Better Business Bureau rating
- Guarantees
- Time professional has been in business
- Type of training received (employees also)
- Price - total charges including any mileage and taxes
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your cleaning needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require.
Once you have finished evaluating the carpet cleaning methods available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the choices one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well Carpet Cleaning methods compare with competing Carpet Cleaning methods
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of cleaning methods that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of choices that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which cleaning method on my short-list is most suitable for my carpet ?
Which of the DIY options is the easiest to use?
Which of my short-listed methods has the shortest drying time?
Which cleaning solution is the most environmentally friendly?
Which of the methods seems of the highest quality?
Which short-listed cleaning method offers the best value for money?
Which of the choices uses the least amount of chemicals?
Which carpet cleaning method do I like the best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating methods that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Extras and Consumables.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing carpet cleaning, it's a good idea to find an opportunity to examine the method to evaluate how well it works, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. If you are hiring a professional, try to inspect a friend's carpet after cleaning by the company. If you are using a DIY method, make sure all chemicals are clearly labelled and that any steam cleaning machines are in good working order. It's also important to examine the method from the perspective of ease of use. How easily is the steam cleaner prepared for use and clean up afterwards? How long do carpets take to dry? If you are using a hired machine, make sure you have the physical dexterity to operate it - cleaning your carpet yourself may be a great idea in theory, but unexpected problems could show up when you finally get your hands on the equipment.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Chemicals - quality, labeled, safety
- Assembly - all equipment parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Controls - visible, easy to use, accessible, clearly labeled
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - color maintained, stains removed etc
- Equipment is easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar cleaning products or companies may offer significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Chemicals may be guaranteed not to affect the color of your carpet; any professional service you hire should have insurance and offer guarantees. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty or guarantee, such as if you use different chemicals to those recommended, or walk on carpets too soon after cleaning.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Chemicals, machinery, colorfast, stain removal
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories, Extras and Consumables
If you are taking the DIY approach to carpet cleaning, you may be evaluating similar methods, chemicals and equipment and it's a good idea to consider accessories and extras. You need to be clear about exactly what you need to do the best job cleaning your carpet, and whether this is included in the purchase or hire price. It's also important to consider consumables, such as chemicals - some equipment and methods have higher associated costs than others.
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with any existing equipment or chemicals?
- Consumables - how often and how much?
- What else will you need to fully utilize this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of carpet cleaning methods that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:MethodsWays and means: carpet cleaning processesUsing the extraction method? Here's how it's doneProfessional carpet cleaning methodsHints on steam cleaningCarpet cleaning comparisons - which way should I go?Carpet dry cleaning & hot water extraction