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Equipment 101: Carpet Extractors

carpet-extractors

In this blog, we’re chatting about carpet extractors. You’ll learn all the ways in which you can extract and some additional best practices for pre- and post-cleaning.

Carpet extractors can extend the life of carpet. It helps keep it smelling fresh and looking newly installed. To use a carpet extractor, you will inject cleaning solutions into the fibers via a wand. Then the solution adheres to the dirt and soil. With pressure and suction from the extractor, the soil comes to the surface. The machine then extracts the remaining water, solution and dirt.

Pre-cleaning

Carpets should always be vacuumed before use of the extractor. You should also pre-treat any obvious stains.

Dry extraction

Dry extraction uses a dry solution for soiled areas. The solution works the same, bringing the dirt and debris to the surface. Vacuuming removes any debris.

Dry foam

With dry foam cleaning, a foam detergent is applied to the affected areas. The foam spreads through the carpet. It is then extracted. The foam traps the dirt.

Steam cleaning

Steam cleaning uses different rations of water and cleansing agents. The carpet can be pre-conditioned with a cleaning want applying the solution using high pressure to remove stubborn dirt. The equipment removes the water, solution and dirt.

This is a quick summary of how to use a carpet extractor. It’s an important piece of equipment to keep carpets looking their best. A few last thoughts for post-cleaning:

  • Avoid over wetting – an extractor won’t be able to remove every bit of liquid so use sparingly to avoid mold and mildew problems.
  • Use fans after cleaning to speed the drying process. Carpets won’t be dry for six to 10 hours after cleaning.
  • Immediately empty the waste tank. Don’t allow it to sit to avoid smells and other issues.
If you’re looking for great extraction products, browse our selection.
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High Traffic Carpet Cleaning Tips

high-traffic-carpet-cleaningHigh traffic areas are typically areas that see lots of carpet that see lots of use. Entryways and hallways are examples. They can be a stubborn area to keep clean because of all the daily abuse they take. The carpet in these areas is more worn, and with entryways especially, more prone to coming in contact with the elements of life like dirt, water and debris. Because high traffic carpet cleaning can be such a challenge, we gathered some tips.

Use a pre-conditioner treatment

It’s a great idea to pretreat the area with a pre-conditioner. This helps to eliminate over wetting or agitation of carpet during a cleaning. Choose one that is low residue to avoid after treatment issues. Pro Clean offers Prochem Ultrapac Trafficlean for only $41.99 a gallon.

Try a powder to pre-treat

We offer a green powder ideal for soiled traffic lanes; even grease and oil. This can also be a cost saver, as it eliminates defoamers and acidic rinse agents. Read more about Procyon Plus.

Pre-spray to get ground in dirt and grease out

With a pre-spray like Procyon Extreme, you can get down into the carpet. The sodium in a pre-spray pushes dirt and grime to the top. Procyon Extreme has a water softening agent to rejuvenate carpet. Carpet can come back to life, which is a hard task for high traffic carpet cleaning.

In addition to using the best products, here are some tips you can pass onto your customers:

  • High traffic areas should be vacuumed twice weekly to reduce soil buildup.
  • Vacuum slowly enough to get out as much dirt as possible. Make one quick pass over low-traffic areas and two slow passes over high-traffic areas. Two slow passes removes ground-in dirt more effectively than several fast passes.
  • Use walk-off mats inside and out to keep dirt off the carpeting. Coarse-textured mats outside doors remove soil. Water-absorbent mats inside prevent wet shoes on the carpeting.
High traffic areas are vulnerable to collecting the most mess. So it’s important to treat them differently as a professional carpet cleaners. By using the best high traffic carpet cleaning products and educating your customers, you can help these areas stay looking great longer.
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Professional Carpet Cleaning Products Picks

professional-carpet-cleaning-product-picks

Today, we’re sharing top picks from industry experts. At Pro Clean Chemicals, we offer professional cleaning products made by cleaners for cleaners. We are glad to share these professional carpet cleaning product picks with you. Just click on the links below to read more about a product or to purchase it.

Check out Pro Clean Chemical’s professional carpet cleaning product picks:



Thymol-D: This is a one-step hospital disinfectant cleaner. It’s also a green cleaner, too. Only $27.99 a gallon.

Chemspec Oriental Rug Shampoo: This shampoo has a neutral pH so it’s safe for all fibers. WoolSafe approved! Get a gallon for only $32.89.

PCC Spotter:  This is a non-residual spotter. Effective on all soils and most spots. A favorite of all carpet cleaners. $20.99 a gallon.

PCC Trifecta: Try this powder pre-spray to dissolve grease and oils in minutes. Perfect for restaurants and is color safe.  $35.99 per container.

Triplex Green Guard Protectant: An encapsulation product like no other, Triplex neutralizes alkalinity residues and limits wicking to carpets. Get a gallon for $37.80.

There are lots of products in the market. We only provide the best. And we’ve personally tested these so we know how they work. View all our Professional Carpet Cleaning Product Picks and start cleaning smarter today.
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Carpet Cleaning Benchmark Report

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What You Need to Know to Improve Your Business

The Cleanfax 2016 Carpet Cleaning Benchmark Report is the result of carpet cleaning professionals’ thoughts and opinions. Carpet cleaning professionals just like you responded to the survey from Cleanfax, an industry publication for cleaning and restoration professionals.

The industry is healthy

Based on responses, 60 percent of business owners reported an increase in revenue in 2015 as compared to same sales the year before. Of that 60 percent, 22 percent said the revenue increase was significant. Respondents attributed the growth to a better economy with consumers having more expendable income. Consumers may feel like they don’t have to put off necessary home maintenance like carpet cleaning.

Threats to the industry

The survey asked professionals their opinions on certain topics. Professionals are concerned about competing with cheap pricing. This lowers the consumer’s expectations. The professional community would like to see pricing have some standards around it so that quality isn’t jeopardized. Cheaper is rarely better.

Labor challenges

Many professionals believe it’s still a great challenge to find employees. Employees need to be dependable and have a professional manner. Companies have more business but are struggling with keeping and recruiting qualified employees. Some even think there is a labor shortage. This could be because younger generations seem to have little interest in the profession.

New business

Referrals from existing customers is still at the top of list on how businesses earn new business. But social media (Facebook and Twitter specifically) is a growing source of new business. They also cited sites like Yelp and Angie’s List as a source of referrals. This is a sign that businesses should embrace social media as a marketing channel, and execute campaigns on these platforms.

Read the full 2016 Carpet Cleaning Benchmark from Cleanfax. You’ll find additional information on pricing, services and finances
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Carpet Cleaning 101

carpet-cleaning-101

Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to carpet cleaning, understanding the terms and techniques for carpet cleaning is important. That’s why we are dedicating this blog to Carpet Cleaning 101. Keep reading to learn more.

Blooming

Blooming occurs when carpet fibers untwist. Blooming occurs for several reasons, including improper heat setting or cleaning, maintenance techniques and general wear and tear.

Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles are actually squares, unlike wall-to-wall. They are most often found in commercial settings. They are very durable, which makes them a good fit for commercial environments.

Carpet tiles can be solid in color, textured or patterned. They can be removed for individual spot cleaning and/or repairs.

Crushing

Also known as “matting,” crushing occurs when fibers become bent and compressed. Eventually, all carpet will show signs of crushing. But it can be slowed by establishing a regular maintenance program, using firm padding below the carpet and frequently rearranging furniture to redirect traffic patterns.

Denier

Denier refers to the total amount of yarn per carpet area; carpets with more denier have a higher yarn count.

Face Weight

Similar to denier, face weight plays a role in carpet performance and durability. Face weight is defined as the total weight of fibers per square yard of carpet. When measuring face weight, backing is not included.

Fibers

Fibers are the basic material of which carpet is made. Most carpet manufactured today is made of synthetic fibers (i.e. nylon, olefin, polyester). Other types of carpet are made from natural fibers, including wool, cotton, silk and bamboo.

Fray

As a result of high-traffic, wear and tear and improper cleaning methods, carpet fibers can fray. When fraying occurs, the carpet fibers become damaged, expand and change texture.

Padding

Padding is the layer of cushion that is installed between the carpet and floor board. Padding is essential in prolonging carpet life, appearance and quality.

Pile

Pile is the visible portion of carpet fibers. There are several different types and styles of piles, including cut pile and loop pile.

Pile Reversal

Pile reversal or shading occurs when high-traffic activity bends the carpet fibers in various directions. It is highly common in hallway coners and doorways and directly results in the creation of a discolored impression.

Resilience

Resilience is a carpet’s ability to resist crushing/matting. Type of fiber, padding, backing and other characteristics qualify the amount of resilience a piece of carpeting has.

Rippling

Rippling is the consequence of excessive heat and humidity. It causes wave-like or ruffled patterns that appear on wall-to-wall carpeting. Re-stretching carpet can resolve rippling.

Seam

The line where two pieces of carpet intersect is is the seam. Since most carpet is produced in 12-foot wide rolls, it’s nearly impossible to avoid seams.

Shedding

Post-installation, new carpet has a tendency to shed fibers for several weeks. While shedding is more common in cut pile and wool carpets, it is still a minor issue for synthetic fiber carpets. Regular vacuuming is the best method for resolving a shedding issue.

Soiling

When dirt particles and grime build up in carpet fibers, soiling occurs. Regular professional cleaning can prevent soiling from occurring.

Tufting

Tufting is the first step in the carpet manufacturing process. It is the loop (cut or uncut) of pile.

These terms make up Carpet Cleaning 101. If you need help with any of these carpet concerns, check out our supplies and tools.

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Five Professional Carpet Cleaning Tips

professional-carpet-cleaning-tips

As a professional carpet cleaner, you’ve probably seen every stain imaginable. You’ve likely picked up a few professional carpet cleaning tips as well. Because we’ve been in the carpet cleaning business for years, we’ve amassed a lot of experience, including things that have worked and not worked. We decided to share these with you, tips for experts from experts.

Blot Never Rub

With the toughest stains, blotting is always the preferred method. Rubbing can ground the stain in further and spread it. Before using any equipment, use a cloth with a small amount of cleaner to blot from the outside inward. This is the best way to control and minimize the stain.

Countering Over-Shampooing

Over-shampooing occurs when either too much shampoo is used or the carpet is not rinsed thoroughly. If you encounter a carpet that has soapy residue build up then it must be rinsed properly before cleaning again. Often this residue can cause the carpet to become a dirt magnet. If you suspect the carpets have been overly shampooed in the past, it’s always wise to ask about past carpet care before beginning a new cleaning.

Rinse Just Enough

If you over wet carpets too much, water will soak into the bottom of the carpet. Backing materials can cause the carpet to lose its coloring if they become too wet. Carpets will actually shrink from over-wetting and pull from the floor. If the backing and pad become too wet, it’s very hard to dry them. You also have the risk of mold and mildew problems.

Removing the Unexpected

Not everything that stains a carpet is a liquid. Sometimes things like gum and wax embed in carpet. There’s a fix for that! For gum, freeze it. Then lift it up, and cut it out. If the piece of gum is small, you shouldn’t be able to tell.

Wax from candles can sometimes end up in carpet. The solution is to reheat it using an iron. Use a paper or cloth towel under the iron. When the wax becomes softened, peel it off with a knife or other tool.

Odor Issues

Odor in carpet can come from people, animals or other lingering smells. Use a water based cleaner. This will encapsulate the odor which minimizes the spread of odor molecules.

These are just a few of the professional carpet cleaning tips we’ve picked up over the years. If you have other questions, feel free to contact us. If you’d like to browse our carpet cleaning products, you can start shopping.

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Pro Clean Chemicals Launches New Website

Welcome to the Pro Clean Chemicals website.

The Pro Clean Chemicals website is ready for you to shop, explore and learn.

Pro Clean Chemicals offers professional cleaning supplies. Our products are made by cleaners for cleaners. We understand exactly how these products work because we’ve spent years as actual cleaners.

We’ve cleaned millions of square feet of office space and thousands of homes. Now we’re offering the best products to you. Our professional cleaning supplies include carpet cleaners, upholstery cleaners, tile and grout cleaners, disinfectants, degreasers and odor neutralizers. We also offer hoses, wands and more.

You can be confident we’ll have the professional cleaning supplies you need with our wide selection available 24/7 on our website.

Check out our products! If you have questions, please refer to our FAQ section.