dryandclean

Scotchgarding.

2012-02-16T21:25:00.001Z

Scotchgard™ Carpet
The largest investment made in home furnishing is on upholstered furniture such as carpets. Carpets do not come cheap and with a little care and protection you can increase the life of your carpets.
Today you will find carpets of various patterns and designs. They are available both as floor carpets as well as wall carpets and usually come in different in wools. Lately however synthetics materials like nylon are being used to make carpets. Nylon being synthetic is the best material with soil and stain resistant characteristics. Today you will find carpets which are chemically treated with materials such as Scotchgard™. Using Scotchgard™ you can increase the life of the carpets.
Scotchgard™ is one of the most popular brands from 3M Corporation. It is synonymous with protection. There is a number of carpeting cleaning products available from Scotchgard™. You could use these products yourself or hire a specialist.
Scotchgard™ was invented accidently by a women chemist named Patsy Sherman. It was discovered when Patsy Sherman was trying to create a specialized rubber for jet aircrafts when one of her lab assistants dropped the prepared solution on to her tennis shoes and the results were very remarkable. Patsy along with her colleague Sam Smith observed that the spill wouldn’t wash, it resisted soiling and no solvent could remove it. Both Patsy Sherman and Sam Smith applied for a US patent and they got it and this product is commercially known as Scotchgard™ and is primarily used for cleaning carpets.
Scotchgard™ protects carpets in the same manner as the wax on your car protects you car from scratches. There is a protective layer around each fiber which prevents dirt and stains. It will also keep your carpets looking like new and fresh thus extending the life of the carpet. Dirt and Stains could easily be removed from any carpet which has been treated with Scotchgard™. Fiber damage is also reduced.
In additions to the above advantages maintenance time of the carpet is reduced. You need to vacuum you carpets far less as compared to carpets which are not coated with Scotchgard™. Scotchgard™ repels any form of liquids be it tea, coffee, wine so that spilled can be removed easily.
You can Scotchgard™ your carpets when you buy it from the shop so that it can be done by the manufacturer or you could have it done by an approved Scotchgard™ specialist. If you plan to go if for 3rd party Scotchgard™ treatment ensure that the carpet technicians apply genuine Scotchgard™ and they are certified.
You should know that there are different ways in which Scotchgard™ is applied. One is using the spray method. It is recommended that you spray your carpets every 2 years so that you can have the 7 year warranty.
Whatever the process you follow in applying Scotchgard™ you need to ensure that you carpet is cleaned thoroughly to get rid of any dirt, residue or loose material from the carpet. After application of Scotchgard™, rake the carpet so that Scotchgard™ has penetrated into the fibers. This will also give a new and fresh look to the carpet. If everything is done properly you can place your furniture on the carpet in a matter of 12 to 15 hours.
Scotchgard™ is designed to clean followed by protecting the carpets, providing enhanced customer returns on their carpet investments and giving carpets a good experience.
Carpet maintenance from Scotchgard™ is classified into
Preventive maintenance includes proactively removing all soil or water damage before it can build up in carpet and cause irreplaceable damage. Also it is necessary to have proper matting at building entrance and proper mopping of the floor adjacent to the carpet areas.
Next is daily care where it is important that spots and spills are addressed immediately. The longer the duration you have spots and stains on the carpets longer it will take to remove them out. You should improve the overall appearance of the carpet. There should be adequate vacuuming along with spot and gum removal.
You have the interim carpet maintenance which takes place on a monthly, fortnightly or weekly basis. Here the focus is not just on vacuuming. Importance is given to high traffic areas such as entryways and dining areas. You need to make use of appropriate spray cleaning and appropriate stain removal. There is very less moisture involved in the interim cleaning process, carpets are therefore dried quickly and there is very less down time at the facility.
For restorative maintenance which is ideally performed biannually or on a quarterly basis thorough deep cleaning and extraction is done.
Protective maintenance is the key to Scotchgard™ carpet care system. Vacuuming is made more effective along with making spill and stains removal easier. It also helps to give the carpet a fresh look as new and extend the time for restorative cleaning.
Look for the Scotchgard™ warranty. If you notice any stains during the warranty period and if you find that they are common household stains you would just need to call the support number and the Scotchgard™ customer care representative would be glad to help you. If they are stubborn stains a professional team will visit your home and remove it. If at any time the professionals cannot remove the stains your carpet will be replaced free of cost. You will definitely experience peace of mind once you have coated your carpets with Scotchgard™. You should however know that this warranty is applicable only to the first time buyer and cannot be transferred.
You should always remember that although your carpets showcases your home any carpeting which is shoddy or dirty will be noticed by all who come to your sweet home. When one someone spends thousands of dollars in carpeting they would not want to replace it soon but would like to use it for a longtime. After applying Scotchgard™ you will at least protect you carpets and rugs from soiling and give a long life to your carpet. With Scotchgard™ you are assured of protecting your investment

Graffiti removal

2012-02-12T21:38:00.001Z

just a couple of pics of our first #graffiti removal looking to do more.

Is Dry extraction better?

2011-10-01T13:23:00.000+01:00

A Dry carpet cleaner is not completely moisture-free, but it is typically a process where foam, powder, granules or absorbent cleaning compounds are spread across the carpet and they absorb the soil.
This highly-absorbent cleaning solution, or compound, will be vacuumed-extracted, requiring about a fifth of the water that is used in steam cleaning or hot water extraction carpet cleaning methods, if done professionally.
Some carpet cleaner service providers use a machine that features an electric brushing method to scrub the carpet, which also fluffs up the pile. At home, the foam or powder will absorb the soil and debris, but your vacuum will depend on how much cleaner your carpet is.

Advantages of Host Carpet Cleaning
Although customer reviews for the Host dry carpet cleaner are difficult to find, they are out there and people who have used this product really seem to feel it does a great job on their carpet.
Actual users give this product a 5 out of 5 stars. Here are some of the things they had to say about the Host dry carpet cleaning kit.

No wet carpet
you can walk on the carpet when the cleaner is down and immediately after you have cleaned your carpet.
Excellent at removing stains and odors one customer wrote: "I've used HOST for over 20 years...it's been great for my carpets."
Easy to use
Cleans natural fiber rugs that you can't use wet cleaning methods on
All natural biodegradable ingredients

Disadvantages
The few reviews that could be found were all overwhelmingly positive so there seems to be few real disadvantages to using this product though several reviewers did reveal two or three problems.

The Product is difficult to find
somewhat messy
clogs up some vacuum cleaners.

Of the three disadvantages that consumers listed, the most problematic one is the difficulty in finding this product. However, there seems to be plenty of sites that sell the Host dry carpet cleaning kit online and the official Host website does list distributors that handle their product if you type in your post code.
As for the other two disadvantages some reviewers stated that using a wet/dry vac to do the initial vacuuming after using the Host dry carpet cleaner helps prevent clogs in your home vacuum and it does appear that dry carpet cleaning would be less messier than emptying those dirty buckets from traditional carpet cleaning.

So, It seems the answer is a definite YES!!

Some testimonials

2011-09-24T17:40:00.002+01:00

Its always a good idea to get testimonials from your clients, Remember if you do a good job and your customers are happy they want nothing better than to sing your praises.

Heres a few testimonials from our clients.

Just wanted to say thank you, I was amazed you managed to get my Rug looking like new again, after trying all the other products on the market, I just thought I was going to have to bin it, which for a £450 rug would have been a crying shame. My Daughter was playing with a "ALIEN IN AN EGG" and the jelly substance that surrounds it stuck like glue to my rug, cannot believe they make such a toy. Just wish I had called you months ago, spent a fortune on other products and lots of time and effort. Anyway thanks again, brilliant job and very professional service. I will be definitely recommending you to my friends.

Thank you so much for the outstanding service provided by yourself - my carpet and sofa has never look so good; I would be happy for anyone to call me to ask my opinion of the quality of your services that you provide. Many thanks

Many thanks, I wanted to let you know that, since your visit and work on my fitted sisool carpets at the weekend, what a pleasure it is for me every time I come home to see my carpets restored to their pristine and fresh condition. I really, really appreciate the care you took and want to thank you for being so professional and enthusiastic about your work. It will be so easy to recommend you. As we discussed please contact me in 12 months so that we can keep up the good results.

"We have cream coloured carpets which have been down for some time. We have them cleaned regularly but they have never looked like new as they do after your treatment. We were also pleased with the way our floor tiles cleaned up.The fact that the method leaves the carpets completely dry means that our furniture and rugs could be put back in place immediately. We experienced much less disruption than normal.

D.I.Y carpet cleaning Vs Hiring a professional

2011-07-31T09:41:00.001+01:00

It doesn’t matter how many times a week you vacuum your carpets, eventually there will come a point when they will need to be deep cleaned. Dirt, dust, mould, and other airborne allergens get ground deep inside carpet fibres making the carpet look old and dingy. So whether you want to spruce up the place for a party or you are nearing the end of your lease and want to get your deposit back, a good carpet cleaning will get your carpet looking as good as new. The question now is, should you do it yourself or have it done by professional carpet cleaners?
There are advantages and drawbacks to both options. Generally speaking, renting a steam cleaner is much cheaper than having a carpet cleaning do it for you. You could potentially save a lot of money but only if you know how to clean carpets yourself. The trouble is, if you have never run a carpet cleaner before you could potentially create a huge mess that will cost you more in the long run to clean it up. You may end up soaking the carpet which can create a breeding ground for mould and mildew if the carpet remains wet for too long.
While you can get good carpet cleaning prices from many carpet cleaning companies if you are savvy enough, it will still cost more than renting a machine. However, if you hire a reputable carpet cleaning company in London they will get your carpet looking picture perfect in a snap. www.dryandclean.co.uk

Useful information when investing in a rug

2011-07-30T18:04:00.002+01:00

There are a few basics you should know about rugs. Once you understand how to identify what makes a rug valuable, you’ll have a greater chance at purchasing a better rug.

Rug fibers usually consist of wool in most mid to upper end rugs. High-end rugs may also have silk. Synthetic fibers such as acrylic, polyester, nylon, and olefin (polypropylene) can be found in more economical rugs. Cotton, sea grass, and sisal rugs are often moderate rugs. Your most stain resistant rugs will contain synthetic fibers, but won’t feel as soft and luxurious. All other natural fiber rugs are susceptible to staining if spots aren’t cleaned immediately.What do you look for in a rug? Quality of wool, type of dye, and knots. Simply because a rug is expensive, doesn’t mean it has good dyes or is constructed well. Make sure you know what it is and shop around first.The quality of a wool fiber depends largely on the type of dye used. Fine wool is vegetable dyed with fruits, roots, and plants. Cheaper wools and nylons can be dyed with synthetic dyes.

A rug should always be tested for colourfastness by taking a damp white cloth and gently rubbing it into the fiber. If any color transfers on the cloth, the dyes are unstable. Also look closely at the fiber to check the integrity. Make sure it isn’t unraveling. Very fine wool fibers can often look as soft as silk even to an experienced rug professional.The construction of a rug is also a key factor. To determine if the rug is handmade, turn it upside down and look at the back. If you cannot see the pattern as clearly as on the face, the rug is not handmade. If the rug passes this first test, look at the fringe. The fringe should be an extension of the yarn inside the rug and should not look like it was sewed on separately. Many rugs that claim to be hand stitched are stitched by hand with a machine. You can expect to pay at least £250 for a small 3×4 hand made rug.

BEWARE of rugs with cloth backings. These rugs have something to hide. The cloth is covering either flaws in a handmade rug or even worse, glue that is holding the backing together. Glued backings have a tendency to get torn when the rug is moved or cleaned. If you are looking for an alternative to a handmade rug, you might look at a Karastan. These wool rugs closely resemble hand made rugs, are cheaper in price, and rarely have the problems associated with cheaper wool rugs. If you aren’t ready to invest several thousand pounds in a rug, these will be your best bet. Ask the right questions. Educate yourself. Good luck in finding your perfect rug. Rug cleaning london Carpet cleaning Richmond

Extracts from a carpet cleaners blog!

2011-07-30T14:47:00.001+01:00

Carpet cleaning drying times is perhaps the most frequently asked question in carpet cleaning. The answer to this question is based on the type of carpet, the environment, type of equipment and the experiance of the carpet cleaner. And a bit guesswork!!
Firstly, synthetic carpets dry quicker than wool carpets. The reason is that cleaning solution penetrates the wool fibres while with synthetic - basically plastic - carpets it sits on it. This allows the cleaning solution to be more fully extracted by the carpet cleaning process. What's left drys quicker also.
Now the environment. If carpets are cleaned on a dry, windy day and there's a flow of air through and over the carpets then they will dry very quickly. One common assumption with customers is that turning up the heating and keeping the windows closed helps. This isn't the case and can pro-long the drying process. The moisture needs to escape. Keeps windows open.
The equipment used is another factor. Modern Professional machines have more powerefull vacuums for extracting cleaning solution than rental machines and older machines. This leaves less solutioin in the carpet and enhances drying times. Excess moisture left in the carpet is also drawn to the surface. Again, quicker drying.
The final factor is the carpet cleaner. An experianced professional carpet cleaner knows the optimum amount of cleaning solutions to apply. Too much solution may penetrate the carpet backing and even the underlay. This leads to major problems with drying times and shrinkage.
The above covers some of the main factors which determines the drying times after carpet cleaning.

This is why our system really is the best in the world! Thankfully neither we or our customers put up with any of this. Upholstery cleaning Twickenham, Carpet cleaning Kingston, Leather cleaning Teddington

Black lines around the skirting boards.

2011-07-30T14:36:00.002+01:00

One of the most frequently asked carpet cleaning questions I've come across. What are those black lines? The answers is as follows -
This type of soiling is called Soil filtration or draught marks . Its the airflow contaminants that are trying to pass through a door, the crack in the wall or gaps in floor boards. This contamination is similar to what you find in your air conditioning filter.
As the air passes through the edge of the carpet pile, the microscopic soiling is deposited there, (hence the term filtration soiling). This build up occurs over a extended period of time and is not noticed until a build up has occurred.
This type of soiling is very difficult to remove because the soil particles are so fine that they penetrate deep into the carpet pile, sometimes into the backing of the carpet. So even when you remove them from the pile you may still see the stained carpet backing.
Removing this type of soiling is very difficult and requires special cleaning agents to assist in the process.
To help prevent soil filtration, vacuum(with a good vacuum) and wipe the edges of the carpet on a regular basis. Carpet cleaning Hampton, rug cleaning Whitton, Curtain cleaning Kew, Mattress cleaning london

Why our system truly is the best there is!

2011-05-28T06:44:00.001+01:00

Before Using HOST dry carpet cleaner. Please note,
These are NOT stock photos!

Mid-way thru using HOST dry carpet cleaner

This photo was taken minutes after we finished cleaning the carpet using HOST dry carpet cleaner,

What can be found under beds.

2011-03-13T11:09:00.001Z

A survey of the things people find under their beds turned up some bizarre results, from sweaty socks to sex toys.

And one man looked underneath his bed - to find his wife's secret girlfriend,

The survey, said people also found dirty plates, guitars and a mouldy Chinese takeaway.

One of the 2,000 adults questioned returned home to find his wife under the covers and a 'rustling sound' coming from under the bed. It turned out to be his wife's girlfriend.

One woman feared a gas leak only to discover the source of the stench came from a pair of her husband's sweaty football socks left festering for two years.

Another man was helping his mother-in-law move her bed only to find her collection of adult toys.

Over a third of those polled said they only vacuumed under the bed once a year. One in four would be embarrassed if someone looked under their bed.

Our advice: "Your bed is a haven and its surroundings should be clean and clutter-free to aid a good night's sleep and that includes under your bed."

The bedbug summit - banishing the itchy insects

2011-02-06T07:17:00.000Z

Warning - reading this could make you itch.

More than 300 people have gathered at the National Bedbug Summit in Washington DC to try to find ways to deal with the growing problem of infestations. Experts say bedbugs are now the "toughest pests to control", and that the insects are becoming more resistant to chemical treatments.

You wake up with your sheets stained by faecal matter and blood; can you think of anything worse?
When you ask pest control operators what is the most difficult pest to control - is it termites, cockroaches, bedbugs or ants - close to 80% say bedbugs are the most difficult," says Mr Rosenberg.
"There's not any one silver bullet, not one magic thing you can do that works all the time."
Bedbugs often live in the seams of mattresses, sofas and sheets, emerging to feed on their victims at night.
They are not known to carry diseases, but many people develop an itchy swelling when bitten.
Many people are now trying to deal with bedbugs themselves, and while this was a topic for discussion on the summit's agenda, experts say DIY treatments such as home chemicals and "foggers" - bug bombs - should be used with caution.

Don't take in second-hand beds or mattresses
Don't allow clutter to build up where you sleep - it's a perfect nesting place for bedbugs
When looking around rented accommodation, watch out for telltale blood spots or smears on sheets, and in the seams of furniture and upholstery
Don't wait to report a problem - nip an infestation in the bud before it grows
Bedbugs are not thought to be able to bite through clothing. So as a last resort, you can zip yourself into a sleeping bag or all-over body suit
Call pest control to deal with an infestation

Neutral sofa hits the right note this season

2011-01-23T09:29:00.000Z

If you thought camel was just for coats, think again.
Sofa-hunters wanting to be bang on trend should consider buying in this hotly-tipped shade.
It might prove to be a long-term investment – as lovers of the ubiquitous camel trench can tell you.
Speaking to the Daily Mail's style experts, shop director Amanda Charteris said: "As we breeze into autumn, we leave behind hot and sultry colour schemes in favour of calming camels and rich creams."
Surprisingly, it can work as a neutral and goes well with other strong colours in the home.
These can include hot pinks, reds, and deeper, striking colours.
It also works very well in a palette of creams, camels and other neutrals, and creates what the Daily Mail experts call a "timeless" look.
The other good news is that you don't have to spend a lot of money for camel to look good.

Whether you're thinking of leather or fabric for your living room sofa, it is a classic shade.

for expert cleaning of all leather: http://www.dryandclean.co.uk/

Leather sofas will see you into summer

2011-01-23T09:16:00.001Z

Leather sofas are set to make a return for next year – so if you want to be ahead on the interiors game, it might be worth investing in one now.
The luxurious material has dominated the recent Fashion Weeks in New York and London.
When a material appears on the catwalk, it is sure to feature in interiors – especially now that many designers have an eye on both fashion and the home.
According to Australian style guide Wangle, high streets are likely to be dominated by leather shorts and other items that might require a little daring.
Perspicacious homeowners should take a few tips from the catwalk and transfer them to the hallway.
Wangle's experts suggest opting for "muted" colours which are a little bit classier and can add a bit more "polish" to the material.

This rules out Miami Vice interiors. It's best to opt for classic leather designs which look better with age, so Chesterfields are in and sagging white sofas are out.

for expert cleaning of all leather: http://www.dryandclean.co.uk/

Cleaning show 2011 @ NEC

2011-01-22T15:48:00.000Z

Cleaning Show is a showcase for all products and services used in the cleaning and support services industry.

It is the UK’s only major event where companies can market, sell and promote their products and services to an international audience. The exhibition is organised every two years on behalf of the cleaning industry by BCCE Ltd, a company jointly owned by the British Cleaning Council and Quartz Publishing & Exhibitions.
Each year it gets bigger and better, attracting thousands of visitors keen to see all that’s new in the cleaning sector. In 2009, the show welcomed over 8,000 people – that’s a huge captive audience willing to be sold to. As an exhibitor you can be sure that the Cleaning Show is in the hands of a team with an unrivalled blend of industry knowledge and exhibition expertise as well as one that is working for the long term good of the cleaning industry.
The right demographics
Exhibiting at the Cleaning Show does more than raise your profile, it puts you in front of people with money to spend.
Visitors to the Cleaning Show have big budgets and the authority to spend them. The Cleaning Show 2009 was the most successful show yet. Of the 8,000 people that attended, nearly 20% had an annual budget between £51k-£250k to spend on cleaning and maintenance equipment. In addition, more than 11% of visitors had over £1 million to spend each year.

Are carpets back in vogue?

2011-01-19T16:09:00.001Z

Interior design trends are always changing, but if there’s one that’s stuck around for a good few years, its wood flooring decorated with the odd rug.

However, it seems that the tide is turning against this particular style of flooring, as one interior designer says that Britons are now flocking back to wall-to-wall carpeting.

Designers say that wall-to-wall carpeting has not really been in vogue for about 15 years.
However, it seems people are reconsidering this once outmoded type of flooring – especially as the advent of new technology means homeowners are able to customise their carpets.
"You can now get designs put into wall-to-wall carpets in the way that you want them; you don’t just have to go into a shop and get a plain carpet or the patterned carpet that is in the shop," she explains.
This means that we can now pick our patterns and colours – a tempting thought indeed for those who long for a truly unique interior design.
For those of us who prefer to follow the latest trends in carpet design, products to look out for this spring and summer include those with delicate floral patterns, stripes and blue-green shades inspired by the Art Deco movement, according to the Carpet Foundation.

A few testimonials!

2011-01-09T06:33:00.000Z

Take a look at some of the things people are saying about dry and clean and the systems we use, You can read all the testimonials at: http://www.dryandclean.co.uk/testimonials

this system it really is incredible! the added bonus is steven is really nice(he asked me to say this
Many thanks, I wanted to let you know that, since your visit and work on my fitted sisool carpets at the weekend, what a pleasure it is for me every time I come home to see my carpets restored to their pristine and fresh condition.....
I just wanted to say thankyou for the fantastic service i recieved from your company. The carpets look like new ! I have recommended your company to many friends great prices and so helpfull and friendly.
"We have cream coloured carpets which have been down for some time. We have them cleaned regularly but they have never looked like new as they do after your treatment. We were also pleased with the way our floor tiles cleaned up.
Many thanks for dealing with our crisis so quickly and efficiently. Your no nonsense approach was very helpful to us.
More importantly our mutual customer is highly delighted with the result and cannot sing your praises enough. She said you were a smashing person to deal with and thinks your cleaning system is brilliant.

2011-01-08T18:00:00.000Z

Before

After

HOST® is the environmentally preferred carpet cleaning system that cleans your carpet deep down leaving it fresh, clean, dry and ready to use. Made from 100% plant-based resources and a little bit of water, HOST® is the easy, effective, safe and green choice for your carpet.

Customers who dont pay!

2011-01-08T15:12:00.000Z

This is about those customers who don’t pay! I’m sure I’m not the only one who is experiencing this problem! I wouldn’t mind if the job was shoddy or just bad workmanship but i have a testimonial from my customer! There is the usual route to go i.e send in the debt collectors but my own views on this are well known! Letter writing, this is where you send the first letter saying how you are sure your customer as “forgotten to post the cheque” only to find that after 7 days they have still forgotten, so you send the second letter which is a bit more stern, Something like, We notice you still have NOT paid “you got 3 days” A week later, NOTHING! Now its time for THE letter” which simply says, pay now or this go’s to our solicitors!! There’s something about that letter that makes me feel bad and keep putting off sending it, Don’t know what it is cant quit put my finger on it, I have come to the conclusion that from now on everyone i do work for must pay when the job is complete!

2010

2011-01-08T10:09:00.000Z

I hear a lot of people moaning (and rightly so) about last year(2010) However when i look back on the past year i must say in all honesty that 2010 was a good year for us!, from a personal view my grandson was born! that tops it all! secondly we just got busier! as i said in my last post we saw repeat business and new clients! So based on this info im going to put my neck out and say that 2011 should be even better as long as i dont get lazy and stop putting the effort in, Again my biggest problem still seems to be late payers…I have tried a couple of different ways but to no avail, I dont want to get to heavy handed i.e legal letters etc, but i cant keep letting people owe money for the lengh of time they are. If im honest its the fear of losing them as customers but then do i really need customers like them? Any thoughts would be welcome!!…Thats it for now! Have a fantastic 2011!…. http://www.dryandclean.co.uk/