Frequently Asked Questions - All FAQs

Hi! Thanks for surfing. All of us at Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning are excited and grateful for the opportunity to provide you with information about carpet cleaning and help you choose a carpet cleaning company.

It seems that carpet cleaning is the subject of much confusion. In fact, people have so many misconceptions about carpet cleaning we decided to offer this consumer education message so when you select a carpet cleaning company, you can make an informed intelligent decision.

In just a moment, we’ll share with you six costly misconceptions about carpet cleaning. We’ll also give you seven questions you should ask a carpet cleaner before you invite him into your home.

If you’d like to skip over this consumer information and leave a message, just Press 2 now and leave your name and telephone number. One of our highly trained customer service people will return your call. If you’d like to speak to us directly at any time during this recording, simply Press 0 and your call will be transferred to our office.”

Now here’s...

Misconception #1:

You should wait as long as possible before cleaning your carpet.

“No. Dirt is an abrasive – like sandpaper. Every time you step on the carpet, you grind dirt into your carpet fibbers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you had used a knife, causing it to wear out faster. Vacuuming helps, but by itself, it’s simply not enough. The longer you wait to have your carpet cleaned, the more damage you do to it.

Misconception #2:

The only reason to clean carpets is to get out the dirt.

No. Outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust -- and hundreds of other chemicals. When you and your family members come into your home, those pollutants are carried in and usually end up in your carpet. “If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems – one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, and chemicals in your carpet.

Misconception #3:

One method of carpet cleaning is as good as another. “No. You can choose from many methods, most of which are bad. The best method to use is Hot Water Extraction.

Hot water extraction is done with a truck mounted system that heats the water to a high temperature and shoots the cleaning solution into the carpet at a higher pressure - - which breaks up the dirt, bacteria and pollens. Then the machine uses high suction to draw the dirt out of the carpet. Carpet will dry in approximately 3-4 hours and it’s the method we use exclusively.

Misconception #4:

Having the right equipment is all a company needs to clean your carpets properly.

Not true. Many companies own hot-water cleaners - but a large number of employees don’t know how to use them correctly. This is why it’s important that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully. We only use highly trained technicians and continually adopt any new technique and/or cleaner that works better than our current method.

Misconception #5:

The Company that offers the lowest price is the company you should hire.

Maybe - but not always. Here are two important points to consider.

Point #1: The price you see offered may not be for the service you want performed. If you want the carpet cleaner to remove only some of the dirt, you can choose from hundreds of companies that use small shampooers or other cleaning methods. On the other hand, if you want your carpet thoroughly cleaned, you need to use a company that offers hot water extraction like we do.

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

Some carpet cleaners advertise room cleaning between $3.95 and $9.95 per room, then pressure you into paying a lot more once they get inside your home. Sadly, some carpet cleaners may even break the law by using illegal bait and switch tactics. That’s why we’ve recorded this message, as a way of safeguarding the public. The only way you can make an intelligent decision is to have all the facts you need.

Misconception #6:

Any honest carpet cleaning company should be able to give you an exact price quote over the telephone.

No. Consumers often think that if they want to clean four rooms and the price is $30 per room, then the price will be $120. But this isn’t always true.

Honest, reputable carpet cleaning companies usually price carpet cleaning by the square Mt So if you’d like me to tell you the exact cost of cleaning your carpet, I need to know the exact number of square Mt’s that you want cleaned. To get an accurate measurement, I have a measuring tool I use to calculate the exact size of the carpet area.

Even though I can’t give you an exact quote over the telephone, here are things I consider when quoting a price.

First, the type of carpet. Certain types of carpet are harder to clean than others. So before I can give you a quote, I need to know the type of carpet you want cleaned.

Second, the amount of soiling. Carpet that hasn’t been cleaned for ten years will take longer to clean than carpet that was cleaned within the last six months.

Third, the amount of furniture that has to be moved. If we have to move your furniture, the bid must include that labor. But if you move your furniture, you’ll save money.

When booking your cleaning job, be sure to include all the areas that you want cleaned so there isn’t any confusion or surprises on the day of cleaning.

Also, be sure to ask these seven questions and listen carefully to the answers:

1. What method of carpet cleaning do you recommend?
2. What type of equipment do you use?
3. What does your equipment remove from my carpet?
4. How often should I get my carpets cleaned?
5. What training have you had?
6. Are you certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and will you show me your certificate?
7. What’s the total price I’ll be charged?

If you’d like to have your carpets completely cleaned—removing all allergens, bacteria and pollutants—then we invite you to give us a call at (0508-2445646). Our trained customer service staff would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have regarding carpet cleaning or give you a phone quote prepared exclusively for you and your particular needs.

Or, if you would like to leave your name and telephone number at the end of this recording, we’ll be glad to return your call.

Here’s one last point:

We guarantee our work. That’s right. We fully guarantee every cleaning job we do. If you aren’t happy with our work, we’ll re-clean the area for free. If you still aren’t happy, you pay nothing. Not one red cent.

What could be more fair?

Thank you very much for listening to this consumer message help-line. Once again if you have further questions or would like to schedule a carpet cleaning appointment with Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, then call 0508-2445646 or leave a message at

Area rugs should not get the same treatment as your wall to wall carpeting!

Oriental rugs are manufactured with different fibers than synthetic carpets and are more costly than synthetic carpets. The natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk etc are very different than polyester, olefin and nylon. The natural fibers are more fragile, react differently to water and chemicals, and have different dyes. For these reasons a much different process has to be used in cleaning them or over time if not immediately, they will begin to degenerate.

In most cleaning processes for regular synthetic carpets the use of high heat, high pressure, aggressive detergents, and acute agitation to render an effective cleaning. This is acceptable and optimal in cleaning synthetic carpets because the fibers are made to handle and respond to this type of cleaning. Area rugs on the other hand require the exact opposite if they are expected to last. Area rugs require low heat, low pressure, light detergents, and gentle agitation. If these tactics are ignored the Oriental rug begins to break down, colors may run, they may stay wet for over two days, or all of the above.

Typically these rugs should be cleaned “in-plant” where they can be thoroughly deep cleaned and dried quickly. If this option is either inconvenien

process to a lesser degree may be performed on site. An “on-site” cleaning is less effective, but may be acceptable as long as the correct process and chemicals are utilized. Because the use of more complex chemicals, length of time to wash, and the incorporation of drying equipment, you would expect area rug cleaning to be more expensive than standardized synthetic cleaning. Just as oriental rugs cost more to intricately manufacture per sq. ft. so to they cost more to intricately clean per sq. ft.

Area rugs are an excellent investment. For starters, if they are properly maintained they should last a lifetime because they are made to withstand time. They are also made to collect pollutants out of the air by acting as a natural filter in your home. In so doing they are a natural way of improving your air quality. These rugs are very dense and as such they can hold and hide dirt and pollutants deep down into the backing of the rug. They are typically manufactured in such away as to hide this dirt and grime in this way. For this reason an area rug may appear to be clean when really it is chalk full of dirt. Like a filter it will cease to take pollutants and dirt out of the air and be ineffective as regards air quality in your home. That makes it very important to have area rugs regularly professionally cleaned.

Why can’t I just vacuum ; why should I get a professional cleaner?

Area rugs have the ability to hold more dirt than synthetic rugs since they are designed to do so with dense pile construction. This dirt works its way down to the backing of the rug and thus can be hidden and impossible to remove with a regular vacuum. This grit is agitated by traffic and wreaks havoc on the rug fibers. The carpet fibers are then damaged permanently and have a dull or dark appearance to them.Again owing to the dense pile, pollutants and oily soils hide in the deep part of the fibers making your area rug a haven to all kinds of germs, bacteria and dust mites.Have bad allergies? Your area rug filtering the air actually helps you a great deal with its ability to purify naturally you air. If however you do not professional remove the main culprits of allergies, dust mites, then it begins to work against you and you will have all year around allergies as the dust mites get trapped in your area rugs.Basically, a well maintained and professionally cleaned area rug will last forever, keep your air healthier, and is a natural filter making your home cleaner and less dusty.

Why does it cost more and what is the procedure?

It is precisely the procedure that makes area rug cleaning more expensive than synthetic carpet cleaning. Area rugs, in order to truly deep clean them, are given somewhat of a bath. This cleaning enables a thorough and complete cleaning. Let us proceed to a “tour” of the process then.

The Procedure

Step #1 Pre-Inspection.This first step is simply a pre-cleaning pre-inspection that involves checking the rug over for any pre-existing damages such as fraying and pointing it out to the customer. The most important aspect of this procedure is determining the kind of fiber or fibers the rug is constructed of and in what manner the rug is constructed. This critical information will be directly involved in chemical and method choice for cleaning later. In addition, we look for abrash-dye lot color variations, fiber staining, prior bleeding of dyes, worn areas or white knots. We then go over these details with you and the possibility of repair or reversal.

Some examples of common types of “damage” that may be hidden by the soils but could appear after the rug is deep cleaned are abrash, shading, and pile wear.

Abrash--natural and variable change in color that occurs in an Oriental rug over time when different dyes are used.

White Knots—during the weaving process some strands snap and have to be spliced together, they appear in time as the plush begins to wear and these knots are no longer hidden.

Shading— this is part of the manufacturing process that occurs when different batches of fiber are used during construction as one batch runs

These and other types of natural enigmas are looked for and explained as they are discovered either in house or in plant.

Step #2 Thorough Dusting. After the pre-inspection is over the rug is tagged, rolled and brought back to the plant. Once at the plant a second inspection is made and then the cleaning process begins with dusting. This dusting incorporates the use of a pile lifter with a beater bar that that gently but thorough beats out the dust and loose dirt out of the carpet from the very backing of the rug. A rug can “look” clean while holding as much as a pound of dirt per square foot. This dusting process “shakes” all the loose dirt out as much as possible. We go over the rug a few times with the pile lifter until no more dirt comes out.

Step #3 Water & Detergent Cleaning Dusting over, the rug is now ready for its “bath”. This consists of a test for color fastness followed by “the deep clean”.

Using warm water with specific detergent determined by fiber species the rug is bathed in solution and gently scrubbed as soils are worked out.After this stage the rug is then pre-sprayed with a similar detergent solution but without as much water.We then do a thorough rinsing process with warm water again flushing everything out of the rug.At this point the rug is then inspected again. If spots and stain are still apparent the process is repeated with specific spot removal techniques and solutions. Then it is flushed again.The cotton fringes of the area rug are then cleaned and extracted as well as combed.Finally an acid rinse is applied that neutralizes all chemicals uses as well as adds brightness and enhancing the plush of the rug.

Step #4 Extraction Process The rug is thoroughly extracted with 850 CFM vacuum (home vacs generally operate at a maximum of 200 cfm) This step in the cleaning process efficiently removes all rinse water, soils and solution from the rug.

Step #5 Drying Process This is another extremely critical point in the drying process. Natural fibers such as wool are made to absorb rather than to repel water. They hold 30% more water than synthetic carpet. If these rugs are not dried in a quick effective manner they tend to brown, bleed and smell. With the combination of the heavy duty extraction method we also incorporate a “drying rack” in a drying room. The rack picks the rugs up high in a room with commercial grade dehumidification and lots of air flow cut the dry time down to hours rather than days. This enables us to offer great lead times as well as sustain the cleaning power of the rug.

Step #6 Post Cleaning Inspection Once the rug is dried we have one more inspection to make sure all stains that could be removed were, fringe is well cleaned, rug is dry etc. If it does not pass inspection steps 1-5 are repeated until it does pass. We then comb the rug standing the pile up and package it to be returned to you.

*** If the rug requires urine stain removal & deodorization, mold remediation, water restoration, or any other specialty service, there are additional charges with at least two additional steps for these specialty requirements. These additional steps combined with our cleaning procedure have a 90% success rate.

Conclusion

As you can see, the process is more involved and in many ways is the most thorough and complete system of cleaning possible. This process of cleaning keeps your life long investment in oriental and area rugs thoroughly maintained. In addition to never having to buy new expensive rugs, this cleaning keeps the natural most effective “filters” in your home fresh and clear. These rugs can then look awesome while cleaning your air quality providing a solidly healthy home for you, your children, and your pets!!

What if I do not want you to take the rug back for “in-plant” cleaning?

If it is not possible to give your rug an in-plant cleaning due to inconvenience or any reason that you may have, it is possible to clean your area rug in house by “steam cleaning” using warm water and mild detergents. This cleaning is ideal for synthetic wall to wall cleaning but not the best for area rugs. The backing of the rug will retain most of the dirt that is in it but the surface will clean well. We will also bring a High Speed Blower with us in an effort to make it dry a little quicker. Again, this method is not recommended since realistically you will not be getting your money’s worth as far as area rugs are concerned. I would highly recommend that you get the in-plant cleaning if you really want it clean and healthy!!

Care for and Preserve your fine furnishings and expensive investments against uninformed, uneducated and unscrupulous “cleaners” who are ruining your things with improper methods!! Call us at 800-750-2527 now and we will pick-up, clean, and return your rug before you knew it was gone

Upholstery Cleaning

Amazingly most owners of upholstery do not realize how soiled there furniture really is. Today’s furniture is manufactured to hide dirt, hence, furniture tends to be far more polluted then we think.

“It doesn’t look dirty”

If my furniture is dirty how come I do not see it?

The reason that furniture does not appear to be dirty is due to the fact that dust particles are microscopic. Just as we do not see all the pollutants and dust in the air we breathe so to we are unable to see the millions of dust particles collecting on your furniture. In addition, much of the dust and pollutants are small enough to slip through the upholstered fabric on furniture. Larger dust molecules collect on the seats and cushions themselves, these larger pieces are gritty and sharp. When you sit on the furniture the compression combined with human secreted oils makes a sticky residue that is almost impossible to remove with just simple vacuuming.

If these conditions persist unchecked over time these gritty, sticky pieces combined with the abrasive action of everyday use CUTS into the carpet fibers. This accounts for that dull look some furniture begins to get. Other signs of abrasion are heavy wear patterns and dark areas. At this point you notice that the furniture looks dirty, however the damage is many times permanent and cleaning will not always make it LOOK better. That is why it is important to regularly have your furniture professionally cleaned! Furniture is an expensive and timely investment that you will want to protect and avoid furniture from ever looking dirty. Remember, when your furniture begins to look dirty it is already starting to become too late!!

“So there’s some dust and dirt that I can’t remove by vacuuming, it still looks alright, what’s the big deal?”

Bacteria, dust mite and their fecal matter, germs and allergens will make their abode with your furniture. Dust mites and allergens are treated in another chronicle in much more detail see chronicle #5. Bacteria and germs feed and grow on soils that are not removed on a regular basis. “The byproduct of decaying living materials decomposing is a foul smell that characterizes furniture that has not been professionally cleaned regularly.”

Isn’t vacuuming on a regular basis enough?

Vacuuming on a regular basis is great; essential really. However, yearly professional cleaning is absolutely necessary. In fact, manufacture’s warranties require it for validation. Manufacturers know that by the use of colors, patterns and fibers dirt is hidden from view; hidden, but there. Hence warranties require regular professional steam cleaning to prevent wear and other permanent damage.

How often is a regular cleaning?

Typical in a home of 1-4 people with no pets once a year is sufficient, if you are a retired couple that only inhabits your home 6 months a year every 2-3 years will do. However, a family of 5 or more or if you have pets you will want to have a professional cleaning twice a year.

What exactly is “professional cleaning?”

A professional cleaning is a hot water extraction cleaning by an IICRC Certified Firm like New Dimension. We use a combination of detergents, surfactants, 240 degree hot water, specialty tools and professional techniques. We also use a truck mounted system that incorporates an extremely powerful vacuum lift of 850 CFM. Compare that to the best upright commercial vacuums most with a lift of less than 150 CFM.

Can I Just Spot Clean Myself?

Furniture spot cleaning is a great risk to try yourself. Due to the delicate nature of the fibers if you do not wet an area evenly, too wet, or use too high of an alkaline cleaner you may PERMANENTLY DAMAGE it.

Is it expensive to have furniture cleaned?

Protector is a product that forms a shield after cleaning that repels oil and water based stains, repels dry soil, and stands up against heavy use and frequent vacuuming. Protector enables regular vacuuming to be more effective as well as helps prevent spills, accidents, and stains from permanently changing fibbers colours.

The key to successful spot removal is getting to it as quick as possible. Keep This information so you will be able to refer to it when you need it. Be sure to let your friends and family know about this spotting guide so they will be able to use it as well.

YOUR BASIC SPOT REMOVAL KIT

Keep the following items on hand so you will be prepared to handle fresh spills on your carpet: Neutral dish detergent dilute 20:1; clear household ammonia; white vinegar (dilute 1:1); wet spotter SPOT WIZ from Big John’s. paint thinner; hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) for bleaching; denatured or isopropyl alcohol; a good supply of white terry cloths; and a spotting brush. If you have pets, stock a bacteria/enzyme digester . A wet/dry vac is great to have as well.

THE 6 STEPS TO REMOVING SPOTS

1. Catch it while it's fresh, when chances of removal are 75% better. Don't iron or hot-air dry until the stain is gone. Heat will set most stains.
2. First blot up all the liquid and scrape up all the solids you can. On a large liquid spill you can use a wet/dry vac. Be careful not to spread the stain.
3. Test any chemical you intend to use in a hidden area to make sure it won't discolor or damage the surface.
4. Apply spotter and work from the outside of the stain in, to avoid spreading. Blot, don't scrub; strike with the flat face of a spotting brush if needed to help break up the stain.
5. Rinse chemical spotters out with water, blot the area dry and feather the edges. Brush or fluff up pile or nap.
6. On carpet and upholstery, put a thick pad of toweling over the spot, weight it down with books, and leave it there overnight to "wick up" any remaining moisture.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIFIC SPOTS AND SPILLS

1. Acid - Apply a solution of baking soda and water until acid has been neutralized. Then apply ammonia solution and rinse with cold water.
2. Alcohol - Apply detergent solution. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Bleach with hydrogen peroxide if necessary. Rinse with cold water. Blot dry.
3. Blood - Scrape off dried blood and apply cool detergent solution. Blot. Apply cool ammonia solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot dry. If stain remains, apply rust remover or bleach with hydrogen peroxide.
4. Candle Wax - Scrape off all you can. Ice cubes will make it brittle for easier scraping. A hot iron (on low heat setting) over a damp cloth will melt and absorb remaining wax. Apply dry-cleaning solvent. Blot.
5. Candy - Scrape off all you can with a dull knife. Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Rinse. Be sure all traces of sugar are gone. Sugars left in carpet will cause a rapid resoiling problem.
6. Chocolate - Scrape off all you can first. Sponge with dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Rinse. If stain remains, bleach with hydrogen peroxide.
7. Cigarette Burns - If the burn is slight, rub with dry steel wool — or if you feel confident, trim the damaged tufts. If the burn is bad, take a razor blade and scrape some fibers from a hidden area and use super glue to patch the burn with the fibers.
8. Coffee/Tea - Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot with vinegar. Rinse. Air dry. If stain remains, sponge with dry cleaning solvent. Bleach remaining stain with hydrogen peroxide. Coffee is a very difficult stain, and can in many cases be permanent.
9. Crayon - Scrape off all you can. Just as with candle wax, use a hot iron and a damp cloth to melt and absorb the remaining wax. Apply dry cleaning solvent. Blot. Apply detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry
10. Grass - Apply detergent solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot. Apply ammonia solution. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Rinse.
11. Greasy Foods - Apply dry cleaning solvent. Work to center to avoid ring. Blot. Apply light detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.
12. Gum - Use aerosol gum freeze or ice cube to harden the gum and make it brittle, then strike and break into pieces. Scrape them up with a dull butter knife. Remove residue with dry cleaning solvent.
13. Ice Cream - Don't wait. Blot up all you can immediately with a dry cloth. Apply ammonia solution or protein digester. Rinse. If area is large, shampoo afterward.
14. Ink - Sponge with detergent solution. Rinse. If stain remains, saturate with cheap hair spray and blot. Always work from the outside in to avoid making the spot bigger.
15. Jam/Jelly - Apply detergent solution. Let sit to soften. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot dry.
16. Lipstick - Scrape off all you can, taking care not to spread the stain. Apply dry cleaning solvent and blot repeatedly until color is gone. Apply detergent solution. Blot. Apply ammonia solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot.
17. Mildew - Dry-brush to remove as much as possible. Sponge area with disinfectant solution. Blot. Sponge with ammonia. Rinse. Bleach with hydrogen peroxide.
18. Mud - Allow to dry and vacuum or brush off as much as possible. Apply detergent or ammonia solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot dry. If stain remains, apply dry cleaning solvent. Blot dry.
19. Mustard/Ketchup - Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Apply detergent solution. Blot. If stain remains apply rust remover or hydrogen peroxide solution. Blot. Do not use ammonia or alkaline cleaners.
20. Nail Polish - Blot acetone or non-oily nail polish remover through the stain into a clean absorbent pad. No acetone on acetate, modacrylic, silk, or wool. Use amyl acetate from a pharmacy. Flush with dry cleaning fluid. Air-dry.
21. Oil - Apply dry cleaning solvent. Work to center to avoid ring. Blot. Apply light detergent solution. Rinse. Blot.
22. Paint/Varnish - Oil-based paint or varnish: if fresh, flush with mineral spirits. If dry, carefully soften with lacquer thinner (test first for fabric damage) then flush with appropriate solvent.
23. Pet Stains - Blot out all liquid possible by placing a clean towel on the spot and standing on it. Apply bacteria/enzyme digester according to directions. When dry, remove any remaining stain with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.
24. Rust - Rub with steel wool or rust remover. If you use professional rust remover, be careful not to get any on your skin. Don't apply it to glass, porcelain or enamel surfaces. Rinse. Blot dry.
25. Shoe Polish - Gently scrape off all you can, being extra careful not to spread the stain. Blot dry cleaning solvent through the stain into a clean absorbent pad. Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Sponge with ammonia. Rinse. If stain remains, try alcohol, then hydrogen peroxide.
26. Soft Drinks - Blot up all you can. Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Air dry. If stain remains, soak with glycerin for 30 minutes and rinse.
27. Tar - Scrape up all you can, then remove residue by blotting with paint thinner or dry cleaning solvent. Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.
28. Vomit - Scrape up as much as possible. Apply bacteria/enzyme digester according to directions. When dry, remove any remaining stain with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.

DISCLAIMER

Regarding the information supplied in this handout, while It is generic information and we have done all in our power to confirm its correctness. We cannot accept any liability, or responsibility, whatsoever for any problems or damage that arise from the use of this information. You have been warned. Our advice would ALWAYS be to use a reputable carpet cleaner such as Big John’s. for ALL spot and stain removal.

Also to test any and all solutions used, on an inconspicuous area to find out whether carpet damage and/or colour damage may happen. For Further Help Please Contact Big John’s

“We will remove your pet’s accidental stains and malodours for good!”

Owning a pet is meritorious; they add something special to our homes and lives as well as a sense of security and joy. The assured affection and allegiance that they give us is incalculable. We cherish that in them without reserve, so much so that we cannot imagine life without them.
Then they have an accident. For a fleeting instant we wonder “is it unimaginable?!” The perks of pet ownership are minimally offset by the sometimes-erratic behavioral traits and accidental happenings of individual pets. You have to take the good with the bad.

They are sure to leave an impression...

• Dander! Perhaps the most uncontrollable problem pets bring to the table. Dander is the dead skin that pets shed constantly throughout your home. This dead skin is the cause of many allergens and asthmatic symptoms. It was commonly believed that pet hair caused these problems, but in fact it is the thousands of particulate dander attached to the hair. Hair gets deeply embedded in rugs, carpet and upholstery and can be nearly impossible to remove all of it. Professional Certified Cleaning greatly reduces and helps control this dander problem.
• Protein oils! Pets, like humans, secret oily residues from their bodies and paws. This organic, protein oily spots collect dirt like a magnet and get deep into upholstered furniture and carpet. These hard to clean spots continue re-soiling as well as become a feasting ground for germs and bacteria. Removing these spots is done with a special protein spotter that breaks down organic oils.
• Malodorous smells! Most pet owners become accustomed to their pet’s odour that runs throughout their house. Visitors pickup the “scent”, which we have adapted to, right away. To prevent unwanted pet odours it is important to keep up a regular assiduous cleaning. We can help.

Why do some homes smell like cat or dog?

Some homes smell like a cat or dog because animals, like humans, secrete an oily residue that has a unique odour of fur. This oily residue gets on all furnishings and gives off this special odor that the owner is simply acclimated to over time. Many times the oily areas attract and collect dirt or settle down in the sub-structure of furniture.

“When ya gotta go ya gotta go"

That’s what pets think anyways. In most cases even trained animals have accidents because instinct takes over. Typical pets do not “hold it” and if they need to go now they simply do without questions. Unfortunately for every 1 time you catch your pet, you can be assured there are 2-3 times you haven’t. Urine is an especial nuisance for obvious reasons and because it is destructive to fibers in both carpet as well as furniture. It also resists cleaning because it leaves a gelatinous substance when it evaporates.

“But I wipe it up right away”

More often than not, pet accidents result in urine soaking through the backing of carpet into the pad and in some cases to the sub floor below. Many times unprofessional cleaners or pet owners themselves do not check these areas resulting in persistent odor problems, re-soiling, and destroying of the materials that make up these hidden areas. At this point professional help is a must due to the impossibility of removing all the contaminated deposits on the backing, in the pad, and on the sub floor simply by wiping up the surface.

The longer those deposits sit in those areas below the surface the more damage that is caused resulting in foul smells, unhealthy bacterial growth, and rotting materials. Beneath carpeted areas is an ideal area for unwanted growths since it is dark, warm and now moist. Suffice it to say that letting these accidents go unchecked in the long run is exceptionally more expensive to such a degree that in some cases we have seen homes where carpet, pad and sub floor needed to be replaced. Replacement obviously incurs a cost not many of us do not care to spend, but becomes unavoidable by waiting until it becomes very noticeable. Surface removal is a good start, but just not enough to rid all deposits and be considered healthy.

Whether it is urine, fecal matter or a doggy dinner gone wrong it is a gross job; but not cleaning it up thoroughly and properly is even grosser. Some practical ideas just to keep in mind is that a trained animal is less likely to have accidents, but if they are having frequent issues it may be because they cannot get outside enough or the litter box is full and needs to be emptied more frequently. Cats are notorious for using the furnishings and carpet because the litter box is in their estimation too full. Younger pets and older pets are almost sure to be having frequent accidents whether they are getting caught or not.

Animal Malodours and Accident Resolution

Solution #1: Get rid of your pet or simply do not own one. This is not really an option. Can you imagine life without your pet?? It is ridiculous, so let’s proceed to solution 2.

Solution #2: Gauge the extent of the conditions and Assess your options for getting it cleaned up properly. Solving your pet stain problems begins with knowing the scope of the damage. This process usually requires professional help. Then it is just a matter of moving forward with the removal and cleaning processes that best suits your needs.

**We offer an assessment service that is waived if cleaning is performed. That means it is free w/ the cleaning. In that free assessment we locate the urine or fecal spots with specially designed black lights to ascertain the extent of the damage. Each spot must be identified and cleaned properly. We will then let you know everything we find and go over the different options in cleaning it up thoroughly and professionally.

Standard Cleaning Procedures For Various Levels of Contamination

Procedure #1 (Basic)—Light to moderate soil deposits. This is where only the surface is affected and has not soaked down into the backing or pad. In this case a simple steam cleaning process which includes pres-praying the carpet and then steam cleaning it. This process includes spot cleaning.

***Golden Upgrade is our gold package that most pet owners and families choose to add on. This gold package includes disinfecting and deodorizing the entire carpet or furniture area. In addition to this we put down a protector over the carpet or furniture. This stain resistant sealer protects the fibbers from permanent damage, prevents stains, and facilitates future “clean-ups” significantly. Its your choice, but this step makes your fabric last longer and look better regardless of pets, wear or children!

Procedure #2 (Advanced Contamination)—Moderate to Heavy Soil Deposits. This is when the carpet and pad have been affected.

Sub-Floor extraction—for affected carpet and pad 80-90% success

1. Step 1- We pour a urine pre-treatment solution that breaks down faecal deposits down to the sub floor. The solution transforms the deposits into a liquid throughout area. This is done to each spot.
2. Step 2- Next we use a special extraction tool specifically made for removing liquid from the sub-floor through the pad and carpet. This gets rid of all the deposits from top to bottom.
3. Step 3- Now we clean and sanitize the carpets as normal/ Pre-spray, spot clean, steam extract, neutralize etc.

NOTE: The cost for sub-floor extraction is $40/ spot (30” circle) with a significant reduction in price for five or more areas. This is an additional cost above regular cleaning.

99% Odour Removal Process—for thoroughly contaminated, large areas that have a strong odour.

1. Step 1: Lift carpet and replace padding.
2. Step 2: Seal Floor with specialized sealer, clean & disinfect back of carpet of carpet. Allow to dry.
3. Step 3: Seal backing of carpet, to prevent any remaining residue.
4. Step 4: Clean and deodorize top side of carpet in standard way as above.
5. Step 5: Re-install carpet

NOTE: Costs for this process generally run ½- 2/3 the cost of replacement with a quality carpet. THIS PROCESS is recommended primarily in the cases of high end carpets that are too costly or not practical to replace that have thorough contamination throughout carpet and padding typically accompanied with strong malodours.

100% Success Rate, Replacement of Carpet and Pad—Obviously this process is necessary if carpet is beyond repair, meaning it is over 50% contaminated or several large areas that will not respond to cleaning. If this process is your choice, you will still need to clean, disinfect and seal the sub-floor in order to prevent your new carpet and pad from being immediately contaminated. We can also perform this cleaning process, but recommend that you find a separate contractor for installation as it can sometimes appear as a conflict interest with possible ethical questions that we prefer to just avoid.

Cleaning it up yourself??

Cleaning up after a pet is an involved process and not very entertaining. It is highly recommended that you call a professional to help you do it. However, if you insist on attempting to do this yourself, at least call us for advice as to best go about it with the limited resources that you will have. Always try to use paper towels for best absorption and scoop up solids with a spoon. After that please call us for further advice or an estimate over the phone, it may simply need a standard cleaning.

Consumer Awareness Report

There are many carpet and fabric cleaners out there to choose from. You will note that urine treatment processes can be fairly expensive to clean properly and safely. There are many companies that will offer you substantially lower costs, these are typically bait & switch tactics. Urine spot removal should be in the neighbourhood of $30-70 per spot above cleaning costs. If you are getting substantially lower prices ask what process these cleaners plan to use, is it just surface cleaning, are they certified by the IICRC, are they a member of any ethical business services?

A few questions beyond “How Much?” will go a long way in protecting you from bait & switch, con artists, unethical practices, and people who you would rather not do business with. When a professional company arrives at your door, ask them to show you their certification card. These few simple counsels will ensure that you get the best service possible, at a price you are comfortable with, by a professional in the field. We are a certified firm with certified and highly trained technicians. IICRC. You may choose to go with a different company for the job, all we ask is that you protect yourself from getting ripped off; BE AWARE.

This is (Big) John Tomlinson with Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning. Thanks for calling.

The NZ Asthma Foundation reports that controlling allergies and asthma begins at home. By reducing the allergens around your home that trigger attacks, you can breathe easier and reduce your susceptibility to future episodes.

When it comes to allergies, there are thousands of irritants that can potentially cause allergy and asthma attacks, but researchers estimate that at least 80% of these attacks are triggered by one common culprit: Dust mite feces. Sounds nasty, doesn’t it? It is.

Have you ever seen a dust mite up close? Chances are you wouldn’t. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that lurk about your home unseen. When magnified, however, these itty, bitty insects look like spiders!

Seven thousand of these creatures can fit on a single fingernail. Up to two hundred million dust mites can infest your home at any given time, and they can double their population in ten hours. But this isn’t the real problem, the trouble is each dust mites can produce up to 40 pieces of feces a day and it is a protein in this refuse that research reveals cause most allergy and asthma attacks.

Carpeting, furniture, mattresses, pillows and stuffed animals serve as breeding grounds for dust mites and are littered with their dead bodies and waste. In fact, it’s estimated that at least one-tenth of the weight of your two year old pillow is dust mite feces.

As you walk across your carpet in your home, any feces in the fibers are launched airborne and can hang around in the air for quite some time, ending up on your eyes, nose, and even in your lungs.

Dust mite feces is one of the hardest allergens to control, but it’s not impossible. There are steps that you can take today to help rid your home of this problem. First...

• Place your mattresses and pillows in allergy-impermeable covers.
• Wash your all your bedding and pillows in hot water once a week.
• Vacuum regularly, using a “high-efficiency particulate air filter”, HEPA filter, so that microscopic allergens aren’t released back into the air through your vacuum’s exhaust.
• Electrostatic filters helps remove airborne particles and some dust mites.
• Have your air ducts in your heating and air conditioning system cleaned at least once a year.
• Use a dehumidifier. Dust mites breed rapidly in high humidity.
• Professionally clean your upholstery, drapes and curtains every six months to a year.
• And most importantly, clean your carpets every three to six months using hot water extraction to get your carpets thoroughly cleaned.

To get all the dirt, allergens, chemicals and other pollutants out, major carpet manufacturers recommend one cleaning method over all the others—hot water extraction, like Big John’s Carpit & Upholstery uses. A shampooer that you rent from the grocery store can’t even begin to deliver the same results.

Here’s why:

• For every 18 degree increase in water temperature above 118 degrees Fahrenheit, the water’s cleaning ability is doubled. This means hot water extraction can get you carpets 4 to 5 times cleaner...
• The truck-mounted equipment used for hot water extraction shoots the cleaning solution into your carpet at a high pressure to break up all the allergens, dirt and other pollutants.
• Then the equipment uses strong suction to draw out all residues, including dust mite feces from your carpet, leaving you with not only a clean carpet but also a healthy carpet.
• Carpets dry in two to three hours, leaving you with a clean carpet and less allergens to trigger an attack.

In addition to health concerns, with regular professional cleaning and proper maintenance, your carpets will last longer and look better for years to come. In fact, many carpet manufacturers require you to have your carpets cleaned annually to maintain your warranty.

At Big John’s Carpit & Upholstery, we use only hot water extraction to give your carpets their most thorough cleaning ever. Our technicians are trained and certified by (organization or school). In addition, we fully guarantees every cleaning job we do. If you aren’t happy with our work, we’ll re-clean carpets for free. If you still aren’t satisfied, you don’t pay anything.

Tired of sneezing, headaches, and a stuffy nose? Relief might be only a phone call away. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a carpet cleaning appointment with us, just call 0508-2445646. Again that number is 0508-2445646. Our trained customer service staff will be happy to give you a phone quote prepared exclusively for you.

Or, if you’d like to leave your name and telephone number after this message, we’d be glad to return your call.

In addition to carpet cleaning, Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery offers:

• Dust Mite Anti Allergen Treatment
• Upholstery cleaning
• Mattress cleaning
• Drapery cleaning
• And Pet Odor treatment

Once again to schedule an appointment, call 0508-2445646 or leave a message at ”

Thank you for listening. We look forward to hearing from

Do You Know What’s Lurking in Your Carpet?

How much time every day do your kids spend sitting or lying on the carpeting in their bedrooms or the family room, watching TV or playing video games?

How often do you have your carpets cleaned?

When it comes to your carpeting, it isn’t just dirt and spills that you need to be concerned about. Every time your family goes outside, they track pollutants back into your home and many of those pollutants end up in your carpeting - everything from pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust and hundreds of other chemicals.

If you or your family has allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems – one major source could be the pollutants that end up in your carpet. Vacuuming alone won’t get all these pollutants out.

Keeping your carpets, your furniture’s upholstery and your draperies sparking clean is as important as changing your linens on your bed and your towels in the bathroom. It not only keeps your house looking and smelling sparkling fresh, it’s essential to your family’s health.

We at Big John’s Carpit & Upholstery would love to give you a free carpet inspection and a “no surprises” written quote for cleaning your carpeting. In addition, we’ll also give you a written 100% money back guarantee.

We promise Big John’s Carpit & Upholstery certified technicians will give your carpets the most thorough cleaning ever, to remove all the fungus, bacteria, pollens, pollutants and all those other chemicals lodged in your carpet’s fibers. And we promise if for any reason, you aren’t thoroughly satisfied with the results, we’ll clean your carpets again a second time for free.

Still not satisfied - no problem. We’ll completely refund your money.

It’s easy to schedule a free carpet inspection. Just call us at (0508-2445646) and we’ll send one of our trained technicians out to give you a free written quote. Again that number is (0508-2445646) or you can leave us a message at the end of this recording. Remember, a clean carpet not only looks and smells fresher it lasts longer as well.

Thanks for listening. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

WARNING:You may be voiding your carpet’s warranty without your knowledge

When was the last time you actually looked at carpet manufacturer’s warranty?

Did you know that many carpet manufacturers now require you to have your carpets cleaned every 12 to 18 months just to maintain the warranty?

Carpet manufacturers aren’t trying to trick you into losing what you’ve been promised. There’s a sound reason for this requirement. Because today’s carpets are designed to hide dirt and stains so they maintain their beauty and appearance longer, you can’t really tell when your carpet needs cleaning any more just by looking. Even though your carpet may look clean, it can actually hold up to two pounds of dirt at any time, not to mention all the other unimaginably nasty stuff—pollutants that are carried in on your shoes, harmful bacteria, pollens, allergens as well as creepy little dust mites and their droppings.

Carpet cleaning isn’t just necessary to protect the life of your carpet it’s also necessary for your family’s health.

But before you rush out and choose just any carpet cleaner, you should know this important fact: many manufacturers not only stipulate that you get your carpets cleaned every 12 to 18 months, manufacturers also recommend only one cleaning method: Hot Water Extraction, like we at Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery use. They’ve based this recommendation on years of manufacturer research and testing.

Hot water extraction is sometimes referred to as ‘steam cleaning’, but it’s really not. Steam is too dry and too hot to clean carpets properly. In fact, real steam would melt your carpet.

Now you may wonder why this little detail is important enough to bring to your attention. At Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery, we believe it’s necessary to pay attention to even the smallest of details so we can live up to the name of carpet care experts.

We also think it’s important for you to know that even when it comes to hot water extraction, not all methods get the job done equally or will meet you manufacturer’s standards.

If you really want your carpets cleaned down to the very last fiber, you need to hire a professional, certified cleaning company like Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery that uses a truck mounted hot water extraction system. Our truck mounted system can deliver up to a thousand pounds of cleaning pressure if needed, to get out every last speck of soil, pollutants and other contaminants.

First, we spray a non-sudsing, water-based cleaning solution heated up to about 180 degrees onto your carpets. This pressurized solution dislodges the dirt attached to your carpets fibers.

Then the cleaning solution is extracted through a powerful vacuum system into a recovery tank in our truck. Very little water and residue are left behind in your carpet so your carpet dries quicker. There is actually less chance of re-soiling with hot water extraction than any other available cleaning method.

Hot water extraction is recommended by DuPont, Monsanto and Allied Signal, as well as carpet manufacturers like, Shaw, Mohawk, World, and Queen. It’s also preferred by the Environmental Protection Agency because of its ability to remove more contaminants than the other cleaning methods.

For all protection, you should check the warranty on your carpet today. Proof of cleaning by a certified, qualified technician, using the hot water extraction cleaning method, is required by many manufacturers.

At Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery, our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and we can put you on an automated maintenance system, so you’ll be reminded its time for your annual cleaning long before your warranty might expire.

“Even if you’ve let your warranty already lapse, it’s still important for your family’s health to get your carpets cleaned regularly. Pollutants and contaminants in your carpet’s fibers can trigger allergies, asthma and other breathing problems. In fact a significant cause of allergies is dust mite droppings, and these pesky little creatures thrive and multiply daily in your carpet and upholstery.

At Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery, we’d also like to offer you our own warranty. We promise if you are dissatisfied with our cleaning job for any reason, we’ll come back out and clean your carpets for free. We want happy, healthy clients who love to recommend our service to friends and family. If have any questions or you’d like a free, written estimate for carpet care, we’d like to make it easy for you to contact us:

Call 0508-2445646 or leave a message at .

Allergic to Pets? Pet Hair is NOT the Culprit! Find out how to rid your home of allergens that trigger symptoms.

Hi. This is Anthony Miklaszewski with Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning. If you have pets in your home, there’s a lot more that you should be concerned about than just fleas lurking about in your carpet or pet odor, especially if anyone in your family suffers from allergies.

Contrary to what many people believe, pet hair is not the culprit that causes an allergic reaction to an animal. “Allergy attacks” are actually triggered by a protein found in your pet’s saliva or urine, and especially by pet dander. Dander is those dead skin flakes (like dandruff) that shed when your pet licks or scratches itself.

This dander is extremely sticky and clings to almost any surface—furniture, walls and especially carpet fibers...

And, as if that’s not bad enough, over two million dust mites feed on all human dead skin scales and pet dander. These mites can double their numbers every ten hours, and produce ten to twenty pieces of feces per day, right there in your home...in your carpet.

Outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust—and hundreds of other chemicals. When you and your family members come into your home, these pollutants are carried in on your shoes and usually end up in your carpet, along with all the other allergens...essentially, making your home one big allergy factory...and your carpet the filter for all these impurities.

If you think vacuuming your carpets will help get these pollutants out, think again. Vacuuming doesn’t clean down in the deepest part of your rug. In fact, vacuuming your carpets can actually stir up the dander, dust mites, dust mite feces, protein, germs, mold and other allergens and worsen your symptoms.

When you vacuum your carpet, allergens travel right through your vacuum cleaner, out its exhaust and into the air...where particles can remain airborne for quite a while before they land on your eyes, your nose, or you breathe them directly into your lungs.

“Is it any wonder that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends cleaning your carpet every three to six months if you have pets and/or young children?

Not at all, but don’t get confused. All carpet cleaning is not the same. To get all the dirt, allergens, chemicals and other pollutants out, major carpet manufacturers recommend one cleaning method over all the others—hot water extraction, like Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning uses because this process gives the most thorough cleaning and rinsing ever. A shampooer that you rent from the grocery store can’t even begin to deliver the same results.

Here’s why:

• For every 18 degree increase in water temperature above 118 degrees Fahrenheit, the water’s cleaning ability is doubled. This means hot water extraction can get you carpets 4 to 5 times cleaner...
• The truck-mounted equipment used for hot water extraction shoots the cleaning solution into your carpet at a high pressure to break up all the allergens, dirt and other pollutants.
• Then the equipment uses strong suction to draw out all residues from your carpet, leaving you with not only a clean carpet but also a healthy carpet.

In addition to health concerns, with regular professional cleaning and proper maintenance, like Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning does, your carpets will last longer and look better for years to come. In fact, many carpet manufacturers require you to have your carpets cleaned annually to maintain your warranty.

Tired of sneezing, headaches, and a stuffy nose? Cleaning your carpets is a good place to start to get rid of the allergens infesting your home. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a carpet cleaning appointment with us, just call (0508-2445646). Again that number is (0508-2445646). Our trained customer service staff will be happy to give you a phone quote prepared exclusively for you.

Or leave a message at .”

Here’s one last consideration: Big John’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning fully guarantees every cleaning job we do. If you aren’t happy with our work, we’ll re-clean the area for free. If you still aren’t satisfied, you don’t pay anything.