Uncategorized Archives - The Carpet and FabriCare Institute

To Groom or Not to Groom: CFI President’s Message

To groom or not to groom…that is the question. Knowing the basic fundamentals of cleaning will set you apart from your competitors. Believe it or not, performing the most common steps of carpet cleaning will have the homeowner asking what you are doing and why are you doing all that?

A client of ours once asked me “What are you scratching my carpets with?” English was her second language, so I got a kick out of her question! I replied, “This is a carpet rake.” The previous carpet cleaner never used mechanical agitation to release the embedded soil – they didn’t even have a vacuum and requested that the client vacuum the carpets before they arrived. That’s a shame!

The standard of cleaning doesn’t always apply to every carpet cleaning company in the cleaning world. Not all companies perform by the same standards. I have found that the most promising and successful companies stick to a cleaning process and procedure. Their employees buy into the culture of the owner’s vision of being a successful cleaning company and “We are a team not individuals” attitude. Most of all your cleaning technicians – your entire team – works within the basic principles and documented standards of cleaning, such as the ANSI/IICRC S100 The Standard for Professional Cleaning of Textile Floor Coverings.

Roby Harris III President, CFI 2020-2021

Now what are the five recommended Principles of Cleaning?

Dry particulate soil removal

Soil suspension

Extraction of suspended soils

Pile setting or grooming

Drying

Basically, it comes down to these nine procedures: Pre-inspection, pre-agitation with a carpet rake, pre-vacuuming, pre-conditioning, agitating the pre-spray into the carpet with a carpet rake to perform proper soil suspension, detergent extraction rinse, post-cleaning grooming with a carpet rake, applying protector, and finally grooming with a carpet rake.

Not every client wants a carpet protector reapplied to their carpets or textiles, however as professionals we should be asking – it will help maintain the carpet and prevent potential staining. You may think that’s a lot to do on one job, however that’s the basics of cleaning. Out of the nine steps to cleaning I hope you saw how many times we should be using a carpet rake to prepare the carpet fibers for the steps of cleaning. I counted four times. Believe it or not, we as professional and knowledgeable cleaners should be preparing the carpet before wet-cleaning to remove as much dry particulate soil as possible – otherwise it turns into mud! Agitate the pre-spray into the fibers to properly distribute the pre-spray, pre-groom to receive protector, and a final grooming to distribute the protector through the fibers.

Now there are some cleaning companies that don’t believe in grooming, or even vacuuming. If you’re not going to vacuum, then you should at least groom your carpets at the end of every job. We as professional cleaners want to give the appearance of a new carpet, just the way the carpet came from the manufacturer and after the carpet was freshly installed. Leaving wand marks that look like shark teeth is sacrilegious, don’t do it!

Remember that when being a team player and living up to the standards of your company, the standards written by the IICRC, and the promise to live up to the ethical standards of the CFI, you won’t go wrong! What it comes down to is that the basic steps of using a carpet rake and grooming carpet will set you apart from your competitors.

I have an open-door policy. My email is raharris90c@gmail.com and my cell number is 530-941-7390. If you have a question or if you just want to talk please feel free to email or call.

Your President Roby Harris,

Roby Harris III
President, CFI 2022-2024

IICRC Senior Carpet Inspector
IICRC Master Textile Cleaner
Certified Master Rug Cleaner

How Does the Sun Damage Different Types of Flooring?

As homeowners, we love the natural light and warmth of the sun, but, as we all know, it can also damage our floors? The sun’s UV rays can cause discoloration, fading, and even warping in various types of flooring. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways the sun can damage your floors and what you can do to protect them.

The Science of Sunlight on Flooring

The sun emits UV radiation, which can break down the chemical bonds in flooring materials, causing them to fade, discolor, or become brittle.

The amount and intensity of UV rays vary depending on the season, time of day, and geographic location.

For example, if you live in a sunny location with high UV levels, your floors are at a higher risk of damage.

How Sun Damages Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are susceptible to sun damage because they are made from natural materials that can fade or darken over time. Direct sunlight can cause fading in the exposed areas, while shaded areas remain their original color. In extreme cases, the sun can cause the wood to shrink or warp, leading to cracks and gaps.

To prevent sun damage to your hardwood floors, you can apply a protective finish that contains UV inhibitors. You can also use window treatments such as blinds or curtains to reduce direct sunlight.

How Sun Damages Laminate Floors

Laminate floors are made of layers of composite materials, including a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core and a printed layer that resembles hardwood or tile. The printed layer can fade or discolor over time due to sun exposure. In addition, extreme heat from the sun can cause the HDF core to expand or contract, leading to buckling or warping.

To prevent sun damage to your laminate floors, you can use window film or shades to reduce direct sunlight. You can also use area rugs or furniture to cover exposed areas.

How Sun Damages Carpet

Carpet is popular for its softness and warmth, but it is also susceptible to sun damage. Direct sunlight can cause the fibers to fade, discolor, or weaken over time. In addition, the heat from the sun can cause the backing material to break down, leading to delamination and separation.

To prevent sun damage to your carpet, you can use window treatments to reduce direct sunlight. You can also rearrange your furniture or use area rugs to cover exposed areas.

How Sun Damages Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a durable and affordable option for high-traffic areas, but it is also vulnerable to sun damage. Direct sunlight can cause the color to fade or yellow over time, especially in lighter shades. Extreme heat from the sun can cause the vinyl to expand or warp, leading to bubbles or buckling.

To prevent sun damage to your vinyl floors, you can use window treatments to reduce direct sunlight. You can also use area rugs or furniture to cover exposed areas.

FAQs For Homeowners About Sun Damage to Flooring

Can sun damage be repaired?

Unfortunately, sun damage is often irreversible, and the only solution may be to replace the damaged flooring.

How can I tell if my floors are sun-damaged?

Sun-damaged floors may have uneven color, fading, or cracks, depending on the flooring material.

Does the type of window affect sun damage to flooring?

Yes, certain types of windows, such as low-E windows, can help reduce the amount of UV radiation that enters your home.

Can I use a natural oil or wax finish on hardwood floors to protect them from sun damage?

No, natural oil or wax finishes do not contain UV inhibitors and are not effective

Growth in the carpet cleaning industry

The rug and carpet industry is a big one in the US, with several different industries contributing to its overall sales. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2016 there were over 25,000 people employed by “carpet and rug” companies, an increase from previous years. In addition to this growth in employees, revenue for manufacturers of carpets and rugs has also risen, doubling since 2000.

The carpet and rug industry, as tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is spread across several broader industries. It’s a sub-industry of the textile industry, which itself is part of larger global production networks that include cotton farming and spinning mills that manufacture yarns from cotton fibers. In turn, those yarns are woven into fabrics like wool and silk to make carpets or rugs. The carpets themselves may be cut into smaller pieces and used as floor coverings in homes or office buildings.

Sales are also up in the carpet and rug manufacturing industry

The carpet and rug manufacturing industry is a highly competitive one, with the industry accounting for nearly $1.3 billion in sales between 2017 and 2018. Within this industry there are many different types of carpets and rugs that need to be cleaned regularly, as well as many different methods by which they can be cleaned.

Floor covering stores saw a significant jump in revenue between 2000 and 2016

The floor covering stores industry, which consists of businesses that sell carpets and other floor coverings such as area rugs and hardwood floors, has seen significant growth in revenue over the past few years.
In 2000, revenue for this industry was $7.5 billion; by 2016, it had more than doubled to reach an estimated $15.2 billion.
The average annual growth rate between 2000 and 2016 was 6.5%.

For people who clean carpets and rugs, it’s a good time to be in the business.

The carpet cleaning industry is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the field increased. This growth rate is slightly higher than that of the economy overall during this period.

The industry remains competitive but shows signs that it may become more so in the future. For example, competition can be seen from home owners who perform their own and from professional companies that provide less expensive services than those of traditional cleaning companies.

There are plenty of opportunities to get into this business. With the number of homes and businesses with carpeting increasing year after year, the demand for cleaning services will go up. This means that if you have experience cleaning carpets already or want to learn more about how to do it yourself, now could be a great time for starting your own business!

How can a professional organization help your carpet cleaning business

You’ve built your own business, but you want to grow. You know that there are things you can do better, faster, and more efficiently with the right information and support. You don’t have time to waste learning from your mistakes and figuring things out on your own.

A professional organization helps you build your carpet cleaning business by providing education and connections.

Learn faster.

The best thing about working with a professional organization is that you get to learn from others. There are many benefits to this, including:

Learning faster. You can learn from the experiences of other professionals in your field and apply those lessons to your own business.
Building relationships with people who have experience in your industry and are willing to share their knowledge with you.
Giving back by helping others succeed as well, which creates a positive cycle of success for everyone involved!

Make better decisions.

You might think that you are the only one who makes decisions at your company, but that is not the case. In fact, your employees make all kinds of decisions every day. The only difference between you and them is that they are making these decisions as part of a team and you are making them as an individual.

The best way to ensure good decision-making at all levels within your organization is to make sure everyone understands how important each role is. If someone on your crew is just doing what they’ve been told to do without further questioning whether something needs doing in the first place, then chances are good that something will go wrong.

Connect with customers and suppliers.

Connect with customers. Professional organizations can help you connect with customers, who are always looking for a reliable business to refer their friends and family to.
Connect with suppliers. At the same time, professional organizations can also help you connect with suppliers. Suppliers provide you access to new products and services that can improve your business.
Connect with other professionals. Finally, joining a professional organization will give you access to other like-minded businesses in your industry. A truly valuable resource when it comes time for collaboration or mentoring opportunities!

Build a better business.

A professional organization like the The Carpet and FabriCare Institute can help you improve your business. We offer educational resources, networking opportunities, and certification programs. By learning from other industry professionals, you can find solutions to common problems and avoid costly mistakes.

By participating in a CFI training course or attending a webinar, you’ll gain new knowledge that will make your business more profitable. You’ll also meet people who share your passion for quality carpet cleaning services.

A professional organization can help you build your carpet cleaning business.

A professional organization is a group of people who share common interests. Joining a professional organization can help you build your business and learn faster.

A professional organization can help you build your carpet cleaning business. Connect with other businesses that have similar goals, share information about best practices, and training opportunities.
A professional organization will also help you make better decisions. CFI offers expert advice on everything from marketing strategies to legal issues.
Joining an industry-specific trade association or organization allows for networking opportunities with suppliers. It also helps with buyers and other professionals who may be able to give insight into current trends.

Consider Joining the Carpet and FabriCare Institute Professional Organization

There’s a lot of information to take in, but if you are looking to build your carpet cleaning business, start with a professional organization. These groups can teach you about the carpet cleaning industry, connect you with customers and suppliers, and provide resources for building a better business.

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