Depending upon the location and traffic your rug is subject to it should be rotated from every six months to two years to insure even wear.

Vacuuming is recommended on a regular basis to remove dirt and restore life to the fibers. Be careful not to vacuum the fringe. Vacuum lightly each day and thoroughly each week. Its very important to catch the sand and soil on the surface of the rug before it can become deeply embedded in the rug pile. Padding is suggested under your rugs. This helps protect it from dirt, wear, slippage and acts as a shock absorber for your rug..

A professional rug cleaner should be the first choice for cleaning your rug because they have the materials, experience and expertise. Here are some suggestions for caring for your rugs between professional cleanings

Rug Cleaning – Spot Removal Kit

• Clean cloths / sponges,
• Soft bristle brush,
• Mild detergent (no bleaches or alkalis),
• White vinegar,
• Dry cleaning fluid,
• Weak ammonia (7% solution),
• Alcohol

Spot Removal Procedure – Rug Cleaning

It is always best to attack spots and spills immediately. When a spill occurs dilute with plenty of water. Working quickly with a clean dry cloth, blot the edge of the spill toward the center to prevent spreading or causing a “ring” when using solvents.
Do not rub the area.

For a solid spill take a spoon and scoop up carefully.
On old dry or stubborn stains; saturate, blot, and then brush. Repeat this operation as often as necessary to remove the spot completely.

Pat with paper towels or dry cotton towel; dry with a fan or hair dryer. Restore pile with soft bristle brush.

Always proceed with caution and only after pre-testing each cleaning agent.

Due to the wide variety of spotting agents and fibers they are used on, we can assume no responsibility for any damage occurring.

Carpet and Rug – Spot & Stain Removal Guide

EcoClean Carpet Care now offers a safer alternative to Teflon & Scotchgard, the two big names most everyone else still uses. Not only is it safer but independent trials have shown it to perform better than the competition in stain and soil protection and resistance.

Our earth friendly carpet and upholstery protector does not contain solvents or any known harmful chemicals and is safe enough to be labeled Green. Every single ingredient in our fabric protector has been rated “green” by Synapse Handbook of Green Chemical Raw Ingredients. This is a chemical “Bible” used worldwide to determine the green status of thousands of raw materials before production into a finished product.

Our GREEN Fabric Protector is safer for you and your family, us and our family, and mother earth and her family. It’s also …

• Biodegradable
• EPA Exempt
• Non-Carninogenic
• Non Hazardous
• Non Toxic
• VOC Free/Low
• Non CFC
• Environmentally Safe
• HAP’s FREE
• Non Ozone Depleting
• Low Global Warming
• Low Vapor Pressure
• SARA Non reportable
• SNAP Compliant

Ask for Green Fabric Protector to be applied after cleaning when you next schedule an appointment with EcoClean Carpet Care.

Call 440-257-7791

Oriental and hand woven rugs must be hand cleaned, or their value may be diminished or even ruined. Valuable rugs are damaged everyday by untrained cleaners. To protect your investment, please call EcoClean @ 800-882-4695.

*Minimum Service Charge Applies. Coupons for residential use only. Not valid with other offers or senior discount. Offers Expire 08-31-2009

EcoClean Carpet Care provides residential and commercial rug cleaning services to all of Lake County, Geauga County, and parts of Cuyahoga County and Ashtabula County. Got Dirt ? Call EcoClean! 800-882-4695

Not all carpet cleaners are the same.

Choosing a professional carpet cleaner is a much more involved decision than you may realize. Carpet cleaning is an unregulated industry with far too many unscrupulous individuals posing as professionals. A very small percentage of carpet cleaners are actually even trained and certified to clean carpet, not to mention upholstery or any other surface in your home or business.

It is very important that you find a professional cleaner who has been properly trained, insured and experienced. If you do not, you may have saved yourself a few dollars on the cleaning, but may end up having to pay thousands to repair or replace carpets that have been damaged or even ruined by improper cleaning methods and inexperienced cleaners.

Below are some key points to consider when choosing your professional carpet cleaner.

1. IICRC CERTIFIED FIRM

Use of an IICRC Certified Firm is either recommended or required by most major Carpet Manufacturers. Certified Firms are committed to provide cleaning and restoration services based on the highest standard of honesty and integrity, pledge to carry adequate liability insurance, and to implement quality assurance programs. Carpet and fabric manufacturers prefer IICRC Certified Firms

EcoClean Carpet Care, registered with the IICRC as a Certified Firm, has earned the right to display the IICRC Logo and symbol of quality by meeting rigorous standards of business ethics and expertise, and attending comprehensive training programs.

2. IICRC CERTIFIED MASTER TEXTILE CLEANER

If you want the very best, you want an IICRC Master Textile Cleaner!

Master Textile Cleaner (MTC) is an advanced designation by the IICRC of knowledge and training in cleaning and restoration that is respected and recognized internationally by fiber producers, carpet and fabric manufacturers, and insurance company representatives.

Make sure your carpet cleaner has a current, valid IICRC Certification Card, issued by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) with AT LEAST ONE certification, preferably in the specific area of work he/she is performing for you. Each category of certification has its own unique requirements and certification process, covering specific areas of expertise. These designations are earned through formal study, field experience, and successful completion of written examination. In all cases, an individual must attend an IICRC- approved school, successfully complete a written examination, and document his or her skills in the subject. IICRC Certified Cleaning Technicians are required to maintain and further their education; to learn about the latest in technology and techniques.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification Board of Directors recognizes Mark Cermak and Andrechelle Cermak of EcoClean Carpet Care for having completed the highest technician level of certification through the IICRC including continuing education and meeting the requirements of the Institute as Master Textile Cleaners.

3. CARPET AND RUG INSTITUTE

Most major carpet manufacturers now require the use of specific cleaning systems, including equipment and cleaning solutions that have been tested and approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)

Industry Research by the Carpet Manufacturers has shown that the majority of WARRANTY CLAIMS ARE THE RESULT OF POOR OR IMPROPER CLEANING. Because the majority of these costly warranty issues are a result of poor or improper maintenance by the consumers, Carpet Mills are now REQUIRING THE CONSUMER FOLLOW SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE – Most Consumers are not even aware of these requirements!

EcoClean Carpet Care, has been recognized by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) (www.carpet-rug.org) as a Seal of Approval Service Provider – the carpet cleaning industry’s most important certification. This prestigious designation is reserved for only
those firms using carpet cleaning systems and products that pass the industry’s highest standards of excellence.

EcoClean is proud to be one of only 227 companies nationwide to be awarded “APPROVED SERVICE PROVIDER” status for all the major brands of Carpet manufactured in America including Mohawk, Shaw, and Beaulieu. We are the FIRST and ONLY CRI approved service provider in NorthEast Ohio.

4. WHO ACTUALLY CLEANS YOUR HOME or BUSINESS?

The person performing the cleaning is the single most important factor in getting a “good” carpet cleaning. Make sure to ask whether the company owners, or employees or sub contactors perform the cleaning in your home or business.
No one will work harder for you than the company owners.

If referred to a multi-truck company, be sure to get the name of the employee that performed well. Quality can vary greatly even within one company, depending on which employee is sent to your home.

Some companies are actually just marketing companies (not a carpet cleaning company). They advertize, book the cleaning jobs and then send a local sub contractor to your home to do the cleaning. The “marketing” company that booked the job has no control over the sub contractor who is in your home. If the sub contractor performs poorly, breaks or steals something,

We do not send employees or sub contractors to your home. The company owners, certified Master Textile Cleaners, come to clean your Northeast Ohio home or business. No other local company sends 2 Masters carpet cleaners, in fact there are only 3 Masters (MTC) in this entire area, and we are 2 of them!

5. WHAT IS THE STANDARD DRYING TIME WHEN CARPET IS CLEANED?

Industry standards state that carpet should dry within six to eight hours or less, and should never stay damp more than 24 hours, or microbial growth and odor may occur.

Carpet cleaning machines – and operators – vary in their ability to control wetting, to properly extract solution and soil, and to implement drying procedures both during and after cleaning. The Carpet and Rug Institute evaluates equipment to determine how well it cleans and removes moisture. IICRC-Certified Firms provide technicians with on-going education and training in effective carpet cleaning and drying.

EcoClean’s dry time averages 15-60 MINUTES. Yes you read that right. DEEP cleaning that DRIES IN MINUTES, not hours or even days! No matter which carpet cleaning system is used to clean your carpet, we get it clean and we get it dry!

6. WHICH IS BETTER STEAM CLEANING OR DRY CLEANING?

CARPET CLEANING METHODS

Beware of companies claiming their method or equipment as best (or that bash other carpet cleaning methods). No single method is the best solution in all situations.
All carpet cleaning methods offer various advantages, but also have some limitations.No single method is superior to all others. Properly performed under appropriate conditions, each method can provide satisfactory results. There are currently five methods of carpet cleaning available. Some carpets may need a combination of these methods to enhance the thoroughness of soil removal.

To achieve maximum cleaning results with any of the carpet cleaning methods, certain procedural guidelines must be followed. These guidelines are called the IICRC S100; Carpet Cleaning Standard, The Standard Reference Guide for Professional On- Location Cleaning of Installed Textile Floor Covering Materials.

Look for a company that offers more than one carpet cleaning method, but realize the most important factor in good carpet cleaning is the person performing the cleaning, not the particular equipment or method used. An educated, experienced, dedicated professional carpet cleaner can get your carpet clean with any of the accepted methods. The “bigger” truck is not always an indication of the best cleaner. Many companies own powerful carpet cleaning machines but very few companies teach their employees how to use them properly.

Many carpet cleaners simply recommend a particular cleaning method because it is the only one they happen to use. Would you want a carpenter that used only a hammer to fix everything? This is why it’s important that you choose
your carpet cleaner carefully.

The experts at EcoClean Carpet Care are knowledgeable in all methods of cleaning and will know exactly which cleaning method is best suited for your carpets particular cleaning needs. We have been involved with the IICRC S100 Committee in writing new updated S100 Carpet Cleaning Standards. We know the standards set in our industry for maintaining your carpet and upholstery and we exceed them.

7. PRICE vs VALUE

Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. Carpet cleaning is really no different then anything else, you get what you pay for.

When you select a carpet cleaner, you’ll choose from a wide variety of cleaning methods and prices. You spend a lot of time in your home and a lot of money on your carpet, rugs and furnishings. Don’t waste your money on cheap cleaning! Cheap cleaning is not good, and good cleaning is not cheap.

Choosing a carpet cleaner based solely on price is a very bad idea. Beware of any carpet cleaner that makes excessive promises and gives a firm price over the phone. Remember, phone estimates are just that…estimates. Does the offer sound too good to be true? Then it probably is. Misleading advertising
and sales tactics are common and can attract you to unreputable companies.

The price you may see advertised might not be the price you pay. Many homeowners have learned that the low price they saw advertised lasted only until the carpet cleaner got into their home. Then they were pressured into paying a lot more for a variety of add-ons. (Some carpet cleaners even break the law by using illegal bait and switch tactics)

8. AFFILIATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS

Affiliation with a professional organization can indicate that the carpet cleaner stays abreast of changes in the industry and is able to give you access to the latest information and methods. It also indicates that they maintain certain standards of professionalism. For example, members of the Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association advocate certification in formal training programs and are generally committed to advancing their knowledge and quality of services.

The Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association (LMCCA). is an international trade association dedicated to setting and improving standards of service for the carpet cleaning industry and protecting consumers. EcoClean’s owners have served on the Board of Directors of the LMCCA for years.

9. RESEARCH, REFERENCES, REFERRALS, REVIEWS, RECOMMENDATIONS.

“Who can I trust?” is a common question. Checking with neighbors, friends, family is a good place to start. Do a little homework on the company, ask for references. Research on the Internet for references, referrals, reviews, recommendations, and testimonials.

HouseKeepingChannel.com, CertifiedCleaners.com, Carpet & Rug Institute, MerchantCircle.com, Google, Yahoo, Local-Cleaner.com

10. APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING CONSIDERATIONS

Expect to have to make an appointment in advance for a Master Cleaner. Please keep in mind, a carpet cleaning truck can properly service a couple homes a day, a couple hundred days a year. This works out to only a few hundred available cleaning appointments each year.

Same day or next day service will usually only be available by a carpet cleaning company with employees or sub contractors. These companies are quantity not quality based and clean as many as 6-10+ homes per day. They are much more likely to be able to “squeeze in” an extra job today or tomorrow for those
who did not plan ahead.

Many companies avoid the necessary steps in the cleaning process because they are always in a hurry to arrive at their next scheduled appointment. We never overbook, so that the necessary time and care is taken at each home or office to ensure the highest level of service possible. We believe that each step in the cleaning process is as important as the next one and will not rush through (or skip) one to get to the next. We will not rush through the cleaning appointment before yours to get to your home, same as we will not rush through cleaning your home to get to the next appointment.

We are the premier carpet, rug and upholstery cleaners in this area and in great demand. We are generally booked one to three weeks in advance. Advance appointments recommended.

cheap online Drugstore acomplia buy />Andrechelle Cermak and Mark Cermak of EcoClean Carpet Care in Mentor, Ohio have attended and successfully completed an intensive advanced training course on Oriental rug and area rug cleaning; where the latest in equipment, solutions and techniques were presented.

This comprehensive IICRC ( Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification ) approved certification course covered : Rug construction and styles; rug inspection;  rug identification; fibers and their characteristics; soil and cleaning theory ; chemistry of cleaning ; cleaning systems and methods ranging from minimum-moisture to total-immersion; fringe cleaning; color repair procedures and dye bleed correction; topical treatments ; spot removal theory and procedures ;  crew procedure ; safety and maintenance;

To qualify for this advanced rug cleaning course, students must be IICRC certified, having successfully completed two advanced courses as pre-requisites and have experience in the fundamentals of carpet cleaning, fiber types and characteristics, fiber identification and testing, carpet construction and styles, mill dyeing, soil characteristics and the chemistry of cleaning.    IICRC Carpet (CCT) and Upholstery (UCT) cleaning certifications are pre-requisites for this advanced rug cleaning course.

Attendance by Andrechelle and Mark Cermak of EcoClean Carpet Care exemplifies their desire and sincere effort to be the absolute best carpet and rug cleaners in Northeast Ohio, adding this advanced rug cleaning certification to their Master Textile Cleaner designation. EcoClean believes in, and invests heavily in education.

EcoClean Carpet Care services Lake County, Geauga County and parts of Cuyahoga County and Ashtabula County in Northeast Ohio. Should you ever need expert carpet cleaning or rug cleaning services contact EcoClean at (440)257-7791 or online at www.EcoCleanCarpet.com.

Oriental and hand woven rugs must be hand cleaned, or their value may be diminished or even ruined. Valuable rugs are damaged everyday by untrained cleaners. To protect your investment, please call EcoClean @ 800-882-4695.

We do NOT run your rug through an automated machine “car wash style”. We are NOT a high production rug cleaning facility. Each rug is unique and receives specialized cleaning and care at our Rug Spa. Treat your rug to the very best in rug cleaning and care.

You found your rug cleaning expert!

*Minimum Service Charge Applies. Coupons for residential use only. Not valid with other offers or senior discount. Offers Expire 08-31-2008

EcoClean Carpet Care provides residential and commercial rug cleaning services to all of Lake County, Geauga County, and parts of Cuyahoga County and Ashtabula County. Got Dirt ? Call EcoClean! 800-882-4695

We attended an awesome carpet cleaning and rug cleaning training event in Muskegon and Grand Rapids Michigan this week. Each day featured equipment, products and methods on display with time for in depth, hands on training.

Two day carpet cleaning certification course

Two days at a rug cleaning plant  for in depth, hands on rug cleaning demonstrations, tips and training.

An impressive tour of Scott Group Custom Carpet Mill where they make custom wool, silk, and cashmere carpets and rugs for the airline and marine industries as well as very high end residential and commercial carpets and rugs. Following the custom carpets from design to the art of hand tufting, to completion was an incredible experience, not easily put into words.

A tour of DSC Laboratories to see how cleaning products are designed and blended.

Informative presentations by Shaw’s Cary Mitchell, IICRC President Ruth Travis, and IICRC Instructor Paul Lucas.

EcoClean Carpet Care services Lake County, Geauga County and parts of Cuyahoga County and Ashtabula County in Northeast Ohio.  Mentor, Painesville, Chardon.

Need expert carpet cleaning ? Contact EcoClean at (440)257-7791 or online at www.EcoCleanCarpet.com

There are big differences in the soil removal capability among extractors. Models that people rent or purchase are often designed for removing surface soil. The carpet’s appearance may improve, but deep embedded soil remains. Over time, this build-up may greatly affect a carpet’s appearance. Proper carpet care requires periodic deep (ideally professional) cleaning, preferably every 12 to 18 months.

CRI (Carpet & Rug Institute) tests carpet cleaning machines, equipment, chemicals, and systems through PTL (Professional Testing Labs).

In 2005, under The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval program, a new test to measure cleaning effectiveness was developed by applying the Keymaster’s XRF analyzer technology to carpets. Scientists from KeyMaster Technologies worked with Professional Testing Laboratory to design a special “soil” mixture that mimics actual soil found in carpet. The designer soil contains particles of five different types, each with a unique elemental composition. The range of particle types reflects the fact that soil composition differs in various parts of the country. Under carefully controlled conditions, laboratory testing staff use the XRF analyzer to measure the amount of soil in the carpet before and after cleaning with a vacuum or extractor. The test report presents the precise amounts and types of soil removed.

The results from this new test are being used today to rate the performance of extraction machines. They provide important insights about the types and amounts of soil that are removed.

Results of carpet cleaning machine tests:

Soil extraction with the truckmount: 90 percent soil removal.
Soil extraction with the rental machine: 15 percent soil removal.
Soil extraction with the department store machine: 6 percent soil removal.

While rental machines can make a visual improvemnt in the carpet, they dont get the water hot enough, nor does it extract enough moisture (and soil) to actually “clean” carpet. New bacterial growth (while drying) may also be increased due to the extended drying times.

The cleaning products available with rental machines are usually “sticky” and leave a soil attracting residue.

Liquid laundry detergent is not recommended by any carpet manufacturer and is not formulated for carpet cleaning (many also contain bleaches and other ingredients not meant to be used on carpet) Non lanolin dish soap is actually safer/better choice, as is plain old vinegar but I would recommend a CRI approved cleaning solution.

Interim cleaning and “do-it-yourself” extractor cleaning

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, here are the steps to take for effective cleaning. Remember, this usually does not replace the need for regular professional cleaning!

1. Remove furniture. If too heavy, place plastic film or aluminum foil under and around the legs of furniture.

2. Vacuum thoroughly first — this often has a big impact on the whole process! What you dont remove by vacuuming first is turned to MUD when you add water. Much easier to remove the soil when dry.

3. Follow instructions carefully. Do not add other chemicals or under-dilute (or over-concentrate) in an attempt to make your cleaner stronger. The solution is designed to work best at the concentration recommended on the label.

4. Use a CRI Seal of Approval cleaning solution that works with your extractor.

5. Begin at the farthest point from the doorway and work back toward it so you can step out when done. Don’t clean yourself into a corner!

6. Be patient and don’t over-wet the carpet. Extract as much of the water as possible — do not rush this step.

7. Wait until the carpet dries before replacing furniture or walking on carpet. This may take up to 12 hours, most typically six to eight. Carpet should NEVER take more than 24 hours to dry!

8. Ventilate. Open windows if outdoor weather conditions (temperature, humidity) permit, or put the AC on moderate settings (72-78°F). Never close up a wet, newly cleaned carpet; keep air circulating. You want the fastest dry possible, to prevent mold growth and to put the carpet back in service quickly.

9. Vacuum again when the carpet is dry to pick up soil that wicks to the surface during drying.

How Space Technology Was Adapted for Carpet Cleaning

Carpet cleaning is rocket science

Education and science have made major inroads into carpet cleaning in just the past few years. One ofthe most significant advances was the introduction of XRF technology, which stands for X-ray fluorescence analyzer technology. The system was first used by NASA in an attempt to locate minuscule cracks and flaws on space shuttle components so they could be repaired before takeoff. This is why we often hear it described as “space-age” technology. However, as with so many new inventions, it was found to have other applications as well, and one of them was looking for soil in carpet fibers.

The Carpet and Rug Institute has long been interested in understanding how well vacuum cleaners and hot water extraction units clean carpet. Since 2000, CRI has worked closely with an independent laboratory to evaluate carpet cleaning machines and cleaning materials. The standard test involves applying a simulated soil mixture to specified cut- and loop-pile test carpets, cleaning them using a standard procedure. This test provides sound guidance for consumers looking to buy new vacuum cleaners or wanting to have their carpets professionally cleaned.

Most major carpet manufacturers now require the use of specific cleaning systems, including equipment and cleaning solutions that have been tested and approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)

Industry Research by the Carpet Manufacturers has shown that the majority of WARRANTY CLAIMS ARE THE RESULT OF POOR OR IMPROPER CLEANING. Because the majority of these costly warranty issues are a result of poor or improper maintenance by the consumers, Carpet Mills are now REQUIRING THE CONSUMER FOLLOW SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE – Most Consumers are not even aware of these requirements!

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification Board of Directors recognizes Mark Cermak and Andrechelle Cermak of EcoClean Carpet Care for having completed the highest technician level of certification through the IICRC including continuing education and meeting the requirements of the Institute as Master Textile Cleaners.

Master level Certifications are only awarded to those carpet cleaners with years of experience, who attend classroom study and successfully pass the written examinations. Areas of certification include Carpet Cleaning Technician, Commercial Carpet Care, Upholstery Cleaning Technician, Odor Control Technician, Color Repair Technician, Carpet Repair and Re-Installation.

“It’s quite an honor,” says Cermak, receiving these advanced certifications”. Not all carpet cleaners are dedicated enough to achieve this level of training and expertise. In fact, there are less than 1450 Master Textile Cleaners in the World, and only 3 in Northeast Ohio!

I realize the more I increase my knowledge in my industry, I’m able to provide my clients with better and more efficient services in order to help them meet their cleaning needs.”

In addition, Mark has been certified in water damage restoration, smoke damage restoration and fire damage restoration by the National Institute of Fire Restoration, a division of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR).

We have also attended numerous courses over the years that were not IICRC courses such as Comprehensive Deodorization, Advance Spot & Stain Removal, Leathermaster training program, Oriental and Area Rug Cleaning seminars, RestorX- (Unsmoke) Advance Water Damage Restoration, and Restoration Technology for Fire, Duct cleaning, Electronics Reclamation, and Crime Scene Cleanup.

Mark Cermak and Andrechelle Cermak of EcoClean Carpet Care in Mentor, Ohio have attended another intensive class on carpet color repair and restoration where the latest in equipment, solutions and techniques were presented.

The comprehensive IICRC ( Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) approved certification course covered : the history of color, color theory, natural and synthetic dyes, dye methods, types of dyes, types of fibers, carpet styles and dye procedures. Other topics covered include color related cleaning issues such as fading, color loss due to contamination or bleaching, and the use of cleaning agents that may affect or remove color from carpet , fibers and their characteristics; carpet construction and styles; soil and cleaning theory; chemistry of cleaning ; topical treatments ; spot removal theory and procedures ; cleaning systems and methods ; color repair procedures ; crew procedure ; safety and maintenance.

Attendance by Mark and Andrechelle Cermak of EcoClean Carpet Care exemplifies a desire and sincere effort to increase industry professionalism and customer satisfaction – the foundation of EcoClean Carpet Care.  This advanced certification sets a new standard for Northeast Ohio carpet cleaners.

EcoClean Carpet Care services Lake, Geauga and most of Cuyahoga counties. Should you ever need expert carpet cleaning services contact them at (440)257-7791 or online at www.ecocleancarpet.com