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UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Crystal-clear on November 30, 2010, 05:22:57 pm

Title: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Crystal-clear on November 30, 2010, 05:22:57 pm
Im a WFP peed off window cleaner with a half tone ice cube in my van and frozen pipes. even if this would defrost outside is gona be -1 tomorrow.......this means my water will freeze in my pipes also the glass may crack....


I was thinking of buying one of those £1000 carpet cleaning machines of windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk just to get me started , design and drop 20k leaflets and see what happens ofc ill work for cheaper as any money is better then no money...

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Colin Day on November 30, 2010, 05:39:15 pm
Have you considered oven cleaning? You could set up with good quality kit for that sort of money!!!

A thousand quid carpet cleaning machine will have your customers pointing and laughing at you...

Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Crystal-clear on November 30, 2010, 05:43:02 pm
Colin have a look at this
http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/shop/carpet-cleaning/view-all-products.html

Remember its just an add-on for my current window cleaning business
do you not think its decent enof to start out in? as i learn i would upgrade..
So which machine might you recommend? to start out in

Im not keen in ovens yet again something i might be looking into thou, not sure which one is better...
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: wynne jones on November 30, 2010, 05:45:36 pm
Sorry mate the lifebouts full and it's sinking. You could try oven cleaning or maybe Australia? ;D

 
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Colin Day on November 30, 2010, 05:50:32 pm
You're minimum requirements are a twin vac and 100psi pump for the machine....

Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Crystal-clear on November 30, 2010, 05:55:32 pm
i spoke to a few of my customers they havent got a regular carpet cleaner its just something i was looking at , i do want to give them a good service thou as i do with the windows , so how much might i be looking at spending? thanks!

I dont wana do like some others who get really cheap machines and charge 8.99 a room ;p

I do want to provide a good service and spend a reasonable amount.
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Helen on November 30, 2010, 05:57:53 pm
Im a WFP peed off window cleaner with a half tone ice cube in my van and frozen pipes. even if this would defrost outside is gona be -1 tomorrow.......this means my water will freeze in my pipes also the glass may crack....


I was thinking of buying one of those £1000 carpet cleaning machines of windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk just to get me started , design and drop 20k leaflets and see what happens ofc ill work for cheaper as any money is better then no money...

Any thoughts?
Yes loads!
You say on another thread that you have 3 days window cleaning in December and then busy Jan 10th through to Feb 20th with window cleaning. You are canvassing at the moment to get more window cleaning work, which believe me will be easier to get than carpet cleaning, even if you are going to be dirt cheap! Why charge low on carpet cleaning anyway it doen't make sense!
You have £1000.00 to spend, why not rent some storage for the winter weeks to make sure your van/equipment doesn't freeze up.  After 5 months of trading really think you need to concentrate on what you are already doing rather than "jump ship" just cos you are pee'd off. Not saying you wouldn't get any business in, but most established CC'ers have already planned for the winter months and have work booked in from repeat business.
Just some of my thoughts........ :)
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Neil Williams on November 30, 2010, 05:58:34 pm
I take it this is the spec on the machine

Solution Tank Capacity: 14 litres too small
Recovery Tank Capacity: 14 litres too small
Vacuum Motor: 1600W 2 stage x 1 wet carpet alert
Pump: Shurflo by-pass type (58psi) what!
Cleaning Width: 270mm
Number of Jets: One (02) in the 1970's perhaps
Cable Length: 10 metres
Hose Assembly Length: 2.5 metres
Construction Material: Expanded polyethylene
Weight: 12Kgs says it all
Machine Size: 300 x 420 x 530mm


I used to think a lot of window cleaning warehouse but I can't believe their selling these things to their customers.
And like said before "The lifeboat is full"
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Helen on November 30, 2010, 06:00:46 pm
Sorry mate the lifebouts full and it's sinking. You could try oven cleaning or maybe Australia? ;D

 
;D ;D
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Helen on November 30, 2010, 06:03:02 pm
i spoke to a few of my customers they havent got a regular carpet cleaner its just something i was looking at , i do want to give them a good service thou as i do with the windows , so how much might i be looking at spending? thanks!

I dont wana do like some others who get the rug doctor and charge 8.99 a room ;p

I do want to provide a good service
Regular carpet cleaner? So how often do they want their carpets cleaned?
By the way if you don't get and clean their windows, then you haven't got a hope of getting their carpets :)
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Crystal-clear on November 30, 2010, 06:08:20 pm
Thanks ,

Yes helen i went out canvasing today in a snow storm was total crap just one of those days......and now my water is frozen again ,i cant seem to find the right heater and ill be honest i am dreading the rest of the winter....

i know window cleaning works i have been window cleaning for about 3 years only 5 months in london it has gone well and it will be my main business its just these temperatures ,snow , have become insane the last 2 winters this is my 2nd winter with my pole system last winter was horrible but i was up north and we had very little expenses now we are in london where we have more bills in a flat share so not so much but we have plans to move out next month and im scared of not being able to work properly in jan when all my work and the rest of my work i picked up is due...

the way i am thinking is if the snow has come in November!! whats going to happen when winter really gets here!?

Thats why i was looking at CC  
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Crystal-clear on November 30, 2010, 06:12:42 pm
i spoke to a few of my customers they havent got a regular carpet cleaner its just something i was looking at , i do want to give them a good service thou as i do with the windows , so how much might i be looking at spending? thanks!

I dont wana do like some others who get the rug doctor and charge 8.99 a room ;p

I do want to provide a good service
Regular carpet cleaner? So how often do they want their carpets cleaned?
By the way if you don't get and clean their windows, then you haven't got a hope of getting their carpets :)

regular like twice per year what i was thinking to offer with a decent starter machine i would need training too of course
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Crystal-clear on November 30, 2010, 06:14:33 pm
I take it this is the spec on the machine

Solution Tank Capacity: 14 litres too small
Recovery Tank Capacity: 14 litres too small
Vacuum Motor: 1600W 2 stage x 1 wet carpet alert
Pump: Shurflo by-pass type (58psi) what!
Cleaning Width: 270mm
Number of Jets: One (02) in the 1970's perhaps
Cable Length: 10 metres
Hose Assembly Length: 2.5 metres
Construction Material: Expanded polyethylene
Weight: 12Kgs says it all
Machine Size: 300 x 420 x 530mm


I used to think a lot of window cleaning warehouse but I can't believe their selling these things to their customers.
And like said before "The lifeboat is full"

Thanks Neil but do you think it might be OK as an add-on to my business just something i can book when the weather gets unworkable. cos ill be inside with no freezing water ......
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Colin Day on November 30, 2010, 06:15:37 pm
If you really want to get into carpet cleaning with a budget like yours, you should wait for J Lawal to come on CIU...

He's primarily into LM (Low Moisture) Cleaning....

Good luck with whatever you decide to do, but give that machine a w-i-d-e berth mate!!!!
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Crystal-clear on November 30, 2010, 06:20:16 pm
If you really want to get into carpet cleaning with a budget like yours, you should wait for J Lawal to come on CIU...

He's primarily into LM (Low Moisture) Cleaning....

Good luck with whatever you decide to do, but give that machine a w-i-d-e berth mate!!!!


Wow i didnt think that machine would be that bad well cheers...
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Helen on November 30, 2010, 06:20:30 pm
Thanks ,

Yes helen i went out canvasing today in a snow storm was total crap just one of those days......and now my water is frozen again ,i cant seem to find the right heater and ill be honest i am dreading the rest of the winter....

i know window cleaning works i have been window cleaning for about 3 years only 5 months in london it has gone well and it will be my main business its just these temperatures ,snow , have become insane the last 2 winters this is my 2nd winter with my pole system last winter was horrible but i was up north and we had very little expenses now we are in london where we have more bills in a flat share so not so much but we have plans to move out next month and im scared of not being able to work properly in jan when all my work and the rest of my work i picked up is due...

"im stay in a flat share at the moment so bills are low i could afford to do that but i think i am gona be bored" your words...so why move out of that is the case?

the way i am thinking is if the snow has come in November!! whats going to happen when winter really gets here!?

Last winter was a few weeks at most (if that)  
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: clinton on November 30, 2010, 06:21:11 pm
Wynne a classic with the lifeboat is full ;D

Its already on its way down ;)
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Jim_77 on November 30, 2010, 06:21:17 pm
Thousands of window cleaners have the same idea- buy a sh*te machine and start carpet cleaning.

You need to invest thousands to start up carpet cleaning from scratch, as long as you want to provide a good service as you say you do.  With that machine you'll be providing mediocre at best :)

What do other window cleaners do in winter?  The ones who only do window cleaning that is...

The obvious thing is to insulate your van and keep an electric heater in it overnight.  That will stop your pipes and pump from freezing, and keep the water temp in the tank high enough to remain fluid for a day's work.  Incidentally isn't your pump likely be knackered already if you've let it freeze?!
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Crystal-clear on November 30, 2010, 06:29:53 pm
I let the pump drain so its ok..i have a spare anyway in winter we are ment to work but these last 2 winters have been crap, and all this snow in November is horrible..


in an ideal world we wana move out and get our own place we could stay where we are now which looks like the case.

i just hope its not gona be like last year the snow and ice was horrid

Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Jamie Lindsay on November 30, 2010, 06:59:25 pm
you dont have to spend thousands on equipment etc twin vac 3 stage and 100psi is min tho... research research research and go for it
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: The Carpet Cleaning Pro on November 30, 2010, 07:05:38 pm
Im a WFP peed off window cleaner with a half tone ice cube in my van and frozen pipes. even if this would defrost outside is gona be -1 tomorrow.......this means my water will freeze in my pipes also the glass may crack....


I was thinking of buying one of those £1000 carpet cleaning machines of windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk just to get me started , design and drop 20k leaflets and see what happens ofc ill work for cheaper as any money is better then no money...

Any thoughts?

Have you ever thought of putting a HEATER in your van, saves a lot of money - we have the only snow/ice/frost free vehicle in Chesterfield - afterall it pays to protect your equipment and bear in mind you can claim your electric back on your tax bill
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: The Carpet Cleaning Pro on November 30, 2010, 07:15:23 pm
Have you considered oven cleaning? You could set up with good quality kit for that sort of money!!!

A thousand quid carpet cleaning machine will have your customers pointing and laughing at you...


You dont need to spend a grand to get a good machine, shop around this time of year. 100 psi minimum with a twin vac is a basic requirement, but you need to use the correct chemicals to get the best results, bearing in mind all the machine does is rinse the solution out. Ensure you at least attend a carpet cleaning course by a recommended training provider and spend a week with a PROFESSIONAL Carpet Cleaner - Not somebody who just claims to be a carpet cleaner
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: derek west on November 30, 2010, 07:21:35 pm
concentrate on what you know. just seen 2 window cleaners walking past our house and doing a few on the way, 2 inches of snow dint stop them. sounds like your not happy doing what your doing, what you need is a good kick up the backside, youve got half a business or whatever, all you need now is the push to get more work. get out there and graft. our local cleaners are a massive set up so theres money to be made. moving into carpet cleaning half assed is the same as what your doing now, what you gain from carpet cleaning you'll lose on window cleaning and you'll be no better off. get off your backside and go get rich.

the time to diversify is when youve conquered what your all ready doing.
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Helen on November 30, 2010, 07:46:31 pm
Thousands of window cleaners have the same idea- buy a sh*te machine and start carpet cleaning.

You need to invest thousands to start up carpet cleaning from scratch, as long as you want to provide a good service as you say you do.  With that machine you'll be providing mediocre at best :)

What do other window cleaners do in winter?  The ones who only do window cleaning that is...

They keep cleaning throughout the winter, that's what they do ;D
Having started up in Carpet cleaning over 11 years ago and had "window cleaning" running alongside for the best part, never have we just not worked cos we were pee'd off, or the weather was bad or times got a bit tough.You just have to re-schedule your work as you see fit and not "knee-jerk" when things are not going your way.

The obvious thing is to insulate your van and keep an electric heater in it overnight.  That will stop your pipes and pump from freezing, and keep the water temp in the tank high enough to remain fluid for a day's work.  Incidentally isn't your pump likely be knackered already if you've let it freeze?!
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Craig - CW Window Cleaning on December 01, 2010, 04:16:46 pm
Hi, I am a window cleaner who has ad on of carpet cleaning.
I have spent on carpet equipement near on £3800 and two training courses
I am currently doing a days carpet cleaning a week and have bookings up to january.
I am wfp and its working ok with the two enterprises, my aim is to double the window round and then get an extra bod on board next year.
So far so good but for a £1000 I think you may struggle to get a good clean maybe a second hand set up?

good luck

craig
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Jamie Pearson on December 01, 2010, 09:30:14 pm
I would say go for it.
We have many window cleaning customers who have done this.
It's how we started out!
Your budget is tight for startup as everyone has rightly observed.
Get a good used machine and spend a couple of hundred on a basic training course.
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Crystal-clear on December 08, 2010, 01:14:35 pm
Thanks shoreshine and cleaningsystenms amongst others for the support,

Shoreshine would you mind if i email you directly?

just wana learn a bit about carpet cleaning from a window cleaners point of view

Thanks!
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: jsm on December 08, 2010, 02:11:29 pm
ive been cleaning windows for 21 years and got into carpet cleaning 7 years ago when i moved up to north wales from essex , hands down the best move i made - like today for examlpe - just got in once more after frozen pipes / glass freezing its been a hard 2 weeks slog on the windows - but not botherd as ive had two full days on the carpets both weeks so just go's to show that alone is worth the money .

i started with a ninja which has been great but last week just got myself a truckmount  ;)  so in the coming years hope to be not cleaning windows full stop .

feel free to give us a bell crystal and ill point you in the direction from a window cleaner's angle .
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: cozy on December 08, 2010, 02:47:41 pm
ive been cleaning windows for 21 years and got into carpet cleaning 7 years ago when i moved up to north wales from essex , hands down the best move i made - like today for examlpe - just got in once more after frozen pipes / glass freezing its been a hard 2 weeks slog on the windows - but not botherd as ive had two full days on the carpets both weeks so just go's to show that alone is worth the money .

i started with a ninja which has been great but last week just got myself a truckmount  ;)  so in the coming years hope to be not cleaning windows full stop .

feel free to give us a bell crystal and ill point you in the direction from a window cleaner's angle .


Same here. Good advice from this section of the forum is to do some training and get out with a pro for a few days. We spent over 3k on new kit last year. For 1 k you could only hope to get second hand kit. CC isn't easy though, there's alot to learn and you can cause real damage if you don't learn. Good luck.

Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: mlscontractcleaner on December 08, 2010, 03:50:30 pm
Got to be honest we started as window cleaners twenty odd years ago, then went in to contract cleaning too and then carpet cleaning so we do all three and I'm so glad we do.

We clean some night clubs in Plymouth 7 days a week; that pays our bills.

We operate WFP and providing you're careful and bring everything in at night; not forgetting to switch the heater on, you can operate fine the next day; in the weather we've had in Plymouth anyway.

We do about half a dozen jobs a week on the carpet side and it just helps when the weather's poop; especially when it's raining all week!!!

But we spent more money and attended a course; Prochem if it's important.
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Crystal-clear on December 09, 2010, 09:03:02 pm
Mls, Ozy and jsm thanks alot this is what i wanted to hear!

I thought getting into carpet cleaning would be useful when the weathers crap like now!

Jsm i will take you up on that phone call ! ill probably give you a bell next year thanks mate ill get your number from your website !

just a point in the right direction
as you say some advice from a window cleaner's angle!

Thanks again everyone!
Title: Re: is carpet cleaning the answer to winter
Post by: Griffus on December 09, 2010, 09:11:02 pm
Hi, I am a window cleaner who has ad on of carpet cleaning.
I have spent on carpet equipement near on £3800 and two training courses
I am currently doing a days carpet cleaning a week and have bookings up to january.
I am wfp and its working ok with the two enterprises, my aim is to double the window round and then get an extra bod on board next year.
So far so good but for a £1000 I think you may struggle to get a good clean maybe a second hand set up?

good luck

craig


Nice honest post.

Listen to the man.