Clean It Up
UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Jason Hedges on December 06, 2005, 12:00:21 am
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I've just bought a second hand host machine. I'm looking to use it for mainly agitation. I understand it can also be used for dry carpet cleaning using sponges. Can anyone recommend a supplier for sponges and also a situation when using the sponge system would be beneficial over hwe.
Any comments greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Jason.
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Hi Jason
My company is a main distributor for host and we have the full range of host products and sponges in stock.
For further information, help or advice please call me on 01843 - 600088
Colin Hemmings
Timberstone Limited (authorised host distributor)
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Hugh Crane in Acle supply the Prochem Fibredri
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Envirodri sponges are a lot cheaper than host and in my opinion vacuum up much better too.
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Hi
I would like to help you in your quest - trust me host is the right way forward.............................
Host gives much better yield (area coverage) than Envirodri Dry or Prochem Fibredri.
Host also provides superior cleaning power by comparison to the cheep brands.
The Host system is designed to make the cleaning of carpets quick and simple - the host system has no problem with removing the used product (sponges) from the carpet.
This host system (freestyle and Liberator machines) have a unique integral vacuum cleaning system that surpasses any other dry cleaning system on the market.
Host is the most advanced dry extraction carpet cleaning system in the world.
Colin Hemmings
Timberstone Limited (authorised host distributor)
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At £53+vat for a tub of host opposed to £34 for 2 x 12kg refills envirodri is better value.I used both host and envirodri sponges plus others.
Give me a ring about the envirodri sponges.
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Please can you explain the coverage question, why does host have a better coverage?
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Hi Jason,
Did you get the one off Ebay on Sunday.
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???Re: Host+sponges vs HWE
also a situation when using the sponge system would be beneficial over hwe.
posted by Jason
Not really been anwsered.
I have used both systems for a number of years, but now im more HWE. due to the fact of more loop pile carpets etc.
plus you can kill more with hot water!
And thats why im selling my host and porti to go TM.
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Host Dry -v- Wet:
Both systems clean carpet - the confusion and conflict over which system is the best can become rather technical and somewhat academic. However, if you want a scientific report (case study) I would be pleased to oblige.
In short, the bottom line is down to personal choice or past experience. However, the most important factor to remember is your customer and what you have to offer as a professional service provider.
I write from personal experience, some of your customers will have a preference to wet cleaning, whilst others will prefer dry (host). My advice is to have both systems at your disposal, you can then offer a fully comprehensive range of services. This will also give you the competitive edge over other carpet cleaners who only offer one type of carpet cleaning system.
Most of the carpet cleaning firms I sell host machines to also have a wet system for backup. Some carpet cleaners prefer to offer wet cleaning as a first choice, whilst others will promote dry (host). The most important factor to remember is what customer wants.
I am sure that most of the professional carpet cleaning firms will agree. Depending on the market place you want to follow (residential or commercial) you will often have to meet the demands of customer choice. If your budget allows - don't just focus on one carpet cleaning system.
host sponges -v- the cheaper brands:
You will only need half as much host to clean a given area of carpet because host has far more cleaning power than the other brands. Host provides higher coverage, superior cleaning power and exceptional value for money. This is why Host is the most popular brand amongst professional carpet cleaners worldwide.
Colin Hemmings
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Colin,
Please desist from keep putting your phone number and quoting prices.
If anyone wants to contact you then presumably your email is available in your profile.
The comparison betwwen wet and dry methods is hardly academic , some would say fundamental.
I would be pleased to receive a copy of the case study as long as it has some technical merit and is not marketing hype.
Cheers
Doug
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Doug
The price and phone number in my last message is in response to a comment on a previous page.
My apologies if you are offended - not all share the same view.
Colin
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Hi all,
Sorry I've had no internet connection for a couple of days so haven't been able to view my post until now. Thanks for all your comments.
I did buy it from ebay a couple of weeks ago along with a set of white/gold and black brushes, the machine needed attention which it has now had. I bought it with the intention of using it for agitation but am interested in perhaps offering a dry cleaning system as well. I already have a duo which I'm happy with on most domestic carpets but it just doesn't have the weight or power needed for badly soiled, greasy commercial jobs.
Most of the posts have covered the argument between host and envirodri sponges, I suppose I will have to try them both sooner or later and make up my own mind.
I'm not sure the model of my machine but it doesn't have the ability to remove the sponges after cleaning with them (as far as I know!).
Can both types of sponges be vacuumed up after use with a sebo BS36? I know prochems fibredri can because it was done on the traning course.
Thanks again for all your comments,
I wonder if anyone recommending and selling a particular product has a sample or two for me to try, that way I can make up my own mind that little bit quicker!
Don't ask don't get my grandad always said,
Kind regards,
Jason.
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Ring Envirodri they will send you a sample pack
www.envirodri.com
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Colin,
I was not offended , just stating the board policy on advertising.
I like to encourage technical/factual discussion without too much sales talk.
Cheers
Doug
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Hi Jason
If your host machine dose not have an integral vacuum cleaning unit - it may be possible to upgrade it with a simple host conversion kit and vacuum pod.
However, to save on cost your Sebo BS36 vac will work fine on all types of sponges. The BS36 performs much better with a red brush strip, as opposed to the standard grey brush strip fitted on base of the machine.
I can help you with a sample of host - you can contact me on colin@timber-stone.co.uk
Regards
Colin Hemmings
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I watched the promo Video of the new Franchise that uses the Host Yesterday
Mr Rayner was certainly confident this was the way to go.
I was under yje impression that the Host System was only suitable for maintance type cleaning.
Removes top layer of dirt.
Many contributors and Sellars on Ebay say they hardly use their Host.
What evidence in simple terms is there that it does as good as job as H.W.E.
How does Host compare to Enviro Dry?
Why not use SEBO DUO
What other makes are there
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Hi Ian
Re: Host -v- HWE
Thank you for the points raised - I hope I can help you without offending others or being accused by the sceptics of using this forum as sales pitch or marketing ploy for host.
I am a distributor for host and I am often asked the question - will host clean carpets as good as hot water extraction!
Hot water extraction or host dry extraction in the hands of a fully trained operator (professional carpet cleaner) will produce excellent results time after time. Both systems clean carpet exceptionally well - they simply clean carpets in a different way.
My view is that hot water extraction and host dry extraction should not compete with each other - but more to the point complement each other. Most of the carpet cleaning firms I deal with have both cleaning systems. Some carpet cleaners prefer to offer wet cleaning as a first choice, whilst others will promote dry (host). The most important factor to remember is what customer wants.
host will deep clean carpets to an exceptionally high standard, host is very versatile and user friendly system. No risk of over wetting, carpet shrinkage, colour loss, parting seams or re-soiling.
Host is safe for the environment - carpets can be walked on during and immediately after cleaning - no down time or shutdown periods. Host is Woolsafe approved and recommended by leading carpet manufactures worldwide.
Host, Sebo Duo, Image, Capture, Envirodri, Fibredri & Carpet Cleaner
From my experience, having experimented with all of the above products.
You only need half as much host to clean a given area of carpet by comparison to the other brands. Host gives higher coverage m² , has superior cleaning power and provides exceptional value for money.
Regards
Colin Hemmings
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sales talk sales talk sales talk
a mate of mine fell into the home'n'dry sales trap it cost him 9950.00 plus vat in the year of our lord 1999
for the host lot?
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Thank you for the points raised - I hope I can help you without offending others or being accused by the sceptics of using this forum as sales pitch or marketing ploy for host.
I am a distributor for host
Host gives higher coverage m² , has superior cleaning power and provides exceptional value for money.
If you dont want to rub people up the wrong way I would be carefull with comments like this, sorry but you still sound like a salesman, most people know the sales pitches themselves as we all use them. what we need is educating in the things we dont!!!!!!!!!
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hello
are there any special requirements regarding the disposal of the used and recovered 'sponges'
regards
john
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I used to sell my used sponge to a local garage which used the sponge to soak oil spills up
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Hi all,
WOW, I never thought such a question would provoke such a reaction!
Thanks Colin, I've sent you an email requesting some samples as you suggested, hopefully I'll get them soon and be able to comment on their cleaning ability, thanks again in advance! As for the vacuum pod, I'll have to get back on that one.
Thanks Steve, I will contact envirodri for samples as well!
I understand people are trying to advertise their product/company on this site which may or maynot comply to rules as its hosted by a cleaning supply company. But fair play, Colin and Steve are trying to earn a living the same as the rest of us so why not!
They're offering a selective product which is not only of interest to me but maybe other carpet cleaners on this forum.
Give us (the customer) the choice of products available and also give us your sales pitch and best prices then we can make up our own mind.
If the company hosting this site offered sponges and accessories for the host machine surely someone would have made a comment by now!
At the end of the day, we're all in this business to make a living, if we can save a few quid here and there then surely thats a good thing.
Thanks again for all your comments,
I like competition, it makes life worth living! If I can't clean the carpets and still under-cut stuck up franchise bloke at a house 2 doors away from his own house and still smile as he drives past theres someting wrong!!!
Kind regards and happy christmas,
Jason.
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I have been using the Host system since April and I have had nothing but complete praise for all my cleans. I Have a book full of great testimonials from all my clients. As said in a post before, it's all about the operator and doing the correct procedures in getting the carpets clean. Host works for me and long may it continue.
Mark
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Hi
So, the wet- dry war wages on.
I have been a dry carpet cleaner for two years now, soley dry never wet.
This was my choice from the beginning as i did not want the problems you can get with HWE.
Dry Carpet cleaning is not a maintenance system only, I have gotten stains out left by a wet cleaner 12 years ago ( hotel resturant carpet) I have done soot and pet salvage, hotel room puked to high heaven.
My main business has been the letting market where we see the worst carpets society has to offer us and my clients are pleased time and again.
I have just been picked up by a lady who has been cleaning for 19 years after I did a carpet for her and removed a stain no-one else got rid of.
We can all say stuff like this, no doubt.
My point is this is achievable with the dry system and I will never use a HWE.
My choice.
For those that do use HWE, good luck, it has been the mainstay for over 30 years.
Regards
Martin 8)
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Martin
Have you ever done a Proper clean with HWE, or have you just been playing at cleaning the surface of the carpet???
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Have used them all the snow drop system is good the same applies to any of the LM systems but sadly often or not the big guns have to come out HWE.
Colin
What’s the chance of a copy of the case study? My e-mail address is under my profile. Think a group once sang silence is golden ! ;D
Martin
How’s the waterless going? :(
Len
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Hi Guys
A dry system does deep clean and does not ' play around' as you so eloquently put it.
I have never used HWE ( some of you really do need to actually read the posts before you retort) This is my choice.
I understand your comments for the dry system, people often like to put down what they don't understand...
Len.
Good to see you around still mate, how are you?
The big guns do come down to HWE, probably because they have so much invested in it and have the most to lose...
Waterless died a year ago (do try to keep up) the system is great, but was due to managerial diffrences.
Regards
Martin 8)
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I was hoping James123 would offer his findings as he has a host for sale in machinary for sale
Like Martin I like the idea but am not convinced it can do as good a job as HWE,
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"Waterless died a year ago" the way I read that is- waterless = without water.
So you are saying that the dry method is dead ?
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Martin
Very well thanks, my reply is not a pop at you or the dry system, as I said I’ve tried them all and use what is £££££ in my pocket, I call it time management, equipment I have = ££££’s invested and it not all hwe equipment, but Preference is subject to survey unlike Glynn I have only 250 ft to play with!
You are right choice but look at every avenue a lot of BS out there!
Len
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Martin / Mark
I use both systems but have only had my HOST machine for a couple of months or so. I have found it to be great on some types of carpet (where the pile is more dense) but have had limited results on others - in particular loop pile berbers. For example only last week I cleaned one of these with the Host and half way through it was clear to both me and the customer that the result was cleaner but not great. A couple of days later I went back with HWE and did the whole area to a much cleaner standard (both in the half where I had previously used Host and also in the half where I hadn't. Can you offer some advice on how to improve my method to get better results on these type of carpets.
Colin - I agree with you that it is good to be able to give the customer the choice.
Also given the choice of which system to use? If I know the end result will be good whatever the system, my choice would be Host. Why? Because I can cut my labour time by nearly 50% with Host and dont have to carry so much gear around either.
That said I still currently use the HWE as my first choice. Maybe one day this will change, maybe not - I have an open mind.
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Martin
Can you clean a pub carpet with lots of beer in it? DRY NO
In 2003 i went to the cleaning show at the NEC did not tell host who i was ask lots of questions about pub carpets etc the guy said "If its that trashed it needs relifted an a new one put down.
SO i bought a prochem power max and do the pub every six months now
DRY SHY GOODBYE
Once you are TRAINED in carpet cleaning you Know what it can and can not do.
Host is a sore point for me as it added to the split up off the me and the misses opps EX
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QUOTE for HOST usa
HOST® / Racine Industries Inc. began as the Rench Manufacturing Company in 1936. From the beginning, Racine Industries, Inc. manufactured carpet cleaning equipment and chemicals. The company was the first in the United States to produce synthetic detergents for carpet cleaning,
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Hi
I am TRAINED...
Waterless died (sadly) but I did noy say dry is dead.
why is it some of you guys are reading posts and not actually reading what is said, is it some kind of word blindness? ;)
I have gotten out (during a demo) black built up caked on black grease from a hotel carpet( you know the stuff, just outside the kitchen) out completely and the carpet cleaned back to original colour...
Now is that ' playing with the surface', or not being ' TRAINED' not in my book.
Oh and Waterless cars and dry carpet cleaning, not the same system, oddly enough ;)
Regards
Martin 8)
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One last question .
Took a look at James picture of his host.
Looks quite impressive for a vac cleaner ;D ;D ;D
But how do you clean stairs etc?
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You can only do the RUNNER then do one hahaha ;D ;D ;D
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Hi All
Jason, thank you for your supportive comments, I will contact you by email shortly.
James, I didn't agree with your comment relating to sales and marketing. I think you are overreacting. More to the point James - did I answer Jason and Ian's question.
Colin Hemmings
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DRY your eyes mate ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Just heard that on a song ;D ;D :D
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I think we all should run out and buy this system after reading this? Am sure the purse string holders will dig deep! Hope the people in the next article read this (funny they seem to be on the same page)
(http://img381.i.us/img381/3794/host809cl.jpg)
I find it to be a flip side as only last mouth my local heath authority insisted and I repeat insisted that there office carpet be steam cleaned, a problem arose, always willing to accommodate I HWE with my trusted porty with high heat ok with a little steam coming out of the jets, not a lot of RH.
Colin
Do the sponges contain an anti bacterial agent?
Len
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One last question .
Took a look at James picture of his host.
Looks quite impressive for a vac cleaner ;D ;D ;D
But how do you clean stairs etc?
Easy, when you know how! ;)
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I would say that was an advertisment rather than an article.
That is the way "host" advertise that is the way i used to advertise also.
people that know all about advertising will tell you the excat same.
Yes the system is old and the advertising is old.
Its just another usa maketing tool bit like Joe Polish
They use it because it works.
Its good for maintenance thats it.
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Er...
Actually it's not
Martin 8)
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Hi Guys
I have just done a 3 Bed house which has turned out to be a full soot salvage.
Tennants lived there for 2 years with the soot walked throughout the entire property.
It has come up an absolute treat, and I am chuffed to bits with the result.
Not bad I guess for someone who is ' apparently' untrained who 'just plays with the surface' with a system which is only good for ' maintenance'
Hmm...
Regards
Martin 8)
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I would expect a semi dry method to be good at dealing with a soot clean. Usually the soot is contained in the upper fibres and as you would be able to see a marked difference in the appearance it would be an ideal method. Sponges or sawdust as that is what they really are, also good for soot damaged soft toys. Put them in a large pillow case with the sponges and bung them in the tumble dryer on a cool setting, come out sparkling.
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This topic has become very boring now. Lets move on