[Mike Osbourne]

Well I got the training, got the kit, 3 days practicing on samples and am scared stiff when I start I'm going to totally screw up Mrs Smith's carpet. Is this a common feeling?

I'm very suprised the 3 days at Ashbys has left me wanting (the training was good). In my head, is only all the things that can go wrong. I'm going to spend a few more days cleaning different stuff but so far results middling and I've managed to felt up an 80/20 already ( I think by being too rough with handtool or is it cos it's new).

One other thing for Ninja owners, my heater dial goes up to only 60, yet I thought it should go to 70. And when the thermostat switches off at this temp the spray on a 25ft hose is hand hot, is this right?

Any suggestions on starting out, I was thinking of using low heat and mild prespotter on EVERYTHING to begin with.

Cheers

Mike

[gwrightson]

Mike i have got to syphathise with you,
 my very job my machine packed up luckily for me I had somebody not to far away to come and sort the problem out.
however i feel that if you go to your first job been apprehensive, then the custy may detect this, gowith confidence, this will give out the right vibes,
your confidence will soon grow, and it will become 2nd nature, just dont get to complacent
 Geoff

[Neil Grainger]

Mike

Check the recommended Temperature on Chemsicals to see what Temp you have to clean at. Use this as a guide, once you are more experienced you will no what temps you can change to depending on the types of carpets you are cleaning.

It is natural to feel nervous about your first clean, I was and I imagin that all cleaners where when they first started.

If you are still not confident see if there is any cleaners near you that would let you work with them for nothing for a few days. It will give you valuable insite into carpet cleaning from the real world experience you will pick up.

At somepoint you just have to trust yourself and your training and give it a go.

All the best

Neil

[carpetclean]

of course its normal to feel nervous  especially if you care about what you do. dont worry things will be fine once you have done a couple of jobs . good advice is to try and tag along with another cc who has been in the game a while

[Steve Chapman]

Mike,
It's a rarity to have real problems cc if you have some common sense, just throw yourself into it and after a few jobs you'll wonder why you were so nervous.

One thing i've learnt thru the years, is it's good to have a few back up plans just in case, especially if the machine packs up etc.

It would be good to know maybe another cc locally as well just in case you get stuck on a job and need someone to bail you out

Most of all look confident and the customer will be confident in using you.

regards
steve

[Doug Holloway]

Mike,

Courses are fine but you don't really start learning until you start cleaning.

It's a bit like learning to drive , daunting at first and second nature after a few years.

Remember test for colour fastness , check fitting , pre qualify stains you are not sure of , start in an inconspicuous place etc.

Good luck ,

Doug

[Andy Hogarth]

GOOD LUCK MATE

From our emails you sound like a genuine confident bloke. You'll suceed because you want to,plus you could always just hypnotise the clients

again
GOOD LUCK MATE

Andy

[Mike Osbourne]

Thanks for the comments, I'll get there in the end.

Andy, don't think I haven't thought about inducing negative hallucinations so those impossible stains just disappear. 

Cheers

Mike

[Liahona]

Mike, I am very close to you and would be happy to go with you on your first few jobs. Let me know.

Other than that see if a fellow cleaner would have you tag along. Best wishes though in your endevour,

Dave.

[craigp]

hi mike, if you email me i'll email you back, a basic run through chemicals, procedure ect. that is in a keep it simple way, best at first.

i remember running round like a blue ass fly on my first jobs

[Bernard Hibbs]

The Ninja will only heat up to 60 in the tank.  Anything hotter than that might ruin the pump head.

I was also pretty nervous, but if you are only getting medium results, try buying a steammate, and if that doesn't do it, get a powerbrush.  The steammate is fantastic for getting the carpet looking good.  With the above kit, you can clean normal domestic carpets without any chemicals, just hot water.  If the carpet has traffic lanes, a bit of microsplitters as a prespotter is plenty - it will save you lugging all those chemicals around with you.

Test your carpet types at the beginning, but when you are confident with your method, you can leave that as well.  If you clean correctly, you won't damage any carpet (not including sisal etc)

I am cleaning a library next week (east london) and you can come along if you like. 

[the red carpet]

All you can do is jump in with both feet mate, i agree with Doug you can do all the courses you like but you start learning when you start cleaning. Give it a couple jobs and there will be no stopping you.

Bernard, if you want a hand with that libary im available at day rate (£125) and il bring along my own machine and chems, in fact if anyones got any work they need a hand with just give me a shout and provided your not to far from me il help you out.

[tomh]

your the same as me  ! i think i've cracked it now though done a few friends carpets ok results with micro splitters had the training again confidence thing seem's to be a massive blag this game 
just going to get my insurance & although i have a luton truck newish i don't want to use it thought maybe get a tow bar & small tow a van for the car & see how it goes
very slow this year with house removals c/c seem's same from what i've read on here which can be a pain if not used to forking out £80 - £150 aweek on add's without seeing the returns made when people are spending
best of luck, Tom