[heritagecleaning]

I've just done the 2 day NCCA course as part of my 'start up' plan. I've still barely cleaned a carpet but thought that the course was probably the best thing to do first.

I found it very informative...Paul and Pawlo certainly know a vast amount and I did learn many things.

That said, I have come away doubting my own ability in a couple of areas:

1. Identification - I could identify wool from the burn test, but don't think I'd be too hot on determining between different synthetics. Also would need more practice on determining tufted/woven (axminster or wilton) etc. There also seem to be one hell of a lot of upholstery fabrics to learn

2. Spotting - chemicals and technique.

These are likely to be things I should be more sure about before commencing.

Any ideas on further reading, books, articles? I see the Woolsafe people have a few publications.

Cheers


Owen

[john smith]

Hi Owen

There are a lot more experiened technicians on this forum than me, however i shall try and give you my two pennys worth.

When it comes to Identification, as long as you can determine, wool & synthetic your going to be ok, dont worry too much about nylons,polypropelene, polyester etc, their synthetic, so clean as such

Axminster and wilton, your right to be cautious, and further studies of these textiles and their cleaning procedures should be sought.

When it comes to upholstery, carry out your bleed / burn tests and if in doubt walk away, i have on a few occasions!

i think by taking the course, your off in the right direction, the information given can seem overloading, (especially for a newbie)

As for further readiing, somebody else may have further book reccomendations, but your best way to learn is go out and start cleaning now you have this course under your belt, this is better than any course or book (in my opionion)

Finally dont doubt your own abilities, the knowledge you have gained in taking the course has already set you apart from most other cleaners in your town. You are heading up the right path

regards

john

[heritagecleaning]

Thanks for the info and encouragement John. You have confirmed my suspicions re: wool / synthetics.
Cheers

Owen

[Amethyst]

I went the IICRC route and came away realising what I didn't know was as important as what I did!. I would echo John's sentiments as long as you can tell wool from synthetic that's fine. Always do the all the tests and if in doubt walk away - it's easier to get a bad reputation than a good one after all. As regards Axminsters/Wiltons etc you should be able to tell the real ones from the imitations. I did a quality Axminster capet some time ago and even over the nosings of the stairs you could not get to see the backing. If you can see the backing easily it may not be what you think it is - you can always ask the customer if they can remember what they paid for it - quality carpets are not cheap. Having said all that - enjoy!

[matt jones]

Hi Owen, i think john has pretty muched sumed it up very good reply mate. I was like yourself when i started up (late august last year) The only course i have ever done is the prochem course and i too think the best way to really learn is to get out there and work. I think everybody feels abit uncertain on a lot of things in this industry when they first start up. The only advise i could give is not to worry to much just know your tests and use common sense like john said knowing the difference between wool/synthetic is usually good enough. Also when you come across a woven type carpet just be abit careful if the tuffs are wool then there is less risk of shrinkage as wool can hold alot of water therefore less will penetrate the backing but still be careful and dont over wet it, but if you come across a synthetic tufted woven carpet best thing to do is walk or use a dry cleaning method especially if you are new to carpet cleaning i have many times as i only use hwe and wouldn't feel confident enough to clean one yet. I must say i have learnt one hell of a lot from forums like ciu. The only problem im facing is getting the work in its been really hard for starting from scratch and having to learn everything on my own but i do enjoy the work and every job i have done so far i have recieved a very good testimonial from my previous customers so i must be doing something right lol.
Hope this helps
matt

[Daveyboy]

Ok, that all sounds good, but how do you tell if you have a natural/synthetic mix, maybe 20/80, or 50/50?
Thanks.

[CARPET KNIGHTS]

Mixes should always be treated the same as natural fibre!

Cheers Goron

[Daveyboy]

Thanks Goron, nice and quick1

[Daveyboy]

But, still, how does one tell if it's a mixture?

[stains-away]

But, still, how does one tell if it's a mixture?

By carrying out a burn test you will see if the greatest majority of the fibre content is, although you wont be able to establish a percentage,it takes time and practice, although any mixture containing wool should be treated as wool, Andy

[Daveyboy]

Thanks Andy
Would a burn test smell like wool if only 20% wool 80% synthetic?

[calmore]

I agree with the above. So long as you can identify whether:

1. A fibre contains wool or not

-and-

2. Whether the carpet has a backing that could shrink

..you should be OK.

It's not strictly necessary to identify the exact type of synthetic fibre. However, if a fibre is synthetic simply do a water test. Generally, if it sinks it'll "take" a stain guard, if it floats it won't. (Tell the customer they'd be wasting their money on stain guard and it'll win you a lot of trust from the customer)



 

[cleanability]

I've been doing this job for 10years. Couldnt name and recognise most upholstery fabrics and their particular mixes. No point really. I've always cleaned with the same chemicals and never had a single problem and always get fantastic results. In fact I think I've walked away from about 2 or 3 upholstery fabrics in 10years which I wasnt happy to wet clean. As the chaps say you've got to recognise a Belgian Wilton/Axminster . Apart from that wouldnt even worry about naming and knowing actual carpet mixes. Once again just recognise a Belgian Axminster/Wilton and dont clean it.

Chris

[Chris R]

Training courses have to cover so much, it can be difficult ( and scary  ) to take it all in.

Keep it simple.

Pre vac all items before cleaning. Not just to get the dry soil out, but because this is your best way to inspect the item that you will be cleaning !

Look for damage / stains / fitting. Point anything out to custy.

Check that the carpet is on the gripper rods and door strips.

Clean the carpet with a chemical that is safe on ALL FIBRES ! Spitfire advance from Dry Fusion is very good ( YES they will sell it to you ). Or Nemisis / M Power or any woolsafe product.

Use turbo dryers.

Learn to identify a belgium wilton - walk away from them until you have plenty of experience or use a low moisture system ( Dry Fusion / Texatherm ).

If you can afford to buy a low moisture system  get one. Keep it on the van and if you are not sure about a carpet ( bad fitting / possible bel wilton ) then use the L M equipment. They will clean most carpets to a good standard.

With upholstery do the pre vac / check . Test for colour run . Clean with a safe chemical ( solution nr 4 is ace - spot stains with sol nr 3 -you cant go wrong ) and rinse with ONLY CLEAN WATER ! Turbo dryers are ESSENTIAL ! A CFR upholstery tool will be the best bit of kit you will ever buy for upholstery cleaning, the machine dont matter, its all about control and drying.

Stain Removal - dont try anything fancy, keep it simple.use safe spotters from prochem / chemspec / solution UK etc. Dont touch any bleaches. Put on a good show for the custy and if it wont come out offer to do them a report for the insurance company.

And thats it 

Honest, you cant go wrong 

Chris

[matt jones]

another good post may i say. Keep it simple! lol
matt