[richyp]

i currently have a window cleaning business and am looking to add carpet cleaning to my services. can anyone give me an idea which r the best machines and some advice on what model. i will just be doing domestic to start with. many thabks

[Ken Wainwright]

What are your needs richyp? Domestic? Commercial? Maybe add on upholstery? New? Secondhand? What about training? Budget? Van size? Even the type of premises you work in can effect the decision, eg lots of houses or high rise flats etc. etc. etc.

More information would help

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

i have a carpet cleaning  firm and want to start window cleaning which is the best water feed unit to use please going to start window clean as well

[neil 47]

Susan

What a great idea i think I will start window cleaning around the Boldon area of Newcastle , mainly domestic though

.



Neil

[wightsurf]

Hi all.
I was going to start a topic along these lines, but seeing as this one is here i hope you don't mind me asking and adding to it.

I'm also a window cleaner but am looking at carpet cleaning as a add on. No high rise buildings where i live but plenty of hotels and houses. What got my attention was the host dry cleaning machine and is this of much use for what i need ?

Regards
Martin

[Simon@arenaclean]

Alltec, Prochem, Woodbridge Commercial, Ashby, Hydramaster, World Of Clean (Scorpion) Cleansmart are all suppliers of quality equipment.

A basic machine for professional use should have twin vacs at least 100psi pump (135 better) and dependant on the chemicals heat via an element on board or one which fits in line. All the above suppliers can help except the  triple vac scorpion which does not have heat (but that's a whole new debate)! Machines go from £1300 up to £3000 for a new one, they pop up on ebay for around half that and include other bits of kit you will need. Some come with tools and hoses and you can negotiate extras. Most use the same pumps and vac motors unless you are looking at high volume pumps of 200 psi plus. Ive owned Alltec's for years and find they are reliable and efficent. Most others experiences of their choice seem to be the same. Of course you could go the truck mount route.

Next get some training. This often comes free with a machine purchase, which will cover the basics, or the NCCA offer quality courses which I certainly found essential. Manufacturers offer training but will focus on their range of chemicals. A misconception is it looks easy but there are so many variables for carpets and upholstery regards fibres, backings you will only get away without training for so long until something bites you back and you end up owning it.

Seek out a carpet cleaner in your area and ask to help out, you will learn a lot. We are an easy going breed happier to see a trained technician charging fairly than a muppet with a bucket trying to cut our legs off.

I also network with other cleaners who specialise and we trade customers on a regular basis when we are asked, I don't do windows or drives, but I know a man who does

Don't know about your budget but I started on my own in 1993 with 3 years on the job training after my guvnor retired with a Princes Youth Business Trust loan and grant (thanks Charlie!) for £6500 with a box trailer I think you'd struggle to do that now if you want to be serious.

Hope that helps
Simon

[Joe H]

Hi all.
I was going to start a topic along these lines, but seeing as this one is here i hope you don't mind me asking and adding to it.

I'm also a window cleaner but am looking at carpet cleaning as a add on. No high rise buildings where i live but plenty of hotels and houses. What got my attention was the host dry cleaning machine and is this of much use for what i need ?

Regards
Martin

There is a franchise that uses the Host granule system. Envirodri have a similar machine as does Prochem and Flexi5.
They do a job, but the granules are not cheap so one has to charge a premium for the clean, and I would not like to go where the carpets are really bad.
Apart from the vacuuming, the procedure is quiet so good for hotels.
and when the operator leaves the building the carpets are dry.

Hot water extraction is the universally agreed best way, but there are acceptable alternatives.

[clinton]

Joe

Did you see the set up for sale on the other section selling a mattress and carpet cleaning system

[richyp]

sorry for late reply ken,, i have citreon relay with a reach and wash tank 650 ltrs. i will be targeting both comercial and domestic and i am looking for a new machine.. cheers

[clinton]

What budget have you set up for a machine

[richyp]

2 to 3 grand m8. i have a local company called extracta which r supposed to be good and they offer a scubber tool to go with the carpet cleaner

[clinton]

They come up on ebay those set ups used

There quite heavy in weight but will do the job.

You will get the machine and at least 50ft to 100ft of hose, wand ,hand,stair tool and turbo dryer for that sum.

[richyp]

thanks for the advice lads

[daysdeepclean]

The Exel is VAT Free at the moment... The Scrubba's a really good tool, it amazes the customers! It is heavy gear but it's easy enough to get it in and out of the van! The good thing about the body being made of glass fibre is that you can polish it up with car polish so it's always gleaming. Also, if the tank ever splits it's fixable!

If you could "Test Drive" as many different machines as you can you'll get a better idea of what will suit you!

Good luck!

[clinton]

Collin

Thata a good deal then with no vat at the mo then from exlel

[Gordonnis]

Go and have a word with john at extracta , he has forgotten more than must people know about carpet cleaning , topman to talk too

[Darren O]

Extracta machines are getting left behind 100psi machines are ok but you should be looking for something more powerfull i think John Kelly is in your neck of the woods his company is called Restormate he will be able to sort you out.

[daysdeepclean]

Clinton,

It's only if you order on line I think!

Darren,

I agree they don't look like a space ship,  or tell you how much water you've got left or indeed make you a cup of coffee... I think they at Extracta have the notion that if it aint broken, don't fix it.

I haven't used any other type of machine so I couldn't possibly comment on other makes, but until I can afford a TM, I'll stick with what I've got, cos my customers are very happy with the results...!

[Darren O]

Colin i dont no why they dont put a bigger pump in there machines Prochem used to be the same but they do 500psi now but saying that i dont no why you need 500psi pumps in a porty you would run them dry in about 5minutes.

[clinton]

Thats a goos deal for the extracta and a s collin says the clients like it,its all about the sizzle when they see the add ons to the machine

Agree there with the 500psi pump,its ok if your working from a van set up with water on board but you will be running out of water quick