[terrymaloy]

Cleaned the Upholstery at a pub today and the guy was over the moon with the results.
He's now thinking of having the carpet cleaned in the Summer.

Thing is I have my doubts. I'm not too sure of what type of carpet it is but it resembles a fairly thick pile, red patterned one you often see in pubs and Indian restaurants.
It also hasnt been attached to gripper rods and I could quite easily lift it up away from  the skirting with my hands.

I told him there could be a possibility this may shrink but he didnt seem too fussed...he said dont bother cleaning round the edges  :

Could be a nice little earner...but should I risk it ?

[Joe H]

As you could lift the edges you should have turned it back and took a photo. Shame.

[richy27]

if it shrinks i am sure he will be more than happy for you buy him a new carpet suggest he has it fitted again then clean it. acording to what sort of carpet it is

[Paul Redden Countryfresh]

Is pattern on the backing? Could be a b/w. will shrink if not anchored. :

[peter maybury]

Any jute or woven backed carpet is going to shrink if it is not fitted. From your lack of knowledge on how to describe the carpet you could be a gift horse for an insurance claim. Get some training you are on very thin ice without any knowledge, and it will only be a matter of time before something goes wrong.
Peter Maybury
www.carpetcleanercardiff.com

[Jim_77]

DO NOT clean that carpet under any circumstances, unless it is properly fitted.

If it's a Belgian Wilton it will shrink before your very eyes, if it's an Axminster (most likely) then you're still on dodgy ground.

One important point to note, and I can't believe so many people think like this.... just because shrinkage ends up in a gap between the edge of the carpet and the skirting DOESN'T mean that shrinkage only happens at the edge of the carpet!!  It is an OVERALL loss of dimension, if you wet the middle and leave the edge dry it will still shrink!!

[derek west]

do a burn test, should be wool, if it is, tack it down with blocks of wood with nails or screws through them, every 2 foot. (providing theres a wooden floor underneath), and keep moisture down, plenty of dry passes and get it dry with dryers, leave blocks for 48 hours, charge accordingly.

or like someone all ready said (i think) tell him to get it fitted properly before cleaning. or get a fitter in yourself and add to the price.

thats my 2 penneth

[colin thomas]

i've cleaned countless carpets that have had an argument with the skirting board with no problems, mind you there is always a first time, if it bothers you, don't do it,

he who dares wins!!!!!

colin

[terrymaloy]

Any jute or woven backed carpet is going to shrink if it is not fitted. From your lack of knowledge on how to describe the carpet you could be a gift horse for an insurance claim. Get some training you are on very thin ice without any knowledge, and it will only be a matter of time before something goes wrong.
Peter Maybury
www.carpetcleanercardiff.com

Thanks for the advice and tips guys...and cheers Peter, you're right...more training is rqd.
My carpet cleaning induction course over 10 yrs ago was quite frankly a "joke".
I have picked up some invaluable tips and techniques just off this forum.

Like someone said on here a week or two ago we are learning all the time in this profession..
does anybody know of any training courses coming up soon which specifically targets carpet types and ones to be careful of ?
Cheers, Terry

[Joe H]

National Carpet Cleaners Association run 2 day courses thro the year - covers fibre id.
www.ncca.co.uk

they also do technical days.
where are you based.
One coming up in Warrington, Cheshire on Wed June 9th - open to members and non members.
Dont know who will be giving the talks (not been confirmed), but who I have heard is coming will be of much interest.

[expro]

Prochem are Doing 1day carpet course on 20th April.

2 Day carpet course on 11/12th May

The courses contain all you need to know.

Check out their website.

www.prochem.co.uk

Expro

[L.Doubtfire - The Blade Runner]

Werč on that ole`shrinkage thing again !
Jim.members,as I understand it,an old `mentor`
Of mine told me years ago,that shrinkage is in
Actual fact caused by the carpet swelling and
Spreading thru`the moisture being dropped on
It be it HWE or rotary shampoo or both of course.
If it`s an Axmintster or Wilton the weft strands
Swell.It`s why they very rarely shrink evenly
All four sides of the room.
Tufteds are a completely different `animal`.They
Will usually spread and get bigger.


Lewis  Doubtfire

[VOGUE CARPET CARE]

Go ahead and clean the pub carpet!,but make sure you have pointed out all of the problems that may arise regarding shrinkage,have the manager or tenant sign a disclaimer, then your covered even if it does contract,also tell him that if that does occur he could make the bar carpet into several rugs and put them in his flat!

[Terry_Burrows]

  only you could say that vince  LOL

[richy27]

if its not fitted correctly the likely hood is it will move if woven. disclaimer or no disclaimer dont believe they are actually worth the paper they are written on persoanally why put yourself in position where you coud create probs for yourself. suggest they refit and then you clean or walk away you prob gin more respect frm the custy that way than jusy blindly going on wih the job.

[VOGUE CARPET CARE]

A disclaimer is a legal document,make enquiries.................been cleaning soft furnishings for over forty years!

[VOGUE CARPET CARE]

Hello Terry,
Has the new machine broken down yet??Please let me know how it performs,only i am going to have a demo in a couple of weeks.I know of a pub manager who will have for sale a couple of large rugs,are you interested!!??
                                Regards
                                  Vince