If you're just starting out as a professional carpet cleaner, the administrative side can be intimidating. Especially if you're a new business, you may be trying to keep costs down. But carpet cleaning insurance isn't something to skimp on. Read on as we discuss the importance of insurance for a carpet cleaning business and six types of insurance you might need.
In short – just in case. Accidents happen, even to the best of us, and insurance is there as a safety net to protect you and your business. If you're slightly distracted one day and use the wrong chemical on an expensive carpet, insurance will help you cover the costs.
There are some types of insurance that you're legally obligated to have, so make sure you definitely have those. These include public liability and employers’ liability, which we’ll expand on below.
While some providers may offer deals including multiple types of insurance, it's worth thinking about which types are included. Here are six types of insurance for your carpet cleaning business…
Public liability insurance is there to help if there is damage to people or property and someone sues you. If someone gets injured – maybe by tripping over a wire – it will help you pay compensation payments and legal costs. Some policies will also help if you lose client keys or fail to secure their premises, so it's worth shopping around to see what different providers offer.
If someone's carpet gets discoloured or damaged, treatment risk insurance helps you replace anything that you damage. It applies specifically to items you work on, which public liability insurance often doesn't.
While public liability insurance comes in if damage is caused, professional indemnity insurance will back you up if a client decides your work is unsatisfactory. If someone claims that you left their carpet dirty and sues you, professional indemnity insurance will help.
When you're working with expensive equipment, it's worth insuring it. It will help if any of your equipment is lost, stolen or damaged. Make sure you read the fine print of what is covered, as some places won't cover theft from inside a vehicle.
This is a type of insurance that you're legally obligated to have if your business has any employees, trainees or volunteers. Even if you only have one employee who helps out every now and then, the law says that you need employers' liability insurance. It will help you to cover the costs if an employee sues you due to work-related illness or injury. Some policies also help with things like loss due to employee dishonesty.
If you're using a van to transport equipment, it has to be covered by insurance. Carpet cleaning business use usually isn't covered by standard car insurance, so make sure you have the right policy in place to protect you wherever you are.
Carpet cleaning insurance requirements is one of many things you’ll have to navigate as you grow your business. The NCCA works to ensure that all of our members are fully insured. By joining, you gain exclusive access to technical support and advice forums, along with our arbitration service. You will also get access to exclusive discounts courtesy of our trusted corporate members who provide insurance services.
To find out more and view our requirements, visit our membership page.
This post will introduce you to the benefits of a good autumn clean and outline 8 foolproof autumn cleaning tips – or should that be fall-proof – to ensure your home remains cozy, organised and beautiful.
Start by decluttering your home. Get rid of items you no longer need or use. Take to the charity shop, recycle or throw them out. This will create more space for the real cleaning as well as making your home feel instantly cleaner.
As autumn rolls around, dirt and leaves are likely to be tracked in from outside. So, it's time to show your carpets and rugs some love and get rid of all that gunk, dust and allergens. If things are looking really grim in some spots, it might be worth calling in a professional carpet cleaner for a deep clean.
Autumn is a great opportunity to clean and rotate your bedding. Fresh, clean linens and fluffed pillows make a welcoming sleeping environment.
As leaves fall, they can clog your gutters, potentially causing water damage. To prevent water buildup, safely remove leaves and debris and ensure that everything is clear and functional.
Make sure your autumn decorations, such as pumpkins, wreaths or seasonal candles, are clean and free of cobwebs before using them. Your house will continue to look festive and fresh.
Sort through your summer items like patio furniture, gardening tools and sports equipment. Clean, repair and store them properly for the winter to prevent damage and ensure they're ready for use next year.
Checking and cleaning your windows and doors is a straightforward yet effective way to enhance your living environment. When you clean them, don't forget to wipe down the glass, frames and sills. This not only keeps your house looking tidy, but it also makes sure that everything is maintained properly.
Autumn cleaning means making your home ready before the colder weather arrives. By doing important jobs like decluttering and cleaning out the gutters, you’ll have a warm and friendly space to enjoy even as it turns chilly outside.
If you’re looking for a carpet cleaning expert to help you start your autumn cleaning, look no further than the National Carpet Cleaner’s Association (NCCA). Our directory of professional carpet cleaners and upholsterers will make sure you find the right local expert for your requirements.
Contact us today on 01562 547754 to discuss your requirements or search our directory online.
There is a way to save your carpet. Read on for how to get rid of that musty smell and restore the freshness.
First things first, let's talk about what that musty smell could actually be. Carpets can absorb a variety of smell – from pet messes and spills to moisture and mould (the main culprit behind most musty smells).
When your carpet becomes wet and isn't dried properly, it creates a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. So, if you've recently dealt with a flood, leak or even just a spill that didn’t get cleaned up in time, you’ve more than likely found the source of the musty smell.
For the DIYers out there, you can easily create a cleaning solution out of household items. Try a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water. Fill a spray bottle halfway with the solution and sprinkle the musty area lightly. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean towel.
Vinegar is a natural deodoriser and can destroy mould spores, but don't use too much – you don't want to swap one odour for another.
Another easy fix is using baking soda. Just put a good amount on the smelly part of your carpet and leave it overnight. It'll soak up the bad smell and any dampness. Vacuum it up the next day, and the smell should be much better.
If the smell continues to linger, it might be time to think about wet extraction cleaning your carpet. Wet extraction cleaning is excellent at penetrating deep into the fibres to eliminate bacteria, mould and other factors behind those unpleasant smells.
You've got two options – either bring in a professional carpet cleaner or rent a cleaner and tackle the job yourself. However, wet extraction cleaning without the right know-how might not remove the smell completely.
You might have to consider using a carpet cleaner specifically designed for pet odours or musty smells. Maybe your shampooed carpet now smells musty. Simply follow the guidelines on the bottle, but first test a small, inconspicuous area. This will help you avoid any unpleasant shocks, such as discolouration.
If you want to know how to get musty smells out of carpet, professionals are usually the answer. If you've tried all of the above treatments and the musty odour persists, it’s probably time to call in a professional for a more thorough cleaning.
The National Carpet Cleaner's Association (NCCA) helps you find experienced and trustworthy carpet cleaners who can often undo the problems caused by DIY cleaning or just a lack of cleaning altogether. Find a carpet cleaner near you today to get your home smelling better and looking at its best.
Read on for the best methods of removing the dreaded paint from your favourite carpet.
The sooner you deal with the paint spill, the more likely you will be able to remove it. Dried paint is harder to work with than fresh paint.
Gently use a butter knife or spoon to scrape off any excess paint. Be careful to avoid damaging the carpet fibres.
Put a clean white cloth or paper towel on the spilled paint area and carefully dab (avoid rubbing) to soak up as much paint as you can. Keep dabbing until no more paint comes off onto the cloth.
To remove paint from carpet, your best bet is a few drops of liquid dish soap mixed with warm water. A mixture of water and rubbing alcohol is recommended if the paint is oil-based.
For stains that are stubborn and not shifting, add a teaspoon of ammonia (or white vinegar) to your cleaning solution. Remember to be careful when using ammonia as it has a strong odour and can be overpowering.
It’s important to not soak the carpet with your cleaning solution, just moisten it enough to work on the paint. You can do this by dampening a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the paint stain.
When the stain is a solid lump of paint, use a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush to gently agitate it working from the outside of the stain toward the centre. This can help break up the paint particles.
If you need to get paint out of carpet and the stain is large or persistent, it may be best to consult a professional carpet cleaner.
The National Carpet Cleaner’s Association (NCCA) gives you access to a wide range of expert cleaners with excellent industry reputations and years of experience.
Contact us today on 01562 547754 or use our online directory to find a professional in your area.
Read on for five key benefits of joining the NCCA for carpet cleaning professionals.
Being a member of the NCCA establishes you as a reliable and competent carpet cleaner, demonstrating your dedication to high-quality work and outstanding client service. This recognised affiliation not only improves your business prospects but also develops better client relationships. By following industry best practices, you can generate a loyal client base, excellent reviews and a successful and well-respected business.
NCCA members can regularly take part in exclusive training programmes to gain new skills. These could be interactive workshops, online classes or meetings where you can learn the latest carpet cleaning techniques. This constant learning can help you improve your job performance and provide additional services to your customers.
Joining the NCCA gives you the golden opportunity to mingle with other people who are also in the carpet cleaning business. You can chat with others who know the ins and outs of the industry, sharing experiences and maybe even learning a thing or two from them.
You won't just be gaining friends, you might find someone to collaborate with or get recommendations for your business. It's like joining a friendly community where everyone is eager to help each other grow and succeed.
As a member of the NCCA, you will receive a lot of guidance and resources to help you manage your carpet cleaning business effectively. You'll have access to marketing materials to help advertise your company, as well as templates to make your contracts and invoices look professional.
You can also get tips on how to price your services competitively. These tools and advice can help you manage your business more effectively and earn more money as your business grows.
The NCCA works continuously to monitor the carpet cleaning industry landscape, always keeping a close eye on any developments that may affect your business. As a member, you will not only receive frequent information, but you will also be given advice and techniques to help you adjust to these changes smoothly.
This proactive approach results in a community of well-informed and resilient businesses. Additionally, it helps contribute to the industry's overall reputation by maintaining a level of excellence. And clients can be assured that they are receiving the best service available.
Joining the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) gives members several benefits – from training and recognition to supporting growth. These advantages can help you expand your businesses, increase your skills and stay informed in a rapidly evolving industry.
If you’re ready to elevate your business by becoming an NCCA member, contact our friendly team today.
When you want a complete refresh or removal of a stubborn stain, hiring a professional carpet cleaner is a hassle-free way to get the best results.
In this post, we’ll outline how you can separate the wheat from the chaff to find the best carpet cleaners near you.
How long have they been in business? If a cleaner has just set themselves up or been in business for less than a year, you might want to keep searching. Professional carpet cleaning is a specialist area that requires fully trained and experienced people. Otherwise, you could end up paying for a less-than-perfect job or a damaged carpet due to inexperienced cleaners.
What are customers saying? When you find a suitable cleaner, don’t hire them without finding out what their work is like. Research them online and read reviews from previous happy (or unhappy) customers. Although word-of-mouth recommendations aren’t as common as they used to be, ask around. A family member or friend could know just the right person for your job. Not to mention giving you the opportunity to inspect their work before you decide.
Typically, you are likely to pay between £25-£120 per hour or upwards of £150 a day day for carpet cleaning services. Don’t just choose the cheapest price – here are some factors to bear in mind:
The average carpet cleaner in Southeast England will charge 15%-25% more than in other areas. Be aware of and do your research depending on your region. If you aren’t sure if you’re getting a good rate, shop around and get some quotes to confirm the average price in your area.
It’s pretty common for professional carpet cleaners to quote depending on the number of rooms that you want cleaning. It will also frequently work out cheaper for multiple carpets to be cleaned on the same visit, instead of paying for two cleaning appointments.
Certain substances can be much harder to remove than others, such as red wine, grease or paint. If you have a difficult stain, professional cleaners will carry out ‘spot cleaning.’ This can bring the overall price up, so make sure that you tell your chosen cleaning company so it can be included in your original quote.
A good cleaning company will use appropriate solutions for different types of carpet and hard flooring. You will be charged for the type of solution that will work best for your carpet. So, if you have a stained synthetic carpet, cleaning will naturally cost less than if you need special treatment for a 100% wool carpet.
When you need a carpet cleaner near you for your home, you can’t go wrong with a member from the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA). You’ll not only get a knowledgeable and experienced professional but one working to a Code of Practice to ensure the highest standards.
So, there’s no need to Google ‘carpet cleaners near me.’ Simply put your postcode into NCCA’s online directory and get instant access to local carpet cleaning experts in your area. Any questions? Simply call us on 01562 547754.