Page 39 - NCCA

Accidents around the home will happen and most can be resolved, however some will require the help of a professional. Read our top tips for dealing with accidents.

Don't use too much water

Never rub or scrub

Don't use inappropriate detergents such as washing-up liquid

Don't mix chemicals

When using cleaning solutions, don't apply directly to the carpet or fabric

Don't panic

Scrape or blot any excess soil prior to treatment

Keep the fabric as dry as possible

Always test any solution/detergent on an inconspicuous area

Follow the recommended ratios & instructions exactly

To avoid spreading, always work from the outside of the stain inward

Persevere, some cleaning procedures need to be repeated several times to achieve the desired result

One of the biggest issues when dealing with accidents is that of reappearing spots or stains. These spots reappear in the carpet fibres due to the residue wicking up from the backing; it could be residues of spot cleaning agents and soil attracting residues. It is common that after D-I-Y attempts to clean up after accidents, that spots keep coming back after being cleaned.

If accidents happen and you're ever in doubt, always contact Trusted Local Cleaners

The featured #TLCofthemonth for September goes to Executive Cleaning Services (South West) Ltd

"Executive Cleaning Services (SW) Ltd; a family business that understand the importance of being able to provide a personalised, warm, professional and sincere service to their customers. From the start, with their wide breadth of knowledge and experience, they were able to give sound advise and support on the best service for our job. The quote for their work was competitive and the narrative that they offered along side the quote helped us make the best choice of service. On arrival, on time and looking professional, they understood that our normal business had to carry on around them and there was no disturbance caused. The work; exceptional. I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone - and have!"

Well done to The Hill family!

Every month we put one of our Trusted Local Cleaners in the spotlight and feature them as our #TLCofthemonth. Whether it’s for receiving an exceptionally good review from a customer or helping out in their local community, we’re truly proud to showcase our Trusted Local Cleaners.
Do you know a TLC who deserves some recognition? Contact us to nominate someone to be featured next month!

A basic guide for spot & stain removal from The National Carpet Cleaners Association.
Please feel free to download the Spot & Stain Removal Guide.

ALCOHOL / TEA / COFFEE / URINE

Blot up surplus spillage using absorbent cloth or white kitchen towel. Apply lots of pressure to absorb as much liquid as possible.
Working from the outer edge of the stain inwards, use a detergent vinegar solution, a little at a time.
Frequently blot with dry cloths.
SEE FINAL RINSE PROCEDURE.

CHOCOLATE / SWEETS / ICE CREAM / VOMIT

Scrape up any excess using a blunt knife.
Working from the outer edge of the stain inwards, use a detergent solution. Blot dry.
Follow up with ammonia solution. Blot dry.
SEE FINAL RINSE PROCEDURE.

FATS / CHEWING GUM / SHOE POLISH

Scrape up any excess using a blunt knife.
Working from the outer edge of the stain inwards, use a dry cleaning solution followed by a detergent vinegar solution. Blot dry.
SEE FINAL RINSE PROCEDURE.

ITEMS & SOLUTIONS NEEDED

A Clean White Absorbent Cloth or Towel
Dry Cleaning Solution
Surgical spirit (usually available from local chemists).
Detergent Solution
One teaspoon of gentle detergent for washing woollens, to half a pint (0.3 litres) of warm water
Detergent Vinegar Solution
Add a teaspoon of white (NOT malt) vinegar to the detergent solution.
Ammonia Solution
One teaspoon of branded household ammonia to one cup of warm water.

FINAL RINSE PROCEDURE

Mix one part white vinegar and four parts water.
Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the stain
Blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture
Spread white kitchen towel (6-8 sheets deep) or absorbent cloth over the affected area and place something weighted on top

The featured #TLCofthemonth for August goes to Darren Coxall of Top2Bottom Cleaning.

"I am a regular customer of Darren and once again I am very pleased with the quality of his work on my carpets. My carpets look fantastic now! Darren is also a very friendly person and passionate to go for the extra mile. He is a true professional and I would definitely use his services again. I would also recommend him to be the Trusted Local Cleaner of the Month!"

Nice work, Darren!

Do you know a TLC who deserves some recognition? Contact us to nominate someone to be featured next month!

Candles look nice but they can create many problems within your home. If candle wax has dripped onto your carpet, firstly don’t panic. It is actually possible to remove this once it has dried and hardened. To do this you will need a blunt instrument, such as a spatula, a heated domestic iron and some brown paper. Then follow the process below:

1. Using the blunt instrument, break down the wax and then vacuum away the hardened pieces.

2. Place the brown paper on top of the wax and move the iron around on top of the paper. This will remove the wax from the carpet. The trick is to keep the iron and paper on the move at all times, ensuring it is just hot enough to only melt the wax and not the carpet fibres. Do not use the ‘flat’ of the iron either, just lift it up from the back and use the front 30mm.

3. Once the hardened wax has been removed, gently blot the area with a piece of white kitchen towel dipped in either surgical or white spirit. This will remove any remaining grease residue and ensure that re-soiling does not occur.

Coloured wax can present more of a problem. This is because, when it melts, a dye or pigment is released, which can stain the carpet fibres on which it has landed. A suggestion in this situation is firstly to break up the wax with a blunt instrument and vacuum away. Removing the remaining pigment is a much more complex process, however, and it is advisable that you seek the advice of a professional carpet cleaner if staining has occurred.

If you are using candles in your home it is advisable to keep the wicks as short as possible; although a long wick will obviously create a brighter candle, it will also produce more soot.

The featured #TLCofthemonth for July goes to CSB Carpet Cleaning Ltd.

"Absolutely brilliant service from Kevin and Mair. I'm selling my house and was worried about the look of the carpets. My carpets now look fantastic, I no longer have the embarrassment when viewers come and will improve my chances of a sale. They were fast and efficient. SUPERB job done! 5 Star Easy!"

Congratulations, Kevin & Mair!

Every month we put one of our Trusted Local Cleaners in the spotlight and feature them as our #TLCofthemonth. Whether it’s for receiving an exceptionally good review from a customer or helping out in their local community, we’re truly proud to showcase our Trusted Local Cleaners. Do you know a TLC who deserves some recognition? Contact us to nominate someone to be featured next month!