The
carpet cleaning industry is unregulated ......
.....and until 1994 lacked any
formal training with the result that the majority of operators have
simply purchased equipment and called themselves carpet cleaners.
They have never been formally trained on how to provide a quality
clean. They are unskilled, unqualified and desperate for business.
The results are ridiculous discount prices and hasty "in and
out" cleans often resulting in long term damage to your carpets.
Your carpet is a major cost item in the household and needs to be
correctly maintained to ensure you get value for money. That simply
can't be done with cheap operators, the "splash and dash brigade"
who only see you as an easy target. Make no mistake carpet cleaning
is a science that requires skills and expertise that can only be
obtained with formal training.
All other
trades undergo formal training
Carpet Cleaners
should be no different
Did You
Know?...
that only 10% of all carpet cleaners
have bothered to seek formal ACCI certfication? It's no wonder consumers
are confused about what to expect from their carpet cleaner.
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How to avoid
these problems:
Not all carpet cleaners are
the same! You need a certified technician. One who has been formally
trained and qualified by examination. One who can identify the correct
cleaning requirements and procedures that best suit your carpet.
You need a technician who will clean to Australian Standard as a
minimum requirement. This standard is here to protect you by outlining
guidelines for correct cleaning and maintenance procedures. A true
professional can show you a copy of the standard for your perusal.
You should ask any prospective carpet cleaner the
following questions prior to allowing them into your home:
• Are you a formally qualified
ACCI technician?//YES///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////(
(You should ask to see a current photo ID
card with their certification number.)
• Do you clean to AS/NZ3733 -1995? /////YES
• Can you provide me with a pre-inspection and obligation
free written quote? /////YES
• Do you offer a genuine guarantee? /////////YES
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How often should
I clean my carpets?
To protect your investment and
your health, carpets need to be professionally cleaned each year
right from the beginning. You wouldn't run your car for five years
without regular servicing and expect it to perform like new. Your
carpets are the same, you must service them regularly from day one
for optimum performance. When cleaned and maintained correctly carpet
life is significantly extended. So don't be afraid to have your
carpets professionally cleaned regularly for example: at least every
12 months for a family of two. For larger families cleaning every
six months is a better option. Remember, even when carpets don't
appear to be particularly dirty, it's the unseen soils, bacteria
and allergens that cause the real damage both to your carpets and
to your personal health.
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Do carpet/upholstery
protectors work?
Yes, but only when applied according
to manufacturers instruction by a trained applicator. These products
are an effective way to prolong soil and stain resistance and enhance
carpet performance. For further information discuss your needs with
your ACCI technician.
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How much
should I pay?
Firstly a word of warning! Most untrained
carpet cleaners charge by the room and we strongly recommend that
you avoid this type of pricing. It is unfair, inaccurate and open
to abuse. To avoid any problems we recommend that you only pay by
the square metre. This way you only pay for exactly what you want
cleaned. For example, a room may have fixtures such as a water bed,
that leaves only half the actual floor space to be cleaned, on a
room quote you would be only getting half the room cleaned yet paying
for the full room. There are generally two types of services that
you can expect to pay for, however only one is recommended.
A good indication of quality is
presentation. Look for a well presented uniform & sign-written
van
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Basic
or partial clean
The industry "standard"
cleaning process involves only two cleanings stages. Firstly the
detergent is sprayed onto the floor and then quickly rinsed with
hot water. Although this is very quick and easy for the operator
this type of "quick" clean is the reason why most people
are disappointed with the results. This service usually costs around
$1-$2/sm and will generally take 45 minutes to 1 hour for a 3 bedroom
home. Unless this service is proceeded with a thorough dry vacuuming
with an upright dual motor vacuum cleaner it does not meet Australian
Standards 3733-1995.
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ACCI multi
clean or full clean
This is the ultimate in cleaning services
and involves multiple stages of cleaning (usually between five and
seven) depending on the carpet type, age and condition. Because
it involves three times the number of cleaning stages it also takes
three times longer, usually two and a half to three hours for the
same three bedroom home. Therefore the cost will reflect that and
should be at least $4-$7 per sqm plus GST.
Extra Services
Such as Specialty Spot and Stain Removal
and Soil/Stain protection are available from a certified technician
at additional cost. Your needs and expectations will be discussed
and quoted prior to commencement of any work.
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Why choose
an ACCI Certified Technician?
An Australian Carpet Cleaning
Institute (ACCI) certified technician has undergone an extensive
training program to provide you with the
best possible service. ACCI technicians are not members of a group
where the only requirement is to turn up to meetings and pay membership
fees. Certified technicians with the ACCI must attend courses and
pass examination prior to being issued with their membership. They
are kept up to date with changes in the industry by ongoing educational
programs and examinations.
ACCI technicians are used by major carpet manufacturers for warranty
work and problem solving. You can be assured that they are trained
to provide top quality workmanship.
Look for these logos when choosing a carpet
cleaner
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