What’s the right approach?

Totally new to this business. Cleaned my carpets & my in-laws for free, then had 1 paying job the other day.

At the last job, the carpets were pretty bad in terms of spots and stains. The LR and DR and one 2 small BR were in decent condition, but the main hallway and FR and large bed room all had multiple spots and stains (5-10 affected areas per room). Was told some were paint, some were unknown, some might have been dog pee, etc. Few black spots by the fireplace also which did not seem to even lighten (perhaps soot, perhaps burned fibers?)

I pre sprayed all the nasty areas and cleaned them 2-3 times each, but most of these small/dark spots did not come out.  The urine areas seemed to come out 90%, but I wasn't sure what to do with the rest.

I told the homeowner, who is a friend, that I would come back and take a stab at some of them another day for no charge because I need practice. But I expect you could spend 10-15 minutes on each spot trying to identify it, trying different solvents, etc. Which outside of a practice situatio, could add 3-4 hours to a job like this.

My thought would be to let a homeowner know up front that spots and stains would receive pre-spray and perhaps 1 application of a general spot remover, but that if they still remained they there would be a charge per spot to address the problems. Is this wrong or inconsistent with what others are doing?

Obviously if carpets were in overall good condition and there was a single area to attack for a stubborn spot I would just throw in the extra 12-20 minutes, but it seems when there are many there is a point where it would be impractical. Should I just plan to eat this time or charge for it?

Sorry for the long post. As I said, I'm a newbie to cleaning and I dont know what is expected in this type of situation.

(BTW - homeowner was happy with the job, not even concerned re the spots, said they want to have me clean again in the Spring, but who can say re the next person?)

Agitation and dwell time will help. When you prespray, hit the spots heavier, then agitate it in real good. Let the spots dwell longer and then flush good. Let the chems and agitation do the work.

 

Mac

take the iicrc course then you'll know how to make a new carpet. you still wont know squat about those little stains LOL

Revee,

Go to Proschoice.com, they have a great spoting guide. But refers to usage of their products.

I found the procedures are common for specific spot removal among other brands.

Always carry a spray bottle of stain magic and/or avenge.

 

 

Those kind respond well to sissors and hot glue.

Cleanex has it right for the spots and stains part of it....

The other part of it....GET PAID FOR YOUR TIME...

I made this mistake when I started out as well....If you set the right expectations with the customers...you will not have to worry about selling price or coming back out to spot and redo their carpeting. 

I am NOT talking about doing a "half-a$$" job! You should know what you are talking about when you speak with a customer.  If you have confidence in your abilities....this will also help you convey your confidence in whether a stain will come up or not.

As stated before as well...take the IICRC class.  Even knowing how a carpet fiber is made and what affects its contruction will tell you alot about each stain and what you can expect. 

To Your Success,

Kris

Don't get me started