Favorite Articles

A cleaner recently contacted me regarding a cotton fabric that had browned. Our primary discussion was about a cure for the problem, however I also talked to him about how the problem occurred in the first place. - - - Following is what initially occurred, along with five ways you can stay out of trouble when asked to clean such heavily soiled cotton fabrics....keep reading

Absolutely Yes! . . .
You can save money and still get impressive results with these proven cleaning techniques that do not require the power (and costs) of your truck mount!. . . . For the rest of the story...keep reading

In previous CleanTip's I've outlined how to remove the discoloration that we call "browning" from upholstery fabrics. However, what most cleaners don't know is that the physical changes that cause browning, and what is done to correct it, can both weaken the fabric and shorten its useful life!...keep reading

Problems with some of the stains that cleaners dealt with in the past, such as red dye stains, are less common today. However, your customers are drinking more coffee and tea (hot and cold) than ever. These spills will continue to be frustrating when they return after cleaning, or time consuming if they do not come out in cleaning once they become stains....keep reading

This is a picture of a building that had recently been fogged - with disinfectant. The soiling seen here should have been cleaned off first, and according to subsequent tests, was still biologically active after the disinfection treatment had been completed. - Download the pdf "Disinfection 101" at end of this article....keep reading

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I'm often asked:
"If I get the right training and have the right products and tools, is there any reason that I still might turn down an upholstery cleaning job?"
My answer is always . . . . YES, THERE IS!!...keep reading

We now live in an era where pet ownership has changed in ways that could not have been predicted! The astronomical growth of pet ownership has made uncollected pet feces a serious problem in many communities where renters have dogs. How does this change in pet ownership and attitudes affect you?...keep reading

Cleaning designer, premium or custom furniture that have tufted buttons will take longer by far than cleaning a piece that doesn't. Adjust your predicted time frame, and of course your price, to allow you to take the time needed to clean these types of fabric constructions safely and well....keep reading

Your business exists to solve customer problems that they can't or don't want to handle!  If you can do that effectively and produce a satisfied consumer, you're guaranteed to see your business grow. However, if you miss the mark, you won't see the business growth you want. Almost everything will originally revolve around this basic business "Ideal Customer Profile"! ...keep reading

One common example is the use of "duct tape" to hold walk off mats in place, or to prevent trip hazards from power cords. This practice solves a short-term problem, but the nature of many of these adhesives is such that there remains a sticky residue that rapidly attracts soil, and is usually very difficult, even for you to remove!...keep reading

There Are 4 Key Reasons: (this is one)
No Confidence in Product! ----: Cleaners often are uncomfortable selling protector since many don't really believe the product works. This worry that it won't do what the manufacturer of the product claims it will do keeps cleaners from offering this service to their customers....keep reading

Find out all you can about the type of cosmetic that was used, and what your customer might have done to attempt to remove it. Many cosmetics are sold as "organic" or "all natural" today, and in this sense "organic" means that they use more natural items, such as egg oil....keep reading

This most important stain removal step has absolutely nothing to do with chemistry or application techniques!
If you'd like to learn how to use this stain removal technique, (including how to inspect, qualify, and limit your liability) join me at our "Hands On" Fabric Pro Workshop....keep reading

Since so many cleaning related damage claims are related to over wetting or harsh water based cleaning detergents, it's natural that both cleaners and consumers would think that the use of water-free dry cleaning solvents is the safest way to clean a fabric, especially if the fabric is unfamiliar. This myth (and it is just that....a myth)!...keep reading

Over the last few decades the development of excellent, "low moisture" upholstery cleaning tools has substantially reduced your risk exposure in delivering fine fabric upholstery cleaning services! These unique tools however, do NOT take the place of the proper cleaning agent or procedure choices, as this article explains . . ....keep reading

CAUTION: Beware of straying into the care of other flooring surfaces with which you are not familiar until you have been thoroughly trained on the subject. Be sure to do some of these jobs with experts in the field so that you can become aware of the above pitfalls and the high labor costs that can be involved with this service....keep reading

The new design for the Gekko SX7 head hardsurface cleaning tool expands on the versatility of the original by combining two tools into one. Instead of needing a tool for cleaning countertops and showers, and then another for cleaning hardsurface floors, this Gekko SX-7 head combines both a handheld and an upright tool into one for your Gekko wand. The SX-7 s teardrop shape and front jet allows it to clean closer to walls and corners than any other tool on the market. The Gekko SX7 is aggressive with even cleaning, especially in small tight areas such as; bathrooms, closets, showers and more!...keep reading

From over the top television commercials aimed at consumers to serious scientific research articles directed to the health care field, cleaning with microfiber cloths has become a powerful and beneficial trend everywhere.
. WHY" - Simply put: Microfiber cloths do everything better!...keep reading

Happy New Years to you and yours, from all of us at Pembertons!...keep reading