What are you doing to go over and beyond for your carpet cleaning customers? This is key if you want your carpet cleaning business to succeed. In order to extend your expertise to your clientele, you must first obtain knowledge. Hopefully, you paid attention to your coursework when you obtained your carpet cleaning license. Everything from the carpet cleaning equipment to the methods you use will play a big role in how effective your strategies will be. This is especially true when it comes to knocking out tough stains.

Luckily, there are online shops that offer restoration equipment for sale at great rates, making it easier to find the tools you need. But aside from the machinery, the following should be considered when creating a stain removal plan.

Make Sure You Understand pH Levels

The pH level of the carpet and solutions you use is vital for providing an effective carpet clean. Testing pH levels means determining the alkalinity or acidity of a solution. The range is from 0 to 14, with 0 being acidic and 14 being alkaline. The midway point is 7 – anything below 7 is considered acidic (6 is neutral).

Determine the pH Level for Carpet Cleaning

It's necessary to identify the pH level of the soils you're attempting to clean. This way, you can choose the right detergents. For instance, alkaline soils need acidic solutions and vice versa. Then according to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC, the best solution to use for a synthetic fiber carpet that's moderately soiled is one that has a pH level below 10.

But if you're using carpet cleaning equipment in a busy restaurant setting that is heavily soiled, then you want to get a solution that has a higher pH level of 12 (for synthetic carpets). Just make sure that the product you use doesn't go against the manufacturer's warranty or you'll run into problems with your customers.

For natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, you want to go with a neutral or slightly alkaline cleaning product. It's a good idea to use commercial dehumidifiers to prevent mold from developing.

Test the Soil

You won't know what type of solution to use if you don't know the pH level of the soil you're trying to clean. This should be determined once you know the type of fiber you're using your carpet cleaning equipment on. You'll find that most soils are acid-based, such as beverages, food and bodily fluids. These would require an alkaline or neutral cleaning solution. The same can be used for sand, animal hair, grass and paper.