Terminology: What Does The Word Mean?

Prespray or Pretreatment: This is the cleaning solution that is sprayed on the carpet.

Scrub or Groom: By using a machine or brush the prespray is scrubbed into the carpet fibres to loosen the soil. This is like when washing your hands, rubbing them together after after applying soap.

Grooming: This is done after the carpet has been cleaned. Similar to above, the carpet is brushed to remove the wand marks and leaving a nice even pile.

Truck mount: This is a cleaning machine that is installed inside the truck. Hoses are run from the truck into the house. All the vacuum and hot water come from the truck mounted machine.

Portable: This is a machine which can be brought inside the house. It provides the vacuum and hot water but not as much as a truck mounted machine.

Certification: The best cleaning companies and technicians are those that have been certified Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification This institute is an independent certification body, established in 1972, to set cleaning industry standards. They communicate not only with the cleaners but also with the carpet manufacturers to stay on top of all the latest developments. IICRC certification cannot be bought. It must be earned through study, experience and successful completion of formal, written examinations.

IICRC certified cleaners have, in effect, earned a degree in carpet cleaning.

The IICRC provides written credentials to cleaners it certifies. So before you choose a carpet cleaner, ask to see written proof of the company’s IICRC certification and also the certification of the technician who is going to do the job! If they don’t have them-don’t use them!

Spot: Some foreign matter that has stuck onto the carpet fibres. Some residues create spots that are grey to black in colour.

Stain: A discolouration of the carpet fibres, ie it has affected the dye. These cannot be cleaned off; it is a dye issue not a cleaning issue. It may be able to redye/recolour the fibres or apply a product that will change the colour.

Note: A Spot may cause a Stain. After the spot is cleaned off I may find that the carpet has been discoloured.