All you Grumpy Farts

[Trip Moses]

That think VLM is a scam can KMA.
I cleaned a 15 yrs old CGD shipping company office last night. It was HWE’d twice two years ago by who knows who or with what. They said it looked horrible and smelled horrible.
I went back this morning to check on it and to get paid and was greeted with a barrage of compliments on a job well done.
1500 sqft. $650. 2 hours.
Vacuum
Releasit DS2 @encapman
Vibe w/ Superzorb

 

[Sierra Clean Care]

Getting .43 cents a sqft? For VLM? I wish.

 

[Cleanworks]

That's what vlm is for. It's only when it's used on residential when I have a problem with it. I have a customer calling me because she had her carpets cleaned by a company called Rotostatic. Carpets didn't come very clean and resoiled almost immediately. I am sure that there are ways it could be done on residential without issue but most tech's don't have the time or just can't be bothered.

 

[Trip Moses]

That's what vlm is for. It's only when it's used on residential when I have a problem with it. I have a customer calling me because she had her carpets cleaned by a company called Rotostatic. Carpets didn't come very clean and resoiled almost immediately. I am sure that there are ways it could be done on residential without issue but most tech's don't have the time or just can't be bothered.

I have a couple of resi regulars that I pad cap.
Vacuum
Vibe
Groom with CRB
Note: I do use the truckmount at least once a year.
I’ll pad cap apartments if it’s a PITA to run hoses. Gets good results.

 

[Trip Moses]

Getting .43 cents a sqft? For VLM? I wish.

When they do it at least quarterly I’ll go down to .15- .20

 

[SteamwayPro]

I just took on a apartment complex. I haven't done work for a apartment complex in 15 years. They replace anything bad. Only 4-5 a month. Nice apartments. I'm doing all vlm cleaning. Using Orbot SprayBorg.... VLM is Like stealing money !!!

 

[Cleanworks]

I just took on a apartment complex. I haven't done work for a apartment complex in 15 years. They replace anything bad. Only 4-5 a month. Nice apartments. I'm doing all vlm cleaning. Using Orbot SprayBorg.... Like stealing money

How do you do closets, corners and tight areas?

 

[SteamwayPro]

I have a lot of equipment for steps that can be used for small areas. Like a Oreck Orbiter. In corners, if needed a no rinse spotter and microfiber bonnet can be used.

 

[Rick J]

I just took on a apartment complex. I haven't done work for a apartment complex in 15 years. They replace anything bad. Only 4-5 a month. Nice apartments. I'm doing all vlm cleaning. Using Orbot SprayBorg.... VLM is Like stealing money !!!

What type of carpet is in them.?
I have often tried VLM in apts. Using my op and Glads, and/or a mix of John (Bonnet Pro's) sometimes mictos. good results ,
BUT , always find myself thinking I could have been in and out quicker using HWE.
What I usually use in res. type of carpet.

 

[Desk Jockey]

What type of carpet is in them.?
I have often tried VLM in apts. Using my op and Glads, and/or a mix of John (Bonnet Pro's) sometimes mictos. good results ,
BUT , always find myself thinking I could have been in and out quicker using HWE.
What I usually use in res. type of carpet.

Much too slow when the carpet is more than moderate soiling. It can do if you work hard at it.

But as you stated HWE is a much better choice.

 

[SteamwayPro]

What type of carpet is in them.?
I have often tried VLM in apts. Using my op and Glads, and/or a mix of John (Bonnet Pro's) sometimes mictos. good results ,
BUT , always find myself thinking I could have been in and out quicker using HWE.
What I usually use in res. type of carpet.

Polyester Carpet

I find myself thinking I could have done it faster with HWE too, but I feel like I can make a better profit using VLM ,and then I feel better about it. Anytime I can make money carpet cleaning and not use my TM, I'm happy.

If your in a hurry it's better to just pull out hoses and get it done a little faster.

 

[SteamwayPro]

Much too slow when the carpet is more than moderate soiling. It can do if you work hard at it.

But as you stated HWE is a much better choice.

Yes, if carpet is more than moderate soiling I will prespray with a good encap, then hit it with a CRB,, and then extract with op and cotton bonnets. Get excellent results. If I use HWE I will prespray CRB and extract with TM. The only differnce is extraction. TM or op with cotton bonnets.

 

[hogjowl]

Are you going to continue living and posting in the 90’s, our will you eventually catch up with us?

 

[sassyotto]

Yes, if carpet is more than moderate soiling I will prespray with a good encap, then hit it with a CRB,, and then extract with op and cotton bonnets. Get excellent results. If I use HWE I will prespray CRB and extract with TM. The only differnce is extraction. TM or op with cotton bonnets.

yes, thats good.

But to say that encapsulation works better than HWE when it was probably done by hacks isnt a fair statement.

 

[SteamwayPro]

No, I'm not saying VLM it works better than HWE.... NO I'm a TM guy doing more and more VLM work but it's not better than HWE

 

[DAT]

That's what vlm is for. It's only when it's used on residential when I have a problem with it. I have a customer calling me because she had her carpets cleaned by a company called Rotostatic. Carpets didn't come very clean and resoiled almost immediately. I am sure that there are ways it could be done on residential without issue but most tech's don't have the time or just can't be bothered.

I had a customer say that about me. So I proceeded to the resoiled area and vacuumed it. VOILA! it solved the problem.. it had nothing to do with my low moisture cleaning CRB/compound. Clients just don't vacuum... I learned that all carpets resoiled immediately if the client is not clean people or the kind that just wait till their next house cleaning services come in after who knows how long to vacuum...

I recently tested on a very white and soiled carpet with encap o2 and compound. Turned out great. CLient complimented that it never looks this clean when the HWE guy came to clean this. Just went back yesterday after 2 months, the carpet looks GREAT! Oh after I told her that vacuuming 2x a week will keep it cleaner, and according to her, she has been. So... I bet you I have a very rich recurring client that gonna have me clean all her stuff in the house from now on.

 

[Cleanworks]

I think a lot depends on the technician. If you're diligent about swapping out the pads and making sure you're getting everything out that's possible, I'm sure you can do a decent job. Unfortunately, the techs working for the large franchises either don't have the time or don't care.

 

[DAT]

I agree

 

[hogjowl]

I don’t

 

[Trip Moses]

We know

 

[Trip Moses]

I think a lot depends on the technician. If you're diligent about swapping out the pads and making sure you're getting everything out that's possible, I'm sure you can do a decent job. Unfortunately, the techs working for the large franchises either don't have the time or don't care.

Unfortunately you can use a whole box of absorbent pads and they will always pull out more soil. At some point you have to ask if yourself if you’ve made enough of an improvement or do you need to abandon and fire up up the truckmount. The key is to know the difference between a VLM job vs. an HWE job before you start.

 

[steve_64]

We know

And we don't care.