Mikey P
Administrator
I've been asked to suggest edits....
Feel free to cut and paste and add your suggestions in BOLD or Red
13 Residential Cleaning
13.1 Introduction
Carpet is one of the largest investments that a home-owner makes. In order to gain the maximum use life, it makes sense to maintain the appearance and serviceability of that carpet for as many years as practical. In the home environment, it is recommended that cleaners consider the following factors when determining the cleaning needs of the consumer:
13.2 Actions upon Arrival at the Residential Site
13.2.1 Positioning the Production Vehicle
Caution shall be exercised when positioning the vehicle so that exhaust is not pointed toward or too close to the entry, open windows, or the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) intake, that carbon monoxide could enter the building. This precaution includes engines with exhausts that may be used during the course of cleaning (e.g., generators, truck-mounted extractors, etc.)
Where hoses cross, entry pathways into a residence, trip hazard warning signs shall be used. It is recommended that cleaners communicate with customers to confirm that production vehicles are parked appropriately. Use or obstruction of public property shall follow federal, state, provincial, and local laws and regulations.
13.2.2 Initial Needs
Cleaners can carry to the customer’s door small equipment items, as appropriate. This can include a vacuum unit that often is the first piece of equipment used, along with other cleaning tools or equipment (e.g., sprayers, finishing tools, spotting kit, repair kit).
It is recommended that cleaners wear shoe covers or have a second set of slip-on shoes to wear outside the cleaning area.
13.2.3 Introduction and Customer Briefing
It is recommended that cleaners meet and begin communicating with customers before cleaning commences. It is also recommended that company uniforms and proper identification be worn at all times when working in a customer’s home.
Assuming that services and prices have been agreed upon in writing, it is recommended that cleaners conduct a pre-cleaning survey with the customer, if available.
The cleaner should pre-inspect the area to be cleaned. When practical, it is preferred that the client accompany the cleaner during this process. If problems are noticed or, if questions arise about the work to be done, they should be discussed and resolved before cleaning commences.
Also, it is recommended that customers who will not be present on residential job sites be asked in advance about:
13.2.4 Potential Damage and Challenges Caused by Pets:
Pet damage or contamination presents challenges beyond normal carpet cleaning, which require specialized treatment. Challenges can include:
Also, dogs and cats often claw at carpet, thereby creating damage that may not be readily noticed by their owners. A thorough pre-inspection can enable cleaners to point out such damage, and note its presence on a work order. Damaged areas may be repaired by trained repair specialists.
13.2.5 Other Pet Problems
Dogs and cats claw at carpeting, and can create damage not readily noticed by the owner. A thorough inspection of the home before cleaning can enable the cleaner to point out such damage, and note its presence on his work order. Damaged areas may be repaired by carpet repair specialists.
13.3 Processing the Job
13.3.1 Evaluating and Protecting the Structure and Furnishings
Before beginning the carpet cleaning process, cleaners should evaluate the workspace and make initial decisions regarding how the structure and furnishings will be protected during the visit and how to improve job efficiency.
During this survey and evaluation, small furnishings can be repositioned out of the way, as appropriate. Various accessories that make it easier to raise or slide furniture can be used. If furniture tabs or blocks are necessary, sufficient quantities can be placed on top of furniture that will be moved from its original location to access carpet underneath for cleaning.
Work efficiency may be increased when cleaning progresses from the farthest point from entry and then moves back towards the entry point.
13.3.2 Vacuuming
Vacuuming should be accomplished in accessible areas. It is recommended when carpet styles exhibit crushing, matting, or tangling in entry, pivot, or high-traffic areas, that pile lifting precede or be combined with dry vacuuming. Particular attention should be given to areas where abrasive soils tend to build up, such as in entry areas.
It is also recommended that the dust, hair, and lint accumulation at wall edges and corners be vacuumed, being careful to not damage the baseboards or walls. Cleaners should perform this perimeter vacuuming before preconditioning.
13.3.3 Preconditioning
Preconditioning aids significantly in suspending soils before physical removal takes place.
Cleaners may treat each area in succession with liquid, dry compound, or foam preconditioner, based on the requirements of the cleaning method or system employed.Furniture normally is not moved to precondition underneath, unless extreme soiling is evident or unless company policy dictates otherwise. When a cleaner chooses to rinse with an acidic rinsing agent or with fresh water alone, preconditioning agents may need to be applied to most, if not all of the carpet. It is recommended that when cleaners choose a preconditioner that requires wet extraction, they apply it to only the amount of carpet that they can agitate before the preconditioner dries.
13.3.4 Agitating
Following preconditioner application, cleaners may agitate the carpet with an appropriate brush, groomer, or mechanical tool. Mechanical agitation (e.g., rotary or cylindrical brush action) may be especially appropriate in heavily soiled areas to maximize soil suspension.
13.3.5 Equipment Considerations
It is recommended that cleaners use care when equipment, accessories, and tools are being moved into and within the home. Any electrical cords, solution lines, vacuum hoses, etc. should be positioned carefully with due consideration for safety hazards and the potential for damage to furnishings, doorframes, and painted surfaces.
Equipment, tools, and containers of cleaning solutions, should not be placed directly on moisture-sensitive floorings (e.g., wood, laminate, hard floor finishes, natural fiber carpet or rugs not being actively cleaned) that may be easily stained, discolored, or damaged. Care should be taken to protect even durable flooring materials (e.g., vinyl, ceramic tile, stone) that are less sensitive to damage from cleaning solutions.
13.3.6 Additional Cleaning
Whenever furnishings are moved onto damp carpet and there is potential for damage, cleaners should prevent contact between the furnishing(s) and the damp carpet by placing the appropriate protective tabs or blocks under the legs or bases.
13.4 Completion Procedures
13.4.1 Cleaning Evaluation and Post-Inspection
Feel free to cut and paste and add your suggestions in BOLD or Red
13 Residential Cleaning
13.1 Introduction
Carpet is one of the largest investments that a home-owner makes. In order to gain the maximum use life, it makes sense to maintain the appearance and serviceability of that carpet for as many years as practical. In the home environment, it is recommended that cleaners consider the following factors when determining the cleaning needs of the consumer:
- owner-occupied homes versus rented homes or apartments;
- occupants: ages, lifestyle, and health concerns, and
- pets.
13.2 Actions upon Arrival at the Residential Site
13.2.1 Positioning the Production Vehicle
Caution shall be exercised when positioning the vehicle so that exhaust is not pointed toward or too close to the entry, open windows, or the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) intake, that carbon monoxide could enter the building. This precaution includes engines with exhausts that may be used during the course of cleaning (e.g., generators, truck-mounted extractors, etc.)
Where hoses cross, entry pathways into a residence, trip hazard warning signs shall be used. It is recommended that cleaners communicate with customers to confirm that production vehicles are parked appropriately. Use or obstruction of public property shall follow federal, state, provincial, and local laws and regulations.
13.2.2 Initial Needs
Cleaners can carry to the customer’s door small equipment items, as appropriate. This can include a vacuum unit that often is the first piece of equipment used, along with other cleaning tools or equipment (e.g., sprayers, finishing tools, spotting kit, repair kit).
It is recommended that cleaners wear shoe covers or have a second set of slip-on shoes to wear outside the cleaning area.
13.2.3 Introduction and Customer Briefing
It is recommended that cleaners meet and begin communicating with customers before cleaning commences. It is also recommended that company uniforms and proper identification be worn at all times when working in a customer’s home.
Assuming that services and prices have been agreed upon in writing, it is recommended that cleaners conduct a pre-cleaning survey with the customer, if available.
The cleaner should pre-inspect the area to be cleaned. When practical, it is preferred that the client accompany the cleaner during this process. If problems are noticed or, if questions arise about the work to be done, they should be discussed and resolved before cleaning commences.
Also, it is recommended that customers who will not be present on residential job sites be asked in advance about:
- how to access the property (e.g., keys, alarm codes);
- contact information in case questions arise;
- where pets, if present, have been confined;
- provisions to secure personal valuables (e.g., jewelry, coin collections, credit cards) and breakable items on furnishings that may have to be moved to access carpet underneath, and
- how to secure the home when cleaning is complete (e.g., leaving keys, resetting alarms, as appropriate).
13.2.4 Potential Damage and Challenges Caused by Pets:
Pet damage or contamination presents challenges beyond normal carpet cleaning, which require specialized treatment. Challenges can include:
- customers should be informed that discharge from animals (e.g., urine, feces, and vomit) require specialized treatment and can permanently discolor and damage nylon and wool fibers.
- pet damage or contamination correction can incur additional costs, and permanent remedies for pet stains and odor cannot be guaranteed as long as pets remain in the home.
- The extent of urine penetration into carpet cushion, tackless strip, baseboards, ductwork, and subfloor often creates challenges that carpet cleaning alone cannot remedy. All of these substances can also create offensive odors that may be difficult to remove, and
- while cleaners may have the tools and training to address such damage, the client should be advised of possible additional costs involved and the difficulty guaranteeing permanent remedies as long as pets occupy the home.
Also, dogs and cats often claw at carpet, thereby creating damage that may not be readily noticed by their owners. A thorough pre-inspection can enable cleaners to point out such damage, and note its presence on a work order. Damaged areas may be repaired by trained repair specialists.
13.2.5 Other Pet Problems
Dogs and cats claw at carpeting, and can create damage not readily noticed by the owner. A thorough inspection of the home before cleaning can enable the cleaner to point out such damage, and note its presence on his work order. Damaged areas may be repaired by carpet repair specialists.
13.3 Processing the Job
13.3.1 Evaluating and Protecting the Structure and Furnishings
Before beginning the carpet cleaning process, cleaners should evaluate the workspace and make initial decisions regarding how the structure and furnishings will be protected during the visit and how to improve job efficiency.
During this survey and evaluation, small furnishings can be repositioned out of the way, as appropriate. Various accessories that make it easier to raise or slide furniture can be used. If furniture tabs or blocks are necessary, sufficient quantities can be placed on top of furniture that will be moved from its original location to access carpet underneath for cleaning.
Work efficiency may be increased when cleaning progresses from the farthest point from entry and then moves back towards the entry point.
13.3.2 Vacuuming
Vacuuming should be accomplished in accessible areas. It is recommended when carpet styles exhibit crushing, matting, or tangling in entry, pivot, or high-traffic areas, that pile lifting precede or be combined with dry vacuuming. Particular attention should be given to areas where abrasive soils tend to build up, such as in entry areas.
It is also recommended that the dust, hair, and lint accumulation at wall edges and corners be vacuumed, being careful to not damage the baseboards or walls. Cleaners should perform this perimeter vacuuming before preconditioning.
13.3.3 Preconditioning
Preconditioning aids significantly in suspending soils before physical removal takes place.
Cleaners may treat each area in succession with liquid, dry compound, or foam preconditioner, based on the requirements of the cleaning method or system employed.Furniture normally is not moved to precondition underneath, unless extreme soiling is evident or unless company policy dictates otherwise. When a cleaner chooses to rinse with an acidic rinsing agent or with fresh water alone, preconditioning agents may need to be applied to most, if not all of the carpet. It is recommended that when cleaners choose a preconditioner that requires wet extraction, they apply it to only the amount of carpet that they can agitate before the preconditioner dries.
13.3.4 Agitating
Following preconditioner application, cleaners may agitate the carpet with an appropriate brush, groomer, or mechanical tool. Mechanical agitation (e.g., rotary or cylindrical brush action) may be especially appropriate in heavily soiled areas to maximize soil suspension.
13.3.5 Equipment Considerations
It is recommended that cleaners use care when equipment, accessories, and tools are being moved into and within the home. Any electrical cords, solution lines, vacuum hoses, etc. should be positioned carefully with due consideration for safety hazards and the potential for damage to furnishings, doorframes, and painted surfaces.
Equipment, tools, and containers of cleaning solutions, should not be placed directly on moisture-sensitive floorings (e.g., wood, laminate, hard floor finishes, natural fiber carpet or rugs not being actively cleaned) that may be easily stained, discolored, or damaged. Care should be taken to protect even durable flooring materials (e.g., vinyl, ceramic tile, stone) that are less sensitive to damage from cleaning solutions.
13.3.6 Additional Cleaning
Whenever furnishings are moved onto damp carpet and there is potential for damage, cleaners should prevent contact between the furnishing(s) and the damp carpet by placing the appropriate protective tabs or blocks under the legs or bases.
13.4 Completion Procedures
13.4.1 Cleaning Evaluation and Post-Inspection
) and high flow, then I'd suggest discussing flow rate and psi matched to blower size, soiling, experience of tech etc
