Another thread derailed.....sigh
Thank you to those who shared their experiences and insights.
Now I'll be clear as to why I posted this:
I continually question everything I think and believe, and therefore what I teach.
Back in the 70s and 80s, we sold a lot of portable wet and dry cleaning machines: First the
Prochem Model 40 (few people alive today know what that was), then the Model 20, then the 20A, then once Prochem quit making them, a variety of Kleenrite machines. Our training was built around understanding what fabrics needed to be "wet cleaned" versus "dry cleaned". We did well selling these units all over the country, and the dry cleaning solvents that went with them.
Come the 1990s, more and more people were having success with low moisture tools and the use of acidic rinse agents. I tested those tools, products, and methods and found that those products and methods worked far better, with less health and safety hazards, and saved cleaners a lot of money.
I had to make a choice: Do I teach what sells expensive machines and chemicals, or what works best?
My decision killed a lot of revenue for my supplyl business, but I believe I did the right thing then.
I don't completely agree with Mike's position on urine odor control in the home. We know that Mike speaks in absolutes a lot, and tends to pillory those who disagree with him. But he's also been right enough in the 17 years I've known him that I overlook that tendency of his and pay attention.
I've paid a lot of attention to Meter Maid in this thread and others. He's not afraid to speak his mind for what he believes in, and while I have nearly 50 years experience with dichlor, I had reserved it mostly for skunk and death scene cleanup till now. Rug cleaners have had a great deal of success with it, but it hasn't been well studied in on location odor control.
My thanks to the rest of you for your contributions as well.
I've got tests cooking on a variety of products and procedures this morning as I type this.....
....AND I WON'T BE SHARING THE RESULTS. It may, or may not nuance or even drastically change how I train, but that's information that will show up in my classes and perhaps articles, but no here.
Why?
Because people should test what they use, or want to use, and come to their own conclusions. I'm no one special, just someone who has lasted a long time in this business because I don't really have any other skills.
In the end, no matter what you do, or don't do, what is most important is that your customers truly benefit from what you offer, and that what you charge them is worth it to them for what they receive.
Thanks again