[jmj]

Having read the prevoius post regarding stain removal, I thought i would ask is it worth all the hassle??
I mean i always qualify with the customer that total stain removal isn't always possible.I would say that 99% of all customers make your job virtualy impossible because they've used every possible stain remover tesco's own, before you've got a chance.You then try and tackle the stain with what you consider to be the best product most likely to work.I'd say 50% of the time it dosen't work or maybe only reducing it's apperance slightly.This leaves you wondering is this stain remover the best?I know i'll ask on the forum what do you surggest?you then get maybe 5 different products to choose with more then likely the same unsatisfactory result.
Some of these more aggressive agents can cause you more problems then you start with.I think its unfair to tell the customer i'll try this but it may damage your carpet doing so.
The best way i find is to tell the customer that you will try your best.At the end of the day its there fault they've split something on the carpet and your job is to CLEAN there carpet not to remove every stain from it. A stained carpet isn't a dirty carpet that's what i tell them.Most customers are under the impression that our machines will remove the stains not some liquid in a bottle and a terry towel, i imply that if the machine dosen't remove the stain then nothing will.
joe

[cleanability]

I agree with you. There are some great chaps to listen to on here with years more experience and alot more knowledge than me which I could never hope to match and their knowledge of stain removal amongst other things is fasinating.  I've been carpet cleaning for 7 years and 90% of the time I can never ever remove tea coffee and fruit juice stains. I've used various products but still no joy. Also, as has been pointed out. If you change the stain to something else then that something else is yours! I always always tell a customer that many stains cannot be removed and any success is a bonus. The customer is always happy with this as far as I can see. Also many customers have claimed on insurance  and got a new carpet anyway.

                                         Chris

[Derek]

Hi

This raises another issue with regard to stain removal.

At what point do you start to charge extra for removing stains?

I will see what feedback there is before I give my own thoughts on the subject

Derek

[Kinver_Clean]

I will 'have a go' at something that looks simple for no extra, but if it requires a steam gun or iron etc then I recon that this is then getting a little too serious for a freebee. I then discuss it with the customer as far as success and cost forcasts are concerned.

Trevor

[Dynafoam]

I always endevour to remove all stains.

With tea and curry I pre-warn that they are unlikely to be removed but almost invariably improve the appearance of the stain.

My policy is to charge extra for the treatment of stains that are going to take more than a few minutes treatment - but in the enthusiasm of the moment, this does not always happen.

The most difficult element of stain removal is knowing when to stop - one more application of product may remove the last remnants of a stain, but equally may remove the carpets' own dye or effect a permanent change to the fibre or structure. This is a 'seat-of-the pants' thing and something which I believe cannot be taught.

Whilst I frequently go beyond the point of commercial wisdom, I almost as frequently advise others to take the more sensible route and addopt an attitude closer to that expressed by Joe and Chris.

To some extent the removal of difficult stains can be creating a rod for your own back - eg when a referal customers says "Jean says you can get any stain out"

The only answer to that one includes referance to a Stanley knife.

John.

[Ken Wainwright]

You clean spots and spills, but specialist treatment is required for stains.

I don't charge for spots and spills but, in theory, I do for stain treatment. Please note, I said stain treatment not stain removal. Once you have a working definition of stains and spots, it becomes easier to know when you may be making an extra charge.

Safe and happy cleaning:)
Ken

[Dennis]

Spot: A discolouring material on the outside of a yarn or filament causing a visible spot. Removable using mechanical and/or chemical process.

Stain: A discolouration caused by chemical reaction or by penetration of dye sites of yarns, for example dyes, pigments or bleaches.