Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I clean carpets using Host instead of a wet method?
What system will produce the best results! First, it is important to know the objective of carpet cleaning. Naturally, the key objective is to remove soil efficiently and as safely as possible.
There are two different principles at work in each method. A wet method must first liquefy and dissolve the soil in and on the carpet in order to begin to retrieve it. As the liquid flows onto the carpet liquefaction of the soil occurs. If the liquid is not removed immediately the liquefied soil can penetrate into the carpet backing and underlay. As the carpet dries out some of the soil and spills can wick back to the surface and the carpet will require re-cleaning.
Host works on a different principle. It uses millions of small sponges, dampened with the right amount of water, detergent and a safe-to-use organic material. This allows us to keep control of the liquids at all times during the cleaning process so there is no chance of wick back (stains coming back) or the risk soaking wet carpet.
Host works just like a sponge you use in your kitchen to wipe up spills on a table or counter. When you pass the sponge across the surface it lays out a film of cleaning agent which dissolves and absorbs the soil at the same time. This safe and controlled way of removing dirt meets with the same objective when using Host.
Why do carpets stay cleaner longer when dry cleaned with Host?
Carpets will not rapidly resoil as they do when cleaned with wet methods because after cleaning there is no sticky wet cleaning chemical residue left in the carpet that can grab and hold onto fresh soil.
What system would my customers prefer me to use?
Given the choice – your customers would most certainly prefer you to use the Host environment friendly dry carpet deep cleaning system. Why would any one choose an old fashioned energy inefficient, chemical spraying, water guzzling wet cleaning system that leaves carpets wet for hours!
Host offers many valuable benefits
Carpets and Upholstery deep clean and dry in minutes not hours!
- Host cleans without the need of harmful chemicals and smelly solvents.
- No risk of carpet shrinkage or colour loss!
- Welcome relief for asthma sufferers, helps remove dust mites and allergens. Carpets can be walked on immediately after cleaning.
- Totally safe for children and pets, gentle to carpets and Woolsafe approved.
- Host is the only bio-preferred dry carpet cleaning system in the world.
- Host is non-hazardous to health and the environment.
- Host is biodegradable.
What other types of carpet cleaning systems are there on the market?
There are four other methods available for cleaning carpets. However, none of them can compare to the benefits of using Host.
Hot Water Extraction (Steam) Method:
This method is occasionally called steam cleaning. Areas of heavy use are pre-conditioned with a strong alkaline chemical spray to help remove ground-in soil then a heated pressurised cleaning solution is injected into the carpet pile. The soil and chemical solution is then extracted and the carpet is left to dry. If the carpet becomes too wet, hot air blowers are installed to help speed up the drying time. The main disadvantage of this system is over-wetting and carpets are often left wet for several hours. Shrinkage and dye bleed are common factors with hot water extraction, even when the system is paced in the hands of a professional cleaner.
Rotary Pad (Bonnet Cleaning) Method:
The rotary bonnet method uses a machine similar to a floor buffer with an absorbent spin pad attached to the base of the machine. The carpet is sprayed with cleaning detergent and the spin pad absorbs soil as it rotates. When the pad is full of dirt, the pad is removed from the buffer and a fresh pad is put on the machine or the pad is rinsed in a bucket of water, drained then put back on the machine. The disadvantage of this system is pile distortion and transferring soil from one part of the carpet to another. Another disadvantage is the operator has virtually no control over the amount of cleaning detergent being used, rapid re-soiling often occurs directly after cleaning.
Dry Foam Method:
The dry foam method uses a high alkalinity detergent solution which is whipped into foam and applied to the carpet. The foam is then aggressively worked into the carpet with a scrubbing machine fitted with reel-type brushes. Some machines have inbuilt extraction capabilities whilst others need thorough vacuuming after the carpet is dry. The disadvantage of this system is over wetting, long drying times and the possibilities of pile distortion and shrinkage. Rapid resoling is a common problem as there is no proper means of extracting the detergent from the carpet.
Rotary Brush Method:
Cleaning detergent is injected into the carpet pile then a machine with rotating brushes is used to scrub the carpet fibres, the wet soil from the carpet is brushed out and collected into a small tray attached to the bottom of the machine, the carpet is then left to dry. This machine is predominately designed for cleaning hard floor coverings, when used on carpet it can cause pile distortion or untwisting of fibre. With no proper means of vacuum extraction over wetting and long drying periods are common which can lead to shrinkage and rapid resoling.
Is it true that Host uses less than one teaspoon of water per square meter of carpet?
Host uses very little moisture during the cleaning process – less than 1 teaspoon of water per square meter of carpet. Wet cleaning methods can use anywhere from 30 to 200 times that amount. Host uses just enough moisture to dissolve the soil but not enough to get the carpet wet. That means no over wetting, no shrinkage, no re-soiling and no mould growth. Therefore, not only will Host produce outstanding results, Host uses 97% less moisture than any other carpet cleaning system on the market.
Why do carpets get dirty quicker after being wet cleaned?
Based on statistics that manufacturers of wet cleaning systems use only 60-85% of liquid can be retrieved from the carpet after wet cleaning. Consequently, if 10 gallons of liquid is used in a room, 3-4 gallons of liquid will be left behind. When we look in the waste tank of the machine and see dirty water, we must remember the 3-4 gallons left in the carpet contains the same dirty water and cleaning chemical.
Carpets may appear to look clean after being wet cleaned but the truth is the carpet has just been heavily impregnated with copious amounts of water and sticky detergent. Dirt from daily foot traffic is quickly attracted by cleaning residue left in the carpet that will rapidly re-soil the surface at an alarming rate.
Evidence of a carpets re-soiling is often noticeable within just a few days after wet cleaning, brown or grey patches or streaks in walkways and entrances are the usual signs. However, the problem can be resolved by regular cleaning with Host. Host does not contain any un-natural detergents or sticky wet cleaning chemicals, so carpets will not re-soil and stains will not come back.
Cleaning and Support Services Association (environment agency – public briefing)
Did you know that it’s illegal to empty a bucket of used cleaning solution into a surface water drainage system or down a toilet? Watercourse pollution is taken very seriously by the Environment Agency. In 2006, a cleaning company was fined £40,000 with £33,000 costs for a single incident that severely damaged a watercourse.
When using Host you don’t have to worry about polluting the environment. Host is made from 100% natural ingredients; Host is fully biodegradable and can be safely disposed of by placing into a normal refuse bin, and because Host is biodegradable, it can be composted and recycled into reusable organic matter.
Can wet cleaning cause mould growth and allergens in carpet?
If a carpet becomes excessively wet during cleaning it’s very likely the cleaning solution will penetrate into the carpet backing and underlay. If too much moisture is left in the carpet, mould growth could form within just 24-48 hours.
Trapped moisture between layers of carpet and underlay make an ideal breeding ground for mould spores, and because the problem is hidden under the carpet, mould growth often goes undetected. Signs of mould growth are usually indicated by a damp musty odour in the air, by then it’s probably too late and the carpet may have to be replaced.
Mould growth hidden under a carpet
The dangers of mould growth
Moulds produce allergens, which are substances that can cause allergic reactions, as well as irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mould or mould spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mould are common, Moulds can also trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mould. In addition, mould exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mould-allergic and non-allergic people.
How Aridex Works
The Aridex machine has a unique handheld counter revolving brush unit which works with a specially formulated soil encapsulating detergent. The high-tech encapsulating detergent is mixed with air to create unique low moisture cleaning bubbles that surround and dissolve, and encapsulate the soil on the fabric. The counter revolving brushes on the brush unit provide mechanical agitation to loosen the dirt from the surface without distorting the fibres. Once the area is clean the built-in vacuum removes the soil laden bubbles. The Aridex cleaning bubbles use 90% to 93% less moisture than other upholstery cleaning system on the market and because the foam is low-moisture, it only penetrates the fabric and not the backing materials so fabrics are not soaked through, most fabrics are dry within 30 minutes.
Is the Aridex safe to use on all fabrics?
The Aridex is safe for most fabrics because it controls the moisture levels and prevents over wetting. The low moisture and short drying time of the Aridex provides a safe and easy method for cleaning most of the fabrics you will encounter.
Is the Aridex safe to use on Velvet?
Velvet should be cleaned only with dry foam. You can achieve excellent results with the Aridex on velvet and velvet styles.
Can the Aridex be used to clean leather upholstery?
Yes the Aridex can be used to clean leather upholstery too. Leather upholstery is the fastest growing fabric in the residential furniture supply market, and the Aridex and its range of specialist cleaning products have been specifically designed to meet these needs.
Leather Lather Safe and effective detergent for use in the Aridex and Esprit upholstery cleaning machines to clean all types of treated leather upholstery and vehicle interiors.
Leather Lotion Rich creamy liquid for use after cleaning leather, specially formulated to condition and restore the natural oils, and to strengthen, preserve and nourish treated leather upholstery.
How versatile is the Aridex, can it be used for cleaning any other areas?
Besides furniture in the home, cinemas, restaurants, and office buildings, all kinds of fabrics can be cleaned with the Aridex, including; fabric covered office panels, car interiors, boat interiors, caravans, aircrafts, buses and trains. These are just some of the great business opportunities the Aridex has to offer.
What is the difference between the Host Aridex and the Host Von Schrader Esprit?
Aridex
The Professionals Choice!
- The Aridex is lightweight in construction and ergonomically designed
- Multi tasking machine for residential and commercial use
- Easy carry handle on top of the machine which makes transportation a simple task
- Slimline external casing, ideal for working between fixed seating in cinemas and theatres
- Interchangeable brushes available for cleaning soft furnishings and carpeted stairs
- Aridex hoses are 3mt long for ease of use in confined spaces and large open areas
Our Price £4695 + vat
Esprit
- The Esprit has a tough industrial external casing, purpose designed for heavy commercial use
- Convenient in-built brush head holder on the top of the machine
- Handy slide-out retractable handle for transportation over long distances
- Interchangeable brushes are available for cleaning soft furnishings and carpeted stairs
- The Esprit hoses are 5m long for use in large open areas
Our Price £6495 + vat
How long will fabrics take to dry?
A typical Sofa is usually dry within 30 minutes; however, some highly absorbent fabrics may take even longer. Depending on experience a Sofa can take up to 2 hours to dry “practice is the key”. The average dining chair or office chair is usually dry within 10 to 20 minutes. Contributing factors affecting drying time include type of fabric, relative humidity, room temperature and air circulation.
Should I vacuum the upholstery before cleaning?
Just as in carpet cleaning, always pre-vacuum before cleaning to remove dust, dirt and dry soil. It’s far easier to remove the dry dirt while it is still dry, a good thorough vacuuming of the fabric is essential for optimum results. Use the Aridex crevice tool to vacuum edges and corners, and around buttons. Use the Aridex brush attachment tool on flat and vertical surfaces. Inspect buttons and studs before vacuuming to be sure they are secure.
How much foam should I apply before brushing?
Apply the cleaning bubbles to about 2 square feet of fabric at a time and brush the area with the brush unit. Use both horizontal and vertical motions. Let the brush unit do the scrubbing while you slowly guide it over the fabric.
My Aridex machine is not producing foam?
The most common faults are;
A) Blocked filter screen inside the foam generator (see page 18 Aridex parts and instruction manual)
B) Old or contaminated detergent in solution tank.
C) Incorrect product dilution ratio.
D) Incompatible cleaning product being used in the machine.
For further information, help or advice call our help line: 01843 830220
Can I get different types of cleaning brushes for the Aridex?
Black ultra firm brushes are available for the Aridex and Esprit, more aggressive than the standard white brushes supplied with the machine and ideal for commercial seating areas in passenger terminal buildings, trains, airplanes, buses and boats. The perfect solution for challenging cleaning jobs in cinemas and theatres, and great for restoration work in restaurants and bars. Also used for removing heavy soil on nylon and polypropylene carpeted on stairs.
Can I clean mattresses with the Aridex?
The Aridex can be used to clean a number of items, including mattresses, office panels and even delicate rugs.
With mattress cleaning the method is much the same, just follow the basic rules for cleaning upholstery.
What should I do if a fabric fails the colourfast test…
Always test for colour-fastness, if a fabric fails the test notify the customer and explain the piece cannot be cleaned without risk of damage. If the customer wishes to have you clean the piece despite the risk of damage, obtain approval in writing before starting the work.
Examples of written disclaimers for carpets and upholstery are available from Timberstone (free of charge) terms and conditions apply.
For further information, email your request to mail@timber-stone.co.uk
What is Blue Label used for?
Blue label is a low pH detergent formulated for the Aridex and Esprit low moisture upholstery cleaning system. Great for cleaning all types of upholstery containing wool and cotton fibre and where the fibre content is unknown or suspected to contain natural material. The low pH will give optimum performance with a high margin of safety, and with appropriate colour tests the product can be used on the most valuable and delicate upholstery or oriental rugs. Blue Label also contains important built in anti-resoil characteristics. Blue label is not suitable for use on leather furniture.
What is Red Label used for?
Red label is a high pH detergent formulated for the Aridex and Esprit low moisture upholstery cleaning system. Red label detergent cleaner is ideal for restoring heavily soiled upholstery and removing stubborn stains. Contains anti-resoil characteristics and is safe for use on stain resist fabrics, synthetic fibres, nylon, acrylic, and polypropylene. Works well on commercial seating areas and blended to perform well in soft or hard water. Red label is not suitable for use on leather furniture.
What is Prelim used for?
Prelim is used on those difficult to clean areas, such as heavily soiled seat cushions, arms and headrests. Prelim is a powerful cleaning booster containing professional strength detergents and penetrating solvents that help breakup the surface tension on heavy soiling and emulsify oily sticky substances and greasy residues. It is, however, meant to be used sparingly and always pre-test for colour fastness before using Prelim, carefully apply a detergent solution to a piece of white towel and gently blot the fabric – looking for colour transfer, if colour transfer appears, do not use the product. Prelim is not suitable for use on leather upholstery.
Can mixed cleaning solution be stored in the machine?
A tank of detergent solution will be useable for up to 3 to 4 days. After this period the detergent should be removed and the tank should be thoroughly cleaned.
My customer assumes their upholstery isn’t dirty because it doesn’t look dirty!
They reason with the idea that they are not walking on it so it can’t be as dirty as the carpet. These facts about perspiration will help to establish some good reasons for cleaning upholstery. Perspiration residue left on upholstery can often leave unpleasant odours and bacteria which can weaken the fabric and affect the colour. Customers who have pets will appreciate the fact that vacuum cleaning will remove pet hair but not the smell. Transfer of perspiration residue and bacteria in offices and public buildings can also present a serious health risk.
Why are some cleaning companies reluctant to offer upholstery cleaning services?
Many professional carpet cleaners get requests for upholstery cleaning but they are reluctant to offer the service because of the possibility of dye bleeding, fabric shrinkage or water staining. By using the wrong chemical or equipment it is possible to cause damage to some types of fabric. Many cleaners are also concerned about their knowledge of upholstery and there is a greater variety of upholstery fabric on the market than there is in carpet! However, the Host Aridex low-moisture cleaning system makes the cleaning of upholstery a safe and simple task and eliminates many of the problems associated with old fashioned cleaning systems.
What other upholstery cleaning systems are on the market?
There are 4 other methods available for cleaning upholstery. However, none of them compare to the amazing results produced by the Aridex.
The bucket and brush method: involves applying cleaning solution to the fabric by hand with a manual scrubber brush or cloth. This is a very labour intensive method and can involve a lot of moisture resulting in prolonged drying time, shrinkage and dye bleeding.
The hot water extraction method: normally involves the use of a hand tool attached to a high saturation carpet cleaning system. The advantage of this method is immediate extraction of soil. Operator skill is crucial with this method to avoid over wetting which can cause problems like dye bleeding, browning, shrinkage, mold and mildew. There is no mechanical agitation so there is a greater chance of applying a lot of moisture in cleaning heavily soiled areas. Long drying times are a common problem!
The solvent extraction method involves applying chemical solvents to fabrics with a hand tool attached to a specially designed machine. This is a low moisture method which offers the advantage of short drying time and built in soil extraction. Operator skill and training is crucial with this process as heated, air borne solvents can be hazardous if not used properly. If solvents are forced through the fabric, latex backing can be damaged. While solvents effectively dissolve certain soils, many soils are more effectively removed with detergent based products so cleaning effectiveness can be marginal in some cases. Also lack of mechanical agitation can make it more difficult to clean more heavily soiled areas. Cleaning product costs are significantly higher with this method than with other methods of upholstery cleaning.
The dry foam method foam is applied to the fabric with an industrial type pump-up sprayer then a single head rotary scrubbing brush is deployed to agitate the foam into the fabric. The advantage of this system is limited moisture, however, on some types of upholstery single brush mechanical agitation will cause fabric distortion. The second disadvantage is that soil removal must be done with a separate machine as this system does not have built in vacuum extraction.
Is it true that upholstery gets dirtier quicker after being wet cleaned?
Yes, upholstery will get dirtier quicker after being wet cleaned.
Your upholstery may appear to look clean after is has been wet cleaned but the truth is your soft furnishings have just been heavily impregnated with copious amounts of water and sticky detergent. Dirt from clothing and airborne dust particles are quickly attracted by cleaning residue left in the upholstery that will rapidly re-soil the fabric at an alarming rate.
Evidence of upholstery re-soiling is often noticeable within just a few days after wet cleaning, brown patches on seat cushions and armrests are the usual signs. The problem can be resolved using the Host Aridex. However, the fabric may have sustained permanent damage depending on how much water and detergent has been previously used. The Aridex low moisture upholstery cleaning system uses specially formulated anti-resoil cleaning technology, fabrics will not re-soil and stains will not come back.
How to remove general spots and stains
Host spot remover is ideal for all common spots and spills such as; food and drink, fresh pet accidents, grease, dirt and much, much more!
Host spot remover can be found on our products page, search for stock code S12L/1.
How to deal with accidental spills on carpets
To prevent a stain from setting in and becoming permanent deal with accidental spills immediately.
How to deal with accidental spills in six simple steps
1) Clean up any solid matter and then use a clean dry cloth to blot up any moisture.
2) Blot the area with damp cloth (lukewarm water) to help remove any surplus soiling.
3) Blot the area again with clean dry cloth.
4) Apply Host sponges dry carpet cleaner and gently brush.
5) Leave for 45 minutes to absorb residual soiling and deodorise the carpet.
6) Vacuum clean to remove the soil laden particles of Host
If necessary, repeat steps 4-5 or try using Host Spot Remover on any remaining marks.
Caution: Never rub the stained area with a cloth it may weaken the carpet fibre and cause the stain to spread. Blot gently beginning at the outer edge of the stain and working inward is the safest way to remove the problem without causing additional damage.
The Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit contains all the products you will need and a full list of instructions, perfect for use around the home, the office and housekeeping departments. The Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1426.
How to remove oil, grease, ink and tar
Gitgo is ideal for removing oil, grease and tar, simply apply a little of this amazing gel and wipe the stain away. Gitgo can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1715. After treatment with Gitgo finish off with Host spot remover.
How to remove cigarette burns from carpets
Any mark on a carpet is hard to hide and cigarette burns are no different. You walk into your living room admiring the smooth pristine look of your carpets and gasp when you notice the black burn hole from a cigarette. Do not despair, there are ways to repair the hole so that no one will notice it was ever there.
Contractors, this should spark an idea to adding extra value to the service you supply to your customers. Cigarette Burn Cutter and Damaged Carpet Removal Tool can be found on our products page, search for stock code CBR20.
How to remove chewing gum
Gitgo is ideal for removing chewing gum; simply poor a little Gitgo gel onto the problem area and leave for a few minutes, Gitgo dissolves the gum and turns it into a paste, wipe off with a dry cloth and the problem is solved. Old gum may requier some slight persuasion with a spatula. After treatment with finish off with Host spot remover. Gitgo can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1715.
How to remove coffee and tanning stains from carpets and upholstery
Host Von Schrader has developed a unique stain removal system called Coffee Break, formulated to remove new or old coffee and tannin stains on carpets or upholstery. Ideal for use on stains that have not been successfully removed by cleaning or other types of spot removal treatment. The Coffee Break Stain Removal Kit can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1719.
How to remove candle wax
Candle wax is easy to remove using Gitgo, listed on our products page, search for stock code C1715. After treatment with Gitgo finish off with Host spot remover. You could also try placing a clean absorbent dry cloth over the spill area and using a warm iron on the cloth to melt the wax. Once melted, the wax will be absorbed into the cloth. Be sure to heat the iron to make it hot enough to melt the wax.
Caution: if the iron is too hot it will burn the carpet.
How to remove paint, glue, tip-ex and blue tack
First try Host spot remover, if that doesn’t work – try Gitgo, excellent results have been achieved with Gitgo on a number of stubborn stains. Some types of paint can difficult to remove, especially solvent or oil based paints. Blue tack and White tack comes off reasonably well with Gitgo but may requier some slight persuasion with a spatula. After treatment with finish off with Host spot remover. Gitgo can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1715.
How to remove red wine stains
To prevent a stain from setting in and becoming permanent deal with accidental spills immediately.
How to remove red wine stains in six simple steps
1) Bolt the area with a napkin or dry cloth to remove the moisture.2) Blot the area with damp cloth (lukewarm water) to help remove the wine.3) Blot the area again with clean dry cloth.4) Apply Host sponges dry carpet cleaner and gently brush.5) Leave for 45 minutes to absorb residual soiling and deodorise the carpet.6) Vacuum clean to remove the soil laden particles of Host
If necessary, repeat steps 4-5 or try using Host Spot Remover on any remaining marks.
Caution: Never rub the stained area with a cloth it may weaken the carpet fibre and cause the stain to spread. Blot gently beginning at the outer edge of the stain and working inward is the safest way to remove the problem without causing additional damage.
The Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit contains all the products you will need and a full list of instructions, perfect for use around the home, the office and housekeeping departments. The Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1426.
How to remove blood stains
How to remove blood stains on carpets in six simple steps -1) Clean up fresh blood spills with a clean dry cloth, blot gently to remove any moisture.2) Blot the area with damp cloth (cold water) to help remove any surplus blood.3) Blot the area again with clean dry cloth.4) Apply Host sponges dry carpet cleaner and gently brush5) Leave for 45 minutes to absorb the stain.6) Vacuum clean to remove the soil laden particles of Host
If necessary, repeat steps 4-5 or try using Host Spot Remover on any remaining marks.
Caution: Using warm or hot water on blood will “set” the stain permanently.
Never rub the stained area with a cloth it may weaken the carpet fibre and cause the stain to spread. Blot gently beginning at the outer edge of the stain and working inward is the safest way to remove the problem without causing additional damage to the carpet.
The Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit contains full list of instructions and all the products you will need or search our products page, stock code C1426.
How to remove unpleasant odours from carpets and soft furnishings
Host Odour Exploder is ideal for homes, bathrooms, restaurants, nursing homes, hospitals and hotels; helps eliminate urine smells, pet odours, smoke and cooking smells. Odour Exploder doesn’t just mask the problem with fragrance, it attacks and neutralises disagreeable odour at the molecule level. Simply dilute with water (instructions on the bottle) and apply by trigger spray application. Supplied as concentrate in a small 237ml bottle. Odour Exploder can be found on our products page, search for stock code S12S/1.
How to remove rust marks
Rust marks caused by leaking radiators and metal studs on furniture can be removed with Host Von Schrader Rust Remover. Ideal for removing rust stains from carpets and upholstery. Rust Remover can be found on our products page, search for stock code QRR. After treatment finish off with Host spot remover and Host sponges dry carpet cleaner.
Our carpet looked even worse after it was wet cleaned – how can we resolve the problem?
Customers are so frustrated with complaints relating to wet cleaning!
Rapid resoiling after wet cleaning is a common problem, often caused by the use of strong alkaline detergents or insufficient care and knowledge.
A typical complaint after wet carpet cleaning is; the carpet looked great after it had been cleaned but within just a few weeks the carpet looked worse than it did before. The feel to the carpet was no longer smooth and pleasant to touch; it was hard and slightly sticky in a number of places.
Rest assured, the problem can be often resolved; Host contract cleaners find success by using an acidic cleaning and neutralising rinse with Host sponges, which strips away the chemical contamination and restores the chemical balance in the carpet. Restoration cleaning methods using Host pre-conditions the carpet and removes most of the problems associated with wet cleaning and helps eradicate further rapid resoiling.
Host Sponges dry carpet cleaner can be found on our products page, search for stock code 30H .
For details of your local Host contractor call 01843 830220 or e-mail mail@timber-stone.co.uk
How to remove watermarks from carpets (brown and yellow staining caused by flood and water spillage)
Watermarks are a common occurrence on wool content and hessian backed carpet after flood or water spillage.
The source of these brown or yellow stains is usually related to saturation of the carpet backing and migration of hessian dyes released into the carpet fibre. Hessian (jute) dye simply works its way to the surface as the carpet dries out and forms into a brown or yellow stain.
Watermarks can occasional be removed by cleaning the area with as little moisture as possible using a low pH acidic cleaner such as Host Sponges dry carpet cleaner. Excellent results have been achieved using Host Sponges, however, the problem can re-occur within just a few days and it may be necessary to carry out a second or even a third clean to remove any residual staining. Unfortunately watermarks are the most difficult to remove, the rate of recovery is unpredictable and often renders many carpets permanently stained.
Host Sponges dry carpet cleaner can be found on our products page, search for stock code 30H .
For details of your local Host contractor call 01843 830220 or e-mail mail@timber-stone.co.uk
If dirt or a stain won’t come out after using my Host machine will a wet cleaning system work?
NO! You will not be able to clean a carpet any better with wet cleaning system.
If your Host machine cannot solve the problem, nothing else will!
However, if you think we are wrong and you believe you can do better job with a wet cleaning machine, wet clean it, and watch those stains comeback. The carpet will look even worse after it’s dry!
How is it possible to dry clean carpets without using water and detergent?
Host contains sufficient moisture and safe cleaning detergents to deep clean carpets without getting them soaking wet.
Would you put an expensive wool suit in a washing machine? Of course you wouldn’t, you would have it professionally dry cleaned, Host works on the same principle!
How to remove draught marks – black marks around edges of carpets and underneath doors
Do you have dark and unsightly black or grey lines along the edges of your carpet or underneath doors?
These unsightly marks often known as “draught marks” normally appear as dark lines or spots around edges of carpet and across doorways. In extreme cases, they can appear from under the carpet between floorboards. White and light colour carpets are the most susceptible since darker carpets tend to hide the dirt. Professional carpet cleaners occasionally use the term “filtration soiling or filtration marks”
Draught marks and are caused by small particles of dust working their way through the carpet from underneath the backing and subfloor. Dust-contaminated air blows through or across the carpet and the carpet acts as a filter, removing the dirt from the air causing these unsightly marks to appear.
The problem can be resolved by sealing the area under the skirting board with flexible filler (mastic) and placing a paper barrier or hardboard sheeting underneath the underlay. These measures will help to form a barrier to prevent fine particles of dust moving to the surface of the carpet. The problem cannot be cured by cleaning alone – the soiling will return if contaminated air is allowed to continue to flow underneath the carpet.
The following cleaning methods can be very effective but it may not always be possible to remove the marks completely.
How to remove draught marks in six simple steps
1) Thoroughly vacuum the affected area.2) Spray with Host Prep or Pre-Clean and gently brush3) Apply Host sponges dry carpet cleaner and gently brush4) Vacuum clean to remove soil laden particles of Host5) If necessary, repeat steps 1 to 4 or try using Host Spot Remover on any remaining marks, stock code S12L/16) If the problem persists you can also try using Gitgo, which can be found on our products page, stock code C1715
DIY Option: Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1426 .
The kit contains all the products you will need and full list of instructions.
The pictures below show how draught marks can be successfully removed using the Host.
To achieve the best possible results we recommend the services of professional carpet cleaning contractor who will be fully equipped to carry out the work. For details of your local Host contractor call 01843 830220 or e-mail mail@timber-stone.co.uk
How to remove traffic lane grey from walkways and corridors in high usage areas and office buildings
Grey shadowing is a direct result of chemical damage caused by strong alkaline detergents used in wet carpet cleaning systems.
A typical complaint after wet carpet cleaning is; the carpet looked great after it had been cleaned but within just a few weeks the carpet looked worse than it did before. The feel to the carpet was no longer smooth and pleasant to touch; it was hard and slightly sticky in a number of places.
Rest assured, the problem can be often resolved; Host contract cleaners find success by using an acidic cleaning and neutralising rinse with Host sponges, which strips away the chemical contamination and restores the chemical balance in the carpet. Restoration cleaning methods using Host pre-conditions the carpet and removes most of the problems associated with wet cleaning and helps eradicate further rapid resoiling.
Host Sponges dry carpet cleaner can be found on our products page, search for stock code 30H .
For details of your local Host contractor call 01843 830220 or e-mail mail@timber-stone.co.uk
How to reduce static electric shock in office buildings – carpet antistatic treatment
Preventing static electric discharge – antistatic treatment for carpets
Static build-up can be reduced to the point where shocks are no longer noticeable by use of an anti-static agent, which is applied directly onto the carpet. The problem is often confined to specific areas, notably around photocopying machines, printers and metallic surfaces such as filing cabinets and airflow heating outlets. To help cure the problem anti-static treatment should be applied to the whole of the carpeted area – normally only one or two applications of anti-static treatment are required per year.
Why do I get shocks when I touch a doorknob or filing cabinet?
Many people ask about shocks experienced when they touch a door handle, filing cabinet, lift, or other metal object. One of the biggest causes of static electric shock in modern commercial buildings is high nylon content in carpets. Nylon and polypropylene carpeting has a tendency to allow static electricity to build-up, particularly during the winter months when the relative humidity is very low. The result is an electrical discharge or shock when anything conductive is touched while standing on the carpet. A carpet containing nylon or polypropylene is a sure way to generate a painful static electric shock!
For further information about anti-static treatment call 01843 830220 or e-mail your enquiry to mail@timber-stone.co.uk
Stain protection treatment for carpets
Blockade Carpet protector is a specially developed fluorocarbon chemical to protect carpet and rugs from wet and dry soil. Applied by spray application on new and freshly cleaned carpets and rugs, forms a protective and invisible shield around each fibre to help resist spills and stains. Blockade can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1637.
Stain protection treatment for upholstery
Fabric protector, applied by spray application to new and freshly cleaned upholstery, forms a protective and invisible shield around each fibre to help resist spills and stains. Fluorochemical based, safe to use on all colourfast fabrics. Fabric protector can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1639.
Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit
The Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit contains all the products you will need and a full list of instructions, perfect for use around the home, the office and housekeeping departments. Search for stock code C1426 on our products.
Professional spot and stain removal kit for contractors
Give your business the professional touch by eliminating difficult spots from customer’s carpets and increasing customer satisfaction. Comprehensive kit consisting of a full range of specialist spotting agents and stain removal treatments, and the equipment to apply, treat and remove the most challenging problems and stains. The kit also includes pH test equipment and full set of instructions, supplied in lockable container with carrying handle. Search for stock code C520 on our products page.