OK. Here’s one of our most popular books. It’s the industry’s most comprehensive “how-to” book on carpet cleaning. It’s designed specifically for those wanting to know more about specific techniques and procedures for professional, environmentally-responsible cleaning.

Answers II starts with carpet installation basics: methods, subfloor prep, tackless installation, cushion and carpet installation basics. Not trying to make you an installer, mind you. Just letting you know about some of the installation-related problems that might get blamed you.

Next, we’ll spend time talking about dirt: proper terms, how to keep it out, sources and types, preventive maintenance, real versus apparent soil, water hardness, and dirt’s effect on occupant health. Lots to learn here.

Then, we’ll discuss - hopefully memorize - the five all-important principles of cleaning: dry soil removal, soil suspension, extraction, grooming, and drying. This is what separates the amateurs from the pros.

Next, we cover the juice, or cleaning chemistry: soap versus detergent, pH, proper mixing, and different chemicals for different carpet. Now relax, I’m not a chemist either. But you’ve got to know the basics to apply chemicals properly and get quality results. I’ll use terms that even beginning cleaners can understand. Then, there’s a whole chapter on specialty chemicals: defoamers, antistats, acid additives, brighteners, deodorants, antimicrobials, and fabric protectors. These products make you money selling add-on services.

Of course, we have an entire chapter on the 5 methods of cleaning: absorbent compound (dry powder), absorbent pad (bonnet), dry foam, shampoo, and “steam” extraction. You’ll learn which method to use in different situations, the pros and cons of your system and your competitor’s. We even have a section on disposing of recovered waste from cleaning, and how to answer consumer questions about Kawasaki Syndrome.

Stain-resist carpet? We have a whole chapter that covers all 5 generations of nylon carpet, the advantages and limitations of 5th generation, how to identify it, its benefits to cleaners, and how to clean it properly.

And since hot water extraction dominates the market today, we devote a chapter to cleaning tools and associated procedures: drag tools, light wands, mechanical floor tools, and stroking sequences for different soil levels. This is followed by discussions on precleaning inspections: initial surveys, furnishings, initial drying, customer questions, and post-cleaning inspections as well. There’s a little 5¢ customer briefing included that can eliminate thousands in complaints and call-backs for recleaning.

Ultimately, we put it all together with crew procedures for either 2- or 1-person production units. This chapter lists step-by-step procedures including: preparing, briefing customers, processing, completing, preparing for the next job, and finally, getting ready for the next day.

Of course, the carpet can’t be used until it’s dry. So the final chapter is on drying: how overwetting occurs, in-home and auxiliary drying equipment, and steps to speed up drying.

At the end of each chapter in Answers II, we include Comprehension Quizzes. Use them to test your knowledge retention or to prepare for carpet cleaning certification courses. If you’re an owner or manager, you can use it for company training programs, saving thousands in preparation costs. Simply read a chapter, present the material to your staff in an organized, professional manner. . . and watch them fall asleep! That is, until you copy and pass out the quizzes. Next training meeting, everyone’s alert and taking notes! Amazing!

Answers II is an essential volume for every professional cleaner’s library. Call us if you have further questions, but don’t put this off another minute.