Handy Hints

 

INDOOR AIR ENVIRONMENT

The quality of our indoor air has become more important to us in recent years because the average Australian spends over 20 hours a day inside a closed structure. In other words, 83% of our lives are spent indoors.

Carpet plays a vital, positive role in indoor air quality. It acts as an environmental filter, trapping and holding impurities form the air we breathe. Tests have proven that, with proper ventilation, carpet itself does not contribute negatively to indoor air quality. However, the buildup of soil in carpet does have an adverse affect. Carpet and upholstery should be cleaned to remove trapped contaminants before they overflow and are released back into the indoor air.

For a healthier indoor environment, it is recommended that you:

(a) vacuum frequently

(b) periodically have carpet and upholstery professionally cleaned

(c) control the sources (eg entrance mats, forbid smoking inside)

(d) increase fresh air flow

(e) clean for health (as opposed to simply cleaning for appearance)

 

 

SELECTING A VACUUM CLEANER

The majority of soil in carpet is dry, insoluble, particle matter. Dry soil is often abrasive and can harm carpet fibers if not removed. Routine vacuuming is the most important step in a carpet maintenance program. It enhances the appearance and prolongs the useful life of carpet by lifting the fibers and removing harmful soil particles. Proper vacuuming also helps create a healthier indoor environment by removing pollutants such as dust mites and their faeces, discarded human skin cells that mites feed upon, mold spores and biological contaminants collected in the carpet.

It is obvious that the selection of the right vacuum cleaner is therefore very important. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which is a certifying body for carpet cleaning professionals, offers these tips on selecting a vacuum cleaner:

  • Upright vacuum cleaners are generally more efficient
  • A top-load vacuum works more efficiently than a bottom-load
  • The vacuum cleaner head should be equipped with a beater bar or revolving brush.
  • A dual motor vacuum, utilizing one motor to operate the beater bar and one for the vacuum, is most efficient
  • It should be equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system

 

SELECTING A CARPET CLEANER

Price - If an advertised price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate business people have legitimate expenses that must be covered to make a profit. They include taxes, insurance, wages and employee benefits, vehicles and quality tools of trade. It is unlikely that a professional carpet cleaner with all these expenses could thoroughly clean your house or business for $10.00 to $15.00 per room.

Quality - Never should the price of cleaning services be the sole criteria for selecting a carpet cleaner. Higher prices do not necessarily mean 'rip-off'. In all professions, quality work deserves a quality price.

Truth in Advertising - Read the fine print in advertised specials to find out exactly what the price includes.

Training - Professional cleaning firms require management and employees to engage in formal training. Consumers should enquire about the training of the person that he/she engages to clean the carpet in the home/business.

Experience - The years of experience a firm has, combined with formal training programs, contribute significantly to the experience and proficiency of its employees.

There is no single criteria for selecting a carpet cleaning service provider. Several combined factors should be considered in the selection decision.

For the carpet cleaning consumer guide click here.

SELECTING A PEST MANAGER

Ensure you employ a pest manager who operates to the standards of Australia's only pest management accreditation program, PestCert.  PestCert, a non-profit independent accreditation program, is the initiative of the peak pest management industry body, the Australian Environmental Pest Manager's Association, and has the support of industry groups such a chemical suppliers, insurers, training organisations and distributors.  It was set up to raise the standard of service that has been provided in the past and to promote greater professionalism within the industry.  For more information, check the website, www.pestcert.com.au.

 
design by Inology 2005