September 2013

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ncca

Features:

2013 Carnival Review Upholstery Cleaning Labels

September 2013

The official journal of the National Carpet Cleaners Association

Contents

Published monthly by:

03 The NCCA Carpet Cleaners Carnival - A success again this year!

06 A great day out at the CCC

The National Carpet Cleaners Association, 62c London Road, Oadby, Leicestershire, LE2 5DH. Tel: 0116 271 9550 E-mail: admin@ncca.co.uk Website: www.ncca.co.uk

08 Natural fibre flooring

Editor Nikki Law

12 Got no work? I know how you feel

Editor in Chief Keith Robertson

14 Upholstery cleaning labels 16 Another great member benefit!

Cheaper fuel for members with MF Oils 18 Credit control 20 Wood floor staining 22 Benzoyl Peroxide 24 COSHH (The Control of Substances Harmful to Health) Regualtion 2002 Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Association or it’s officers or members. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the statements within this publication, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors, or omissions, or matters arising from any clerical or printing errors, and whilst every care is taken of manuscripts and photographs submitted to us, we can accept no responsibility for any loss or damage. ŠCarpet Cleaners Association Ltd 1994 (Trading as the National Carpet Cleaners Association). No part of this Newsletter may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Carpet Cleaners Association Ltd.

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Design Editor Nikki Law President/Technical Director Paul Pearce Vice President/Marketing Director Keith Robertson Vice President/Events Director Nigel Lay Member Liaison Director Glyn Charnock Assistant Membership Director Martin Johns Franchise Liaison Director Denise Pitt Corporate Liaison Director Rob Whitbread Training Director Christian Ramsey Co-opted Director Billy Russell Co-opted Director Allan Simmons

www.facebook.com/NCCAFloorCare www.twitter.com/NCCA_floorcare_

The NCCA Carpet Cleaners Carnival A Success Again This Year!

B

y the time you read this the Carpet Cleaner Carnival will be over and, if you didn't attend, you really did miss out on a great day!

Held annually at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, the CCC has proved hugely popular since its launch in 2011 and this year was no exception.

The event, which was free to attend, included an exhibition populated by carpet manufacturers, suppliers and associated trades and services from inside and outside the Association, providing an ideal opportunity for visitors to meet NCCA Corporate members and other similar businesses, compare different systems, view new product launches, ask those all-important questions and network with likeminded people.

A new feature introduced this year was the opportunity for exhibitors to demonstrate their equipment. Feedback from visitors at the previous events asked to see more working machinery along with the chance of hands-on testing. The Association responded by arranging several areas within the hall where machine demonstrations were ongoing and visitors had the opportunity to get to grips with equipment

and test out any items they were interested in.

This new feature was well received and throughout the day there was a continuous stream of visitors to each of the stands. Eager to show off their products and new developments, exhibitors were reported to be delighted with the success of the show.

Exhibitor Richard Sudall, of Chemspec Europe, said of the event “What an excellent day! The atmosphere in the hall was friendly and informal with a continuous hum of activity. It was a slightly slow start but from the moment the visitors starting pouring in, an hour after opening, I was busy all day. In fact there was barely time to stop for refreshments! It was great to shake hands with so many old and new friends and I am really pleased with the new contacts I have made. A well-deserved 'thanks' to all at the NCCA for organising such a great event.�

As well as being a trade fair, the CCC is also a great day out for all the family where fun and festivities are successfully combined with business.

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Continued from previous page the crafting of keyrings and bag danglers.

This year we were also joined by excellent closeOpen to everyone within the industry, the event up and cabaret magician, John Martin. was attended by Throughout the day John enthralled both members and both children and adults alike with his non-members disarming charm, wit and humour and together with their managed to amaze and confuse us all partners, friends with his excellent trickery. We still can't and children. Along work out how he did any of it! with the exhibition, In the women's interest area visitors the Carnival Carpet cleaners from all indulged in various complementary featured women's over the UK joined us at the CCC therapies for relaxation and interest and recuperation at entertainment areas, providing Peter Collins receives his award for Herts Healing and attractions and activities for everyone in Honorarary Membership made purchases attendance. from the vast The entertainment area, predominantly array of beautiful arranged for the children (but also an crafts on sale this attraction for the 'older' kids among us), year, including offered a range of games and handmade competitions for all ages to enjoy, crotchet including Treasure Map, Hoopla, Playing collections for Card Tombola, Character & Catchphrase adults, children and babies, handcrafted items for and Treasure Hunt. There was also an opportunity the home and a wonderful range of jewellery and to have your face painted and take part in craft activities such as scratch art, jewellery making and other accessories.

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the assistance he received in fundraising. With various activities throughout the day, including an auction, he was able to raise an incredible £1083.32!

When asked to comment on the event, Paul Pearce, President of the National Carpet Cleaners Association, said “The exhibitors were happy and everyone who attended said they had enjoyed the day, so I really couldn't be more pleased. The NCCA would like to say a huge 'Thank You' to the members and their families who came, Corporate members who gave up much of their weekend, and in many cases brought staff with them, and also Beautiful handcrafted the other items at ‘Crotchet and Crafts’ businesses who joined us. The CCC really is a 'must' for anyone involved in the soft furnishing and floor care industry. We hope to see you all again next year.”

Wicksteed Park Barton Road, Kettering NN15 6NJ

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Photos of this year’s event © Maureen Charnock and Ken Wainwright

For those who wanted to stretch their legs there was also plenty to do within the Park itself.

Centrally located, and easily accessible, Wicksteed has proven to be an excellent choice of venue for the CCC. One of the oldest theme parks in Britain, it is the ideal setting for a great day out. Within the beautiful and extensive grounds there are numerous attractions, including one of the biggest and best free playgrounds in Europe, a railway, racing cars, a lakeside area featuring water rides and an abundance of places to eat.

The Carnival was again pleased to support Kirsty's The magician Kids. Member works his magic John Bryden, who runs the charity in honour of his daughter Kirsty and her work to help sick and underprivileged children, has written to express his gratitude for

A great day out at the CCC

Ken Wainwright

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Exhibitor, Richard Sudall, of Chemspec Europe was busy all day

John Bryden, of Kirsty’s Kids, talks to the guys at Sebo

be fully aware of the equipment available to us.

Seeing the machines 'in the flesh' is nice but not always essential. However, what The Carpet Cleaners Carnival provides, above and beyond the viewing of machinery, is the chance to meet colleagues and manufacturers in a relaxed and informal environment, ideal for forming new, and

Photographs Š Maureen Charnock and Ken Wainwright

A

fter the vast spaces and displays at the NEC Cleaning Show last March, the Carpet Cleaners Carnival at Wicksteed Park was always going to be a different kind of industry event.

And with the focus on fun, as well as business, this intimate, familyorientated event certainly fulfilled all my expectations.

When I arrived, the car park was packed, a good omen to start the day. The weather was dry and cloudy but temperatures were moderate, so families tended to wander in and out of the exhibition hall. This gave the show a double bonus. The footfall was high NCCA Honorary Member and industry stalwart, Derek Bolton, enough to keep at the Chemspec stand the trade exhibitors happy, but as many visitors were spending valuable family time with their children in the Theme Park, playgrounds and on the narrow gauge railway etc. the hall was never too crowded at any one time.

The perfect environment for networking.

Being realistic, after reading Newslink, trade magazines and surfing the internet, most of us will

developing existing, business relationships.

I did have a couple of disappointments though. I met Derek Bolton on arrival. He was deep in conversation and we agreed to catch up later in the day, but we were both so busy, it just didn't happen. Back to Skype it is then!

The other person I wanted to catch up with was Richard Sudall of Chemspec Europe, but he was in great demand and so busy all day that I noticed he

Who’s the man having a massage at Herts Healing?

didn't even get to eat his lunch until well into the afternoon. Richard needed, and deserved, a little time to himself so I decided to catch up with him later, but it never materialised.

The other exhibitors in the hall seemed to be just as busy. Woolsafe were proudly promoting their excellent award winning App, a carpet stain cleaning guide for both the consumer and industry alike. Alltec Network were exhibiting their very impressive high-end portable extraction machine and Cleaning Systems UK featured an inspiring display focussed on low moisture cleaning. WCS had an extensive range of equipment on display too with plenty of visitors taking advantage of the opportunity to try their machinery and tools.

The Gorgeous One, aka Mrs Wainwright, spent quite a bit of time at the Sebo stand. It would

appear that my passion for all things vacuuming has rubbed off on her!

The craft stalls in attendance this year were wonderful, displaying a wide range of beautifully crafted items ideal for gifts; I can confidently report that we have now officially started our Christmas shopping.

All in all, I am pleased to report that we had an excellent day. As it was the first time for us at the CCC without family, we were half expecting to be in and out in a couple of hours, but we didn't finally leave until the exhibitors were packing away their displays.

Finding a nice pub/restaurant on the way home was just the 'icing on the cake' at the end of a brilliant day.

just for fun Who’s the man enjoying a nice massage at the Hert’s Healing stand? Think you know? Email Nicky Law at: nicky@ncca.co.uk

New NCCA Members A W Construction Southampton Ltd Southampton, Hampshire Oasis Cleaning Addlestone, Surrey Icon Carpet Cleaning Stafford, Staffordshire

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Natural fibre flooring

Peter Collins (Honorary Member)

Paper Paper carpets have been around for a long time. The process of producing yarn from finished paper was first perfected by Frenchman, Emil Claviez, around 1890. He took out patents for both producing yarn from paper strips and for creating a spindle for spinning them.

The spun paper is woven from Paper the pulp of coniferous softwoods.

This produces a very strong yarn, to which a resin is added to increase the moisture resistance of the fibre. This process also gives paper fibres an advantage over other natural fibres, in that it is even less sensitive to moisture.

It also dyes well and has a resistance to fading.

Surprisingly, this type of carpet fibre is an extremely versatile and durable floor covering.

Today, paper carpets are produced by many manufacturers and can range from one hundred

Coir

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percent twisted paper yarn, to combinations of paper and other natural materials, mainly Sisal.

They come in a variety of colours and weaves, and can be produced in rug form or as fitted carpet.

Coir Coir comes from the fibres of the coconut husk, which can be harvested by hand or machine,

however hand-picked coconuts produce superior quality fibres. The technique used to manufacture these fibres into the finished product is long and arduous. First the husks are softened in seawater, and then pounded with a stone to remove the woody parts. Next, the fibres are dried, combed and prepared for weaving. Coir fibres can be woven by hand or mechanical looms and the chosen weaving method will have an effect on the finished product. The hand loom produces a Sisal slightly looser but more variable finish and the power loom weaves will be tighter and more uniform.

Coir is probably the most used of all the plant fibres for floor covering. It is hard wearing, versatile and comes in many combinations of weave, such as boucle, panama, diamond and herringbone. It comes in natural, or creamier bleached shades of colour. Coir weaving in recent years has expanded and it is now regarded by many as a sophisticated floor covering due to its strength and highly textured finish, which is able to withstand the stresses and strains of modern life.

Sisal Sisal mats and carpets are created from strong, organic fibre made from the leaf of the plant Agave Sisalana, mainly found in Brazil and East

Africa. Traditionally, Sisal was used to make ropes, however over time it has become an ideal floor covering. Not only is Sisal durable and hard wearing, but it is immensely versatile and can come in a variety of styles, patterns, colours and dyes. The quality of Sisal depends on its origin and manufacture. European countries are at the forefront of Sisal manufacturing technology, which produces top quality boucle, herringbone, twill, panama and braided yarns in a classic range of colours, from deepest bronze through to palest silver. These can also come in various accent shades which are bold, adventurous, and demonstrate the immense versatility and beauty of this natural fibre.

The traditional method of making Sisal is to Continued on next page

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extract the fibres, by crushing the pulpy leaves.

These are then washed, dried and graded before being spun into yarn.

Seagrass Seagrass, as its name implies, is grass that is created in seawater. It is grown in paddy fields in China, which, at certain times during the growing season, are flooded by the nearby sea. Most Seagrass yarns are left undyed and in their natural state, as it's very difficult to create colour in these fibres using traditional dyeing techniques.

This, as with all natural fibres, can cause inconsistencies in colour. However, after the spinning and weaving stage, this effect tends to

Seagrass

enhance its overall charm, rather than detract from it.

Seagrass' qualities lay in its strength, hardwearing features and natural stain resistance.

Jute

Jute

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Surprisingly, Seagrass is impermeable to moisture (you may well ask why a product grown in water and flooded regularly has a natural resistance to moisture and is not able to be wet cleaned, however that's another story).

Seagrass comes in a variety of weaves including original, chunky basket weave and a herringbone design, which is created using Sisal. It also can have a backing of natural latex compound, which makes it easier to fit as well as increasing its life expectancy.

Jute Jute is created from the plant Genus Cochorous. It is mainly grown in hot and damp regions of Asia, such as Bangladesh and India. Plants of this species grow to about three metres and the jute fibres are found in the inner bark of the stalks.

They are harvested by hand and traditionally immersed in a slow moving stream until the fibres are soft enough to be removed by hand. The fibres are usually about two metres in length.

After drying, they are baled and sent to the spinning mill to be spun into yarn. This production of Jute fabrics using hand crafted processes is very

labour intensive but, once complete, the end product can be woven into a variety of wonderful designs, ranging from tight boucle weaves, chunky tweeds and fine herringbone. Jute fabrics come in a broad spectrum of natural shades with subtle accents of colour, which gives some designs spectacular depth and beauty.

Jute is an extraordinary fine natural fibre with a soft silky lustre, which when added to modern interior designs, can transform any room into a luxurious setting.

Natural fibre barrier matting

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Got no work? I know how you feel

David Coker

I

recently took my eye off the ball.

For the first time in over twenty eight years of carpet cleaning I had very little work booked in. I mean hardly anything at all! We usually have at least two to three weeks’ worth of work scheduled, often more. But I was down to about three jobs!

What had caused this state of affairs?

Well, quite simply, I believe it was down to the fact that I had failed to adhere to my marketing calendar. The problem is that many of us think like technicians.

We enjoy cleaning carpets. We want to DO the work. This can easily lead to a failure to concentrate on getting the work in.

When I first started cleaning carpets in the mid 1980's, I used to wonder why my phone wasn't constantly ringing with people wanting their carpets cleaned. After all, most people have carpets and surely they want to keep them clean.

In my home town, I've estimated that there must be at least 150,000 carpets that need cleaning. All I need is a handful every week. And yet it's not that simple.

I soon came to realize that I had to be a marketer of a carpet cleaning service, not just a carpet cleaner.

So… what is marketing? I like Dan Kennedy's definition. It's accurate and to the point. He says “marketing is getting the right message to the

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right market via the right media".

A good starting point when marketing is to think about what makes people consider having their carpets cleaned in the first place and then to think about what would give them a reason to act on this... and to act NOW. An excellent way of getting people to 'act now' is a good 'OFFER'. This does not have to be a price discount. It's much better to add value, NOT discount; for example a free application of protector to walkway areas (which I offer with my higher priced package). It’s easy and quick to apply, as it can be done after cleaning and furniture replacement, and the customer is happy

Diary Dates 2013 because they have added value to their chosen package.

And, of course, with every offer a believable deadline is needed to stop people procrastinating.

Otherwise they'll just put it off. Interestingly, many jobs we go to have “been meaning to get their carpets cleaned for some time�... even years!

So, how did I rectify the situation of my lapsed marketing and pull myself out of my work slump?

Well, I used two simple strategies, both of which were targeted to existing customers that know, like and trust me. I resumed my monthly newsletter, which had lapsed, and I sent out reminder cards, both with an irresistible offer combined with a deadline. As simple as that.

The result? The deadline date has not yet been reached but already people are responding to the offer. Problem solved.

I had failed to adhere to my Marketing Calendar.

It won't happen again!

Member referral report Since publishing a referral statistics report in last month's Newslink there have been 112 recommendations for full members provided by the NCCA. This number is made up of 59 referrals from the NCCA office, 51 potential customers contacting members direct through the website and 2 referrals to members without an email address, which have been tracked by the office.

NCCA COURSES Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 22nd -23rd November Spot & Stain Removal 11th October 2014 COURSE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED NCCA courses held at NSPCC Training Centre, Leicester unless otherwise stated.

Visit: www.ncca.co.uk for booking forms and further details.

IICRC COURSES (HERTFORDSHIRE) Carpet Cleaning Technician with Paul Pearce 29th - 30th October Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician with Paul Pearce 12th - 13th November Held at Alltec Network, Royston, Hertfordshire. Tel: 01763 208222

IICRC COURSES (SURREY) Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician with Adam Jankowski 6th - 7th November Applied Structural Drying Technician with Adam Jankowski 3rd - 5th December Held at National Flood School, Surrey.

Tel: 01252 821185

Visit: www.iicrc.org for further details on all IICRC Training Courses.

Upholstery cleaning labels Derek Bolton

I

was just (last week) asked to look at some furniture which has allegedly been damaged by a wet cleaning process. The cleaning technician is denying responsibility for the damage stating that the label on the fabric said 'do not dry clean - professionally clean in-situ only'… so he subsequently wet cleaned it and damaged the fabric.

Simple you might say, not his fault, the manufacturer should take all responsibility.

However, it's not as clear-cut as it seems. Those of you who have listened to me in the past on training courses, seminars, and even within the pages of Newslink, know I feel that some upholstery labels are not worth the paper/fabric they are printed on.

I have always advocated that a cleaning technician should certainly read the labels, but should also do all the relevant tests and ONLY THEN make up their mind on what cleaning procedure to undertake.

How many times have we all seen a 'Dry Clean Only' label on furniture that can safely (with due care) be wet cleaned?

I have seen labels that simply contradict themselves saying 'Don't in any circumstances wet clean the fabric BUT if you use a proprietary shampoo etc….' I have seen others with a 'one label fits all' instruction whereby the nominated person at the manufacturers ticks a few boxes… let's all hope it's the right boxes eh.

So if we can't rely on labels, and obviously we can't, then ultimately it's up to us to determine how to clean a piece of furniture and with what.

I recall clearly a discussion with a Trading Standards officer in Leicester some years ago when I was explaining to him that some fabrics were, in my humble opinion, 'not fit for purpose'. I

even showed him samples. His words have stayed with me to this day… “You may well be right” he said “but if you go ahead and clean it and subsequently cause damage I shall hold you accountable”! “But it is unfit for purpose” I said in reply. His answer to that was, “YOU” (he was pointing at me, really pointing) “are the professional, therefore YOU should know what you are doing”.

Back to my story, having now seen the damaged furniture in question I can tell you that it is

All photographs©Derek Bolton

covered with a Cotton/Viscose blend pile fabric and, as you can see from the picture above, the Viscose fibres have swollen changing its appearance; pile distortion can clearly be seen too. Not only that, and obviously you can’t see this, but the damage has also changed the way it feels (harsh and rough).

I sympathise with the cleaner who damaged the suite, up to a point, but the really daft thing is that he states he did carry out a colour-bleed test on the fabric; but the results of this test, if carried out

with a water-based solution, should have forewarned him…. that's if he actually knew what to look for of course.

He is apparently trying to apportion blame to the retailer and manufacturer and it seems he is reluctant to get his insurance company involved.

My feelings are that he will end up having to replace the damaged items in the end. If it goes to court he may well find himself with the costs of both parties on top.

DO THE TESTS…. ALWAYS.

Another great NCCA member benefit!

Cheaper fuel for members with MF Oils Glyn Charnock

M

F Oils are offering NCCA members a significant discount on fuel costs through their fuel card system. A large number of NCCA members have already signed up to the scheme and are making excellent savings.

Unfortunately, however, a small number of members have used fuel stations not on the MF Oils list, and have been charged a 3p per litre 'uplift' on the price advertised. In a very small number of cases this has resulted in members paying more than the pump price at the fuel station they have used.

We would like to point out that the fuel price emailed weekly to all members who have joined up to the scheme is only applicable to the 'Bunker Sites' listed on the MF Oils website. The use of Non-Bunker Sites and some supermarket fuel stations might not result in a significant saving, and may even cost more than the advertised pump price.

'Bunker Sites' are generally those set up for use

by HGV's, who are more likely to use fuel cards.

The clues are higher canopies over the pumps and dedicated HGV diesel pumps, but this is no guarantee.

If you have signed up to the MF Oils fuel card system please make sure you only use the Bunker Sites listed in their literature and on their website to maximise the savings you can achieve. The use of

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sites not listed by MF Oils may result in little or no savings being made.

The NCCA is committed to providing value for money benefits for its members and we believe that MF Oils can provide significant fuel cost savings if the system is used appropriately.

For anyone not yet signed up, who is interested in making savings on their fuel costs, please talk to Jake at MF Oils about the scheme available to you (details below).

Scheme details and contact information NCCA members can save money on fuel through MF Oils by filling up at: BP, Esso, Shell, Texaco, Murco, UK Fuels, Morrison and Tesco.

MF Oils deliver a fixed rate each week for all members based on the collective usage, this price is fixed Monday through to, and including, Sunday at all Bunker Sites; however when using a Non-Bunker site the price is uplifted by 3ppl on top of their fixed price. So to maximise your savings please use Bunker sites. To find out your nearest site contact Jake on 01202 339 197 or jake@mfoils.co.uk If you haven't signed up yet or would like to know more then please contact Jake, again on 01202 339 197 or jake@mfoils.co.uk, and start saving up to 12ppl, dependent on where you are filling. With no cost for the account at all, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Credit Control

Cecil Aigin

C

redit control and the collection of debts are time consuming necessities of every business. But, if time is not given to setting up a strict system for collecting current and outstanding debts, our businesses may not survive.

It could be said that if we collect all accounts promptly, there won't be outstanding debts, but that's a bit utopian. The fact is that the older a debt becomes, the more difficult it is to collect.

The provision of credit falls into two categories, i.e. that provided to private individuals and that provided to trade. In both cases it is essential to set out your payment and credit terms when producing estimates and when agreeing a credit arrangement.

When dealing with private individuals, you should require to be paid immediately on completion of the work. Set out your payment requirements in your estimate documents and politely draw your client's attention to the details.

On completion of the work, present your invoice and ask for payment. Inevitably there will be occasions when your client is unable to make an

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instant payment so have stamped, addressed envelopes handy 'to facilitate their posting you a cheque'.

Should payment not be received in a day or so, phone your client with a gentle reminder of your terms. Don't accept, “I'm going to ask you to clean further areas in a week or so and I'll pay it all together�.

In the case of genuine trade clients who provide regular work, not those who occasionally contact you, arrange acceptable credit terms.

These may be immediate payment on receipt of your invoice, a monthly statement or some other

pre-arranged schedule. Whichever terms are in position, take time to monitor receipt of payments and make contact with your client should payments fall behind the agreed terms.

Certain clients will take advantage of you if you allow the agreed terms to be extended and are slow to make contact. The fact is that, whilst we are reluctant to lose an old client, it is time consuming and unrewarding to be continuously chasing someone for payment. Our time can be better spent in obtaining new customers.

We need to take a commercial view with difficult clients. Bad habits in making payments are progressive so that the monthly account who takes two months will soon fall behind to three months and you will reach the point where you will never bring an account up to date.

In fact you become their banker and an unwilling investor in their business.

It is important that your clients are kept aware of your strict credit controls. A supplier, who is on the phone immediately a payment falls behind agreed terms, is most likely the one not to be kept waiting.

It is important to have a good and accessible retrieval or filing system for keeping copies of estimates and invoices. Be punctual with statements and reminders. It is easy for the pressure of work to get in the way of credit control and debt collection. However, what is the

point of carrying out new work when debt is accumulating.

Inevitably, you will have unpaid accounts with which your best efforts have not been successful in collecting.

You may consider legal action through small claim courts, or for significant amounts, with the assistance of a solicitor. Before taking these actions, make every effort to obtain payment and, if all else fails, notify your client of your intended action by recorded delivery.

Turnover from unpaid accounts may look good on your balance sheet but it is better to have received payment and for it to be represented on your bank statements.

My late father-in-law, Joe Benardout, was the founder of our then company Thames Carpet Cleaners Ltd. He had a business axiom that he used to instil in his directors, “There is no harm in asking for money that is owed to you, no matter who owes it�.

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Wood floor staining

Terry Guilford (The Ultimate Floor Sanding Co.)

T

here is nothing guaranteed to cause more aggravation to a floor sanding contractor than staining a floor.

Fifteen-plus years on in this business and I still groan when I am involved with a job that requires staining. So what's the problem?

Surely the client picks a colour, you whack it down on the floor, apply the finish over it and everyone's happy, easy‌ isn't it?

To be honest, to do full justice to this subject would require time well outside the scope of this article but let's keep it as simple as possible. Firstly let's look at the stains themselves. The most common type in use on these shores are straightforward solvent-based products which provide quite good colour depth, are fast drying, will work with just about any floor finish (if dealt with properly) and come in a huge range of colours. The disadvantages with these are bleed-back and of course environmental issues due to the solvent 'carrier'. Less popular are the water-based colours, which on the 'plus' side have far fewer environmental issues, but unfortunately also provide fewer colour choices, require a longer period before over-coating and present issues with grain raising... hence why they are less popular.

The ‘new kids on the block' are the catalysed oil products which solve the time issue (to a degree) and being solvent free are environmentally friendly, however they are new and therefore pricey.

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The truth is, the products are not really the problem; they all work if handled correctly. The problems basically come down to these points.

1) Light stain - Tricky this fellow, a colour under shop lighting is different from the same colour under strong natural light, or shady areas for that matter.

2) The wood - Customers think that wood is wood, i.e. if a particular colour of stain looks good on a piece of oak then it's going to look the same on their old pine floor. It's sometimes hard to convey that this is not the case. All timbers accept stains differently and light coloured timbers will look lighter than darker ones, even after staining. Oak is the very best timber for staining and pine is one of the worst.

3) The sanding - The smoother you sand the wood, the more you close the grain and the lighter the colour will be. In addition, a rotary action will leave a different scratch pattern and level of smoothness than a drum action, hence the 'picture framing' you see on some stained floors.

4) The sanding - no I'm not losing it (some would disagree). Point number 4 is still sanding related but needs to be mentioned separately. Sanding scratches that are invisible to the eye under natural lacquered finishes start to say “hello� with oils and are positively hurling abuse at you when you start to stain.

Ok, so now having scared the living bejaysus out of you, how do you deal with the problems?

1) Manage customer expectation - If the wood floor has to be the exact shade of some particular item (i.e. the wooden frame on your customer's chair), it will need to be colour matched, which is possible. However, once applied to their floor (bearing in mind all the points above), even if it matches exactly in some places it isn't going to look exactly the same everywhere in the room, it isn't possible (light being the factor here, the other issues you can mitigate).

2) Sand to a high standard - This varies according to the wood but broadly speaking try to match

machine actions as much as possible (if you finish the field with a rotary then finish the edges with an orbital, if you finish on a belt or drum then hand block the edges in the same direction, i.e. with the grain).

3) Match grits - If you finish on a 100 grit on the rotary use 100 grit on your orbital.

4) Water pop - Wetting the floor will open the pores and allow more stain to penetrate. Because it swells the fibres it helps eliminate some scratches and on some timbers helps you see scratches so you can remove them before staining. You need to make sure the floor is both sufficiently and evenly wet, but power washing isn't a good idea!

5) Rag or buff off - Some people don't realise that you don't just put the stain on, let it dry and then finish the floor. Apply the stain with brush or roller, give it time to penetrate and then rag it off with absorbent, lint-free cloths, or buff off either using lots of cloths under an old pad or a 'cut to shape' natural pile carpet. If you are careful you can cut a hole in the middle of the carpet off-cut and apply the product this way but there are limitations and it does require extreme care.

So if all that hasn't put you off, nothing will, but remember it doesn't matter how good you are, it's managing customer expectation that's the really tricky bit, but then you already know that don't you.

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Benzoyl Peroxide

A

NCCA Library

problem you may have come across in your carpet and upholstery cleaning career is colour loss in fabrics or fibres, resulting from a chemical called Benzoyl Peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide is contained in acne medications, other skin care products, dog mange medicine and adhesive activators, etc. It is a powerful bleaching agent and can discolour most dyes used on carpet, upholstery and other textiles.

The chemical discolouration appears as mysterious areas of bleached or lightened colour, in places where no apparent spillage has occurred. The bleached areas are often a yellow, pink, orange or an off-white colour.

Widespread use of acne medications containing Benzoyl Peroxide has increased the problem.

Although colour loss can occur soon after the chemical touches the fibres, it often does not appear until sometime later. The reaction is accelerated by high humidity, heat and moisture. It is particularly common for these spills to appear after rainy weather, or soon after a carpet and upholstery cleaning. Spillage of this medication may have been overlooked, only to have the forgotten spill reappear later! In addition to spillage of the medication, it is easy to unknowingly transfer the chemical onto fibres from the hands or face. The medication does not readily wash off the skin, leaving enough behind to get onto carpets or upholstery where it causes colour loss to appear without warning.

The bleached areas are permanently discoloured,

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as the dye has been chemically damaged. These colour changes, which may become apparent after cleaning, are sometimes blamed on the cleaner or cleaning process. However, the problem is due to the hidden Benzoyl Peroxide component of these acne medications, which is activated by heat and moisture.

Newslink now online only The June issue of Newslink was the last printed edition you will have received.

From the July issue onward your monthly publication became online only.

Every month you will receive an email notification informing you that Newslink has been published online. You will be able to view your magazine by clicking on the links within the email and even download your own copy for your digital library.... freeing up valuable storage space in your office!

So, if your email address changes at any point, please email Nicky immediately on: nicky@ncca.co.uk with your up-to-date details.

PLEASE NOTE: IF WE DO NOT HAVE YOUR CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION EACH MONTH WHEN NEWSLINK HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.

Train as a floor sanding professional WE’RE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR OUR NEXT COURSE. LIMITED AVAILABILITY. BOOK NOW! SUCCESSFUL COURSE COMPLETION PROVIDES OPTIONAL MEMBERSHIP TO THE NATIONAL AFFILIATE NETWORK

COMPETITION NNER! STILL NO WI Would you like to train as a floor sanding professional? Well... this is your chance! Simply identify what you think caused the stain (right) on an oak kitchen work top and, on a less serious note, what you think it resembles, AND YOU COULD WIN A PLACE ON OUR FLOOR SANDING COURSE - WORTH £395 + VAT! For your chance to win, email your answers to Terry Guilford at: Terry.guilford@ultimatefloorsanding.com

HERE’S A CLUE: famine staining newslink

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WIN A PLACE ON OUR TRAINING COURSE!

COSHH (The Control of Substances Harmful to Health) Regulation 2002 Steve Scotter (Hydro-Dynamix Ltd) COSHH and carpet cleaning The COSHH regulations 2002 are very strict and the statutory compliance level is absolute, so you must comply with this regulation.

COSHH regulations cover all hazardous substances (other than Lead and Asbestos, these have their own regulations). Thankfully, in carpet cleaning our biggest concerns are usually about the chemicals we may need to use, not asbestos.

Technicians sometimes refer to COSHH sheets, these do not exist, and information on the chemicals can be found on the Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

The MSDS will give you the following information:

ŸFirst aid requirements should someone become exposed to the chemical.

ŸEnvironment clean-up requirements should a chemical spill take place.

ŸHow hazardous the product is by displaying

Remember:

ŸNever mix chemicals unless it is specified on the MSDS.

ŸDo not expose homeowners to the chemicals you are using.

ŸKeep chemicals out of reach of children at all times.

ŸWork in a well-ventilated room. ŸRinse out chemicals at the end of the cleaning task.

hazard code pictures.

ŸHow to mix the chemical and its use ŸGeneral further information.

With the MSDS you can then carry out a COSHH Risk Assessment and decide on the required controls for safe systems of work.

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Steve Scotter was a carpet cleaner and a member of the National Carpet Cleaners Association for many years. He now works for NCCA Corporate Member, Hydro-Dynamix Ltd, as a NEBOSH qualified Health and Safety Manager.

Items for sale BUSINESS FOR SALE Small, long-established, reputable NCCA Registered, working carpet, upholstery and soft furnishings cleaning company. Essex based. Owner Operator retiring. To be sold as a complete package only.

Mobile HWE and dry cleaning system. Domestic and commercial clients. Genuine interested parties only please to call 07903 497298 and leave details.

BUSINESS FOR SALE Small, well established carpet, hard floor and upholstery cleaning business (London and Kent borders). Package includes: 57 plate Vauxhall Vivaro LWB Van with 53k miles on the clock, Prochem Blazer GT Truck Mount machine with only 270hrs on the clock, established interactive website (which had SEO programme last year), chemicals, turbo drier, 250 feet of solution and suction hose and van mounted hose reels, together with a property maintenance company name, website and promotional materials.

Contact telephone number 020 8309 6517. Sale price: £18,000 O.N.O. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - £2950 Top of the range Ashbys Ninja adjustable up to 400psi with inbuilt heater and Hot Solvent Functionality. 2 x25m vacuum hoses, 1 x silencer hose, 1 x wand, 1 x upholstery tool, 1 x dry cleaning solvent tool. Sebo Duo agitator, Sebo Vacuum BS36, 1.5hp blower dryer, Truvox high speed buffer, Prochem Stain Removal kit, 2 x 6 litres pressure sprayers, 1 x 1 litre upholstery / spot sprayer, vinyl mat for Ninja, and 1 terrapaulin sheet, Huge array of chemicals including: Prochem Power Burst, Defoamer, Prochem Pre Spray Gold, Prochem Natural Carpet Cleaner, Ashby's supreme Anti Grease, Prochem Browning prescription, Prochem Fabric and Fibre Rinse, Ashby's Extra Fresh, Prochem Odour Fresh. Box of other bits including shoe covers; brushes, polystyrene pads, measuring jugs, dry compound.

All in excellent condition. Selling as my second business is consuming all of my time. Contact Richard 07903 841534.

VACANCY & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Experienced full time Carpet and Floor Care Technician required. Own van and equipment an advantage but not essential. Good business incentive package (profit share or buy in). Area coverage M4 corridor from Bristol to London. Apply by email to glynn.norcutt@gnccontractservices.com with full CV, etc.) or telephone: 01672 871882 or mobile: 07831 172743.

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EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Mobile container/bin (red) - comes with lid. Heavy duty container on wheels. L55” x W32” x H31”, ideal hose and other carpet clng equipment storage. List price: £199 - selling for £75. Whole room drier/air mover. List price: £534 - selling for £175 (no VAT).

Contact: Chis on: 02380 898 212 or email:mncrostance@googlemail.com or phone Chris on: 07970 040729.

TRUCKMOUNT Banclene truck mount complete with base unit, stainless steel 80 gallon recovery tank, 100 gallon solution tank, 150 feet of Vaccuum/solution hoses, floor, stair and various upholstery hand tools, inline heater and misc parts etc..The van has been sold seperately. Selling due to retirement and will consider the highest offer. Call Derek at Aquamaster on 01845 537640 - mobile 07976 218304 or email derek @aquamaster-yorkshire.co.uk CLEANING AND RESTORATION MACHINERY EQUIPMENT - ACCESSORIES Dri-Eaz Dehumidifier 1200 as New Boxed £450.00.

Dri-Eaz Sahara Pro TurboDryer - New Boxed £150.00. Dri-Eaz Dri X Airchanger Dehumidifier New Boxed. Normal Price £1900.00. Our Price £500.00.

Plus much more. For a complete list please telephone: 07580 182 325 or E-mail: info@restoration-direct.co.uk MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 3 Ozone plates 4'' x 6'' to fit Jetazone 600 ozone generator - £15.00 for the 3, plus £5.00 p & p.

Chemspec stainless steel 4 jet floor wand in good condition - £100.00 plus delivery charge if applicable. Please phone Pete Collins on 07885 804560.

BUSINESS FOR SALE Well established (November 2000) Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning business. Selling due to retirement. Centrally located covering Nottingham, Derby and Leicester (all within 20 miles). The business includes 04 reg'd Transit Van, taxed Feb 2014, MOT Aug 2014, Triple Vacuum Alltec Advance 0-600psi machine capable also of Tile and Grout cleaning, spare machine - Alltec Pro Plus, Rotovac, wand, carpet and upholstery hand tools, chemicals, hoses, air mover, plus numerous marketing materials, (Joe Polish, Pirahna Marketing) existing website and large customer database. If interested please contact Colin Wakefield at Breedon Carpet Care on 01332 865565 or 07811 963317.

NCCA Corporate Members EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Prochem 250 ft vacuum hoses for truck mount £150.00. Chemspec hose reel for truck mount plastic - £200. Prochem sadle tank for truckmount 227 litre/60 gallons - £250.00.

Contact aquadriinfo@btconnect.com for further information or contact Andy on: 07970 544806.

OFFICE PRINTER/COPIER Duplo DP-2211 Single colour A3 or A4 duplicator.

Full working order, any fair trial. Ideal for low cost Flyers. Some consumables. PC Interface, prints direct from P.C. or printed copy - £250.00 o.n.o.

For further Information Contact gary@amazingcleaning.co.uk or call 0116 2672720. Based in Leicester

+ Allied Insurance Services Ltd: 0844 8156211 (I) + Alltec Network: 01763 208222 (C/M/F/T) + Amtech UK: 01444 232211 (C/M) + Ashby's Cleaning Equipment: 01322 227806 (C/M/E) + Asset Finance Solutions UK Ltd: 01254 584404 (FI) + Bio Productions Ltd (inc. Stapro): 01444 244000 (C) + Camberford Law (insurance brokers): 0208 315 5000 (I) + Chemdry Franchising Ltd: 01482 872770 (C/M/Fr) + Chemspec Europe Ltd: 01274 597333 (C/M/T/D/F) + Cleanerswarehouse Ltd: 01772 434333 (T/C/R/M) + Cleaning Systems UK: 01334 656787 (C/M/T/F) + Cleanpro Software Solutions Ltd: 01582 518467 + Cleansmart Ltd: 0115 8240034 (T/C/R/M/K) + Cleantec Innovation Ltd: 0870 733 7733 (T/C/W/M)

The Association advises that all goods are checked to be in a satisfactory condition, and comply to electrical and health and safety standards, etc. It is recommended that equipment serial numbers should be checked to ensure the seller is the legitimate owner. The Association accepts no responsibility or liability arising from any transaction or dispute between the buyer and seller.

+ Columbus Cleaning Machines Ltd: 01772 426527 (M) + Dri-Eaz Products Ltd: 01908 611211 (C/M/T) + Dry Fusion UK Ltd: 01772 433711 (C/M/T/W/Fr) + Forum of Private Business: 01565 634467 + Get Booked Up Software: 01405 813665 + Gleaming Insurance (insurance brokers): 0845 4740068 (I) + Hi-Tec Cleaning Group: 02866 341416 (C/E/F/M/T) + Host Von Schrader Ltd: 0151 347 1900 (M/C)

NCCA Member Benefits Adelante Merchant Services: 01628 820500 BeValued - Home Options (specialist claims management - insurance work): Call Shaun Mulvey on 01323 418432 Control Account PLC: 01527 882901 EMJ Management Ltd (workwear clothing and accessories): 02392 434650 Hibu (previously Yell) - ask for Corporate Advertising Department: 0808 100 7890 HMCA (free legal and counselling helpline): 0117 934 2600 HMCA (medical health cover): 01423 866985 MF Oils (fuel discounts): Call Jake on 01202 339197 Payatrader: 01296 660177

+ Hydro Dynamix: 01622 664993 (Fr)T) + Mailboxes Etc: 01628 633336 + McGregor Lloyd (insurance brokers): 0121 706 0616 (I) + NSL Restormate: 01670 590099: (M/C/Tr) + Nu Life Stone Care Ltd: 0161 480 7284 (M/C) + Oates Laboratories (Europe): 01772 433711 (C) + Prochem Europe Ltd: 0208 974 1515 (C/F/M/T) + Rainbow International: 01623 422488 (M/C/Fr) + Restoration Express: 01252 726106 (M/C/T/A) + Robert Saunders Marketing Mentor: 08450 537129 (K) + Sebo UK Ltd: 01494 465533 (M) + ServiceMaster Ltd: 0116 275 9000 (M/C/Fr) + Stainshield Ltd: 01372 841467 (C) + Textile Cleaning Solutions: 01934 521155 (M/C) + The Big Clean: 0208 3934778 (M,C,W,K) + The Ultimate Floor Sanding Co.: 00353 91846488 (M/C/Fr) + The WoolSafe Organisation: 01943 850817

SiteWizard (website creation): 08450 608860

+ Truvox International Ltd: 02380 702200 (M)

Thompson Local - ask forCorporate Advertsing Department: 01252 390385

+ Worldwide Cleaning Support: 01279 422220 (C/M)

TrustMark (Diversity): 0115 9673767

C - Chemicals / M - Machinery / W - Wholesalers / Fr - Franchises / I - Insurance / K - Marketing / T - Technical Services / F - Fire Retardents / A - Auxiliary Services (Restoration Cleaners) / E Supply/Repair of Curtains and Blinds / Fi - Finance / Tr - Training.

.. It Y es. does l l y r ea o rk ! w

BEFORE

Going Going - Gone

AFTER

Dye Gone offers a unique new package and application device to remove the severest of dye stains including: coffee, tea, wine, hair dyes, paints, candle colours etc.

No need to mix - just spray - wait and the stain is gone.* *pre-test carefully and rinse out after stain is removed with cold water after use.

Chemspec Europe, Tong Park, Otley Road, Baildon, West Yorkshire, BD17 7QD. Tel: 01274 597333 Fax: 01274 597444 E-mail: info@chemspec-europe.com Website: www.chemspec-europe.com