Friday 30 December 2011

Latest Update






Member of The Approved Carpet Cleaners Association. No 0011


T: 01263 833424 M: 07876 497897


Well I hope everyone had a splendid Christmas and are looking forward to an exciting 2012. It's been around a month since my last blog and except for a busy December cleaning what seemed like miles of carpet before the holidays I had little time for anything else. We have lots of exciting plans for 2012. Our end of tenancy service has expanded over the last 12 months and our residential and commercial carpet cleaning has also increased over 2010. We are always looking for areas to improve and make us more efficient without compromising our quality and our suppliers have not let us down with more advances in cleaning solutions, some of which we now have in use, others that we are are still testing.

The diary is looking good for January, just a few days available from the 5th, with the last 2 weeks booked up completely. We have a couple of special offers available, 3 for 2 and discounts for orders over £99.95. Please find more details and terms on our special offer page.

Trust Us With Your World
A nice relaxing day tomorrow, wife's birthday! Plans for a super day with the family with a visit to the cinema and one or two other surprises along the way.

I would also just like to wish all our customers a ver happy new year, enjoy the rest of the holiday and I will see you in 2012.


Simon Demmen

ARENA CLEANING SERVICES

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Saturday 26 November 2011

Spots - Stains and the Spectacular!








Member of The Approved Carpet Cleaners Association. No. 0011

T: 01263 833424 M: 07876 497897


Sometimes I get called out for those little disasters that can happen. The photo's below show a wine stain that looked quite disastrous, what I call a spectacular. I was able to rinse away any prior treatments and then remove the stain following established procedures.


 
What to do when it happens to you. 

I recommend calling in a professional carpet cleaner to deal with spots and stains. In an emergency please call us first, it may save you an insurance claim, my advice is free and we can discuss the best action to take. In general terms the following steps will help but before attempting this please call.

DISCLAIMER PLEASE NOTE.

The following is offered as a general procedure and is in no way definitive. I do not recommend attempting stain removal without calling a professional first and the following is carried out at your own risk.

  • Call your local professional, click the TACCA logo to the right and enter your postcode, or call me and I can advise. It is easier to remove a stain in its original state whilst it is still wet. Once a stain is dry it can become permanent, particularly with dye stains like wine. There are a range of treatments specific to each task and stain we have available to us and the equipment necessary to remove residues and neutralise treatments.
  • I always recommend removing any solids with a blunt knife or scraper and then blotting the stain with a pad of absorbent towels and absorbing as much of the stain as possible into the pad. It's tempting but do not rub the pile, it will push the stain deeper and could distort or burst the pile.
  • Avoid stain removers unless it has been tested on your carpet. Some will lighten your carpet or even bleach them, others can leave a soap residue which will lead to the area attracting dust and re-soiling. If they are used test first, follow instructions and never use neat unless advised to do so. Washing up liquids, laundry detergent, bleach, disinfectants and oxygen washing powder additives are not suitable for carpet cleaning and can cause serious damage. Always use protective clothing and gloves and always follow manufacturer’s instruction and observe health and safety precautions.
  •  Some useful hints and tips. Allways test any solution in an inconspicuous area first to check for colour or texture change. Never over wet and use solutions little and often. Blot well and dry between treatments. Work from the outside of a stain toward the centre. Use white towels or face cloths to avoid colour migration. Use laundered towels, they are more absorbent and it will ensure all manufacturing treatments are removed. Below are some basic solutions that can help with many basic stains although unfortunately not all stains can be removed. There can be a chemical reaction which may change colour and texture, dye stains in particular like ink, wine, tea, coffee and juice can be permanent. I will allways assess the damage and advise accordingly.
  •  Vinegar & Water Solution. Use 100ml white vinegar mixed with 400ml of water in a clean spray bottle. Ideal as a final phase and rinse for neutralising soaps.
  • Surgical Spirit. Your local chemist may have this in stock but you will need to ask for it. Ensure adequate ventilation by opening windows and doors and follow manufacturer’s health and safety precautions. Solvents are more effective dry so use before applying water or detergents on oil based stains. Start here for tar, gum, paint spots, oil etc. Use a very small amount and introduce to a clean white towel and apply the towel to the stain, hold for 30 to 60 seconds. If there is no transfer of the stain to the towel do not apply again and allow to evaporate. Never pour directly on to the carpet as it can cause severe damage. If there is transfer allow for evaporation and apply again until there is no further improvement. Use the detergent solution as directed below in a spray bottle, blot dry then spray the Vinegar & Water solution. Use a dry folded white towel over the stain and apply weight, leave until dry, replacing towel as necessary.
  • Apply plain water first. The aim is to dilute the stain and the best way is a spray bottle which will avoid saturation, do not over wet. You might also rinse a white face cloth in cold water and wring until damp and apply (add a weight or stand on towel). Allow 2 minutes then blot the area dry again.  Keep going and remove as much staining as possible. If this does not work move onto a detergent solution.
  • Detergent Solution. Use a large bowl or I prefer a spray bottle (rinse the bottle well and run water through the sprayer head to remove contaminates). Add 5ml or one teaspoon of detergent suitable for use on wool to every 300ml of warm water. Add the detergent to water to avoid foaming, gently shake or stir to mix. Spray the area allow 2 minutes then blot the area dry. Re-apply as necessary until there is no further improvement. Finally spray the Vinegar & Water Solution over the area then cover with a dry folded white towel and apply weight, leave until dry, replacing towel as necessary.
  • Detergent & Vinegar Solution. Add 5ml or one teaspoon of white vinegar to the same detergent solution above. If the detergent solution does not work follow up with Detergent & Vinegar Solution. Spray the area allow 2 minutes then blot the area dry. Re-apply as necessary until there is no further improvement. Finally spray the Vinegar & Water Solution over the area then cover with a dry folded white towel and apply weight, leave until dry, replacing towel as necessary.
  • Final Rinse. Use the Vinegar & Water Solution following use of all solutions above as a final rinse. Spray the treatment area and then blot excess moisture. Fold fresh white towels over the area and apply weight which will encourage more residue into the towel.
  • There are more specialist solutions available to professional carpet cleaners leave any further treatment to them.
Simon Demmen

ARENA CLEANING SERVICES

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Sunday 6 November 2011

Latest Update

Member of The Approved Carpet Cleaners Association. No. 0011

T: 01263 833424 M: 07876 497897


I've been very busy since our last blog with our commercial customers. Several restaraunt chairs and exclusive rooms at one of Norfolks top hotels and a large gym in our local town of North Walsham. As part of our services I also provide short term staff cover for those smaller offices that like to keep it all in house rather than involving a national contract company. Even your office cleaner needs a holiday or can fall ill so we are happy to provide staff cover as necessary. Next week two end of tenancy cleans, more hotel work some new customers and some regulars.

I am also happy to say booking for the winter are on the increase since last year so we encourage all who need our services before Christmas to book early now. We still have offers on our website offer page for the festive season.

Trust us with you world
On a personal note had the pleasure of my grandaughter this week and today it's the annual family firework display, will be great to all get together as I have not seen my brother or his family properly since before the summer. Jacket potatoes supplied by my mum & dad.

However you enjoy your display be safe.

Simon Demmen

ARENA CLEANING SERVICES

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Sunday 30 October 2011

Why We Vacuum


Memeber of the Advanced Carpet Cleaners Association No.0011

Arena Cleaning Services believe it's really important to vacuum carpeting and upholstery before we clean them. The photo depicts what we vacuumed from an average sized lounge, now you know why we pre-vac. If we had applied our pre-treatment over the dust and debris the penetration would of been limited and we would of done nothing better than create "mud pies" By removing as much dry soil as possible we allow our specialist solutions the best possible chance to loosen soiling in the pile and flush it all away. Make sure your carpet cleaning professional vacuums first, please visit our website or contact us on 01263 833424, 07876497897 or email arenaclean@btinternet.com to discuss our range of services and how we can be of service to you.

Simon Demmen

Arena Cleaning Services

Friday 21 October 2011

Can I Clean My Carpets Myself?



"Can I clean my carpets myself?"


A question I am often asked, well actually the question I am often asked is do I hire equipment out. Like many areas in life sometimes it's just better to call in a professional. An example. A flat tyre is quite straight forward to change, there's a spare in your boot with an adequate jack and the job can be done relatively easily,  job done. But there is still the flat tyre. When I was much younger a flat tyre on my bike could be fixed with a tube of glue, a patch, and in my case a couple of mum's spoons (don't mention that, I always denied it because they ended up really bent out of shape) A car tyre present a more tricky proposition and is certainly beyond the scope of spoons. There are tools you need to get the job done and then after that the wheel will need balancing so it spins true, this is done by adding weights. So what has this got to do with a simple job like cleaning your carpet?


Some points to consider.


  • ·        Are you aware of what your carpet is made off or how it is constructed? Is it wool, a wool blend, or a man made fibre? Is it tufted or woven, does the weave contain cotton; could you do a test to find out? This is important because a general or all purpose cleaner as supplied by some hire companies may not be suitable for your particular carpet. Arena Cleaning Services test for correct chemical selection, and the right method of cleaning. Strong chemicals can strip your expensive wool carpet, some Wiltons will shrink. Trust us to make the right choice. 


  • ·        Pre-treatment & agitation. The bond between the soil and the carpet fibre needs to be broken down causing it to emulsify allowing it to be removed. Filling a machine with water and soap and starting to clean will likely cause poor results. There is not enough contact time for the soil to emulsify, at this point it’s tempting to go over it again and again which will cause over wetting ( I’ll cover this later) Pictured right is our agitation machine, not the sort of thing one has tucked under the stairs and at £1500 why should you have. We use a pre-treatment spray specifically for your type of carpet then use the agitation machine to ensure all sides of the pile get equal distribution and split the soiling away from the pile. This also lifts and separates matted pile.  We are detergent free and eco friendly with the solutions we use, they are safe, now thats piece of mind.


  • ·        Stain treatment. Arena Cleaning Services treat the stains using specialist chemicals and techniques. I still take training courses to learn new techniques even after 20 years in the industry. Much damage can be caused even using high street spot removers. I do not take the chance, why should you?


  • ·        Extraction and rinse. It is really important all the soil and residue is rinsed, neutralised and extracted. Consider the washing machine. It fills with water and soap; turns over a lot slowly (agitation) then the load is flushed with water and rinsed. A hire machine has the water and soap in the machine it’s flushed through your carpet and then some of it is extracted by the vacuum. Job done? Not really it’s left a residue of water and soap in the pile. When this eventually dries and the water evaporates it’s just the soap left. Sticky residue leads to carpets getting dirty quick because the pile is acting like sticky tape, gathering dust and pollutants in the air and the dirt from shoes, bare feet, socks, the kids and the dog. Hire machines lack the recovery power and the pressure to get the job done efficiently. It might do the job with lots of dry passes but one needs a lot of patience. That’s assuming the wet passes have been controlled avoiding wetting out the backing. We use water or the appropriate neutralising rinse solution at pressures up to 600 psi with the latest high powered vacuums to recover all the soil and treatments leaving the pile squeaky clean and in a balanced condition.


  • ·        Over wetting, what the problems are. Using too much water will wet out the pile and the back of the carpet, this can cause mould and fungus over prolonged drying times. Carpets with natural fibre backings can shrink or the natural dye can be release and wick up the pile as it dries causing brown stains to appear. Over wet carpeting is the most common reason I am called out.


It’s all about perspective. I can take my family to the cinema and get a pizza for under £50.00 and watch a multi million dollar blockbuster, without a care in the world. Arena Cleaning Services have invested £1000’s of pounds in equipment and training so you can sit back, relax, and have your carpets or upholstery cleaned without a care in the world, all from less than family night out at the cinema. That has to be a bargain, doesn’t it?

Trust a professional, trust Arena Cleaning Services.



Simon Demmen




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Wednesday 19 October 2011

The Storm Arrives!

 Arena Cleaning Services

Member of the Approved Carpet Cleaners Association. No. 0011



As I mentioned in our last blog we have taken the descision to upgrade our extraction machine from the AirFlex Turbo to the latest 2011 AirFlex Storm.There are many reasons for this but essentially it will benefit our customers with better results, faster drying and the piece of mind Arena Cleaning Services is always investing in the latest innovations, whether it's cleaning solutions or industrial machinery. Comparing our significant investment to offer the best possible service, to very under powered hire equipment is it any wonder we are busier than ever.

Whilst in Nottingham at Cleansmart I also took a refresher course with Derek Bolton. Derek was my original training director nearly 20 years ago with The National Carpet Cleaners Association. It was great to meet with him again and discuss our industry with one of the true innovators of our industry. Other candidates were also free to discuss all aspects of cleaning and it's science, it was both a unique and educational experience and proof what a benefit it is to get together with like minded individuals for the benefit of all.

Simon Demmen
Arena Cleaning Services

Thursday 6 October 2011

Away Day

Arena Cleaning Services

Decided to take a couple of days off and head to Nottingham. Taking a refresher course with the venerable Mr Bolton at Cleansmart, I like to sharpen my skills and keep up to date. The course is on Friday so I decided to go up a day early and have the Airflex Turbo upgraded to latest Storm specification, link. For those interested in the technical aspect, the Storm has only two vac motors but these together are more efficient  and powerful than the tripple vac Turbo. This together with a rather clever pump out system and remote operation for the vacs, pump and pump out offer me considerable time saving opportunities when working at distance from the machine. Leaving the machine this left me at a loose end so I decided to catch up with my cinema viewing, just have not had time lately. Found the showcase just across the road using Google on my phone (clever things these mobiles) so booked in for Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy and the The Debt. Amazingly if I had taken a dog with me it would of made two of us, otherwise I was on my own! Really enjoyed both movies and as long as you are not expecting a Bourne or Bond movie they are worth taking the time. Staying overnight at a Hotel in West Bridgford. It's near Trent Bridge cricket ground and only 4 miles away. I also found The test Match Hotel which served a good steak and is within walking distance. Looking forward to getting back to Norfolk despite the A17/A52 and trying out my upgraded kit.

Simon Demmen
Arena Cleaning Services



Tuesday 4 October 2011

A Long but Satisfying Day

Arena Cleaning Services

Member of  The Approved Carpet Cleaners Association. No 0011

First Job Monday was a lovely lady in Mundesley. She has been a regular customer for over 10 years and our yearly trip always gives me a touch of nostalgia. We have family in the village and for a couple of years I lived there with my wife, it was our first flat. Mundesley is one of those quaint seaside villages that are great to visit anytime. Had a bit of time this afternoon to organise the van, then this evening a little contract work. Finally a bit of a late start to clean pub carpet. It's been around 18 months since I last cleaned this one so it took a little longer than anticipated but it cleaned really well. Working in Weybourne tomorrow with a quote to fit in on the way back to the office. It's something I always prefer to do personally.

Regards
Simon Demmen

Arena Cleaning Services

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Friday 30 September 2011

Busy times

Arena Cleaning Services


Well I hope everybody is enjoying the rather late summer we are all experiencing. Carpet cleaning is a very physical job and this last couple of weeks have been really hectic. End of tenancy cleaning, some emergency call outs to our hotel clients and our regular work has left little time for relaxation and I still have not been able to get to see "Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy" at my local Odeon yet! Thursday was great though had a nice little job in Blakeney on the Norfolk coast for one of our holiday let clients Countryside Cottages who keep us busy enough throughout the year. Parking in Blakeney is at a premium particularly on nice sunny days so this involved taking all our equipment up one of the biggest hills in Norfolk (honest) and parking on the quayside. The massive benefit is of course is having lunch whilst taking in the spectacular view. Friday took us to the big city, Norwich, to clean some student accommodation carpets. Fortunately with temperatures set to rise over the weekend we only have a few hours work so some family time is long overdue. My 9 week old grand daughter Rosa should be on the loose so that will keep us on our toes!

Have a lovely weekend whatever you're doing.

Simon Demmen
Arena Cleaning Services




Friday 9 September 2011

Weekly Checks Keep Us Running

 Arena Cleaning Services

Member of The Approved Carpet Cleaners Asociation. No.0011 
Cleaned up all machines as I have a quiet day so I could take my time. This is an ideal time to make sure everything is ship shape. The AirFlex is particularly easy to do as the body is hinged like an oyster shell, the vacs are mounted on an internal panel which then flips outwards leaving an often difficult job much easier. A quick check over pump hose connections for leaks. A good wipe down for any dust in the machine body and run the vac motors to check for any problems, check the wiring.. Job done close the body and if needed wash the body with a soft cloth, and dry off. Wipe out solution tank and rinse and dry recovery tank, I do have to make sure the vac manifold is covered to prevent water getting into the vacs. A rubber glove is ideal! Silicone spray is great for finishing off the body giving it a bit of a shine and ideal for lubricating the quick connections on hoses and tools. A good chance to give the van a tidy up too and good wash.

I Normally spend Sunday doing it so I might get some time off at the weekend with Manor Farm winding down at the end of the current season. Next week is very busy with the week starting with several restaurant chairs to clean in Blakeney, have a good weekend whatever you are doing.

Thursday 8 September 2011

Arena Cleaning Services A couple of shots from the end of tenancy carpet clean today. Despite some really heavy traffic and staining i'm really pleased at how they cleaned up. Member Of The Approved Carpet Cleaners Association. No. 0011



Wednesday 7 September 2011

End of tenancy cleaning

 Arena Cleaning Services

Member of The Approved Carpet Cleaners Asociation. No.0011 


Nice little carpet cleaning job in Upper Sheringham tomorrow. It's end of  tenancy work for one of regular clients. If you rent properties or are a tennant we can provide a full clean service, or specfiic areas, or you may wish to just take advantage of our carpet cleaning service. Please use our link to our website call our office on 01263833424, mobile 07876497897 for a prompt professional service. It's reassuring to an incoming tennant that their future home is nice and clean and sets a standard to which an agency, landlord or tennant should expect.

Simon
Arena Cleaning Services

Tuesday 6 September 2011

The Approved Carpet Cleaners Association






Arena Cleaning Services
 
We are very pleased to announce our confirmed membership of The Approved Carpet Cleaners Association, TACCA. Please use our link to view our profile. If we do not cover your area please visit  TACCA use the search engine to find your local member. We are a fully trained and professionally equipped association of independent company's working to raise the quality and standards of our industry.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Arena Cleanng Sevices

Keeping your carpets healthy


Dust and debris in your carpeting will add to it's general poor appearance and are a harbour for dust mites. All of our customers vac their carpeting regularly but it's important to make sure the right of choice of vacuum is used. In general terms if your carpeting is a loop pile use a machine without a brush or beater bar. Regular cleaning with a brush machine will lead to strands being loosened from the loop causing pilling and damaging the fibre. A cut pile will be fine. Vacuum regularly to prevent loose soil saturating the pile. Some find their machines performance deteriorates over time so If your machine has filters ensure they are cleaned once every 3 weeks, more often if you have pets. For a vacuum to suck it must have airflow through the filters, I find having two sets of filters eases the situation, whilst one is washed and drying a fresh one can be fitted straight away. Pre motor filters should be replaced at least once a year. Bagless vacuums will benefit having the cyclone areas 'tapped out' once a month. A small hand brush is useful. Machines that use bags. Use a fresh clean bag often even if it is not full. Particles of dust will block the the fine mesh inside bags reducing your vacuums performance. With brushes and beater bars check for debris which can wrap itself around the bristles. It's easily cleared using a pair of nail scissors to cut it clear, be careful not to cut off the bristles. When using a vacuum it's the backward stroke with upright machines that is doing the business, use the crevice tool around the edges for all those little bits of fluff. Be sure to move furniture where possible.

We recommend yearly deep cleaning with our professional cleaning service and If you have pets you may consider more frequent cleans. Regular vacuuming will extend the life of your carpeting considerably but there will still be abrasive grit deep in the pile. We empty and clean our recovery tanks after each job so be sure to ask to see the clean recovery tank before we start and then take a look afterwards. The grit and debris that has been extracted with professional cleaning can clearly be seen. It is this grit that degrades and wears the pile on your carpeting so keep you vac in good order, it will save you a fortune.

For further information call Simon on 01263 833424 or call text mobile 07876497897. Email us here.

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Cromer Carnival

Arena Cleaning Services.

Cromer Carnival week this week lots and to see and do lots more information on this dedicated site. Enjoy the sunshine.

Refresh not renew

Arena Cleaning Services
 Most find this time of year ideal for a spot of decorating and may be replacing items that seem past their best. The cost of replacing items like carpets and upholstery may seem a luxury but there is every chance my professional cleaning services can offer a new lease of life. Cleaning is a fraction of the cost of renewal, will clean deep into the fibres removing damaging grit and dust and most marks and stains. I always take great care and use my experience to offer you the best possible results. Call me now 01263 833424 or send an email, text/mobile 07876 497897.

Monday 15 August 2011

T.A.C.C.A




Arena Cleaning Services are proud to be associated with T.A.C.C.A. The approved Carpet Cleaners Association.


 A large group of Professional Carpet Cleaners are joining forces. We are in the process of setting up a new company called "The Approved Carpet Cleaners Association".

This group is designed to get the public aware of this new organisation so that we can put an end to cheap nasty carpet cleaners. Anyone can join this face book group and pass the word on.

Are you sick of cheap carpet cleaning companies doing a terrible job and giving high quality cleaners a bad name? then The Approved Carpet Cleaning Association is for you.

We are here to inform the public that not all carpet cleaning firms are cowboys who fill your carpets full of water and soap, then take your money and run, aka splash and dash.

Criteria for joining T.A.C.C.A. are, education,members must have at least 2 certificates showing attendance for carpet cleaning education. uniformed staff and a livered van.

More importantly a very professional approach to there work with a friendly attitude to there clients and finally, decent equipment to do the job right.

E.g if you own a rug doctor or karcher puzzi then your not eligible to be a member of TACCA, these underpowered machines are giving us high quality cleaners a bad name.

So! join us and lets educate and look after the public.

Together lets spread the word of TACCA, not all carpet cleaners are bad.

T.A.C.C.A, taking the headache out of choosing the right cleaner for you.
 
Join our group now and help us to spread the word about this new venture!