Just because Mikey and Jim told me to... "Star idioms of the industry"

[BIG WOOD]

1. Prespray: To spray whatever, with whatever is in your jug before you rinse, or agitate it
Actual definition when reading from left to right: To spray whatever, before you treat it with whatever you want. Idiot

2. Prescrub: To scrub before you rinse.
Actual definition when reading from left to right: To scrub before you scrub it again. Idiot

3. Helicoil: A heat exchanger that heats the water with heated antifreeze from the engine.
Actual definition: A Heli-Coil, also known as a Helical insert, is A threaded insert, also known as a threaded bushing or insert nut, is a fastener element that is inserted into an object to add a threaded hole. Idiot!

 

[Mikey P]

The use of "pre" in the context of professional carpet cleaning, even without a direct "post" equivalent for each step, refers to the order in which these actions are performed within the overall cleaning process. Here's a breakdown:
* Pre-spray (or Pre-treatment): This refers to the application of cleaning solutions to the carpet before the main extraction or rinsing phase. The purpose is to break down soils, oils, and stains, making them easier to remove during the hot water extraction.
* Pre-vacuuming: This step involves vacuuming the carpet before applying any cleaning solutions. This removes loose particulate matter, such as dust, dirt, and pet hair, preventing them from becoming further embedded or turning into mud when wet.
So, "pre" simply indicates that these actions occur at the beginning stages of the cleaning procedure, prior to the core cleaning and removal steps. While there isn't always a specific step labeled "post" for each of these, the subsequent actions in the cleaning process effectively serve as the "post" in terms of their function within that mini-stage.
For example, after pre-spraying, the "post" action is the hot water extraction that removes the pre-treated soils. After pre-vacuuming, the "post" actions involve applying solutions and extracting the remaining dirt and grime.
Therefore, the "pre" terminology helps to clearly delineate the sequence of actions in the professional carpet cleaning process, highlighting their role in preparing the carpet for the main cleaning phase.
- Gemini



As far as your helicoil tantrum, a Harbor Freight management team member might be a good place to seek counsel.

 

[Mikey P]

My alma mater went out of their way with this webpage to instruct the homeowner to do the pre vacuuming..

Do I Need to Vacuum Before Carpet Cleaning? | COIT Cleaning and Restoration

Explore the necessity of vacuuming before carpet cleaning to ensure optimal results and longevity for your carpets.

www.coit.com

When with them in the late 80s we did not have much of any equipment to pre anything

No vacuum cleaners, nothing to apply traffic lane cleaner but I think they did supply a rake of sorts


I wonder what's changed...


I was the crash test dummy to see if a Hydroforce inline sprayer was something applicable to their system but I can't recall if further units were purchased and distributed.

 

[Mikey P]

While there aren't many formal "idioms" specific to carpet cleaning, here are some common and potentially overused phrases often heard in the industry, particularly in marketing and sales:
* "Like new" or "Looking like new": This is a very common claim used to describe the result of a carpet cleaning service.
* "Deep clean": This phrase is used extensively to emphasize the thoroughness of the cleaning process.
* "Professional results": This is a standard claim to differentiate professional services from DIY attempts.
* "State-of-the-art equipment": Many companies highlight their use of advanced technology.
* "Guaranteed results" or "Satisfaction guaranteed": This is a common assurance offered to customers.
* "Professional and considerate parking of our truck and trailer": Often misused and highly subjective to reality, especially in southern states.
* "We go the extra mile": This phrase suggests a higher level of service and attention to detail.
* "Get your carpets fresh and clean": This is a simple and direct, but often repeated, message.
* "Remove tough stains": This highlights a key benefit of professional carpet cleaning.
* "Our vehicles may look like you're getting picked up for a private wine tasting tour, but in reality, our elite vans are packed chock full with premium but portable equipment": A Indianapolis colloquialism circa 2025, but expected to grow to other states soon.
* "Protect your investment": This phrase aims to position carpet cleaning as a way to maintain the value of the flooring.
* "Eco-friendly" or "Green cleaning": With increasing environmental awareness, this has become a frequently used term.
While these phrases effectively communicate the benefits of carpet cleaning, their overuse can sometimes make marketing sound generic.

 

[Kenny Hayes]

Mountain out of a mole hill! I still couldn’t read it all.

 

[icleancarpetz]

You forgot pre-roll
Light only when done the job

 

[D Luke]

"Pretty Much Dry"

As in:
"I know my dry time is 4 hours since the carpet is "pretty much dry" by the time I pack up and leave."

Give me a break. In reality "pretty much dry" means not soaked, but still noticably damp, and unless we're sticking around and taking hourly readings with sensors (we're not) we really have no idea how long it takes to go from "pretty much dry" to ACTUALLY dry.

 

[SamIam]

"Pretty Much Dry"

As in:
"I know my dry time is 4 hours since the carpet is "pretty much dry" by the time I pack up and leave."

Give me a break. In reality "pretty much dry" means not soaked, but still noticably damp, and unless we're sticking around and taking hourly readings with sensors (we're not) we really have no idea how long it takes to go from "pretty much dry" to ACTUALLY dry.

It was pretty much dry

 

[BIG WOOD]

Just vacuum, agitate, or treat the carpet, floor or furniture. Quit trying to sound "smart" by pre-ing your process

And the tank that holds the crap water is your recover tank. Not waste tank. Go ahead and tell your customer you're dumping your waste tank in their yard and see how many of them bark at that idea.

 

[Dwain Ray]

1. Prespray: To spray whatever, with whatever is in your jug before you rinse, or agitate it
Actual definition when reading from left to right: To spray whatever, before you treat it with whatever you want. Idiot

2. Prescrub: To scrub before you rinse.
Actual definition when reading from left to right: To scrub before you scrub it again. Idiot

3. Helicoil: A heat exchanger that heats the water with heated antifreeze from the engine.
Actual definition: A Heli-Coil, also known as a Helical insert, is A threaded insert, also known as a threaded bushing or insert nut, is a fastener element that is inserted into an object to add a threaded hole. Idiot!

I believe that "helicoil heat exchangers " is an excepted. Nick name much like steam cleaning is to hot water extraction. the proper terminology is heliflow spiral tube heat exchanger. If you look at the last picture you can see the similarities to a heilicoil and how it got a nick name. But as "professionals "

lets be professionals and use proper terminology people that know get really annoyed when they try to help someone who is explaining that the power thingie thats silver and has a black round thing is makinga squealing noise when trying to explain a problem with their alternator

 

[Matt Middleton]

It was pretty much dry

View attachment 131432

We put blowers down in each area as we clean. When we walk out the door the carpet is completely touch dry. Leave people very happy.

 

[Cleanworks]

I like my customers to prepay.

 

[Kenny Hayes]

Me too. My largest does

 

[BIG WOOD]

Oh yeah, “steam cleaning” also.

Thanks Stan for screwing up our industry with that phrase and making most of our new customers think they can get their carpet cleaning for only $69-$99

 

[BIG WOOD]

I believe that "helicoil heat exchangers " is an excepted. Nick name much like steam cleaning is to hot water extraction. the proper terminology is heliflow spiral tube heat exchanger. If you look at the last picture you can see the similarities to a heilicoil and how it got a nick name. But as "professionals "

lets be professionals and use proper terminology people that know get really annoyed when they try to help someone who is explaining that the power thingie thats silver and has a black round thing is makinga squealing noise when trying to explain a problem with their alternator

View attachment 131433 View attachment 131434 View attachment 131435 View attachment 131436

You’re correct but the manuals in these machines use the ignorant term heli-coil, not heli-flow

 

[Dwain Ray]

You’re correct but the manuals in these machines use the ignorant term heli-coil, not

You’re correct but the manuals in these machines use the ignorant term heli-coil, not heli-flow

My frustration and comments are directed at manufacturers and suppliers also for advancing things like this instead of correcting it

 

[Dwain Ray]

This is another gripe of mine . I say to myself every time i hear it, Which one is this clown asking about?????

 

[Bryce C]

I find the word "porty" among cleaners to be unpleasant.

 

[Rick J]

How long for it to dry. ? Can't tell you how many times when asked that, how
my reply, " I have no idea" !!! then explain all the variables when they don't like my answer.
how about, "Can I walk on it?" well Duh, it is yours!!! LOL!!
I tell them that my CHEMICALS are pretty harsh. I would not chance it.
usually they get it.

 

[Dwain Ray]

Because i live in the country and some have central heat others don't and some still have wood stoves(most did 15 years ago) i tell my customers overnight to dry in a normally heated home, but you can be on it immediately. This #1 seems to satisfy most#2 lowers expectations so if its dry sooner even better

 

[jessi]

Though incorrect i still use steam cleaning. It’s a word the average customer goes by

 

[BIG WOOD]

My alma mater went out of their way with this webpage to instruct the homeowner to do the pre vacuuming..

Do I Need to Vacuum Before Carpet Cleaning? | COIT Cleaning and Restoration

Explore the necessity of vacuuming before carpet cleaning to ensure optimal results and longevity for your carpets.

www.coit.com

When with them in the late 80s we did not have much of any equipment to pre anything

No vacuum cleaners, nothing to apply traffic lane cleaner but I think they did supply a rake of sorts


I wonder what's changed...


I was the crash test dummy to see if a Hydroforce inline sprayer was something applicable to their system but I can't recall if further units were purchased and distributed.

Coit's name sounds stupid too. So we can add that to the list. And they support the stupidity of the Pre's

And you know my threads are entertaining.

 

[BIG WOOD]

Coit's name sounds stupid too. So we can add that to the list. And they support the stupidity of the Pre's

And you know my threads are entertaining.

So after reading that page, Coit is lazy.
"Skipping out on vacuuming before a carpet cleaning can negatively affect the overall outcome of your service.

If there is an existing layer of dirt and debris sitting on the surface, these particles will be pushed further into the carpet fibers once water is added during the shampooing process. Additionally, if there is a significant amount of dirt on carpets, once water is added, this dirt will quickly turn into mud, which will of course contribute to dirtier carpets and even greater stains."

They just said, "if you don't vacuum your carpet, we're not vacuuming it either

STupid franchises