The entire industry is in a bit of flux, explained Bill Griffin, president of Cleaning Consultant Services Inc. in Seattle. Changes are occurring in labor, surfaces, chemicals, customer expectations, budgets, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

“If you’re not staying on top of that and continuing to educate yourself as a manager or owner and training your employees to deal with the most recent surfaces, then you’re going to be having some troubles,” Griffin said. “It just gets expensive. You can damage a floor really quickly by using the wrong processes.”

Griffin advised starting hard floor care by reviewing the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, maintenance, care, and warranty. If any problems occur, the manufacturers will either stand behind the claim or decline it, he explained.

Labor problems

Labor is the No. 1 problem, said Taf Baig, owner of Magic Wand Co. in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Often, owners do not adequately train team members, and employees can become liabilities. Employee burnout is also real and must be addressed before it affects productivity. Additionally, scheduling too many employees for pre-cleaning or setup consumes time and money.

Equipment breakdowns, failure to fix equipment, and bringing too much equipment to a job also reduce productivity. For example, some cleaners will use whatever equipment is available when a machine breaks down.

“Low-production machines will just kill time, and that costs you money,” Baig said. Infrequent maintenance usually displaces problems, he added, leading to more serious equipment malfunctions.

Additionally, chemistry is often ignored.

“Chemistry really cuts your cost down quite a bit,” Baig said. “If you have the correct chemistry, the cleaning time will be reflected in that because the chemistry is going to do the work. The problem is that people don’t really understand [chemistry] that much. They’re almost afraid of it.”

Additionally, owners must provide team members with written expectations and instructions that can be enforced. “It gives them the ability not to forget a lot of the things that are important,” Baig said.

Time and money

Bob Merkt, owner of Kettle Moraine Professional Cleaners Inc. in West Bend, Wisconsin, speaks often in his training about production killers because it’s all about time and money. “Sometimes it’s not hours; it’s minutes that you save,” he explained.

Merkt breaks hard floor cleaning into three categories: pre-cleaning, cleaning, and post-cleaning. Cleaning professionals often overlook pre- and post-cleaning procedures that gobble up person-hours and are unproductive. To avoid wasting time, during pre-cleaning, a team member must go to inspect the job and test the floor for cleanability and results.

“Test cleaning the floor is going to eliminate a million problems,” Merkt said. “… You have a good idea what it’s going to take to meet the customer’s expectation, and the customer will have a realistic look at the end result.”

Another production killer at the beginning of the job is failing to obtain all pertinent information, such as entry issues. To manage the indoor environment, Merkt advised asking questions, including: How are we getting in? What is our alarm code? Where are the lights? Where’s the breaker box? Where’s the water source? Will there be any security issues? Will the air conditioning be shut off?

“Much of our work is done at night and on weekends,” he explained. “If we’re applying a coating or a finish or a sealer of some sort and the indoor environment is not such that is conducive to rapid drying, you may be sitting on a floor that’s taking forever for that finish to dry.”

Merkt also recommends having a clear understanding of what you expect from your customer and what the customer expects from you. For example, is the customer or the cleaner moving the contents, and what does that entail?

“I’ve walked into jobs where the customer said, ‘We got it all ready,’” Merkt explained. In reality, Merkt’s team moved everything, while the customer had moved only a few chairs and garbage cans.

“You have to set that expectation,” he said. “What are you moving so that you can plan accordingly if you’re the one expected to move it, and you can get enough manpower in there and enough time.”

Managing teams

Regarding labor, Merkt has also seen companies spend thousands of dollars a year on developing a prep-and-landing team. Instead, Merkt advised that if you are going out to do a big job, such as at a school or healthcare facility, where you need eight employees, not all of them need to meet at the shop.

“All of those people do not have to load the van and get everything ready for this assignment,” he explained. “When you bring them to your facility, you have to pay them from the time they get there. If you have a prep team, it only takes one or two people, three in some cases, to load the equipment, get there, and have everything all set up. Then you assign the workers to show up at the appropriate time after you have all that prep work done. They walk in, they jump on a machine, and they’re going instantly.”

By having people show up to the job when you properly plan for their arrival, you can let them go when they need to as well.

“If you have six people standing around, and they can’t go because Johnny is not done with his task and he’s driving the van, or we only have one van, then you’ve got people standing around doing nothing,” Merkt said. “When they’re done, they can go.”

Additionally, when a team member finishes using a piece of equipment, they can clean and prepare it for the next job.

“A production killer is taking it back to the shop and leaving it sitting there until the next time you need it,” Merkt explained. “It’s all gunked up, and you’ve got to clean it before you go.”

Smarter planning

Organizing, managing, and assigning crew members to their tasks is essential.

“Don’t leave it up to the crews,” Merkt said. “Everybody has their area of expertise, and this guy may be better at that, or this guy may be better at this. You want to assign the task to the person best suited for it. And of course, establish the flow of work. You, as the manager, should understand we’re starting over here, we’re going to end over here, and do we need to do certain areas first?”

Merkt emphasized that pre- and post-cleaning procedures are essential to increasing productivity.

“At the end of the day, when you look at how many man-hours it took you to do the job, and then you divide that by what you make, you go, ‘Wow, I hardly made any money,’” Merkt said. “‘Well, if I could eliminate six, seven, ten man-hours on the job, I might have broken even.’”

Bonus Video Content

The post Productivity Killers Lurking in Hard Floor Care appeared first on Cleanfax.

Biggerstaff has an extensive background in sales and training, and in her interview with Cleanfax Editor Elizabeth Christenson, highlights her creation of a comprehensive 100-page sales training e-book and her focus on commercial clients for the past 15 years.

The importance of education and training in the restoration industry, particularly in building long-term client relationships, continues to grow. In turn, 911 Restoration has developed weekly restoration training sessions for partners, covering topics such as moisture mapping and readings, which have resulted in 20 to 30 clients participating each week.

The initiative has been successful, with clients requesting to send employees to the training and expressing interest in building strong industry relationships. The increase in education and training has paid off for 911 Restoration, which has grown its commercial restoration business.

Learn how the company has seen an increase in average job values, reflecting enhanced client trust and confidence in their services. Also, hear how 911 Restoration is expanding its national presence by opening more offices and focusing on the specific areas of coverage clients need most.

Watch the full interview now:

The post The 911 Restoration Sales Training Evolution appeared first on Cleanfax.

Paul Davis Restoration recently opened a second Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-approved training center in Salt Lake City to serve franchisees in western North America better. The new facility expands the company’s national restoration training program and supports standardized, industry-certified education for restoration professionals across the Western region.

The new facility was inspired by Paul Davis Restoration’s late CEO, Rich Wilson, who believed that education defines people’s career paths, explained Leslie Anderson, Paul Davis Restoration’s senior vice president of training and launch and the IICRC’s immediate past chair. The company built its first training center in 2009, but realized franchisees and partners in western North America had to travel far to reach Jacksonville, Florida. The second facility enables Paul Davis to serve these teams better, ensuring they understand how to follow IICRC standards correctly.

“We invest in their careers in our industry,” Anderson said. “We are big proponents of pouring into people, giving them growth opportunities, so that they have a career with Paul Davis, that they stay a long time, and that they know their value and the value that they bring to the owners.”

Anderson, who has over 26 years of experience in the restoration industry and has been with Paul Davis Restoration for 15 years, has seen firsthand how the industry is changing dramatically, with technology leading the way. New tools are constantly being developed that guide how the industry responds to claims, communicates, and undergoes documentation processes, she explained. Insurance partners in North America also have specific expectations about how their customers should be treated and how homes should be dried or mitigated.

“We have to be able to do it the right way, efficiently, with speed so that we take care of the homeowner,” Anderson explained. “Without education, you are going to fall behind in our industry if you don’t know the latest technology or meters to use to be efficient in the job.”

Moving forward, Paul Davis is focused on combining technology with education to deliver an unparalleled customer experience. What distinguishes a business is how they make customers feel through care, comfort, and professionalism, Anderson explained.

“You will see for us, the customer, regardless of the environment that we are in, they come first,” she added. “We take technology only to expedite that process through education.”

Overall, Anderson expects increased collaboration among carriers, TPAs, restoration contractors, and technology companies to drive significant shifts.

“I would say to all, educate yourselves on the technology coming your way,” she said. “It will only make you and your company better.”

The post Tech-Forward, People Driven: How Paul Davis Champions Its People appeared first on Cleanfax.

Cleanfax: Does LVP really require less maintenance than hardwood or tile?

Quinlan: Not necessarily. All types of floors require a weekly maintenance schedule. However, because LVP is more resistant to moisture, it doesn’t require the same immediate attention to make sure spills are removed to prevent damage like warping, swelling, and buckling.

Cleanfax: What cleaning mistakes can shorten the lifespan of LVP floors?

Quinlan: Over time, strong chemicals like high-pH cleaners and solvents can degrade the top wear layer, increasing its susceptibility to scratches. To prolong the lifespan of LVP, it is crucial to use gentle, neutral pH cleaning products.

Cleanfax: How often should LVP floors be professionally cleaned or maintained?

Quinlan: To help maintain your floors, regularly remove dust, sand and debris that could potentially cause scratches. We recommend using a microfiber flat mop for this task, as it effectively captures dust without releasing it back into the air, a benefit for those who suffer from allergies.

While weekly maintenance removes visible soil, it often leaves behind a residual film of contaminants from the mop water or soiled cleaning pads. For a more thorough and effective removal of ingrained soil and contaminants, professional cleaning is recommended annually for residential floors and four times a year for commercial floors. Professionals utilize specialized equipment that ensures positive soil removal by applying the cleaning solution, agitating it to lift the dirt, and then powerfully extracting the solution, soil and contaminants away from the floor. This extraction system leaves a deeper, cleaner result that works to extend the life and durability of the flooring.

Cleanfax: How does moisture affect LVP over time and what can homeowners do to prevent damage?

Quinlan: LVP is water-resistant and is a very good choice for areas of the home where moisture and spills are present. In most cases, LVP’s waterproof core beats laminate’s moisture sensitivity, making it better in areas where there is high humidity or where there are frequent spills.

Cleanfax: What types of cleaning products and tools are safest for LVP?

Quinlan: The best tool to clean your LVP flooring is a flat, microfiber mop, which will sweep the floor and prevent dust from getting thrown back into the air (unlike a broom). Preventing the accumulation of dust from getting airborne can also help people who are subject to asthma-related conditions. It is also important to use cleaning products that do not contain a high pH, solvents or acrylic polish. While acrylic polishes create a temporary shine, they are not durable and scratch easily. Over time, these polishes build up and dramatically reduce the floor’s beauty, eventually requiring expensive professional stripping to remove.

Cleanfax: What signs indicate LVP floors may need professional attention?

Quinlan: When standard cleaning methods no longer achieve the desired results for your floors, professional cleaning may be necessary.

Cleanfax: What everyday habits help LVP floors stay looking new longer?

Quinlan: Clean up spills immediately to prevent sugary and oily soils from being tracked around, sweep and mop the floors at least once a week depending on the level of soil, and have your floors professionally cleaned once a year.

The post What Does the Rise of Luxury Vinyl Plank Mean for Long-Term Care? appeared first on Cleanfax.

Cleanfax: What should cleaning professionals emphasize when explaining how wood and vinyl floors age over time?

Quinlan: Wood floors will display stains, discoloration, wear marks, gaps between the planks, and potential buckling if there has been past exposure to excess moisture. As for vinyl floors, they will show excessive scratch marks, particularly from table and chair movement. Sun fading occurs in areas exposed to direct sunlight, and wear patterns are prominent in high-traffic zones.

Cleanfax: How can pros guide clients on preventing everyday wear from becoming permanent damage?

Quinlan: Cleaning is essential for both floor types. Small dirt particles, especially in high-traffic areas, can scratch and damage the topcoats. Over time, these coatings may appear dull and faded. Regular daily and weekly cleaning helps remove these soils, preventing damage and maintaining the floors’ appearance.

Cleanfax: What key differences should pros highlight when comparing long-term care for wood and vinyl?

Quinlan: When it comes to long-term care, a key difference between wood and vinyl floors is in their coatings. Most wood floors are finished with a stain, either oil-based or water-based, followed by a polyurethane topcoat to increase durability. Over time, wood floors usually require refinishing several times during their lifespan. In contrast, vinyl floors are essentially plastic surfaces coated with a tough urethane layer embedded with aluminum oxide, making them highly durable. Once vinyl floors appear worn or damaged, repairing or restoring them becomes difficult or even impossible, often leading to the need for replacement.

Cleanfax: Which common homeowner cleaning habits should pros warn clients to avoid?

Quinlan: The most common mistake homeowners make when cleaning wood and vinyl floors is using harsh chemicals, such as high-pH cleaning agents or solvents. These types of chemicals can damage the protective urethane layer, leading to yellowing and color fading. Over time, excessive use of these chemicals can also harm the wood plank or design layer.

Cleanfax: How should pros advise clients on the right schedule for protective products and professional cleaning?

Quinlan: We suggest that clients with wood and vinyl floors get their floors professionally cleaned once a year.

Cleanfax: How should pros coach clients on handling scratches, scuffs, and dull spots before they spread?

Quinlan: Unfortunately, do-it-yourself methods are at a high risk of damaging the floors. Often, these methods result in irreparable damage and can make the expert’s resolution more challenging, if not impossible.

Cleanfax: What should pros tell clients when helping them decide between repair and replacement?

Quinlan: Wood floors offer a significant advantage over vinyl when it comes to repair and replacement. If a wood floor gets damaged, it can be sanded, refinished with water- or oil-based stain, and sealed with polyurethane. This process can be repeated multiple times. In contrast, damaged vinyl floors cannot be repaired and must be replaced.

Cleanfax: Which long-term maintenance mistakes do pros see most often, and how should they address them with clients?

Quinlan: Most clients avoid caring for their floors in a routine manner. They skip moving furniture when cleaning, which can also mean they miss unseen spills or damage. And, it can be too late by the time an expert is brought in to help.

Harsh chemicals, with a high pH or solvents, can damage the floor’s surface in ways that may not be repairable. Consumers should consult with a professional for the proper cleaning solutions and equipment for their flooring types.

For wood floors, water can be an enemy. Avoid excessive amounts of water when cleaning your wood floors.

A lot of consumers confuse laminate floors with vinyl flooring, which has its own set of risks tied to water, abrasion, and chemicals. Advise customers to keep a small sample of their flooring from installation to help maintenance experts should questions ever arise about the flooring types.

Cleanfax: What simple habits should pros encourage that help clients keep floors looking newer longer?

Quinlan: Extending the life of your flooring investment means ongoing maintenance, as with any meaningful investment. Consulting with a true floor-care expert on how to best care for and service flooring is key to keeping a home or business’s floors looking their best for years to come.

First and foremost, clients need to understand their specific floor types. Customers especially need to be aware of the real risks that can come with a lack of maintenance or upkeep. Additionally, using the wrong products or finishes on a given flooring can create an entirely new set of future problems. The part-time hardware store attendant is not likely trained to offer the level of expertise and care that the modern homeowner demands. So, start with expert advice. Reinforce your expertise with customers and don’t be afraid to let them know you’ll research any gaps in knowledge you may have, as we always are improving our knowledge base in this ever-changing industry.

Proper use of routine cleaning processes with the appropriate equipment and solutions can really make a difference. Avoiding harsh chemicals to protect the surfaces and the environment can be a key way to align with consumer preferences. And, recommending a professional deep cleaning that is not only regular, but also designed to enable the experts to stay on top of potential issues and resolve them before they cause real damage:

• When there is a spill, clean it up immediately. Time is an enemy for virtually every flooring type.
• Perform dry soil and debris removal every other day. Sweeping up and vacuuming can remove large amounts of dirt and dust. More traffic requires increased frequency.
• Also perform weekly cleanings with minimal amounts of water. Avoid saturating the flooring, getting liquids in areas where they could seep into baseboards or furniture.
• Contact an expert at the first sign of something abnormal that may require repair or expert care. DIY tends to result in more damage and expense.
• Hire a professional deep cleaning expert, empowered with the appropriate chemistry for your flooring types, the appropriate equipment, and the competent expertise to ensure you get the most from your flooring.

The post Extending the Life of Wood and Vinyl Flooring appeared first on Cleanfax.

Cleanfax spoke with Malone about upholstery-cleaning challenges, best practices, and how maintenance factors into an allergen-reduction plan.

Cleanfax: What are the most significant challenges to upholstery care?

Malone: The greatest challenge is the construction of a piece of furniture. A thorough inspection must be done. The inspection may find different material types inside the upholstery that may not be susceptible to certain forms of cleaning. In addition, if the manufacturer used a grease pen on the cushions, a proper plan must be put in place to prevent the grease from bleeding through the fibers.

Cleanfax: Are there seasonal considerations for upholstery care?

Malone: Two things to consider:

1. Are there seasonal issues that may prolong drying?  Something that takes longer to dry will attract more airborne dust and dirt.
2. Fiber protection should be considered, especially if people are eating meals on their sofas, as many of us do. During the holiday season, the likelihood of spills and drips increases dramatically.

Cleanfax: How does upholstery care fit into an effective allergen-reduction maintenance plan? What would that plan look like?

Malone: Regular vacuuming with a quality vacuum is a significant first step for removing allergens. Customers who are serious about limiting allergens need to consider having the HVAC system serviced, including cleaning the air ducts. Limiting dust and allergens in the air will help keep the entire home clean, including the upholstery.

Cleanfax: Are there eco-friendly products that are used in upholstery care?

Malone: There are several eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Any professional cleaner should have eco-friendly or green solutions to customers’ issues. If a professional cleaner will not show customers the products they are using or the Material Safety Data Sheets for any product they plan to use in the home, the homeowner should consider another solution. Voda Cleaning and Restoration specializes in using green products like Procyon that have the Green Seal and do not leave a chemical residue.

Cleanfax: How can cleaning professionals educate clients on upholstery care?

Malone: We show the customer how we test fibers to understand precisely what needs to be done. If professional cleaners go through these steps with the customer, they will be able to build greater trust and have more opportunities to provide additional services. Trust is essential for a cleaner to develop long-term relationships with their clients.

The post Give Upholstery Care the Attention it Deserves appeared first on Cleanfax.

Norris Gearhart, executive vice president regulatory business practice at First Onsite Property Restoration, sees the increasing convergence of biohazards facing the restoration industry and believes the industry needs to be better prepared. As a seasoned leader in biothreat remediation and cleanup, he understands the challenges posed by emerging biohazards, such as fentanyl, and the importance of updated training and protocols.

At First Onsite, Gearhart oversees its regulatory business practices, including indoor air quality, HVAC, asbestos, lead, biohazard, and environmental cleanup, as well as its life sciences division, which handles research facilities and specialty cleaning. He also oversees First Onsite’s in-house training academy to ensure consistency and best practices across its branches.

Emerging biohazard threats

With Gearhart’s extensive background, he believes climate change, driven by extreme weather events, delivers ideal conditions for historic and emerging biohazards. He explained unsanitary conditions after extreme weather events generate cholera and dysentery and spread emerging global biothreats.

“As we continue to make the world smaller and encroach on the natural habitat of other critters that inhabit this space, we become much more exposed to pathogens that weren’t something we were accustomed to seeing,” Gearhart said.

Additionally, re-emerging infections like the measles are also on the horizon. “With misinformation, the fears, and concerns, many of these diseases that have been pretty much written off in the last couple of generations and people aren’t familiar with are now making a comeback,” Gearhart explained.

The industry also is dealing with some significant mental health issues. While restoration professionals may be wondering how mental health affects their businesses, Gearhart explained that mental health adds another layer to all those challenges.

“Everything from malicious things that are done by folks who aren’t necessarily mentally well to the way things are handled and perceptions,” are impacting the industry, he said.

The large senior population also often has a compromised immune system, making it much more susceptible to diseases and other hazards, Gearhart added.

Working smarter

Gearhart offered that the most significant thing the industry can do to handle all these biohazard challenges is to educate itself.

“We’ve really got to understand what those risks are,” he said.

“…We use disinfectants and sanitizers every day on almost every project in our industry. Yet, ask anyone who’s applying those very basic questions about the active ingredients in the product, about what the log reduction might be on the product, about whether or not that product will work on gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria or enveloped or non-enveloped viruses, and there are no answers. Or what is the dwell time requirement on that? How can it be applied?”

Team members often look puzzled by the questions, while Gearhart cautions that these are products they use daily on equipment and on clients’ property. Teams also need to know what they are using for their own health and safety.

“We do not read and/or understand what is on the label and apply it properly,” he said. “… It’s incumbent on us as professions to understand products that we’re using and tools that we’re using and how to use them appropriately.”

In addition to washing hands diligently, Gearhart encourages the industry to get properly vaccinated.

“Under OSHA, we’re required to give our staff the opportunity to be vaccinated with Hep B [Hepatitis B],” Gearhart explained. “And by law, if they turn it down, then we have that letter of declination in their file. The reality is that Hep B and blood, the bulk of our folks aren’t going to be exposed to that in a very regular, high-risk basis. But there’s a vaccination for Hepatitis A. Now, where does hepatitis A show up? In feces.”

Gearhart explained that employees are more likely to encounter dog feces, sewage backups, and drain water that could expose them to Hepatitis A. Yet, employees have very little awareness of, or take slight advantage of, being vaccinated against Hepatitis A.

“We’ve got to do a better job of accepting the responsibility, understanding what the risks are from a health and safety standpoint,” he said, adding that the risks need to be assessed from an insurance, licensing, and liability standpoint.

Fentanyl

Lately, fentanyl related cleanups have overwhelmed responders who lack specialized training. First Onsite handles a significant amount of fentanyl cleanup across the country, with in-house capabilities at some locations and partnering with companies in other regions.

“The fentanyl risk is real and serious,” Gearhart said. “At the same time, it can be a little overblown, and how do you walk that line?”

Professionals need appropriate protocols, buddy systems, and basic PPE. The most significant areas First Onsite struggles with are finding certified industrial hygienists who have the knowledge, capability, and willingness to conduct the initial survey to help create the protocol for the company to execute, and then to perform the follow-up clearance testing.

Even when hygienists are available, local labs for testing validation of the samples might not be nearby and may be behind by weeks. Gearhart explained the space can be denied for that waiting period. But in most cases, building owners, from an economic standpoint, do not want to wait. Restoration professionals must then assume the worst, and the building owner incurs that expense.

Another challenging aspect of fentanyl cleanup is consumer education.

“The consumer figures a cleanup is a cleanup, and anyone can do the cleanup,” Gearhart explained. For example, a cleaning service might quote a customer one price for an unintended death with fentanyl, and your cost might be more. The customer might believe your business is trying to rip them off rather than understanding the risks of death and liability.

“And sadly, there are plenty of those folks who will still come in there and do [the cleanup] because they don’t know any better,” Gearhart said.

Consumer education

Gearhart gives credit to restoration professionals who are providing important information for consumers on their website. Whether the consumer reads it is the question.

And consumers have many misconceptions. For example, many consumers believe that law enforcement or emergency medical services will do the cleanup. Some believe that a small amount of blood should be a quick cleanup. Consumers also believe that letting the biohazard dry is better, that bleach will take care of it, or that waiting doesn’t increase the risk of cross-contamination and pests.

“The biggest stumbling block that we run into, and even with our biggest clients and property managers, is just what you’re telling me is too expensive,” Gearhart said. “‘I can’t justify that. My insurance isn’t going to cover that. Our deductible is too high, and that’s crazy. You know you’re just trying to take advantage of my fear or create fear.’ Those are some of the things that we see on a regular basis.”

Moving into next year, the industry needs to work diligently to close the education gap with consumers and insurance companies. Gearhart also believes that the complexity for restoration professionals will continue as they navigate regulations, licensing, and insurance requirements.

The post Preparing for Tomorrow: Is the Restoration Industry Equipped to Tackle Biohazard Threats? appeared first on Cleanfax.

Cleanfax: How significant is the link between carpet cleanliness and indoor allergens?

Quinlan: Carpet is an integral part of your home’s defense against allergens. Keeping your carpet, upholstery, and floors clean is imperative to mitigate allergen exposure year-round. Common household allergens settle onto
and accumulate in or on carpet, furniture, tile, wood, and other flooring materials. In addition to regular household vacuuming and cleaning, professional deep cleaning is essential.

Cleanfax: What’s the biggest misconception about carpet and allergy symptoms?

Quinlan: The most common misconception I see is that hard surfaces are better for allergy sufferers because they don’t “trap” allergens. Hard surfaces allow allergens to circulate more freely in the air during everyday activities. Something as simple as walking across a tile floor can accidentally kick up dust particles and allergens resting on the surface, lifting them into the air. Carpet can help trap and hold these particles, minimizing their chances of becoming airborne. This means that regular, thorough, and professionally performed carpet cleaning is even more essential for reducing allergens.

Cleanfax: Are there seasonal considerations when it comes to allergen-focused carpet care?

Quinlan: Yes, seasonal changes can significantly impact allergen levels. Pollen counts are higher in spring and fall, meaning more of these outdoor allergens are tracked indoors and settle into carpet. Similarly, in winter, homes are often closed up, leading to a buildup of indoor allergens, such as dust and pet dander. Therefore, more frequent and focused cleaning efforts are necessary during peak allergy seasons.

Cleanfax: What does an effective allergen-reduction maintenance plan look like?

Quinlan: An effective carpet care plan includes regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum (at least two to three times a week), professional deep cleaning every six to 12 months, immediate spot cleaning of spills, and addressing high-traffic areas more frequently. It also involves controlling indoor humidity and ensuring proper ventilation.

Cleanfax: How can cleaning professionals use this information to educate clients?

Quinlan: Cleaning professionals can educate clients by explaining the science behind allergen trapping in carpet versus hard surfaces, demonstrating the effectiveness of professional cleaning methods in removing allergens, and providing personalized maintenance schedules based on clients’ lifestyles and allergy concerns. Highlighting the health benefits of a clean indoor environment is also key.

Cleanfax: How can cleaning professionals help clients identify when allergen buildup has reached a critical point?

Quinlan: Professionals can help by observing visible signs of dust and debris buildup, identifying areas with strong odors, and discussing the client’s experience with increased allergy symptoms or respiratory issues within the home.

Cleanfax: What role does vacuum maintenance play in allergen control?

Quinlan: Vacuum maintenance is crucial. Regularly emptying the vacuum bag/canister, cleaning or replacing filters (especially HEPA filters), and checking for blockages helps ensure optimal suction and prevents allergens from being recirculated back into the air. A well-maintained vacuum is far more effective at removing and trapping allergens.

Cleanfax: How does upholstery cleaning factor into an allergen-reduction plan?

Quinlan: Upholstery cleaning is a crucial component of an effective allergen-reduction plan. Upholstery, like carpet, can accumulate significant amounts of dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens. While most people understand the need for regular carpet vacuuming, it’s easy to overlook that upholstery accumulates the same dust particles. Unlike carpet, however, upholstery is often not vacuumed or cleaned with the same frequency.

We readily dust hard surfaces, such as shelves and tables, because we visually notice the dust buildup. With upholstery, this buildup is less visible as particles are often pushed deeper into the fabric when we sit on them. Furthermore, we often relax or lie on couches and chairs, bringing us into close contact with these trapped airborne particles.

For these reasons, regular vacuuming of upholstery and periodic professional cleaning are highly recommended to reduce allergens in your home. Regular professional upholstery cleaning removes these trapped particles, contributing to a holistic allergen-reduction plan.

Cleanfax: Are there eco-friendly products that also help reduce allergens?

Quinlan: Yes, many eco-friendly cleaning products are effective at reducing allergens. These often use plant-based ingredients or natural enzymes that break down allergens without introducing harsh chemicals. Professionals can recommend and use products certified by organizations like Green Seal or the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice, ensuring both environmental responsibility and effective allergen removal. While powders, sprays, and fragrances can create a pleasant odor and give us a sense of comfort, they can also be triggers for people who have asthma or other sensitivities.

The post Carpet Maintenance to Reduce Allergens appeared first on Cleanfax.

“One of the key challenges we’ve faced this past year has been refining our messaging to ensure that potential clients clearly understand how we help create the cleanest, healthiest, and most comfortable homes possible,” explained Amy Prihoda, Professional Cleaning & Restoration Systems’ co-owner and president. “To address this, we’ve developed a multifaceted marketing approach tailored to both new prospects and our existing client base. This includes a combination of digital outreach, print materials, and coordinated email and text campaigns.”

With 23 years of experience in the industry, Prihoda places a high value on education. She holds several IICRC certifications and frequently shares her knowledge through the company’s blog.

“One of my greatest strategies for success has been a commitment to continuous learning,” Prihoda explained. “I’ve made it a part of my daily routine to invest time in personal and professional growth through audiobooks, webinars, conferences, and other educational resources.”

Thriving teammates

Professional Cleaning & Restoration Systems shares jobsite photos on its website to educate clients on its work.

Prihoda and her team’s technical expertise contribute to the business’s success, and they view education as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. In turn, the most effective step the company has taken to cultivate a thriving workforce is to hire the right team members by clearly defining what Professional Cleaning & Restoration Systems is looking for in each position. From there, candidates undergo a structured hiring process that includes phone, in-person, and group interviews—as well as “homework.”

“Throughout this process, we focus on evaluating how well they align with our team culture and how their experience connects to the needs of our business,” Prihoda said.

Team members are also encouraged to pursue IICRC certifications. Prihoda wants the company’s clients to know they’re hiring trained professionals.

But just as importantly, Prihoda wants employees to feel empowered and valued.

“We look to our employees to be our experts and to be our eyes and ears in the field to let us know if there is feedback, things that we need to change, or that we need to revamp this process,” Prihoda explained. “Without them having those certifications, and going to the IICRC classes, I really don’t see that they would be empowered enough in order to do that.”

Transitioning business strategy

Professional Cleaning & Restoration Systems is a second-generation company operated by Prihoda and her brother, Curtis Bloxam, who is the company’s co-owner and chief operations officer. Founded in 1987 by their father, the company initially focused on a niche market and specialized in apartment carpet cleaning. It offered services such as tenant turnover cleanups, stain removal, carpet dyeing, and repairs. However, in the early 2000s, the siblings recognized the opportunity to diversify into residential business while still maintaining a primary focus on cleaning. In 2010, they expanded into restoration, which led to the addition of a second division to the company. The company then operated under two names and brands.

With Professional Cleaning & Restoration Systems of Connecticut’s rebrand, the company merged the two previously fragmented brands into one cohesive brand.

Professional Cleaning & Restoration Systems offers a range of services for the whole house.

“We found how much easier it is under one brand name and the different traction we are able to get,” Prihoda said. “We still do a lot of the same things that we’ve always done.”

Currently, Professional Cleaning & Restoration Systems services commercial and residential properties by offering a wide range of services that include carpet, tile, upholstery, mattress, and area rug cleaning—as well as specialty stain removal and carpet dye, repair, and stretch work. Further, the company offers water damage mitigation, structural drying, and mold remediation. Most recently, the company has added dryer, vent, and duct cleaning—as well as a focus on humidity control, crawl space encapsulation, and indoor air quality solutions.

“We are really focusing on the entire property and making sure that we can provide our clients with the cleanest, healthiest, most comfortable homes possible,” Prihoda said.

With increasing environmental concerns—from wildfires and floods to poor air quality—she believes the industry is moving in a vital direction: total indoor wellness.

“We spend 90% of our time indoors,” Prihoda said. People deserve to feel good, safe, and healthy where they live, she explained.

Striving for a healthier future

The pivot to offering cleaning and restoration services under one umbrella allows Professional Cleaning & Restoration Systems to provide a comprehensive solution to clients. As Prihoda looks toward the future, the co-owner sees opportunities for her company and the broader industry. Bridging the gap between cleaning and restoration, she believes, is the path the entire industry is on.

“Who better than the people who are in the home, cleaning the textiles, and restoring the property after a loss?” Prihoda asked. “We’ve got all the intimate knowledge of that property to make it the cleanest, healthiest home possible.”

Watch the full interview below:

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Under 911 Restoration CEO Miri Offir’s leadership for the last three years, the company has expanded to more than 110 locations, with plans to reach 200 locations across 600 territories. This year, it anticipates opening 30 to 40 alone.

Cultivating culture

This growth, however, hasn’t been without growing pains. After trying various approaches, including third-party recruiters, Offir learned that making recruitment a team effort produces the best results.

“Posting our own job ads on LinkedIn and encouraging our team to reshare posts and refer candidates who align with our culture has been our most effective strategy,” she explained.

Maintaining a strong, positive culture also is crucial.

Maintaining a strong, positive culture is crucial to 911 Restoration’s success.

“When existing team members feel valued and engaged, they naturally become advocates who refer quality candidates,” Offir said. “We also incentivize referrals, which strengthens our ability to attract people who share our values.”

Her advice for other restoration professionals is to focus on creating an environment where your team feels invested in the company’s success and sees themselves as part of the recruitment process. Given that the restoration industry faces significant workforce challenges—with labor shortages being a top concern across the sector—she believes this collaborative approach to hiring has been essential for continued growth.

“My biggest piece of advice is to see the people first,” Offir said. “Genuinely care about your team, get to know their strengths, goals, and what they’re passionate about. Keep open communication channels with everyone, so they feel comfortable sharing both challenges and ideas.”

Additionally, companies should strive to create an atmosphere of team collaboration. “Listen to your people, encourage collaboration, and ensure that their voices are truly heard,” Offir said. “Often, some of the best ideas come directly from team members who are closest to the work.”

Moreover, Offir encourages professionals to give their teams autonomy in making decisions within their roles and responsibilities. “It builds trust, ownership, and confidence,” she explained. “At the same time, always connect them back to the bigger picture—the company vision and goals. Help them understand how their individual contributions fit in and how they can continue to develop and grow within the organization.”

Ultimately, when people feel valued, heard, and connected to a larger purpose, they’re more engaged and motivated.

“That’s how you build and sustain a thriving workforce,” Offir said.

Building a stronger business

911 Restoration Founder Idan Shpizear and CEO Miri Offir welcome attendees to its National Franchise Convention.

One of the most significant challenges 911 Restoration faced this past year was navigating major structural, organizational, and system changes that the company implemented to better align with evolving market conditions and support its long-term growth goals. For example, internally, Restoration 911 focused on greater efficiency by implementing automation and custom artificial intelligence tools created by its developers—resulting in increased efficiency, ease of collaboration, greater communication, and stronger franchisee support.

On the marketing side, the restoration company is launching a new national website, which introduces more types of campaign services for its branches to support their growth and revenue objectives. Restoration 911 also implemented new automations to enhance SEO performance, which have already begun to drive more leads.

While these changes were necessary and strategic, the biggest hurdle was ensuring team-wide receptiveness and avoiding uncertainty or trepidation.

“Overcoming this required patience and intentional leadership,” Offir said. “We placed a strong emphasis on maintaining open communication channels across all levels of the organization, especially with department heads. We were transparent about the ‘why’ behind the changes—continually reinforcing the company’s vision, goals, and purpose so that everyone understood how their role contributed to the bigger picture.”

One key takeaway for Offir is that you can never over-communicate during times of transition.

“By creating space for honest dialogue, addressing concerns early, and staying connected as a team, we were able to turn initial resistance into shared ownership, and that made all the difference,” Offir explained.

In that light, 911 Restoration hosted new franchise training in July for five new franchisees, reflecting its continued commitment to proper onboarding and support.

Foundation for success

This year, 911 Restoration was named Forbes’ Best Water Damage Restoration Company and listed in CNN’s Underscored Top Mold Remediation Services as Best for Quick Response Times. Additionally, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked 911 Restoration among its 2025 Fastest Growing Franchises and Top Franchises Under $150,000.

Offir believes these successes derive from the company’s core focus of putting people first.

While innovation is critical, flexibility and adaptability are also non-negotiable in today’s landscape. “The market is constantly evolving, and staying ahead means we must research, adapt, and innovate continuously—never settling for good enough,” Offir said. “The ability to pivot and adjust quickly in response to market shifts has been vital to our sustained growth.”

Lastly, building a sales- and marketing-driven culture across the organization ensures 911 Restoration stays growth-focused and results-oriented.

“No matter how great your service or product is, it must be communicated effectively and reach the right audience,” Offir said. “When people, innovation, flexibility, and strong sales and marketing work in harmony, it creates a powerful formula for long-term success.”

Watch the full interview below:

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