Natural carpets are very absorbent so permanent discoloration from daily spots and spills can be a problem. Host sponges are ideal for cleaning Sisal, Seagrass and Coir. However, some carpets are more sensitive than others and precautions do have to be taken! Note that the colour of these carpets may be affected by any type of cleaning and you should avoid the use of liquid pre-cleaners, spot and stain removers. Host sponges must be removed within 10 minutes after application or irreversible staining or colour loss can occur. If you are using a Host machine Chipmunk brushes are ideal. When brushing, be aware of the texture, do not brush aggressively.

The answer to this question will depend on the type of carpet, the colour and where it is installed.

If the carpet is installed in a residence, the need for cleaning will be different than if it is installed in a commercial setting. In most cases the carpet will only require cleaning twice a year when it is installed in a residence. Of course, there are exceptions to this depending on the number of people in the home, pets and the style of the carpet.

The key objective in any building is clean carpets every day of the year at reasonable cost! And the Host dry extraction carpet cleaning system does exactly that. However, as with any cleaning programme the more frequent the service, the greater the probability of recovery and long term appearance retention.

Benefits of using a Host contractor

Host contractors are equipped to undertake the full range of Host cleaning services
Host contractors are trained to clean carpets, upholstery, grouted floor tile and textured flooring
Host contractors are fully insured and can be relied upon to offer the highest standards of service
Host contractors receive ongoing training and support, regularly updated with new product development
Host contractors only use the Host brand of Green Seal and WoolSafe approved carpet-cleaning products
Host contractors only use the Host Von Schrader brand of upholstery cleaner and stain removal treatments

Host trained contractor

The term Host Contractor means that the contractor has taken the opportunity to attend Host training courses to learn more about best working practices, the benefits of the Host cleaning system, and the full range of products we supply. Our training and certification program does not mean that we guarantee their work as it is impossible to check every job that is undertaken, but it does show a high level of commitment by the contractor who has taken the time to learn more about the best products, procedures and equipment for the job.

The unique design makes the Host Machines ideal for deep cleaning carpets. Carpet is manufactured in straight rows of upright carpet yarns. This is similar to millions of individual, vertical surfaces. The brushes of the Host Machine turn toward each other in a vertical direction, the same direction as the carpet yarns. This makes it possible for the brushes to get into the carpet pile and work the Host Sponges in, around and through the carpet yarns, deep cleaning the carpet.

A side benefit is effective pile lifting and restoration. So if the carpet is dirty right to the backing, the Host Machine can work the Host Sponges deep into the carpet. The Sponges Cleaner then dissolves and absorbs the soil and is removed during the vacuuming procedure.

The Host eVAC improves on the ability to deep clean because of its superior vacuuming ability. In heavily soiled areas, power vacuum the area before applying Host and this will help you to achieve better results.

No. The Host System can be used for total carpet care which includes regular carpet maintenance, as well as carpet cleaning and restoration cleaning.

While it is true that the most efficient way to use the Host System is as a maintenance tool, its unique qualities make it possible for Host to clean very dirty carpet in a controlled manner. Often the carpet has been “uglied out” due to improper or careless wet cleaning techniques. Host is an ideal way to restore these carpets and prepare them for regular, ongoing carpet maintenance.

In order to effectively maintain a carpet, it is necessary to use a system of cleaning that removes the soil from the carpet before it can build up and spread. This is why in a maintenance program it is important to concentrate your cleaning and vacuuming efforts in the areas where people walk.

The Host System dissolves, absorbs and then extracts the soil from the carpeting. Since Host uses a controlled amount of moisture, it is easy to blend into the surrounding clean carpet during maintenance cleaning. So when the cleaning procedure is complete, the entire carpet, wall-to-wall, looks clean because it is clean.

PREP Traffic Lane Booster is to be used with Host in those very difficult areas that resist cleaning. It is a powerful cleaning booster containing professional strength detergents and penetrating solvents which combine to help break surface tension and emulsify excess oil film which binds dirt to carpet fibers.

PREP Traffic Lane Booster puts extra cleaning power just where you need it; entryways from parking lots, doorways to restaurant kitchens, on hard-to-clean spills such as medicine, thick, greasy food, etc. It is, however, meant to be used sparingly, only in a light mist. PREP is not the cleaner, Host is.

First, it is important to understand why some spots reappear. When liquid is used in an uncontrolled manner to remove spots from the carpet, it can dissolve the spot and cause it to run to the base of the carpet. This is because of the vertical nature of carpeting. Gravity will take the dissolved soil and spots, and pull them toward the bottom of the carpeting. During the evaporation process, the dissolved spot is drawn up the sides of the carpet yarn and eventually reappears on the surface.

Host cleans in a controlled manner. It contains just the right amount of moisture to dissolve the soil or spot but not enough to cause it to run down the sides of the carpet yarn. As soon as the soil is dissolved, it is absorbed by the Host Sponges. Since none of the dissolved spot has the opportunity to run to the base of the carpet, there isn’t anything there to wick back to the surface. That’s why when you clean a spot with the Host System, it will not come back.

The Host cleaning products are totally safe to use. We have MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) available on each product.

Host is not an eye irritant, not a primary skin irritant. It is also nontoxic by oral ingestion or by inhalation. However, some people with unusual skin sensitivity should protect their hands and arms from direct contact with the product. Also some people with respiratory problems should avoid using Host in unventilated or confined areas. By and large, for the general population, host is a safe product to use.

While Host is a safe product to use and conforms to the standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there is a possibility that some people may be allergic to an ingredient in the product.

Just as you may know someone who is allergic to milk or strawberries, you may find someone who will have an allergic reaction to a particular ingredient in the Host product. If this is true, we suggest this person not come into contact with the Host Cleaner. Most people can use Host without any reaction.

Yes, Host is available in a fragrance free formula. However, even this formula is not completely fragrance free since there are detergents and other cleaning agents in all Host dry cleaning products. But, this Host Fragrance Free version is a solution when odours are an issue. Usually the fragrance dissipates within 20-30 minutes after the cleaning.

The Host Applicator gives you three application settings, Light, Medium and Heavy. Light is for maintenance cleaning, Medium is for most average soiling conditions and heavy is for very dirty carpet. As you begin to work with the products, you will begin to recognise the different situations and understand which setting to choose.

The answer to this depends on how you apply and which product you are using.

Host sponges dry carpet cleaner

If you are applying by hand when cleaning a very dirty carpet we recommend that you only apply enough to cover a 3m x 3m (9 square meters) area before brushing. If you apply to a larger area, it is possible that some of the cleaning agents may evaporate and your results will be unsatisfactory. If you are carrying out maintenance cleaning or cleaning a light or medium soiled carpet then you can apply up to 20 square meters before brushing. If you are applying with the Host applicator, you can apply to larger areas before you start brushing. The Host applicator applies the Host in small piles which hold the moisture for a longer time period. Therefore, you can apply up to 40 square meters of carpet before brushing. You must still brush the area in sections of 40 square meters at a time before moving to the next; otherwise, the Host will dry out too quickly and have very little effect on the carpet.

Host SJ (Special Job)

If you are using Host SJ the use guidelines are different. Apply Host SJ to an area of only 3 square meters before you begin brushing. Brush this area and then vacuum immediately. It is important to clean smaller areas and vacuum immediately when cleaning with SJ. For best results, SJ must be vacuumed while it is still damp. You may use the Host applicator with Host SJ; apply to smaller areas with the applicator as well.

Yes. The Host System is an ideal system for restoration cleaning. When a carpet is heavily soiled it may require many applications of Host and a great deal of brushing to truly restore the appearance of the carpet. With other methods of cleaning, multiple applications could over wet the carpet and cause damage but with Host there is never any chance of this occurring.

We developed Host for restoration cleaning. The unique blend of cleaning agents in Host will help you achieve superior results on really dirty carpet. The Host extractorVAC will do a superior job of removing the dry soil while at the same time opening up and restoring the texture. This will make the cleaning more efficient.

There is a great deal of confusion in the industry as to the nature of the various dry cleaning products available for carpet cleaning. The original dry cleaning products were solvent based products. They were a clay powder (diatomaceous earth) mixed with a dry cleaning solvent which was scattered on the carpet, brushed in with a hand brush or broom and then vacuumed. These products were oily and could potentially cause some resoiling.

Today, all of the dry cleaning products manufactured are water based, not solvent based. The Host Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning products are water based also. The main ingredients in Host and Host SJ are water, detergents and green cleaning chemistry.

This combination of cleaning ingredients helps to dissolve all types of soil, whether it is water based or oil based. And since such a small amount of moisture is used, there is very little left behind on the carpet fibre to promote resoiling. When you clean a carpet with the Host System, it will stay cleaner longer than with any other method you may have tried.

t’s the brushing action of the machine that contributes the most to getting good results. If people get poor results with the Host system, it is because they don’t do enough brushing, haven’t used enough product or haven’t used Host Prep, or they have allowed the product to evaporate and dry out before brushing the carpet. Choose the correct setting on the applicator, follow our advice, and your results will be excellent.

Host is a soft natural organic product consisting of millions of absorbent particles that act like a natural sponge. This unique product is moistened with specific amount of water and 100% plant-based ingredients. Host contains and controls all the necessary liquids to dissolve both water soluble and solvent soluble soil.

Host Sponges form two primary functions. First, they carry the liquid cleaning agents to the fibres in a controlled way. Second, they loosen, absorb and hold the soil in control for extraction by vacuuming.

Host also deodorises as it cleans, leaving carpets fresh, fragrant and clean. Host is non-abrasive, fully biodegradable and safe for the environment.

Host SJ is a dry extraction, low moisture carpet cleaner formulated for special jobs. It is a natural, sponge-like material which we have mixed with water, detergents and a safe-to-use solvent. Host SJ is white in colour and is especially formulated for white, off-white, pastel and lighter colour carpets. It is also ideal for cleaning olefin and solution dyed nylon.

Host is unique there is no comparison!

A number of cheap look-a-like products are available on the market. However, none of them can conform to the same environmental standard, cleaning ability or quality of Host.

Other products may appear to be cheaper when comparing like-for-like “on price” However, this case study confirms that cheap brands can actually cost even more!

Host vs Cheap Alternative

Carpet Cleaning Case Study (24,000 square meter office building, City of London)

Test Results

By comparison, Host used 39% less product to remove ingrained soiling
Host was far more effective at removing spots, spills and coffee stains
Host was more user friendly, more manageable, easier to apply and cleaner to use
Host was much easier to vacuum from carpets after cleaning
Host left the carpet looking cleaner for longer, stains, spots and spills did not come back

Seven disadvantages of cheap brands

Cheap brand was very wet, when used formed into small balls that rolled uncontrollably under furniture.
Cheap brand was hard to work with, product stuck to hands and clothing, unpleasant and messy to use.
Cheap brand was very difficult to remove and took almost twice as long to vacuum out of the carpet.
Cheap brand used 39% more product to clean the same area of carpet to produce “similar” results.
Cheap brand was more labour intensive, costing additional 34% in labour to remove product from the carpet.
Cheap brand was not very effective, additional 22% cost in labour was wasted on removing marks by hand.
Cheap brand did not produce long lasting results; spots / spills came back within just a few days after cleaning.

Conclusion

By comparison to the cheap brand, Host cost 95% less in combined labour and material cost.
Host left the carpets looking cleaner, and left the carpets looking cleaner for longer too!
Cheap brands will cause problems for you and your customer.
Cheap brands do not offer value for money.
Cheap brands will not clean carpets like Host!

No other dry carpet-cleaning product on the market can compete or aspire to the unique concept and the reliability of Host.

Host sponges are not suitable for cleaning wood or laminate flooring, however, Host is ideal for cleaning un-treated textured non-slip flooring and grouted floor tile.

The Host Freestyle and Liberator Machines will minimize this problem because there is a skirt around the base of the hood which keeps the Host under the machine and prevents them from splattering.

If you are experiencing this difficulty, it is normally due to the vacuum cleaner. We have found that if your vacuum will not remove Host, then it will not do its major job which is to remove dirt. The normal, everyday tracked-in particles of sand and grit are heavier than Host.

It is important that the vacuum cleaner be in good operating condition. It should have fresh belts, an empty bag, the proper agitation (brush and bar or all brushes) and it should be adjusted to the proper carpet height. If the vacuum is in good working condition, there should be no problem vacuuming Host. When using the Host Reliant Carpet Cleaning Machine we recommend the Sebo BS36 upright vacuum cleaner which will produce optimum results.

The Host extractorVAC integral vacuum cleaning system which is built into the Host Freestyle and Host Liberator will eliminate much of this concern. The combination of the counter rotating brushes and the 120 CFMs of air movement help to achieve superior removal of the Host sponges from the carpet.

In some cases on a tight, loop pile carpet, you may notice some residual Host after cleaning. Especially if it was necessary to apply Host several times in order to get the area clean. Some of the Host may get caught in between the loops making the area appear tan, gold, yellow or white.

The best way to remove Host is to power brush the area with the Host extractorVAC and then vacuum again. The best way to avoid vacuuming problems is to use the Host extractorVAC.

When you are using the Host extractorVAC you will find that removal of Host is simplified. The eVAC performs best when the Host is vacuumed lightly damp. We have found that removal from tight, loop pile carpets is very good.

The best way to remove Host from the carpet is with the Host extractorVAC on the Liberator or Freestyle. If you do not have an eVAC and you are using a Host Reliant then simply use an upright vacuum cleaner. The Sebo BS36 is ideal for this purpose and a perfect accompaniment for the Host system.

Carpet manufacturers recommend the use of Upright Vacuum Cleaners; the Sebo BS36 is ideal and very effective in removing loose soil and grit from your carpet. The double action rotary brush system grooms and cleans more thoroughly deep into the base of the carpet pile. Tub vacuum cleaners are not recommended for daily use but perfectly ok for once weekly cleaning or spot vacuuming

The Aridex machine has a unique handheld counter revolving brush unit which works with a specially formulated soil encapsulating detergent. The high-tech encapsulating detergent is mixed with air to create unique low moisture cleaning bubbles that surround and dissolve, and encapsulate the soil on the fabric. The counter revolving brushes on the brush unit provide mechanical agitation to loosen the dirt from the surface without distorting the fibres. Once the area is clean the built-in vacuum removes the soil laden bubbles. The Aridex cleaning bubbles use 90% to 93% less moisture than other upholstery cleaning system on the market and because the foam is low-moisture, it only penetrates the fabric and not the backing materials so fabrics are not soaked through, most fabrics are dry within 30 minutes.

The Aridex is safe for most fabrics because it controls the moisture levels and prevents over wetting. The low moisture and short drying time of the Aridex provides a safe and easy method for cleaning most of the fabrics you will encounter.

Velvet should be cleaned only with dry foam. You can achieve excellent results with the Aridex on velvet and velvet styles.

Yes the Aridex can be used to clean leather upholstery too. Leather upholstery is the fastest growing fabric in the residential furniture supply market, and the Aridex and its range of specialist cleaning products have been specifically designed to meet these needs.

Leather Lather Safe and effective detergent for use in the Aridex and Esprit upholstery cleaning machines to clean all types of treated leather upholstery and vehicle interiors.
Leather Lotion Rich creamy liquid for use after cleaning leather, specially formulated to condition and restore the natural oils, and to strengthen, preserve and nourish treated leather upholstery.

Besides furniture in the home, cinemas, restaurants, and office buildings, all kinds of fabrics can be cleaned with the Aridex, including; fabric covered office panels, car interiors, boat interiors, caravans, aircrafts, buses and trains. These are just some of the great business opportunities the Aridex has to offer.

Aridex

The Professionals Choice!

• The Aridex is lightweight in construction and ergonomically designed
• Multi tasking machine for residential and commercial use
• Easy carry handle on top of the machine which makes transportation a simple task
• Slimline external casing, ideal for working between fixed seating in cinemas and theatres
• Interchangeable brushes available for cleaning soft furnishings and carpeted stairs
• Aridex hoses are 3mt long for ease of use in confined spaces and large open areas

Esprit

• The Esprit has a tough industrial external casing, purpose designed for heavy commercial use
• Convenient in-built brush head holder on the top of the machine
• Handy slide-out retractable handle for transportation over long distances
• Interchangeable brushes are available for cleaning soft furnishings and carpeted stairs
• The Esprit hoses are 5m long for use in large open areas

A typical Sofa is usually dry within 30 minutes; however, some highly absorbent fabrics may take even longer. Depending on experience a Sofa can take up to 2 hours to dry “practice is the key”. The average dining chair or office chair is usually dry within 10 to 20 minutes. Contributing factors affecting drying time include type of fabric, relative humidity, room temperature and air circulation.

Just as in carpet cleaning, always pre-vacuum before cleaning to remove dust, dirt and dry soil. It’s far easier to remove the dry dirt while it is still dry, a good thorough vacuuming of the fabric is essential for optimum results. Use the Aridex crevice tool to vacuum edges and corners, and around buttons. Use the Aridex brush attachment tool on flat and vertical surfaces. Inspect buttons and studs before vacuuming to be sure they are secure.

Apply the cleaning bubbles to about 2 square feet of fabric at a time and brush the area with the brush unit. Use both horizontal and vertical motions. Let the brush unit do the scrubbing while you slowly guide it over the fabric.

The most common faults are;

A) Blocked filter screen inside the foam generator (see page 18 Aridex parts and instruction manual)

B) Old or contaminated detergent in solution tank.

C) Incorrect product dilution ratio.

D) Incompatible cleaning product being used in the machine.

Black ultra firm brushes are available for the Aridex and Esprit, more aggressive than the standard white brushes supplied with the machine and ideal for commercial seating areas in passenger terminal buildings, trains, airplanes, buses and boats. The perfect solution for challenging cleaning jobs in cinemas and theatres, and great for restoration work in restaurants and bars. Also used for removing heavy soil on nylon and polypropylene carpeted on stairs.

The Aridex can be used to clean a number of items, including mattresses, office panels and even delicate rugs.

With mattress cleaning the method is much the same, just follow the basic rules for cleaning upholstery.

Always test for colour-fastness, if a fabric fails the test notify the customer and explain the piece cannot be cleaned without risk of damage. If the customer wishes to have you clean the piece despite the risk of damage, obtain approval in writing before starting the work.

Blue label is a low pH detergent formulated for the Aridex and Esprit low moisture upholstery cleaning system. Great for cleaning all types of upholstery containing wool and cotton fibre and where the fibre content is unknown or suspected to contain natural material. The low pH will give optimum performance with a high margin of safety, and with appropriate colour tests the product can be used on the most valuable and delicate upholstery or oriental rugs. Blue Label also contains important built in anti-resoil characteristics. Blue label is not suitable for use on leather furniture.

Red label is a high pH detergent formulated for the Aridex and Esprit low moisture upholstery cleaning system. Red label detergent cleaner is ideal for restoring heavily soiled upholstery and removing stubborn stains. Contains anti-resoil characteristics and is safe for use on stain resist fabrics, synthetic fibres, nylon, acrylic, and polypropylene. Works well on commercial seating areas and blended to perform well in soft or hard water. Red label is not suitable for use on leather furniture.

Prelim is used on those difficult to clean areas, such as heavily soiled seat cushions, arms and headrests. Prelim is a powerful cleaning booster containing professional strength detergents and penetrating solvents that help breakup the surface tension on heavy soiling and emulsify oily sticky substances and greasy residues. It is, however, meant to be used sparingly and always pre-test for colour fastness before using Prelim, carefully apply a detergent solution to a piece of white towel and gently blot the fabric – looking for colour transfer, if colour transfer appears, do not use the product. Prelim is not suitable for use on leather upholstery.

A tank of detergent solution will be useable for up to 3 to 4 days. After this period the detergent should be removed and the tank should be thoroughly cleaned.

They reason with the idea that they are not walking on it so it can’t be as dirty as the carpet. These facts about perspiration will help to establish some good reasons for cleaning upholstery. Perspiration residue left on upholstery can often leave unpleasant odours and bacteria which can weaken the fabric and affect the colour. Customers who have pets will appreciate the fact that vacuum cleaning will remove pet hair but not the smell. Transfer of perspiration residue and bacteria in offices and public buildings can also present a serious health risk.

Many professional carpet cleaners get requests for upholstery cleaning but they are reluctant to offer the service because of the possibility of dye bleeding, fabric shrinkage or water staining. By using the wrong chemical or equipment it is possible to cause damage to some types of fabric. Many cleaners are also concerned about their knowledge of upholstery and there is a greater variety of upholstery fabric on the market than there is in carpet! However, the Host Aridex low-moisture cleaning system makes the cleaning of upholstery a safe and simple task and eliminates many of the problems associated with old fashioned cleaning systems.

There are 4 other methods available for cleaning upholstery. However, none of them compare to the amazing results produced by the Aridex.

The bucket and brush method: involves applying cleaning solution to the fabric by hand with a manual scrubber brush or cloth. This is a very labour intensive method and can involve a lot of moisture resulting in prolonged drying time, shrinkage and dye bleeding.

The hot water extraction method: normally involves the use of a hand tool attached to a high saturation carpet cleaning system. The advantage of this method is immediate extraction of soil. Operator skill is crucial with this method to avoid over wetting which can cause problems like dye bleeding, browning, shrinkage, mold and mildew. There is no mechanical agitation so there is a greater chance of applying a lot of moisture in cleaning heavily soiled areas. Long drying times are a common problem!

The solvent extraction method involves applying chemical solvents to fabrics with a hand tool attached to a specially designed machine. This is a low moisture method which offers the advantage of short drying time and built in soil extraction. Operator skill and training is crucial with this process as heated, air borne solvents can be hazardous if not used properly. If solvents are forced through the fabric, latex backing can be damaged. While solvents effectively dissolve certain soils, many soils are more effectively removed with detergent based products so cleaning effectiveness can be marginal in some cases. Also lack of mechanical agitation can make it more difficult to clean more heavily soiled areas. Cleaning product costs are significantly higher with this method than with other methods of upholstery cleaning.

The dry foam method foam is applied to the fabric with an industrial type pump-up sprayer then a single head rotary scrubbing brush is deployed to agitate the foam into the fabric. The advantage of this system is limited moisture, however, on some types of upholstery single brush mechanical agitation will cause fabric distortion. The second disadvantage is that soil removal must be done with a separate machine as this system does not have built in vacuum extraction.

Yes, upholstery will get dirtier quicker after being wet cleaned.

Your upholstery may appear to look clean after is has been wet cleaned but the truth is your soft furnishings have just been heavily impregnated with copious amounts of water and sticky detergent. Dirt from clothing and airborne dust particles are quickly attracted by cleaning residue left in the upholstery that will rapidly re-soil the fabric at an alarming rate.

Evidence of upholstery re-soiling is often noticeable within just a few days after wet cleaning, brown patches on seat cushions and armrests are the usual signs. The problem can be resolved using the Host Aridex. However, the fabric may have sustained permanent damage depending on how much water and detergent has been previously used. The Aridex low moisture upholstery cleaning system uses specially formulated anti-resoil cleaning technology, fabrics will not re-soil and stains will not come back.

By comparison to other cleaning systems on the market the Host System is relatively inexpensive to use. When used properly the Host dry extraction cleaning system offers the most cost effective and efficient carpet deep cleaning and maintenance system on the market.

Whenever you are analysing the cost to clean carpet, it is important to include all the cost factors involved: labour, materials and overhead costs so let’s look at each factor.

Most manufacturers of carpet cleaning equipment overstate the productivity rate of the equipment they are promoting. We feel it is important to give as accurate a measure of productivity as possible.

When we describe the productivity rate with the Host System, we are including everything that is required to complete the cleaning job: Setting up the equipment, pre-vacuuming, deep cleaning and final vacuuming.

When these factors are considered, the productivity rate with Host is very competitive. There is very little setup time and cleaning the machine is very simple. The productivity rate for Host Reliant is 40 to 90 square metres per hour and when using the Freestyle the productivity rate increases to at least 90 to 150 square meters per hour.

Some customers have reported even faster times than these with the Liberator working at 200 to 250 square meters per hour. These increased productivity rates are due to the ability of the extractorVAC to do several jobs at once; pile lifting, vacuuming and deep cleaning.

With proper training, the Host System is a very cost effective way to clean a carpet. With the combination of power brushing and power vacuuming it’s an unbeatable team when it comes to soil removal. It’s simply the most efficient and effective method of cleaning carpet which contributes to massive savings in both labour and material cost.

In a commercial building, the average cost to clean a light to medium soiled carpet using Host is between 2p to 4p per square meter. Naturally, the cost to clean a very dirty carpet will be much higher.

Product cost guide

The Host Applicator is the best way to control your material costs when cleaning with the Host System. You have three choices of coverage when you use the Host applicator – light, medium or heavy soil. The applicator reduces material costs by dispensing an accurate, controlled amount of Host sponges and lowers labour costs too!

The primary cleaning product is Host Sponges dry carpet cleaner. The quantity of product required to clean a given area of carpet depends on the level of soiling. In a commercial premises with light to medium soiling (periodic maintenance clean) 1kg of Host sponges will clean an area of approximately 100m² to 150m² Naturally, heavily soiled carpet would requier a lot more product than a carpet that has been regularly maintained.

Host Prep traffic lane booster (carpet pre-spray) has been specially formulated for use with Host Sponges dry carpet cleaner. Prep is used to help remove dirt and grease from heavily soiled carpet, ideal for pre-spraying walkways, high traffic areas and patches of stubborn dirt. Prep is supplied as a concentrate and diluted 1:4 (one litre of Prep concentrate makes 5 litres of carpet pre-spray) Usage guide for Host Prep shows approximate quantity required in concentrated volume for an area of 100 m².

Product usage guide

Large bucket of Host sponges contains 13.6kg of product. One bucket of Host sponges used in a commercial building with light to medium soiling will clean an area of approximately 1360 to 906 square meters of carpet. When cleaning heavily soiled areas or carrying out carpet restoration work a 13.6kg bucket of sponges will clean an area of approximately 544 to 453 square meters of carpet.

When calculate the statistics based on a residential premises, the average size lounge being used as an example (medium to heavy soiling roughly 20 square meters) one bucket of Host sponges (13.6kg) will clean approximately 34 lounge carpets. Naturally, a very heavily soiled carpet would requier a lot more product.

Using information gathered from Host contractors throughout the UK we have developed a national average – pricing format. Our recommended pricing structure for residential cleaning is based on unit cost, e.g. fixed price per sofa / fix price per armchair, for carpet cleaning a similar system is used. Commercial cleaning requires a more detailed approach due to the large volume of carpet or upholstery involved, prices for commercial services are established using a survey and costing analysis system. This information is made available to Host contractors during initial training.

Subject to the level of soiling the average Sofa can be cleaned in less than one hour, a single arm chair 30 minutes or less, a dining chair or office chair can be cleaned in 5 to 10 minutes.

The outlay on materials to clean upholstery is relatively low. The higher element of cost relates to labour, overheads and the initial investment on equipment.

Blue label upholstery cleaning detergent, mainly used for residential cleaning

Subject to the level of soiling, 1 gallon of blue label detergent will clean approximately 125 armchairs; the equivalent in material cost to clean an armchair is about 15 pence. 1 gallon of blue label will clean approximately 56 sofas; the material cost to clean a two-seater sofa is about 33 pence.

Red label upholstery cleaning detergent, predominately used for commercial cleaning

One gallon of red label concentrate makes enough solution to clean approximately 320 square meters of upholstery. Subject to the degree of soiling, 1 gallon of red label detergent will clean approximately 640 office chairs, the material cost to clean the seat on a standard office chair is about 3 pence.

The Aridex can run for up to 8 hours on a full tank of cleaning solution (7.6 liters) in cash terms that’s about 24 pence per tank. Naturally, much of this depends on the level of soiling and the experience of the cleaning operative using the machine.

Average cost of a franchise using the Host carpet cleaning system is £15,000 + vat
Average cost of purchasing a Host carpet cleaning system direct from us is £3400 + vat

Here are 10 good reasons why you should avoid being involved with a franchise company.
And 10 good reasons why you should buy direct from us!

Ten Good Reasons Not To Franchise

1. Questionable profitability. Most franchisers do not provide much information to potential franchisees regarding earning possibilities, making it difficult to assess how lucrative investment in the company could be. Even the franchisers who do supply this information can only offer average sales and often these figures are exaggerated on what they believe you can expect to earn. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t which is not very helpful when you are trying to determine if your individual franchise will be successful after investing in excess of £15,000

2. High start-up costs. Before opening your franchise, you may be required to pay a non-refundable initial franchise fee, which can cost several thousand pounds. In addition to the initial fee, there are also usually high start-up costs associated with furnishing your franchise with the necessary inventory and equipment. It can easily take several years to recoup the expenses connected with getting your franchise off the ground. At Timberstone we offer you a totally independent business opportunity, no overpriced start-up costs and no licence fees! With a number of options available we can put together a system suitable for most budgets and levels of investment.

3. Trading restrictions and territories. Imagine the following scenario: You have just spent thousands of pounds opening your own carpet cleaning franchise when another franchisee from the same franchise company opens only a few miles down the road which is just outside your territory and has essentially reduced your customer base to a minimum. This type of thing happens to franchisees all the time. Buying direct allows you to operate wherever you want! No boundaries, No territories.

4. Limited independence. When you buy a franchise, you are not just buying the right to use the franchiser’s name. You are buying its business plan as well. As a result, most franchisers impose price, appearance and design standards on franchisees, limiting the ways you can operate the franchise. While these regulations can help promote uniformity, they can also stifle your own creativity and ability to cater to local tastes or needs. Timberstone offers you a totally independent business opportunity – giving you the freedom to make your own decisions and run the business more effectively.

5. Royalty payments. Franchisees are required to make continuing royalty payments to the franchiser based on a percentage of his or her monthly sales, continually eating into the franchisee’s hard earned net profit. Purchase your host system direct from us and all the profit is yours – no royalties, no commission fees, what you earn is yours to keep!

6. Inflated pricing on supplies. In many cases, the franchiser can designate the franchise’s supplier of goods and services. Franchisers argue that this is done to maintain quality control, often selling at inflated rates well above the current market price, and not allowing you the opportunity to shop around – subsequently limiting competition and you are forced to pay higher prices on supplies. Timberstone offers the best prices in the UK, with trade discount rates available across the Host product range. No restrictions on minimum orders and massive discounts available on bulk purchases.

7. Restrictions on post-term competition. Let’s say that you decide to purchase a carpet cleaning franchise but after a couple of years you determine that you could run a higher quality and more profitable company of your own. Unfortunately, non-competition clauses are built into almost every franchise agreement, franchisees are not allowed to become independent business owners in a similar business after termination of the franchise agreement. By purchasing a franchise, you may be unwittingly limiting your business opportunities for years after the expiration of your contract. Another good reason why you should buy direct from Timberstone!

8. Advertising and marketing fees. Many franchisees are obligated to make regular contributions to the franchiser’s advertising fund. Sales, marketing and good PR is the key to any successful business and can be very costly if the advertising budget is not used wisely. Being independent gives you the freedom to invest in advertising when and how often your budget dictates. You are also free to advertise in areas you feel will be more lucrative as opposed to being dictated to by others.

9. Training and operational support. During the initial start-up period of the business most franchisors will offer you one to one training and support. However, after a period of time you may wish expand your franchise and take on additional staff. The franchisor will often insist that staff training is carried out by the franchise company and argue that this is done to maintain quality control and often charging highly inflated rates – ranging from £250 to £350 per day per person. During the initial start-up period of the business most franchisors will offer you one to one training and support. However, after a period of time you may wish expand your franchise and take on additional staff. The franchisor will often insist that staff training is carried out by the franchise company and argue that this is done to maintain quality control and often charging highly inflated rates – ranging from £250 to £350 per day per person.

10. Unfair termination. Even the slightest impropriety on your part, such as being late on a royalty payment or violating the franchise’s standard operating procedure, can be cause for the franchiser to terminate your agreement. The possibility of losing your entire investment for being late on a royalty payment is a scary thought. 10 good reasons why you should buy direct – no contracts, no license agreements, and no royalty fees!

Franchise organisation national recognised brand, true or false! Some franchise companies will tell you that one of the biggest advantages of their franchise is they have built a regional or nationally recognised brand that has value in the eyes of customers you are trying to attract, which naturally comes at a price! Often is the case, the franchise brand is relatively unknown in many parts of the UK.

Host trademark, nationally recognised brand “worldwide”
When you invest in Host cleaning system from Timberstone you will be given the opportunity to use the Host logo on vehicles, staff uniforms, business cards and websites, you will granted permission free of charge to use the high profile image of the Host brand that Host has built its reputation on over many years worldwide!

Host spot remover is ideal for all common spots and spills such as; food and drink, fresh pet accidents, grease, dirt and much, much more!
Host spot remover can be found on our products page, search for stock code S12L/1.

How to deal with accidental spills in six simple steps

Gitgo is ideal for removing oil, grease and tar, simply apply a little of this amazing gel and wipe the stain away. Gitgo can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1715. After treatment with Gitgo finish off with Host spot remover.

Any mark on a carpet is hard to hide and cigarette burns are no different. You walk into your living room admiring the smooth pristine look of your carpets and gasp when you notice the black burn hole from a cigarette. Do not despair, there are ways to repair the hole so that no one will notice it was ever there.

Contractors, this should spark an idea to adding extra value to the service you supply to your customers. Cigarette Burn Cutter and Damaged Carpet Removal Tool can be found on our products page, search for stock code CBR20.

Gitgo is ideal for removing chewing gum; simply poor a little Gitgo gel onto the problem area and leave for a few minutes, Gitgo dissolves the gum and turns it into a paste, wipe off with a dry cloth and the problem is solved. Old gum may requier some slight persuasion with a spatula. After treatment with finish off with Host spot remover. Gitgo can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1715.

Host Von Schrader has developed a unique stain removal system called Coffee Break, formulated to remove new or old coffee and tannin stains on carpets or upholstery. Ideal for use on stains that have not been successfully removed by cleaning or other types of spot removal treatment. The Coffee Break Stain Removal Kit can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1719.

Candle wax is easy to remove using Gitgo, listed on our products page, search for stock code C1715. After treatment with Gitgo finish off with Host spot remover. You could also try placing a clean absorbent dry cloth over the spill area and using a warm iron on the cloth to melt the wax. Once melted, the wax will be absorbed into the cloth. Be sure to heat the iron to make it hot enough to melt the wax.

Caution: if the iron is too hot it will burn the carpet.

First try Host spot remover, if that doesn’t work – try Gitgo, excellent results have been achieved with Gitgo on a number of stubborn stains. Some types of paint can difficult to remove, especially solvent or oil based paints. Blue tack and White tack comes off reasonably well with Gitgo but may requier some slight persuasion with a spatula. After treatment with finish off with Host spot remover. Gitgo can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1715.

To prevent a stain from setting in and becoming permanent deal with accidental spills immediately.

How to remove red wine stains in six simple steps

1) Bolt the area with a napkin or dry cloth to remove the moisture.2) Blot the area with damp cloth (lukewarm water) to help remove the wine.3) Blot the area again with clean dry cloth.4) Apply Host sponges dry carpet cleaner and gently brush.5) Leave for 45 minutes to absorb residual soiling and deodorise the carpet.6) Vacuum clean to remove the soil laden particles of Host

If necessary, repeat steps 4-5 or try using Host Spot Remover on any remaining marks.

Caution: Never rub the stained area with a cloth it may weaken the carpet fibre and cause the stain to spread. Blot gently beginning at the outer edge of the stain and working inward is the safest way to remove the problem without causing additional damage.

The Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit contains all the products you will need and a full list of instructions, perfect for use around the home, the office and housekeeping departments. The Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1426.

How to remove blood stains on carpets in six simple steps -1) Clean up fresh blood spills with a clean dry cloth, blot gently to remove any moisture.2) Blot the area with damp cloth (cold water) to help remove any surplus blood.3) Blot the area again with clean dry cloth.4) Apply Host sponges dry carpet cleaner and gently brush5) Leave for 45 minutes to absorb the stain.6) Vacuum clean to remove the soil laden particles of Host

If necessary, repeat steps 4-5 or try using Host Spot Remover on any remaining marks.

Caution: Using warm or hot water on blood will “set” the stain permanently.

Never rub the stained area with a cloth it may weaken the carpet fibre and cause the stain to spread. Blot gently beginning at the outer edge of the stain and working inward is the safest way to remove the problem without causing additional damage to the carpet.

The Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit contains full list of instructions and all the products you will need or search our products page, stock code C1426.

Host Odour Exploder is ideal for homes, bathrooms, restaurants, nursing homes, hospitals and hotels; helps eliminate urine smells, pet odours, smoke and cooking smells. Odour Exploder doesn’t just mask the problem with fragrance, it attacks and neutralises disagreeable odour at the molecule level. Simply dilute with water (instructions on the bottle) and apply by trigger spray application. Supplied as concentrate in a small 237ml bottle. Odour Exploder can be found on our products page, search for stock code S12S/1.

Rust marks caused by leaking radiators and metal studs on furniture can be removed with Host Von Schrader Rust Remover. Ideal for removing rust stains from carpets and upholstery. Rust Remover can be found on our products page, search for stock code QRR. After treatment finish off with Host spot remover and Host sponges dry carpet cleaner.

Customers are so frustrated with complaints relating to wet cleaning!

Rapid resoiling after wet cleaning is a common problem, often caused by the use of strong alkaline detergents or insufficient care and knowledge.

A typical complaint after wet carpet cleaning is; the carpet looked great after it had been cleaned but within just a few weeks the carpet looked worse than it did before. The feel to the carpet was no longer smooth and pleasant to touch; it was hard and slightly sticky in a number of places.

Rest assured, the problem can be often resolved; Host contract cleaners find success by using an acidic cleaning and neutralising rinse with Host sponges, which strips away the chemical contamination and restores the chemical balance in the carpet. Restoration cleaning methods using Host pre-conditions the carpet and removes most of the problems associated with wet cleaning and helps eradicate further rapid resoiling.

Host Sponges dry carpet cleaner can be found on our products page, search for stock code 30H .

Watermarks are a common occurrence on wool content and hessian backed carpet after flood or water spillage.

The source of these brown or yellow stains is usually related to saturation of the carpet backing and migration of hessian dyes released into the carpet fibre. Hessian (jute) dye simply works its way to the surface as the carpet dries out and forms into a brown or yellow stain.

Watermarks can occasional be removed by cleaning the area with as little moisture as possible using a low pH acidic cleaner such as Host Sponges dry carpet cleaner. Excellent results have been achieved using Host Sponges, however, the problem can re-occur within just a few days and it may be necessary to carry out a second or even a third clean to remove any residual staining. Unfortunately watermarks are the most difficult to remove, the rate of recovery is unpredictable and often renders many carpets permanently stained.

Host Sponges dry carpet cleaner can be found on our products page, search for stock code 30H .

NO! You will not be able to clean a carpet any better with wet cleaning system.
If your Host machine cannot solve the problem, nothing else will!

However, if you think we are wrong and you believe you can do better job with a wet cleaning machine, wet clean it, and watch those stains comeback. The carpet will look even worse after it’s dry!

Host contains sufficient moisture and safe cleaning detergents to deep clean carpets without getting them soaking wet.

Would you put an expensive wool suit in a washing machine? Of course you wouldn’t, you would have it professionally dry cleaned, Host works on the same principle!

Do you have dark and unsightly black or grey lines along the edges of your carpet or underneath doors?
These unsightly marks often known as “draught marks” normally appear as dark lines or spots around edges of carpet and across doorways. In extreme cases, they can appear from under the carpet between floorboards. White and light colour carpets are the most susceptible since darker carpets tend to hide the dirt. Professional carpet cleaners occasionally use the term “filtration soiling or filtration marks”

Draught marks and are caused by small particles of dust working their way through the carpet from underneath the backing and subfloor. Dust-contaminated air blows through or across the carpet and the carpet acts as a filter, removing the dirt from the air causing these unsightly marks to appear.

The problem can be resolved by sealing the area under the skirting board with flexible filler (mastic) and placing a paper barrier or hardboard sheeting underneath the underlay. These measures will help to form a barrier to prevent fine particles of dust moving to the surface of the carpet. The problem cannot be cured by cleaning alone – the soiling will return if contaminated air is allowed to continue to flow underneath the carpet.

The following cleaning methods can be very effective but it may not always be possible to remove the marks completely.

How to remove draught marks in six simple steps

1) Thoroughly vacuum the affected area.2) Spray with Host Prep or Pre-Clean and gently brush3) Apply Host sponges dry carpet cleaner and gently brush4) Vacuum clean to remove soil laden particles of Host5) If necessary, repeat steps 1 to 4 or try using Host Spot Remover on any remaining marks, stock code S12L/16) If the problem persists you can also try using Gitgo, which can be found on our products page, stock code C1715

DIY Option: Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1426 .

The kit contains all the products you will need and full list of instructions.
The pictures below show how draught marks can be successfully removed using the Host.

Grey shadowing is a direct result of chemical damage caused by strong alkaline detergents used in wet carpet cleaning systems.

A typical complaint after wet carpet cleaning is; the carpet looked great after it had been cleaned but within just a few weeks the carpet looked worse than it did before. The feel to the carpet was no longer smooth and pleasant to touch; it was hard and slightly sticky in a number of places.

Rest assured, the problem can be often resolved; Host contract cleaners find success by using an acidic cleaning and neutralising rinse with Host sponges, which strips away the chemical contamination and restores the chemical balance in the carpet. Restoration cleaning methods using Host pre-conditions the carpet and removes most of the problems associated with wet cleaning and helps eradicate further rapid resoiling.

Host Sponges dry carpet cleaner can be found on our products page, search for stock code 30H .

Preventing static electric discharge – antistatic treatment for carpets

Static build-up can be reduced to the point where shocks are no longer noticeable by use of an anti-static agent, which is applied directly onto the carpet. The problem is often confined to specific areas, notably around photocopying machines, printers and metallic surfaces such as filing cabinets and airflow heating outlets. To help cure the problem anti-static treatment should be applied to the whole of the carpeted area – normally only one or two applications of anti-static treatment are required per year.

Why do I get shocks when I touch a doorknob or filing cabinet?

Many people ask about shocks experienced when they touch a door handle, filing cabinet, lift, or other metal object. One of the biggest causes of static electric shock in modern commercial buildings is high nylon content in carpets. Nylon and polypropylene carpeting has a tendency to allow static electricity to build-up, particularly during the winter months when the relative humidity is very low. The result is an electrical discharge or shock when anything conductive is touched while standing on the carpet. A carpet containing nylon or polypropylene is a sure way to generate a painful static electric shock!

Blockade Carpet protector is a specially developed fluorocarbon chemical to protect carpet and rugs from wet and dry soil. Applied by spray application on new and freshly cleaned carpets and rugs, forms a protective and invisible shield around each fibre to help resist spills and stains. Blockade can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1637.

Fabric protector, applied by spray application to new and freshly cleaned upholstery, forms a protective and invisible shield around each fibre to help resist spills and stains. Fluorochemical based, safe to use on all colourfast fabrics. Fabric protector can be found on our products page, search for stock code C1639.

The Host emergency spills and carpet spot removal kit contains all the products you will need and a full list of instructions, perfect for use around the home, the office and housekeeping departments. Search for stock code C1426 on our products.
Host Emergency Spills and Carpet Spot Removal Kit

Give your business the professional touch by eliminating difficult spots from customer’s carpets and increasing customer satisfaction. Comprehensive kit consisting of a full range of specialist spotting agents and stain removal treatments, and the equipment to apply, treat and remove the most challenging problems and stains. The kit also includes pH test equipment and full set of instructions, supplied in lockable container with carrying handle. Search for stock code C520 on our products page.