As I sit and think about my 30-plus years in the carpet cleaning business, I am fascinated by the old wives’ tales, or OWTs, that persist and, in some cases, thrive within the industry.

Some of the most common questions asked by newbies and untrained cleaners about carpet cleaning center around carpets and rugs shrinking when cleaned. This is also a favorite subject for potential customers to bring up during site visits.

It is no secret that the hottest word in restoration today is mold. But mold has been around for thousands of years; why is it just now becoming such a problem?

There is a growing occurrence of major players in the carpet industry, including carpet manufacturers and fiber producers, becoming involved with the maintenance of carpet after it is put into service.

It always amazes me how many of the “carpet maintenance” problems I am called out on are really just the result of poor work practices.

I am amazed sometimes at the level of fear I find in the carpet cleaning industry. Once, a student of mine went on at length about his refusal to clean a client’s 3,000 square feet of white wool carpet.

I have been offered more than a few opportunities to purchase existing carpet cleaning businesses by owners who wanted to quit or were being forced to quit by health or economic concerns.

It's simple logic, the difference between a 'spot' and a 'stain.' If you're unsure, read on.

If as much attention is paid to equipment maintenance as it is to pre-purchase research, almost any purchase will perform well for an acceptable period of time.

Educating your customer on the differences between stains, spots and soils, and taking the correct path of action, will raise their confidence level and your bottom line.