What is VLM?

VLM stands for "Very Low Moisture" and is sometimes referred to as 'dry cleaning' because it uses so little water and dries so fast. This is the method I employ. There is an ongoing argument, has been for years, amongst us carpet cleaners. Which is better, steam or no steam? I'll be the first to admit, both get the job done. Fact is any method, if done right, should clean your carpets very well. If it didn't, we all wouldn't be in business. Now I'm not going to try to convince you why my method is better than another's. I just want you to understand my method and why it works so well.

Most everyone with dirty carpets is aware of the steam method of cleaning. If not, its simple, hot water into the carpets, hot water out of the carpets. A big bill and several hours later, clean carpets.

Have you ever asked yourself; is this the only way to get carpets cleaned? The answer is no, there is another method.

I use what is known in the industry as encapsulation cleaning. I spray a fine mist of treatment on your carpet. I let it sit for several minutes to loosen the dirt. After sufficient dwell time I use a cotton bonnet to pick up the dirt. (This is where science comes into play) Any remaining treatment dries with the dirt 'encapsulating' it in a powder-like crystal. After about an hour (that's right only 1 hour) this remaining dirt is simply vacuumed up. A small amount of treatment is left in the carpet to act as a 'shield' against future soiling to help the carpet stay cleaner longer.

Presto, clean dry carpets in about an hour. Why is drying time so important? The longer your carpets take to dry, the more time dirt has to reattach. Not only that, it's also just really inconvenient to have to stay off the carpets for 5 hours while they dry. (Anyone with small children knows exactly what I mean)

I understand some spots and stains need to be extracted. Lets be honest, cat pee in carpet won't exactly come out with a light scrub. So I use a portable hot water extractor to 'spot treat' problem areas. There is no reason to hot water or 'steam' extract a whole carpet. If your carpet is wall to wall with cat pee, then you will need to hot water extract the whole thing. If that is the case I have solutions for that too.

Questions? Call me (815) 229-9222