The Power of Prayer and Scotchguard
We believe in the power of prayer and the power of Scotchgard!
At ServiceMaster by Bailey we clean a lot of carpet and upholstery. At the end of each cleaning service we always offer our customers the option to have our technicians apply Scotchgard to carpets or fabrics. Despite the genius behind this product, most customers turn us down due to the extra cost. I am here today to answer two questions for you that may change your mind about Scotchgard the next time you have need to have your home or business cleaned. First, how does it work? Second, is it really worth the investment?
How does it work?
First of all, Scotchgard is just the name brand and its carpet and fabric protectant is just one of many products used for textile protection. Regardless of the brand name, these products all contain flurorochemicals. The “fluroro” stands for fluoride which has many different uses, as do most flurorochemicals. They are utilized in the medical industry, dental industry, to make Teflon cookware, and in manufacturing. Remember being given the fluoride treatment at the dentist?
Scotchgard works by reducing surface tension, making the carpet or fabric less absorbent. It adds a protective coat to the fibers creating a non-stick surface. The same principal is used with Teflon cookware, which is made to keep food from sticking. It also parallels with the dental industry which uses flurorochemicals to build a stronger protective barrier on your teeth (although we strongly advise against rinsing your mouth out with Scotchguard). Applying Scotchgard gives your carpet and upholstery an extra line of defense against possible spills and stains.
Having your carpets protected does not mean that they will never stain. The protective chemical will keep the stain on the surface of the carpet and prevent it from seeping into the fibers as quickly as it would without protection. It gives you more time and a better opportunity to clean up the spill before it causes a stain. It also protects equally against wet and dry messes, meaning dirt won’t get pushed down into the fibers either, thus making vacuuming more effective. In many cases you may even see a liquid spill “bead up” and sit on top of the carpet.
If you have your carpets professionally cleaned and protected, Scotchgard will eventually wear off, just like the Teflon on pans. Wearing shoes on the carpet will wear down the protection over time. Then add kids, pets, parties, and spills to the mix and you are cutting your protection period down even more. However, there are some ways that you can help to counteract the everyday messes. For best results it is recommended that you vacuum regularly, avoid wearing shoes when possible, and clean up spills immediately. Typically, you should have your high traffic areas treated every 6 months and all areas every 12 months.
Is it worth the investment?
The answer to this question is simple: YES!! For most carpets, especially the stain resistant ones, a flurorochemical is applied as part of the manufacturing process. However, as we have learned it is in no way guaranteed to last forever. Think about it like you would your car. It is not necessary to wax your car, but if you do it will look better and last longer. Scotchgard can do the same for your carpets. Spend a little extra now and save a lot later.
We at ServiceMaster by Bailey are professionals in the field of carpet and upholstery cleaning. Our technicians are trained and certified to produce the highest quality work and provide you with exceptional service. Call us today to schedule your appointment! 770.720.9533
