Let’s start off with the simple statement that no other subject stirs up more questions, more concerns and more confusion than anything else in the cleaning industry. And with good reason- you can’t see it, you can’t feel it, you can’t smell it (once it dries- in a few minutes, by the way) and you certainly don’t know how long it is going to continue to be effective and worth its cost.
Is it worth it? Yes and no. It depends upon what you have (carpets, area rugs, upholstery, leather, wall fabric, tapestry), how long you have owned it, where it is located, who is using or walking on it and especially, who is going to take care of it and in what manner and according to what kind of schedule. Further conditions are whether you have wool or synthetic, do you have lots of kids, are you messy or neat people, are you always entertaining and how bright is the person who does the daily or weekly maintenance and care.
But, the solution is not a panacea. There are some things that are not protected. In the trade they like to refer to the exclusions: bleaches, acids and dyes. (it just happens that BAD is easily remembered by looking at these three words). Don’t believe all that you see on television. They make sure that what is being spilled will clean up if you are quick and knowledgeable.
BUT DON’T BE FOOLED BECAUSE WE CAN GET A LOT OF THESE THINGS OUT OF A FABRIC IF THEY ARE LEFT ALONE. REMEMBER, AS YOU HAVE READ ALREADY, IT IS THE IMPULSIVE TYPES THAT RUIN THINGS AND ONLY THEN CALL FOR HELP.
Protection is definitely helpful since it allows you to wipe up things and blot more effectively. Even our own workmen know immediately when they are working on something that has been protected since their chemicals “bead up” and what is there is usually easier to remove.
Remember that even our own workmen, with a dozen or so chemicals and lots of equipment, are not always able to get a spot or stain out. Your store bought products and need to “do something” can be the ruination. Often it is better to leave it alone and call for help.
And remember that the soapy residue that you may leave in there with self-help efforts will probably reduce our men’s ability to achieve the best results. If you must do something, remember to blot, use a spoon or spatula or a wet pick-up vacuum, then call. We sell these vacuums if you need one and give you instructions on how to use them.
There are many materials and fabrics and leathers and suede that are beyond the scope of this discussion but should be discussed if you are going to consider protection. Call me for the information that you will need.
Most important:
PROTECTION SHOULD BE LOOKED AT AS AN EXTRA TOOL IN THE MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF YOUR HOME, NOT AN ANSWER. I CAN HELP YOU DECIDE WHAT SHOULD BE PROTECTED AND WHAT DOES NOT NEED PROTECTION. CALL ME.