Carpet is an important part of how people see your entire facility. When your carpet is clean, everything else looks better. But too often, carpet cleaning is delayed to avoid taking the carpet out of service for long periods of time. The beauty of the HOST Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System is that carpet cleaning can be routine and not a special project. Vacuuming, pile lifting, spot cleaning, traffic lane cleaning and overall cleaning can be performed 24/7. Because HOST is low moisture, carpets are back in service as soon as the cleaning is done.

The HOST System helps the environment and is cost effective:

• Minimal useage of water (a teaspoon per sq. foot) and chemicals
• More efficient, no trips to the cleaners cupboard to fill and empty water
• No need for fans to dry the carpet
• No need to return to the site to remove fans or take down caution signs
• No wick back of spots, so re-cleaning is eliminated
• No need for expensive out of hours cleaning

HOST is recommended by leading carpet manufacturers worldwide and is safe for all types of carpet including stain-resistant, sisal, wool, and even delicate oriental rugs.

Dry Carpet Cleaner. HOST equipment has unique counter-rotating brushes to pile lift and dislodge dirt; and HOST SPONGES contain a balanced blend of water, detergents, wetting agents and natural ingredients. As the SPONGES are brushed through the carpet, the absorbent particles deep clean by dissolving, trapping and removing spots, spills and greasy, oily dirt.

After vacuuming up the SPONGES, carpet is clean, dry and back in service. The HOST System is designed for use in many applications to meet all of your carpet cleaning needs.

Host specialise in environmentally friendly dry extraction carpet and upholstery cleaning systems that set a standard across the world in cleaning technology.

For more details on Host, please visit the official Host website at www.hostdry.com

Testimonial

HOST is delighted to be in association with CMG and No Skidding. Our relationship with CMG goes back over many years and we are involved in the No Skidding venture undertaking training and problem solving support.

Frequently Asked Questions

The HOST System Common Q & A

Product Related

What is HOST?

HOST Sponges, Fragrance Free, and HOST SJ is a soft, natural product consisting of millions of absorbent sponges. These "sponges" are moistened with a unique blend of water, detergents and a small amount of safe to use solvent. The SPONGES Cleaner contains and controls all the necessary liquids to dissolve both water soluble and solvent soluble soil.

The HOST SPONGES do a double duty job. 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. With the HOST Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System you are in total control of the cleaning chemicals and soil at all times.

How does it work?

The HOST Machine brushes the moist SPONGES up, down, over and around the carpet fibres so they contact all surfaces of the soiled fibres, breaking the oil bond and wiping the soil away. This action is similar to a moist sponge used to wipe up spills in the kitchen or soil from a wall. Carpet pile is a vertical surface much like a wall. When liquid is applied, gravity pulls any excess moisture down into the carpet toward the backing.

When you use the HOST SPONGES you don't lose control of the moisture and soil. In addition to absorbing the soil, the HOST SPONGES hold that soil until it is removed by vacuuming.

Carpets do not resoil as quickly as when cleaned with wet methods because there is no sticky residue to grab and hold fresh soil. Because the HOST System does not contribute to resoiling, regular, frequent vacuuming helps to keep the carpet cleaner longer.

What equipment is available?

The basis of all HOST equipment is a brushing unit that has two counter rotating brushes. These brushes are available in a range of stiffnesses and so the optimum agitation can be obtained dependant on the carpet fibre and construction. The brushing action ensures that this optimum agitation happens throughout the carpet pile. Soil is shaken loose from fibres and carpet backing and made readily available for vacuum extraction.

The older T6 technology has been upgraded and the more modern Reliant machine represents the latest model.

The introduction of the Freestyle and latterly the Liberator incorporates extractorVAC technology. A powerful 120 CFM vacuum has been introduced between the twin brushes. This vacuum removes the soil that has been made available for extraction by the brushing action.

When the HOST SPONGES have been brushed through the carpet they are picked up by the extractorVAC.

Will HOST "deep clean"?

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

Is HOST only a carpet maintenance product?

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, wall to wall, looks clean because it is clean.

Is HOST corn cobs, compound or a powder?

No, it isn't. The best way to describe HOST SPONGES Carpet Cleaner is: a natural processed organic fibre that is absorbent, like a sponge. HOST SJ and HOST Sponges are made from these natural sponges and are safe, nonabrasive and biodegradable.

The naturally absorbent HOST SPONGES performs the necessary job in carpet cleaning. This makes it possible for us to deliver cleaning agents to a vertical surface without losing control, and absorb those agents and the soil that has been dissolved so removal is simple and efficient.

What is PREP Traffic Lane Booster for?

PREP Traffic Lane Booster is to be used with the HOST SPONGES 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 fibres.

PREP Traffic Lane Booster puts extra cleaning power just where you need it; entryways from parking areas, 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 SPONGES is.

I have already seen a dry method demonstrated and it did not work.

If you haven't seen the HOST System demonstrated, you haven't seen dry extraction carpet cleaning. There are many competitive products in the marketplace claiming to be dry cleaning products, some are and some are not - like bonnet cleaning methods.

The HOST System is the original dry extraction or low moisture carpet cleaning system. It combines the use of specially formulated dry extraction cleaning products and a machine specially designed to be used on carpeting. No other manufacturer of so-called dry cleaning methods has this unique combination. Let us show you the HOST System so you can truly evaluate for yourself dry extraction low moisture carpet cleaning.

Why will the HOST System take out a spot so it will not come back?

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 yam and eventually reappears on the surface.

The HOST SPONGES clean 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 yam. 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.

Is HOST harmful or is it safe?

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

HOST Sponges is not an eye irritant, not a primary skin irritant. It is also non toxic 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, it is a safe product to use.

I do not like the smell

Over the years we have tried to develop a cleaning product which is safe to use and effective. To be effective, it is necessary to use various cleaning chemicals in the product formulation. Some of these chemicals have natural odours, which may be unpleasant to some people. Therefore, we include a fragrance in the HOST SPONGES that leaves behind a nice, fresh scent in the room once the carpet has been cleaned.

In general, most people will like this fragrance and eventually it does dissipate. As with any fragrance or perfume, not all people like it. Rest assured that after about 20-30 minutes, the fragrance will be gone and all you will notice is a freshly cleaned carpet.

We also have HOST Fragrance Free that can be used when odour becomes an issue.

What is that odour?

The HOST SPONGES contains water, detergents and a small amount of a safe-to-use solvent that enables us to clean all types of soil effectively. We also include a fragrance to give the room being cleaned a nice fresh scent. This normally dissipates in about 20-30 minutes.

Can I be allergic to HOST SPONGES Cleaner?

While HOST SPONGES is a safe product to use and conforms to the standards of the U S A 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 SPONGES Cleaner. Most people can use HOST SPONGES without any reaction.

Can I get HOST SPONGES without the fragrance?

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.

 

 

What if I use too much HOST SPONGES Cleaner?

HOST SPONGES is safe to use on all types of carpets. There is never any danger of shrinkage, mildew, split seams or colour loss due to the HOST Cleaning System. If you should happen to use too much, the only consequence is you have wasted some of the cleaner.

There is no chance you will cause damage to the carpet. Use the HOST applicator and you will never use too much because it applies the right amount for the soiling conditions.

How much HOST SPONGES should I use?

The amount of HOST SPONGES to use is determined by the degree of soiling in the carpet. 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 recognize the different situations and understand which setting to choose.

It is the brushing action of the machine that contributes the most to the end result. If people make a mistake with the HOST System, it is because they don't do enough brushing. Choose the correct setting on the applicator, do the brushing and your results will be excellent.

How much HOST can I apply before cleaning?

The answer to this depends on how you apply and which product you are using. If you are applying by hand and using older technology, we recommend that you only apply enough to cover a 10' x 10' (3m x 3m) or a 100 square foot (9 square metres) 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 using a Freestyle you can apply up to 200 square feet (18.5 square metres) before brushing.

If you are applying with the 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 may apply up to 500 square feet (46 square metres) of carpet before brushing. You must still brush the area in sections of 100 square feet at a time before moving to the next, otherwise the HOST will dry out too quickly.

If you are using HOST SJ the use guidelines are different. Apply HOST SJ to an area of only 30 to 35 square feet (3 to 3+ square metres) 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.

When you use the HOST Freestyle or Liberator, vacuum each 50 square foot area as you go, do not leave the HOST sponges on the carpet until it is dry. The HOST extractorVAC vacuums the SPONGES Cleaner more efficiently when they are slightly damp.

If I wet extract the carpet after using HOST, will I cause the carpet to brown out?

No. When a carpet is properly cleaned with the HOST System, there is only a small amount of HOST SPONGES remaining in the carpet. Therefore, it is impossible for these to transfer any colour to the carpeting.

Even if there were a large amount of HOST SPONGES in the carpet, wet extraction would merely remove them. The chance of browning is not possible. Browning or brown out is normally caused by over wetting a carpet that has a jute backing. When the jute becomes wet, the natural brown or tan colouring in it is drawn to the surface of the carpet as the carpet dries. This leaves the colouring on the tips of the yarns, creating a brown stain. HOST cannot cause this condition.

Can you use the HOST System for restoration cleaning?

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.

What will the HOST System not clean successfully?

There is no 100% answer to every cleaning problem. Certain situations present unique challenges that may be difficult to overcome with the HOST System.
An example of this would be a very soft, delicate Berber carpet. The soft and loose construction of some Berber carpets makes it very difficult to brush them without causing some fuzzing and/or pilling. Even using the soft (gold) brushes on the HOST Machine may be too aggressive for some of these carpets. In this case it may be necessary to clean them by hand with a soft hand brush.

I have heard that solvent based dry cleaning products cause resoiling and are not effective on some types of soil?

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 that 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 a safe-to-use solvent. The solvent we use is volatile and evaporates very quickly; it does not contribute to resoiling.

This combination of cleaning ingredients helps to dissolve all types of soil, whether it be 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.

Why should I buy HOST instead of a wet method?

First, it is important to know the objective of carpet cleaning. The objective is to remove the soil as completely and efficiently as possible.

There are two different principles at work in each method. A wet method must first liquefy and dissolve the soil in and on the carpet in order to begin to retrieve it. As the liquid flows onto the carpet and the liquefaction of the soil occurs, it essentially loses control and the soil and cleaning solution flow throughout the entire carpet. Based on the statistics that manufacturers of extractors use, only 60-85% of the liquid used, can be retrieved.

Consequently, if 10 gallons of liquid is used in a room, 1½-4 gallons of liquid will be left in the carpet. When we look in the tank and see dirty water, we must remember the 1½-4 gallons left behind in the carpet contain the same dirty residues

In other words, what is left behind has the same soil and cleaning chemicals as what is in the tank. As the carpet dries out, some of the soil and spots may wick to the surface of the carpet and require recleaning. HOST works on a different principle. It is millions of small sponges, dampened with the right amount of water, detergents and a safe-to-use solvent. This allows us to keep control of the liquids at all times during the cleaning process so there is no chance of wick back.

HOST is just like a sponge you use in your kitchen to wipe up spills on a table or counter. When you pass the sponge across the surface, it lays out a film of cleaning agents that dissolves the soil and then the sponge absorbs the dissolved soil. Everything that is dissolved is absorbed and trapped in the HOST SPONGES so it can be removed by vacuuming. This is a controlled way of removing soil that meets the objective stated above. This is a very efficient way to remove soil from the carpet.

Do I need to wet extract my carpet every 6 months or every year? Why?

It is not necessary to wet extract the carpet once it has been cleaned with the HOST System. As has been stated, HOST is a very efficient way to remove soil, and used properly, it will help to keep a carpet clean year-round. There is no need to use any other method to supplement the cleaning process. HOST is capable of deep cleaning and restoring a carpet as well as or better than any other method on the market, therefore, it is not necessary to use other methods when you are using the HOST System.

Can I use HOST in conjunction with my other extraction equipment?

Yes, you can use HOST in conjunction with other extraction methods. Many people find that the HOST System solves their cleaning problems and other methods are not necessary.

However, if for some reason you want to use another extraction method, there is no adverse effect.

If the product is so good, why haven't I heard of it before?

Racine Industries is a small company with an international business. We sell the HOST System in approximately 60 countries around the world.

If you are new to the cleaning business, or have not had contact with the carpet industry, it is possible you may not have heard of HOST. HOST is recommended or approved by over 100 carpet and fibre manufacturers worldwide. HOST is sold as a consumer product through approximately 3,000 retail stores across the country.

We are a small company in a large marketplace; it takes time and effort to educate people about our system. We plan to continue our efforts as the company grows. Let us show you why we feel the HOST System is an excellent system that can solve many of your carpet care problems.

How can you have detergents, which do not leave residues of some sort in the carpet?

We have never claimed the HOST System will leave no detergent residue in the carpet. HOST will leave the least amount of detergent residue compared to other cleaning methods. Since we use such a small amount of liquid during the cleaning process, it follows that a much smaller amount of liquid remains behind. Therefore, there is a much smaller amount of detergent residue left in the carpet.

The detergents we use in HOST and HOST SJ have been formulated to dry to a crispy residue. This type of detergent does not promote resoiling, so the small amount of detergent that is left will not cause the carpet to get dirtier faster.

What is HOST SJ?

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 coloured carpets. It is also ideal for cleaning polypropylene and solution dyed nylon.

What is HOST SPONGES?

HOST SPONGES is specially formulated for all types of carpets and fibres. The unique formula of water, detergents and safe solvent dissolves and removes most types of soils, spots, spills and dirt. It is the product of choice for the majority of your cleaning needs, from restoration to maintenance.

HOST is also available in a Fragrance Free formula for times when a fragrance may be objectionable such as in hospitals, nursing homes and healthcare facilities.

Vacuum Related

The HOST particles get in the carpet and will not come out.

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

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 the HOST SPONGES.

The HOST extractorVACs 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.

HOST is hard to vacuum out of some carpets.

In some cases on a tight, loop pile carpet, you may notice some residual HOST SPONGES after cleaning. Especially if it was necessary to apply HOST several times in order to get the area clean. Some of the HOST SPONGES may get caught in between the loops making the area appear tan, gold, yellow or white. The best way to remove these HOST SPONGES 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 SPONGES is simplified. The extractorVAC performs best when the HOST is vacuumed slightly damp. We have found that removal from tight, loop pile carpets is very good.

What type of vacuum do I need to remove the HOST SPONGES?

The best way to remove HOST SPONGES from the carpet is with the HOST extractorVAC. If you don't have an extractorVAC, use an upright vacuum in good working condition with the following features:

• Brush and beater bar for carpet over padding
• All brush agitator for carpet that is glued down
• 85 CFM or better
• Top filling bag
• Capable of being adjusted to various carpet heights

How do you get the HOST SPONGES off the baseboards, legs of furniture, etc.?

In most cleaning situations, it will be possible to clean the carpet without causing the HOST SPONGES to come into contact with baseboards, furniture legs, etc. However, there are times when it will be necessary to clean the carpet near these surfaces and some HOST SPONGES will inevitably end up there. The easiest way to remove it is to use a long handled soft broom or the attachments that come with a tank vacuum. The few SPONGES that are found on these surfaces are safe and will not cause any damage.

Current HOST Machines will minimize this problem because there is a skirt around the base of the hood, which keeps the HOST SPONGES under the machine and prevents them from splattering.

There is also a set of vacuum attachments available for the HOST extractorVAC which will now you to easily vacuum the HOST SPONGES off the baseboards, legs of furniture and hard surface floors, should they end up there. Merely attach the long extension tube to the hose on the extractorVAC and then you may use the various attachments for detail vacuuming.

I have seen HOST SPONGES in my recovery tank when I wet extract, so I know you cannot get it all out of the carpet.

That is true. Every method of cleaning will leave some sort of residue in the carpet.
The question is what does that residue do to the performance of the carpet over time?

The few HOST SPONGES left behind after cleaning are completely safe. They are nonabrasive and do not contribute to resoiling. Wet cleaning will leave behind dissolved soil and detergent residue that may not be visible but can contribute to resoiling. Which would you rather leave behind, a few HOST SPONGES that are harmless, or soil and detergent soaked throughout the carpet yarns, which can cause the carpet to "ugly out"? If you see a few HOST SPONGES in your recovery tank, it just means they are the first things to float out of the carpet when you clean. When you wet clean a carpet that has a great deal of detergent residue in it, you will find it necessary to use large amounts of defoamer to cut the foam. This will not happen with HOST. The few HOST SPONGES are harmless and may only indicate a better vacuum, or an extractorVAC should have been used during the HOST cleaning.

Will HOST SPONGES or HOST SJ wear out my carpet?

No, HOST products will not wear out your carpet. If HOST wore out carpets, we certainly would not have the carpet mill recommendations we have. Over 100 carpet manufacturers and fibre producers recommend or approve HOST. We have cleaned hundreds of thousands of carpets over the years and have never worn out a carpet. Actually, we have case studies that show the HOST System prolongs the useful life of the carpet because the appearance level is maintained at such a high level. HOST is a safe product for carpet. It is made of a soft, natural organic sponge like material which cannot cut or scratch carpet fibres.

The Mohs scale indicates the relative hardness of a mineral according to its resistance to scratching by one of the following minerals (arranged in the order of increasing hardness):

1. talc 9. topaz
2. gypsum 10. garnet
3. calcite 11. fused zirconia
4. fluorite 12. fused alumina
5. apatite 13. silicon carbide
6. feldspar 14. boron carbide
7. vitreous silica 15. diamond
8. quartz

The HOST SPONGES, when dry, has a hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale. When the HOST SPONGES are moist, it is even softer. Soil is composed of sand, quartz, feldspar, and rock, all of which are harder than HOST. Carpet fibres, such as nylon, are very tough and can withstand years of high foot traffic with little damage. The HOST System does not wear out carpet fibres. Properly used, it extends the life of carpet.

It costs too much.

The HOST System is inexpensive to use when it is used properly. Whenever you are analysing the cost to clean carpet, it is important to include all the cost factors involved: labour, materials and overhead. Let's look at each factor.

 

 

Labour Cost

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

When we describe the production rate with the HOST System, we are including everything that is required to complete the cleaning job: preparing the equipment, mixing the chemicals, setting up the equipment, vacuuming, applying, cleaning and final vacuuming.

When these factors are considered, the production rate with HOST is very competitive. There is very little setup time or mixing of chemicals. Cleaning the machine is very simple. So the rate is 300 to 600 square feet per hour with the older T6 or Reliant.

When you use the HOST Freestyle your production rate is increased which means your rate will be at least 750 to 1,500 square feet per hour and as much as 1,500 to 2,000 square feet per hour. Some customers have reported even faster times than these when using the Liberator.

These increased production rates are due to the ability of the extractorVAC to do several jobs at once; pile lifting, vacuuming and deep cleaning.

Material Cost

The HOST Applicator is the best way to control your material costs when cleaning with the HOST System. You have 3 choices of coverage when you use the HOST Applicator: Light, Medium or Heavy. Following are the coverage rates for each of the HOST products using the applicator:

Coverage Rates with the Host HA3 Applicator
Setting 30H (sq ft) 30H (sq m) 30H (sq ft) 30H (sq ft)
Light
Medium
Heavy
When using HOST SJ do not use the heavy setting Cleaning with HOST SJ requires less product than cleaning with HOST Sponges

We have found that when the HOST extractorVAC is used, the coverage rates of the HOST products improve because of the superior dry soil removal that occurs before the application of the HOST SPONGES. When this dry soil is removed by power vacuuming, the cleaning power of the HOST SPONGES can be focused on the remaining oily and greasy soil.

 

It looks too slow and labour intensive.

With proper training, the HOST System is a very efficient way to clean carpet. At first glance it may appear slow because there are several steps involved in the process.

However, many of these steps are also recommended for other cleaning methods and all these steps can be achieved with HOST Freestyle or Liberator equipment.

For example, it is always important to vacuum the carpet before cleaning.

The steps of application and brushing are actually relatively quick once you understand the techniques. The HOST Freestyle or Liberator makes cleaning with the HOST System so efficient that you will find your concerns about the steps involved in cleaning disappear. The combination of power pile brushing and power vacuuming is an unbeatable team when it comes to soil removal. It is the efficient removal of soil that contributes to the labour savings you will experience with the HOST System.

The machine costs too much.

When you buy a HOST Reliant Machine you are buying 6 machines in one...it's a pile lifter, a stair cleaner, a stand-up spot remover, a traffic area cleaner, a wall-to-wall cleaner and a machine that can be used for cleaning grouted tile floors. To get all these features you would have to buy several pieces of equipment.

The HOST Freestyle is even more machines in one; it's a power pile lifter, a power vacuum, a stair cleaner, a stand-up spot remover, a traffic area cleaner, a wall-to-wall cleaner, a grouted tile floor cleaner, a tank vacuum for edge and detail work, and the superior filters provided with the extractorVAC contribute positively to the Indoor Air Quality of your home or office.

The HOST Liberator is designed as an everyday vacuum/pile lifter that will also do spot and area cleaning and wall-to-wall cleaning. When used as a vacuum, it can vacuum up to 6,000 square feet per hour. The Liberator, with extractorVAC technology is a complete carpet maintenance machine.

As you can see, the HOST Machines have been designed as pieces of equipment that can work every day of the year. All machines have a one year warranty.

In addition, the HOST Machines are part of the safest method of carpet cleaning available. There is never any risk of shrinkage, mildew, delamination, over wetting, dry rot or colour bleeding.

Carpet Related

Will HOST damage carpet?

The HOST cleaning system uses soft, organic, natural sponge like particles to carry the cleaning agents to the carpet. These soft SPONGES are completely safe for the carpet. They do not cut or abrade the carpet fibres.

The HOST SPONGES Cleaner has been formulated to be pH balanced with carpet dye. Most dyes used in carpeting are on the acid side of the pH scale. HOST SPONGES is also slightly acidic and, therefore, it will not affect the dye in the carpet. HOST is the safest way to clean all types of carpet. We have also designed many different types of brushes for the HOST Machines. See Chapter 4 in the Complete Guide to Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance

Selecting the correct brush for the carpet is important for best results. If the wrong brush is used, it is possible to fuzz the carpet yarns during cleaning. When the correct brush is used, the carpet can be cleaned without fear of texture change or distortion.

Is the HOST System only good for low pile carpets?

While the HOST System performs quite well on low pile carpets, it can be used on all types of carpet. Sometimes on deep pile carpet it may be necessary to apply more HOST SPONGES and do more brushing to achieve better results. This may require extra vacuuming to properly remove the HOST SPONGES.

The HOST System is ideal for all types of carpeting; one only needs to understand how to use it properly to achieve excellent results. HOST is also excellent for Oriental, Chinese, Persian and Sisal floor coverings.

How often should I clean my carpet?

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.

For commercial locations, we have developed the Computer Aided Maintenance Plan for Carpet (CAMP).

This program is designed to show you exactly where and when to clean your carpet in order to maintain a high appearance level year-round. With CAMP we determine which areas require cleaning and on what frequency, based on foot traffic. It is usage that determines frequency of cleaning. We identify the key areas: track-off funnel, main traffic and spot prone that must be cleaned in order to keep the entire carpeted area clean. The CAMP plan is a management tool that delivers clean carpet year-round at reasonable cost.

Do HOST brushes take the twist out of the carpet yarns?

Carpet is manufactured from carpet yarns that have a heat-set twist. This means that during the manufacturing process, moisture, heat and pressure are applied to the yam so it will retain its twist. When this is done properly, the twist remains close to the original appearance for quite a long time.

Eventually vacuuming, foot traffic and cleaning can slowly change the texture of the carpet and perhaps cause some of the twist to relax. This is considered normal, everyday wear and tear on the carpeting.

The brushing action of the HOST Machines will not aggravate or cause this type of texture change. However, it is important to choose the correct brushes for the type of carpet you are cleaning. See Chapter 4 in the Complete Guide to Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance

Even after you have chosen the correct brush for a particular carpet, you should continue to observe the texture of the carpet while you are cleaning. If you notice any texture change, stop brushing and change to a softer brush.

Why do carpet mills and fibre producers recommend HOST?

They recommend the HOST System because they have found that it performs well and is safe for all types of carpet. Their experience has been that HOST delivers clean carpet. They find their customer is happy with the long-term appearance of the carpeting and is more inclined to purchase carpet in the future. The carpet manufacturer and fibre producer are interested in selling more carpet, and they can do this if the customer is happy with their decision to purchase carpet. The HOST System makes that possible because it delivers long-term, high appearance at reasonable cost.

Can l clean Oriental, Chinese or Persian rugs?

Yes, the HOST System is ideal for cleaning these delicate rugs. HOST has been formulated to be safe for all carpet dyes. You need never fear any colour bleeding or colour loss when using the HOST SPONGES. HOST is one of the safest ways to clean rugs of this type. See Chapter 4 in the Complete Guide to Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance

HOST is abrasive, it will cut and scratch carpet fibres.

This is a common misconception many people have about the HOST Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System. HOST SPONGES is made up of small, soft, natural, absorbent sponges. These SPONGES are nonabrasive.