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Regular vacuuming using a power head attachment and an annual professional clean are the best ways to keep carpets and upholstery in top condition, according to father and son carpet cleaners, Leo and Mike Foster.
“Whatever you do, don’t use any bleach or baking soda-based products,” Mike says. “We can remove most stains, but we can’t put the colour back into a carpet or fabric once it’s been damaged.”
Although Mike and Leo have just launched Spruce Services on the Hibiscus Coast, they have many years carpet cleaning and flood restoration experience behind them.
For about seven years, they ran a master carpet cleaning franchise covering North Shore to Whangarei, training franchisees and operating five vans.
They sold the business soon after moving to Manly about eight years ago, when they went into the trucking business, mostly refrigerated transport.
“We still own that business, but I’d always enjoyed the carpet cleaning and now that I have young children of my own, the hours will be more family-friendly,” Mike says.
The business has invested in the very latest carpet cleaning equipment, which Mike says is quicker and more efficient.
“The hose runs straight to the van, so no more carting water. The average house takes about an hour-and-a-half and the carpet will dry a lot faster.”
Mike says pet urine is probably one of the tougher challenges for carpet cleaning because the urine burns the carpet and can seep through to the underlay and flooring.
“For general stains, the best thing to do is place a damp cloth over the stain and then call a professional.”
Mike and Leo have been working together on and off for the past 18 years.
“It seems to work well,” Mike says. “Dad and I have the same work ethic and you know you are working with someone you can trust. I guess we’re friends as much as father and son.”
They also enjoy a round of golf at the Whangaparaoa Golf Club when time allows. Mike was a former rep player for Northland.
