Applying the 80-20 Rule to Carpet Cleaning

Life is full of compromises. We often don’t have the time to complete all the things we would like to do or complete them in the manner we would like to do them. Anyone who has ever thrown a wrinkled pair of pants into the dryer to get out most of the big wrinkles (instead of taking the time to set up the ironing board and iron, then take the time to actually iron) understands this. While ironing would have been the best solution, the “good enough” solution allows someone to put the time that would have been needed ironing to work on something else.

In some ways, this can be thought of as an application of what’s often called the “80/20 Rule.” If you aren’t familiar with it, the rule is based on the Pareto principle and states that roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

A less strict interpretation is that you can often achieve most of the results with the first bit of effort, or with some preventative measures. Having a framework for analyzing efforts and outcomes can allow you to either do more or save time. For example, taking 10 seconds to line a roasting pan with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven makes clean up much (much!) easier, saving time. Which brings us to your carpets…

We know that studies have shown that carpets can accumulate 40 pounds of dirt in a year. Anything that can be done to prevent dirt from entering the house helps.

One of the easiest solutions is using doormats. An outside doormat is your first line of defense for keeping dirt and muck outside. Doubling that defense with an inside doormat is even better. This won’t relieve you of your obligation to vacuum, but it will help you do it on your terms. In other words, you can vacuum when it’s convenient, instead of needing to run the vacuum because someone just tracked dirt, grass clippings, pebbles, etc. into the house.

Of course, there are limits to what a doormat can handle. Even though the calendar said it was spring in Cincinnati, we saw snow last week which inevitably leads to tracking in salt – either in the form of rock salt clinging to shoes or salt water. And even without Mother Nature playing cruel tricks, spring in Cincinnati always means rain which leads to muddy footprints. The best solution here is to encourage people to leave their shoes at the door. (And if you need more convincing, it’s worth reading this – 3 Gross Reasons You Shouldn’t Wear Shoes In The House.)

And speaking of muddy footprints, those of us with dogs know the special challenge that “mud plus dog” presents for keeping carpets and upholstery clean. For the ultra-prepared, Purina offers eight tips for keeping your carpet clean after a muddy walk. However, for those strapped for time there is an 80-20 application. Spread out a towel (or stack a few up if needed) and simply have your four-legged friend walk on it a bit. We find it’s easy enough to just hold a treat over the area for a few seconds and our Roxie will walk in circles right on the towel.

Our last tip for making carpet cleaning easier is to have DuPont Teflon applied to your carpet. DuPont Teflon repels liquid spills, dust and dirt, allowing carpets to remain cleaner longer. (We are currently offering a free application of DuPont Teflon, which is a $75 value – see details here.)

And, as always, we are proud of our:

• A+ BBB Rating and IICRC Certification
• Personalized service with large company capabilities
• 34 years of carpet cleaning in West Chester, Greater Cincinnati, and Northern Kentucky
• All-inclusive pricing – we will give you an exact estimate before any work is started and WON’T tack on extra costs for fuel/trip charges, deodorizer or fabric protection

Hot water extraction method, which is what top carpet manufacturers recommend, and in some cases require, in order to maintain your carpet warranty

Questions? I am always available to answer your stain removal questions and concerns. Call us today at (513) 777-8770 to learn more about our carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Or email us at service@extra-effort.com to learn about this month’s cleaning special.

Elliott S. Fishman, Co-Owner
Extra Effort Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Inc.

About Elliott S. Fishman

Elliott Fishman, along with his son Brian, is the owner and operator of Extra Effort Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Inc.   We serve the residents and businesses of Greater Cincinnati to include West Chester, Mason, Maineville, Loveland, Wyoming, Fairfield, Indian Hill, Montgomery, Hyde Park and Anderson Township. Elliott started this company in 1984, based on the belief that it takes Extra Effort to make each job a success. The father/son team puts the extra time, extra care, and extra effort go into every task they undertake – no matter how large or small the job. Extra Effort’s quality equipment, trained technicians and safe products have made the company a top choice for residential and commercial carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, water damage / water extraction, fabric protection, odor control and spot removal.