Bane-Clene® News and Views

Friday, April 04, 2025

WICKING

Wicking is blamed for a variety of problems. Knowing what wicking is, what causes it and ways to prevent it are extremely important for a carpet cleaner.

As carpets dry after cleaning, the fibers dry from the tips. As the moisture evaporates from the tips, any foreign material in the pad, backing and fibers rises vertically along with the water until it reaches the surface. If this material dries on the tips the result is the appearance of stains or dark areas that were not there before cleaning. These stains are commonly referred to as browning.

If spills and or residue from previous cleanings has been detected during the cleaning process, then browning may be prevented by treating the effected area with Brown Out^®. Always use proper application techniques. If a problem occurs after cleaning, then Brown Out^® can be used to neutralize the browning. After removing the browning thoroughly rinse the effected area and reapply the Brown Out^® according to instructions.

To minimize wicking problems, avoid over wetting the carpet during cleaning. The use of Preface^® as a pre-spray will avoid over wetting. Most spots and stains are removed during the regular cleaning process when good techniques, equipment and chemicals are employed.

Friday, March 28, 2025

Get 'Em Dry

There are several reasons that Bane-Clene Systems get carpets so dry:

1. Cleaning Agents, Pre-Sprays and Spotters

Specifically designed for the system. They were developed and are used in our own service company. They are safe, effective and economical.
These are Bane-Clene’s own proprietary brands and patented formulas. They are updated and monitored by our In-House chemist.

2. Temperature, Pressure and Recovery

Optimum water pressure is set to safely and efficiently loosen soil and ground in dirt. The cleaning solution is delivered at a temperature hot enough to remove stains but yet safe for all fibers.
Positive displacement Vacuum System recovers dirty water, leaving the carpets 95% + residue free and virtually dry.

3. Operator Techniques

Proper technique is taught so that carpets are not over wet and are left slightly damp to the touch with minimal drying time. This is achieved by a philosophy of 2 dry strokes for every wet stroke. This facilitates drying time and the importance of leaving carpets virtually residue free.

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

Friday, March 21, 2025

TLS 2000^® Heavy-Duty High-pH Prespray / Traffic Lane Spotter for Extremely Dirty Commercial Carpet

TLS 2000 prespray degreaser is an extremely strong, high alkaline, highly concentrated liquid formulation. This heavy-duty traffic lane spotter contains grease emulsifiers and saponifiers, wetting agents, water softeners and grease-dissolving solvents.

The amount of TLS 2000 over other pre-sprays needed was cut at least in half. Results were better, liquification of grease occurred faster and carpets were cleaner and brighter.

These results were obtained even though TLS 2000 contains NO Butyl Cellosolve, enzymes, free caustic or chlorinated solvents. All of which could cause allergy and toxicity, as well as waste water disposal and pollution problems.

TLS 2000 is environmentally safe and is one of the many “green” products Bane-Clene^®

TLS 2000 was specifically formulated for cleaning greasy restaurants, extremely soiled commercial carpets, trashed apartments and olefin carpet fiber.

Articles and Information on Carpet Traffic Lane Spotters:

Videos on Cleaning with Carpet Traffic Lane Spotters:

Related Carpet Cleaning Traffic Lane Spotter Prespray Products and Applicators:

Citrus APS™ Spotter.
Injection Sprayer for Easier Application of Carpet Cleaning Traffic Lane Spotters.
Multi-Sprayer^® Deluxe Electric Sprayer
Olefin Preconditioner Carpet Prespray / Traffic Lane Spotter for oily soils, especially on olefin carpet
Preface^® Prespray/Traffic Lane Spotter improves cleaning without the risk of overwetting.
Pro-Zyme+ Grease Digester and Protein Prespray for restaurant, kitchen, dining room carpets.
Spray 1™ Electric Sprayer
Stainless Steel Pump-Up Pressure Sprayer
TLS 2000 Heavy-Duty High-pH Prespray / Traffic Lane Spotter for Extremely Dirty Commercial Carpet

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

Friday, March 14, 2025

Mystery Spots

Most acne medicines (and many other medications) contain Benzoyl Peroxide which gradually forms Hydrogen Peroxide, especially in contact with water, and can eventually leave bleach spots in carpets and rugs.

Professional Method to Treat Acne Medicine Bleach Stain on Carpet:

IF FRESH and the carpet dye is not yet bleached out or color changed:

DO NOT GET WET WITH WATER INITIALLY.
Scrape up the medication.
Blot with Saf-T-Solv™ Dry Volatile Spotter.
Treat with ChlorX Bleach Neutralizer by Pro’s Choice to neutralize the bleaching action.
Leave on the area at least 15 minutes to neutralize the benzoyl peroxide
Thoroughly extract.
Dry blot the area.
Let the customer know that bleaching may occur later and suggest greater care in not getting the medication on carpet in the future.

IF OLD and the benzoyl peroxide has already affected the carpet dye:

Thoroughly soak the bleached area with ChlorX Bleach Neutralizer to neutralize the bleach.
Allow 3 minutes dwell time prior to your color restoration.
Rinse out the anti-chlor.
Very important: Remove as much moisture as possible before you begin your color restoration.
Spot dye where necessary with the CMC Color Modifying Cosmetics.
If you are correcting a spot on gray carpet, you will be using the Gray/Black CMC.
If you are correcting a spot on a tan or brown carpet, you will be using the Tan/Brown CMC.
Apply a conservative amount of Pro-Solve NE to the bleached fibers and rub the fibers lightly with the CMC to transfer color onto the fibers.
Work the color into the fibers with a Carpet Shark. NOTE: Pro-Solve NE is not the same product as Pro-Solve Liquid!
If excess color is applied, dampen a terry towel with Pro-Solve NE and wipe away the excess color.
Once dried, Pro’s Choice CMCs are considered semi-permanent. However, an aggressive solvent will remove them.
Spray the area heavily with Red Relief or Red 1 which will act as an anti-chlor solution. Leave on the area at least 15 minutes to neutralize the benzoyl peroxide and thoroughly extract.

Homeowner Method to Treat Acne Medicine Bleach Stain on Carpet:

If the stains are older and have bleached the color from the carpet, a professional will be required to re-dye the bleached out areas.
If fresh, it is very important to act as quickly as possible before the peroxide starts bleaching the colors.
Use a dull knife or spoon to remove as much as possible. If the medication is a liquid, blot up as much moisture as possible with a paper towel.
Blot with a solvent-based product for grease, oil and tar removal, such as Carbona and Afta on a white towel. Important: Do not apply directly to the carpet to prevent damage to the backing.
Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water.
Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water.
Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Blot dry with a dry white towel - it is extemely important that all moisture and medication is removed.
A professional such as Bane-Clene Systems^® may be required to re-dye any bleached out area.

Friday, March 07, 2025

Understanding the Nature of Soil and Dirt

Citrus APS is a high-solvency, biodegradable, highly active spot & stain remover and traffic lane spotter for carpets, rugs and upholstery.

In order to fully understand how extraction cleaning works, it is necessary to understand what it is you're trying to remove: SOIL.

Soil can be defined as an unwanted substance which detracts from the like-new appearance of a surface.

The purpose of cleaning carpet is to restore this new appearance and also to prolong the life of the carpet.

Soil falls broadly into five major groupings: surface litter, dry dust, grit, wet soils and oily soils.

Surface litter is easily removed. The other soils react differently with the carpeting. Gritty soil (like sand and other abrasives) will get deeply imbedded into the carpet, where they will grind away the life of the fibers. Dust left unattended attract oily soils. Wet soils (spills, stains and mud) change chemically with time to make their removal difficult. Oily soils (like cooking oils, gum, tar, etc.) attract more dust and grit. Bane-Clene^® Systems consist of just the right combination of water pressure, water temperature, chemical energy and technique to provide the optimum cleaning of all these types of soil without any harm to the carpet fibers.

Friday, February 28, 2025

Proper pH Cleaning

Whether we’re talking about cleaning carpet, upholstery, hard surfaces or even trucks, all other things being equal, the higher the pH (potential of hydrogen) the better the cleaning.

Alkaline detergents more readily neutralize soils, which are usually acidic and also more readily saponify cooking grease and cooking oils. Saponification is the chemical reation of fatty materials with alkaline materials to form soap and glycerin.

Certain stain-resist nylon carpets cannot be cleaned at a pH above 10. Some carpet fibers require a neutral pH.

Oriental Rugs or wool carpeting should not be cleaned at a high pH.

Upholstery that is wet cleanable should also not be cleaned at a high pH. This will avoid browning and/or dye bleeding.

A quick dreview of pH:

7.0 is neutral.
Above 7 is alkaline.
Below 7 is acidic.

Our service technicians follow a simple rule. If you do not know the exact fiber content of what you are cleaning, test the fabric in an inconspicious place.

Friday, February 21, 2025

Treating Carpets for Ice Melt "stains"

Winter time is obviously upon us. Copious amounts of Ice Melt or other ice melting products are being used.

When tracked in, they either leave a white sticky residue or can turn a carpet yellow.

These problems can be easily resolved.

Vacuum up as much of the powder as possible.
Use a applicator or brush to apply undiluted Brown Out^®.
Leave the Brown Out on the area to be treated for at least 15 minutes or until the stain has disappeared.
Flush with water using one (1) wet and two (2) dry strokes with the cleaning head. It is important to thoroughly remove all the Brown Out.
Repeat the process if necessary.
After you are done, clean the carpet using PCA™ and Booster™.
Apply Sta-Clene^® or Bane-Guard™ Carpet Protector!

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

Friday, February 14, 2025

WHAT WE WANT

The Beatles wrote “All You Need Is Love” - that expression is certainly enough in many aspects of our lives. With that thought, in mind let’s explore some other wants that will give us what we need

People normally want to do the right thing. To treat others with respect and courtesy and in turn to be treated the same way.
To find better ways of doing things and accomplishing tasks. This makes people feel more important and needed.
To achieve goals of which they can feel proud. While all the time including others trying to achieve the same goal, thus encouraging team building and accomplishment
To earn respect and recognition for what they are and for what they achieve either individually or part of a group.

Many times What We Want may not be attainable the first time we try. But the goal should be to achieve as many as possible and then to keep trying.

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

Friday, February 07, 2025

EXTRAS

Using service Extras when working for a customer not only builds good will but will assist in making them a long term customer.

We have all read and seen articles about the large number of customers who are dissatisfied with the service and or products they receive.

Beyond implementing the obvious practicesx

Showing up on time.
Employing prompt and clear communications.
Being courteous and thoughtful.
Being attentive to the customers needs.

Beyond presuming the above and other standard business practices are employed, what else can be done?

Using service Extras when working for a customer not only builds good will but will assist in making them a long term customer.

Offer additional services at a discount if done during this service trip.
Clean door mats at no additional charge.
If the customer lives alone or lacks the ability to remove furniture tabs, offer to return and remove them.

These are but a few of the Extras that will allow you to stand out and above your competition. Certainly there are others based upon clientele, geographic area and other statistical factors.

Ultimately learning to use Extras to your advantage will add to your success and profits.

Friday, January 31, 2025

ANNIVERSARY

Bane-Clene Corp.^® will celebrate our 63rd Anniversary - February 4th, 2025

We will presume you know the story of how a small start up Janitorial Service morphed into what we are today.

An International Manufacturer and Supplier of Cleaning Equipment, Chemicals and Accessories.

We don’t have to tell you that being in business has its trials and tribulations.

However, more importantly, it has its many rewards for which we are thankful.

Here is just a partial list of what we are thankful for:

An invaluable staff, without whom we did not and will not continue to grow.
Customers that compliment us for doing a good job.
Customers that point out our mistakes. We correct those mistakes, which makes us better.
Good Vendors that keep our supply lines full.
Expert Accounting, Advertising, Financial, Insurance, Legal and Technology Advisors.

Lastly, we are thankful that 63 years ago, Wm. F. Bane had a vision and we at Bane-Clene^® strive everyday to promote and build on his vision.

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

Free Bane-Clene Information Package

You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.

Friday, January 24, 2025

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

When trying to close a sale it obviously is important to Ask the Right Questions.

The objective is diagnose the customer’s issues and or needs. Here are some suggested do’s and don’ts.

Don’t ask why they called, do ask “How May I Help You”.
Do ask, if they are a previous customer, if so prior records can be accessed providing a more efficient and quicker customer experience.
If the business provides products, do ask which products they are wanting to order.
If the business provides services, do ask which services they wish to have provided.
Allow the customer time to explain what they want, don’t interrupt them.
If the customer is having trouble explaining what they want, do try to interject ideas or suggestions.
When the conversation seem concluded, do ask if there is anything else the customer needs.
If you sell products, do provide the customer the date their order will be ready for pick-up or shipped.
If a service is being provided, do provide for their selection, potential dates when the service can be performed.

If you Ask The Right Questions and provide service and or products that satisfy the customer, your profits will increase and so will the success of your business.

Free Bane-Clene Information Package

You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.

Friday, January 17, 2025

IT TAKES ALL KINDS

The customers that a business comes in contact with on a daily basis come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. Some are very easy to deal with and others can be difficult. No matter their temperament, without them a business would be less profitable and possibly even fail.

Customers are just like us, every day they encounter influences good, bad or indifferent that may shape the way they react in different situations. If things go badly, then people may become irritable and short tempered. Others may project a gruffness and toughness bordering on rude. Still others become indecisive, questioning and even skeptical.

If you suspect or unfortunately it’s obvious that the customer is not having a good day, then do your best to turn that around. Most people are basically kind and considerate. Develop the mindset that you have the ability and confidence to change a difficult situation into a positive and successful outcome.

Remember, It Takes All Kinds; don’t allow a difficult customer to alter your approach and the way you do business.

Free Bane-Clene Information Package

You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.

Friday, January 10, 2025

GOOD MOMENTS

Interaction with customers can be short or long; what is done with that time is extremely important. There are opportunities during the interaction to make the interactions Good Moments. A comment or two when finishing your business will help solidify your interaction.

Before engaging in any “small talk,” it’s important to know your customer’s viewpoints. You don’t want to engage in topics that alienate your customer. For example, Politics and Religion are definitely not something to be brought up in casual conversation. Stick to topics that are relative to your area. For example the weather, the opening of a new restaurant or the completion of an infrastructure improvement.

Customer small talk should never be considered as an irritant or a time-waster for you or them. Keep the exchange short and sweet and have it end on a positive note.

Making brief moments stand out as Good Moments will enhance and solidify in building long term customer relationships.

Free Bane-Clene Information Package

You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.

Friday, January 03, 2025

Is the Customer Always Right?

Customers are human like the rest of us and may be wrong, even though they feel they are 100% right. However, there’s a good reason the “customer is always right” precept has been drilled into us. The reason being it is not a prudent business practice to antagonize and possibly lose a customer who believes they are right.

Every successful sales or service business will proclaim that maintaining good customer relations is paramount to the growth and profitability of a company.

The caveat to “Is the Customer Always Right" depends on the amount of the adjustment, refund or other compensation. If the amount is insignificant, by all means settle quickly. However, what if the the customer’s erroneous belief will cost the company an absurd amount or unjust compensation? This is where management has to weigh the consequences of losing the customer and or the blow back it will cause in refuting the customer’s claim.

Winning the argument and losing the customer is never an ideal situation. Neither does capitulating, if it means a large settlement will translate to a BIG loss.

So the bottom line is this - “Is the Customer Always Right”? Yes, if the amount is small, a simple refund or can be negotiated to a reasonable dollar amount or just compensation.

Free Bane-Clene Information Package

You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.

Friday, April 04, 2025

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Friday, March 28, 2025

There are several reasons that Bane-Clene Systems get carpets so dry:

Friday, March 21, 2025

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Articles and Information on Carpet Traffic Lane Spotters:

Videos on Cleaning with Carpet Traffic Lane Spotters:

Related Carpet Cleaning Traffic Lane Spotter Prespray Products and Applicators:

Friday, March 14, 2025

Professional Method to Treat Acne Medicine Bleach Stain on Carpet:

Homeowner Method to Treat Acne Medicine Bleach Stain on Carpet:

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Friday, March 07, 2025

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Friday, February 28, 2025

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Friday, February 21, 2025

Friday, February 14, 2025

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Friday, January 31, 2025

Bane-Clene Corp.® will celebrate our 63rd Anniversary - February 4th, 2025

Free Bane-Clene Information Package

Friday, January 24, 2025

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Friday, January 17, 2025

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Friday, January 10, 2025

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Friday, January 03, 2025

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Free Bane-Clene Information Package

Bane-Clene Corp.^® will celebrate our 63rd Anniversary - February 4th, 2025