THE CUSTOMER DILEMMA

A service company often has a tendency to believe that the customer is there just to buy something. That's not the role of a customer. A customer is there to be served.

Clients or customers have complete agendas of their own. Your service is a minute segment of their requirements for living. The secret of good service is to go where you are needed and to be as little an intrusion as possible for your customer.

Many times, service personnel mistake courtesy for friendship. A customer may be polite, but that does not mean he or she wants to be a friend. Return politeness and courtesy, but do not go beyond those points. The successful service company learns to differentiate between courtesy and friendship.

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WHY USE PHASE I™ AND PHASE II™

Phase I™ and Phase II™ represent a generation of dual action odor control concentrates. Both have the unique ability to deodorize as well as remove the source of bad odors.

Offensive odors are not masked by Phase I and Phase II. Rather, by a complex chemical reaction, odors are treated chemically and neutralized. Then a germicide combines with the carpet to retard the source of the odor. This wintergreen-scented dual system is regarded as one of the best available in the carpet cleaning industry today.

Phase I is mixed directly with the cleaning solution, normally one ounce per gallon of water. Phase II is ready to use and is sprayed directly on the carpet, injected into the backing and pad, or atomized into the air or under the carpets for tough deodorizing jobs involving smoke, mildew, animal odors and rancid odors.

As with all Bane-Clene^® products, Phase I and Phase II contain no Butyl Cellosolve, phenolics, Formaldehyde, harsh chemicals or toxic material.

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WICKING

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 professional 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 affected 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 affected 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 help avoid over wetting. Most spots and stains are removed during the regular cleaning process when good techniques, equipment and chemicals are employed.

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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 vacuum strokes for every "wet" stroke. This facilitates drying time and the importance of leaving carpets virtually residue free.

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Jimmie

   

Today is commonly known as April Fools Day. But, at Bane-Clene^®, it has a much different and important meaning. We celebrate the birthday of Elizabeth Bane's father.

James (Jimmie) Crossey was born in Ireland on April 1st, 1898. He immigrated through Ellis Island in 1916. He eventually settled in Philadelphia, PA where he married and raised his family.

When Bane-Clene Corp^® was searching for a logo in 1969, we chose a leprechaun because of our partial Irish heritage.

In 1972, Jimmie's beloved wife passed away and he came to live with the Bane's in Indianapolis.

In 1976, Jimmie made his debut as our real live leprechaun in his full authentic attire at our national convention. He was a fixture at subsequent meetings until he passed away in 1986.

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TLS 2000® Heavy-Duty Carpet Cleaning Prespray / Traffic Lane Spotter

TLS^® 2000 prespray degreaser is an extremely strong, 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^® offers.

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We're All In This Together!

From the fiber producer to the end user, the carpet industry is composed of many different segments.

The fiber producers continue to improve the soil hiding and stain resistance for their fibers. Warranties against crushing, matting, stains, soil, wear and static are standard.

Most carpet mills with input from equipment and chemical manufactures have designed maintenance brochures for their customers. Bane-Clene^® has developed a "Residential Carpet Care" brochure (Item No. 40021). Mills know that a large percentage of their claims are a result of improper maintenance or lack of it.

Retailers understand that today's cleaning technology will enhance the beauty and prolong the life of carpet. The longer a carpet performs, the better the chance of a repeat customer.

Through continued education and training, like that offered at The Bane-Clene® Institute and others, carpet cleaners continue to provide high quality cleaning services. This helps carpeting perform better and last longer.

Truly we are "All In This Together".

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Mystery Spots

Many medicines such as acne preparations and pet products contain a chemical compound called Benzoyl Peroxide, a strong oxidizing bleach. NOTE: Some tooth pastes also contain peroxide!

It acts as a "bleach" in an ointment base and attacks dyes in fabrics, often leaving a yellowish to whitish spot. Often, they do not appear until after cleaning because the ointment base as been removed in the cleaning process and the peroxide has been activated. Although insoluble in water, they are not extremely difficult to remove.

If the medicine is known to be present, but discoloration hasn't yet started, scrape up the medication, blot with Saf-T-Solv™ and treat with an anti-chlor bleach neutralizer such as Red Relief^® or ChlorX Bleach Neutralizer following label directions. Leave the bleach neutralizer on the area at least 15 minutes to neutralize the benzoyl peroxide and thoroughly extract.

If discoloration has started, blot first with COLD household ammonia. Then spot the ointment with Saf-T-Solv™. After that, thoroughly clean and rinse out the spotters with your normal cleaning process.

Spot dye where necessary with the CMC Carpet Color Repair Set.

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Understanding the Nature of Soil and Dirt.

In order Bane-Clene® Systems 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.

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The Value of Education.

The Bane-Clene Management School is a unique institution devoted to the concept that "nothing is constant except change".

Class content is flexible and will change to incorporate the latest developments in our industry. Classes are based upon the actual experiences of our service business in Indianapolis.

The camaraderie and friendships that develop are as valuable as the curriculum that is taught. You are among your peers who are eager to share their experiences.

School dates are March 21st through 23rd, 2016. Call now 800.428.9512 to register or for more information.

In March, the 3 day Bane-Clene Management school will be followed by 2 one day specialty classes.

Thursday March 24, 2016 will concentrate on Stone, Marble, Ceramic and Grout cleaning and care.

Friday March 25, 2016 will concentrate on Wood and Laminate Floor Care and Restoration.

For more information regarding fees and times, please call 800.428.9512

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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 reaction of fatty materials with alkaline materials to form soap and glycerin.
Certain stain-resist nylon 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 review 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 that exact fiber content of what you are cleaning. Then test the fabric in a inconspicuous place.
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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. Use a applicator or brush to apply a solution of Booster™.

Proper dilution ratio is one (1) part Brown Out^® to two (2) parts water. Leave 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. You may apply the properly diluted product with a pressure sprayer. Do not allow the spray to come in contact with any object other that the carpet. Do NOT apply through your Carpet Cleaning Machine. If you use a sprayer thoroughly rinse your sprayer after use.

After you are done clean the carpet using PCA™ and Booster^®. Retreat the carpet with a mixture of one (1) part Brown Out^® to four (4) parts of water. Apply Sta-Clene^® and "fast" dry the carpet using a Air-Mover.

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Bane-Clene Corp® will celebrate our 54th Anniversary - February 4th, 2016.

Bane-Clene Corp® will celebrate our 54th Anniversary - February
4th, 2016.

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 Carpet 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 thankful.

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

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

Lastly we are thankful that 54 years ago Wm. F. Bane had a vision and we at Bane-Clene strive everyday to promote and build on his vision.

For more information on the history of Bane-Clene visit "A
History of Cleaning Carpet - On the occasion of Our Golden Anniversary"
by Wm. F. Bane.

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Human Relations

Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a word of greeting.


Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown but only 14 to smile.


Call people by name. This is music to anyone's ears.


Be friendly and helpful. This is one way to gain friends.


Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a real pleasure.


Be interested in people. You can like something about everyone if you really try.


Be generous with praise. But be very cautious with criticism.


Be considerate of the feelings of others. It will be greatly appreciated.


Be thoughtful of the opinions of others. This demonstrates you are a good listener.


Be alert to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others.


Please visit our web site www.baneclene.com for hints and tips. Also, you will find the latest issue of The Clene-Times®.


Thank you for reading Bane's Blog®

SHOW YOUR CREDENTIALS

We live in a world where people are acutely aware of security. To this point, all your service personnel should be easily identifiable for your customers' peace of mind. The daily news is filled with home invasions, burglaries, robberies and unfortunately worse.

Bane-Clene® Institute has been teaching security awareness since its inception in 1978.

Wearing PCA™ and Bane-Clene® Certified Technician shoulder patches establishes credibility and confidence when you arrive at your customer's location.

A Bane-Clene® Certified Technician I. D. badge with a current photograph of the technician will offer further security for your customers. It is also extremely professional looking.

If you need to knock before entering, stand back from the door so you are fully visible. Upon entering the premises, immediately introduce yourself and your Company.

Also, park your vehicle if possible in full view of your customer line of sight.

Vans should be well marked.

A PCA™ decal is also a valuable point of credibility. It will demonstrate that your company belongs to an international trade group.

Customer Relations

Some thoughts and comments regarding Customer Relations.

Your employees and or yourself are an invited "guest" into your customers' home or office. Recently a team member of the Bane-Clene^® staff had a window replaced in their own home. The technicians that came were courteous, wore shoe booties and overall respected their home. However, one of the technicians remarked about the home and some of the furnishings. While this may seem as a compliment, by some it can be considered unsettling.

These are some of the standard procedures when the Wm. F. Bane Co. is on location:

1. Conversations should be limited to the services that are being performed.
2. Technicians should explain what they will do and answer questions pertaining to those services.
3. Try to avoid conversations regarding politics, religion or other such topics. An answer that contradicts your customers' opinion can lead to an uncomfortable situation.
4. Do NOT discuss your personal life.
5. Avoid using the restroom.
6. Politely decline any offer for food or refreshments. If you have time to sit and partake of such, the customer may think they are paying for the time you are sitting? Even though they offered.
7. Put your cell phone in the vibrate mode or better yet, leave it in the truck. If you are answering calls while working in a customers' location, they will feel as though they are not your primary focus. Besides that it is rude and inconsiderate.

The ability to converse with your customers in a professional and business like manner while focusing on the task at hand is an EXTREMELY important attribute.

Good Cleaning!

The Bane-Clene^® Team

The "B"s Of Success!

Developing these "B" characteristics will help you become more successful.

• "B" ready - Vans should be well-stocked with everything you need to work and with all the products you want to sell.
  
  
• "B" punctual - People are busy and appreciate promptness. Have the courtesy to call if you are running late and offer them the opportunity to reschedule.
  
  
• "B" professional looking - When making a sales call or estimate, wear proper business attire or a uniform. Carry a clipboard, briefcase or some type of folder to hold business cards and advertising material.
  
  
  
• "B" uniformed - All service personal should wear fresh uniforms  and clean shoes when working. Shoe Booties should be worn in a customers' home or office.
  
  
  
• "B" knowledgeable - Be able to converse about your Company, the products and services you offer. Knowledge is power and will set you apart from your competition. Spot and Stain Removal is often a concern for a customer. Be well versed by referring to the Bane-Clene® Spot and Stain Guide.
  
  
• "B" fair - Treat all customers, regardless of status, influence or size of the job equally. Service should be priced fairly at all times.
  
  
• "B" flexible - Cleaning arrangements and maintenance programs at times have to be adjusted based upon a customers' need.
  
  
• "B" polite - Always be courteous to the customer, even in stressful situations. Use tactful reserve in conversations. The customer is always right.
  
  
• "B" friendly - If you smile and you are friendly, you will most likely put your customer in a like mood. This will make them more receptive to your plus sales efforts for Carpet Protectors, Deodorizers, etc.
  
  
• "B" positive - If you do not believe in what you are selling, why should the customer? Never say anything derogatory. Even without voicing negative comments, a poor attitude can usually be sensed by the customer.
  
  
• "B" sincere - Sincerity is the most important characteristic of a successful Company. Be straightforward and honest. Do NOT promise more than your Company can deliver.

Advertising

Advertising is the most difficult and expensive part of any business. More times than not, an owner who writes ad copy is totally shocked by the lack of response from an ad he or she thought was fantastic.

We recognized this problem early in our business and engaged outside advertising and marketing counsel to help us find out just what are the ingredients in an effective advertising campaign.

Marketing is a learning experience and the learning NEVER ends. Changing environments and consumer attitudes are constantly altering the campaign. When we first started direct mail and print media were the most effective in reaching our market. TV and radio can be effective in a smaller market that can be "dominated" with a modest budget. However, the larger the market the larger the budget and the cost can overwhelm a campaign. While we have not abandoned direct mail and print media (Yellow Pages), we now spend less in those media. We still use direct mail to send a "Reminder Postcard" to existing Bane-Clene® customers. Yellow Pages (print) is now augmented by Internet advertising, through them and others.

Obviously, Internet advertising is the "now" way to reach consumers at this time. The proliferation of Facebook, Pinterest and other Social Media platforms are giving consumers an avenue for looking for Carpet Cleaning Services. Also, Angie's List is a highly respected source for consumers to seek a myriad of companies.

Social Media can make you or break you. Be constantly vigilant and protective of your On Line reputation.

Good advertising will not help you if your service is not good.

Please visit our web site www.baneclene.com for hints and tips on advertising. Also, you will find the latest issue of The Clene-Times®.

Thank you for reading Bane's Blog®

The dog days of summer

The dog days of summer are here in most parts of the country. As the temperatures rise be sure your truck mounted equipment is performing at top efficiency.  Visit our web site www.baneclene.com for helpful information. You will find guides on periodic and preventative maintenance.

If you have any questions or need assistance please do not hesitate to contact us. We can be reached either via e-mail bane@baneclene.com or by phone at 1-800-428-9512.

Also on our web site www.baneclene.com you will find the latest issue of The Clene-Times®. Access it by clicking on The Clene-Times® tab in the Index on the left hand side of your screen. There you will find articles and our latest specials for carpet cleaning chemicals, supplies and accessories.

In addition our web site has a complete spot and stain removal guide. Click on the tab “Stain Removal” listed alphabetically in the index.  There are also instructional videos to guide you through the process of spot and stain removal for many items.

Thank You for reading Bane’s Blog ®. 

Welcome to Bane's Blog.

It has been over a year since there were any postings to our blog. The exigency that prompted this was the untimely passing of our founder Wm. F. Bane on February 20, 2014. Writing was his passion and he epitomized the saying that "the pen was mightier than the sword". These new blogs will honor that passion and hopefully deliver information that you will find enlightening and educational. Your comments are always welcome and may be directed to bane@baneclene.com. Thank you for your past, present and future support and patronage. We value all of you.

The Bane-Clene® Team