Pre-inspection
Pre-inspection
Pre-inspection is the domain that tests whether you can turn a carpet complaint into a safe, documented, achievable cleaning plan. It covers customer communication, site assessment, fiber/construction clues, pre-existing damage, and method selection.
Core rules
- Identify the fiber, backing, installation type, warranty, and any prior cleaning, protectant, or stain treatment.
- Inspect under good lighting and map traffic lanes, spots, filtration lines, pet areas, seam/backing defects, and color loss.
- Perform a pre-test in an inconspicuous area with the intended chemical and method; check dye stability, backing, and adhesive.
- Record moisture/urine indicators, delamination, burns, bleach damage, wear, and odor. Photograph or describe conditions.
- Set scope and expectations in writing: what will be cleaned, what may remain, dry time, furniture, and access.
Worked example
A rental has beige cut-pile nylon with dark wicking at seams and a stiff, buckled edge. The technician notes the nylon, pre-tests a neutral pre-spray in a closet, and discovers the edge is delaminated. He documents the pre-existing backing/seam failure, avoids promising stain removal, and chooses a lower-moisture method with controlled extraction. Reasoning: nylon is cleanable, but delamination and wicking are installation/soil-reservoir problems; reducing water and documenting protects the customer and the technician.
Traps
Skipping the pre-test on wool, olefin, or printed carpet; confusing a stain with color loss; treating urine as a surface spot; and failing to document pre-existing damage. Never guarantee complete removal of pet, dye, or filtration stains.