The Complete Guide To Starting A VLM Carpet Cleaning Business

Introduction – What The Heck Is VLM Anyways?

Welcome to the world of very low moisture (VLM) carpet cleaning! If you’re considering starting a VLM carpet cleaning business, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to start a successful low moisture carpet cleaning business.

But first, let’s talk about what VLM carpet cleaning is and why it’s a great business opportunity. VLM carpet cleaning is a modern carpet cleaning method that uses very little water, making it more efficient, eco-friendly, and faster than traditional methods. With VLM carpet cleaning, you can clean carpets without having to wait for them to dry, which means you can have a quicker turnaround time and more satisfied customers.

Starting a VLM carpet cleaning business can be very profitable. The carpet cleaning industry generates billions of dollars in revenue each year, and VLM carpet cleaning is becoming increasingly popular as more people look for eco-friendly cleaning options that won’t disrupt their daily routine. Plus, VLM carpet cleaning machines and chemicals are relatively affordable, making it a low-cost startup option.

So, if you’re ready to learn how to start a successful low moisture carpet cleaning business, keep reading! We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the equipment and chemicals you’ll need to perform VLM carpet cleaning, to the business side of starting up, finding clients, and building a reputation.

Equipment Needed For VLM Carpet Cleaning

To start a successful VLM carpet cleaning business, you’ll need to invest in some equipment. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:

1. Low moisture carpet cleaning machine: The most important piece of equipment for VLM carpet cleaning is a low moisture carpet cleaning machine. We recommend using a 175rpm floor machine like the Minuteman Front Runner 17 as your main cleaning machine. This type of machine uses a low-speed rotary brush to agitate the cleaning solution into the carpet fibers, allowing for deep cleaning while using very little moisture. Alternatively, you could use an Oreck Orbiter or a CRB (counter rotating brush) machine, both of which are also effective for VLM carpet cleaning.
2. Carpet cleaning pads: When it comes to VLM carpet cleaning, using the right pads is crucial. We recommend using “woven turf” pads made out of rayon. These pads are designed to absorb moisture and dirt from the carpet while also buffing the fibers for a clean, polished finish. But there are also pads with more aggressive green, blue, red, or brown scrubbing strips and pads made out of different materials like microfiber. Experiment and find what works best for you.
3. Vacuum cleaner: Before you can start cleaning carpets, you need to ensure that they’re free of loose dirt and debris. For this, we recommend using a high-quality vacuum cleaner like the Oreck XL or Sanitaire commercial vacuums. These vacuums are powerful enough to remove even the smallest particles of dirt and dust from the carpet, ensuring that your cleaning job is as thorough as possible.
4. Chemical sprayer: You’ll want to invest in a pump sprayer to start your carpet cleaning business. A 1-2 gallon pump sprayer with good seals will be perfect to start with; you might want to buy a 1/2 gallon sprayer for your pretreatment sprays, too. As your business grows, you can consider investing in a battery powered sprayer to help save time and energy on the job.
5. Miscellaneous tools and equipment: To ensure that your carpet cleaning business is as successful as possible, you’ll need to invest in some additional tools and equipment. These might include a handheld vacuum for edging, a carpet rake for fluffing up the fibers after cleaning, shoe covers to protect your clients’ floors, and brushes for scrubbing tough spots in the carpet.

By investing in the right equipment, you can ensure that your VLM carpet cleaning business is efficient, effective, and profitable. Make sure to do your research and invest in high-quality equipment that will stand up to the demands of regular use.

Chemicals Needed For VLM Carpet Cleaning

In addition to the right equipment, you’ll also need to invest in the right chemicals to effectively clean carpets using the VLM method. Here are some of the best chemicals to use for VLM carpet cleaning:

1. Pre-spray: A pre-spray is an essential chemical for VLM carpet cleaning. It’s a detergent-based solution that helps to loosen dirt and stains from the carpet fibers. We recommend using a high-quality pre-spray like the ones available from Encapstore or TMF Store, which are both effective at breaking down dirt and stains while also being eco-friendly.
2. Encapsulation solution: After applying the pre-spray, you’ll need to apply an encapsulation solution. This solution works by encapsulating dirt and stains in a polymer, making it easier to remove them from the carpet fibers. We recommend using a high-quality encapsulation solution like Encapstore’s Angry Lemon or their multi-surface cleaner Green Dragon, which are both effective at removing dirt and stains while also leaving the carpet fibers clean and fresh.
3. Spot treatment solution: For tough stains that don’t come out with the pre-spray, you’ll need a spot treatment solution. We recommend using a high-quality spot treatment solution that is designed to work well with your main cleaning solution. If you’ve purchased from Encapstore or TMF Store, contact them to ask which spot treatments they recommend for the cleaning solutions you are using.
4. Pet treatment: You will run into customers with pet stains and odors on their carpet. This is a fact of the carpet cleaning business, it’s unavoidable, but on the bright side… pet spots can make you a lot of money! Get a high quality pet enzyme treatment. You can start with something simple like Nature’s Miracle Advanced solution, but you will quickly want to graduate to a professional pet treatment like Matrix Miracle oxidizer or one of the commercially available enzyme treatments.

By investing in high-quality professional chemicals, you can ensure that your VLM carpet cleaning business is effective, efficient, and eco-friendly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, and always test the chemicals on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet before using them on larger areas.

What Else Do I Need To Start A VLM Carpet Cleaning Business?

Starting a VLM carpet cleaning business requires more than just equipment and chemicals. You’ll need a solid business plan, knowledge of legal requirements, a pricing strategy, and insurance to protect your business. Here are some things to consider:

1. Business Plan: A business plan is a blueprint for your carpet cleaning business. It should include a description of your services, target market, competition analysis, marketing strategy, financial projections, and goals. Having a solid business plan in place can help you stay focused and achieve your business objectives.
2. Legal Requirements: Every state and locality has different legal requirements for starting a business. Make sure to research and comply with any local laws and regulations regarding business licenses, permits, and taxes. You may also need to register your business with the state and obtain a tax identification number.
3. Pricing Strategy: Pricing your services correctly is crucial for the success of your VLM carpet cleaning business. Consider factors like the size and condition of the carpet, the complexity of the job, and the competition in your area when setting your prices. You can also offer discounts for repeat customers or referrals to attract more business.
4. Insurance: Protecting your carpet cleaning business with insurance is essential. You may need general liability insurance to cover any damage to a customer’s property, as well as workers’ compensation insurance if you hire employees. Make sure to research your options and choose a policy that meets your business’s specific needs.

By developing a solid business plan, complying with legal requirements, setting a pricing strategy, and obtaining insurance, you can set your VLM carpet cleaning business up for success. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from professionals like lawyers or accountants to help you navigate the legal and financial aspects of starting a business. With careful planning and attention to detail, your VLM carpet cleaning business can thrive.

Marketing Your VLM Carpet Cleaning Business

Now that you have the necessary equipment and chemicals to start your very low moisture carpet cleaning business, as well as some of the legal and insurance requirements out of the way, it’s time to start marketing your services. Here are some tips for effectively marketing your VLM carpet cleaning business:

1. Create a Google Business Profile: One of the most important steps you can take to market your VLM carpet cleaning business is to create a Google Business Profile. This will allow potential customers to find you when they search for carpet cleaning services in your area. Make sure to fill out your profile with as much information as possible, including your address, phone number, website, and hours of operation.
2. Get Google reviews: Once you’ve created your Google Business Profile, encourage your customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews will help to boost your business’s visibility in search results and attract more customers. You can also respond to reviews, both positive and negative, to show that you value your customers’ feedback.
3. Build a website: Having a website is crucial for any business, including a VLM carpet cleaning business. Your website should include information about your services, pricing, and contact information, as well as some before-and-after photos of your work. Make sure to optimize your website for search engines by using keywords that potential customers are likely to search for.
4. Focus on digital marketing: In today’s digital age, digital marketing is essential for any business. Consider running social media ads, creating targeted email campaigns, or using search engine optimization (SEO) to drive traffic to your website. You can also use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to showcase your work and connect with potential customers.

By focusing on digital marketing and utilizing tools like Google Business Profile, Google reviews, and a website, you can effectively market your VLM carpet cleaning business and attract more customers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marketing strategies to see what works best for your business. With the right marketing plan in place, your carpet cleaning business can be both profitable and successful.

Getting Started With Your Very Low Moisture Carpet Cleaning Business

Now that you have the equipment, chemicals, marketing plan, and business plan in place, it’s time to start cleaning carpets! Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Practice on your own carpets or offer free or discounted services to friends and family to gain experience and build your portfolio.
2. Create a schedule for cleaning and stick to it. Consistency is key for building a strong reputation and attracting repeat customers.
3. Consider offering a satisfaction guarantee to reassure customers that you stand behind your work and are committed to their satisfaction.
4. As you gain more experience and your business grows, consider expanding your services to include upholstery cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, or other related services.

Starting a VLM carpet cleaning business can be a profitable and rewarding venture. By investing in quality equipment and chemicals, developing a strong marketing strategy, and focusing on customer satisfaction, you can establish a successful business that provides high-quality cleaning services. Don’t be afraid to take risks, learn from your mistakes, and continually improve your skills and services to stay competitive in the industry. With hard work and dedication, your VLM carpet cleaning business can thrive.

Conclusion

Starting a VLM carpet cleaning business can be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start their own business or expand their existing cleaning services. With the right equipment, chemicals, marketing plan, and business strategy, you can establish a successful and profitable business that provides high-quality cleaning services to your customers.

Remember to focus on customer satisfaction, develop a strong online presence through digital marketing, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the industry. By continually improving your skills and services, you can set your VLM carpet cleaning business apart from the competition and attract more customers.

To help you get started with your VLM carpet cleaning business, we’ve created The Ultimate VLM Carpet Cleaning Checklist. This free download provides a comprehensive list of the equipment and chemicals you need to start a VLM carpet cleaning business for as little money as possible. Use it as a guide to help you choose the right equipment and chemicals for your business and get started on the path to success.

With dedication, hard work, and the right tools, you can establish a thriving VLM carpet cleaning business and achieve your entrepreneurial goals. Good luck!

Grab your free VLM Carpet Cleaning checklist here: https://vlmtraining.com/checklist