A carpet cleaning technician is a professional who cleans carpets, as the name implies. Most carpet cleaning technicians, on the other hand, have a diverse set of skills that enable them to complete the job successfully. He or she should be familiar with the various types of carpet fibers and how they react to cleaning chemicals. There are usually a few other responsibilities as well, but this varies by company.
Many carpet cleaning technicians work for small businesses that clean people’s homes. This type of work necessitates not only the technical skill of carpet cleaning, but also excellent customer service skills. Residential cleaning is typically performed by a single technician, and your company may expect you to sell additional services if you are able. Physical fitness is also important because the technician will most likely be hauling cleaning equipment weighing up to 50 pounds (22.7 kg) several times a day, sometimes while navigating stairs. The technician will be required to bend, stoop, crawl, push and pull equipment, lift and move furniture, and stand for several hours each day in the normal course of the job.
Commercial spaces are another common setting for a carpet cleaning technician. This type of cleaning is usually done when the business is closed, which is usually in the evenings or on weekends. Commercial cleaning jobs may or may not require moving furniture, and they may require a team of two or more technicians. Carpet cleaning may be included with other janitorial duties in larger organizations that employ their own housekeeping department, such as hospitals.
In a small business, a carpet cleaning technician may also be responsible for other duties such as answering phones and scheduling appointments, selling additional services, and completing paperwork. Routine maintenance of the vehicle and carpet cleaning equipment may be part of the technician’s job if he or she drives a company truck or van. Additional responsibilities that may fall to the technician include ordering supplies and keeping an accurate inventory count.
A high school diploma or GED is required for most carpet cleaning technician jobs, and training is obtained through on-the-job, hands-on experience. Specialized training in different types of carpet fibers, chemical handling, sales, and customer service is available. The employer may provide these classes, or a technician may choose to pursue additional training on his or her own. While professional certification is not required by law in the United States, some employers may insist that their technicians take a professional certification exam. A license or certification in carpet cleaning, like any other profession, often translates into a higher rate of pay.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC, is the most well-known certifying body in the United States. You must complete required class work and pass an exam to become IICRC certified. Some state agencies and organizations may also offer certification; check with your employer for details on what certifications are required for your position.