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Careclean – Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning in Essex – Meet the Founders!

Careclean – Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning in Essex

Are you looking for a company that offers carpet and upholstery cleaning in Essex? Well look no further.  Careclean is a family run business, and has been carpet cleaning in Essex since 1984.  Nowadays we also offer upholstery, leather and rug cleaning, and protection treatment to keep your furnishings cleaner and stain free for longer. But less of the carpet cleaning for a little bit, how about hearing from the couple who founded this business?

Kevin and Julie Barber live in South Essex. They have 2 grown up daughters, and a three year old Grandaughter. Here’s an interview with the couple (interviewed by their daughter, Sarah Barber-Jones)…

carpet and upholstery cleaning in essex

When did you start the business?

Kevin : We started Careclean in 1984. Mum was still working and helped out when she could, but when you came along soon after, we didn’t have much time between us, so it was a bit of a juggling act!!

What made you decide to start a carpet cleaning business?

Kevin: I always wanted to work for myself but wasn’t sure what kind of business to invest in. It just so happened that a second hand sofa was gifted to us, and it needed a clean. We found a local carpet and upholstery cleaning company to do the job… and then I started to think, this is what we could do – carpet and upholstery cleaning in Essex … and that was how Careclean started!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Julie: We have a fantastic team that we work with; it’s great that the business has grown to the point that it’s not only providing Kevin and I with an income but also providing our 7 employees with an income too.

Kevin: I enjoy going out and meeting lots of different people in my local community. Indeed, many of these are now regular customers, who we have a great relationship with. I also enjoy spreading the word about what we do to new people too; there are not many businesses that have been going for over 35 years, and I believe Careclean’s passion for their company shines through when we meet people.

Can you tell us about a funny incident when you’ve been working?

Kevin: I had just finished cleaning a new customer’s carpets in Wickford, and was heading home.  I had traveled about a mile and looked in my mirror and had the fright of my life. There was a chicken looking at me! It turned out it was my customer’s pet… so although I was a little peckish at the time, I returned it.

Okay, let’s move away from carpet cleaning for a bit… What do you like doing in your spare time?

Julie: I love walking! It’s great for keeping fit, but also for having a good gossip with my friends!

Kevin: I enjoy lawn bowls when I get the time, and play for Essex. I love a challenge; I’ve previously climbed Kilimanjaro and also cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End, raising £6000 for Cystic Fibrosis.

… and, if you could possess one superpower, what would it and why?

Kevin: I’d like to read people’s minds. I want 100% happy customers and knowing what people are thinking would help!

Julie: The ability to fly… it would be much easier than sitting in traffic jams!

Okay, back to the business… How can people arrange for Careclean to clean their carpets?

Julie: Just contact us to arrange your free quote. You can get in touch via: our website, Facebook, Twitter or by phoning us on 01245 323989.

Why should people choose Careclean?

Kevin: If you are looking for quality carpet and upholstery cleaning in Essex, then look no further! We offer the most thorough clean ever seen or it’s FREE. If you are not happy with our cleaning, we re-clean for free, and if you are still not happy we will refund the money you have paid.  The quality of our cleaning is high as we use a truck mounted system, which is built into and runs on the fuel of the van. Pipes go from the van into the customers house… so even if there’s no electricity we can still do the job! Many cleaning firms use portable systems, which don’t have the same power. The truck mounted system allows us to clean quicker and far more thoroughly than the portable cleaning systems.

What does your business mean to you?

Julie: Our business means everything to us.  We started carpet and upholstery cleaning in Essex in our early 20s when we were just starting a family, and we have now been running it more than half our lives.  For that reason it feels more than just a job, it’s something we deeply care about and are very proud of.  It’s hard work, but it’s worth it as we now have a good life, lots of great holidays and most importantly time to spend with our wonderful family.

What would you like to say to all your customers?

Kevin: Our ultimate aim is to provide a great service to each and every customer; indeed, we have over 200  satisfied customers on a maintenance plan whereby we visit them every 6 months. Thank you to each and every customer we have visited over the past 35 years, your business means a lot to us.

Want More Articles Like This?

Careclean was established in 1984 and has a vast knowledge of carpet and upholstery cleaning and maintenance. We post a bi-weekly blog, which often includes carpet and upholstery cleaning tips and guidance on keeping your home clean and healthy. Click here to check out our blog. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date on all the latest news and offers.