Our Cleaning Method & Equipment
The Science Behind a True "Source Removal" Cleaning
A Note on Quality from Owner James Green
“When I was a Lead Technician, I learned very quickly that in this industry, your results are only as good as your equipment. You can have the best intentions in the world, but if your vacuum isn’t strong enough, you’re just pushing dust around.
That is why Totally Clean invested in top-of-the-line HyperVac and CastAir equipment. We don’t use the cheap rotary brush systems that some budget cleaners use. We use the NADCA Source Removal Method—the only method proven actually to extract the debris from your home.”
The 3 Pillars of Our Process
1. Negative Air Pressure (The Vacuum)
We use the HyperVac 220 to create a massive vacuum seal. To ensure no dust enters your living room during cleaning, we must create a negative-pressure environment.
- The Equipment: We use the HyperVac 220, an industrial-grade portable negative air machine.
- The Power: This machine pulls 5,000 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). To put that in perspective, your home furnace moves about 1,200 CFM. Our vacuum is roughly 4x more powerful than your furnace, ensuring it pulls debris from the furthest bedroom vent to our basement machine.
2. Agitation (The Compressor)
Powered by the CastAir Two-Stage Compressor. Suction alone isn’t enough. Dust in Wisconsin homes—especially in humid basements in Muskego or Cudahy—can stick to the walls of your ductwork like glue.
- The Equipment: We use a truck-mounted, gas-powered CastAir Two-Stage Compressor.
- The Power: It generates 175 PSI of consistent pressure. We use this to power air whips and agitation tools down every single vent. This high-pressure air acts like a “scrub brush,” blasting the stuck-on dust off the metal surfaces so the HyperVac can pull it away.
3. Source Removal (The Result)
We take the dirt with us. All dust, pet dander, and construction debris are drawn into our machine and captured by a 3-stage HEPA Filtration System. This ensures that the air we exhaust back into your home is hospital-grade clean.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Method
Do you have to cut holes in my ductwork?
Yes, and you should be worried if a cleaner doesn’t cut them. To attach the 10-inch HyperVac intake hose to your main trunk line, we need to create an access point. This is standard procedure for any NADCA-adherent cleaning.
- The Promise: We are professionals. We cut precise access panels and, once the job is done, we professionally seal them with sheet metal and foil tape. This leaves your system airtight and provides an easy access point for future cleanings or Aeroseal Duct Sealing.
Is this safe for my furnace?
Yes, we prioritize the safety of your HVAC system. Before we start, we turn off the power to your furnace to ensure the blower motor is safe. We handle your equipment with the “Grandma Rule”—treating your expensive appliances with the same care we would give our own family’s home.
Our Step-by-Step Workflow
What happens when we arrive at your home?
- Arrival & Tour: We arrive on time, introduce ourselves, and walk through the home to locate all supplies and return vents.
- Prep & Protection: We lay down drop cloths and corner guards. We shut off the furnace and drill access holes in the main supply and return trunks.
- The Hookup: We connect the HyperVac to the trunk line and power it up, putting the house under negative pressure.
- The Agitation: Starting at the furthest vent, we use 175 PSI air tools to scrub the ducts, pushing debris toward the vacuum. We do this for every supply register and cold air return.
- Trunk Cleaning: We clean the main trunk lines in the basement last, removing the heavy debris piles.
- The Finish: We install a new furnace filter (please have one ready!), seal the access holes, and power the system back on.
- Verification: We show you the Before & After Photos and ask for payment only when you are satisfied.
Transparent Pricing for Professional Work
We believe you get what you pay for. Our investment in high-quality HyperVac and CastAir equipment enables us to offer a Satisfaction Guarantee. We don’t hide costs. View our Flat-Rate Pricing Philosophy.
