Your Guide to Fresh, Clean & Healthy Carpets

	Misconceptions that can damage your carpet and your Pocket
	Steps to a fresh, clean healthy carpet
	Points to consider when choosing a carpet cleaning company
	Recipes you can use to remove almost every spot and stain from your carpeting
	Questions to ask before you hire a carpet cleaner

Misconception #1 The longer you wait between carpet cleanings, the better. This is incorrect. Dirt is like sandpaper. It damages your carpet. The more often you have your carpets cleaned, the longer they will last. Industry standards recommend that you clean your carpets every 6 to 18 months, depending on your lifestyle.

Misconception #2 It makes no difference which method of cleaning you choose. This is incorrect. One has several methods to choose from: Bonnet, Dry Foam, Dry Compound and Hot Water Extraction (steam cleaning). Some cleaning systems are considered interim maintenance cleaning systems and others are regarded as restorative by the industry. Only Hot Water Extraction (steam cleaning) can employ a rinse step to leave your carpets as residue free as possible.

Misconception #3 All a company needs to clean carpets correctly is the right equipment. This is incorrect. Many cleaning companies own professional carpet cleaning systems, but they don't teach their technicians the proper ways to use them. Make sure the cleaning company you choose has technicians who are trained by certified carpet instructors.

Misconception #4 You should hire the company that quotes you the lowest price. Usually not. Some carpet cleaning companies offer a low price to persuade you to call, but then add on services you thought were included in the price. It would be like a car dealer quoting you for a new car and then telling you the steering wheel and windshield are extra.

Misconception #5 Carpet cleaners don't provide references. This is incorrect. Carpet cleaners provide customer references all the time. If the cleaner you're considering won't provide references, you know the cleaner: 1. Is new to the business and doesn't have references; 2. is dishonest and doesn't have good references; or, 3. Does poor work and will never warrant a favorable recommendation.

Step #1 - PRE-INSPECTION   Our trained technicians pre-inspect your carpet. They identify the carpets construction and fiber, evaluate your needs and recommend the appropriate cleaning method or procedure.

Step #2 - ITEMIZED SERVICES  We list services and price them separately before we begin work on your carpet. You feel comfortable knowing exactly what we'll be doing and what it will cost.

Step #3 - PRE-VACUUMING   Your carpet needs a thorough vacuuming just prior to cleaning. You will save money if you vacuum your carpet before we arrive.

Step #4 - PRE-CONDITIONING   In our cost estimate, we include the special treatment of heavily soiled entry and traffic areas with pre-conditioning agents.

Step #6 - FURNITURE MOVING   We carefully move your furniture, protecting every piece with the proper moisture barrier to protect your carpet from furniture stains. In most cases, we clean around heavy, delicate and fragile items, such as, loaded china cabinets, pianos, and antiques. You will save money if you move your own furniture before we arrive. 

Step #7 - SPOTS AND STAINS As part of their normal job, our technicians pay special attention to spots and stains.

Step #8 - SAFETY    The cleaning agents and equipment we use are in strict accordance with safety regulations and manufacturers' recommendations.

Step #9 - FREE OF RESIDUE   Our technicians pay careful attention to leave carpet fibers as residue-free as possible to prevent accelerated resoiling.

Step #10 - RETURN TO NORMAL USE  In almost every case, the carpet is dried and returned to normal use within 24 hours. This time varies depending on the methods used, the degree of soiling, and humid weather conditions.

Step #11 - WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED IN WRITING  We stand behind the skills of our trained technicians by providing you with a written guarantee that your work will be performed competently and responsibly.
 

1. SPECIALIZED TRAINING Professional cleaning firms require that their managers and employees complete ongoing training programs. Ask about the education and training of the technicians who will be cleaning your carpet.

2. CERTIFICATIONS - training and testing organizations certify professional cleaning firms.

3. GUARANTEES The company you hire should stand behind its work. Make sure you ask about the carpet cleaner's guarantee before you decide which company to hire.

4. WRITTEN ESTIMATE Your carpet cleaner should provide you with a written, itemized list of services to be provided, and the price of each service. Never settle for a verbal quotation or an all-inclusive price.

5. INSURED You want to be sure the carpet cleaner you hire can pay for any damage he causes on your premises. Make sure the company you hire is insured for liability.

6. DIVERSIFIED SERVICES Professional firms often offer additional services, such as repair, restoration and carpet protection. In addition, they clean upholstery, draperies, oriental rugs, wood/stone flooring and installation.

TO CLEAN
Mix one tablespoon of mild carpet detergent, 1/3 cup of white vinegar and 2/3 cup water. Remove excess materials by absorbing liquids and scraping semi-solids. Apply solutions. Blot the carpet and gently brush the pile. Apply many layers of toweling over the affected area. Weigh down. Leave until dry.
 

TO CLEAN
Mix one cup of water, two tablespoons of ammonia, and one tablespoon of mild carpet detergent. Remove excess materials, absorbing liquids and scraping semi-solids. Apply the solution. Blot the carpet and gently brush the pile. Apply many layers of toweling over affected area. Weigh down. Leave until dry. When dry, brush the pile gently.
 

TO CLEAN
Remove excess material. Apply a non-flammable dry-cleaning solvent. Blot dry. Brush the pile gently. 

WARNING! Pre-test all cleaning agents in an inconspicuous area to make sure they are colorfast. Do not attempt to remove these stains- Lipstick, rouge, nail polish, rust, dried mustard, furniture stains, candle wax. These stains require special reagents or techniques to be used by professional carpet cleaners only. NOTE Many carpet owners put agents and compounds on their carpeting in hopes that they will remove spots and stains. Often, these agents become more of a problem than the original spot. if the spot doesn't come out using the suggestions above, don't risk damaging your carpet. Call a professional carpet cleaner.
 

1    Which method of cleaning do you use, and why?

2    Is your cleaning method endorsed in writing by carpet mills and fiber producers?

3    What specialized training do you have in carpet cleaning?

4    What professional certifications has your company received?

5    What guarantees do you provide with your service?

6    Are you bonded and insured against theft, loss and breakage?

7    Do you offer services in addition to carpet cleaning?