Carpet Cleaning Facts And Tips

Why Should I Clean My Carpet?
Outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, smoke and car exhaust -- and hundreds of other chemicals. When you and your family members come into your home, these pollens, bacteria, fungus and pollutants are carried in and can end up in your carpet.  Just as your furnace has a filter to block dust and pollutants, your carpet also acts as a filter in your home.  And just as you clean and change your furnace filter periodically, carpets also need cleaning and sanitizing periodically to keep a clean and healthy home.

When Should I Clean My Carpet?
You may think if you wait as long as possible you will save money.  Actually, the opposite is true.  Carpet is a major investment and needs to be regularly maintained. Dirt and grime act as abrasives -- like sandpaper.  This cuts into your carpet, just as if you used a knife, causing it to wear out faster.  While vacuuming helps a great deal, by itself it simply is NOT enough. A dirty carpet will not last as long as a clean carpet.  Also, most major carpet manufacturers require professional cleaning at least once a year to validate their warrantee.

Who Should Clean My Carpet?
You can choose from two primary methods of cleaning:
Dry Cleaning or Hot Water Extraction.  Dry Cleaning can be one of three different types:

The first, Dry Foam, applies dry foam into the carpet, dries, and then vacuums the foam out.  This method can leave residue and cause your carpets to attract dirt even faster.

Dry Chemical is similar to dry foam, but it also uses a cotton bonnet on a machine before vacuuming to absorb the dirt and chemical. This method also leaves a residue and causes an abrasive action on the carpet, which can damage the fibers.

The Dry Compound method spreads a mixture that looks like wet sawdust on the carpet.  A machine brushes it into the carpet, which supposedly absorbs the dirt into the mixture, then is vacuumed out. Because there is no rinsing in these methods it would be like applying shampoo to your hair and then trying to vacuum the dirt out.

The other method of cleaning carpets is the Extraction Method (also known as steam cleaning, even though there is no steam).

We use this tested and proven method which will fully clean as well as protect your valuable investment. Our system uses the perfect water temperature, pressure, and cleaning agents and then vacuums out 95 percent of the moisture. Your carpets and furniture are left softer, brighter and better able to withstand future soiling. If you have spots or problem areas, we also pre-treat and use our years of training and experience to solve even your toughest problems.

Our truck-mount units Clean Deeper and Dry Faster.

What Is A Clean Carpet?
Deep cleaning removes dirt, debris and stains and solves health and breathing issues.  You also expect your carpet to look new and clean. The extraction method will take care of removing dirt and solve health issues, but there are factors that affect the new-like look of a carpet.  These factors are as follows: sun exposure, how long stains have set, how often the carpets are cleaned, heavy traffic areas (especially Olefin Berbers) and how often you vacuum.  To achieve this like-new look, regular vacuuming, professional cleaning and spotting are recommended.

Where Do You Get An Experienced Professional Carpet And Furniture Cleaner?
Many companies own extraction cleaners -- not all operators know how to use them.  Many of us have bought the newest gadget, only to have the time flashing at you and not knowing all of its uses.  The same is true of the operators of many carpet cleaning machines.  Without proper training and experience, the equipment can't do its maximum cleaning. Look for experienced, trained and IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration) certified operators in choosing the best professional carpet cleaner.

How Do I Choose The Best Professional Carpet Cleaner?
Many consider price alone in their choice of a carpet cleaner, but not all are honest and ethical about pricing and advertising. Many companies price by the room or three-four room specials, and then tell you the hidden costs after they've finished.  We want to earn your trust by ONLY charging for exactly what we clean.  When you call, we'll ask for the approximate square footage of your rooms and quote you an approximate price. When our technicians arrive they will exactly measure your rooms and give you an exact price.  You can then decide whether or not to allow us to clean your carpet.  We will NOT charge extra to move your furniture (except entertainment centers, pianos, oversized and breakable items), vacuum, pre-spot or for different types of carpet (Berber, Wool).

We DO know that price is important to you, so as long as you're our customer, we will NOT raise your carpet cleaning rates.

We have customers who have "Frozen Rates" from 1979. Our only extra cost is a Road Service charge of $.75 per mile (1 way) for anything over 10 miles from our shop in Kimball to cover the extra costs of fuel and time.  We WILL recommend Teflon Carpet Protector for an extra charge and deodorizer if needed.  We have no high-pressure sales people to make you feel pressured into extra costs.

Ask the right questions when selecting a Professional Carpet Cleaner:
What method do you use?
What training and certification do you have?
What does your price include (or not include)?
What if I'm not satisfied?
We will make every effort to satisfy you.  We will return and take care of any problem areas, and if you're still unhappy we'll return your money.

TIPS AFTER PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
Keep room ventilated and heated.  Air must circulate over the cleaned surface to assure quick drying.

Do not remove protective blocks or tabs beneath furniture legs until the carpet is thoroughly dry. Wooden legs can bleed onto carpet and metal can rust.

Do not allow any fabrics such as drapes, furniture skirts or bed spreads to come into contact with the damp carpet. Moisture can pick up into the fabric and cause stains.

Try to avoid foot and pet traffic on damp carpet.

Use extra care when going from damp carpet to solid surfaces.

Every Day Maintenance