10 Misconceptions that Can Damage your Carpet and Upholstery AND Your Bank Account!

10 Steps We Perform to Insure Healthy, Fresh, Clean Carpet

8 Points to Consider when Choosing a Professional Cleaner like Us

The longer you wait between carpet cleanings, the better.

Wrong. 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.

It makes no difference which method of cleaning you choose.

Wrong. You have several choices; Bonnet Cleaning, Dry Foam, Dry Compound, and Hot-Water Extraction. All, except hot-water extraction, are considered interim maintenance cleaning systems by most cleaning professionals. All methods can leave a lasting detergent residue, but only the hot-water extraction (steam cleaning) can employ a rinse step to leave your carpet as residue-free as possible. Independent research indicates that hot-water extraction provides the best capability for restoration cleaning.

All a company needs to clean carpets correctly is the right equipment.

Wrong. 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 cleaning instructors.

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 a price for a new car and then telling you the steering wheel and windshield are extra!

Carpet cleaners don't provide references.

Wrong. Carpet cleaners provide customer references all the time. If the cleaner you're considering doesn't provide references, you know the cleaner is;

• newer to the business and doesn't have references
• dishonest and doesn't have good references
• does poor work and will never warrant a favorable recommendation.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

YOUR SAFETY
The cleaning agents and equipment we use are in strict accordance with safety regulations and manufacturers' recommendations.

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

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.

WRITTEN GUARANTEE
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.

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.

CERTIFICATIONS
Professional cleaning firms are certified by IICRC or comparable training and testing organizations.

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

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.

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 and carries workers compensation insurance on its employees.

DIVERSIFIED SERVICES
Professional firms often offer additional services, such as repair, deodorization and carpet protection. In addition, they clean upholstery, draperies and Oriental rugs.

REFERENCES
Comments from previous customers are the best way to learn about the quality of a company's reputation when choosing a carpet cleaner.

MEMBERSHIP IN TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
Professional firms belong to regional or national associations that promote high ethical standards and continuing education. Look for references to trade associations in advertising materials.

See our ASSOCIATIONS page for the ones we belong to and support.