You should get your carpets cleaned every so often. However, this is a time-consuming project, so hiring a carpet cleaning company is probably the way to go. But where do you begin and what do you ask? Keep reading to find out more about carpet cleaning and how to find a reliable professional.
When you clean your carpet, don’t use an excess of heat. Heat is very destructive to carpet quality, particularly when delicate materials or elaborate patterns are involved. When attempting to eliminate a stain for preventing permanent floor marks, this is even more important.
Some carpets cannot be cleaned with harsh chemicals and commercial machines. Therefore, a carpet-cleaning company should test a small portion of your carpet a full 24 hours prior to cleaning the entire carpet. In general, a rug that was created from wool or silk is particularly vulnerable. If you do not know how to go about getting clean carpets, it’s time to call the pros.
Many cleaning companies use chemicals; if you don’t want these substances in your home, find someone that uses “green” methods. Don’t use any products on your carpet before the professional cleaner arrives.
Talk to your carpet cleaners about what you can do to continue to care for the carpet once the cleaning is complete. For example, they may advise you about types of stain removers available to you, the right amount of drying time for carpets and/or the most desirable frequency of vacuuming. Using these tips will keep your carpet looking nice for longer.
Tough Stains
Hiring a professional is the best way to get rid of tough stains. Professionals have access to products that can remove tough stains like blood, wax and red wine. The products and machines used will not damage your carpet and you will definitely notice an improvement.
A carpet can be shampooed with vinegar and warm water. Vinegar is cheaper than chemical products and just as efficient. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and scrub your carpet with a sponge. Use warm water to rinse the fibers and use a fan to dry the carpeting.
Professional carpet cleaning companies must carry full certifications from the ILCRC. The ICRC is a worldwide certification body, and having the certificate is probably a sign of basic competence. A credentialed carpet cleaner is important at any time, but especially if your carpet is still under warranty. If they don’t have this certification, the warranty may get voided by the manufacturer.
Carpets can be badly stained by spilled red wine. If the stain is treated quickly, damage will be minimized. White wine can dilute red wine, so use it. An absorbent towel and some cold water can be used to blot the area. You can use common table salt and sprinkle it on the stain, and vacuum it up about 10 minutes later. Remember, though, that you will never be able to get the carpet as clean as a professional.
Be sure and inspect the cleaning job done by the company to make sure that they are adequately cleaned. If certain areas seem dirty call the company immediately. If you wait for too long of a time then the company may deny helping you since anything could have happened in that period of time.
When engaging the help of professional carpet cleaners, pay close attention to the type of chemicals and solvents a prospective company uses. Some companies are more environmentally friendly than others, and with a little research, you can find a greener option. It might seem minor, but if everyone does this it would have a huge effect.
Make sure you look into any cleaner that you intend to hire. Ask about hiring procedures and the standards they hold employees to. You should be able to trust that the individual you let into your home does not pose a risk to your safety.
Instead of asking for a carpet cleaning estimate over the phone, ask them to come to you to give an estimate. The estimate they give you when looking at your carpets will be closer to the real thing. If you’re in agreement with their services, get their agreement in writing and sign it.
Verifiable References
Be sure the carpet cleaners you are considering can provide verifiable references. Good companies will give you verifiable references. But make sure you do your own research online as well, because most companies won’t hand out the contact info for clients who have not been happy with the service.
Ask to see evidence of the cleaning company’s license or certification when they show up. If they they are unable to produce it, tell them to come back with it. If the cleaners neglect to keep this important documentation with them at all times, there’s a good chance they simply don’t have it!
A question list is something that may not be easy to build. Make sure to include a question related to how they clean and if it will impact your carpet negatively in any way. You also need to ask about licenses and certifications. If they’ve been around longer, that’s a good sign.
Look up local carpet cleaners and be sure to read their customer reviews. With list in hand, start calling around for cleaning quotes. From there, you can eliminate a few based on their prices. Once you have things narrowed down to two or three cleaners, you can get in-person estimates from those services.
A surface cleaning is a great way to keep your carpet fresh. In this case, find a company that offers dry carpet cleaning. This process is quick and requires no drying time. The cleaning service will finish the job quickly and your carpets should be dry and spotless by the time they leave.
How that you’ve read the article above, you should know more about professional carpet cleaning companies. Use the information from this article the next time you need your carpets cleaned. It’s definitely possible to have clean carpets without devastating your finances.
