Professional Carpet Cleaning
The main decision you have to make is on choosing which of the carpet cleaning services you’re going to employ in order to remove those stubborn stains. Are you going to have your carpet steam cleaned or are you going to use chemical carpet cleaning?
Professionals suggest two other advantages as well. First, they're accustomed to moving the heavy furniture. Second, they usually know a lot more about how to handle specific challenges like heavily soiled areas and stains.
If you choose to have a professional deal with your sanitary problems, here are the things you should take note:
1. Determine what services you want for your carpets(i.e. stair cleaning, furniture moving, special treatments such as stain proofing, etc.)
2. Ask for recommendations from the people around you
3. Join a membership
4. Consult the Better Business Bureau or local consumer protection office for complaints
5. Ask how long they have been in business and contact references
6. Make sure they are insured for liability and carry workers' compensation insurance
7. Beware of unrealistic claims (particularly in advertisements and coupons)
8. Make sure they follow the correct procedure for cleaning carpet.
9. Check for written guarantees and conditions
10. Compare prices that seem realistic
11. Pay by check or credit card as a record
Before the cleaners arrive, make sure to clean up and vacuum the carpet yourself. Hide all valuables and make sure that nothing is hanging over the carpet . When the professional come, point out stains and describe all of the past carpet cleanings. Make sure to review the written guarantee and service agreement. Amend the service agreement if needed.
After the cleaning:
1.Inspect the carpet
2.Ask about drying instructions (i.e. expected time and ventilation requirements)
3.Make sure not to cover the carpet until it dries
4.Keep moisture shields or carpet protectors under all furniture until the carpet dries
5.Vacuum the carpet when it dries
6.Call the cleaner if the carpet is still damp or any spots remain after 24 hours.
There is one very powerful method: the dry extraction, isn't technically a "dry" procedure; it's more a "moisture-controlled" process. That is, it applies a controlled amount of moisture to clean the carpet and still leave it dry. This process is similar to the do-it-yourself "dry" method, but the equipment is larger and much more thorough.
Though it uses the same cleaning chemicals, the dry process alters the amount of chemicals used and how they're applied. A machine with two counter-revolving brushes moves the cleaning agents through the carpet's material. The cleaner supplies enough liquid to dissolve the dirt, then re-absorbs the soil and liquid, which leaves the carpet dry for vacuuming and immediate use.
Some carpet-cleaning professionals spray a carbonated cleaning solution onto the carpet. The carbonation allows the cleaning agents to get to the carpet fibers with minimal wetting. The solution doesn't contain the oil or detergents that typically leave a dirt-attracting residue. Dissolved dirt is removed with a machine that rubs soft cotton pads over the carpet.
When compared to wet systems, this method may not get as much of the deeper dirt out, but is very effective at cleaning the visible portion of the carpet. It does this without the risks of residue or over-wetting. Many businesses use this system because the carpet is usually dry and ready for traffic within an hour.
