subject: Questions You Should Ask Your Carpet Cleaner [print this page] Carpet cleaning can be a relatively expensive proposition, and you face certain risks when you invite a stranger into your home or business place.
Here are some insightful questions you should ask every carpet cleaning company, in order to help you to decide whether or not you should engage their services.
1. What method or methods do you use?
There are several methods of carpet cleaning available for use, and each kind has advantages and disadvantages. Try to determine and decide which will be most suitable for your particular situation.
2. Does spot cleaning cost extra?
Most carpet cleaners will include spot removal in their regular basic pricing. Some companies will quote really low prices to get their foot in the door and then hit you with a plethora of add-on charges.
3. Do you include pet urine treatment in the price?
Be sure to point out problems and situations like this, and get an exact quote before you hire the company.
4. Is odor treatment included in the price?
See number 3 above. Know what you will be called upon to pay for before the carpet cleaner begins to work for you.
5. Do you vacuum the carpet first?
You might be called upon to do this yourself in preparation for your cleaning.
6. Do you pre-treat the carpet?
This is an essential step in carpet cleaning that should never be ignored. Be wary of carpet cleaners who will not include this step in their cleaning process.
7. Will you pre-groom the carpet?
Pre-grooming is absolutely essential particularly on cut pile, plush pile or shag type carpets. This will not only elevate the carpet fibers so that the emulsifier can reach all sides, but it will also loosen and lift particulates prior to vacuuming and pretreatment.
8. Will you speed dry the carpet with air movers?
Ask for this step if you need to have the carpet dry quickly after deep steam or hot water cleaning, and your carpet has been wet extensively. This is especially important if your carpet is woven or tufted and is of dense pile construction. After this type of cleaning, the carpet should be completely dry in 4 to 6 hours.
9. Do you give a free bottle of spot remover?
Many good carpet cleaning companies will make this nice gesture to all their clients. The bottle of spot remover will sometimes have the company name and contact information imprinted on it, so this gesture brings along some serendipity.
10. Will you give a free pair of shoe covers?
Shoe covers are nice to have if you must walk on your carpet before it is completely dry.
11. Are you certified by the IICRC?
This is the premier organization for certification of carpet cleaners. Many carpet and rug manufacturers will only honor their warranty if your carpet is cleaned by a company certified by the IICRC.
12. How long have you been operating in this area?
13. What kind of guarantee do you offer on your services?
A good carpet cleaning company will not hesitate to offer a full guarantee on their services.
14. Is your cleaning environmentally friendly?
IF you need green cleaning, ask for it. Most of the better carpet cleaning companies will be able to provide this service. It may cost yo more, however.
Well, there you are. As always, it is usually wise to "look before you leap."
