How not to get burned by a carpet cleaning company

Not all carpet cleaners are created equal

First of all, you need to do some research. Would you buy a car without looking at the different models and retailers available? Most consumers would not buy the first one because they saw it because they liked the color. A car is an expensive investment, so more research is needed to choose a car based on your lifestyle and budget, as well as its options and warranty. Just like a car is an expensive investment, so are carpets. You know that not all cars are the same. Some cars will get you where you want to go with style and performance, while others will just get you there. And just like there is a difference in quality between cars, there is also a difference between carpet cleaning companies.

In other words, buying the cheapest doesn’t mean you get the best deal. Consumers should look at the value of their purchases and not just the price. What method of carpet cleaning is used? Does the cleaner use top of the line cleaning equipment and solutions? Are you hiring an expert company that is certified in all areas of the carpet cleaning industry? Do you offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the level of service you have received? You should ask these questions when you call to find a carpet cleaning company. If you don’t, you risk voiding your carpet warranty.

So what should you look for in a carpet cleaning company?

1. Make sure the company uses the hot water extraction method from a truck mounted unit. This is the number one method recommended by leading carpet manufacturers. Use of any other method, such as dry chemistry, may void the warranty (see warranty for details). Hot water extraction provides the most thorough cleaning available, which not only improves cleaning results, but also cleans the carpet of dirt, harmful bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollen and tobacco residue. Some people believe that hot water damages the carpet, but this is not true. By washing and then rinsing your carpet with hot water, we clean your carpet thoroughly. How effective would it be to wash dirty and greasy dishes in cold water versus hot water?

2. The best carpet cleaning companies are those that have been certified by the Certification Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration, known as IICRC. A carpet cleaning company cannot purchase this certification. The carpet cleaner must become certified through study, experience, and successful completion of formal written exams. IICRC certified cleaners have, in effect, earned a degree in carpet cleaning. The IICRC provides written credentials to the companies it certifies. So before you choose a carpet cleaner, ask to see written proof of the company’s IICRC certification. To find an IICRC certified carpet cleaning company, you can call their referral line at 1-800-835-4624 or log on to the IICRC website: http://www.iicrc.org.

3. Make sure that the cleaning company guarantees its work in writing. Any reputable company will do it, but unfortunately, not all companies do. When you call a carpet cleaning company, ask what the cleaner will do if you’re not satisfied with the job. If he doesn’t try to correct the problem or refund his money, all he can do is hope that the results of the work will be to his liking. Stop expecting good results and look for a cleanser that guarantees your results.

4. Verify that the business is licensed, bonded, and insured. You can request proof of these credentials before hiring a cleaning company. Don’t assume that because a company is doing business, it is licensed and insured. Hiring a company without these credentials is taking a big risk.

Breathe better with clean carpets

A carpet that has been rid of dirt, stains, and debris is an important aspect of cleaning your carpets. But more important than appearance are the effects carpet cleaning has on you and your family’s health. Outdoor air contains hundreds of chemicals such as pollen, fungi, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and many others. When you and your family members enter your home, you carry these pollens, bacteria, and chemicals in your hair and on your skin, clothes, and shoes. Not surprisingly, all those chemicals, pollens, and bacteria end up on your carpet. If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory problems, one of the main sources of your problem could be pollen, fungi, and chemicals in your carpet.

You may be able to breathe easier after hiring a company to remove those harmful chemicals from your carpet. So, in addition to getting rid of dirt, another important reason to clean your carpet is to get rid of pollen, fungus, bacteria, chemicals, and tars and residue from tobacco smoke.

Consistency is key

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how to choose a carpet cleaner and why your carpets should be cleaned, the next question is how often? Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, recommends having your carpets professionally cleaned every 12 months. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends cleaning your carpets more often if you have children, pets, or smokers in the home.

“Carpets and fabrics that are not properly cleaned and maintained have the potential to cause a variety of health problems within the building environment,” said Michael Berry, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), former deputy director of the Office of Assessment and EPA Environmental Criteria.

Seven questions to ask any carpet cleaner before you invite them into your home

1. What method of carpet cleaning do you use?

2. What type of equipment do you use to clean carpets?

3. What does your team remove from my carpet?

4. How often should I clean my rugs?

5. What training have you had in carpet cleaning?

6. Are you IICRC certified and will you show me your certificate?

7. Do you guarantee your work?