CARPET CLEANING

Good quality carpet cleaning combined with regular vacuuming will keep your carpet looking like new and give you many years of use and enjoyment. When choosing a carpet cleaning method, always follow your manufacturer’s instructions for care and cleaning.

HIRING A PROFESSIONAL

First, you should know what your carpet is made of. As a general rule of thumb, avoid using strong acids and highly alkaline cleaners to clean your carpet. Mild cleaners with a ph close to neutral will prolong the look and life of your carpet. It is also a good idea to avoid excessive heat and excessive agitation. Carpets that have silks or leather will need to be cleaned with a dry cleaning method and are best done by professionals. Most other carpeting is done with wet extraction methods.

When calling to hire a professional, inquire as to the cost per square foot and/or what the cost per room will be. Let them know what type of carpeting you have and inquire as to the method they will be using to clean your carpets. Make sure their method is what your carpet manufacturer recommends. Your carpet professional should be experienced and insured.

A carpet cleaning professional can do much more than just clean your carpet. Call them for help with water damage, fire damage, carpet dyeing, carpet repairs and patching.

DO-IT-YOURSELF CARPET CLEANING

Purchasing or renting a carpet cleaning machine that employs the method recommended by your carpet manufacturer can be a big money saver over hiring a professional. Follow these steps when choosing to clean your carpets yourself:

• Remove all furniture from the room. If some furniture can’t be moved, place plastic under the legs of furniture to keep them dry.
• Vacuum the carpet thoroughly.
• Follow the recommended carpet shampoo dilution ratio and strength. Err on the side of keeping the carpet shampoo mild. Too much shampoo will leave the carpet sticky and will attract dirt.
• Rinse carpet thoroughly after cleaning by using clean water in your carpet machine.
• Allow carpet to dry completely before walking on it or moving furniture back into the room. Drying can be accelerated by opening windows or using fans.
• Vacuum carpet thoroughly after it is completely dry.