What to Ask When Hiring a Carpet Cleaner
Hiring a professional carpet cleaner is essential to maintaining the longevity and appearance of your carpets. However, not all carpet cleaners are created equal, and there are several critical questions you should ask to ensure you hire the right service. Below are key aspects and questions to consider:
Cleaning Process
- What cleaning methods do you offer? Today, carpet cleaners offer a variety of cleaning methods, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, is widely recommended by carpet manufacturers as the best method to clean your carpet thoroughly without voiding its warranty. It’s particularly important for newer carpets, where an annual steam cleaning is often necessary to maintain the warranty.
- Can you explain the chemicals and products used in your cleaning process? Understanding the chemicals and products used is crucial because some cleaning agents can leave residues that attract dirt, making your carpet get dirty faster and potentially damaging its fibers. Residual soap can lead to an oily feel on the carpet, indicating that the cleaning process was not thorough. A reputable cleaner should be able to explain their products and ensure they use residue-free solutions.
- How do you handle high-traffic areas? High-traffic areas are prone to more wear and dirt, and even with proper cleaning, they may never look the same as less-used areas. Ask how the cleaner treats these areas and what steps they take to minimize wear and tear. This could include using pre-treatment solutions or specialized cleaning techniques.
- What is your procedure if the carpet feels oily or sticky after cleaning? If the carpet feels oily, it suggests that not all the cleaning solution has been extracted. A professional cleaner should offer a follow-up service to re-clean these areas and ensure all residues are removed.
Cleaning Warranty or Guarantee
- Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your cleaning services? A warranty or guarantee is crucial, especially for addressing persistent issues like pet odors. If a service does not offer a guarantee, you might need to find another company if problems arise after the initial cleaning. A strong guarantee demonstrates the company’s confidence in their services and their commitment to customer satisfaction.
- How do you handle issues like “wicking”? Wicking occurs when dirt from beneath the carpet rises to the surface during drying, leaving the carpet discolored and hard. This can result from improper pH balancing during the cleaning process or excessive dirt under the carpet. Ask if the cleaner uses acidic sprays or other treatments to counteract wicking and if this service is included in their warranty.
- What steps do you take to ensure proper pH balance in the carpet fibers? Proper pH balance is essential to prevent discoloration and damage to carpet fibers. A professional cleaner should be knowledgeable about the pH levels of their cleaning solutions and how to balance them correctly during the cleaning process.
Additional Considerations
- Are you certified and insured? Certification from recognized bodies such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) indicates that the cleaner has undergone rigorous training and adheres to industry standards. Insurance protects you in case of accidental damage during the cleaning process.
- Can you provide references or reviews from previous customers? Customer reviews and references offer insight into the quality of service you can expect. Look for consistent positive feedback and any patterns of complaints that might be a red flag.
- What is your pricing structure, and what services are included? Understand the pricing structure and what services are included in the quote. Some companies may offer low initial prices but add extra charges for services like deep cleaning, stain removal, or moving furniture.
- How do you handle furniture and room preparation? Ask if the cleaner will move furniture and how they handle fragile items. Some companies include this in their service, while others may charge extra. Ensure that proper measures are taken to protect your furniture and other belongings.
5. What is the expected drying time for the carpet? Knowing the expected drying time helps you plan accordingly. A reputable cleaner should provide you with an estimated drying time and tips to speed up the process, such as using fans or opening windows.