You can rent carpet cleaners at supermarkets and big-box stores. Professionals have expensive equipment for hot-water extraction cleaning, which agitates and loosens dirt and stains from the fibers.
It’s important to vacuum and perform spot treatments on spills and stains to prevent them from becoming set-in, but regular deep cleaning of wall-to-wall carpet keeps them looking fresh. It also preserves manufacturer warranties and extends the life of the rug. Contact Carpet Cleaning Orem now!
When it comes to choosing a carpet cleaner, a little “home-work” on the front end can save you a lot of time, money and headaches down the road. It’s all about picking the right company the first time around to avoid paying for the same service twice. It only takes a few simple tips to make your choice, and you’ll be well on your way to crystal clean carpets without the hassle.
- Check customer reviews.
A simple Google search for the name of the company will give you a quick look at their reputation. If there are multiple negative reviews, it’s probably best to keep looking for a different company. However, if you find many positive reviews, it’s likely that the company is reliable and does good work.
- Ask the company about their pricing.
If you choose a company that offers three rooms for $99, it may be tempting to book that deal immediately. But be wary that this type of pricing is often a bait and switch. These companies lure you in with the low price and then try to up-sell you on more expensive services once they get inside your home. An honest carpet cleaning business will break down their prices over the phone and won’t have any hidden fees.
- Check the company’s insurance.
If something goes wrong during the cleaning process, it will be a relief to know that you’re covered. Make sure that the company you hire has liability and property damage insurance to protect you. Also, look for a company that clearly marks their vehicles so you can be sure they’re genuine before letting them into your home.
Another important tip is to find out if the company uses environmentally friendly chemicals. Some companies use harsh chemicals that can leave behind dirt-attracting residue and may even be hazardous to your family or pets. The better companies use green products that are safe for the environment and your family. If you see that a company only uses chemicals, be sure to ask how they will remove them completely after the job is done.
Preparation
Many people are surprised to learn that they need to do some prep work before their professional carpet cleaner arrives. They may think that this is a silly thing to ask of the professionals, but the truth is that they need some help to do their job as well as they can. It is important to clear the area around your carpets and rugs to avoid any sort of mess.
The process usually starts with pre-vacuuming to remove the majority of dirt and debris from the surface. This will also improve the effectiveness of any subsequent cleaning methods. In some cases, your carpet cleaner will apply a pre-treatment solution that loosens embedded dirt and stains. This solution is sometimes agitated with a brush for greater effect.
Once the pre-treatment is applied, it needs some time to set. This gives the technician a chance to work on any areas that they pointed out during their initial inspection. They may even use a stronger solution to treat particularly stubborn or deep stains.
It is also a good idea to move any bulky furniture to another location during this time. This will save you the hassle of having to rearrange your things afterward, and it will allow them to work more efficiently. Removing any furniture will also make it easier for the carpet to dry completely, which is a crucial step in getting the best results from the process.
Lastly, you will need to put away any valuables and breakable items. This includes fine china, glassware, and any other fragile items. These can get damaged or broken by the powerful cleaning equipment used in the process. It is important to secure them in a safe place before the carpet cleaners arrive.
It is also a good idea to discuss your cleaning preferences and any other issues that you have with the technicians before they begin. This can prevent any misunderstandings or disagreements that might occur once the cleaning is underway. In addition, you can also ask them any questions that you have about the process.
Cleaning
Carpet adds warmth and comfort to a home, but it requires routine cleaning to maintain appearance and sanitary conditions. Dirty carpets trap odours and germs, which can cause respiratory issues and can also contribute to the growth of mold. Professional carpet cleaners use advanced equipment to remove stains and deep dirt from the fibers. They use different processes to clean various types of carpeting, including hot water extraction, shampooing, and dry cleaning. They can also sanitize and deodorize the carpets to ensure they are healthy for children and pets.
The carpet cleaning process starts with preconditioning. This involves spraying an alkaline solution, such as an ammonia-based detergent for synthetic carpets or a mild acidic solution of dilute acetic acid for woollen carpets, onto the carpet. Then, the solution is agitated with a grooming brush or an automatic scrubbing machine. A pressurized manual or automated wand then passes over the surface to rinse away the preconditioner, residue, and particulates.
Homeowners can achieve similar results without renting a commercial steam cleaner by using a homemade solution and a scrub brush. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a bucket or small container, dip the brush into the solution, and scrub. Work in a circular motion, and don’t fully saturate the carpeting. Scrub vigorously to lift and loosen stains and grime. After scrubbing, use dry towels to blot the area to remove excess moisture.
Another way to keep carpets in good condition is to vacuum daily. A powerful vacuum cleaner can reduce the build-up of dust, dirt, and other allergens that will damage and deteriorate the fabric over time. Changing the furnace filter frequently and having the ducts cleaned at least once a year will also help prevent dust and dirt from settling in and being blown into the carpeting.
Regular carpet cleaning will extend the life of the carpet and help it look newer for longer. Vacuuming twice a week, immediately treating spills and stains, and having the carpet professionally cleaned every six months will prevent permanent damage and make the carpets last much longer.
Drying
Once the carpet is cleaned, it must be dried properly to prevent mold and other issues. A professional carpet cleaner will use a moisture meter to ensure the area is completely dry before reinstalling the carpet, and can also use an infrared camera to find hidden moisture pockets in the structure or walls. You can help speed up the drying process by opening windows and running fans to create airflow throughout your home, which reduces humidity levels and speeds up the evaporation of water.
If your carpet is flooded, it is especially important to follow proper drying methods. Wet carpeting is an ideal breeding ground for mold, which can be aggravated by any wet cleaning process. You should also remove any furniture from the affected area to allow for proper air circulation and drying.
To begin the drying process, first vacuum up as much water as possible using a shop vac. You should also soak up excess water with towels and blot the area until they are saturated. Keep replacing the towels as needed, and be sure to blot both the surface of the carpet and the pad. After blotting, you can place fans around the affected area to increase airflow and speed up the drying process.
Depending on the source and purity of the water, it may be necessary to consult with a professional who is certified in water damage restoration. This can be especially true if you have Category 3 water, which is considered grossly unsanitary and contains harmful pathogens. When hiring a water restoration professional, look for one who is certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), as this will ensure that they have access to equipment and products that the organization approves. It also helps maintain any warranty you have on your carpets.
There are many different drying methods used in the carpet cleaning industry, and the method you choose depends on the situation and the severity of the flooding. However, a few of the most popular drying processes include: