Hi! My name is Jim England, one of the owners of CLEANTECH Carpet, Upholstery & Floor Cleaning. I'm grateful for the opportunity to provide you with information about carpet cleaning and help you choose a carpet cleaning company. I am an IICRC certified carpet and upholstery technician with training in carpet fibers, carpet construction, carpet inspection, soils and chemistry, and the latest fundamentals in the techniques of proper carpet and upholstery cleaning. My extensive training has included spot and stain removal, odor removal and control, as well as other areas of carpet care and protection.
I've learned that carpet cleaning is the subject of much confusion. In fact, people have so many misconceptions about carpet cleaning that I decided to offer this consumer education guide so when you select a carpet cleaning company, you can make an informed intelligent decision.
I'll share with you four costly misconceptions about carpet cleaning. Plus I'll offer four recommendations. And I'll give you seven questions you should ask a carpet cleaner before you invite him into your home.
Misconception #1: You should wait as long as possible before cleaning your carpet.
No. Dirt is an abrasive - like sandpaper. Every time you step on the carpet you grind dirt into your carpet fibers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you had used a knife causing it to wear out faster. A dirty carpet will not last nearly as long as a clean carpet. And while vacuuming helps -- by itself, it's simply not enough. The longer you wait to have your carpet cleaned, the more damage you do to your carpet and the faster it wears out.
Misconception #2: The only reason to clean carpets is to get out the dirt.
No. As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust -- and hundreds of other chemicals. When you and your family members come into your home, you carry those pollens, bacteria and chemicals in your hair and on your skin, clothing and shoes. Not surprisingly, all those chemicals, pollens and bacteria wind up -- you guessed it -- in your carpet.
If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems -- one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, chemicals and dust mites that live in your carpet. Dust mites are the most highly allergenic contaminant found indoors. Note: Dust mites are found in large quantities in mattresses and furniture too.
If you're sensitive to cigarette smoke you might find that you'll breathe easier after you hire a company to get those harmful chemicals out of your carpet.
So in addition to getting rid of dirt, another important reason to clean your carpet is to get rid of pollens, fungus, bacteria, chemicals and dust mites.
Misconception #3: Having the right equipment is all a company needs to clean your carpet properly.
Not true. Many companies own fancy equipment -- but a large number of there employees don't know how to use them. You probably know someone who bought the newest computer on the market -- but didn't learn how to use it for a year or more. The same is true with carpet cleaning machines. The company may own good equipment, but the employees may not know how to use it correctly or the company shortcuts the cleaning process to save time which results in a poor quality job. That is why it's important that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully.
The best carpet cleaning companies are those that have been certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, known as the IICRC. A carpet cleaning company cannot buy this certification. The carpet cleaner must earn the certification through study, experience and the successful completion of formal, written examinations. Cleaners who are certified by the IICRC 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.
Misconception #4: The company that offers the lowest price is the company you should hire.
Maybe -- but not always. Here are two important points to consider:
Point #1: The price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed. If you want the carpet cleaner to remove just the surface dirt you can choose from many companies that do that type of work, or you can even rent a machine at the grocery store and do the job yourself. On the other hand, if you want your carpets thoroughly deep cleaned and the removal of harmful dirt, pollens, chemicals, etc. then you need to hire a company that has the right equipment, the right cleaning process, the proper certification.
Point #2: The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many homeowners have learned that the low price they saw advertised was not the amount they were charged. Many people have learned the hard way that some carpet cleaners offer a cheap price and then pressure you into paying a lot more once they get inside your home. Like anything else you usually get what you pay for. You can find other carpet cleaners -- like me -- who work hard to earn your trust and respect.
If you're thinking about having your carpets cleaned, I offer these four recommendations:
Recommendation #1: Make a commitment to yourself to get your carpets cleaned. The longer they remain dirty, the sooner they'll wear out. Plus the longer you have to breathe all the pollens, fungus, chemicals and dust mites that live in your carpet.
Recommendation #2: List your objectives. Do you want your carpet to look just a little bit better, and only remove some of the dirt and none of the bacteria, fungus and chemical. You can rent a machine at the grocery store and accomplish that. To thoroughly clean your carpet and remove those stubborn stains, you will need the right cleaning agents and some very professional equipment and know how to use them. We use the most advanced cleaning agents which are totally safe for you and your family, along with the most advanced cleaning equipment made today. Do you want to work with an honest, reputable company -- or are you willing to risk working with the company that offers you the lowest price -- knowing that company might not be in business tomorrow.
Recommendation #3: Ask questions. The way you learn about a company is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to the answers. Here are the questions I suggest you ask:
- What method of carpet cleaning do you recommend?
- Do you pre-vacuum the carpet? (This is a very important first step.)
- How wet will my carpet be and how long before it will be dry?
- Do you apply a sanitizer and deodorizer at no extra charge. Our company does
- Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of commerce,or similar organization?
- Are you certified by the IICRC and will you show me your certification?
Recommendation #4: Once you're satisfied that you're working with a honest, competent professional, invite them into your home and ask for a specific quotation in writing. A written quotation gives you the assurance that you know exactly what the job will cost -- no surprises.
By following these four recommendations, you will gain all the information you need to make an informed, intelligent decision. If you want a quick, cheap carpet cleaning job many companies in the phone book can help you, or you can rent a shampooer and do the job yourself.
If you have any additional concerns/questions you can reach me in Battle Creek at 269/441-8631.
One last question that you should ask any carpet cleaning company you are considering - do you guarantee your work? Not all companies do.
Our companies guarantee is quite simple and quite specific - if it's not the best cleaning you've ever had, it's absolutely free - what could be more fair than that!