Posted by Eric Schlaubach on Tue, Jan 12, 2010 @ 09:09 AM
How do you find a carpet cleaning company? Is your decision based on price, quality, reputation, or word of mouth? All are great things to consider when selecting a carpet cleaning company to enter your home or business.
Like anything, research is necessary to determine the best fit for you. Personally, I live by the motto, you get what you pay for, and with that in mind I will pay a little extra to make sure I get the best service. The phrase, getting it done the first time, seems to be leaving many companies' business practices.
Steamatic by Carrara Companies offers a unique process when it comes to carpet cleaning. Our patented process has a proven track record of getting your carpets cleaned, without the use of harsh chemicals. When cleaning, the hotter the water, the better the result. When you wash your dishes, you automatically know to use hot water, as it cleans easily and kills germs and bacteria. Carpet is the same - the hotter the water the better the clean, because every 15 degrees increase in water temperature doubles the cleaning power.
Most carpet cleaning companies use a system wherein water leaves the truck and travels through hoses to the carpet cleaning wand. Once the water leaves the machine, the temperature may be 212 degrees, but by the time it travels to the wand the temperature has significantly decreased. The Steamatic difference is our re-circulating system for the hot water. This means the hot water flows to the wand, and then is sent back to the truck to be reheated. When the steam touches the carpet, it is the same temperature as when it left the truck - 212 degrees.
With our patented system, Steamatic is a GREEN cleaning company for the simple fact less chemical is needed. When selecting a carpet cleaning company make sure you feel comfortable about them sticking by their word, and performing at the level you expect.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, Mar 18, 2009 @ 09:03 AM
There are some spills, pet stains, tracked-in dirt, and/or other messes that just cannot be cleaned as a do-it-yourself job. Jumping on the Internet or skimming through the yellow pages becomes the next course of action when attempting to rid your carpet of those unsightly eyesores. When choosing carpet cleaning companies, here are some important tips to remember:
- Use caution if a company has not been in business for a long time or guarantees an advertised price for a certain area. Most of the franchise carpet cleaning companies will provide you with a quick estimate based on the description of the room, but they will not emphatically state what the price will be outright.
- The use of a brand name cleaning product does not guarantee affiliation with the product's manufacturer.
- Ensure the company is certified either by CRI and/or IICRC, as these organizations require ethical standards be held to use their certifications.
- If the company is not willing to provide a written estimate, or send a representative out to inspect the areas prior to cleaning, then they should be avoided at all costs.
- Ask what processes are used in carpet cleaning, and make sure they are backed by a guarantee.
- It may be best to move any important furniture or breakables yourself, prior to the process start.
- When the job is complete, ensure the final bill matches what was quoted. If any extra work was conducted, the project manager or representative present should have explained thoroughly prior to conducting the work.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Tue, Feb 10, 2009 @ 08:05 AM
When you talk to someone about carpet cleaning, the only consistent people are professional carpet cleaners. Everyone has their own method for maintaining their carpets, however, some fail where others succeed - even when following the exact same steps. While some start carpet maintenance with vacuuming, it is also where most people stop.
Make a plan for maintaining your carpets, and understand the best thing is to vacuum every other day, if not every day. This will assist in removing a lot of allergens, dust and dirt, which can accumulate on a daily basis. Move your furniture around in high traffic areas to prevent shading and excessive buildup of dirt.
Never underestimate the power of water - especially hot water. The hotter the water, the better the cleaning, and detergents will not be needed. When asked, some will recommend a dry chemical offered by companies such as Amway, Home Depot, Sears, etc. However, they may not always be the best carpet cleaning solution. Some detergents may cause discoloration or even damage the fibers in the carpet, thus limiting the life of the carpet. Nothing beats water over 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and it will also not leave behind any residue children or pets may ingest.
If you do choose to use carpet cleaners to remove a spot stain, make sure you know two things. First, the type of carpet, and second the type of stain. Water-soluble stains only require a mild detergent or solution, and are blotted - never scrubbed. For heavier stains, make sure the solvent solution used is safe to use on the carpet. When in doubt, call a professional carpet cleaner and have them remove it.
In the end, to ensure your carpet's longevity and looks, it is recommended to have your carpets cleaned annually - or better, semi-annually. With the right plan and proper care, you can maintain your carpets while keeping your costs down and your family safe.