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How Our Process Works
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What is the difference between steam and dry cleaning, and which is better?
Steam cleaning is a deeper, more penetrating cleaning method. It works particularly effectively on heavily soiled carpet. It uses detergent and water, so it is nontoxic and biodegradable – and completely safe for humans as well as pets. A dry cleaning method uses a bonneting system and an odorless solvent. This only cleans the top 1/4 inch of the fibers. Most of today’s carpet manufacturers recommend steam cleaning, reserving dry cleaning for appearance upkeep between regular steam cleaning.
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My carpet looked great after they cleaned it. A couple days later the spots came back, what happened?
Wicking: just like a kerosene lamp works, something gets spilled and goes through the backing into the pad. During the cleaning process the substance is removed from the carpet fibers but remains in the padding. This substance can “wick” its way back up through the backing into the carpet. Usually, a repeat spot cleaning (which we do at no additional charge if we are notified within a week) will take care of the problem. On rare occasions that particular area of padding will need to be replaced.
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Am I required to be present while my carpets are being cleaned?
It is not necessary that you are home while we are cleaning your carpets, we are specially trained professionals whom you can trust. It is ideal that you be present before we start so that we may discuss any specific areas of concern regarding the cleaning and care of your carpet.
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How long will it take to clean my carpets?
It will take approximately 10 – 30 minutes per area to thoroughly clean your carpets, this time may vary greatly depending upon if there is any furniture to be moved or spot removal treatments needed.
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Can you guarantee to get out all stains?
Unfortunately, no one can make that promise. Our technicians can look at your spotted carpet and give you their professional opinion. Because of their expertise most normal soiling usually comes clean, but some spots may not release depending on type or source. Some examples:
- Kool Aid or juice, due to dyes they may contain
- Water stains (usually permanent)
- Bleach (permanent)
- Coffee and pop (sometimes)
- Anything adhesive such as gum
- Varnish (usually permanent)
- Non-water-soluble liquids like grease or oil
- Some body oils
Note: If the spots consist of Kool Aid, adhesive or grease/oil, alternative methods may be tried such as heat transfers or different solvents, but there is an extra charge quoted by the tech at the time of service. Pricing depends on the type of spots, size of area, and what needs to be done. However, there are still no guarantees on these types of stains.
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What are the steps that I can expect a certified professional to take when cleaning my carpet?
Dry Soil Removal – Thorough vacuuming using an upright vacuum with brush agitation and a high-efficiency, double-lined, collection bag, or a final filter to remove up to 99 percent of particles.
Soil Suspension – This involves the application of properly specified, formulated and mixed preconditioning agents designed to separate soil from fibers. There are four fundamentals involved in soil suspension: application of preconditioning chemicals; using heat or temperature to speed chemical reactions; agitation for proper chemical distribution, and providing dwell time so that chemical reactions can be completed before soil extraction is attempted. The acronym “CHAT” makes the fundamentals of soil suspension easy to remember.
Soil Extraction – Any method of cleaning must physically remove soils if it is to be successful. Soil removal takes place with absorption, wet vacuuming, rinsing and even dry vacuuming. The most common method for soil removal among professionals is hot water extraction.
Grooming, as necessary – Grooming has little to do with physical soil removal; however, it is needed to eliminate pile distortion and matting, to properly distribute additives, such as carpet protectors, and to create an even appearance for your inspection.
Drying – Damp carpet resoils rapidly, creates potential for slip-fall problems and ultimately, can grow bacteria with associated odor.
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I have four areas but they equal less than 500 square feet. Can you count that as two areas?
We charge by the area, not by the square foot. Any one area that exceeds 250 square feet counts as two areas. Halls, baths, and walk in closets are each considered one area. They are high traffic areas and are usually more soiled.
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What do you consider an area or room?
Any one area and or room is any single purpose area and or room up to 250 Sq. feet. Combination rooms and great rooms count as two areas. Hallways, walk in closets, and bedrooms each count as a separate room. Stairways are calculated by step.
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Can you clean my area rugs?
YES! we can clean your area rugs we just cannot leave your rug to dry on the carpet. We will have to find a hard surface in the home or a clean space outside so that your rug can properly dry.
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How long will it take to dry?
Your carpets will be dry to the touch in one or two hours. On average, they will be completely dry in six-to-eight hours. But we ask that you leave any “plastic tabs” or “blocks” under your furniture for 48 hours.
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Will you move my furniture?
Yes. But we can’t move china cabinets, pianos, sectional sofas, computer equipment, entertainment centers, antique furniture, fragile furniture, and other heavy pieces of furniture. We will clean under anything we can reach and right up to anything we can’t move.
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How often should I clean my carpets?
In low-traffic areas, carpets can go 12 to 18 months between cleanings, but high-traffic areas may need to be professionally cleaned on a quarterly basis. Households with pets, smokers, children and a good amount of foot traffic should have their carpets professionally cleaned two to four times each year.
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