What is the best method of carpet cleaning?

The simple answer: The one that makes you happy! However, according to most major carpet manufacturers, “steam”, or otherwise known as “extraction” cleaning, is by far the most widely recognized and approved method for carpet cleaning today (read the warranty agreements at you're local carpet supply store). This is because it is the only method that incorporates all the steps of complete cleaning; 1)dry particulate matter removal (vacuuming), 2)emulsification and soil suspension (fiber pre-conditioning…like presoaking your laundry), 3)pre-spotting (to remove various soil and stains categorically), 4) agitation & rinsing, 5) extraction and, 6) drying. If it sounds similar to how you wash your clothes, that’s because it is.

There are also dry methods that can provide acceptable levels of cleaning.  These include encapsulation cleaning and bonnet cleaning.

Encapsulation cleaning utilizes polymer technology in the cleaning solution.  When the solution is applied and agitated, it loosens the soil from the carpet fiber.  As the carpet dries, the polymers "encapsulate" the soil, which can then be vacuumed up with subsequent vacuumings.  The carpet is often dry within 15-30 minutes of cleaning.

Bonnet cleaning involves a system that essentially "wipes" the carpet fibers using bonnet pads and a buffing machine.  It can be combined with encapsulation's polymer technology to eliminate the problem of unrinsed residues.

Shampooing provides a great deal of agitation and soil suspension, but also a great deal of soap residue that can be difficult to rinse off, thus causing soil to adhere onto the fibers more readily.

And finally, there is “host”, or dry cleaning which utilizes tiny sponge-like particles designed to absorb soil and then get vacuumed out of the carpet. Quite frankly, you’re probably better off forgetting about the “sponges” and just vacuum your carpet!

How often should I have my carpet cleaned?

To best answer this question, you must first consider the following variables: How clean do you want your carpet to be, how quickly does your carpet get dirty, how often and how well is your carpet maintained between cleanings, and how long do you want your carpet to last. Obviously, these are questions only you can answer, but understanding the enemies of carpet wear, appearance and performance will help. While the shampoo soap residues of yesterday’s cleaning methods caused carpets to re-soil very rapidly, this no longer holds true today. In fact, your carpet’s worst enemy is the soil itself, due to the abrasive nature of it. Thus, frequent vacuuming (1 to 6 times / week), and frequent cleaning (1-4 times per year) will actually enhance the appearance and life of your carpeting significantly (again, refer to carpet manufacturer’s recommended maintenance procedures at your local carpet supply store).  Keep in mind, also, that a cleaner carpet is necessarily a healthier carpet as well.  The average carpet nearly doubles in weight over it's lifetime...that's alot of dust, dust mites, grime, decay and bacteria...and other gross stuff!  An extra cleaning a year can cost alot less than seeing the doctor!

How much should I expect to pay to have my carpets cleaned?

Now there’s a loaded question! But really, the old adage still holds true: “you get what you pay for!” To pay upwards of $0.40 per sq. ft. for a really good cleaning from an individual who is prompt, professional, courteous and experienced is not absurd. What is absurd is to think that anyone can receive that kind of service at $14.00 per room, or at $0.18 per sq. ft.! Ask yourself the following questions: Do you feel that the carpet cleaner you invite into your home should have adequate insurance coverage? Should they be licensed and pay their share of taxes? Should they pay their employees more than minimum wage? Should they use decent equipment, and chemicals that are safe for you and your family and not void your carpet’s warranty? According to Cleanfax Magazine (Jan, 2003), the average “legitimate” carpet cleaning company must take in a little over $100.00 per hour in the home just to stay afloat! Now, if someone tells you that they are going to clean your whole 3 bedroom house for $85.00, what should you expect to happen? That’s right, either its going to cost you a lot more than $85.00 before they leave, or it’s going to cost you a lot more than $85.00 after they leave, if you get my meaning.

What can I do to avoid getting stuck with a bad cleaning service?

Well, as we just discussed, the first step is to be prepared to pay a little more. I am as bad as anyone when it comes to wanting to get a good deal. We all want to feel we got at least what we paid for. But if you don’t want to get burned, avoid trying to get something for nothing…it just doesn’t happen in the everyday world.

Aside from this, virtually every good, reputable carpet cleaning company will have the following in common: They will be pleasant, they will be insured, they will have an ample supply of good, solid testimonials, they will be concerned with your satisfaction and will offer some kind of guarantee, they will have employees who are experienced and well trained, preferably IICRC certified, and they will have a good reputation in the community. When in doubt, ask for referrals that you can contact, and check with your local Chamber of Commerce and/or Better Business Bureau. Better yet, have them give you a free in home estimate so you can look them in the eye and feel them out.

What makes A Better Carpet Cleaner different from any other carpet cleaner?

Good question! Actually, more than you might think. What makes me similar to other reputable companies is the use of high quality cleaning equipment and supplies, having experience and adequate skills, and being genuinely concerned with your satisfaction. What makes me different is that I’m not just concerned with your satisfaction…I really do want you to SMILE when I’m done. I want you to be absolutely convinced that I really am A Better Carpet Cleaner for you. In fact, I have structured my whole business to accommodate each and every client by tailoring each job to meet the unique needs and expectations of every client. In addition to that, I have a great deal of experience dealing with special cleaning needs, from cleaning difficult fabrics like raw cottons, linen and silk, to removing those “impossible” stains, to cleaning in a way to help individuals with allergies or chemical sensitivities.

If you really want to know just what makes me different from other carpet cleaners, call me and have me clean for you. After all, I guarantee your SMILE, or it’s FREE!