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Daily vacuuming is the most important carpet cleaning activity, but deep extraction cleaning must be performed to remove stubborn or embedded soil. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends that carpet be dry- or wet-extraction cleaned a minimum of every 12 or 18 months before it shows soiling.
Use a carpet cleaning method recommended by the carpet manufacturer to maintain their warranty. A carpet cleaning professional may be hired or carpet cleaning equipment may be purchased or rented for do-it-yourself cleaning.
DIY Carpet Cleaning
Do-it-yourself carpet cleaning may be an economical choice between professional cleanings. For any do-it-yourself cleaning method, the following points are critical.
- Always pre-vacuum to remove as much dry soil as possible.
- Follow instructions carefully!
Consider the following precautions when selecting a wet carpet cleaning method.
- Remove furniture from the room before cleaning or, if impractical, place plastic film under and around the legs of chairs, tables and other furniture to prevent rust or furniture stains from developing on the carpet.
- Use only the recommended cleaning solution strength. Stronger than recommended solutions may cause accelerated resoiling. Rinse all detergent from the carpet to prevent accelerated resoiling.
- Do not overwet the carpet. Overwetting may cause separation of the backing, separation of the seams, shrinkage, discoloration, and odor.
- The carpet should be dry within 12 hours. Provide proper ventilation or use fans to quickly dry the carpet and exhaust any existing solution-related fragrances.
- Allow the carpet to dry completely before walking on it.
Professional Carpet Cleaning Services
Consider the services of a carpet cleaning professional before your carpet and rugs begin to show soil. Allowing carpet and rugs to become excessively soiled will make cleaning more difficult and will shorten its useful life.
Recommendations can be obtained from satisfied friends, carpet retailers, the Better Business Bureau, and local business groups for reliable, certified cleaning professionals in your area. Choose a carpet cleaning professional who is properly trained for the following services.
Prior to using the following services, you may wish to contact the carpet manufacturer to prevent voiding warranties:
- Carpet Re-dyeing (color repair)
- Fire and Water Damage Restoration (For water damage, follow guidelines in The Clean Trust Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration S500-94)
- In-plant Cleaning (for rugs)
- Odor Control (nuisance odors such as: mildew, tobacco, and pet)
- Repairs, Restretching, Reinstalling
- Spot Removal
- Topical Treatments (soil-removal and stain-resist treatments)
Determine the amount and type of carpet cleaning services needed by having a representative of the cleaning firm come to your home to make a visual inspection. The carpet cleaning professional can inspect the carpet for problem stains or excessively soiled areas that may require additional attention. Obtain a written agreement for all work to be performed. Under normal circumstances there should be no extra charge for activities such as moving furniture, preconditioning, and routine spot and stain removal.
Beware of pricing that is "too good to be true." Professionals charge only for services that are authorized in writing before cleaning begins. Most carpet cleaning is based on the total number of square feet to be cleaned. Many firms do have cleaning specials; however, pricing by the room or low prices quoted over the phone may have hidden restrictions or mandatory add-ons. A reliable firm will tell you the steps that they are going to use to clean your carpet and provide a written agreement before the work is started. Should you question the need for any required add-ons, contact the carpet manufacturer for assistance.
