Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do to prepare to have my carpets cleaned?  

Please removed any loose impediments and vacuum thoroughly, especially along walls and under furniture to be moved. Though we use a non abrasive vacuum system (no brush), embedded hair and debris that are meshed into the fibers may remain. If you are having us move furniture, the carpet underneath needs to be vacuumed prior to our arrival as well or extra charges will apply for us to do so. In the event you are having us move furniture, all contents and breakables need to be removed from the surfaces. All toys and clothing need to be removed from the floors. Typically, most people have us clean the open areas of the project (about 98% of the time around beds, large dressers, hutchs...) after moving these small miscellaneous items and are back to normal within a few hours of the cleaning. The rest typically just need a good vacuuming. We realize there are many exceptions though…

Do I need to remove the furniture?

It is very helpful if you are able to remove as many small pieces as possible. Larger pieces can remain and if you choose to have us move them, they will be protected from the carpet with plastic strips or foam pads after the area is both vacuumed and cleaned underneath. However, the larger pieces must be completely empty. Some pieces may be too heavy to elevate off the carpet with the foam pads.

Can we walk on the carpets after cleaning?

Yes - The carpets will be ready for immediate use following cleaning. It’s a good idea to wear shoes and walk sure-footed while carpets are allowed to dry. A towel should be placed on any hard floors that transition from carpeted areas and used to dry your shoes before stepping on the hard surface.

How long does it take for my carpet to dry?

Usually the dry time is between 4 to 8 hours depending on density and need for carpet guard.

What cleaning process do you use?

Truck Mounted Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning). This is the method required by the manufacturers to uphold their warranties. All other methods WILL void them. Steam Cleaning has proven to reverse damage from the other cleaning methods and restores resiliency of the fiber that keeps carpets original look, feel, and texture when properly maintained per manufacturer warranty guidelines.

Is your process safe for children and pets?

Absolutely! No matter if you are having you furniture cleaned, your carpet cleaned, or your stone floor restored, all materials and surfaces will be residue free upon completion. The product line we use is state of the art and all detergents we use are compatible with one another, therefore, NO TOXIC MISTAKES. In the 24 years we’ve been in business, and having dealt with people that are extremely sensitive to chemicals, not once have my customers been in a compromised situation in regards to our cleanings.

Does Scotchgard really work?

Yes! It’s fabulous! ALL manufacturers apply their version of protection from the factory as the carpet is being made. The reason we reapply it is due to the fact that it ages like anything else and becomes oxidized from the sun, or gets brittle and starts cracking, or starts to wear off with abrasion. Reapplication is a good preventative and restorative measure that will minimize future possible damage that will add longevity to your investment.

What about my carpet warranty?

Truck Mounted Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) is the ONLY cleaning method recognized by carpet manufacturer’s warranty guidelines. Also, the cleaning must be performed by an IICRC Certified firm or technician, or the carpet warranty will become void. The reason for this is the manufacturers have determined that the other cleaning methods; dry cleaning (or absorbent pad\bonnet cleaning), dry foam, shampooing, and absorbent compound (host system) are not able to extract the dirt and other particulates sufficiently, leading to fiber abrasion. 

If steam cleaning is so good, why do other methods exist?

At 40 years old, the carpet cleaning industry is relatively new. In that time we have seen a lot of methods come and go: First came carpet shampooing with the Kirby vacuum cleaner, then portable steam cleaners, then in the drought years the start of so-called dry cleaning methods took hold. Thankfully, carpet shampooing in the residential market is a thing of the past (The Von Schrader shampoo method is still the preferred method for larger hotels and casino’s).   Portable steam cleaning machines were riddled with so many inadequacies that they made carpet manufacturers look for something different. These machines were not able to produce enough power for proper extraction and the detergents weren’t compatible with rinsing, leaving residues behind causing premature soiling. These underpowered portables also left carpets so wet they caused delimitation of the backing (partly operator error). Dry methods, such as Chem-Dry, were invented to cope with water rationing during draught years. The carpet manufacturers found them to just redistribute soil and were only capable of light surface cleaning. Also, “Bonnet Cleaning” (another name for Chem-Dry) equipment is a cheap way to start a carpet cleaning business. Many start-ups choose it because of the ability to offer a method that dries within an hour or two is enticing to consumers. The problem, and the reason it dries so quickly, is that it's only contacting the surface of the carpet and not cleaning to the bottom of the fibers. In addition, “Bonnet” cleaning can void the manufacturer’s warranty because of the abrasive nature of this method. The tops of the fibers were literally being stripped off, causing fraying and pre-mature traffic patterns. Those that are looking to stay in business are having to go to the expense of buying truck-mounted cleaning equipment and educate themselves in proper cleaning methods. We are sure to see dry cleanings demise in the near future. The manufacture of high powered truck-mounted steam cleaners has revolutionized the cleaning processes. High power and high heat, coupled with improved chemistry of the detergents, stepped up to produce the safest and most effective cleaning method that the carpet manufacturers are now recommending it as the preferred method to uphold their warranty.