If you have ever had your carpets cleaned in the past, then you may have likely run into problems. This is because you aren’t informed enough to make sure you make the best decision. Perhaps you even attempted to professionally clean them yourselves. Instead, pay close attention to the following helpful advice to get you started.
You should always find out if your carpet cleaning company offers a money back guarantee. This is very useful since you may not always be satisfied with the job that was done. Most companies that offer this type of policy work harder because they do not want to end up giving out multiple refunds.
Urine stains can be hard to clean. The best way to get rid of these stains is to apply a damp and lukewarm towel on the stain to absorb the urine. Apply a urine cleaning detergent to the area before rinsing with more lukewarm water. Read the instructions on the detergent before using it.
If you are thinking about having your carpets professionally cleaned, call around to a few different companies. Ask about any specials they are currently running such as multiple room discounts, or your first carpeted room free. Some companies will do one free room, in hopes that you will hire them for additional rooms.
Do your best to protect your carpet. Always remember to remove your shoes before entering your living room and do not hesitate to place a rug over the most traveled areas of your home. If you have a hard time keeping your carpet clean, consider replacing it with some linoleum.
Find out what types of chemicals are used. Before your carpet cleaning appointment arrives, make sure you know what is going to be used in your home. Some cleaning chemicals are potentially harmful, both to the environment and people with sensitive respiratory systems. You should always make sure that the products being used in your home meet your approval.
When thinking of hiring a cleaning company to clean the carpets in your home, check to make sure they have a valid business license. Some companies believe that because carpet cleaning is unskilled labor, they do not have to have a license to operate a business. This can come back to haunt you if there is an issue with the work they do in your home.
Ask for an estimate before you have any carpet cleaning done in your home. Some companies run specials, but may have a fine print clause. Some companies clean by room size. Talk to any company you are considering and find out all the costs involved so you do not get a surprise when it comes time to pay.
Renting a steam cleaner is a great way to keep your carpet clean. Most major stores have steam cleaners that can be borrowed or rented. Plan on renting a steam cleaner two or three times a year to clean your carpet thoroughly, or rent one if you are having a hard time getting rid of a stain.
Create a shampoo of warm water and vinegar for your carpet. This is a much cheaper alternative to actual cleaning products and they get you better results. Mix equal parts of each liquid and scrub it into the carpet with a sponge. You’ll be happy with the result.
The best way to clean an area rug is to move it outside onto a deck or clean tarp. Use a small carpet shampoo machine and go over the rug at least two times. Allow the rug to air dry completely before moving it back indoors. This method can only be used in warm, dry weather.
Ask the cleaning company, whether or not their employees undergo routine training. Good businesses will have procedures in place to ensure that their technicians continue getting the education they need to excel at the business. If a company can’t or won’t answer this question, that should be a huge warning sign to you.
Invest in a high-end vacuum. Most vacuums are very weak and cannot do what is necessary to remove dirt, dander and fur from your carpets. While they can be very expensive, the money you will save in not having to replace your carpets as frequently will cause the vacuum to pay for itself.
Always have a chemical stain remover, baking soda, vinegar and table salt available to clean up stains immediately. This will make the process of professional cleaning go much smoother down the line. Let this sit without rubbing it for five minutes. If removing stains yourself does not work, you can always hire a professional service to help you out.
Remove candle wax or gum from the carpet by using an ice cube to get the substance as hard as possible. Then scrap and pick the hardened substance from the carpet with your fingers. You may need to use a vacuum cleaner wand to apply enough suction to get the small pieces out of the carpet fibers.
Find out what type of cleaning method is used by the carpet cleaning company before you sign any contracts. If you have difficult stains, you will want to opt for a steam cleaning, while surface stains can be eliminated with a dry cleaning. If a company offers both, ask the person who comes to give you a consultation what they recommend.
Try using acrylic paint to fix your carpet if you have caused damage to it from the use of a harsh chemical. Most carpets are made from synthetic materials, so this could very well blend into the affected area, making the damage far less noticeable. Do your best to match the color so that you can have the best results.
You should now be headed in the right direction when it comes to choosing a company to clean your carpets. You can’t just choose a company without proper knowledge and investigation and expect that everything goes smoothly. Instead, use what you have learned to help you figure it out and get the job done correctly.