Carpet
Cleaning Do It Yourself
Q & A with Sunset Carpet Cleaning Portland
Answers by
Sunset Carpet Cleaning
"I would always ask about referrals and if they have a list of what they do to prepare your carpets for cleaning, and what type of system do they use..... "
Sunset Carpet Cleaning Questions and Answers
Is there truly a difference in what type of carpet you clean?
There is definitely a difference in what type of carpet is being cleaned and what level can be extracted. For example; Berber carpets tend to clean very well but normally have reappearing stains in the next few days after they are cleaned. Also, the frieze type of carpet can hold moisture so it must be cleaned a lower psi and done over more frequently or have an air mover readily available to dry after it has been completely cleaned. So there are differences and those should be addresses at the initial phone conversation with customer or when an estimate is being done.What is the normal dry time after the carpets are cleaned?
Typically, if there is ventilation in the room or it is a warm day, anywhere from 3-6 hrs depending on what type of carpet and conditions. There are some systems that don't use steam cleaning and never get the carpets wet.Can all Stains be removed?
That is the million dollar question and the difference between a happy customer and a dissatisfied one. Of course there are permanent stains that can never be removed and should be addressed by your carpet cleaning professional once he looks at it. Pet urine stains, any type of artificially colored stains and many others are nearly impossible to remove but can be lightened. Stain kits are available to remove these stains but once again there are factors involved as far as longevity of the stain, volume and carpet color as well.Is it better to have your carpet steam cleaned or chemically dry cleaned?
That is an opinion type question and I have found that steam cleaning is both a surface cleaner and a deep penetrating cleaner. It can remove surface stains and also deep clean down into the carpet pad where bacteria and other stains can linger. Definitely ask both carpet cleaning professionals for the advantages and disadvantages of both.Is it better to get an estimate over the phone or in person?
Always get someone to look at your carpets in person. There are too many factors involved in cleaning that cannot be answered over the phone and has to be looked at in person. If someone claims to give you an estimate over the phone be prepared to be up charged on arrival or handled in a get in get out type of cleaning. Callers usually want estimates over the phone so they can get other quotes faster but be aware that low cost usually means poor service. Typically, a good carpet cleaner needs $100.00 an hr to even survive as a carpet cleaner.How much better can a professional clean my carpets than doing it myself?
Ahhh.... yes, the do it yourselfer. Equipment and what type of chemical being used is a huge factor when cleaning carpets. there is nothing on the consumer level that can give you the type of cleaning power you need. Then there is the experience factor that only someone in the business can provide to give you the quality of cleaning you need.What is the best way to prepare my carpet for a professional cleaning?
The best thing to do to prepare your carpet is too have as much furniture removed off the carpet as possible and having it vacuumed is #1 to have a clean carpet. Most carpet cleaners do that as part of their service but always ask before hand.Are carpet cleaning chemicals harmful to my children or pets?
There are hazardous levels too all cleaning chemicals used from good to worse but there are also all natural chemicals that are being used. Ask your carpet cleaning professional on what type of chemicals they use.What should I look out for when being charged for carpet cleaning?
Some companies charge by square footage and others by the rooms they are cleaning. I would always ask about referrals and if they have a list of what they do to prepare your carpets for cleaning and what type of system do they use. Pricing usually is very close and competitive but the level of service and customer satisfaction should always overshadow a few dollars.What should I watch out for when looking for a carpet cleaning service on the Internet?
You should see if they have people who you can call that you have serviced prior and if they are licensed and insured. How many years in the business and is it owner operated or not. Usually, if its owner operated there is a level of pride they goes along with owning your own business and running it as well.Is a truck Mount or portal unit best for cleaning carpets?
Many of the newer self-contained units work great compared with the truck mount units. As long as they can produce up to 400psi and have in line heaters they should be fine. The major difference that I have seen is the setup on the portables are longer but the results usually are the same. Also someone with a portable could be a little less since there overhead and repair costs are less as well.
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