You could clean your own carpet when preparing for guests — or you could hire a carpet cleaning service to do it and spend the time on the more fun items on your to-do list.
1. Understand Your Options
The five most common carpet-cleaning methods all have advantages and drawbacks, but all should have good results if the service provider is qualified.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|
Dry Extraction |
Low moisture |
Does not clean deeply. |
| Dry Foam Extraction A damp foam is sprayed onto the carpet, bonds with dirt and is vacuumed out while wet. |
Low moisture. Dries very quickly. |
Does not clean deeply into the carpet. Can leave detergent in carpet if not properly vacuumed. |
| Hot Water Extraction A machine sprays hot detergent into the carpet and immediately vacuums it out. |
Cleans deeply. | Long drying time. Can leave water in carpet if not vacuumed properly. |
| Rotary Shampoo (Also called steam cleaning although it uses no steam.) Rotating brushes push detergent into the carpet to trap the dirt, which is then vacuumed out while wet. |
Cleans deeply. | Leaves detergent in carpet which can attract more dirt if not promptly vacuumed by the homeowner. |
| Absorbent Pad (Also called "Bonnet.") Chemicals loosen dirt, then are picked up on a big pad. |
Quickly cleans large areas. | Can leave heavy dirt Limited deep cleaning. |
The Green Option
Some companies offer environmentally friendly carpet cleaning. If you tried going green before but didn't get the results you wanted, you'll be happy to know that the newest generation of eco-friendly commercial carpet cleaning products does a much better job than those available just a few years ago.
2. Find Certified Companies
A company that's certified with a certification organization or that has the Carpet and Rug Association Seal of Approval is more likely to have properly trained personnel and follow standards.
3. Get the Details
Ask questions so you know what to expect:
What's included in the price? Ask exactly what areas are covered in the price — does it include stairs, entryways, and hallways? Find out if the carpet cleaning service price includes all costs, such as vacuuming, detergent, waste removal and stain removal.
What must you do? Find out what furniture you must move out of the room and what other preparation you're responsible for. Usually, you must remove all but the heaviest pieces, such as the sofa, and keep people and pets out of the area.
When can you go back? Ask how long it takes for the carpet to dry and when you can use the cleaned rooms again.
Is the work guaranteed? The company should offer a money-back guarantee — most guarantee their work for 14 to 30 days. They should also agree to re-clean your carpet at no charge if the work wasn't done properly the first time.
Who does the work? Some companies sell the service then subcontract the work to other companies. Because they are not doing the work themselves, the company has less control over the quality of the work done, and the consumer has fewer options when dealing with complaints or problems. Be sure the company you hire does their own work.
4. Check Their Reputation
Ask for at least three references for the carpet cleaning service and call those referenes. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if anyone has filed a complaint.
2007 Sears Brands, L.L.C.