Wall-to-Wall Carpet Cleaning
Like all textile materials, the beauty and life of a carpet depends largely on the care it is given. Proper maintenance can add years of attractive life. Specific maintenance procedures for carpet are determined by the characteristics of where the carpet is installed. In general, though, proper maintenance involves regular vacuuming and periodic cleanings by professional methods.
While vacuuming maintains the surface appearance of a carpet and keeps the level of soil in the pile at an acceptably low level, it can only remove particulate soil and surface dirt. Therefore, other methods of cleaning are periodcally required to improve the appearance of the carpet. The "hot water extraction" or "steam cleaning" method of carpet cleaning is usually better than other methods at removing oils, grease and other forms of matter that cause soiling on carpet. It is best used by professional cleaners with trained personnel and equipment that is up-to-date and specifically designed for the safety of your indoor environment.
Our technicians come to your home or business fully equipped to perform whatever method of carpet cleaning (hot water extraction/steam cleaning, drycleaning, etc.) is best for your particular situation. You can be assured they will provide you with the best possible service, backed by years of training and experience.
We stand behind the work we do. Our intention is to give you an experience you will be happy to repeat the next time your carpets need cleaning.
DO-IT-YOURSELF Carpet Cleaning
Like most decisions, the choice between having a carpet cleaned professionally and doing it yourself is based frequently on financial considerations. Electing to use a rental unit rather than a professional cleaner may be "pennywise and dollar foolish". Before deciding to "do-it-yourself", several points should be considered:
1. Carpet cleaning is an intricate process, contrary to common belief. When spots, stains and traffic patterns have made carpet unsightly, cleaning by "do-it-yourself" methods may not enhance the appearance to the desired level. Consumers, in most cases, have had little or no previous experience operating the machines.
2. There is a good possibility of misuse and/or overuse. Machines that can be rented for "do-it-yourself" cleaning, such as shampooing and/or hot water extraction or "steam" cleaning, can leave some residue on the carpet. If the carpet is shampooed many times, the residue can accumulate, leading to various problems, such as severe foaming on later cleanings, stickiness, an increased attraction to soil, etc.
3. Successful cleaning by rental machines is largely dependent on the experience of the operator. Improper use can leave the carpet overly wet, causing possible backing delamination, odor from development of mold/mildew fungi, cellulose browning, color run, shrinkage and other related problems. This can happen, especially in areas of repeated high volume use, or "traffic areas". One or two passes of the cleaning wand may not be sufficient to enhance the appearance of such areas. Attempts to clean them over and over again can cause overwetting and its attendant problems.
4. "Do-it-yourself" cleaning by the dry-absorbent compound method will not cause such problems as overwetting, color run, shrinkage, etc. But it, too, can mean some headaches. If the final vacuuming operation is not thorough, some of the powder will be left in the carpet pile. With repeated cleanings, enough cleaning compound can accumulate to cause some discoloration by its own presence.
5. The obvious conclusion is that carpet cleaning by "do-it-yourself" methods is not a substitute for professional cleaning. It can, at best, merely postpone the need or reduce the frequency of professional cleanings. Rental units lack adequate power and consumers usually lack the expertise to succeed in properly maintaining carpet and prolonging its attractive life.
How Often Should a Carpet be Professionally Cleaned?
As explained above, vacuuming alone, although essential, cannot maintain the appearance of a carpet at an acceptable level for long. Depending on various factors, the appearance of any carpet will ultimately reach an unacceptable level. At that stage, cleaning is necessary by a professional. The frequency of such cleaning will depend on a carpet's use conditions, soil conditions, fiber type, construction specifications, color, etc. In general, a residential carpet requires cleaning within 1 to 1 1/2 years; certainly before 2 years of use (and possible abuse).
