How to Choose a Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Firm
Not all cleaners are alike. In fact, the difference in the quality of service from one cleaning service to another can be astounding. With so many claims, counterclaims and diversity of equipment and technology available, how do you go about choosing the right person or firm? It can be difficult because there are usually many choices available. The following are a few guidelines to follow that can help you make the correct choice:
1. SCHOOLED AND TRAINED PROFESSIONALS
Carpet cleaning is an ever-changing field. Good PROFESSIONAL cleaners keep abreast of such changes and constantly improve the services they offer. Make sure the cleaner you choose is professionally schooled and trained and ask whether that schooling is updated on a regular basis. The finest equipment alone does not guarantee results.
2. ASSOCIATION WITH PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Affiliation with professional trade associations goes a long way. All members of the cleaning company then have access to technically correct and unbiased information on cleaning and restoration. The cleaning company has high professional standards and abides by the Code of Ethics of the organization. If a problem develops during cleaning, expert advice can be obtained from the association's technical personnel.
Therefore, the logo of a trade association, displayed proudly in the cleaner's advertisements, trucks, etc. should mean a lot to you. It should generate confidence in the cleaner. Look for such affiliations in the cleaner you choose.
3. RECOMMENDATIONS
Ask the cleaner for names of previous customers. Gauge how reluctant or eager they are at granting your request. Call the references and find out about their cleaning experience. Ask about the cleaner's appearance, manner of presentation, condition of equipment, ability to answer questions, etc. Find out if the overall cleaning experience was pleasant and would they go back to the same firm.
4. WATCH OUT FOR THE LOW END
Misleading (often fraudulent) advertising and glib sales tactics leave those cleaners who offer quality service at a disadvantage. Advertisements promising carpet cleaning at unbelievably low prices are prevalent these days. If you think they are too good to be true, you are probably correct.
Have you been left with an overwet and still dirty carpet? Have you ended up paying several times more than what you thought you would be paying? If yes, then you have had firsthand experience with such cleaners.
Quality service requires investment. It is not possible to offer good service at ridiculously low prices. Do not fall victim to low pricing or "bait and switch" tactics.
5. YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUCCESS OF A CLEANING JOB
Cleaning chemicals and procedures can be altered to fit the specific needs of the carpet being cleaned. Describe the use conditions of the carpet and all previous home and professional cleanings to your professional cleaner. For example, if the carpet has been shampooed several times before, it is reasonable to expect the presence of some detergent residue. With this information, your cleaner may change the cleaning solution to compensate for this.
If your carpet has stains, point them out to the cleaner. Tell the cleaner how long the stains have been there and what may have caused them. Some spots and stains like those from bleaches, urine, mildew, etc., may be impossible to remove even by the most proficient cleaner. Knowing about them will prevent disappointments resulting from unrealistic expectations.
Do not remove furniture protectors placed under furniture legs until the carpet is completely dry. Mahogany, redwood and other kinds of wooden furniture can bleed color onto carpet. Metal legs may rust if placed on floor coverings that are still wet.
6. PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Carpet and upholstery are probably among your most precious possessions. Chances are you have spent a good deal of money acquiring them. Protect your investments and take the time to find the right cleaner. You would be surprised at the number of problems that can develop from a poorly performed cleaning job. Even though choosing the right cleaner won't guarantee the complete absence of problems, it will greatly reduce the chances. Selecting a good cleaning firm will ensure the highest level of satisfaction.
WHY CHOOSE ABC?
We at ABC believe we fulfill all the requirements of an excellent, dependable, professional cleaning firm. Our technicians are schooled and trained in every facet of cleaning and they attend schools to update their learning on a regular basis. We are members of RIA (Restoration Industry Association) and NIRC (National Institute of Rug Cleaning). We subscribe to all the maor service magazines. All of our cleaning equipment is constantly maintained and updated according to the latest developments in the field. We can provide you with a list of satisfied customers in your area upon request and would be happy to do so. We appreciate any opportunity to visit with you and look forward to serving you.
