How to Choose a Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Firm (Tile and Grout also)
Not all carpet cleaning firms 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 carpet cleaning 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:
- Schooled and Trained Professionals
Carpet cleaning is an ever-changing field. Good PROFESSIONAL carpet cleaners keep abreast of such changes and constantly improve the services they offer. Make sure the carpet 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.
- Association with Professional Organizations
Affiliation with professional trade associations goes a long way. All members of the carpet cleaning company then have access to technically correct and unbiased information on cleaning and restoration. The carpet 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 carpet cleaner's advertisements, trucks, etc. should mean a lot to you. It should generate confidence in the carpet cleaner. Look for such affiliations in the cleaner you choose.
- Customer Reviews & Recommendations
Ask the carpet cleaning company 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.
- Watch Out for the Low End
Misleading (often fraudulent) advertising and glib sales tactics leave those cleaning companies 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.
- You Can Contribute to the Success of a Cleaning Job
Cleaning compounds and procedures can be altered to fit the specific needs of the carpet being cleaned and the home or business owner. 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 spots and stains, point them out to the cleaner. Tell the cleaner how long they 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 permanent color stains onto carpet. Metal legs may rust if placed on floor coverings that are still wet.
- 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 carpet 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 ARCS (Association of Rug and Carpet Specialists).
- We subscribe to all the major 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.
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 periodically 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.
Why Not 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:
What to Expect from Our On-Location Carpet Cleaning Technicians
ABC has long been the market leader in carpet cleaning and upholstery and oriental rug washing in this area. Our staff members are proud to display their extensive credentials and continuing education regarding all textiles. We are prepared to give carpet care advice backed by our staff's expert knowledge. ABC has been setting the industry standard and exceeding customer expectations for over 40 years.
Our carpet cleaning technicians are individuals who are knowledgeable and certified through educational organizations and who demonstrate an understanding of the following elements:
- All methods of carpet cleaning and the proper conditions and situations in which to use them.
- The ways in which chemicals affect textiles, dyes, spots, indoor air quality, carpet warranties and individuals.
- Identification of fiber types and basic construction of carpet, rugs and upholstery.
- The industry guidelines and proper cleaning procedures for the various types of fiber.
- Strong customer relations.
- Impeccable moral and ethical standards.
Our On-Location Carpet Cleaning Technicians utilize the industry's finest equipment and cleaning processes, purchased and maintained by our Certified Firm, to provide the most thorough cleaning for the carpets and upholstery in your home or business.
We offer the following:
- Free written estimates valid for six months.
- A description of carpet problems with a knowledgeable explanation of these problems and possible solutions.
- A fresh clean carpet with little to no residue left in your carpets, keeping them cleaner - longer!
- Special attention to spots and heavy traffic areas.
- Moving of furniture (if desired) with the care it deserves. Please note: If furniture moving is excessive or unusual, there may be an extra labor charge applied.
- All furniture is put back into place with pads or styrofoam blocks to ensure against furniture stain migration into the carpet.
- All Technicians must pass and maintain certification requirements of certification organizations such as the International Association of Rug Care Specialists (ARCS) and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), as well as in-house requirements and testing.
- Our trucks are equipped with environmentally "safe" cleaning solutions to handle a variety of situations and needs.
- A healthier indoor environment for your family and pets.
- We also offer a variety stain protectors to ensure future protection against accidental spills.
- We stand behind all the carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning and tile and grout cleaning work we do. Any concerns or dissatisfaction expressed regarding the cleaning should be called in to our office as soon as possible. We will be happy to inspect and assess the problems and concerns immediately.
What is the Waste Water Removal Charge
When truck-mounted hot water extraction was first introduced, waste water collected from the extraction of "wastes" from carpet cleaning could be easily disposed of directly at the site of the cleaning, for ex. in the toilet or at the curbside, etc.
Current state and federal laws require us to remove that waste water (now considered "industrial waste") by collecting it in our trucks and moving it to an approved site for disposal. Because of the cost of labor and equipment involved, we have found it necessary to add a "waste water removal" charge to each hot water extraction carpet cleaning invoice.
What Our Carpet Cleaning and Upholstery Cleaning Cannot Provide
Our process is the finest cleaning process for carpets and upholstered fabrics known today. There are, however, some things the process CANNOT do. For example:
- It cannot replace carpet pile that has fallen out due to backing damage.
- It cannot replace color in fabric that has been damaged by animal or chemical stains.
- It cannot look beneath the carpet to see if tack strips have been installed properly or seams have been joined properly.
- Our carpet cleaning technicians are trained to repair MINOR problems on the spot. MAJOR problems, such as seams opening up due to improper installation, may require different solutions. We will, at all times, attempt to forewarn you of problems that may arise upon cleaning due to the pre-existing conditions of your carpeting and upholstery.
How To Prepare for On Location Carpet Cleaning ABC's goal is to clean and restore your carpets and upholstered items to a high level of appearance in an environmentally safe manner. We need your help to ensure we are able to obtain the highest quality care for your carpets and upholstered items cleaned on location at your home or business. Below are some ways to help you prepare for our arrival:
- Temperature Settings.
After a carpet cleaning, the drying time will be reduced if you are able to keep the temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit 12 hours before we arrive and 12 hours after we leave, The use of fans will help reduce drying time as well. We supply drying fans while we are cleaning to expedite the drying process.
- Vacuuming.
The efficacy of the soil removal process will be greatly improved by your vacuuming prior to our visit. In certain cases, such as in homes or businesses where there are animals or any areas where there is heavy soil, our technicians are instructed to vacuum with our truckmounted equipment prior to carpet cleaning.
- Driveways/Walkways.
During the winter months, we ask our customers to make sure the driveways and sidewalks are cleared of snow and ice to prevent accidents and/or injuries. Cleared areas allow our technicians to concentrate on their cleaning job rather than negotiating slippery sidewalks and driveways.
- Furniture.
If your work order requires furniture moving of any kind, we will move the furniture out of the way, perform the carpet cleaning and then put the furniture back in place, protecting the carpet with small pads under furniture legs or styrofoam blocks under flat pieces of furniture.
These items should remain under the furniture for 24 hours after the carpet cleaning is completed to prevent possible stains from the furniture marking the carpet. (Please note: Excessive furniture or in the case of moving boxes, toys, etc., may require an extra labor charge). Normal furniture moving and re-placement is free of charge.
Please note to the technician any furniture pieces which have unstable or broken legs or other parts, or pieces of furniture you do not want moved. We DO NOT MOVE stereo equipment, televisions, TV stands, computer tables and computers. China-filled hutches and bookshelves need to be emptied prior to ABC's arrival if you wish these items moved.
- Breakables.
Please take delicate or breakable items from furniture tops to a secure place to prevent any accidental breakage. Our technicians can then concentrate on the carpet cleaning, rather than on balancing delicate items.
- Any spotting problems should be brought to the attention of our technician, i.e., spots that have re-occurred and ones you have tried to remove. If possible, the origin and age of the problem would be helpful, as well as the names of any chemicals used.
- Pets/Animals.
In order to prevent any possibility of accidental harm to your precious animals, please put them in a secure area. This will prevent your animal from escaping out the door while we are carpet cleaning and our technicians will be out of "harm's way" from any protective animals as well.
- Occupants.
Our company policy states NO cleaning of any kind can be performed by a technician if the only occupant of the property is under 18 years of age.
- Foot Traffic.
Please keep all foot traffic (human and animal) off the newly cleaned carpets for at least 4 hours after your carpet cleaning job is done in order to deter re-soiling. We offer free sets of booties if you must walk on the carpet.
Your newly cleaned carpets will be damp to the touch when we leave and should be mostly dry in 1 to 3 hours (depending on the type of carpet, degree of soil and whether or not topical applications have been applied). If the carpet is not COMPLETELY dry within 24 hours, please call our office at your earliest convenience. Please also exercise caution when stepping off a damp carpet onto a hard surface floor to avoid a slipping hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carpet Cleaning
What Different Types of Carpet Cleaning Methods Are Available?
While one particular method may be best overall, each method has merit for use in certain situations. The types of carpet cleaning we will cover are extraction cleaning, dry powder, absorption pad and rotary shampoo – dry foam.
At ABC, we prefer the hot water extraction method of carpet cleaning and the answers to most of the frequently asked questions assume that this method has been used.
- Hot Water Extraction
This method of cleaning is also referred to as “Steam Cleaning.” As you might imagine, the use of live steam is not really practical. The more accurate term is “hot water extraction.”
This method involves preconditioning with a cleaning compound designed to emulsify and suspend the oxidized oils and soils until they can be extracted with the equipment. This is followed by injecting a hot water solution, usually containing a cleaning agent, into the carpet face, which is then immediately followed with a vacuum system that extracts the soil and spent solution.
That is the basic system. Operator expertise and training cannot be over-emphasized. Even more important than quality equipment is a quality technician.
This method is the one most recommended by the carpet mills and is probably the most used method today. If used properly, utilizing all the fundamentals of cleaning, it is the finding of many independent experts and laboratories that it removes the greatest amounts of soil as compared to the other methods. The larger the machine (as in truck-mounted equipment), the more soil will be removed.
The drying time varies from a low of 2 hours or up to 24 hours in extreme cases. The more powerful the vacuum and the more skilled the technician, the more quickly the carpet will dry.
- Bonnet or Dry Cleaning
Also referred to as absorbent pad cleaning, this type of cleaning is best used as an interim maintenance system, although there are some instances where it can be used for the primary cleaning.
The equipment used will consist of a rotary brush floor machine with a driving block in place of the brush. An absorbent pad (made from any combination of rayon, nylon and cotton), is placed on the block. A cleaning compound is either sprayed on the carpet or the pad is dipped in a cleaning solution.
The solution is usually a water base formula with certain solvents added as an aid in the cleaning and drying process. Once the solution is applied to the carpet, it is then given time to work.
Then, with the bonnet slightly damp, the technician will buff over the carpet using overlapping strokes. The absorbent pad will pick up suspended soil and excess cleaning solution and must be changed when it becomes saturated and no longer picks up the soil.
This system is simple, fast and relatively easy to learn. It will give excellent appearance on light to medium, soiled carpet. When properly performed, this system will leave the carpet dry in under 2 hours.
However, this type of cleaning will usually only clean the top third of the carpet. With the minimal extraction available from the pad, repeated cleanings will not completely clean the carpet and can cause excess build up from cleaning solution and deep soil, which will wick to the surface.
When used as interim cleaning, this system will do well but hot water extraction should be used after several bonnet cleanings to remove the deep soil and left over cleaning compound residues.
- Dry Powder
This system uses an absorbent particulate product that is impregnated with cleaning agents and solvents. The powder is spread on the carpet either by hand or special spreading machines, then worked into the carpet by counter rotating cylinder brushes.
The powder will release the chemical cleaner onto the soil, which is then emulsified and suspended, and then some of the soil is absorbed back into the powder product. The powder is left to sit for 15 to 30 minutes and then vacuumed up.
The advantage to this cleaning is that just about anybody can learn to clean using this system. The product dries very quickly and is ready to put back in service after about 20 minutes. The counter rotating brushes offer excellent agitation.
The disadvantages are that the thicker and more dense the pile of the carpet, the more it has a tendency to trap the powder and cause a build up. Even with a powerful vacuum, over a period of time the powder will build up at the base of the carpet causing excess dust in a home or business.
When faced with a heavily soiled carpet where the soils and oils have oxidized over time, this method is not an effective cleaning system. This system is useful only when used in a consistent maintenance program where the carpets are not allowed to become overly soiled.
- Rotary Shampoo - Dry Foam
The shampoo system is still widely used and has been around for many years. With the advent of non-resoiling synthetic detergents, we can now clean without the resoiling problems previously associated with this method.
The compound used is a foaming surfactant base that offers good lubrication and soil suspension. There are basically two types of machines used with this method.The first is a rotary floor machine, fitted with a shower feed brush and a solution tank mounted on the handle. The cleaning solution is fed through the top plate of the machine and down through the shower feed brush. At this point the solution is whipped into a foam and worked into the carpet with the rotating brush.
The other type of machine is more commonly referred to as a dry foam or Dry Foam Extraction Machine. This machine uses the same cleaning compound but rather than a large brush sitting directly oh the carpet, it has a cylinder brush to work the foam and agitate the carpet. The foam is produced before hitting the carpet, worked in with the brush, and then extracted with a vacuum system.
The advantages, as with the absorbent pad method, shampoo and dry foam cleaning is fast and does not require extensive training for the technician. When the procedure is done correctly, the dry foam will impart only a small amount of moisture thus leaving the carpet to dry in 2 to 4 hours.
However, while an extraction process is usually included with this system, thorough soil removal is not achieved as compared to hot water extraction.
Temperature is an important fundamental of cleaning and even under the very best circumstances, only lukewarm foam will come in contact with the carpet. Overwetting is another strong possibility if the technician is untrained and the equipment malfunctions. This is often one of the main problems with the do-it-yourself method of carpet cleaning, such as rental of the machines from a super market.
How Soon Can I Use My Carpets?
Drying times during and after a carpet cleaning will be affected by a number of external variables. Average complete drying times range from 4 to 10 hours. Carpet fiber type, sub-floor construction, indoor temperature, relative humidity levels and airflow can all affect carpet drying times.
We recommend keeping the temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (if at all possible) 12 hours before and 12 hours after the cleaning. This procedure will help with the evaporation process. A dehumidifier can also be utilized to minimize indoor relative humidity levels. In addition, fans can be incorporated to keep air circulating in the house, which also aids in the evaporation process.
While all of these methods will significantly decrease drying times, not all have to be utilized to achieve the average drying time. Because we are able to remove the majority of the water we put into the carpet, it will be only slightly damp to the touch when we leave. All areas should be completely dry within 24 hours but will begin to dry immediately after cleaning. If you find this is not the case, please call our office immediately.
If you must walk on the newly cleaned carpeted areas, please observe the following:
- Do not walk on the carpet with colored socks or colored-soled shoes.
- Do not walk on the carpet with shoes that have traveled outside.
- Minimize the amount of traffic on the carpet following a hot water extraction in order to minimize the impact on resilience. It is also important to remember that walking off a damp carpet directly onto a floor may be a slipping hazard.
- Our technicians will leave protective footwear (booties) at each job, which will allow you to get around on the carpets before they are completely dry. Also, please do not remove the carpet pads or blocks from under the furniture for at least 24 hours. These devices serve as a protective measure to prevent any stains from transferring from furniture legs or bases.
How Should I Care for my Carpet Between Cleanings?
Types of Soils and How to Lesson Their Impact on Your Carpeting
- Gritty Soils
The majority of dry particulate matter (gritty, unattached soil) distributed throughout your home comes from the outdoors and accumulates in the entry areas. This type of matter constitutes about 80% of the soil in a carpet.
These soils are detrimental to the aesthetics of your carpet and to the indoor air quality of your home and will eventually lead to the abrasion of the carpet fibers. Abrasion happens when these soils scratch and produce pits on fibers, dulling them and making them appear to be more soiled than they are. Grit also produces a cutting action that removes fibers and shortens the life of the carpet.
Daily vacuuming of traffic areas and overall vacuuming at least once a week can successfully remove these types of gritty soils between cleanings.
Entry mats at all entrance areas in residential and/or commercial settings can also significantly reduce soils between cleanings. These mats should be vacuumed and serviced frequently. This will enable them to remove soils as they are walked on.
- Oils and Greases
Oils and greases are the matter that gives carpet its dirty look. They are composed of sticky oils and greases containing tiny pieces of soil materials.
The longer oily soils remain on the fiber, the more difficult they are to remove. Thorough professional cleaning can remove most of these types of soils.
Some oily soils change chemically and produce a yellowish film on the fiber that is impossible to remove.
Other oils actually dissolve into some synthetic fibers, becoming part of the fibers themselves. These cannot be removed without damage to the fiber.
The use and maintenance of entry mats will also help to lessen the impact of oily soils on your carpet.
- Accidental Spills or Spots
These should be treated as soon as they occur in order to prevent any permanent staining. The majority of carpet being produced today is milled with stain-resist or stain-repellent qualities. While these stain-resist qualities are extremely effective, NO CARPET IS STAIN-PROOF.
The longer a substance stands on a carpet, the higher the risk of it permeating the fiber. To reduce your risk of staining, address each spot immediately, if at all possible. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THE USE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER SPOTTING CHEMICALS!!
Please download our Free Carpet & Rug Spotting Guide for information on using household ingredients that can remove most spills and spots.
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CAUTION: Remember NEVER to apply any cleaning compound directly to the carpet fiber. Always apply to a cleaning cloth and blot the area.
Know Your Warranty Specs
The majority of today's carpeting comes with a warranty. Familiarize yourself with the warranty specifications, particularly the acceptable cleaning methods and the frequency with which your carpet should be cleaned in order to keep your warranty active. USING 'OVER-THE-COUNTER' SPOTTING CHEMICALS COULD VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
Will My Carpet Require Cleaning More Often Once it is Cleaned?
The answer is a resounding, NO!! Our cleaning processes and cleaning compounds have been carefully designed and refined to ensure your carpet will not attract soil after we clean it.
Our staff is trained to understand the effects associated with leaving a residual and take every measure to avoid this, thus leaving your carpets looking and feeling fresh and cleaner longer.
We also offer a variety of stain-resistant topical treatments to help repel soils and prevent them from attaching to the carpet fibers.
How Often Should I Have My Carpets 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. It is best to schedule a professional cleaning when traffic areas begin to show soiling. For some, this could mean once every 6 months, for others once a year or longer.
In general, a residential carpet requires cleaning within 1 to 1 1/2 years (especially in the traffic areas)and certainly before 2 years of use (and possible abuse).
We send out reminders to our customers when it has been at least one year since their last cleaning. We offer various discounts throughout to year to returning customers.
How Environmentally Friendly are the Chemicals Used in Cleaning?
We have exclusive ties and long-standing relationships with all our cleaning compound suppliers. Our synergistic relationships allow for a trusting business venture that benefits our customers and the environment.
We work with our suppliers to procure the most effective compounds with the least amount of impact on our environment and indoor air quality. If you have any questions about this, please ask for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from our office. Please also see our Green Cleaning information on this website.
Along with environmentally friendly procedures, ABC disposes of all dirty effluents and particulate matter through the appropriate channels at our plant. We are committed to understanding the environmental impact of all aspects of our business and to conforming to the latest rules and regulations concerning the preservation of a clean and safe environment.
What are the Darkened Areas of my Carpet Around the Perimeter of My Room? (Soil Filtration)
The industry refers to these darkened lines as SOIL FILTRATION. Soil filtration lines are dark soiled areas that develop gradually on carpet. They are most common around the edges of a room next to the wall, under floor length draperies and under doors. But they can develop anywhere there is an air space, such as between floorboards or spaces in the subflooring.
Also known as soil lines, smog lines and perimeter soiling (when they occur around walls), the problem is usually more obvious close to heating ducts, electric floor outlets, and gas valves. Bedroom doors that are closed at night, especially where windows are left open, are likely to develop the lines.
Carpet acts as a filter in the built environment. As hot air rises and peaks out at the ceiling tops, it is redirected to the outer walls and travels down to the carpet.
The soiling is caused by the passage of air through or across the carpet. Air carries microscopic particles of dirt, dust and soot. As air passes over the carpet, these soil particles settle and become embedded in the carpet pile yarns. In areas where the air flows over the carpet more rapidly than normal, the carpet acts as a filter, extracting the soil particles from the air. The soil is very fine and can penetrate deeply into the yarns. At ABC, we have special techniques to improve the appearance of soil filtration lines.
Unfortunately, the discoloration cannot always be removed completely. The degree of removal depends on the amount and type of soil, length of time the soil has accumulated, amount of air flow, color of carpet and type of fiber. The lines can be removed from most synthetic fibers. However, in severe cases, especially on light colored carpets, traces may remain after cleaning. It is usually very difficult to remove filtration soiling completely from wool or olefin carpets.
To prevent this problem, if you own a forced hot air heating system, have the filters changed periodically. Cleaning your heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning ducts will also reduce small particulate matter from being circulated throughout the air. Finally, edging rooms with a crevice tool attachment on your vacuum will have the most impact on preventing a filtration buildup.
Can Your Technicians Clean My Area Rugs in My Home or Business?
It is possible to clean certain synthetic area rugs on location, with the exception of those with natural fiber backings (such as Jute), especially if they are very large or have a lot of heavy furniture on them.
We prefer to clean all area rugs in our plant. It is then possible to thoroughly clean both the back (some exceptions apply) and edges of rugs picked up or brought to our plant, without concern for wood floors, furniture, etc. These rugs are then hung to dry in our drying room, a procedure which would be impossible to re-create in your home.
Area rugs of any fiber type that contain animal or human urine MUST be cleaned in our plant to specially treat them for odors. Stains from urine are permanent on certain types of rugs and carpet, although it is possible under some conditions to significantly lighten them.
All natural fiber rugs such as wool, cotton, silk or sisal must be removed and brought back to our plant for washing. These fibers require much longer drying times and a significant amount of extra care in order to produce a quality washing without damaging the rug. Some of the risks involved could include dye migration, cellulose browning, improper drying, bacteria production, damage to floors, etc. These are risks that neither the homeowner nor the business owner should assume.
What Causes Forgotten Spills to be Visible After Professional Cleaning?
Sometimes stains that have been hidden by soil are revealed after cleaning. These stains, which did not immediately cause discoloration, are often from spilled liquid containing colorless sugar that remained on the fibers.
After long exposure to the air, these stains changed to insoluble brown stains. The stains may look like brownish discolorations but often they remain unnoticed because of the accumulated soil covering them. Some food and drink stains may inevitably turn even darker from the necessary drying action after a thorough cleaning.
Other kinds of stains can be caused by water soaking through and dissolving materials that cause browning or dissolving fugitive dyes from the back of the carpet, rug or upholstery. Because the fibers act as wicks, moisture will rise to the surface to evaporate and discoloration will be left.
Consumers who try to remove stains by using the wrong cleaning compounds and procedures may only make the stained areas more noticeable. To lessen the possibility of stain damage, immediate action should be taken, if possible.
- Thoroughly absorb all moisture
- When possible, put a half-inch thickness of clean, white absorbent material, such as paper or cloth toweling, over the area and weight it down.
- Place a layer of aluminum foil between the absorbent material and the object being used for weight to avoid color transfer from that object
- Keep replacing with fresh absorbent material and repeat as needed.
Our professional technicians use specialty cleaning and spot removal treatments to improve the appearance of forgotten drink spills -- cola, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, soda and others.
When we clean your carpet, rug or upholstery, we have given you the best cleaning possible, done by skilled professional technicians using scientific method standards specifically recommended by the leaders in the carpet, rug and upholstery cleaning industry. But even with the best treatments, some colored residue or caramelized sugar stain, resulting from the prior spillage, may remain.
Why Do Some Spots Reappear After Professional Carpet Cleaning? (Wicking)
Have you recently had your carpets cleaned, only to find a mysterious spot appear where it may not have been noticeable before?
Or was the technician successful in removing certain spots when the carpet was just cleaned and still damp, only to have some spots reappear after the carpet had thoroughly dried?
The above are common situations that can occur during carpet cleaning known as reappearing or wicking. This is caused by staining matter from a prior spillage which has dried down at the base of the carpet pile. Although the surface staining may have been partially or fully removed form the tips of the carpet pile fibers, some of the discolored matter remained behind, unseen and hidden down in the pile.
During a thorough wet carpet cleaning, the hidden spot normally becomes moistened or wetted. Once wet, the stain becomes mobile and wicks up to the top surface of the pile as the carpet dries.
Since wall-to-wall carpet dries from the bottom up (wicks up), this leaves the top part of the pile as the last to dry completely. And this is how the mysterious spotting matter now wicks or finds its way up to the carpet surface.
If the area is small, you can easily remove the spot by lightly moistening it (with a spray bottle of water) and then blotting with absorbent white toweling.
If spots have wicked up after ABC has provided our carpet cleaning service in our home or business, please call our office at 272-1566 as soon as possible after your cleaning appointment. We will be more than happy to come back to work on removing the reappearing spot or spots.
Why Do I Still have Stains On My Carpet/Upholstery After it Has Been Professionally Cleaned?
By definition, a spot that cannot be removed is what we call a stain. Stains are permanent. The staining material has been absorbed by the fibers of the carpet or upholstery and just like a dye, may permanently discolor or recolor the fibers in the stained area.
It is also possible that the prior spillage or stain produced a damaging chemical change to the fiber and its original dyed color. Such color changes are usually permanent and cannot be reversed or returned to their original color.
Some Common Cause of Permanent Stains on Textile Furnishings:
- Pet Urine
Urine in wall-to-wall carpets pollutes the air quality in the home environment because of the bacterial action taking place beneath the carpeting. It is usually more cost effective to replace wall-to-wall carpeting and the padding beneath than to attempt urine decontamination. Typically, the broadloom carpets that use latex in the construction cannot successfully be urine decontaminated.
Pet urine stains can lead to permanent discoloration. This discoloration may be visible before carpet cleaning or it may become evident during or after the cleaning process. Different types of fiber react to urine differently. Some cause a visible stain almost immediately, others do not show stains. Urine odor, of course, will be evident on all fibers and cannot be removed by any cleaning method.
Our technicians are qualified to give you sound advice on how best to proceed when faced with urine odor and/or stains on your carpet. For more in-depth information, please see Urine Odor Removal from Wall-to-Wall Carpets on this site.
- Drink Spills
Spills of coffee, tea, cola and other drinks can also cause permanent stains, especially on wool, some nylons, cotton and silk. Even "stain resistant" nylon carpets can be permanently stained by HOT coffee, HOT tea, other common foods, bleach, household chemicals or medicines
- Over-The-Counter Acne Creams and MedicationsThese may cause lightening or color changes on textile furnishings. However, these changes may only appear during or after the carpet cleaning.
The chemical culprit and primary cause of these discolorations is Benzoyl Peroxide. It is a bleach and a powerful color remover, but often does not become fully activated until the moisture in textile (usually carpet) is increased, such as during carpet cleaning or humid weather.
- Miscellaneous Household Chemical CompoundsThere are numerous other household chemicals that may produce stains, such as some pesticides, ammonia, strong cleaners, chlorine bleach or peroxides, chlorine from pool or spa water, furniture scratch remover, shoe dye, chemical preservatives, cosmetics and many more.
What ABC Can Do About Permanent Stains?
Although our professional technicians will attempt to identify the source of any residual spots or discolorations and treat them accordingly, not all spots can or will come out even with the best professional stain removal and/or carpet cleaning methods.
Spot dying of discolored areas is only possible on some textiles but it carries with it the added risk of further color change or color loss.
What You Can Do to Avoid Permanent Stains
Permanent stains often occur because the spilled material is allowed to dry at the top of the fiber. This is why immediate action should be taken when any spillage or accident occurs. Make sure to blot up all liquid or scrape up as much of the spilled substance as possible.
As explained above, put a thick layer of clean, white absorbent material or toweling over the area and weigh it down with an object such as a heavy book. Make sure to place a layer of aluminum foil between the absorbent material and the object to prevent damage to the object and avoid further staining.
Make sure to replace the absorbent material often in order to absorb as much of the spill as possible. Continue until nothing more can be absorbed.
Please don't forget to download our ABC Carpet & Rug Spotting Guide:
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Please feel free to call our office with any spot removal questions as well. 272-1566.
Are Carpet Maintenance Programs Available?
For some of our customers with high traffic or unusual soiling problems in their commercial or residential environment, a planned carpet cleaning maintenance program may be appropriate.
- Commercial Carpet Maintenance Programs
Let ABC protect your facility from premature carpet replacement. Our carpet cleaning maintenance program can be customized to meet your specific needs. Our planned, pre-scheduled appointments will keep your carpets looking clean while contributing to your company's positive image.
Regular professional carpet cleaning can improve your indoor air quality as well as help prolong the life of the carpet. Our team will work with you to assess your individual needs and create a maintenance program that is both effective and timely. Please contact our office for more information.
We offer detailed contracts which specify all carpeted areas to be maintained by ABC to assure a high level of appearance using equipment and supplies that adhere to industry standards. These include the utilization of multiple carpet cleaning methods, all of which are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, pH balanced and residue free. All methods of carpet cleaning and scheduled visits will be thoroughly discussed prior to cleaning.
ABC will furnish Material Safety Data Sheets for all cleaning compounds used in the planned cleaning, along with explanations of each compound's relevance to the cleaning process. Various combinations of cleaning methods and chemicals can be used throughout the contract and will be specified.
The responsibilities of both the business customer and ABC will be completely outlined and thoroughly explained.
- Residential Carpet Maintenance Programs
Carpet cleaning Maintenance programs are also available for our residential customers. Regularly scheduled maintenance can be performed to keep the carpets in your home at a high level of appearance at all times while providing you with a savings that will be hard to resist! Please call our office for details.
ABC's SERVICE AREA for CARPET CLEANING
We service the following areas for carpet cleaning:
- Brooktondale-14817
- Candor-13743
- Cortland-13045
- Dryden-13053
- East Homer Cortland-13056
- East Homer-13158
- Etna-13062
- Freeville-13068
- Groton-13073
- Harford-13784
- Hector-14841
- Homer-13077
- Interlaken-14847
- Ithaca-14850-53
- Jacksonville-14854
- King Ferry-13081
- Lansing-14882
- Locke-13092
- Marathon-13803
- McGraw-13101
- McLean-13102
- Mecklenburg-14863
- Moravia-13118
- Newfield-14867
- Owego-13827
- Preble-13141
- Richford-13835
- Scottsville-14546
- Slaterville Springs-14881
- Spencer-14883
- Trumansburg-14886
- Tully-13159
- Van Etten-14889
- West Danby-14896
- Willard-14588
- Wilseyville-14864
Please Note: If your area is not listed above, please contact our office.
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