cleaning procedures, and other carpet issues. . .
- Q. How often should I vacuum the carpet?
A. Residential carpet should be vacuumed at least once a week. High traffic areas should be
vacuumed more often. Commercial high traffic areas should be vacuumed daily.
Q. Why is my carpet looking dull?
A. If regular vacuuming is not helping the carpet to look like it once did, it is time to have it deep
cleaned. IICRC certified carpet cleaners and IICRC certified firms are trained in the safest and best
cleaning methods for your carpet.
Q. Why has the carpet turned a dark gray around the edge of the room?
A. The dark gray is called filtration soil. This situation occurs when dust and airborne pollutants
accumulate on the carpet face fibers as air flows by convection in the room. The condition is more
obvious on lighter colored carpets. Filtration soil may appear along baseboards, under doors, or
along the edge of stairs. Depending on air quality and air movement, filtration soil may appear
quickly or develop over a long time.
Q. Is there any way to remove filtration soil?
A. There is no one cleaning technique that is recommended. Removal of the contaminants from
the soiled area can be complicated and depends on the type of substances in the filtration soil. For
best results, contact a cleaning professional.
Q. What should I do before the carpet cleaner arrives?
A. Small furniture should be removed from the area. Knickknacks, photos, and breakables should
be removed from other furniture. Quality cleaning firms will vacuum the carpet prior to cleaning.
The homeowner should, however, vacuum to remove dust and debris.
Q. Will the carpet cleaner move all of the larger furniture?
A. No. Electronic equipment, large screen TV, buffet or china cabinet with dishes inside, and
computer equipment will not be moved. Depending on what they are, other items may also not be
moved. Large stuffed chairs, couches, tables, and other types of similar furniture will be moved
during the cleaning. The carpet professional will inform you what will not be moved during the
cleaning.
Q. How is the carpet protected from the stain in my wood furniture or rusting of metal feet when
the carpet is damp?
A. Plastic tab sheets or Styrofoam blocks are used under the feet and legs of furniture to protect
the carpet during the dry time. These can be removed by the homeowner after the carpet is
completely dry.
Q. How long will it take my carpet to dry?
A. The dry time depends on several factors including the method of cleaning used, the air
temperature and humidity, and air movement in the room. The carpeting professional will give you
some estimate of dry time when completing the post cleaning inspection.
Q. How can I speed up the dry time after carpet cleaning?
A. Maintain the air temperature at a normal indoor setting, or increase it slightly, turn on ceiling
fans, turn on the air handling system, or place movable fans near the area.
Q. Why should I have carpet protector put on my newly cleaned carpet?
A. Carpet Protector will help your carpet stay cleaner, look brighter, be easier to vacuum, and
protect against both oil base and water base soil and stains. Ask your carpet professional for a
demonstration.
Q. Is carpet protector safe for use around children and pets?
A. Yes. For example, Teflon Advanced Carpet Protector does not leave any odor or residue, and is
CFC- and solvent free.
Q. How does carpet protector work?
A. Carpet protector is sprayed onto a freshly cleaned carpet and provides an invisible shield
around each fiber to keep the dirt from lodging within the carpet.
Q. How long will the applied carpet protector last?
A. Carpet protector will wear off over time and with cleanings. It should be reapplied each time the
carpet is professionally cleaned.
Q. What is the best method for removing a spill?
A. Solid spills should be scooped up into a paper towel, then blotted. Liquid spills should be
blotted, never rubbed. For immediate help in removing a specific spill, click on the red "Spot and
Stain Solver" button on the home page.
Q. How often should I have my carpet cleaned?
A. Carpet manufacturers and the Carpet and Rug Institute recommend that carpet be
professionally deep cleaned a minimum of every 12 - 18 months. Check your carpet warranty.
Some warranties become void if this cleaning procedure is not followed.
Q. Will my wool area rug require special cleaning?
A. Yes and No. Most cleaning methods with modifications for agitation and water temperature are
suitable for cleaning wool. Because wool is easily damaged, your cleaning professional will use
neutral detergents. In addition, wool should be dried quickly.
Q. What is the most important thing I can do to extend the life of my carpet?
A. Vacuuming on a very regular schedule. Dry soil has sharp edges that cut and abrade the carpet
fibers. This causes the light to be reflected differently and gives the carpet a dull appearance. A
regular maintenance program including both vacuuming and deep extraction cleaning by a
professional will extend the life of the carpet.
Q. What should I expect from the carpet cleaner on the day of cleaning?
A. The carpet professional will make a pre-cleaning inspection noting stained areas, wear areas,
traffic lanes, damage, and other problems. The area will be measured and you will receive a quote
for the complete job including cleaning and carpet protector. Work will not start without your
approval. The carpet will be vacuumed unless you have vacuumed the area (check to see if the
same satisfaction guarantee applies if you vacuum the carpet). The carpet will be preconditioned,
spot cleaned, deep cleaned, carpet protector applied (if indicated in the quote), and the pile set.
The furniture will be moved during the cleaning process, then replaced and tabbed with plastic or
Styrofoam blocks after the cleaning and application of carpet protector. A post-cleaning
inspection will be made and you will be asked to inspect the carpet. You will receive post-cleaning
instruction before the carpet professional leaves.
Q. Is it OK to get a quote for carpet cleaning over the phone?
A. No. It is impossible to do a pre-cleaning inspection over the phone. The carpet cleaner must
check for problem stains and excessive soiling that would require additional attention. The carpet
professional may quote a range of prices, however, a specific quote will not be made over the
phone.
Q. Am I getting a good buy with the cleaning specials such as three rooms for $99?
A. Read the fine print. Beware of pricing that sounds too good to be true. Most cleaning is based
on the total number of square feet. Reliable firm will do a pre-inspection and provide a written
agreement before any work starts.
Q. What is causing the lighter spots in the carpet?
A. There could be a number of causes. One possible cause is chlorine bleach. Be careful of the
disinfectant sprays that contain chlorine bleach. Even a fine mist landing on the carpet can
permanently alter the color of the carpet. Another possible cause is a bleaching effect from
contact with topical acne medicine. Skin treated with acne medicine, on hands that have applied
acne medicine that touch the carpet can leave a small amount of the medicine which will bleach
the color from the carpet.
Q. Where can I get more information about carpet care?
A. The Carpet and Rug Institute has more information on their web site
