Answers to questions on carpet care, carpet 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 or Maxim Advanced 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
Home Page          Services          About NVCC          Gallery          Articles &  Archive          Q & A          Contact NVCC
New Vision Carpet Cleaning, Inc.    585.671.1926
Carpet Care Questions & Answers
Carpet looks
GREAT !!!!
Thank you,  
Thank you.
Tammie B.
How Soil Affects
Carpeting:

  • Abrasive on carpet
    fibers

  • Dulls appearance -
    carpet looks dirty

  • Carpet becomes ugly
    before wearing out

  • Carpet traps and
    holds allergens
Serving the Greater Rochester, NY area, Canandaigua area - Monroe County - Wayne County -Livingston County - Monroe County
Carpet Protector

  • First applied during
    manufacture
  • Wears off over time
  • Should be re-applied
    after each cleaning
  • Protects by repelling
    soils, water based
    stains and oil based
    stains

NVCC uses - DuPont
Teflon Advanced
Carpet Protector or
Maxim Advanced
Carpet Protector