Carpet Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions
Al’s Carpet Cleaning and Restoration has compiled a list of our most Frequently Asked Questions, if your question is not on this list feel free to contact us.
Why should I have my carpets cleaned?
There are many reasons to have your carpet and upholstery cleaned:
Health- Carpeting and fabrics not cleaned and properly maintained have the potential to cause a variety of health problems inside the home or work place.
How often should I have my carpets cleaned?
The following chart from: U.S. EPA, January, 1989
Commercial
(retail shops, banks)
How often should I have my furniture cleaned?
The EPA currently has issued no guidelines on the recommended cleaning frequency for upholstery. Until such a guideline has been issued , Al’s Carpet Cleaning & Restoration recommends that you have your upholstery cleaned every other time your carpet is cleaned. Example: if your carpets get cleaned every six months, your upholstery should be cleaned once a year.
Which method of carpet cleaning is best?
The best method for cleaning a particular carpet is dependent on a range of factors. All carpet cleaning methods offer various advantages, but also have some limitations. No single method is superior to all others. Properly performed under appropriate conditions, each method can provide satisfactory results. Al’s Carpet Cleaning and Restoration tecnicians are skilled in all carpet cleaning methods. We provide truckmounted “steam” cleaning and low moisture carpet cleaning methods. Rest assured, your carpet will be cleaned with the appropriate method for maximum effectiveness.
Do you use truck mounted steam cleaning equipment?
Yes. Our steam-cleaning units are truck mounts. We have the most powerful truck mounts available in the industry. The only thing that comes into your home are a couple of hoses and a cleaning wand.
Should I vacuum before the carpet cleaner arrives?
Yes, vacuuming is essential to the longevity of your carpet. You should vacuum your carpet as often as possible, particularly before and after you have your carpets cleaned.
Do you move furniture?
Yes. We will move most furniture. Discounts given for vacant (empty rooms), or traffic areas only. We will move any piece of furniture that you wish, clean under it, and replace it. Most customers feel that some pieces of furniture are not cost-effective to move and clean under, such as china hutches that are full of dishes, pianos, some beds, etc.
Should I move anything?
Yes, you should remove from the areas being cleaned, all nick knack and breakables. We would be grateful if you would remove any non-replaceable, heirloom, collectable-type of items that are breakable before we start the cleaning process.
How long will it take for my carpet or furniture to dry?
Our dry times typically range from 2 - 6 hours. Dry times can be affected by many factors including weather, humidity, and airflow.
How long before I can walk on my carpet?
You can walk on your carpet immediately but it is recommended that you limit traffic until completely dry. Please read the Post Cleaning Instructions
Are the products you use safe?
Yes, we use the #1 line of cleaning products in the world. This allows us to guarantee the highest quality job available at any price! Our products are: nontoxic, safe for pets & children, biodegradable, and phosphate free. If you have particular sensitivities to any cleaning agents, please let us know because there are options we can use to accommodate you so that you are not exposed to any cleaning agents that you might be allergic to. This is particularly helpful for people with multiple-chemical-sensitivity syndrome.
Are your technicians experienced?
Yes. Our technicians attend courses, seminars, and schools across the country to keep current in the latest cleaning technologies. Our technicians are certified by the IICRC, and Al’s Carpet Cleaning and Restoration is a certified firm that is specifically recommended by the IICRC.
Will your services help my allergies?
Yes, having your carpet and furniture cleaned removes pollutants and makes for a more friendly breathing environment. The last step in our carpet-cleaning process is a clear-water rinse with hot water.
Will you remove all my stains?
Some stains may be very difficult or impossible to remove, but we employ very advanced stain-removal processes that are unavailable to the homeowner. We have very good success removing many types of stains that other companies are unable to remove.
Does cleaning your carpet make it wear out faster?
No, actually dirt acts as an abrasive when trapped in your carpet or fabrics and should be removed to reduce wear.
Does your process restore the original feel of my carpet?
Yes, our process leaves your carpet fresh, clean, residue free and soft to the touch.
Should I have a fiberprotector applied after carpet cleaning?
Yes, most carpet manufacturers recommend that you reapply protector after professional cleaning to restore the original stain resistance. Some manufacturers even require it as part of the warranty on the carpet. If you choose to have protector applied to your carpet after its cleaned, that makes you eligible for our Forever Clean Program, where every other carpet cleaning is free.
My carpet is really old, should I replace it?
With the cost of replacing carpet being as expensive as it is today, it is always best to try having the carpet professionally cleaned first. It is far less costly and may make a world of difference.
Which provides better indoor air quality: hardwood, or carpet?
Carpet actually acts like a ‘filter’ trapping pollutants which are then removed by professional carpet cleaning. As long as a regular cleaning schedule is maintained, carpet provides much better indoor air quality than hardwood. Carpet acts much like a filter in your furnace system in your home, in that it traps pollutants rather than re-circulates them through the home. As an example, Sweden, in the 1980s, started replacing all of their carpeted areas in public buildings with hard floor surfaces due to a fear of indoor pollution and health-related issues. After many years of having hard floor surfaces and continued testing, they found that carpet actually performed better at reducing indoor air pollution than hard surfaces, due to the fact that, when pollutants landed on a floor, they were not trapped there. They could move around the room, a breeze, someone walking on them or scuffing them would make them airborne and people would breathe them, whereas when they landed on carpet they would be trapped there and when the carpet was cleaned, they would be removed from the building. Traditionally, carpet is less expensive and less time-consuming to maintain than any hard floor surface.