How to Pick the Best Carpet Cleaning Company
Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Trustworthy Carpet Cleaners
Nothing ruins fresh carpets quite like nasty stains, muddy footprints, and lingering odors. When carpets are looking worse for wear, it’s time to call in professionals. But hiring just any carpet cleaning company is a recipe for disappointment and wasted money. You need to find a top-notch team that will get carpets looking and smelling like new again.
1. Look For Training Proof
Carpet cleaning crews come in your home and use special equipment and chemicals. You need to know they were taught right. Look for workers certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This means they know cleaning methods for all carpet materials and marks. Don’t just take the company’s word. Ask to see their certification proof.
Experience is Important Too
Don’t hire new carpet cleaning businesses. Search for reliable companies with 5-10+ years of industry experience. Signs of an experienced pro include:
- Lots of happy customer reviews online
- Photos showing before and after cleaning transformations
- A professional website, company vehicles, and uniformed staff
2. Types of Cleaning Methods
Different carpet cleaning techniques exist. The main ones are:
| Method | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Cleaning | Injects hot water and solution, extracts dirt/debris | Deep cleaning, no residues | Carpets take day+ to dry, mold risk if not dried right |
| Dry Cleaning | Brushes in solution that absorbs dirt | Quick 1-2 hour drying, no wet carpets | Not as deep cleaning, leaves some residues |
| Shampooing | Applies and sucks up soapy solution | Great for high-traffic areas | Soapy residue left behind, slower drying |
The best technique depends on your carpets, soil level, and drying needs. Ask what products they use. Look for pet-safe, eco-friendly options.
Special Stain Removal Services
Ask about treatments for tough stains and smells like pet messes, wine, blood. Good companies offer solutions for these. Mention any delicate wool or natural fiber carpets too.
3. Price: Don’t Go Too Cheap
Expect carpet cleaning service to cost $150-$300 on average. Price depends on:
- Square footage and number of rooms
- How bad the spots and dirt are
- Any extra services needed like stain treatment
- Type of carpet material
- Location of your home
Get written quotes upfront or estimates from a few companies. Cheap cleaners may use poor equipment or harsh chemicals that ruin carpets. You get what you pay for.
4. Look For Great Service
Signs of high quality service include:
- Quick, friendly responses to questions
- Clear pricing with no hidden fees
- Flexibility with scheduling times
- Satisfaction assurances to re-clean if needed
- On-time, tidy professionals
Good carpet cleaners keep you informed and make you feel good about hiring them.
Red Flags to Avoid
Potential warning signs of a bad company:
- No website, email, or address listed
- Lots of negative reviews online
- Tricky “too good to be true” pricing
- Rude or unprofessional staff
- Unable to answer basic carpet cleaning questions
Legit companies have an online presence, positive reviews, clear pricing, and knowledgeable staff.
5. Check Their Credentials
Confirm a carpet cleaner’s legitimacy by:
- Checking License & Insurance: Ask for proof they are licensed, bonded and insured.
- Reading Online Reviews: Look for lots of positive customer reviews.
- Asking About Background Checks: The best companies screen employees carefully.
Even though it’s simple work, they enter your home. Check they are legit and insured to avoid problems.
6. Clear Service Guarantees
Reputable companies back their work with clear warranties. Ask:
- How long does it lasts
- What is covered, respotting, retreat, full re-clean, etc.
- Any limits or exclusions
Also ask about policies like cancellation fees, payment options, and what happens if they damage household items.
Protect Your Investment
After paying for cleaning, ask if the company offers:
- Carpet protection sprays or coatings
- Pre-treatments for high-traffic areas
- Maintenance plans with discounted re-cleans
They can advise on proper home care too.
7. Consider Add-On Services
While getting carpets done, ask about bundling services like:
- Upholstery cleaning for furniture/drapes
- Hardwood floor cleaning and polishing
- Tile and grout cleaning
- Air duct cleaning
Companies often discount bundled cleaning services.
Look For Green Options
For eco-friendly cleaning, look for:
- Plant-based, bio-enzymatic solutions
- Milder, environmentally-preferred chemicals
- Efficient truck-mounted equipment
- Proper disposal of cleaning waste
Green certifications include Green Seal, EPA Safer Choice, and LEED.
8. Address Special Needs
Discuss any special circumstances upfront like:
- Homes with elderly or young children
- Residents with allergies or sensitivities
- Historic homes or delicate carpet installations
- Rental properties or moving situations
Experienced cleaners can accommodate unique requirements.
Proper Preparation Helps
Prepare for reputable carpet cleaners by:
- Removing fragile items and valuables
- Clearing furniture out of rooms if possible
- Putting sliders under heavy furniture
- Light surface vacuuming
- Flagging bad stained areas
- Covering wall hangings and mirrors
Proper prep helps cleaners work efficiently. Understand their full process too.
Plan For Drying Time
Most cleaning leaves carpets damp for 12-24 hours, so:
- Clear rooms during that time
- Stay off wet carpets
- Open windows for airflow
- Use fans or dehumidifiers
Don’t walk on damp carpets or problems like mold can happen.
In Summary
When hiring a professional carpet cleaner, look for proper certifications, solid experience/reputation, service guarantees, customised cleaning methods, fair pricing, great customer service, and prepare for their arrival.
Clean carpets are a significant investment, so you owe it to yourself to find a top-notch provider that delivers outstanding results. Plus, you keep your peace of mind knowing you made the best choice.
