Frequently Asked Questions
The manual scrub wand is a good cleaning tool for cleaning lightly soiled carpet. When cleaning more heavily soiled carpet, the wand becomes a ‘beast of burden.’ Cleaning results depend upon the strength, stamina, and technique of the person working the wand. Cleaning heavily soiled carpets with a scrub wand is ‘hard labor.’ The repetitive motion of scrubbing back and forth is extremely strenuous and fatiguing. An individual can not scrub long enough to effectively clean your carpets.
First and foremost the Rotovac is an electric power scrubbing tool. Comparing the Rotovac to a wand is like comparing a skill saw to a hand saw. We have converted a back and forth manual task to a much easier and more efficient rotary mechanized operation. Which makes more cleaning passes per minute than is possible with a manual scrub wand. In addition, the cleaning passes are from all directions rather than just back and forth. This is what produces better cleaning results for you.
Does the Rotovac work on all types of carpet?
The Rotovac has a carpet pile height adjustment wheel which allows it to work on all installed over pad carpet, and most commercial glue downs.
What is the dry time of the Rotovac compared to a wand?
The Rotovac on average leaves the carpet about 20 x drier when compared to a manual scrub wand under similar conditions.
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.
Life of your carpet- can be greatly extended by simple routine professional cleaning.
Appearance- maintain the original look and luster of your carpet with regularly scheduled cleanings.
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, our company 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.
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.
Do you move furniture?
When necessary we will move and replace small furniture in its original position.
*We will not move musical instruments, grandfather clocks, most beds, full china hutches, full bookshelves, entertainment centers, pool tables…our technicians reserve the right not to move any piece of furniture or household object that they do not feel comfortable with.
Should I move anything?
Yes, you should remove from the areas being cleaned, all nick knack and breakables.
How long will it take for my carpet or furniture to dry?
Our dry times typically range from 1 – 2 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.
Are the products you use safe?
Yes, we use the #1 line of cleaning products in the world. This allows us to assure the highest quality job available at any price! Our products are: nontoxic, safe for pets & children, biodegradable, and phosphate free.
Are your technicians experienced?
Yes, our technicians attend courses, seminars, and schools across the country to keep current on the latest in cleaning technologies.
Will your services help my allergies?
Yes, having your carpet and furniture cleaned removes pollutants and makes for a more friendly breathing environment.
Will you remove all my stains?
Let me start by defining the difference between a spot and a stain: a spot is any foreign material (soil, liquid, etc.) that is removable by standard cleaning methods.(The foreign material is on or around the carpet fiber) A stain is foreign material (soil, liquid, etc.) on carpet that is not usually removable by standard cleaning methods. (The foreign material has penetrated ‘soaked into’ fiber and has changed or damaged the fiber itself) Some stains may be very difficult or impossible 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 fabric protector applied after 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.
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.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception #1
All carpet cleaners and carpet cleaning companies are all the same. I might just as well hire the company that quotes the lowest price. Usually not. Some carpet cleaning companies offer a low price to persuade you to call, but then add on services you thought were included in the price. It would be like a car dealer quoting you for a new car and then telling you the steering wheel and windshield are extra.
Misconception #2
It makes no difference which method of cleaning you choose. This is incorrect. One has several methods to choose from: Bonnet, Dry Foam, Dry Compound and Hot Water Extraction (steam cleaning). Some cleaning systems are considered interim maintenance cleaning systems and others are regarded as restorative by the industry. Only Hot Water Extraction (steam cleaning) can employ a rinse step to leave your carpets as residue free as possible.
Misconception #3
All a company needs to clean carpets correctly is the right equipment. This is incorrect. Many cleaning companies own professional carpet cleaning systems, but they don’t teach their technicians the proper ways to use them. Make sure the cleaning company you choose has technicians who are trained by certified carpet instructors.
Misconception #4
The longer you wait between carpet cleanings, the better. This is incorrect. Dirt is like sandpaper. It damages your carpet. The more often you have your carpets cleaned, the longer they will last. Industry standards recommend that you clean your carpets every 6 to 18 months, depending on your lifestyle.
Misconception #5
Carpet cleaners don’t provide references. This is incorrect. Carpet cleaners provide customer references all the time. If the cleaner you’re considering won’t provide references, you know the cleaner:
- Is new to the business and doesn’t have references.
- Is dishonest and doesn’t have good references.
- Does poor work and will never warrant a favorable recommendation.
Give us a call for a Free evaluation 610-486-0420