Do They Have Good References?

Unfortunately the cleaning industry is filled with uneducated, uninformed and sometimes downright unscrupulous companies. Dreyer's Cleaning & Restoration enjoys one of the best reputations around. The area's most seasoned floor covering experts, Interior Designers and Realtors refer our services exclusively. Our reputation ensures that you can trust our company to provide you with the most outstanding service experience ever. Check us out with the Better Business Bureau.

What Kind of Experience Do They Have?

Dreyer's Cleaning & Restoration has been caring for the finest floors and fabrics since 1984. Our staff is experienced with all types of floors, fibers and soiling conditions, no matter how unusual they may be. We are experienced in all methods of cleaning. Dreyer's Cleaning & Restoration is known for being able to solve cleaning related problems that no one else can. This insures that whatever your situation is, we will be familiar with it.

Are They Well Educated In Their Field?

Dreyer's Cleaning & Restoration is committed to the highest order of education and training. Our company is involved in a number of educational processes. Each staff member is thoroughly trained and certified, that's minimum standard. We are certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) which is the most recognized body of certification for carpet and upholstery cleaners. Never use a firm that isn't. We hold multiple IICRC designations. This insures that you will get the latest cleaning technology applied to your job.

Which System Do They Use?

The equipment used by a cleaning firm is incredibly important. Dreyer's Cleaning & Restoration uses only the highest quality, most advanced, state-of-the-art equipment on the market today. The systems we use will get maximum soil removal and maximum spot removal without over wetting your floor or fabric and without leaving a sticky residue behind.

Do They Understand Customer Service?

Our mission is to provide you with the most outstanding service experience ever. We are committed to showing up On Time, and communicating with you throughout the service experience. Our staff will show up in a professionally lettered vehicle, in uniform, ready to serve you in the most courteous manner possible.

Do You Get What You Pay For?

Never select a cleaning firm based on price alone. A low priced service could actually damage your floor or fabric, costing you more in the long run. Dreyer's Cleaning & Restoration charges more than some companies, but you get what you pay for. It's impossible for a company to provide the best service experience if they can't afford to invest in the best employees, education and equipment.

Do They Use Top Quality Products?

Dreyer's Cleaning & Restoration refuses to use discount products. Cheap products can damage your floors and fabrics. The products we use are safe for the outside environment as well as the indoor environment.

Do They Guarantee Their Work?

Our guarantee to you is that if you are not completely satisfied with the service experience you receive from our company, we will rush back to your location at no charge and no obligation to make things right. If you are still unimpressed, we will offer a complete refund up to $1000.00.

Do They Have A Referral Program?

For each new customer you refer to Dreyer's Cleaning & Restoration, we will send you a 10% referral commission. A certificate for 10% will be mailed to you when the referred customer pays the invoice. The referral commission is paid on the first new job. Repeat business does not qualify for the commission. You may then either use the certificate toward services or cash. Remember, we guarantee our work, so don't hesitate to refer someone to us.

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There are many misconceptions about carpet cleaning. One of them has to do with carpet cleaning methods. What's the best method? That depends. You have probably heard the terms "dry" or "steam". These are general terms that hint at different methods, but both terms are incomplete and inaccurate terms. Neither are technical terms that properly describe carpet cleaning methods.

There are 4 methods of carpet cleaning approved by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the world's most recognized body of certification for carpet and upholstery cleaners.

Method 1: Hot Water Extraction

Otherwise known as "steam cleaning", hot water extraction is the process that most are probably familiar with. Hot water extraction is the correct technical term, not steam cleaning. Actual steam is not used at all. A hot water solution is produced and immediately recovered, creating a "flushing" action on the carpet. There are many variations of hot water extraction. From the most powerful truck-mounted machine down to the small portable machine rented from the grocery store. What's the difference. Every machine has different capabilities. Mainly the pressure in which the water is produced and the recovery capability.

However, the biggest and most important difference is in the person cleaning the carpet. A trained technician will know what pressure to use, what cleaning products to use, and how to get maximum soil removal and maximum spot removal without over-wetting the carpet or leaving a sticky residue behind. The horror stories of carpet being wet for days is due to operator error, not because "steam" or "hot water extraction" caused it.

Hot Water Extraction done properly will remove more soil than any other method. Further, anything that has seeped into the backing such as urine, coffee, beverages or something can be "flushed out" with hot water extraction. It can also be used in lightly soiled and maintenance situations as it is very versatile.

Method #2: Absorbent Pad

Also known as bonnet cleaning, this method employs a round pad that spins across the surface of the carpet, absorbing the soil. A solution is applied to the carpet or the pad to aid in releasing soils. This is a method that some may classify as "dry cleaning" although water based products are used in almost all "dry cleaning" systems, therefore the term dry cleaning (cleaning with only a solvent based cleaner) is not technical and would not be desired. Absorbent pad cleaning is not a deep cleaning method. It should only be used in lightly soiled and maintenance situations.

Method #3: Dry Compound

This method uses a powder that has been treated with detergents, water, and solvents. The powder compound is sprinkled onto the carpet and a brush with cylindrical brushes is used to work the powder into the carpet pile. The solution that is in the powder releases the soil. The soil is then absorbed into the absorbent powder. This method should only be used in lightly soiled and maintenance situations.

Method # 4: Shampoo or Dry Foam

In this method, a shampoo or foam is generated and worked into the carpet with a rotary brush or cylindrical brush machine. The shampoo or foam releases the soil. The soil is then vacuumed with the machine or allowed to dry and removed with a conventional vacuum cleaner. This method should be used in only lightly soiled situations and maintenance cleaning. When using shampoo, great care should be taken to avoid leaving a sticky residue on the carpet.

Note: Dreyer's Cleaning & Restoration is experienced in ALL methods of carpet cleaning. We offer a 12 step cleaning program that gets maximum soil removal, maximum spot removal without over-wetting the carpet or leaving a sticky residue behind. Guaranteed or your money back!

Labels: Recommendations

Choose your carpet carefully The following information will help you get familiar with carpet terms and definitions so you can make an educated decision on selecting your next carpet. PILE DESIGNS There are several terms relating to the manufacturing process which need to be understood before we actually discuss carpet pile designs. Gauge The distance between the needles on a tufting machine. The gauge is expressed in fractions of an inch, and refers to the number of needles which are positioned across the width of the tufting machine. Pitch The distance between the stitches made by the needles (the distance which the backing material travels before the needle inserts the next tuft). Pitch is expressed in terms of the number of tufts per inch. Density The closeness of the pile yarns. Density refers to the closeness of the pile yarns, and is an indication of both gauge and pitch. It is measured by the number of ounces per yard. Generally, the higher the density, the better the quality of the carpet. Face Weight The weight, expressed in the number of ounces per yard of fiber extending above the primary backing. These factors (gauge, pitch, density and face weight) all have direct effects upon each of the others. For instance, if the density increases with the pile height remaining the same, the face weight will increase. Or if the pile height increases with the density remaining the same, the face weight will increase. The rest of this information will be based on Cut-Pile designs (59% of the current market), Loop-Pile designs (28% of the market), and Cut and Loop-Pile combination designs (13% of the market). CUT-PILE DESIGNS Saxony Pile A saxony configuration will generally have a pile height of about three quarters of an inch. The main distinction of a saxony will be in the fact that the pile is made up of twisted, heat-set yarns with sufficient density to cause them to stand upright to foot traffic. Ninety percent of the expensive carpets made today are of the saxony pile. Plush or Velvet The plush design is dense enough to remain upright to normal traffic. The major distinguishing trait of a plush is that there is little or no twist set in the face yarns which comprise the pile. This introduces a smooth, uniform texture on the face of the plush or velvet carpet. This "velvet-plush" carpet can be sensitive to high temperatures in the cleaning solution, causing fiber distortion. Temperature settings should be turned down from the maximum settings. Shag Pile This design has almost disappeared from the current market, though since a number of shag carpets remain from the early seventies, it warrants some discussion. Generally, a shag carpet contains a pile height greater than one inch, but that pile height must be coupled with so little density as to create a casual, random-lay effect so that the sides of the yarns are exposed to the foot traffic rather than the tips which are exposed on most other carpet configurations. Splush (short-shag or mini-shag) This carpet is halfway between the shag and the plush. The pile height is usually about three quarters of an inch, with a density which is insufficient to cause the yarn ends to stand upright to foot traffic. Although the density is greater than that of a shag, the same "random lay" effect is still apparent. Frieze(free-say) This design is composed of very tightly twisted yarns that give a rough, nubby appearance. Grass-pile Grass-pile carpets are usually made of slit-film olefin which actually simulates grass. It comes in a variety of colors. back to top

Types of Carpet Textured Plush Saxony Berber Loop-Pile Berber Cut-Pile Cut/Loop Commercial Loop

LOOP-PILE DESIGNS Level Loop-Pile This design consists of uniformly level tufts in an uncut or loop-pile configuration. Commercial quality carpet is often of the level-loop configuration with high density but low pile height. Multi-Level Loop-Pile This configuration is also known as "high-low" pile carpet. It is formed by increasing tension on the yarn during tufting, which forms patterns with high and low loops. CUT AND LOOP PILE DESIGNS Sculptured Saxony Sculptured saxony consists of higher, cut-pile yarns in the saxony tradition which are contrasted in texture by lower, loop-pile yarns which remain uncut. Sculptured Shag This design is similar to the sculptured Saxony though is composed of higher, less dense cut-pile yarns in a shag configuration, contrasted by lower loops which remain uncut. Level Cut-loop This technique is used to create a wide range of patterns using cut and loop piles of the same height. back to top FIBER TYPES Pros & Cons There are many different types of fiber used to make carpet. In this section we are going to give you the PROS & CONS of the four most popular fibers, Nylon, Polyester, Olefin, and Wool. NYLON PROS Good Elasticity – Nylon will stretch up to 33% of its length and still regain its original shape. This is very important in heavy traffic areas where furniture may be dragged across the carpet. Very Abrasion Resistant – It even surpasses wool. Many manufacturers offer wear guaranties. Static Resistant – Not its ancestry, but today’s fibers do very well. Heat Sets Well – When properly heat set, nylon retains its crimp, twist, and dye extremely well. Good resiliency – Nylon can be crushed for long periods and still regain its original shape. Non-Absorbent – Nylon dries quickly since it will absorb less than 8% of its weight in H20. Mildew Resistant – Nylon provides no food source, but mildew can grow on it if another food source is available. Notice the damage that can be done under an over watered potted plant. Nylon responds very well to most professional cleaning methods and treatments. CONS Nylon is almost always acid dyed. It is rarely solution dyed, so it can have problems with bleaching, fading, urine reactions, etc. back to top POLYESTER Polyester’s popularity seems to go up and down like a roller coaster. Because it’s relatively inexpensive to produce, manufacturers are regularly reintroducing this fiber to the carpet industry. Although it has some excellent qualities, and is a great fiber for clothing, it does have some limiting factors when used in carpet. PROS Since polyester does not have dye sites, it is usually dyed with a disperse dye or solution dye method which makes it very resistant to bleaching, fading and soil dye reactions. Stain Resistant – This applies only to water based stains. Low Absorbency – Quick drying CONS Polyester is difficult to dye and usually must be solution dyed which limits the variety. It is not resistant to oily stains, and in fact an oily spill or spot left without proper cleanup can oxidize and even chemically bond with and become part of the fiber. You need to know that some of these spots just won’t come out. Crimp Loss – Early polyester was a mess. A new polyester carpet was fuller, fluffier and more luxurious than anything on the market. Six-month-old polyester was an owner’s nightmare. Due to loss of twist and crimp, long strait fibers were left in the traffic areas, which caused matting and tangling and destroyed the original look of the carpet. Definite improvements have been made by heat setting and using finer yarns, but crimp loss can still be a problem. This is a characteristic of polyester, not a defect. back to top OLEFIN Olefin is a very versatile carpet fiber. It is used in carpet backings (called polypropylene), face yarns and even astroturf. Olefin has become almost synonymous with one of its trade names “Herculon” a trademark owned by Hercules Corporation, a major manufacturer of olefin. PROS Olefin is very moisture resistant. It will absorb only one tenth of 1% of its weight in water. This leads to some pros and some cons. Very difficult to stain. Great for outdoor applications (stadium or pool) Chemical Resistant – Most chemicals and bleaches won’t damage it at all Solution dyeing makes it resistant to fading. Lightweight – It is the only common carpet fiber that will float on water. ( Except celluloid) Strong – It wears well except for resiliency factor (see cons). It has good cleanability and stain release. (Except oil/petroleum-based stains – see cons) CONS Olefin is not a resilient fiber. When crushed it does not regain its original shape easily. Traffic areas tend to lie down, showing “apparent soiling”. Furniture marks can be permanent reminders to the owner of where his furniture used to be. It is a very heat sensitive fiber. Its melting point is around 300 degrees but damage can occur at lower temperatures. Olefin can be damaged by Friction – Even dragging a heavy piece of furniture across an olefin carpet can cause permanent marks from the heat generated by friction. Like polyester, extended exposure to oil-based soils may become permanent. Olefin is very difficult to dye due to its low absorbency rate. It is almost always solution dyed. Quite often, Olefin is in a glue-down situation, which creates a potential to brown from soil wicking from the base of the yarns due to incomplete soil removal. Over wetting and/or slow drying increases the likelihood. back to top WOOL Wool comes from the fleece of sheep or lambs. This is one of the oldest fibers used by man, dating back over two thousand years. It is still one of the finest face yarns available for carpet. Wool is chemically made up of standard organic elements including sulfur, which accounts for the wool smell when it is damp. PROS Wool has excellent soil hiding capabilities. Wool will not exhibit or show soil as much as other fibers. The reason for this is that wool is an opaque fiber (as opposed to synthetics which are transparent) and wool doesn’t refract and reflect light like synthetics. The naturally dull appearance provided by the scales of the epidermis makes soil much less apparent to the human eye. Wool is very strong, elastic and resilient. Wool face yarn in a well-constructed carpet will stand up to the heaviest traffic and still look beautiful. (Notice the carpet in most casinos and finer hotel lobbies and hallways). Natural crimp makes wool and excellent insulator. Good Absorbency – This means that wool reacts well to a number of dye types and techniques. Keep in mind, this means easy staining also. Soil Release – Wool responds very well to cleaning as moisture makes the fiber swell and release dirt. Wool is naturally flame retardant. CONS Wool is a very expensive material. This arises mainly from the processing cost, the cleaning, and the preparation, etc., rather than the actual cost of the raw material. Fiber Distortion – Wool is very prone to distortion by excess agitations such as jet streaks and wand marks. This is particularly pronounced when it happens under heated conditions. Stains Easily – Due to its absorbency and ease of dyeing, wool is also easily stained by wine, Kool-Aid and other acid dyestuffs. Remember that absorbency is the same quality that makes wool so desirable as far as dye acceptance and obtaining the beautiful rich colors that you often find in wool carpets and oriental rugs. Chemical Sensitivity – Wool is sensitive to alkaline chemicals above a pH of 9.5 after prolonged exposure. This exposure will tend to make wool brittle and discolor somewhat. This problem is sometimes referred to as “felting”. Wool is also very sensitive to chlorine bleach, such as Clorox, which is normally found in homes and grocery stores. Chlorine bleach will completely dissolve wool within a matter of minutes. The New Zealand Wool Bureau recommends water-based cleaning solutions with a pH not lower than 5.5 and not higher than 8 pH. Staple Yarn – Fuzzing can be a source of problems because wool only comes as a staple yarn and excess agitation can cause that fuzzing effect. back to top

Labels: Recommendations

Tips Spot Removal Steps Wool Wisdom Basic Rug Care

Spot Removal Steps Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof. Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or or white paper toweling (no printing). Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing may cause pile distortion in the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed. If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in the spot removal computer and follow the directions carefully. Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to be certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected. Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth and work in gently. Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot in order to absorb as much as possible, and repeat if necessary. Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill. Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times. After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed. A dry, absorbent, cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to accelerate drying time. For more detailed information on a specific spill, please search on the pull-down menu at right. Many fiber manufacturers provide a toll-free cleaning assistance and advice (consult your warranty). Wool Wisdom One of the most crucial areas of carpet maintenance is removal of spots and spills. Acting quickly when anything is dropped or spilled, and always having the necessary cleaning materials at hand are of the utmost importance. We recommend a “WoolClean Spot Removal Kit,” which can be purchased from a Wools of New Zealand Partner Retailer. Call 800-367-0462 or check the Wools website at www.woolsnz.com for the Partner Retailer nearest you. Frequent vacuuming is a wool carpet’s best friend. An upright vacuum with a beater bar/brush is the best type for cut pile carpet. A suction-only vacuum may be required for loop pile Berber carpets to prevent excessive fuzzing. Vacuum cleaner dust bag should be emptied when half full. Exercise prevention maintenance by placing absorbent mats at the most frequently used entrances to your home. Change or launder when these mats become dirty. Filters in your heating and air conditioning systems should be changed regularly. Periodically clean traffic lanes and the areas in front of frequently used chairs with an absorbent powder (such as Host®, Dri-Matic® or Capture®). Keep absorbent cloth or paper towels and cleaning solutions on hand for quick response to spills and accidents. DO NOT apply stain repellent treatments which contain any silicone as they tend to accelerate carpet soiling. (Some carpet manufacturers do not accept responsibility for complaints where such treatments have been used.) When having your wool carpet professionally cleaned, use a “WoolCare Specialist” certified by Restoration Industry Association. Basic Rug Care Rugs deserve the same care as wall-to-wall carpet and, in some cases, require special attention. Washing rugs — If your rug is small and the label says “machine washable,” shake the rug outside first and then put it in the washing machine at the recommended temperature. Use warm water (90 to 105 degrees) and a mild detergent. Tumble your rug dry at the lowest heat setting. Beating larger rugs — If your larger rug is easy to pick up, shake it outside first; then put it over a clothesline and beat it. Next, take the rug inside and vacuum it. If the label says dry clean only, then roll it up and take it to a professional rug cleaner. Save time and aggravation by calling first to see if the cleaner does rug cleaning — many do not. Vacuuming area rugs — Area rugs with fringe require special technique. Use gentle suction and start from the center of the carpet, vacuuming toward the fringe and being careful not to catch the strands in the beater bar. Lift the carpet edge to vacuum beneath the fringe. Caring for Oriental, Turkish or Persian rugs — Clean imported rugs according to your carpet manufacturer’s specifications or bring in a professional cleaning service. Be gentle with fringe. For heirloom-type rugs, you need professionals.

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Stain Removal

Treatment of the affected area should begin immediately upon discovery. The more time that elapses before treatment, the more difficult a stain will be to remove. For best results, us Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Carpet Spot Remover and Cleaning Kit.

Cleaning Recommendations

Protect your carpet color

In addition to frequent vacuuming, it's important to clean your carpet on a regular basis. Cleaning systems will remove the oily, sticky soil that vacuums can't take out, and will help keep your carpet looking great over time. Cleaning systems target the soils that result from cooking vapors, air pollution, and tracked-in dirt. The particles of oily soil deposited on carpet fibers can cause gradual but significant dulling of colors. The color isn't lost, but is hidden under the film. If this type of soil is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the dry soil.

Get on a cleaning schedule

If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful. Carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months, depending on the number of residents and amount of activity. Choosing the proper cleaning system is important. Some systems may leave residues which accelerate re-soiling and defeats the whole purpose of cleaning.

Shaws choice: Hot water extraction

Research indicates that the hot water extraction system provides the best capability for cleaning. This system is commonly referred to as "steam cleaning," although no steam is actually generated. The process consists of applying a cleaning agent into the carpet pile and using water in the extractor to recover the used solution and soil.  This can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and wand brought inside or by a portable system brought into the home.

Shaw warranties require that the homeowner be able to show proof of periodic cleaning by hot water extraction (commonly called "steam" cleaning) by a professional cleaning service or do-it-yourself system, using equipment that is certified under the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval program. Visit www.carpet-rug.org for a list of approved products/equipment.

Professional advantages

Professional carpet cleaners are a great choice for your floor. Their cleaning equipment has more extraction power than the rental units available to individuals, and the carpet should dry more quickly. True professionals also understand the equipment, know the proper cleaning agents for the situation at hand, and recognize the differences in fibers and carpet construction.

Locate a professional carpet cleaner

Effective January 1, 2008, professional service must be performed by an IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified firm.** You may contact the IICRC at 1-800-835-4624 for information. This organization maintains a national directory of independent professional cleaners who are trained and certified in a variety of cleaning specialties. Call and explain that you have purchased a Shaw carpet, and be sure to ask for a cleaner near you who uses the hot water extraction system. If you prefer tackling the job yourself, check these do-it-yourself guidelines before you begin.

What about spot and stain removal?

Shaw's R2X Stain and Soil Remover is the only carpet cleaning product with the endorsement consumers have trusted for more than 100 years: the Good Housekeeping Seal. Because of our patented process, it's even easier to use than most spot cleaners.  Our recommended spotting product also has the Wool Safe Certificate of Accreditation and the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval. Routine spot removal- research has shown that many products sold for do-it-yourself spot removal clean poorly and their residues attract soil on the cleaned area rapidly afterward. The Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval program tests and certifies products that meet stringent standards and thus clean effectively, without damage to your carpet.

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Regular Care for Lasting Beauty

A regular maintenance program extends the life and the initial appearance of your carpet. Today's carpet fibers are designed to hide and soil and reflect light, and have the ability to resist soiling and stains. However, the lack of apparent soiling does not eliminate the necessity of regular cleaning.

You'll need to vacuum your heavy traffic areas, such as hallways, stairs and exterior entryways, at least twice a week. Vacuum less heavily used areas weekly. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or rotating brush, and with a strong enough airflow to penetrate the carpet backing. Most dry soil has razor-like edges that abrade carpet fibers, causing light to reflect differently and give carpet a dull appearance. Soil can damage the fibers permanently if allowed to remain in the pile.

No matter how often you vacuum, your carpet will still need heavy-duty cleaning from time to time. Professional cleaning is required to maintain your Carpet One warranty. We would be glad to advise you about which cleaning method is best for your particular carpet. Hot water extraction, either alone or in combination with cleaning, is required to maintain your warranty, EXCEPT for the NATURA styles that must be cleaned through dry cleaning techniques.

A trained professional should perform this service every 1 ½ to 2 years to refresh the texture and rejuvenate the fibers in your carpet. Have the cleaning professionals come to your home for a visual inspection, and obtain a written agreement before the work is started. You must retain your receipts for proof of maintenance service should a warranty claim arise.

When you and your cleaning professional choose a cleaning method, fiber content is the most important concern. Most carpet today is constructed with synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester or olefin, and may be cleaned with most cleaning methods. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk and sisal may require specialized care. Use a cleaning method recommended by the carpet manufacturer to maintain their warranty, and if you should have any questions or concerns about your new carpet, just call your Carpet One retailer.

Carpet and Rug Institute member companies

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Carpet cleaning is just like exercise! If you get into a routine and keep it up, you will see great results and feel better for it. And understanding the right way to clean carpet will help you save time by doing it correctly the first time with products that do the job right from the start. Not only will Seal of Approval cleaning products help keep your carpet looking great, they can also help meet the warranty requirements of the carpet manufacturer. Below are three simple steps to keeping your carpet clean and looking great:

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Your carpet is a valuable investment. Any investment requires maintenance. You change the oil in your vehicle so that the engine will last longer and to avoid costly repairs. The same is true for your carpet, or any floor covering for that matter. By properly maintaining your carpet it will look better, last longer and contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

Here are 5 Easy Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Carpet:

1. Check the Warranty

Copies of specific warranties on your carpet purchase may be available from your carpet retailer. Stain resist warranties can vary from 5 to 20 years. ALL STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE REGULAR CLEANING AND IMMEDIATE SPOT REMOVAL.

2. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum!

It is said that the three most important rules for maintaining carpet are vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Vacuum your carpet often. Once or twice a week at least. Vacuuming removes the sharp soil that can cut and slice the fiber causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye. Remove any loose particles such as loose food, leaves, pieces of crayon, bugs, etc. as these items can cause a spot on the carpet.

3. Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned

Often Most people don’t clean their carpet often enough. Perhaps due to the cost, the hassle factor, or because they do not realize how important regular professional cleaning can be. For example, if your traffic areas are visibly soiled, you have already waited too long! Traffic area soil is somewhat oily and bonds to the carpet fibers, eventually staining the carpet. Once this has taken place, even though professional cleaning will make it look much better, the traffic pattern will still be visible. In addition, traffic area soil is sharp – like sandpaper – and it abrades the carpet fibers. To keep this to a minimum, clean your traffic areas before they look visibly soiled.

As a general rule, professional cleaning by a professional, certified firm should take place about once per year. For extremely heavy traffic areas, cleaning may be required more often. Proper professional cleaning will not leave a sticky residue behind and can be done as many times per year as needed. MANY STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL CLEANING EVERY 2 YEARS. Professional cleaning removes the damaging soil from the traffic areas that vacuuming has not been able to remove. WARNING: UNINFORMED CARPET CLEANERS MAY VOID THE WARRANTY, BE VERY SELECTIVE WHICH COMPANY YOU HIRE.

4. Remove Spots

Immediately Spots that are not immediately removed can turn into permanent stains very easily. When a carpet is new, or has sufficient protector on it, plain tap water will remove many spots. However for those spots that will not move easily with water, you must use a spot cleaner. Select a spot cleaner that is recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your trained, certified professional cleaner. Most spot removers that are purchased over the counter leave too much soap residue and can cause yellowing. Avoid using foam carpet cleaners or any product that is not made specifically for carpet.

Apply spot cleaner sparingly to white terry cloth and gently massage spot causing it to transfer into the cloth. Never pour spot cleaner directly on carpet. If the product that you are using seems to cause the spot to re-soil over a few week period, discontinue use. Any spot that you are not able to remove, and for pet urine or feces, call your professional cleaner immediately.

5. Have Carpet Protector Re-Applied

Residential nylon stain resistant carpets are treated with stain resist properties and soil resistors known as Dupont Teflon or 3M Scotchgard. After a period of 2 to 3 years, some of the soil-resistor wears off. At that point you should consider having a professional carpet cleaner re-apply the treatment after professional cleaning. The soil resistor will help the soil slide off of the carpet easier when vacuuming, spots will be easier to remove, and professional cleaning will be more effective. Unprotected carpet soils faster, doesn’t last as long, and is prone to permanent staining.

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What Are Those Ugly Black Lines Around My Baseboards and Under My Doors?

If you have light colored carpet, you may have experienced these dark lines that appear on the carpet. This soiling is called filtration soiling because it comes from air passing through the carpet as it is attempting to get through the crack between the carpet and the baseboard.

As the air passes through the edge of the carpet pile, this microscopic soiling is deposited there (hence the term filtration soiling). This occurs over a significant period of time and is not noticed until a build up has occurred.

This type of soiling is difficult to remove because the soil particles are so fine that they penetrate deep into the carpet pile, sometimes into the backing of the carpet. Can it be removed? Sometimes. With special products, time and effort, reasonable results can be achieved.

To help prevent filtration soiling, vacuum and wipe the edges of the carpeting on a regular basis. Be careful around the tackstrip on the edge of the carpeting, it could nick your fingers!

Labels: Recommendations

You know the type - they "bait" you with a low price, then "switch" you to their "dual scrub" or "deep clean" system. They proceed to soak your carpet and leave a soapy residue behind. Good luck getting them back again!

Beware of low priced carpet cleaning. If their price is truly low, you should be concerned about their quality. How can you pay technicians a decent wage and have the best products and equipment at the lowest price? You can't.

Some companies advertise a low price, then charge you more when they get there. Be clear about what is included and what is not. In this ad, the fine print says "we recommend our dual scrub method for all heavily soiled carpet". How many carpets are heavily soiled? All of them! Even if you held them to the "34.95", you would get a very poor cleaning.

Here are some questions to ask every carpet cleaner about their cleaning…

1. What method do you use?
2. Do you vacuum the carpet?
3. Do you pre-spot urine and other spots?
4. Do you pre-spray the carpet?
5. Do you pre-groom the carpet?
6. Do you neutralize the carpet?
7. Do you post-groom the carpet?
8. Do you use air movers to speed dry the carpet?
9. Is all spot cleaning included in the price?
10. Is pet odor treatment included in the price?
11. Do you give a free bottle of spot remover?
12. Do you give a free pair of booties?

Questions to ask about their company…

1. Do you have recent references?
2. How long have you been in business?
3. Are you certified by the IICRC? Do you offer a 100% money back guarantee?
4. Do you have an on-time guarantee?
5. Do you use sub-contractors or employees?
6. Do you do background checks on your sub-contractors or employees?
7. Do you have liability insurance?
8. Do you have a re-soiling guarantee?

A low priced carpet cleaning company simply cannot provide the most advanced, guaranteed cleaning technology at a low, low price. Something has to be cut from the picture. Our Company obviously offers all of these benefits and more.

Labels: Recommendations

Labels: Recommendations