The majority of carpet manufacturers advise having a professional clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months. However, that time frame depends on your individual circumstances (such as pets or allergies). According to Angie’s List, here are 5 things you should look for when you research professional carpet cleaning companies.
1. They Have Certified Technicians.
Ideally, the carpet cleaning company you choose should have technicians that have received Carpet Cleaning Technician certification by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). That’s the most well-known training institute in the carpet cleaning industry.
The company you do business with should also be licensed and have worker’s compensation insurance for their technicians.
2. They Follow Recommended Cleaning Steps.
Look for a company that adheres to the five basic IICRC-recommended carpet cleaning steps: dry soil removal by vacuuming, carpet pre-treatment for soil suspension, soil extraction, grooming your carpet to prevent matting, and drying. Also, it shouldn’t take more than 24 hours for your carpets to dry.
3. They Guarantee Their Work.
Reputable carpet cleaning companies guarantee their work, in case you experience any issues after the fact. You’ll also want to make sure you understand how long the guarantee is in effect, and what it covers.
4. They Offer Excellent Value.
The least expensive company may not necessarily be the best one for the job. Look for the best value for the price. Always check the details of any specials advertised, and find out what’s included in the price. Some specialized treatments, like enzymatic pet stain removal or upholstery cleaning, may have an additional fee.
5. They Have Great Reviews and Recommendations.
Find out what people are saying about the companies you’re considering. Check online for customer reviews of the companies and ask friends for recommendations. If you don’t see any information online, you can always the companies to provide you with references.
When it’s time to have your carpets professionally cleaned, do your homework first. Select a company that employs certified, well-trained technicians, follow the basic carpet cleaning steps, guarantee their work, and come highly recommended. By doing this, you’ll have your carpets looking beautiful again in no time at all.
