You know your carpets need cleaning, but figuring out the best way to accomplish it can be overwhelming. Things to consider include tackling the job yourself versus hiring out to a Raleigh based company, daunting carpet cleaning costs, and the various methods available. It’s enough to make you pick the first company whose ad appears in your mailbox. The problem is that every company is different, and some are better suited for your needs. From the cleaning methods they use to the price they quote and guarantees offered, it’s important for you to know exactly what to look for and ask. The following are five facts you need to know before picking a carpet cleaning company.
1. Your carpet is dirtier than you think.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is waiting for disaster before having their carpets cleaned. Don’t wait until you can’t remember the original color or you have a party that ends in a red wine stain. Carpet, especially in high traffic areas, should be cleaned quarterly. Beneath all the dirt that you can see lives a world of filth that you can’t. Outdoor air circling through the home is enough to deposit pollutants, chemicals, and bacteria deep within the fibers of your carpet. This can drastically effect the look of the carpet and the air quality within the home. Your quality of life can be significantly increased by simply committing to regular carpet cleanings.
2. There are many cleaning methods available.
Even among Triangle area carpet cleaning companies there are several approaches offered. Dry foam, bonnet cleaning, steam cleaning, and HOST dry extraction are all systems a company can use to clean your carpet. Each has merits and challenges. It is important to know which method your cleaner will use, and how to handle any issues, such as remaining cleaner residue or excessive dampness, that may arise. Do not be afraid to inquire about which cleaning system will be used and what you can expect in the days and weeks to follow. Choose the company whose methods are most compatible with your specific needs.
3. Carpet isn’t clean until it’s dry.
The average time needed for many carpet cleaning methods to completely dry after a cleaning is 12-24 hours. This large window of dry time poses a few concerns for home owners. During this time there is a risk of mold and mildew beginning to develop. Any traffic on the carpet during this window will cause the carpet to become dirty at a faster rate. If a significant amount of moisture is left after a cleaning the structural integrity of the carpet can be threatened. All of this must be taken into consideration when choosing a company and cleaning method for your home. Many Raleigh carpet cleaning companies use methods that use less water, therefore leaving behind less moisture and requiring less dry time. Looking into such options can save you significant inconvenience.
4. The price advertised is not necessarily the one you will pay.
Many companies will draw in customers by advertising low per room carpet cleaning rates. This is often a sign of a less than trustworthy company. Carpet cleaning is a situational service, and a realistic price quote should depend on square footage, not number of rooms. Companies boasting lower prices will often pressure customers to purchase additional services once they are on site. As with many things, what you pay for is often what you get. Investing more in a reputable carpet cleaning company will be worthwhile when you receive quality service and customer care.
5. Many companies offer a guarantee for their services.
Even the highest quality cleaning cannot prevent all stains from resurfacing or promise that no problems will arise. A trustworthy company, though, will ensure your satisfaction with a guarantee for their services. Select one of the Raleigh carpet cleaning companies with such a policy, and know exactly what is covered and for how long.
There is a lot to consider when choosing a company to clean your carpets. Being informed about methods, pricing, and customer care standards is crucial to getting the best value and service possible. Carpet cleaning costs can be exorbitant, and you need to know how to protect yourself from being scammed into paying for subpar services. Knowing these five facts will help choose a company that is upfront about their pricing structure and willing to stand by their services.