Introduction
Are your carpets looking dirty and worn?
Most homeowners wait too long between professional carpet cleanings. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, carpets should be professionally cleaned every 12-18 months. Yet the average homeowner waits over 3 years!
Putting off professional carpet cleaning can lead to build up of dirt, allergens and stains. Your carpets may appear dingy and dull. And the longer you wait, the harder it is to revive carpets to a fresh, clean look.
Don't wait until your carpets look obviously dirty. Scheduling regular professional cleanings can extend the life of your carpets. And a deep clean can restore vibrancy, removing ground-in dirt from heavy foot traffic areas.
Problems With DIY Carpet Cleaning
While it may seem appealing to rent a carpet cleaner and do it yourself, DIY carpet cleaning has some significant drawbacks. The main issue is that most at-home carpet cleaners don't provide a deep clean. They use small amounts of water and mild detergents focused on surface cleaning.
This means DIY cleaning only removes loose dirt, dust, and debris from the top carpet fibres. Any grime, oils, allergens, and dirt trapped deeper down in the carpet pile will be left behind.
Over time, this buildup causes carpets to appear dull, dirty, and dingy. It can also lead to unwanted odours and contribute to a generally unhealthy indoor environment.
DIY cleaners also have difficulty fully removing stains and may leave behind sticky detergent residue. Without professional equipment and expertise, it's a challenge to get carpets really clean. While DIY cleaning is better than nothing, it doesn't compare to the results of a thorough professional carpet cleaning service.
Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning
Hiring professional carpet cleaners provides several advantages over trying to deep clean carpets yourself. Professionals have industrial-strength equipment that reaches deep down into carpet fibres to extract dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens that get trapped over time.
DIY carpet shampooers from the hardware store simply can't match the suction power and hot water extraction of professional-grade truck mounts. This allows professional cleaners to thoroughly rinse carpets after pre-treating heavily soiled areas. Their powerful equipment extracts far more water, ensuring carpets dry faster.
Professional carpet cleaning also sanitises carpets by killing bacteria, viruses, mould, and fungal spores. This helps create a healthier indoor environment, especially for those with allergies or asthma. The high-temperatures used in hot water extraction also deactivate dust mites.
Finally, professionals have the skills and experience to treat stubborn stains and can recommend customised cleaning solutions for your specific carpet material and type of soiling. Rather than risk damaging carpets with rental units, it's advisable to let the experts handle deep cleaning.
Types of Carpet Cleaning Methods
There are several different carpet cleaning methods that professionals use to deep clean carpets:
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, is the most common and effective method for deep cleaning carpets. This method uses hot water and cleaning agents that are injected deep into the carpet fibres using powerful suction. The water and cleaners loosen dirt, bacteria, oils, and other contaminants, which are then extracted back out by the vacuum. Steam cleaning is ideal for removing stains, allergens, and dust mites.
Dry Foam Cleaning
The dry foam method uses a foam-based cleaner that is spread over the carpet. The cleaner activates as it dries, lifting dirt to the surface. The foam is then extracted with a vacuum. This method doesn't use much water, so carpets dry faster. It's best for lightly soiled carpets.
Bonnet Cleaning
Bonnet cleaning uses an absorbent pad or bonnet that is soaked in a cleaning solution. The bonnet is buffed over the carpet fibres to absorb dirt. The bonnets are changed frequently as they pick up soil. This method cleans only the top surface of the carpet, so it's not suitable for heavily soiled carpets.
What To Expect During Cleaning Service
When you hire professional carpet cleaners, they follow a systematic process to deep clean your carpets. Here's what you can expect during a typical carpet cleaning service:
Pre-Vacuum - The technician will use a commercial-grade vacuum to suck up any loose dirt and debris from your carpets before cleaning. This prepares the fibres to receive the cleaning solution.
Apply Cleaning Solution - Next, the technician will spray or apply an eco-friendly carpet shampoo or cleaning solution across the carpet using a pressurised wand. This solution lifts dirt, grease, oils, and other contaminants from the carpet fibres.
Extract With Truck Mount - The technician will use a powerful truck-mounted extraction machine to rinse away the cleaning solution and lift dirt from the carpet. The machine uses strong suction to pull up the dirty solution through wands back into the truck mount. This leaves carpets fresh, clean, and dry within 1-2 hours.
Knowing the basic carpet cleaning process will help you understand what to expect on the day of service. Reputable companies follow industry best practices for deep carpet cleaning.
Their systematic methods and commercial-grade equipment lead to dramatically improved results compared to renting a carpet cleaner and DIY cleaning.
Carpet Cleaning Costs
The cost of professional carpet cleaning services can vary quite a bit based on several factors. Here's an overview of typical pricing:
Average Cost Per Room
On average, professional carpet cleaning costs $100 to $250 per room, with most homeowners paying around $150 per room. So a whole house with 3 bedrooms and a living room would cost $600 to clean on average.
Keep in mind when estimating per room pricing that larger rooms like living rooms may be charged at a higher rate than smaller bedrooms. Stair cleaning is sometimes an additional fee as well.
Factors That Affect Price
- Method of cleaning - Steam cleaning costs less than more advanced methods.
- Size of home - Larger homes cost more overall.
- Condition of carpets - Heavily soiled carpets take longer to clean.
- Add-ons - Stain removal, pet odour treatment, and deodorizers add to cost.
- Location - Prices are higher in some geographic areas.
- Time of year - Peak seasons like summer may have higher prices.
- Discounts - Look for coupons and specials to save money.
The best way to get an accurate price quote is to have professional carpet cleaners visit your home for an on-site inspection. This allows them to see the rooms firsthand, assess your carpets, and provide a more precise estimate. Expect the quote to be free with no obligation to book service.
Comparing quotes from 2-3 local companies can help you find the best value for your budget. Just be sure they are bidding on the same services, so the pricing is aligned. With professional carpet cleaning, you get what you pay for in terms of results.
How Often To Get Carpets Cleaned
Most carpet manufacturers recommend having carpets professionally cleaned every 12-18 months. However, the ideal frequency depends on factors like:
- Number of occupants - Homes with kids or pets need more frequent cleaning. Aim for at least once per year.
- High traffic areas - Prioritise cleaning hallways, living rooms, and other high traffic areas more often.
- Type of carpet - Delicate carpets like wool may require less frequent cleaning than sturdy options like polyester. Follow manufacturer guidelines.
- Spills and stains - Immediately clean any spills to prevent setting and staining. Don't wait for the next cleaning.
- Allergies - Those with dust mite or pet dander allergies may need to clean carpets more than twice a year.
For most homes, professional carpet cleaning every 12-18 months is ideal. High traffic areas may need cleaning more frequently. Always tackle spills right away. And adjust frequency based on factors like pets, kids, and allergies. Proper maintenance keeps carpets looking their best and extends their lifespan.
Questions To Ask Cleaning Companies
When researching and selecting a professional carpet cleaning service, there are some key questions you'll want to ask to ensure you choose a reputable company. Here are some of the most important things to inquire about:
Experience
- How long have you been in business? Look for companies with several years or more in business. This indicates they have proven experience and satisfied customers.
- Are your technicians experienced and trained? Ask about the training program and certifications held by the technicians who will clean your carpets. You want knowledgeable professionals using industry best practices.
- Do you have experience with my type of carpeting? Make sure they are familiar with cleaning the specific type of carpeting in your home. Expertise with certain carpets like wool is important.
Guarantees
- Do you offer satisfaction guarantees? Reputable companies will guarantee their work. If you're not completely satisfied, they should re-clean the carpet for free.
- How long is the labour warranty? Many companies offer 30 days up to a year of warranty on labour in case any spots reappear. This protects you if stains resurface.
Certifications
- Are you certified by the IICRC? Companies certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification have gone through extensive training and testing. This is the gold standard for carpet cleaning professionals.
- Are your technicians certified? Along with company certification, you want the technicians to hold IICRC certification themselves. This ensures expertise in the different types of carpet cleaning methods.
DIY Carpet Cleaning Tips
While professional carpet cleaning is recommended for deep cleaning your carpets, there are some DIY tips you can follow for basic upkeep in between professional cleanings.
- Vacuum first - Be sure to vacuum your carpets thoroughly before using any cleaning solutions. This will help lift dirt to the surface and allow the cleaner to work better. Vacuum high traffic areas daily and entire carpets 1-2 times per week.
- Blot spills - Immediately blot any liquid spills on your carpet with a clean, absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain. Blot gently towards the centre of the stain to lift it up.
- Use carpet cleaner - Look for carpet shampoo made for home use that you can apply with a hand brush or cleaning machine. Test on an inconspicuous area first and allow it to fully dry before assessing results. Focus on high traffic areas and stains. Always follow directions.
Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can help keep your carpets looking better in between professional deep cleanings. But for a thorough clean, call the experts!
Conclusion
Hiring professional carpet cleaners is the best way to deep clean your carpets and refresh your home. As we've discussed, DIY cleaning methods often don't get carpets as clean as the professional equipment and solutions that cleaning companies use. You'll also avoid the hassle of renting equipment, buying supplies, and putting in the physical labour yourself.
The pros have the skills, tools, and experience to thoroughly clean carpets and handle any stains or challenges. This will prolong the life of your carpets. It's recommended to get carpets professionally cleaned every 12-18 months, or more often for homes with pets and high traffic areas.
When choosing a company, read reviews and ask about their specific cleaning methods, solutions, and experience. Reputable cleaners will provide reliable service at a reasonable price. The investment is well worth it for revitalised, fresh carpets that contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
Contact a professional carpet cleaning service like Perfectly Clean today to schedule an appointment and see how much cleaner they can get your carpets compared to DIY methods. You won't regret having sparkling clean carpets that your family can enjoy for years to come.
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