Warning: Don’t Hire Any Carpet Cleaning Company Until You Read This Message!
In the following information, I will discuss 6 costly misconceptions about carpet cleaning. In addition I will also make 4 recommendations, and list 6 questions you should ask a carpet cleaning company before you invite them into your home.
No. Dirt is abrasive to your carpet fibers. Dirt acts like sand paper and causes damage to the carpet fibers every time you step on the carpet. High traffic areas will wear out quicker and look worn. In fact, the life span of a dirty carpet is much shorter than the lifespan of a clean carpet. Routine vacuuming will help, but is not enough to remove the dirt and other contaminants at the base of the carpet.
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No. As you know, our outdoor environment contains many surface and airborne contaminates such as, air pollution, pollen, bacteria, fungus, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and much more. These contaminates are picked up and carried home on our shoes, clothes, and hair. It’s no surprise that they are found in our carpet and furniture too!
For example: Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 different chemical compounds, and 43 of them are known to cause cancer. Even if you don’t smoke, these chemicals still get tracked into our homes.
If you suffer from Allergies, Asthma or breathing problems you may experience some relief after having your carpet and upholstery professionally cleaned using truck mounted steam cleaning extraction.
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No. There are 2 primary methods used in the industry. These methods are called Dry Cleaning or Steam Cleaning Extraction.
Many people believe that Dry Cleaning your carpet is like dry cleaning your clothes. This is not true. All carpet cleaning methods use water.
There are 3 types of dry cleaning available. The first method is dry foam cleaning. This method starts by applying shampoo to the carpet and allowing it dry. It is then followed by vacuuming the dried shampoo. Can you image applying shampoo to your hair, allowing it to dry, and then removing the dried shampoo from your hair with a vacuum? This method can leave a residue in your carpet and is one reason why it is not very effective at cleaning.
The next method is the dry-chem method that is similar to the dry foam method. The major difference is when dry chemical is used they operate a floor machine with a cotton bonnet that absorbs the dirt. Bonnet cleaning is like trying to use a towel to rub the dirt out of your carpet. It is not effective in extracting contaminates out of your carpet.
The last type of dry cleaning is called the dry compound method. This method involves spreading an absorbent mixture that looks like wet sawdust all over your carpeting. Then a machine brushes the mixture into the carpet, which in theory causes the dirt to absorb into the mixture. When the mixture has dried, a vacuum is used to remove the material. Since the material is not rinsed in anyway, it is not very effective at cleaning and removing contaminates.
The primary cleaning method recommend by Shaw Industries, the worlds largest carpet manufacture is “Steam Cleaning Extraction” also known as “Hot Water Extraction”. Steam Cleaning uses 230 degree heated water at high pressure to thoroughly rinse the carpet fibers. This process is completed under strong negative pressure, extracting dirt, bacteria, dust mites and other contaminates out of the carpeting leaving the carpet only damp to the touch.
This process is best completed by a powerful truck mounted unit. Smaller more portable units are also used in areas that are more difficult to obtain direct van access.
We use the only the Most Powerful Truck Mounted Units on the market.
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This statement is False. Although many companies operate truck mounted equipment, many of their employees are not trained properly on how to use them. This is one of the reasons why it is important to choose a carpet cleaning carefully.
The best carpet cleaning companies are those that have been certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. A company can not buy this certification; they must earn it through education, experience, and a successful completion of formal, written exams. We are certified and trained by the IICRC and follow its industry standards and guidelines.
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Maybe-but maybe not. Here are 2 important factors to consider.
1st: The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many homeowners have found out the hard way that the price they saw advertised was not what they were charged. Many people have become victim to false and misleading advertising. These “Bait & Switch” advertising practices are everywhere. Companies advertising professional carpet cleaning for $5.99 a room set the “bait” and then once inside your home they make the “switch”.
This practice is illegal and fraudulent. As in all business and professions, the carpet cleaning industry has many unethical and dishonest companies and individuals. These people cast a dark shadow on our entire industry.
Then you will find professionals like me, who work hard to earn your trust and respect. As a way of improving our professionalism, I have made it my personal commitment to educate the public on how to avoid becoming a victim of these scams.
This is why I have created this message to allow you, to make intelligent and informed decisions when choosing a carpet cleaning company.
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Although it can be possible to give a price quote over the phone, there is no way to give an exact quote with out seeing the job first. Typically an estimated price range can be given to create a general idea of the projected cost.
Another factor to consider when requesting a price quote is the amount of furniture that has to be moved. If we have to move your furniture then the bid must include that labor. At Great Lakes Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning LLC , we don’t nickel and dime you. Typically our charges are based on basic room/ area charges. Included in these charges is our signature 6 step cleaning process. We offer no hidden charges and don’t charge extra for cleaning solutions needed to clean your carpets (like the bait & switch companies do).
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- Make a commitment to yourself to have your carpets professionally cleaned. The longer they remain dirty the sooner they will wear out. Also improve your indoor air quality by removing the settled contaminates in your carpet fibers.
- Identify your objectives. Do you want to work with an honest, reputable company that you can trust and has over 15 years experience in the carpet cleaning industry? One who has the tools and equipment to get the job done right – the first time? Do you want an advanced cleaning process that leaves no sticky residues in your carpet? Do you want educated, certified, and trained professionals in your home performing the work? Do you want “Green” environmentally friendly, non-toxic, pet safe cleaning products used in your home?
Or do you want to risk working with a bait and switch coupon company that claims they will clean your entire house for $39.99?
- Ask Questions. This is how you find out more information about a company.
- Once you are confident that you are working with an honest, professional company invite them into your home for an exact quote.
I will be happy to assist you with any other questions or concerns you may have. Please call our office at: 262.844.0528
Here’s one last point: I know many people are skeptical of carpet cleaning companies and inviting somebody new into their home for the first time. In addition to my commitment to consumer education I also guarantee my work.
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- What method of carpet cleaning do you recommend?
- What type of equipment do you have?
- How often should I have my carpets cleaned?
- Are your technicians educated, trained, and certified?
- Do you have a business license?
- Do you have Insurance?
We offer our 100% Risk Free Guarantee! This means we stand behind our work and if there is something that you are not happy with, we will come back and re-clean the area for free. If you are still not pleased with our work, we will refund your money for that area!
What could be more fair?
How about adding this question to the list:
Do you guarantee your work? – Not all companies do. It is important to know before you hire a carpet cleaning company.
Thank you for reading and I hope that this information was useful, and will prove to be helpful in assisting you with making an informed and intelligent decision.
On behalf of Great Lakes Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning LLC , I thank you for your attention!
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