I'll share with you a few costly misconceptions about carpet cleaning and I'll offer four recommendations. And I'll give you questions you should ask a carpet cleaner before you invite them into your home or business.
You should wait as long as possible before cleaning your carpet.
No. Dirt is an abrasive -- like sandpaper. Every time you step on the carpet you grind dirt into the carpet fibers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you have a knife, causing it to wear out faster.
A dirty carpet will not last nearly as long as a clean carpet. And while vacuuming helps -- it's simply not enough. The longer you wait to have your carpet cleaned; the more damage you do to your carpet and the faster it wears out.
The only reason to clean carpets is to get out the dirt.
No. As you know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust-- and hundreds of other chemicals. When you and your family members come into your home, you carry those chemicals in your hair and skin, clothing and shoes. Not surprisingly, all those chemicals and pollens wind up -- you guessed it -- in your carpet. If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems, one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus and chemicals in your carpet.
Having the right equipment is all a company needs to clean you carpet properly.
Not True. Many companies own good equipment but a large number of employees don't know how to use them. You probably know someone who bought the newest computer on the market -- but didn't learn how to use it for a year or more. The same is true with carpet cleaning Machines. The company may own good equipment, but the employees may not know how to use it correctly. This is why it's important that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully.
The company that offers the lowest price is the company you should hire.
Maybe -- but not always. The price you see advertised may not be for the service you want performed. Many home and business owners have learned that the low price they saw advertised was not the amount they were charged. And if you've ever hired a carpet cleaner, you too may have been the victim of false or misleading advertising. I have heard of companies charging up to double the price they told the client before they started cleaning.
If you're thinking about having your carpets cleaned, I offer these three recommendations:
#1: Make a commitment to yourself to get your carpets cleaned. The longer they remain dirty, the sooner they'll wear out. Plus the longer you have to breathe all the pollens, fungus, chemicals and dust mites that live in your carpet.
#2: List your objectives. Do you want to do business with an honest, reputable company -- or are you willing to risk working with the company that offers you the lowest price -- knowing that company might not be in business tomorrow.
#3: Ask questions. The way you learn about a company is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to the answers. Here are the questions I suggest that you ask:
1. What method of carpet cleaning do you recommend?
2. How often should I get my carpets cleaned?
3. Do you have price surprises, like travel charges or spot removal?
4. What is your guarantee I'll be happy with the cleaning?
By following these recommendations, you'll gain all the information you need to make an informed, intelligent decision.
If you aren't happy with our work, we'll reclean the area for free.
And if you still aren't pleased, you pay nothing. What could be more fair? Statewide Carpet Cleaning has a hard earned reputaiton for being honest, on time, and always up front with our clients. I hope you found this information helpful.
If you have any questions or comments or if you have a business and would like me to do a free demo, please call me at 717-397-3883 or send me an email.