Keeping carpets clean is an important part of keeping a home or business looking its best. While vacuuming on a regular basis helps remove surface dirt, there are times when deeper cleaning is needed. How much is professional carpet cleaning is not only more thorough, but it also extends the life of rugs and improves indoor air quality. It is also often required by carpet manufacturers for warranties to remain valid.
One of the first signs that it is time to hire a professional cleaner is when spots or spills start to show up on a rug. These stains can be set in so well that they cannot be removed with a standard household carpet cleaning product. A professional will be able to evaluate the stain and determine what methods to use for removal. Professional cleaners can also pretreat the stain to increase the chances of it being fully eliminated. They can also use fans to speed up the drying process, which reduces the risk of mildew developing in the carpet.
Carpets trap airborne dust, allergens and pollutants like pet dander and hair, as well as mold and pollen. These irritants can affect those with asthma, respiratory issues and allergies. Carpets can even harbor bacteria that are harmful to people and pets. Having these contaminates regularly cleaned prevents the buildup and deposition of additional toxins on carpet fibers, which extends the life of the rug.
A professional will be able to assess a carpet’s fiber type and types of stains to determine what cleaning methods are appropriate. They can also offer pre-treatment solutions that can boost the effectiveness of a shampoo or steam cleaner. They will know how to properly operate a high-powered carpet cleaning machine, which eliminates the risk of over wetting the rug or damaging the backing or subflooring.
In addition, a professional will know how to efficiently extract the water and chemicals used in the cleaning process. This reduces the risk of lingering moisture that leads to mold and mildew, which can damage carpet and create unpleasant odors.
It is important to find a carpet cleaning company that uses only environmentally safe products. Companies that provide green cleaning services use organic cleaning supplies and are committed to the preservation of the environment. These products are also a healthier choice for children and pets.
If you are looking for a professional carpet cleaner, be sure to read reviews and get recommendations from friends and family before making a decision. Look for a company that is certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute CRI to ensure they have the proper equipment and cleaning products that are safe for your carpet. Many residential carpet warranty programs require that professionals use CRI approved cleaning products.
It is also important to ask the carpet cleaners about their cleaning methods before hiring them for a job. Some will use a shampooing machine, while others will use steam. While steam cleaning is considered to be more effective, some homeowners prefer shampoo because it can leave a fresh, clean scent.