Carpet Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I have my carpets cleaned?

There are many reasons to have your carpet and upholstery cleaned:

Health- Carpeting and fabrics not cleaned and properly maintained have the potential to cause a variety of health problems inside the home or work place.

Life of your carpet- can be greatly extended by simple routine professional cleaning.

Appearance- maintain the original look and luster of your carpet with regularly scheduled cleanings.

 

How often should I have my carpets cleaned?

Environment	Normal	Contaminated Outside Dusty	Extremely Cold Weather Climates	High Humidity Biogenic
Day Care Center	2 weeks	1 week	2 weeks	1 week
Nursing Homes	1 month	1 month	1 month	1 week
Residence:
2 persons, nonsmoking	6-12 months	2 months	4-6 months	4-6 months
2 persons, w/ smoking	4 months	2 months	3 months	4 months
young children	6 months	1 month	3 months	3 months
young children w/ pets	3-6 months	1 month	2 months	2 months
Office Building:
ground floor	3-6 months	1-4 months	2-6 months	2-6 months
higher floors	6-12 months	2-6 months	3-9 months	3-9 months
Food Service Establishments	1 month	1 week	2 weeks	2 weeks
Commercial (retail shops, banks)	3-6 months	1 month	2 months	2 months

The above chart from: U.S. EPA, January, 1989

How often should I have my furniture cleaned?

The EPA currently has issued no guidelines on the recommended cleaning frequency for upholstery. Until such a guideline has been issued , ProCare recommends that you have your upholstery cleaned every other time your carpet is cleaned. Example: if your carpets get cleaned every six months, your upholstery should be cleaned once a year.

 

Which method of carpet cleaning is best?

The best method for cleaning a particular carpet is dependent on a range of factors. All carpet cleaning methods offer various advantages, but also have some limitations. No single method is superior to all others. Properly performed under appropriate conditions, each method can provide satisfactory results. Your ProCare technicians are skilled in all carpet cleaning methods. We provide truck mounted"steam" cleaning and low moisture carpet cleaning methods. Rest assured, your carpet will be cleaned with the appropriate method for maximum effectiveness.

 

Do you use truck mounted steam cleaning equipment?

Yes, our steam cleaning units are truckmounts. The only thing that comes into your home is a couple of hoses. All of the contaminants are exhausted outside of your home.

 

Should I vacuum before the carpet cleaner arrives?

Yes, vacuuming is essential to the longevity of your carpet. You should vacuum your carpet as often as possible. We vacuum every job before cleaning according to the industry standards.

 

Do you move furniture?

Yes. We will move most furniture (sofas,chairs,tables, etc.). Discounts given for vacant (empty rooms), or traffic areas only. *We will not move musical instruments, grandfather clocks, most beds, full china hutches, full bookshelves, entertainment centers, computer desks, pool tables...our technicians reserve the right not to move any piece of furniture or household object that they do not feel comfortable with.

 

Should I move anything?

Yes, you should remove from the areas being cleaned, all nick knack and breakables. If you want bookshelves, etc. moved you must remove all contents first. Please read the Pre-Cleaning Instructions

 

How long will it take for my carpet or furniture to dry?

Our dry times typically range from 2 - 6 hours. Dry times can be affected by many factors including weather, humidity, and airflow. Drying times can be accelerated with the use of blowers which may be rented to speed up the drying process

 

How long before I can walk on my carpet?

You can walk on your carpet immediately but it is recommended that you limit traffic until completely dry. Please read the Post Cleaning Instructions

 

Are the products you use safe?

Yes, we use the #1 line of cleaning products in the world. This allows us to guarantee the highest quality job available at any price! Our products are: nontoxic, safe for pets & children, biodegradable, and phosphate free.

 

Are your technicians experienced?

Yes, our technicians attend courses, seminars, and schools across the country to keep current on the latest in cleaning technologies.

 

Will your services help my allergies?

Yes, having your carpet and furniture cleaned removes pollutants and makes for a more friendly breathing environment.

 

Will you remove all my stains?

Let me start by defining the difference between a spot and a stain: a spot- is any foreign material (soil, liquid, etc.) that is removable by standard cleaning methods.(The foreign material is on or around the carpet fiber) A stain- is foreign material (soil, liquid, etc.) on carpet that is not usually removable by standard cleaning methods. (The foreign material has penetrated 'soaked into' fiber and has changed or damaged the fiber itself) Some stains may be very difficult or impossible to remove.

 

Does cleaning your carpet make it wear out faster?

No, actually dirt acts as an abrasive when trapped in your carpet or fabrics and should be removed to reduce wear.

 

Does your process restore the original feel of my carpet?

Yes, our process leaves your carpet fresh, clean, residue free and soft to the touch.

 

Should I have a fabric protector applied after cleaning?

Yes, most carpet manufacturers recommend that you reapply protector after professional cleaning to restore the original stain resistance. Some manufacturers even require it as part of the warranty on the carpet.

 

My carpet is really old, should I replace it?

With the cost of replacing carpet being as expensive as it is today, it is always best to try having the carpet professionally cleaned first. It is far less costly and may make a world of difference.

 

Which provides better indoor air quality: hardwood, or carpet?

Carpet actually acts like a 'filter' trapping pollutants which are then removed by professional carpet cleaning. As long as a regular cleaning schedule is maintained, carpet provides much better indoor air quality than hardwood.