Did you know? Carpet cleaning can never be performed too often.  In selecting a carpet cleaner, ask for references.  Poor quality carpet cleaning chemicals can cause carpet to resoil quickly. The carpet cleaning method selected should match carpet manufacturer's carpet cleaning recommendations.

Most Frequently Asked Carpet Cleaning Questions

Will my carpet get dirty more quickly after it has been cleaned? 

Maybe!  Several  years ago true soaps derived from coconut oils were used to clean carpet.  These soaps were very difficult to remove and left residues behind to attract soil.  Synthetic detergents are used today and these detergents rinse more easily with water.  This does not ensure that all detergents will not resoil. See also carpet resoiling.

Will cleaning my carpet destroy my soil and stain treatment? 

No!  Stain warranties are warranted for 5 years.  Carpet cleaning should not affect these warranties.  Soil treatments can be removed through normal foot traffic.  These soil treatments should be reapplied every 3 -4 years regardless of the number of carpet cleanings.

Will hot water extraction (steam cleaning) damage my carpet? 

No!  Hot water extraction is the method preferred by Shaw Industries and many other carpet manufacturers.  It is considered by many to be the best method of removing embedded soil and other contaminants.

Can a carpet cleaner properly clean my carpet for $39.95? 

Probably not!  Cleaning chemicals play a crucial role in carpet cleaning effectiveness and detergent residues left behind.  Less expensive chemical formulations leave large amounts of residue behind that may cause rapid resoiling or oxidation of the fiber.  Additionally, most carpet cleaning related problems are related to technician error. An unbelievably low price could be a questionable sign.

Should I wait until my carpet shows soiling before I have it cleaned?   

All residential carpet should be professionally cleaned a minimum of every 12 to 18 months.  Allowing dry soils to build up in the carpet pile scars pile fiber allowing it to take on a dull, dirty hue.  This permanent fiber damage will give the impression of soiling even after carpet cleaning.

Is it possible to clean my carpet too often?  

No.      The more often a carpet is cleaned, the longer it will maintain its original appearance.  It is an excellent idea to clean high traffic areas and areas of heavy soiling several times per year using a do-it-yourself hot water extraction machine or a dry absorbent compound between professional carpet cleanings.

I have stains that go away after carpet cleaning, but they return a few days later.

Most recurring spots or stains can be traced to inadequate rinsing of spot removal (carpet stain removal) agents.  Many commercially available spot removal (carpet stain removal) agents do an excellent job in removing spills but detergent residues remain behind to attract additional soil.  In using any spot removal (carpet stain removal) agent, continue rinsing with warm water and blotting with paper towels until all sudsing has stopped.

Will carpet cleaning destroy my soil-resist or stain-resist treatment?  

No.  It is not necessary to reapply soil and stain resist treatments after every carpet cleaning.  However, foot traffic can destroy some soil resist treatments.  Soil resist treatments should be reapplied after every two to three carpet cleanings if the carpet is cleaned regularly.  Carpet that is not cleaned every 12 to 18 months may require a soil resist treatment after each carpet cleaning.