Which Carpet Cleaning Company Should I Hire?
Most of us don't think about having our carpets cleaned until we notice dirt and stains. But regular carpet cleaning also improves indoor air quality by removing allergens and microscopic organisms such as dust mites.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends having residential carpets cleaned at least every six to 12 months, and more often for households with smokers, young children or pets.
About Carpet Cleaning Companies
Most carpet cleaning companies offer a variety of services, from compete carpet cleaning to spot cleaning and odor removal. But not all companies use the same method of cleaning.
There are four methods for residential carpet cleaning: shampooing, dry cleaning, foam cleaning and steam cleaning. Most companies specialize in one. There are pros and cons to each method, so make sure you understand the differences between them before hiring a cleaning company.
Choosing a Carpet Cleaning Company
Start narrowing down the field by asking friends for recommendations. Can they suggest a carpet cleaning company that does a great job? You'll have better luck working from recommendations than calling companies at random.
After you've gathered several names, call each of the companies and request a quote. Eliminate any company that offers a quote over the phone based on the square footage of your home. An accurate quote requires coming to your home for a physical inspection.
Ask questions about the cleaning process when each company shows up to do the quote. There should be several steps, including vacuuming, pre-treating and extraction. The company should be able to describe the chemicals they use and the dangers and benefits of each. If the company cannot provide an detailed explanation of the process, move on.
Finally, look into the background and qualifications of any company you're considering. Is the company certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)? Does it have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
How Much Should I Pay?
The price of a professional carpet cleaning varies from one company to the next. Generally, $35 to $50 per room is a reasonable price. For a small three-bedroom ranch, the total cost would work out to about $150 to $175.
Price is an important consideration when choosing a carpet cleaning service, but it shouldn't be your only consideration. You might be able to find a company that will clean that same three-bedroom ranch for $80, but the cleaning is likely to be sub-par. To some extent, you get what you pay for.
Tips and Advice
- Ask questions - Find out how long you will have to wait after the cleaning before walking on your carpet. Ask if the chemicals can be harmful to children or pets. Find out if the company uses their own employees or subcontractors for each job. The more knowledgeable you are, the better the experience will be.
- Get a written estimate - Before you agree to any service, request a written estimate. This helps ensure that the price you are quoted is the price you will pay. Look over the estimate to make sure it includes everything.
- Request proof of insurance - Accidents are rare, but they do happen. Make sure the company has a policy that covers property damage.
Author: Ashley Smith