Choosing A Carpet Cleaning Service

When choosing a carpet cleaning service or any other service company for that matter, the ads all look the same. They all claim to be the best, most thorough, quality service, often at the lowest price.

A referral from someone who has used a particular carpet cleaner seems to be the safest way to get a good job.

Even then, however, satisfaction is not guaranteed.

Instead of leaving it up to chance to find a competent carpet cleaning service, ask good questions. Here are a few questions to keep in mind.

• What steps are included in the service? The actual cleaning service should start with a good vacuuming. This critical first step can make a big difference in the final result.
• Are there extra charges for: travel time, general spot removal, furniture moving, carpet pre-conditioning, deodorizing, or application of carpet protector treatments?
• What kind of workmanship guarantee does the carpet cleaning service offer? Will they come back and re-clean any problem areas for free? Is there a money back refund policy in place?
• What type of insurance do they carry? General liability insurance will cover slip and fall accidents due to wet carpet but generally not damage to the owner's possessions or even the item being cleaned. A separate endorsement many be needed for breakage or workmanship damages.
• Are employees bonded and are they covered under a workman's compensation policy? A bond would pay if an employee steals something from the job site. Workman compensation covers an employee if he gets hurt on the job.
• Is the actual cleaning work performed by the service company's employees or are they sub contracted to a independent carpet cleaner? The booking company has little if any control over the sub contractor entering your home. If a sub contractor breaks or steals something in your house you may have little recourse.
• What training and certification does your company require? The certifying organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, (IICRC).

  Certification from the IICRC proves the applicant has completed coursework and passed exams pertaining to carpet cleaning. At minimum, all service technicians should be certified, and ideally the carpet cleaning business should also be certified.

  Ask for proof of the firm's certification or go to www.IICRC.org. Carpet manufacturers are beginning to require proof that an IICRC certified firm has cleaned your carpet to honor the warranty.

  Actually, the IICRC is the best starting place to get names of carpet cleaners to consider for your cleaning needs.

• How safe are the cleaning products? This should be a big concern to those with allergies or chemical sensitivities. Similar to a carpet cleaning service, cleaning products should also be certified to ensure user and building occupant safety as well as the environment.

  Insist on cleaning products which are certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute's "Seal of Approval" (SOA). www.carpet-rug.org, or are certified by Green Seal, www.greenseal.org.

  Certifications by these two or other similar organizations can give the client confidence that the cleaning products used for their carpet cleaning project meet at least minimum user safety and environmental standards.

• If any question remains about a carpet cleaning service, its always a good idea to get a few references.

With a little research, a good cleaning service can be found. A relationship which can last many years.

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