How to Choose Professional Carpet Cleaning Companies

While some stains may be easy to get out by hand, stains and dirt in your carpet are oftentimes more difficult to treat. A dirty carpet can cause allergens and harbor germs and bacteria, all while looking unsightly. A professional carpet cleaning company can help restore your floors to their natural beauty.

1. Look over the warranty of your carpet for a section on professional cleaning. Sometimes the warranty will be voided if you use a carpet cleaning company that does not have an Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.


2. Complete a walkthrough of the areas you want to have professionally cleaned. Many companies charge by room number or square footage, so it is important you know this when you call for a quote. Also note what types of areas you need cleaned - prices can be different for entryways, stairs or basements.


3. Examine your carpet. Berber, loop or cut pile, plush or saxony may respond differently to cleaning methods. To make sure your carpet doesn’t shrink or change color, inform the professional cleaners of the type of carpet you have.


4. Figure out if you need any other services completed when you have your carpets cleaned. Many companies offer upholstery, tile and grout, and automobile cleaning. You may be offered a discounted price if you choose a larger cleaning package.


5. Decide if you want your carpets cleaned using a dry or wet cleaning method. Dry cleaning has a shorter dry time but generally is not as effective as the wet cleaning method. Depending upon your carpet condition and personal restrictions, one option may be better than the other.


6. Call for an estimate or set up an on-site estimate. Make sure you ask plenty of questions about each company’s cleaning process - different chemicals, methods and dry times may be important factors as you decide which cleaning company you want to choose.


7. Verify the credentials of the company and check reviews. The Better Business Bureau website allows you to see complaint histories and letter grades of each business. Angieslist is also a great website to find consumer reviews.