Before Calling a Carpet Cleaner

• Review your carpet warranty before you have professional cleaning work performed. Certain types of cleaning products and equipment may void your warranty.

• Carpet repair is different from carpet cleaning.

• If you think you may have a repair issue, be sure to tell your cleaner and ask if this is something they can address.

Questions When Contacting a Carpet Cleaner

• What is the price of the service and what, specifically, is included in the price? What are potential changes that could affect the final price?

• How will the carpet be cleaned? What kind of products will be used and why are they used? This may be helpful if you or anyone in your family has allergies, asthma, or other upper respiratory issues.

• Discuss trouble spots and high traffic areas that may need special attention so they can be addressed during the appointment.

• What will dry times be for your carpet? Type of carpet, time of year, humidity levels and ventilation challenges will all impact how long your carpet will take to dry after cleaning.

• How long has this cleaning company been cleaning carpets? Expertise comes with experience.

• Does the cleaning company sub-contract any work?

- If they do, ask for the name of the company that will be working in your home, so you have an opportunity to research that company before agreeing to the service.

• What does the carpet cleaner believe separates them from the competition?

• Ask about service or satisfaction guarantees, what do they entail?

• Check out any carpet cleaning company before you buy by contacting Better Business Bureau at 1-800-646-6222 or by visiting bbb.org.

If You Have a “Daily Deal” Offer:

• What are the particulars of the Daily Deal?- Be sure you read the fine print. - Review the carpet cleaner’s website before

purchasing. - If you need additional treatments, there may be

additional charges added on to the price of the daily deal.

- If you have difficulties redeeming the Daily Deal, contact the Daily Deal company.

Before the Carpet Cleaner Arrives at Your Home

• Carpet cleaners are not professional movers. Many times, you will be responsible for moving large items before and after carpet cleaning. - You can ask your cleaner

what they do or do not move or if there are extra charges for this service.

- If you have large items and are unable to move these items (e.g. grand piano, china hutch), make necessary arrangements before your scheduled cleaning time.

• Vacuuming your carpet prior to the cleaning appointment will improve the results of the cleaning.

Tips to Consumers:

Finding the Right Carpet Cleaner

While the Carpet Cleaner is in Your Home or Place of Business

• Take a walk around the rooms you want cleaned with the technician.- Identify any “trouble spots” and think carefully

about when certain stains occurred and what caused the stain. This will assist your cleaning technician in choosing the best process and cleaner for your situation to get the best results.

• A member of the household should be at home the first time you work with a new carpet cleaner.

• Understand certain spots on your carpet may not be dirt or stains. They may be damaged fibers that cannot be fixed by cleaning.

• Cleaning may “activate” odors, especially pet odors. Your technician should talk with you regarding these additional odors and how to treat them.

After Cleaning is Complete:

• Remember dry times will be impacted by several factors, such as weather, humidity type of carpet and ventilation. Ask your technician for estimated dry times.

• If your carpets have recently been cleaned and you notice a spot has “reappeared,” this is called “wicking.” A reputable company will come back to your home to treat the spot.

• If you have a new stain, you can call your carpet cleaner for advice before trying do-it-yourself methods or over-the-counter products. - If you decide to purchase a product to take care

of the stain, be sure to follow instructions on the product and do not overuse it.

- Selecting the wrong product or overusing a product could set the stain.

Additional Resources:

Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)

iicrc.org

Carpet and Rug Institutecarpet-rug.org

bbb.org

Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota220 S. River Ridge Circle, Burnsville, MN 55337

651-699-1111 • ask@thefirstbbb.org • bbb.org

These tips were created by Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota, with input from businesses in the Carpet Cleaning Industry, to assist consumers in making educated buying decisions.