FAQ
Why should I get my carpets cleaned?
I cleaned a spot on my carpet but it came back. Why?
What is the carpet drying time?
How much furniture do we move?
How often should I get my carpets cleaned?
What is the black around the carpet edges?
What is the proper way to spot clean?
What does SCOTCHGARD™ Carpet Protector do?
How can I keep my carpet cleaner for a longer period of time?
How do I pick the best carpet cleaner?
Carpet can act as a filter for debris and contamination in the indoor environment. It can hold contaminants and prevent them from circulating in the air. However, carpet will only effectively filter debris and contamination if it is cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.
A program of carpet maintenance not only improves fabric appearance and prolongs fabric life, but it also can improve indoor air quality. Around the House Services has the necessary cleaning elements to help reduce contamination levels and improve indoor air quality. Recognizing the impact of properly maintained carpet on indoor air quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidelines as to how frequently carpet should be cleaned from a health perspective in various buildings depending on conditions.
There are two reasons that spots return:
The first reason is wicking. Many times, the spot that is being removed has seeped into the backing of the carpet. This is common with pet urine, beverages, and anything that is spilled in “volume”. The material dries in the backing and the cushion (pad) of the carpet. When the spot is cleaned, only the material in the “pile” of the carpet is removed. However, moisture is introduced to into the backing of the carpet. As the spot dries, the material that is in the backing of the carpet wicks back into the pile.
Even traffic area soil that is embedded can wick back. This is especially common in glue down carpet that is heavily impacted with soil. When the carpet is cleaned, it looks good. When it dries, the spots and traffic areas come back.
The good news is that if a spot actually wicks back, it can be removed. When spot cleaning, place a folded white terry cloth towel over the spot just after you clean it while the spot is still moist. Place a heavy object on top of the cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible. Then fan dry the area.
When you have your carpet cleaned professionally, be sure to point out spots that have wicked back in the past, so they can be treated properly.
The second reason spots return is re-soiling. Re-soiling is caused by a sticky residue that has been left behind. The residue may be from the spot itself, the cleaner that was used, or both. Some common residue causes are over-the-counter carpet cleaners purchased at the grocery store. Avoid using these cleaners altogether. If you have to use one of these cleaners, or you have to use dish washing detergent, use as little as possible and rinse with water thoroughly.
Other residue causes include oily spots: duct tape residue, body oils, lotions, etc. If all of the oily residue is not removed, it will attract soil as the carpet is walked on. Even quality professional cleaning may not remove all oily residue the first time.
SPECIAL NOTE: Cheap carpet cleaners use cheap products that are loaded with optical brighteners. Optical brighteners create an illusion of clean that causes the soil or spot to appear to be removed. The spot is still there. The soil is still there. Optical brighteners create a film that reflects light so the carpet looks incredibly clean. It’s an optical illusion.
A stark illustration of this can be seen at a flea market or home show. Someone will be demonstrating a miracle cleaner on a small rug. The rug is saturated with motor oil. The salesman then scoops off just the foam of the miracle cleaner and presto, the motor oil is gone! This is physically impossible. Notice that the salesman has several bright lights shining on the demo rug to create the illusion.
The carpets are slightly damp after cleaning, and can be walked on with clean non-marking shoes in about 30 minutes. Normal soiled carpets usually dry between 4-6 hours after cleaning.
Couches etc. can be moved by request. However we do not move electronics or entertainment/media centers or fragile items. If you would like the carpet cleaned under these items please remove them before we arrive at our scheduled appointment time.
The carpet manufacturing industry recommends bi-annually (every 4 months if you have children and pets) cleaning with truck-mounted steam cleaning equipment to obtain maximum lifespan of your carpet. Professional cleaning does not damage the carpet. (IICRC)
This is called filtration edges. It is caused by an air gap between the wall and the sub-floor. Sometimes the filtration edges can be removed depending on how long they have been there.
Spot cleaning can be done by spraying a mild diluted detergent on the spot, and then blot the spot with a clean white damp towel (DO NOT RUB! YOU WILL DAMAGE THE CARPET FIBERS) Rinse out the towel and repeat as necessary.
SCOTCHGARD™ puts a water resistant shield on your carpet that helps prevent it from absorbing spills that can turn into permanent stains. SCOTCHGARD™ can be applied after cleaning for an additional charge. Carpet protector is highly recommended if you have children or pets.
Vacuuming twice a week will help prevent soil buildup. Door mats and regular changing of AC filters also prevents soil buildup.
Perhaps the best way to select a carpet-cleaning professional is through references from friends and family. A glowing endorsement can provide great peace of mind. If you don’t know anyone with recommendations, request references from the company. A reputable cleaning professional should have an available list of satisfied clients or businesses that uses thier services. Also, the local Better Business Bureau can act as a reliable source of information on the cleaning company’s history.