Frequently Asked Questions
Does rotary extraction cleaning work better than manual extraction tools?
The manual scrub wand is a good cleaning tool for lightly soiled carpets. When cleaning more heavily soiled carpet, the wand becomes more labor intensive. Cleaning results depend upon the strength, stamina, and technique of the person working the wand. Cleaning heavily soiled carpets with a scrub wand is 'hard labor.' The repetitive motion of scrubbing back and forth is extremely strenuous and fatiguing. An individual typically does not spend the time or have the physical capability to scrub long enough to clean carpets effectively.
​
The Rotovac is an electric power scrubbing tool. Comparing the Rotovac to a standard carpet extraction wand is like comparing a skill saw to a hand saw. This revolutionary innovation converts the back-and-forth manual task of a carpet cleaning wand to a much easier and more efficient rotary mechanized operation, which makes more cleaning passes per minute than is possible with a manual scrub wand. In addition, the cleaning passes are from all directions rather than just back and forth, producing better cleaning results for you.
​
Does the Rotovac work on all types of carpets?
The Rotovac has a carpet pile height adjustment wheel, allowing it to work on all installed carpets with padding and most commercial glue downs.
​
Will the carpet dry faster with the Rotovac than with a manual scrub wand?
The Rotovac, on average, leaves the carpet significantly drier than a manual scrub wand under similar conditions.
​
Why should I have my carpets cleaned?
There are many reasons to have your carpet and upholstery cleaned:
-
Health- Carpeting and fabrics not cleaned and properly maintained may cause various health problems inside the home or workplace.
-
The life of your carpet- can be significantly extended by simple routine professional cleaning.
-
Appearance- maintain your carpet's original look and luster with regularly scheduled cleanings.
How often should I have my furniture cleaned?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has no guidelines on the recommended cleaning frequency for upholstery. Until such a guideline has been issued, our company recommends that you have your upholstery cleaned every other time your carpet is cleaned. For example, if your carpets get cleaned every six months, your upholstery should be cleaned once a year.
​
Should I vacuum before the carpet cleaner arrives?
Yes! Vacuuming is essential to the longevity of your carpet. You should vacuum your carpet often. For example, if two people live in your home, you should vacuum twice weekly. However, if four people live in your home, the increased foot traffic may require vacuuming four times per week.
Do you move furniture?
We will move and replace small furniture in its original position when necessary.
*We will not move musical instruments, grandfather clocks, most beds, full china hutches, full bookshelves, entertainment centers, or pool tables…our technicians reserve the right not to manipulate any furniture or household object they do not feel comfortable moving.
​
Should I move anything?
Yes! If you want us to move furniture, you should remove all nick knacks and breakables on those items. However, we offer money-saving discounts when we are only required to clean open areas and work around heavy furniture. We typically move light furniture like chairs and end tables (without lamps or breakable items) at the open area discount rate.
How long will it take for my carpet or furniture to dry?
Our dry times typically range from 2 – 6 hours. Many factors can affect dry times, including weather, humidity, and airflow.
​
How long before I can walk on my carpet?
You can walk on your carpet immediately, but it is recommended that you limit traffic until completely dry. Your technician typically offers enough shoe covers for your family members to help prevent re-soiling the carpet before it dries.
​
Are the products you use safe?
Yes! We use some of the best cleaning products available. This allows us to guarantee the highest quality job available at any price! Our primary carpet cleaning products are: nontoxic, safe for pets & children, biodegradable, and phosphate free.
​
Are your technicians experienced?
Yes! Our technicians are professionally certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). They attend courses, seminars, and schools across the country to keep current on the latest cleaning technologies.
​
Will your services help my allergies?
Yes! Cleaning your carpet and furniture using the hot water extraction method removes pollutants to help you create a healthier indoor environment.
​
Will you remove all my stains?
We have an excellent cleaning reputation, advanced spot and stain removal training, and experience. If we cannot get the spot or stain out, it is doubtful that anyone can get it out. It is essential to understand the difference between a spot and a stain. A spot is any foreign material (soil, liquid, etc.) removable by standard cleaning methods. The foreign material is on or around the carpet fiber. By applying the proper cleaning agent, allowing enough dwell time, and extracting the foreign material from the fabric, spots can typically be removed successfully. Hot water extraction is generally considered the most effective system for cleaning carpets.
​
A stain is a foreign material (soil, liquid, etc.) on a carpet that has altered the color of the fiber and usually cannot be removed by standard cleaning methods. The foreign material has 'soaked into' the fiber and permanently changed or damaged the fabric's color. Many stains may be very difficult or impossible to remove by cleaning. For example, bleach stains result from dye being removed from the carpet. Bleach stains cannot be removed by cleaning. Any discolorations lighter than the carpet's color will remain visible after the cleaning. Spot-dying these discolorations can sometimes add the missing dye color back into the fiber so that they become less noticeable, but cleaning alone will not correct these issues. Your cleaning technician will likely point out these pre-existing discolorations after vacuuming your carpet to ensure you have realistic expectations of what the cleaning process can achieve and what stains will likely remain after the cleaning.
​
Advanced stain removal techniques exist for some stains that do not respond to cleaning. For example, there are specialized products and techniques to remove red dyes (Kool-Aid) using a heat transfer process that goes beyond the scope of cleaning. Services like this take significantly longer than standard cleaning and have additional costs. Your cleaning specialist may discuss these advanced options during your cleaning service if you have stains that may benefit from specialized procedures beyond a typical cleaning.
​
​Does cleaning your carpet make it wear out faster?
No! Dirt can be abrasive when trapped in your carpet or fabrics and should be removed to reduce wear.
​
Does your process restore the original feel of my carpet?
Yes! Our process leaves your carpet fresh, clean, residue-free, and soft to the touch.
Should I have a fabric protector applied after cleaning?
Yes! Most carpet manufacturers recommend reapplying the protector after professional cleaning to restore the original stain resistance. Some manufacturers even require it as part of the warranty on the carpet.
​
My carpet is really old. Should I replace it?
With the cost of replacing carpet being as expensive as it is today, it is always best to try having the carpet professionally cleaned first. It is far less costly and may make a world of difference.
​
Which provides better indoor air quality: hardwood or carpet?
Carpet acts like a 'filter' trapping pollutants which are then removed by professional carpet cleaning. As long as a regular cleaning schedule is maintained, carpet provides much better indoor air quality than hardwood.