How to Choose the Best Carpet Cleaning Company

10 Factors to Look for in a Reliable Service Provider

How To Choose The Best Carpet Cleaning Company

Do you look at your carpets and cringe? Are they discoloured and matted? Do they have an odd smell or stains that just won’t go away? It’s probably time to call in the professionals for a deep clean. But not all carpet cleaning companies are created equal. You want to make sure you choose the best company for the job. Don’t worry. This article will show you how to choose the best carpet cleaning company with confidence.

The Problem with Dirty Carpets

Carpeted floors get a lot of wear and tear. All the foot traffic and spills leave them dirty, stained, and smelly over time. Vacuuming helps with surface dirt. But it can’t deep clean down to the base of the fibres where dirt, allergens, and bacteria hide. DIY shampoos don’t fully get the job done. To refresh and sanitise your carpeting, you need professional-grade equipment and products. The best way to thoroughly clean your floor is to hire a professional carpet cleaning service. What should you look for?

1. Check Credentials

Choose a company that:

  • Is licensed and insured
  • Has trained technicians who are carpet cleaning certified
  • Is a member of a professional organisation like the IICRC or BBB
  • Offers warranties or guarantees for their work

This helps ensure they adhere to proper standards and use the right techniques.

Red flags: Avoid companies who say licensing “isn’t important” or their technicians “learn on the job”. Proper training is a must!

3. Insurance

Only use insured cleaners. At a minimum, they should have general liability insurance to cover any accidental property damage. Workers’ compensation insurance also protects you if a technician gets injured on site.

Ask for proof of insurance and verify policy details before hiring. Lack of adequate insurance is a red flag. It means you could be held responsible for problems or injuries during a service. Proper insurance shows a commitment to professionalism and your protection.

3. Ask About Their Process

The cleaning method and products used make a big difference. Ask potential companies:

  • Do they use truck-mounted or portable equipment? Truck-mounted is best.
  • What type of cleaning solution do they use? Look for green or eco-friendly options.
  • Do they offer treatments for pet stains and odours? This is key if you have pets.
  • Will they move furniture and replace it when done? This should be standard.

There are several ways professionals clean carpets, each with pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Steam cleaning uses hot water extraction to deep clean. Longer drying time but extremely thorough cleaning.
  • Dry cleaning applies cleaning agents to the carpeting then vacuums up. Fast drying but can leave residues.
  • Bonnet cleaning scrubs carpeted surface with a cotton pad. Best for light cleaning only.

A company familiar with multiple methods can choose the best process for your specific needs. Be wary of companies offering only one technique.

4. Service Guarantees

Choose a carpet cleaning company that offers satisfaction guarantees or warranties. This shows they stand behind their work. Make sure you understand the details – what is covered and for how long? Common guarantees include:

  • Satisfaction Guarantee – They will re-clean if you are not happy with the results
  • Completion Guarantee – The company ensures they will finish the job as quoted
  • Damage-Free Guarantee – Offer repairs or replacement if their cleaning causes problems

Reputable companies will clearly explain their warranties. Be wary of vague promises without specifics. A solid warranty gives you confidence and peace of mind in the quality of service.

5. Safe Methods

Solutions and equipment to clean carpets should be safe and non-toxic when used properly. Technicians should be trained in industry standards for safety. For example, they should:

  • Use cleaners formulated for residential use
  • Rinse thoroughly with water after cleaning to remove chemical residue
  • Have occupants leave during cleaning
  • Allow proper dry time before re-entering
  • Keep cleaning equipment upright to avoid leaks or spills

Ask about their cleaning products and processes. Reputable cleaners will assure you their methods are safe, effective, and eco-friendly.

6. Research Companies and Read Reviews

Search online for carpet care experts in your area. Visit their websites and read through customer online reviews. Pay attention to factors like:

  • Years of experience
  • Types of services offered
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Areas of expertise or specialty (pet messes, allergens, etc)

7. Request References

A reputable provider will share references from past satisfied customers. Contact a few of them and ask:

  • If the company was easy to schedule with
  • If technicians were on time and professional
  • How carpeted floors looked and smelled after cleaning
  • If any issues arose and how they were handled

Speaking to past customers will give you a good sense of their track record and overall customer service and care.

8. Free In-Home Estimates

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Carpet Cleaning Service

A proper cleaning quote requires seeing the rooms and carpets in person. Companies offering ballpark quotes over the phone likely won’t get the job done right.

During an in-home estimate, technicians will inspect fibre type, traffic patterns and staining. This tailored quote sets you up for success.

9. Compare Pricing

Get quotes from a few top choices. Keep in mind pricing usually depends on:

  • Square footage of your home
  • Level of carpet soiling
  • Additional treatments or services
  • Amount of furniture moving required

Many factors affect the service cost. A lower price doesn’t necessarily mean better value. Make sure to take quality service into account when comparing.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Even with the right research, it helps to listen to your gut instinct when evaluating expert cleaners. Do they seem knowledgeable and thorough when answering your questions? Are they responsive and professional when scheduling? Do they have a solid online presence?

After an initial consultation, you should feel confident they are skilled and reliable. You’ll get a sense that they’re committed to great service. Never feel rushed or pressured to hire. Go with a company you genuinely trust for excellent results.

When to Hire Carpet Cleaning Professionals

It’s a good idea to have floor covers deep cleaned every 12-18 months. But you may need professional cleaning more often if:

  • You have kids or pets that track in dirt and grime
  • Carpets get heavy use and traffic
  • Spills and spots occur frequently
  • Floors appear dingy, despite regular vacuuming
  • Allergy symptoms seem worse in your home

Reputable service providers can tackle tough stains and remove built-up dirt from traffic areas. They sanitise carpeted flooring by removing allergens and bacteria.

Enjoy Fresh, Clean Carpets Again

Nobody wants to walk on dirty, smelly floors. Hiring professional carpet cleaners to deep clean your floors helps restore vibrancy and freshness. Take the time to research and choose a top-rated company. This ensures you’ll be satisfied with the look and feel of your freshly cleaned carpets.