Carpet Cleaners El Dorado Hills CA trap a lot of dirt, bacteria, and allergens. While regular vacuuming helps, more in-depth cleaning is often needed.
Various household processes are available, from traditional shampooing with rotary machines to more recent innovations such as encapsulation and hot water extraction. Whichever you choose, a quality cleaner can make the difference between a clean home and a messy one.
Most people have some carpeting in their home, and while vacuuming helps eliminate the day-to-day dirtiness of stains, spilled coffee, pet hair, and more, sometimes the stains require something more than vacuuming. When this occurs, it is time to call in a professional cleaner. The question is, how do you go about finding one?
While word of mouth is a good place to start, you should also check the reviews of local companies. This way, you can see what others have experienced and decide if their results were satisfactory. In addition, you can also check if the company has any certifications or other credentials. For example, a certified carpet cleaning technician is a good sign that the business is legitimate and properly trained.
Another important consideration is the type of carpet cleaner. Different cleaners come in various shapes and sizes, from portable models that fit on your dolly to larger upright machines that mimic those you rent for cleaning large homes or apartments. The size of your home and the type of stains you have will determine which model you need. For example, if you have stairs or tight spaces that need to be cleaned, you will want to choose a cleaner with attachments that can traverse these areas and scrub tough stains.
A reputable carpet cleaning company will gladly give you a free estimate before the job starts. They will usually come to your home and measure the square footage of your carpet and test spots to see if they can be removed. Then, they will quote you a price by room so there are no surprises when they show up to clean.
It would be best to ask a prospective cleaner what chemicals they will use. Cheaper cleaners often contain harsh detergents that can leave your carpet smelling fresh but are hazardous to children and pets. Look for cleaners that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Also, if you have small children or pets who may play on the floor, you should consider whether the cleaner will leave behind soap or detergent residue, which can attract dirt and cause your carpets to look dull quickly.
Professional carpet cleaners are experienced and highly trained. They can work in various settings and are careful not to damage your furniture or possessions. However, accidents can happen. Taking simple steps to prepare for your carpet cleaner’s arrival can help you and them achieve the best results.
It is a good idea to clear the area that will be cleaned of all clutter, large toys, and other items. This will allow the carpet cleaners to do their job quickly and efficiently without moving your objects. Consider moving any valuable or prized decorations and furnishings away from the areas to be cleaned. This will prevent any accidental spills or dirt markings on them while the carpet is being cleaned.
Many professional carpet cleaners will move your furniture for a small extra fee. You must move any heavy or large items if they do not. This includes beds, sectional sofas, entertainment units, pianos, and antique or fragile furniture. You will also need to remove all window treatments and any drapes that are hung over a carpeted area, as these can drip with cleaning solutions or water.
Most professional carpet cleaners use hot water extraction for their cleaning methods. This process involves spraying the carpet with an alkaline solution (ammonia for synthetic carpets or a dilute acetic acid for wool twist pile carpets). Then, a pressurized manual or automatic scrubbing machine is used to scrub the solution into the carpet. Then, a vacuum removes the solution and any dirt particles.
If you have pets, it is a good idea to keep them away from the area that will be cleaned. This will prevent them from trying to “help” the carpet cleaners with their cleaning needs and protect them from ingesting or licking the cleaning solution.
Finally, saving the carpet cleaners a parking space is a good idea. This will ensure that they have a spot to park their car and prepare their equipment before entering your home. It will also make it easier for you to direct them to the areas that need cleaning.
Carpet cleaners come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, from portable units and canisters to uprights and professional-style machines. They typically have two tanks: one for cleaning solution and the other for the dirty water they suck up from your carpet. They use a pump to spray a mixture of water and cleaning solution onto your carpet, then a rotating brush works the solution into the fibers and lifts dirt to the surface, where it can be sucked away. The cleaners may also have mini nozzles for cleaning upholstery and stairs.
The rotary shampoo machine is the most common and simplest type of carpet cleaner. This heavy-duty motorized machine sprays a foaming carpet shampoo solution over your carpet, which is then worked into the carpet fibers using a circular rotating buffer with an absorbent pad that catches dirt. The carpet is then allowed to dry, and the dirty buffer and pad are replaced with clean ones.
Another common type of cleaning is the chemical dry method. In this process, the carpet is first vacuumed, and then a mist of cleaning product is sprayed on the carpet. A circular rotating buffer with an absorbent covering – often called a “bonnet”- is rubbed over the carpet. The soil attaches to the bonnet and is then sucked up by the cleaner. This type of cleaning produces good results and uses a relatively small amount of moisture. However, it does not do a good job of removing the heavier dirt, like grit and sand, that damages the carpet over time.
A less common but effective cleaning method is the dry powder cleaning. A powder containing solvents and chemical cleaning agents is spread over your carpet, allowed to sit for ten or fifteen minutes, and then vacuumed with a machine with counter-rotating brushes. This can be a very effective way to remove dirt from your carpet, and it uses very little water, so it is suitable for most natural carpets.
The shampooing and rotary brush methods are fairly effective, but they leave a residue of cleaning that can cause your carpet to re-soil quickly. Shampooing was especially prone to this problem.
While regular cleaning is essential to carpet care, preventing future staining and odors is equally important. Preventative measures like blotting spills immediately and using a carpet deodorizer can keep your home looking its best and smelling fresh.
If you have a pet, choose a carpet cleaner with special formulas for cleaning up those inevitable pet stains. These cleaners break down the odor-causing proteins and help remove them from your carpet without damaging the fibers.
Vacuuming regularly is also a great preventative measure. Be sure to use a vacuum with high suction power to suck up the dirt and debris hiding deep in your carpet. Aim to vacuum at least once weekly and more often in high-traffic areas. Vacuuming removes surface dirt, disperses microscopic allergens, and helps the carpet dry faster after cleaning.
The agitation process pros use is critical to getting all the cleaning chemicals into the nooks and crannies of your carpet fibers. They will either groom the carpet with a rake for deep-pile carpets or use a machine with rotating brushes for more dense rugs. The agitation and heat of the extraction and rinsing processes accelerate the chemical reactions that clean the carpet.
Once the cleaning is complete, allow your carpet to dry completely before rearranging furniture. Open a few windows to promote airflow and speed up the drying process. Be sure to turn on any ceiling fans to help the process.
Having your carpet professionally cleaned is one of the best ways to extend its lifespan and keep it looking beautiful. Follow the above recommendations and call your local professional for more information about proper care. They can guide you through the process and answer any questions. They can even recommend a carpet protector or deodorizer that will help keep your carpets looking their best between cleanings. Be sure to ask about these options when getting a free estimate for your cleaning.
