Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

Your flooring is the most noticeable thing in your home. If you are embarrassed by stains and dirty looking carpets there is hope; hire a carpet cleaning service. Read on and learn how you can find the best carpet cleaning company in your area.

Before settling on a carpet cleaning company, you should compare the merits and demerits of each. Do proper research and read reviews. You can also look up their Better Business Bureau listing, and check with your Chamber of Commerce for alerts of businesses to avoid.

If you are using a new chemical on your carpet, or if your cleaner is, make sure it is tested on a small area first. This is important as some acid solutions could damage or stain your rug permanently. Doing this sort of test is quick, and can save lots of hassle and expense.

Every carpet is unique and requires different cleaning methods. Always test a small patch of carpet with a cleaning product before using it all over. For example, if your carpet is wool or silk, harsh commercial cleaning processes can ruin it. A professional can answer any carpet cleaning questions you may have.

Set-in stains and grease or oil stains are best left to the professionals. Professionals use cleaning products and methods to remove difficult stains, such as blood and red wine. They can do this without harming your carpet, which can save you money and time.

If you have never hired a carpet cleaner before, you should ask the people you know for some references. You may even ask the store clerk, your doctor, the doctor's secretary or anyone who may have some good advice. Of course, they aren't likely to be as trustworthy as someone you know well.

Your city's chamber of commerce may know which companies are reputable and which aren't. They can give you a comprehensive list of who is in your neighborhood. This can help you choose a good company.

Many companies encourage their representatives to upsell you. They quote you one price, a price that seems very reasonable, but then they hook you on more services later on that you think you need. Focusing on certain areas, spot treatments, and stain guard are other things they will offer during the service to raise the bill.

Take the time to investigate the carpet cleaning company that is going to work in your home. Be sure that their employees are screened for drugs and that they do background checks on them too. You don't want things to go missing in your home or to have someone that's high working on your carpets.

Vacuum against the carpet's grain to catch some of the dirt that is trapped deeper in the carpet. The friction helps move the trapped particles to the surface. Vacuum along the grain if you want clean the surface of the carpet.

Blot out liquid spills immediately when you notice the hazard. Using dry towels to blot up the spill can really help. By preventing the liquid from getting down deep into the carpet, it will be easier for the carpet company to clean the stain. If the stains go really deep into your carpet, you might have to spring for a steam cleaning.

Look for carpet cleaning coupons. There could be other terms you aren't aware of. An extra fee might be charged by some companies. Speak to the company first and be detailed in your needs. Find out what services and products are covered in the promotion or coupon. Ask about their current specials that may save more than the coupon.

Research the history of a potential company. How long have they been cleaning carpeting? Find out how many people the business employs and their turnover rate. If the company is able to retain employees for a considerable length of time, they are likely a good company to use.

Make sure you understand all underlying charges ahead of time. It does not usually cost extra to have the carpet cleaners move the furniture out of the way. Preconditioning may also be included in the charges. It is vital that you are clear about any charges for these services.

When they get to your home, ask to see their certification and license. If they don't have it then don't allow them in. They are supposed to have this available at all times. If they don't, that means they may not be properly covered.

The company who cleans your carpeting should only use trustworthy workers. Most companies perform drug screening and background checks to weed out bad workers. This is important, because these people are going to be in your home for a significant amount of time.

Do you have children or pets who make messes on your light-colored carpeting? Therefore, you probably need the services of a carpet cleaner. Remember the tips in this article so you can find someone that will do the job right, no matter how bad the stains may be!