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Baking soda can be used in place of deodorizer to save money. Most products you can buy in stores actually contain large quantities of baking soda. Save money by just using baking soda. If you like fragrance, mix some baking soda with essential oils before spreading over wax paper to dry. After you get a professional cleaning for your rug, make sure that you do not come in contact with the rug until it dries. Go out to the store or hang out with your friends for a little while as your rug should not be toyed with due to the sensitivity after cleaning.

When choosing between your short list of companies, ask them for references from satisfied customers. These could be businesses who contract them to come in frequently, or residential clients who have hired them once or twice. Don't just accept the list, but also follow up by calling a few people on the list to double check the validity of the company's claims.

Always compare rates before you choose a carpet cleaning company to come to your home. Every company has a different strategy to make a profit, and some of them try to trick their customers. Be sure to have a firm quote in hand before you choose which company you will use. Ask how long the company has been in business. If they haven't been around long, they might be a flash in the pan company who does a bad job and then changes names or moves towns. A company with a long standing in the community is always a better choice.

Do not use too much cleaning product when you are steam cleaning. This is important, as too much product could ruin the colors of your carpet. Look for a cleaning product that has a pH that is not higher than 10, as this will prevent your carpet fibers from carpet cleaners being negatively affected. Never use a new product on your carpeting without testing it first. Some chemicals can cause staining on certain carpets, and others could degrade the material. Always test a spot in a corner and let it sit for a few hours before you use it to clean a stain so that you do not risk ruining your carpet completely.

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If you have an oriental or antique rug, use a carpet cleaning company that specializes in working with these. Some rugs must be cleaned using a dry cleaning type of method, and applying wet cleansers or excessive steam to them can ruin them. Make sure to specifically mention the type of rug when calling for cleaning so that you are not left with a destroyed family heirloom after the professionals leave your home.

Do not clean your carpet more than once every week. You must set restrictions for cleaning, as too much cleaning can wear down the material. This will force you to get a new one, which will cost you unnecessary time and money in the long run. Stick to one cleaning session per week unless there is an unexpected spill. Never accept a carpet cleaning quote over the phone. The best way for a company to give you an estimate is to look at the size of the room and how soiled your carpets are. Anyone who gives you a phone quote is pulling a number out of the air.

Most carpet cleaning companies do not get business by making phone calls to people they do not know. Therefore, if you receive a call, remember to thoroughly investigate the company to make sure that they are reputable. Look online to see if they have a website and if there are any customer testimonials listed. When it comes to cleaning your carpets right, it isn't a quick process. When you hire a cheap company, they'll rush through the job so they can get in and out and make the most money per hour. Instead, choose a company with a fair rate to ensure the job is done right.