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Carpet Cleaning Concerns Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our services? Find answers to the most common inquiries below and reach out to us for any additional information or assistance.

  • How often should I have my carpets professionally cleaned?

    It depends on

    Traffic: Clean high-traffic areas every 6 months, moderate areas annually, and low-use areas every 18 months to 2 years.

    Lifestyle: More frequent cleaning (every 6 months) if you have pets, children, or allergies.

    Carpet Type: Light colors or delicate fibers might need more frequent cleaning to keep them looking fresh.

    Pet/Odors: Clean every 6 months in households with pets to deal with odor issues.

    General Recommendation: The IICRC and carpet manufacturers suggest cleaning every 12 to 18 months under average conditions, but adjust based on personal circumstances.

  • What cleaning method do you use?

    At Steam-It we use hot water extraction, commonly known as steam cleaning. We believe this is the best method for cleaning carpets; here’s why:

    Deep Cleaning: It penetrates deep into the carpet fibers, loosening and removing dirt, oils, and allergens that sit at the base of the fibers.

    Effective Spot Removal: Hot water combined with cleaning solutions can break down and lift spots that other methods might only mask.

    Allergen and Bacteria Removal: The heat from the water can kill bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens, improving indoor air quality.

    Residue-Free: When done correctly, it leaves less residue compared to other methods like dry cleaning, reducing the chance for quick re-soiling.

    Versatility: Effective on a wide range of carpet types and soils, making it suitable for most residential and commercial settings.

    Longevity: Regular deep cleaning with this method can extend the life of the carpet by preventing the buildup of dirt that can abrade fibers over time.

    Odor Control: The hot water can help remove some odors by flushing out the source rather than just masking smells with fragrances.

  • How long will it take for my carpet to dry?

    Dry times can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours to dry. The type of carpet, temperature, air movement, and humidity levels all affect dry times. You can walk on the wet carpet with bare feet or clean rubber-soled shoes.

  • Can you remove pet stains and odors?

    Most of the time yes, But not always. If the pet stain has penetrated deeply into the carpet padding or subfloor, surface application of an enzyme cleaner might not reach the source of the odor. The odor will most likely be better in this instance but not 100% gone.

  • Is your cleaning solution safe for children and pets?

    Yes, children and pets keep us in business, so we make sure our products and methods are safe for both children and pets.

  • What about stains? Can you guarantee stain removal?

    We commit to doing our best to remove all spots and stains from your carpets and upholstery. However, some stains are tough to get out because they can seep deep into the material or react chemically with the fibers, making them permanent. Using the incorrect cleaning method or product can also make stains set in even more, complicating removal further.

  • Do you move furniture?

    When requested we will move furniture like sofas, tables, and chairs. We will not move things like pianos, hutches, entertainment centers, and beds. If you require the carpet underneath this type of furniture to be cleaned, you will need to remove this furniture from the room before we arrive or we can clean around the base of these items, or even underneath, if there is sufficient room available.

  • What kind of preparation do I need to do before you arrive?

    Make a note of any stains or problem areas that you will need to point out to us when we arrive.

    This is a good time to see if additional areas need cleaning too. It is cheaper for you to add these areas while we’re there than it is to return to clean them later.

    Pick up any toys or clothes from the floor. Any small pieces of furniture such as dining room chairs, magazines, racks, etc. that you can remove from the carpet to be cleaned will shorten processing time and return the
    carpet to normal use sooner.

    Move lamps or other breakables out of the rooms we’re cleaning.

    For your pet’s peace of mind, please put them in a safe place where our cleaning will not disturb them.

    Make sure we have a place to park close to the door we will be using in your home.

  • Do you have any maintenance tips or products post-cleaning?

    Yes, we recommend regularly vacuuming your carpets to keep them looking fresh and prevent dirt buildup. For both carpet and upholstery, using a fabric protector after cleaning can help resist stains. Additionally, we suggest placing mats at entryways to reduce dirt and moisture brought in from outside.

  • Can I walk on the carpet immediately after cleaning?

    Yes, you can walk on the carpet with bare feet or clean rubber-soled shoes. Just be careful when you move from the damp carpet to hard surfaces, it can be slippery!

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