If your carpet is looking worn and household remedies are no longer working, it is time to hire professional carpet cleaning services. Many carpet cleaning services in the market will over-promise and under-deliver. Your carpet is an expensive investment. A cheap cleaning service may deliver short-term results but damage your carpet. Hire reputed carpet cleaning service providers for best results.

Advantages of hiring professional carpet cleaning services

Professional carpet cleaning services have the necessary knowledge, equipment and workforce to do the job faster and better.  They:

• ensure chemicals do not harm your carpet
• offer add-on cleaning services for thorough cleaning
• follow safety standards
• offer a guarantee for their service

Types of carpet cleaning techniques

Common carpet cleaning techniques used by most companies are:

Steam carpet cleaning

A hot cleaning solution at high pressure is pumped into the carpet to loosen the dirt and extracted with a strong vacuum motor. This technique is used for plush residential carpets and takes several hours to dry.

Shampooing the carpet

A chemical cleaning product is used to shampoo the carpet and draw it out with a shampooing machine. The chemical solution can sometimes damage the carpet or remove stains temporarily. If done inefficiently, it can encourage mold and cause decay and rot of the underlying floor.  It is a good idea to pre-check if the chemical solution used is suitable for your carpet type. Shampooing is commonly used for oriental rugs, works well in removing greasy stains and takes some hours to dry.

Dry cleaning the carpet

Carpet dry cleaning is popular as there is hardly any drying time. A moist powdery substance is worked into the carpet or it is shampooed with foam. The dirt and foam is sucked out with a strong vacuum.

Bonnet carpet cleaning

Bonnet carpet cleaning is popular in industrial environments for fast cleaning. Hot water and detergent is sprayed on the carpet, and then mopped up with an absorbent pad. Though quick drying, it is not as effective as steam or shampoo cleaning.

Verifying carpet cleaning services

You should verify the reputation and track record of carpet cleaning service providers before hiring them. Here are some pointers on verifying cleaning service providers:

• Ask if they offer guarantees. Get written proof.
• Are they members of any organization? How can they prove it?
• How long have they been in business?
• Ask for references.
• Are they insured? Again, view it in writing.
• Are they licensed and certified? Check written proof again.
• What equipment will they use? Insist on large van mounts that work best.
• Do they offer free add-on services such as upholstery cleaning?
• Ask them for advice on the suitability of the cleaning solution for your carpet material.
• Do they provide fans to speed up the drying process?
• Will they move furniture? Is it part of the basic cost?
• Get a complete cost listing to avoid shocks

How to start looking for reputed carpet cleaning services

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to start looking for the right carpet cleaning service for your home or office:

1. Get references from friends, family and associates and make a list of carpet cleaning service providers in your area.
2. Decide what type of carpeting service you need. If you are unsure, describe the carpet material and condition the service provider so they can advise you.
3. Measure the carpeted area in square feet and keep a record.
4. Make a list of any old stains or special challenges in cleaning your carpeting.
5. Call numbers in your list, ask questions, explain your requirement and ask for an estimate.
6. If they come for an onsite observation, don't agree to hire them immediately. Instead, ask for an estimate.
7. Compare carpet cleaning quote estimates and level of service and make your choice.

Carpet cleaning services pricing

The price of carpet cleaning services varies widely based on location, level and type of service. Providers will charge per room (standard room size is 200 - 300 square feet) or square footage of carpeting. The price is inclusive of normal spotting and pre-treatment. Deodorizing, stain removal, stair cleaning, furniture moving may cost extra. Multi-room discounts are also offered by some companies. Make sure you get a complete estimate that accounts for all the work done in cleaning the carpeting of your house.

To conclude, don't leave the house while carpet cleaning is in progress. The agents will treat your home better with you around. Pre-vacuum your carpet for better results. And hire only reputed carpet cleaning services.