How to choose a company to care for your carpets.

Selecting a Carpet Care Professional:

Referrals from friends & family are one of the easiest and best ways to find a good carpet cleaning company. If you can’t get a recommendation, request a list of references from the companies you’re considering, and check them (most people skip the actual call to the references.) Call the local Better Business Bureau for the cleaning company’s history. Be wary of companies who advertise by the room. Price should be based on the total area cleaned. Beware of price shopping, without fail; you get what you pay for. Be cautious of companies canvassing the neighborhood or cold calling to set up appointments. Before any work is done, get a written estimate that confirms the total price and states the guarantees. Look for gimmicks such as additional charges for spot cleaning, pre-treating (entire area, not just the high traffic areas), scotch guarding, waterproofing, drying.

Questions to ask the company:

• How long have they been in business?
• What is their formal training, and do they have certifications and ongoing education?
• What are the basic services, and what constitutes the extra charges?
• What type of cleaning method should be used on your particular type of carpet?
• Are there any extra charges for furniture moving, preconditioning, spot removal, etc.?

These are the basic ways to protect yourself and your flooring, however there is no substitute for the recommendation of a friend, business associate, or if all else fails ask someone who has very nice clean carpet who does their work.