Some common "myths" we have run into!

At times, we like to share with you the things we run into while taking orders, answering questions or even while doing the jobs.

Here are a few "myths" we have heard over the years and some facts to help dispell them and help our consumers make an educated decision.

 "All cleaning methods have the same result"

There are two primary methods, dry cleaning or hot water extraction.

Dry cleaning (this is not like dry cleaning clothing because all carpet cleaning methods use water in one form or another, whether dry-foam, dry-chemical or dry compound methods are employed).
With dry foam, your carpet is shampooed and allowed to dry, followed by a vacuuming to remove the foam and any adhered dirt. This old-fashioned method is least effective and can leave a soil-attracting residue in the carpet.

The dry chemical method is similar to dry foam but a rotary machine is fitted with a cloth to rub the carpet and absorb the dirt. It is the equivalent of someone using a spot cleaner and towel but on a larger scale. This method also fails to achieve a deep clean and can also damage carpet fibers.

The dry compound method spreads an absorbent compound over the carpet, which is then brushed into the carpet fibers by machine to absorb dirt into the mixture. When dry, a vacuum is used to remove the compound, much like the dry foam method but far more effective at removing dirt and residues. This is known as the HOST Dry Carpet Cleaner System which is recommended by over 70 carpet mills and is the most popular carpet dry-cleaning method in Europe.

Hot water extraction (or 'steam cleaning' although this description is inaccurate).
A hot water cleaning solution is high-pressured into then extracted from the carpet fibers by a powerful machine. Its deep cleaning action fully penetrates every fiber, extracting almost all the moisture pumped into the carpet, together with soil and residues, for the most effective clean.
The world's largest carpet manufacturer recommends hot water extraction. Hot water will not damage the carpet - that's another myth! Washing and rinsing carpets with hot water is the most effective way of cleaning - as with bathing, laundry or washing the dishes.

"Anyone with the right equipment can do the job"

Of course this is not the case. Training and experience are also important. Many cleaning companies own hot-water cleaners but some employees have little or no training and even some owner-operators don't know how to use them properly. For this reason, it is important to choose a carpet cleaning service wisely.
Check that the company and on-site operators have been fully trained and certified by the



http://www.iicrc.org/.   Each certified member will have a card they will be able to present and show individual certifications and when they expire.  Be sure to check the date as MANY have old cards.

"The lowest price must be the best value"

There are two important points to consider: that the quotes are for the exact same service and that an advertised price is the actual price you will be charged.
(a) comparative quotes are for identical services.
As you are reading this, you are clearly doing your research. Before you invite a company to quote, decide what you do and don't need to achieve.
For example, if you want a quick surface clean, there are many companies that offer shampoos or similar cleaning methods - or you can hire a machine to do the job yourself.
However, if you want your carpet thoroughly deep-cleaned to remove dirt, bacteria, pollen, chemicals and other residues, the cleaning company should, ideally, provide a quotation for using a professional hot water extraction system - the best way to keep your carpet free from dirt and abrasive chemicals.

(b) ensure that the price you see advertised is for the services you want.

Home-owners have sometimes found themselves the victims of misleading advertising, that the amount they are charged is higher than the price in the advertisement. Some carpet cleaners offer a low price, perhaps 15.00 per room, to give them an opportunity to pressure a potential customer into paying more once they are in your home.

As you can see, there are a lot of myths out there about our industry.  There are also many people who are out to take advantage of the consumer.  We adhere to being honest and dependable.  Our technicians are all IICRC certified, we have 2 Master Textile Cleaners on staff.   You can rest assure that your carpets, flooring or any other job we will do for you are in capable and caring hands!

Call us at 843-769-7445 24/7 to book, get a quote or clarify any questions you may have!