There are several methods but two of the basic methods are the wet (Steam cleaning) & dry methods. The term dry cleaning is a little bit misleading since all methods use some amount of water.
There is absolutely no similarity to the dry cleaning method that is used to clean clothing.
One of the more popular so called dry cleaning methods is referred to as dry-chem or encapsulation. This process goes something like this: There is a cleaning product that is sprayed on the carpet and is then wiped up with an absorbent pad or cotton bonnet using a rotary type floor machine. (This is like a person soaping up, and then just wiping off with a towel, no rinsing with water! They get some dirt out, but will be left with a soapy residue.) This method is actually a surface or maintenance cleaning method. The down side is that it leaves a residue. The benefit is that it does dry in 1-3 hours.
The most popular cleaning method is known as Steam Cleaning or Hot water extraction. There are basically two types:
A) The portable machine that plugs into your household current (like the one you would rent at the supermarket). The portable steam cleaning methods is not very good, because it is very limited in its power, and can leave the carpet very wet. Taking several days for the carpet to dry.
B) A much more preferred method is the powerful truck mounted hot water extraction unit (Truck Mount Steam Cleaning), which we use. The process works like this: Here again a cleaner is applied to the carpet, but it is then rinsed out with very hot water (you see once the water is heated up to 120 degrees, every 15-17 degree rise doubles the waters power to clean. Making the water itself a very aggressive cleaner). This method we use is the method recommended by Shaw Carpets Ind., the largest carpet manufacture in the world. DuPont as well as other large carpet manufactures also recommend Truck Mount Steam Cleaning, In fact they require it, to honour their warranty.
Usually within 48 hours or two business days depending on your location.
Depending on the size of the job, the average time is approximately 1-2 hours. With our two man owner/operator crew having 30 years of experience.
Along with the help of our powerful Truck mounted equipment, the process doesn’t take up your entire day. You will be amazed with the results!
Every cleaning method, including dry cleaning, needs time to dry. Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning usually takes about six hours to dry. Some carpets may still feel slightly damp for up to 24 hours depending on carpet, soiling condition and weather. This is normal and will not cause any problems.
Keep pets, children and regular traffic off the carpet for a period of six hours. If necessary the home owner may use the carpet lightly, immediately after cleaning by wearing plastic booties we can provide upon request. Wait 24 hours before removing foam blocks and plastic square tabs that were put in place to protect the furniture and carpet. Some carpets may still feel slightly damp for up to 24 hours depending on carpet, soiling condition and weather. This is normal and will not cause any problems.
You simply have to remove breakables and knick-knacks from tables and larger pieces that will be moved by our two man owner/operator crew. As well, move as many small things as possible, so we can do a thorough job. Arrange for pets and children to be away from the area we are cleaning, and away from all equipment and hoses etc.
Our two man owner/operator crew will carefully move your sofas, chairs, and tables. Larger pieces such as; entertainment units, china cabinets, computers or electronics and other liability prone items are left in place under our regular pricing structure. Furniture will be returned to their original location and protected with disposable blocks and or plastic tabs as needed.
DO NOT USE ANY SOAP! Using soap may actually cause the stain to lock into the carpet. We recommend vinegar and water (half vinegar and half water). First you have to absorb as much of the wet stain and or debris as possible, using a towel or paper towel. Then simply submerge a facecloth into the solution, getting it saturated. Then GENTLY massage the facecloth over the stained area, getting the area fairly wet. DO NOT POUR the solution onto the carpet. Take a dry towel and dry the area by pressing down or standing on the towel causing the stain and the solution to transfer into the towel. Then throw the towel in wash. Some serious stains such as paint, red wine or pet accidents will need immediate professional attention. Please call us at 905-873-1671 as soon as possible to arrange a prompt appointment.
Yes,we have special products we use to clean wool. We clean wool often. We use a little lower temperature, lower pressure and there is a special low PH rinse we use as well. Most importantly there is no substitute for 30 years of cleaning experience, making us true experts in cleaning wool.
Absolutely, Berber is a weave, not a particular type of fabric. Berber is simply a type of loop construction that may come in olefin, nylon, wool or a blend. Berber requires a more thorough cleaning than other carpets because the “flushing” action required to get under, around and through loops. Other companies that are not as thorough as we are have problems with Berber because of leaving soil behind that “wicks” back to the surface.
No! Dirt is an abrasive – like sandpaper. Every time you step on the carpet, you grind dirt into your carpet fibers. This cuts or fray’s your carpet fibers causing it to wear out faster. A dirty carpet will not last nearly as long as a clean carpet. While vacuuming helps – by itself, it’s simply not enough. The longer you wait to have your carpet cleaned, the more damage you do to your carpet and the faster it wears out.
No! As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes and hundreds of other chemicals. When you and your family members come into your home, you carry those pollens, bacteria and chemicals in your hair and on your skin, clothing and shoes. Not surprisingly, all those chemicals, pollens and bacteria wind up you guessed it – in your carpet and upholstery. If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema or other breathing problems - one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, and chemicals in your carpets and upholstery. So in addition to getting rid of dirt, another important reason to clean your carpets and upholstery is to get rid of pollens, fungus, bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants hidden in your carpets and upholstery.
I wish this were true, but it isn’t. Honest, reputable carpet cleaning companies usually price carpet cleaning by the square foot. So if you want an exact price quote? I need to know the exact number of square feet that you want to have cleaned. We have a measuring wheel we use to calculate the exact size of the carpeted area.
You’ll be glad to know that the carpeted area to be cleaned is not nearly as large as most people think. For example, if you want your entire home cleaned and your home is 2000 square feet, the amount of carpet to be cleaned might be only 1200 square feet. This is because most home measurements are outdoor measurements. Plus we deduct the area taken up by walls and hard surface flooring. The result is that the actual area to be cleaned is usually only about 60% of the total square footage of the home. So even though we can’t give you an exact price quote on the telephone we can certainly give you a good idea.
1) The type of carpet. Certain types of carpet are harder to clean than others.
2) The amount of soiling. Carpet that hasn’t been cleaned for ten years will take longer to clean than a carpet that has been cleaned in the last year.
3) The amount of furniture that has to be moved. We include furniture moving as part of our service, in our square footage price quote. However if there is an extensive amount of furniture to be moved, we will charge accordingly. To recap, we consider the type of carpet, the amount of soiling, and the amount of furniture that has to be moved or worked around. So, as you can imagine, every quote is different.