April 2008

Why is it so hard to find a carpet cleaner that can actually get my facility carpets clean?

The simple reality is that there are very few carpet cleaning firms who have the training, tools, and experience to offer effective cleaning, especially in commercial applications.

There have been great advances in the carpet cleaning industry during the last 20 years.  Unfortunately many cleaners have not seen the need to keep up with those advances.  Client concerns about resoiling, air quality, and effective removal of soil usually do not get resolved.

Many carpet cleaners advertise decades of experience, while belittling formal education programs in the industry.  But, can you see the problem for customers if the only way one learns their craft is from their mistakes?  Some promote one method of carpet cleaning, such as “steam cleaning” over others.  Usually this is because they can offer only one.  The truth is that there are a great variety of textiles used in carpets.  Client priorities will often dictate that several options must be available to remedy a carpet-cleaning problem. 

There are 5 industry-recognized methods to clean carpets.  Can your carpet cleaner tell you what they are?  If a tradesman can’t identify the tools of his trade, would you trust his professionalism?

Carpet cleaning has evolved into a highly specialized field. Cleaning efforts by inadequately trained or poorly equipped operators can void mfgr’s warranties.  They can leave damaging amounts of soap behind.  These can even become airborne and contribute to indoor air quality problems.  At the very least, cleaning of this sort will not make you happy with your fresh, clean carpets.

How can I find a good carpet cleaner?

Don’t use price as your only guide.  Many “carpet cleaners” use pricing as bait.  Quality is not free, but it is a good investment. 

Look for credentials.  People who take pride in their work want to demonstrate their skills so that you, the customer, can have confidence