Carpet Cleaning

Before cleaning your carpet, first decide if it's a do-it-yourself project or if it requires professional services. If you're planning to clean your carpet yourself, consider these tips:

• If you do not already own a carpet cleaner, consider renting one. Remember to shop around to see who has the best rates.
• If you are unsure how best to clean your carpets, check with a local carpet cleaner or with the carpet's manufacturer for advice. Research the types of detergent you're considering, and make sure that the chemicals will not do harm to your rug.
• Research the types of cleaning solution available and make sure you choose a solution whose chemicals won't cause health problems for your family.
• Determine how long it will take you to clean all the carpets. Remember to take into account time spent moving furniture around and how long it will take your carpet to dry.

If you use a professional carpet cleaning service, be sure to do your homework. With so many choices and advertised prices that run the gamut, keep in mind these helpful tips.

• To find a reputable company, ask your family, friends and neighbors for recommendations.
• Check for a reliability report with the Better Business Bureau.
• Remain cautious about extremely low prices. Companies that advertise very low prices may be practicing “bait” advertising: once the workers arrive in your home, they tell you a more expensive carpet treatment is required.
• Ask exactly what is included in the quoted price, and be sure to get it in writing before the crew begins any work. For example, cleaning high traffic areas or pre-treating stains may increase fees, so review the costs-per-service in detail.
• Ask about cleaning agents the company will use and potential allergic reactions or other problems that might affect family members.
• Find out if the company uses its own employees or sub-contractors.
• Determine if the company is bonded and insured. Remember, if an employee is hurt on your property and the company does not have insurance, you may be liable.
• Ask if the cleaning company will move furniture and return it to its original location, and if there an extra charge for this service. Also, determine who is responsible if the crew damages your carpet or other items in your home.
• Find out what care is required after the cleaning, including how long will it take the carpet to dry and how much ventilation the room or rooms require.
• Read contracts carefully before signing. Find out if there's a written guarantee for the work performed, and what steps to follow if you're unhappy with the outcome.

For more information, contact:

Better Business Bureau
(800) 828-5000
www.bbb.org

New York State Attorney General
(800) 771-7755
www.oag.state.ny.us

New York State Consumer Protection Board
(800) 697-1220
www.consumer.state.ny.us

The Carpet & Rug Institute
(706) 278-3176
www.carpet-rug.com

This report is general in nature and is not intended as a reliability report on any company, service or product.