Are you looking to buy a new area rug for your home? And you are not sure on how to get the right one. Here are 5 things you can do before you get one.

Before you decide on the size of the area rug , you may want to consider how you want the room to feel.  While, a big area rug in a big room can give the room a more formal feel, an area rug that covers the floor gives the room a warmer feel. For family rooms, it is good to have one large rug with 12 to 18 inches floor space area to frame the rug. It is certainly advisable to measure the dimensions of your room before you choose an area rug for your home. are good for hallways, and you can even opt to put different runner rugs one after the other, keeping the colors in mind. What would be more heavenly for your bare feet than a large luxurious area rug. The most common sizes are 2’x3’, 4’x6’, 5’x8’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’ and up.

The adds visual appeal and a sense of depth and perception to your room.. Be it contemporary, transitional or traditional, the rug design should blend in with the style of your home.  Thus rugs’ designs account for your self-expression and taste. You can have more than one pattern in a room. There just needs to be a shared motif or color. If you worry about hiding stains then choose patterned area rugs for your home.

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A free-form area rug can add excitement to a room that may feel too stuffy. Your decorating style should determine your rug shape. Don't be limited to the idea of getting a rectangular rug. Round, circular area rugs are unique and can soften the angles of a more conventional room.

Color psychology is important when it comes to home textiles and you must choose an area rug’s color accordingly as it is likely to influence our mood. So as to create a bond between your room and rug, ensure good color coordination. Darker area rugs give rooms a cozier touch and how bold colored area rugs can give rooms a more playful hint. A lighter tone of the area rug gives room a larger feel.

Area rugs come in different types of weaves which is the prime determinant of the price of the rug. High end are rugs have tighter weave and finer wool. This also reflects the quality and durability of the area rugs.  The higher-end rugs are the hand knotted rugs with knot-style – Persian-knot, Indian-knot, Turkish-knot, etc. that has evolved with time. The lower end rugs are mainly hand-tufted, machine-made, shags, broadloom.

Medallion and round rugs could be centered in the room & directly under the chandelier. Don't select a busy area rug if the room's color scheme and patterns are busy as well. Oriental rugs fade, as does upholstery. Avoid direct sunlight. Another recommendation is to have rugs cleaned professionally periodically by a reputable cleaner.

So next time you think of buying a new area rug, keep these points in mind. It surely will help you to streamline your options because you WILL certainly have options if you are buying from .

• How to Choose the Right Carpet for Your Home and Office
• Decorating a Family Rooms with Area Rugs

Maintenance of a carpet takes time and loads of effort and is not so easy to keep your carpet in the same tip-top condition. A majority of the people uses the vacuum cleaner for the cleaning carpets however this is not sufficient enough as carpets need deep cleaning. People are very concerned when spots and spills and even pet hair soil their carpets. To revitalize the look of the carpet, reduce its wear and tear and also extending the life of the carpet we need to deep clean the carpets every twelve to eighteen months depending upon the cleaning procedures that have been recommended by the carpet manufacturer or the retailer. If a person is attempting to deep clean the carpet at home he needs to select a good carpet shampoo, and then follow the direction for its applications to the core. You should always be aware as not to use soap, laundry and dishwasher detergents or any other soap liquids or house hold cleaners. First we need to vacuum the carpets thoroughly before applying any carpet solution. Pre cleaning solutions are available as they loosen the stains and soil on the carpet before the actual cleaning process.

Deep cleaning of the carpets is not a thing that is recommended to be done at home. So the best solution is to hire professionals for these jobs. You can get in touch with your friends or family members or even the carpet retailer to find you the best professionals. Lastly you can always search the Internet to do your own search. Professionals basically use five different methods to clean the carpets each one having its own advantages and disadvantages. You should take proper advice from the professional you hire as to what would be the best method for deep cleaning your carpet.

The first method, which is, dried out removal clean-up use a porous mix, which contains particular detergents and the solvents, which are then infused in the carpet fiber with particularly planned machines. These solvents act like tiny magnets, which attract dirt, oil stains and soil from the carpet fibers. Vacuuming then removes the dirt and oil stains that have been loosened by these compounds is the best method for sturdy fibered carpets and mostly all synthetic carpets. It is also suggested for ordinary fiber like the fur and yarn, which be supposed to not be bare to extreme moisture.

The second method, which is known the dried out foam extraction method, uses foam, which has been created by a special detergent, which is applied on the carpet; this foam is worked into the carpet with machines that are specially designed for this purpose. The foam used is very much drier than a wet solution and is also very less dense, and then this foamy solution is removed by through wet vacuuming.

The third method is the Hot water extraction technique: This is known as the steam cleaning which a person can carry out at home. First you have to condition soiled areas of carpet and then make use of particularly designed hot water extraction machine in order to infuse cleaning solution in the carpet. This will help in removing and loosening of the dirt, oil stains and soil from the carpet. You should always use caution when applying this method so that the carpet does become overly saturated resulting in its discoloration due to moisture content.

The Rotary shampoo method is the classic carpet cleaning technique machine that has rotary brushes injects the cleaning solution into the carpet, which helps in loosening the soiled, and the stained surface of the carpet. Then soil is then removed by through vacuuming.

The Absorbent pad method is the last carpet-cleaning method that should not be done by un-trained people and professional help should be taken. A Specially designed machine is been used for removing the soil. This Machine has absorbent spin pads that can absorb soil from the carpet. This pad remains saturated with the cleaning solution so that no damage is occurred to the carpet pile. The pads are changed regularly so that the carpets are not soiled.

To keep the beauty of your carpet and also to add more years always check the recommendations provided by the carpet manufacturer, the cleaning equipment manufacturer and also the carpet-cleaning professionals. Your carpet should always be cleaned with the right deep cleaning method to keep its shine and beauty intact. So to preserve your carpets in long run follow the above procedures without fail.

• A Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Carpets
• What is the best way in Carpet Cleaning

Just about every household in America has a vacuum in the closet that someone in the house uses for everyday carpet cleaning and vacuuming which is necessary to remove loose sand, pet hair, and regular messes that end up on the floor. In order to keep your expensive carpet looking at its best, only vacuuming is not enough. Carpets need thorough deep cleaning on a regular basis. A good deep cleaning method will allow you to get the most life out of your big flooring investment. The more spills, dirt, and other "stuff" that stays on the carpet, the more the carpet wears out, and not everything is removed with a regular Singer or Dirt Devil.

Once a year or year and a half, you should refresh your carpet and extend its life by deep cleaning it. The difference between a carpet that has been only vacuumed and one that has had a deep cleaning is amazing; the carpet will look so clean and smell so fresh; deep cleaning is almost like a miracle for your tired, dirty, stained carpeting.

There are several ways a carpet can be deep cleaned. You can do it yourself, if you want to give that a try, but special equipment is required and the work is difficult and time consuming. You would also need to purchase special carpet shampoo for whatever material your carpet is made of and follow the guidelines your carpet manufacturer recommends for deep cleaning your specific type of carpeting.

Although it is possible to deep clean your carpets yourself, it is probably worth the small investment necessary to have a professional who specializes in deep carpet cleaning come to your home and do it for you. A reputable company can take the worry out of the process and do a difficult job for you, and most deep cleanings are an affordable way to get the most life out of your carpet. A professional cleaning costs much less than having to buy new carpet after all.

When a professional comes to assess your carpet cleaning needs, he will be able to tell what fibers your carpet is comprised of and determine the best way to clean your rug. There are five ways to choose from: 1) absorbent pad; 2) rotary shampooing; 3) steam cleaning (extracting stains and dirt with hot water); 4) dry foam; or 5) dry extraction.

Steam cleaning is probably the most common method of deep cleaning, and either you as the homeowner or a professional can do it. The hassle of buying or renting a steam cleaner, however, makes it much more convenient to hire someone. They will bring all the necessary supplies with them, and usually carpet-cleaning companies will have two people working at once, so the job will be finished quickly. Hot water extraction, or what we commonly call steam cleaning, requires pre cleaning treatment of the carpet with a dirt-loosening solvent. Then, the steam machine injects hot water into the carpet and dirt and stains disappear up the strong suction device that picks up both the water and the nasty stuff that is making your carpet ugly and draining it of its life.

Using the absorbent pad method for deep carpet cleaning is also quite effective, as are all the methods of deep cleaning, but this is one method the homeowner really can't be expected to do. With this type of cleaning, a special machine has absorbent pads attached to spinners that absorb the stains and soil right out of your carpet.

Strong, durable carpets can be cleaned using the dry extraction method. With this type of carpet cleaning, specially made solvents or cleaners are instilled way down into the carpet fibers then, the cleaning agent draws all the dirt and other pollutants to it. Finally, the cleaning solution, stains and soil are removed with suction (vacuum).

Using the dry foam extraction method of deep cleaning is sometimes recommended for natural fiber carpeting such as woolen carpet. Similar to the other ways carpet can be cleaned, the professional carpet-cleaning employee applies a cleaning agent that becomes foam. The foam works to attract and loosen trod-in stains and dirt, and once enough time has passed for all the grime to be loosened, the foam and dirt are vacuumed away.

Rotary shampooing is just what its name implies. A special carpet shampoo is applied to the carpet and with the help of a special machine with powerful spinning brushes, the carpet is cleaned by the combination of the shampoo and the power of the rotating heads on the deep cleaning machine.

A professional can help you decide which the best option for your carpet is, and how often a deep cleaning should be done based on your lifestyle; obviously, if you have pets and or young children, your carpet would benefit by more frequent deep cleaning in addition to your regular weekly vacuuming. The best way to deep clean the carpet can be determined by the material out of which your carpet is made and the recommendations of the carpet manufacturer. Regardless of the method, regularly deep cleaning your carpets is important and will help your carpet last longer and look better.

• The Guide to Deep Carpet Cleaning
• Best Cleaning Procedures for Deep Cleaning Carpets

So you think that installing a carpet is so easy? It could be, but then there are a lot of things that you have to consider, just like carpet cleaning. In fact, it is highly recommended that you let professional carpet cleaners and installers do the dirty work for you, as they have a better understanding of your flooring. Further, they already have the necessary materials and equipments on hand to set up and clean your carpet faster and more accurately.

Yet despite the presence of home carpet cleaners and professional carpet installers, some people still prefer to install or clean their carpet themselves because it is less costly. There are some procedures that you can indeed follow when opting for a do-it-yourself carpet installation and you can begin with the following:

1. Move the furniture. If the area where you’re going to lay your carpet still has some furniture and fixture left, it’s time you move them somewhere else for a while. They can be obstructions, thus you can not expect even the most professional installers to accomplish the carpet installation with ease. You can have the same people do that for you, but there’s a huge chance that it’s going to cost you some extra money. The best way is to seek help from a friend or a family member. Carpet cleaning companies also offer carpet installation services.

2. Clean your carpet. Whether you decide to hire Atlanta carpet cleaner or do the carpet cleaning yourself, truth is you have to clean both floor and carpet before you have the carpet installed. This is especially true if the carpet flooring you bought is an old stock or pre-loved item. Cleaning the floors will get rid of the existing dust and dirt that can move into your carpet.

You can leave the task to carpet cleaning companies. They have the resources needed, as well as the expertise. You just need to make sure that you’re working with the best carpet cleaners. They must have certification from IIR, experience, and even proper education.

3. Read the manual. Oftentimes the carpet installers already know what to do with the flooring, but it’s going to do both of you good if you read the manual first before he starts working. You can have better understanding on the procedures and can pinpoint lapses along the way. Your professional installer, on the other hand, will know what to do exactly. Keep in mind that if something goes wrong with the installation because of this neglect, you may no longer be covered by your warranty. Reading the manuals will also help you learn a thing or two about home Atlanta carpet cleaning.

4. Make sure that carpet is not overly stretched. Your installation professional may say that it’s okay, but the truth is it’s not. It is wise to check the smoothness because if not done the right way, it will grow wrinkles and ripples immediately or in a few hours or days after the installation. You may have to call his services again. Carpet cleaning companies who are also into carpet installation are offering carpet maintenance services as well.

5. Be there. Some of the tips above imply that you have to be around when the carpet is being installed. Your presence is greatly important so that the installer will not feel so overconfident of his work, and you can ensure that he’s really doing what he’s paid for. It is also a good idea to observe his work and processes so that whenever you purchase and install a new carpet, you can try working on it yourself. Carpet installers and Atlanta carpet cleaners are typically very patient workers so you will definitely be getting answers to your questions – don’t hesitate to ask!

6. Remove the doors. Some carpets are thick, and can prevent the doors from swinging fully. What you can do is to simply remove the door until you are done with the carpet installation. Should the carpet be indeed too thick, you can trim the bottom portion of the door to make it fit perfectly. This should also prevent further problems when the maintenance personnel or the carpet cleaners are called on for their services.

7. Get rid of any loose fiber. Perhaps during the installation process, the fibers of the carpet accidentally become loose and are pulled out. Rather than pulling them more in the effort to clean it, you can just simply cut it. Pulling the fibers can also cause them to unravel more, which in turn will render more damage to what has already been done. You should also remember this tip especially when performing your carpet cleaning duties.

8. Have proper ventilation. Even new carpets can leave some strong smell. So that it goes away quickly, open the windows and doors. You can also turn the air-conditioning system on. Professional carpet cleaners will advise that all windows and doors are opened after the installation.

• The Guide to Deep Carpet Cleaning
• Consumer’s Guide to Hiring a Carpet Cleaner

CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO CARPET CLEANING

My name is Joel Belmont. I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide you with information about carpet cleaning and help you choose a carpet cleaning company.

As the owner of Belmont Clean Carpet and Upholstery Care, I have spent over 10 years cleaning textiles in the Roaring Fork Valley. I have attended numerous schools, workshops, and seminars to stay abreast of changes in carpets and fabrics. I am certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification).  I also spent over a year in training with my father, Charles Belmont, founder and president of the Certified Cleaners Association.  I am the only carpet cleaner with a Five-Star rating on www.EthicalServices.com (a nationwide watchdog featured on ABC's 20/20) in Aspen, Snowmass Village, Woody Creek, Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, CO.

During my years of cleaning, I’ve learned that carpet cleaning is the subject of much confusion. In fact, people have so many misconceptions about carpet cleaning that I decided to offer this consumer education message, so when you select a carpet cleaning company, you can make an informed, intelligent decision.

I’m going to share with you 7 costly misconceptions about carpet cleaning. Plus, I’ll offer 4 recommendations. And, I’ll give you 8 questions you should ask a carpet cleaner before you invite them into your home.

MISCONCEPTION #1: You should wait as long as possible before cleaning your carpet.

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Dirt is an abrasive – like sandpaper. Every time you step on the carpet, you grind dirt into your carpet fibers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you had used a knife, causing it to wear out faster. A soiled carpet will not last nearly as long as a clean carpet. And 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.

MISCONCEPTION #2: The only reason to clean carpets is to remove the soil and improve the appearance.

NOT TRUE! As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust – and hundreds of other harmful chemicals. When you and your family members come into your home, you carry those pollens and chemicals in your hair and on your skin, clothing, and shoes. Not surprisingly, all those chemicals, pollens and bacteria end up – you guessed it – in your carpet.

Carpet cleaning is not just about removing soil and improving the appearance of your home. It’s about protecting your family and safeguarding their health by removing pollutants and contaminants that can affect your quality of life. In some instances, INDOOR AIR QUALITY can be 70-100 times more polluted than outdoor air. Since carpet is the lowest and largest horizontal surface, it acts as a “sink” or filter, which needs to be emptied and cleaned regularly.

Another factor to consider is that carpet fibers are made to hide and camouflage soil and debris. So, by the time you can see evidence of soiling, your carpet is already overdue for a cleaning. Naturally, some colors do a better job of hiding soil than others. For example, earth tone colors (browns) do a beautiful job of hiding soil, so you cannot depend on appearance as a basis for deciding when it is time to clean your carpets.

MISCONCEPTION #3: ONE METHOD OF CARPET CLEANING IS AS GOOD AS ANOTHER!

No.  In fact different carpet cleaning companies use VERY different systems, and many of them can cause soil to reappear soon after they have been cleaned, and can permanently damage your carpet and upholstery!

Here are the most common methods:

The first one uses a water-based dry foam, which is applied to the carpet, allowed to dry, and then simply vacuumed. Can you imagine applying shampoo to your hair, allowing it to dry and then removing the shampoo from your head with a vacuum? This method can leave a tremendous amount of soapy residue in your carpet, and it doesn’t provide adequate agitation to clean and lift the carpet fibers, making it an un-effective way to clean.

The second method uses carbonated water to try to float dirt to the surface.  Carpets need to be deep cleaned with an effective cleaner and a thorough system, and effervescent bubbles simply do not provide a thorough cleaning.

Third, the dry-compound method spreads an absorbent mixture that looks like wet sawdust all over your carpeting. Then a machine brushes the mixture into the carpet, which in theory causes dirt to absorb into the mixture. When the mixture has dried, a vacuum cleaner sucks the material out of the carpeting.    In a cut pile or berber carpet, it is impossible to vacuum it all out, leaving both the cleaning compound and soil in the carpets.

The fourth method is called steam cleaning. This is a quick, one-step process where boiling temperature water, loaded with soap, is injected into the carpet at 400 pounds of pressure per square inch.  This carries soapy water through the carpet, and often through the carpet pad and into the sub-floor.  It can take literally days for the soaked carpet to dry out, which can cause mold problems.  Also, the extremely hot temperature of the water can soften the glue in the carpet backing, causing the fibers to permanently distort, and the combination of moisture and temperature can shrink the carpet away from the walls, or stretch it, leaving ripples and causing permanent damage.  Pre-vacuuming is usually left out, it doesn’t afford adequate agitation, and the soap residue left in the fibers attracts the spots and traffic lanes right back to where they were before!  Within a few weeks, it can look like your carpet was never cleaned, and over time it can ruin your carpet.

In summary, the reason why none of these methods are effective, is because they are lacking 4 important elements of a proper cleaning: (1) they leave a residue to attract soil, (2) they don’t pre-vacuum, (3) they use too little or too much moisture, and (4) they don’t agitate the carpet fibers enough to clean and restore them to a healthy pile.

The last method is a Five-step low-moisture process.

First, the carpet is pre-vacuumed with a 3hp commercial extractor and pile lifter.  Scientific studies show that 70-75% of all the soil, allergens and foreign objects in carpeting can be removed with a professional vacuum, making this a critical step for a thorough cleaning.

Next, an environmentally friendly cleaner that contains no soaps, bleaches or caustics—thus leaving no harmful residue to attract more soil—is gently applied to the carpet fibers, allowing it to penetrate to the base of the carpet pile.  The cleaner is 100% safe for you, for your carpets and for the environment, and because it doesn’t leave any residue, the cleaning will last 3 to 4 times as long!

Third, a rotary floor machine with a nylon brush (or a softer brush for wool and other delicate carpet fibers) is used to clean all four sides of the carpet fibers.  This breaks up stubborn spots, liquefies any remaining soil or bacteria, and lifts the carpet knap back up to its original condition.

Once the soil has been liquefied, special cotton bonnets are used on the floor machine to absorb and thoroughly remove the liquefied soil, leaving the carpets fibers clean, healthy and beautiful.

The last step is to groom the carpet by hand with a pile lifting brush, leaving all the fibers lifted up in one direction. This helps the carpet to dry in just a few hours and leaves the carpet like new again.

Without question, the most effective way to clean carpeting is with a five-step, low-moisture, no residue system. It’s the most effective cleaning method on the market and the only method that thoroughly removes dirt, harmful bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollens and other residues, while restoring the carpet fibers to their original condition.  This is the method my company uses.

MISCONCEPTION #4: ALL METHODS OF CARPET CLEANING ARE GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.

Unfortunately, no.  There are three important factors that make a system environmentally friendly:  one, the equipment must be powered by clean energy; two, the cleaning solution must be certified as non-toxic and safe for the environment; and three, a carpet cleaner must dispose of the waste water correctly.

(1) Many carpet cleaners use machines that are petroleum powered, using diesel fuel or unleaded gasoline to run their equipment.  That means that not only is your neighborhood being polluted by the exhaust from their van and equipment, which runs for the duration of the cleaning whether it’s 1 hour or all day long, but this also adds unnecessary greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere, increasing the effects of global warming.

Other carpet cleaners use equipment that is just as powerful, but is powered by electricity, which is a cleaner and more efficient form of energy.  So make sure that the company you hire uses clean energy—electricity—to power their equipment.

(2) Many carpet cleaners use chemicals that non-biodegradable, and are harmful to people as well as the local watershed.  A cleaning solution that is Green Seal Certified is a good standard to use when making sure a chemical is environmentally friendly.

(3) It’s unfortunate, but some companies do not dispose of their wastewater correctly.  I have seen carpet cleaners on several occasions pump their wastewater right out into the street, which locally runs through the storm drains and right into the river, with no treatment.  This can cause big problems for our local rivers, and there have been many occasions were carpet cleaning companies have been sued for improper wastewater disposal, resulting in fish kills and damage to the local environment.  An ethical carpet cleaner will dispose of wastewater properly.

These three factors are an important part our current quality of life, as well as for that of future generations, and it’s a high standard to which we are committed.  We are one of the only carpet cleaning companies in the Roaring Fork Valley that meets all three of these criteria.

MISCONCEPTION #5: HAVING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT IS ALL A COMPANY NEEDS TO CLEAN YOUR CARPETS PROPERLY.

Not true. Many companies hire employees that don’t know how to use carpet cleaning equipment properly. This can result in an improper cleaning and even damage to your carpets and home furnishings.  Many carpet cleaners are sued each year because of improper cleanings that resulted in damage.  This is another reason why it’s important that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully.

The best carpet cleaning companies are those that have been certified by the INSTITUTE OF INSPECTION, CLEANING, AND RESTORATION CERTIFICATION, known as the IICRC. A carpet cleaning company cannot buy this certification. The carpet cleaner must EARN the certification through study, experience, and the successful completion of formal, written examinations. Technicians who are certified by the IICRC have, in effect, earned a degree in carpet and textile cleaning, and continuing education is a must to remain certified.

The IICRC provides written credentials to the companies it certifies. So, before you choose a reputable company, ask to see written proof of the company’s IICRC certifications.

MISCONCEPTION #6: THE COMPANY THAT OFFERS THE LOWEST PRICE IS THE COMPANY YOU SHOULD HIRE.

No. We’ve seen so many problems arise from the lowest-bid companies that I suggest you NEVER hire a company that quotes the cheapest price. The three most common problems are:

(1): The price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed. Before you select a company, decide what you want to accomplish. If you want the technician to remove only some of the dirt, you can choose from hundreds of companies that offer low prices, poor equipment and limited knowledge.

On the other hand, if you want your carpet thoroughly cleaned – if you want to remove the harmful dirt, bacteria, pollens and chemicals – then you need to hire a company that uses a thorough 5-step system. This is the only way to assure that your carpet remains healthy and free from dirt, disease-causing bacteria, and harmful chemicals.

So, remember, the price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed.

(2): An inexpensive cleaning may last only a few weeks, and leave harmful chemicals in the carpet.

Most cleaners in the carpet cleaning industry (especially the ones that don’t charge much) clean with soap and detergent-based cleaners, leaving a sticky residue in the carpet.  The residue attracts soil like a magnet, and pretty soon it looks worse than before the cleaning!  It’s great business for them, because you have to hire them to clean more often, but that’s not good for you or your carpet.  It’s a bad cycle of which there is no way out except to use a system that can break down the residue, or to replace the carpet. And since carpet is the single most expensive replaceable item in your home, you might save a few cents per square foot with a cheaper cleaning process, but it can cost you thousands of dollars in the long-run.

(3): The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay!

Many homeowners have learned that the low price they saw advertised was not the amount they were charged.

BAIT AND SWITCH is the term used to identify those who use fraudulent advertising, just to get their foot in the door. You probably know someone who has learned the hard way. Some carpet cleaner offered a cheap price – usually between $3.95 and $9.95 per room – and then pressured them into paying a lot more. This amounts to breaking the law.

As in all businesses and professions, the carpet cleaning industry has its share of bad apples. I take no pleasure in telling you this, but some are unethical and, sadly, a few are dishonest. By their misleading advertising and false promises, they cast a dark shadow on our entire industry.

Then you’ll find other carpet cleaners, professionals like me, who work hard to earn your trust and respect, and to provide you with the highest amount of value.

As a way of improving our profession, I’ve dedicated my business to educating the public. The only way you can make an intelligent decision is to have all the facts you need. This is why I’ve written this message.

MISCONCEPTION #7: ANY HONEST CARPET CLEANING COMPANY SHOULD BE ABLE TO GIVE YOU AN EXACT PRICE OVER THE TELEPHONE.

First, honest, reputable, carpet cleaning companies usually price carpet cleaning by the square foot. So, if you’d like me to tell you the exact cost of cleaning your carpet, I need to know the exact number of square feet that you want cleaned. To get an accurate measurement, I personally take exact measurements of the carpeted area.

You’ll be glad to know that the carpeted area to be cleaned is not nearly as great as most people think. For example, if you want your entire home cleaned, and your home is 2000 square feet, the amount of carpeting to be cleaned might be only 1200 square feet. This is because most home measurements are outside measurements. Plus I deduct the area taken up by walls, room dividers, and the like. The result is that the actual area to be cleaned is usually only about 60% of the square footage of the home.

So, even though I can’t give you an exact quote over the telephone, here are things I consider when quoting a price.

First, the type of carpet. Certain types of carpet are harder to clean than others. So, before I can give you a quote, I need to know the type of fiber your carpet is made from, and the specific style.

Second, the amount of soiling. Carpet that hasn’t been cleaned for 10 years will take longer to clean than carpet that was cleaned within the last 6 months. When carpet has been neglected for any length of time, (perhaps more than 2 years) our approach to the job changes from a regular maintenance cleaning, to a more aggressive RESTORATIVE cleaning.

Third, the amount of furniture that has to be moved. If we have to move furniture, it will take us longer to clean than an empty room.

To recap, I consider the type of carpet, the amount of soiling, the maintenance history, and the amount of furniture that has to be moved. So, as you can now imagine, every quotation is different.

IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT HAVING YOUR CARPETS CLEANED, I OFFER THESE 4 RECOMMENDATIONS:

RECOMMENDATION #1: Make a commitment to yourself to get your carpets cleaned. The longer they remain soiled, the sooner they’ll wear out. Plus the longer you have to breathe all the pollens, fungus, chemicals, and dust mite droppings that reside in your carpet.

RECOMMENDATION #2: List your objectives. Do you want only the dirt removed? Or do you want the bacteria, fungus, and chemicals removed, which will require a thorough 5-step process, like I use? Do you want to work with an honest, reputable company – or are you willing to risk working with the company that offers the lowest price – knowing that your carpet and upholstery could be poorly cleaned and permanently damaged?

RECOMMENDATION #3: Ask questions. The way you learn about a company is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to the answers. Here are the questions I suggest you ask:

1. WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE TO CLEAN CARPET?
2. WHAT DOES YOUR EQUIPMENT REMOVE FROM MY CARPET?
3. DO YOU USE ANY SOAP OR DETERGENT-BASED CLEANERS, AND ARE YOUR CLEANING AGENTS GREEN SEAL CERTIFIED?
4. DOES YOUR EQUIPMENT RUN ON ELECTRICITY OR PETROLEUM, AND HOW DO YOU DISPOSE OF WASTEWATER?
5. WHAT TRAINING HAVE YOU HAD IN CLEANING CARPETS?
6. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF ETHICALSERVICES.COM?
7. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF ANY TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND, IF SO, WHICH ONES?
8. ARE YOU CERTIFIED BY THE IICRC AND WILL YOU SHOW ME YOUR CERTIFICATE?
9. DO YOU FULLY GUARANTEE YOUR WORK?

RECOMMENDATION #4: Once you are satisfied that you’re working with an honest, competent professional, invite them into your home and ask for a specific quotation in writing. A written quotation gives you the assurance that you know exactly what your job will cost. NO SURPRISES!

By following these four recommendations, you’ll gain all the information you need to make an informed, intelligent decision.

I hope you found this consumer awareness message to be helpful. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me.  Also, you can learn more about carpet and upholstery cleaning at www.BelmontClean.com/carpet-cleaning-aspen.html

• The Guide to Deep Carpet Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning Methods – Quick Ways to Keep Your Carpet Cleaner