I know that keeping your carpets clean can be a challenge. As a professional carpet cleaner, I’m often asked many questions about the best practices for cleaning carpets and keeping them looking their best. In this article, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked carpet cleaning questions to help you care for your carpets.
How Often Should I Get My Carpets Professionally Cleaned?
This is one of the most common carpet cleaning questions. The general recommendation is to professionally clean your carpets every 12-18 months. However, how often you should clean depends on several factors:
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Traffic – High traffic areas like hallways and living rooms need more frequent cleaning than low traffic bedrooms.
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Pets – Pets can track in more dirt and soils. Homes with pets may need professional cleaning yearly.
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Spills – Spot clean spills quickly before they set and cause stains. Still get periodic professional cleanings.
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Allergies – Those with allergies/asthma benefit from more frequent professional cleanings every 6-12 months.
What Is The Process For Professionally Cleaning Carpets?
Here is a general overview of the professional carpet cleaning process:
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Pre-treat – Carpet is sprayed with a cleaning solution designed to break down soils and stains before deep cleaning.
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Agitate – Carpet fibers are agitated with brushing or raking to loosen embedded dirt and grease.
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Extract – Hot water extraction (steam cleaning) removes soils, bacteria, and allergens from carpet fibers.
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pH balancing – Carpet is treated with an acidic solution to neutralize pH after cleaning.
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Deodorize – Deodorizers leave carpets smelling fresh.
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Dry time – Depends on method, carpets are dry in 2-4 hours typically. Fans speed drying.
What Carpet Cleaning Method Is Best?
There are several common professional carpet cleaning methods:
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Hot water extraction – Also called steam cleaning, hot water and cleaning agents are injected into carpet then extracted along with dirt using powerful suction. Very effective method.
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Dry cleaning – Absorbent compounds are spread over carpet then brushed thoroughly to absorb dirt which is then vacuumed away. Lower moisture method.
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Bonnet cleaning – Absorbent pads are attached to rotating floor buffer and moved over carpet surface to absorb dirt which is picked up.
Hot water extraction is the most effective deep cleaning method according to most carpet manufacturers and cleaning professionals. The pressurized hot water is able to deeply penetrate carpet fibers and remove the most soil and bacteria.
How Long Does It Take For Carpets To Dry After Professional Cleaning?
Drying times range depending on these factors:
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Method – Hot water extraction takes longest to dry, 4-8 hours typically but up to 24 hours. Dry cleaning and bonnet cleaning carpets dry quicker.
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Ventilation – Proper airflow with fans, windows, or dehumidifiers will speed drying.
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Humidity – High humidity slows drying. Dehumidifiers help in humid climates.
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Density/fiber – Thicker and denser carpet holds more moisture and takes longer to dry.
Most carpets dry within 2-4 hours with proper airflow in moderate humidity. Ask your carpet cleaner for expected dry times and tips to speed drying.
How Do I Remove Pet Stains And Odors From Carpet?
Pet stains and odors can be challenging to remove from carpet fibers. Here are some tips:
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Blot up urine quickly with an absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing which can spread stain.
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Spray vinegar directly on the stain to help neutralize odors and lift stain from carpet fibers.
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Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area. Let sit for several hours to absorb odors then vacuum up.
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Create an enzyme cleaner mix – Mix dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, warm water and enzyme powder like meat tenderizer or alpha amylase. Spray on stain.
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Consider replacing soiled carpet padding below stain site. Urine can spread here and continue wicking back up.
For severe pet stains, call a professional carpet cleaner who has experience with pet odors and skilled methods for removal.
How Much Does Professional Carpet Cleaning Cost?
Professional carpet cleaning costs range depending on these factors:
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Size of home – Prices are often based on total square footage cleaned. Larger homes cost more.
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Heavily soiled carpets – More stained and soiled carpets take longer to clean and may incur additional charges.
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Method used – Hot water extraction is most costly, followed by dry cleaning and then bonnet cleaning typically.
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Add-ons – Stain removal, pet odor treatment, and carpet protection extras add to costs.
Overall expect to pay an average of $100-200 for a typical 2-3 bedroom home. Quotes are usually free – get an exact price upfront. Avoid coupons promising prices “as low as” something – final price may be higher.
I hope this article covers the main questions people have about professional carpet cleaning! Proper maintenance and cleaning is key to having fresh, healthy carpets. Let me know if you have any other carpet care questions!
