Things You'll Need:
- Phone book
- Time
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Step 1
First a basic understanding of carpet cleaning methods is needed. Steam or hot water extraction is the highest quality method available. A wand or other tool is connected to a truck mounted machine which provides incredible vacuum or "lift" power along with the steam and cleaning solution. Other methods can vary but run along the line of the "absorption" or "Bonnet" method which is sprinkling powder soap onto carpet which is supposed to bond with dirt and then is vacuumed off. Obviously not as effective.
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Step 2
Call a company and inquire as to which method they use. Be sure to find one that has a high quality ad and is willing to spend time educating you (the customer) on the benefits of their truck mounted steam cleaning methods.
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Step 3
Also inquire as to the professional organizations they belong to. You don't want to invite any "fly by night" companies into your home! Serious companies in it for the long haul will join professional organizations like the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
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Step 4
Inquire about the temperature of water used to clean your carpet. Equipment makes a big difference here and they should be able to tell you this information. You want temperatures upwards of 200 degrees F hitting your carpet. This ensures the best possible way of cleaning your carpet of soil and bacteria. Read the advertisements for the homeowner/personal type steam vacuums. They all will say something somewhere about bacteria but they can't compare to a professional with a truck mounted steam cleaner.
Comments
Wasatch said
on 11/15/2008 Good article. Thanks