Using a professional carpet cleaning service provides homeowners with benefits that DIY carpet cleaning cannot.  For example, if you use a professional carpet cleaning service, the equipment used to clean your carpets will be stronger than the rental equipment.  A professional service should vacuum with a cleaner that is far stronger to any vacuum designed for residential use.  The professional carpet cleaning service will then use a cleaning machine that can provide a deeper clean than a rental unit.

Another advantage of professional carpet cleaning is that the professionals know exactly which detergents to use.  Different types of carpet fibers require different types of detergents.  Using the wrong type of detergent can damage the carpet fibers and result in color distortion.  A professional carpet cleaning service will also know exactly how much detergent to use and how to remove all of that detergent from the carpet.  Detergent left in the carpet after cleaning will attract dirt like a magnet. This is why so many people complain that the DIY rental unit didn’t actually clean their carpet.  Dirt is drawn to the detergent and the carpets look dirty again within weeks of the original cleaning.

A carpet cleaning professional will also ensure that your carpets are not over saturated during the cleaning process.  If too much water is applied to the carpet during cleaning, it could penetrate to the carpet backing and pad underneath the carpet.  If these areas get too wet during the cleaning process, mold or mildew could grow in your carpet.

These are just a few of the advantages to hiring a professional carpet cleaning service.  For a directory of professional carpet cleaning services in your area, visit http://www.carpetcleaning.org/listing/.

One of the most common questions we get about carpet cleaning in Atlanta, GA is if you can effectively clean your own carpets or if a professional service is necessary.  What we recommend is that DIY cleaning be used only for spot cleaning.  While rental units can do a fair job of cleaning your carpets, the equipment that a professional will use does a much better job.  The strength of the equipment used by professional carpet cleaning companies in Atlanta, GA will remove much more dirt and grime from you carpets than a DIY unit.

So, how often should you clean your carpets?  We recommend that you clean your carpets at least once every 18 months.  However, homes with children and/or pets can benefit from more frequent carpet cleaning.  This is where the combination of DIY rental units and a professional carpet cleaner come together.  Most high traffic areas in the home can benefit from carpet cleaning once every 6 months.  If you choose to have a professional carpet cleaning company in Atlanta, GA come to your home once every year or 18 months, the interim cleaning can be done by a DIY unit.

If you are looking for a reliable, affordable carpet cleaning company in Atlanta, GA, we recommend that you start by searching the directory at www.carpetcleaning.org to find a list of professionals in your area.  Read the reviews and use them as a starting point for selecting the companies you want to interview.  Call the companies on your list to confirm their prices, included services and to verify that they are insured, bonded and certified.  After comparing the companies on your list, you should have a good idea as to which service is best for you.

• Your Chicago carpet cleaning service wants you to know that dirt is your number one enemy. Contrary to popular belief, wear and tear is not the reason why carpets lose their good looks.  Your carpet will attract dirt, allergens, pet hair, lint and oils.  These all act like sandpaper to harm carpet fibers and the look of your carpet.
• Your Chicago carpet cleaning service wants you to know that vacuuming regularly will extend the life of your carpets. Removing as much of the dirt that destroys carpets as possible is the key to extending their life.  Vacuuming at least weekly will go a long way toward protecting your carpets.
• Your Chicago carpet cleaning service wants you to know that doormats matter. Putting a doormat at each entrance to your home will remove a large percentage of the dirt that enters your home.  Removing shoes will also make a dramatic difference in the amount of dirt tracked onto your carpets.
• Your Chicago carpet cleaning service wants you to know that re-arranging your furniture will extend the life of your carpets. Moving furniture is an easy way to change traffic patterns, and spread the wear and tear among more areas of the carpet.
• Your Chicago carpet cleaning service wants you to know that rental or home cleaning machines are great for spot cleaning. However, for deep cleaning, it is necessary to hire a professional.  A professional carpet cleaning service will be able to achieve a deeper clean, that lengthens the life of your carpet.
• Your Chicago carpet cleaning service wants you to know that frequent professional cleaning is essential. While your manufacturer’s warranty recommends cleaning every 18 months, we know that cleaning every 6-12 months is even better.  This is especially important for rooms that get heavy foot traffic and for families with children and/or pets.

First, it is important to know why cleaning carpets is so important.  If you don’t regularly clean your carpets, they can act as a breeding ground for bacteria, germs and allergens.  A certain amount of dirt and grime are going to settle into even the cleanest of carpets, but without proper care, you carpets will quickly become dirty beyond repair.

Another practical reason for cleaning carpets is the cost savings associated with prevention.  With weekly vacuuming, and a yearly steam cleaning, your carpets will last for years longer than if you did nothing to clean them.  With the cost of new carpet rising each year, a little cleaning prevention will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Ok, so, you want to save money and be healthy. That’s pretty reasonable.  So, what do you need to know about cleaning carpets?  One of the first things you need to know is what type of carpet you have.  Carpets are made from a variety of materials including silk, wool and synthetics.  Knowing what materials your carpet is made from will help you to determine what type of detergents and cleaning methods to use.  Using the wrong cleaning method or detergents can damage your carpet.

If you are planning on cleaning carpets yourself, once you know which materials your carpet is made from, you will need to select the proper detergents and cleaning machines.  Hot water extraction is most often used for residential carpet cleaning, but you will want to confirm that this is best for your carpets.  When you are cleaning your carpets, be sure not to over saturate the carpet.  Too much water can lead to damp carpets and the growth of mold and mildew.  It is best to open windows and run fans after cleaning carpets to speed the drying process.  Don’t forget that when you move the furniture back to its original position after cleaning, some sort of protector should be placed underneath the legs to prevent the transfer of color to the still damp carpet.