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.

• Cut and Loop Piles. Cut and loop piles come in solid or multiple color patterns.  The cut and loop design makes them popular because they easily hide dirt and footprints.
• Frieze. Most often seen in high traffic areas, a frieze is a highly twisted cut pile carpet.  The short fibers move in all directions.  This type of carpet also easily hides footprints and vacuum cleaner marks.
• Plush or Velvet Carpet. The most luxurious type of carpet, the plush or velvet carpet is often seen in formal areas and is characterized by its uniform color appearance.
• Saxony. A Saxony carpet is known for its tightly twisted cut pile.  Known also for its soft texture, the Saxony will show footprints and vacuum cleaner marks.
• Textured Saxony. An extremely popular carpet style, the textured Saxony has durability and a soft feel.  Their multi-colored look hides dirt and foot prints.
• Woven Carpet. Made on a loom, a woven carpet will most often have a pattern or design made up of multiple colors.

Being able to tell your carpet cleaning company in Dallas which type of carpet you have is a huge benefit.  Knowing the type of carpet means the carpet cleaning company in Dallas will have the proper equipment and detergents on hand.

To find a carpet cleaning company in Dallas, visit the online directory at www.carpetcleaning.org/listing.

• 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.

Home Carpet Cleaning Tip #1

Vacuum thoroughly and frequently. One of the best ways to keep your carpets looking good and lasting longer is with frequent vacuuming.  You should vacuum no less than once each week. Areas that are used daily should be vacuumed more frequently.  Run the vacuum slowly to pick up the most dirt and go over the carpet multiple times, from different directions.

Home Carpet Cleaning Tip #2

Fight odors while vacuuming. Adding baking soda to your vacuum bag will help you fight odors each time you vacuum.  With frequent vacuuming, and the use of baking soda in the bag, you can have odor free carpets with only minimal effort.

Home Carpet Cleaning Tip #3

Don’t let spills sit on your carpet. The best way to ensure that a spill doesn’t become a spot that settles into a stain is to get after it immediately.  Blot the area of the spill to remove the most amount of fluid without spreading the spill or damaging the carpet fibers.  If you use a spot cleaner, work from the outside in to prevent spreading.

Home Carpet Cleaning Tip #4

Don’t over saturate your carpet when cleaning. While fighting spills and stains, homeowners often over saturate the carpet.  If this happens, place a clean white towel on the area, place a heavy object on the towel and leave it overnight to soak up as much moisture as possible.  An oversaturated carpet can lead to the growth of mold or mildew.

Home Carpet Cleaning Tip #5

Keep dirt at the door. One of the best ways to prolong the life of your carpet is to install doormats at each door.  Doormats will catch a large percentage of the dirt brought in on shoes.  In addition to this cost saving tip, we recommend that you remove shoes at the door.  Wearing only socks, or designated indoor shoes, will also help to keep your carpets cleaner.

If you follow these five simple home carpet cleaning tips, your carpets will keep their good looks longer.  Following these tips can also extend the length of time between professional carpet cleaning visits.

1. Vacuum frequently. Vacuuming at least once a week is essential.  For those with pets and/or children, vacuuming should be done as often as possible, as much as three times each week.
2. Get to that spot before it becomes a stain. Carpet cleaning is most effective right after a spill.  If possible, quickly remove the spot before it damages the carpet and becomes a stain.  Don’t wait until tomorrow, because by then the spot may be a permanent stain.
3. Blot, don’t rub. When trying to lift a stain, the key is to blot the stain, not to rub.  Rubbing the stain will only serve to push it deeper into the carpet and harm the carpet fibers, making carpet cleaning more difficult.
4. Thorough stain removal is essential. If after DIY carpet cleaning, your stains seem to reappear, it could be because you haven’t thoroughly removed the spot or the detergents.  As part of the cleaning process, place a think cloth on the stain and weight it down with a heavy object.  Leave the cloth on the stain over night to remove the most amount of liquid.
5. Don’t use heat on your carpet. After carpet cleaning, do not use an iron or hair dryer to dry the area, this will only serve to seal the stain to your carpet.
6. Use mild cleaning detergents. Carpet cleaning is most effective with mild detergents that are easy to remove from the carpet.  Use stronger detergents only on stubborn stains.
7. Detergents left in the carpet will attract dirt. If detergent residue remains after carpet cleaning, it will attract dirt like a magnet and your carpets will appear dirty soon after cleaning.
8. Prevent dirt getting to your carpets. Prevention makes a huge dent in your carpet cleaning needs.  Entrance mats at each door will help to clean dirt off shoes.  Going barefoot, or with indoor shoes, helps to keep carpets clean.
9. Regular steam cleaning is essential. Professional steam cleaning should be performed at least once every 18 months.  Carpet in high traffic areas will benefit from more frequent professional carpet cleaning.
10. Establish a relationship with your local carpet cleaning company. Finding a carpet cleaning company that is reliable, affordable and effective will help your carpets look their best. When you find that company, use them regularly so they become familiar your carpets and can advise you on their maintenance.

Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is the most effective type of carpet cleaning service offered.  Steam cleaning is also known as hot water extraction.  Most residential carpet responds best to this type of carpet cleaning service.

Foam Cleaning

Foam cleaning is a popular type of carpet cleaning service because it minimizes the amount of water applied to the carpet.  This type of carpet cleaning service will apply foam to your carpet and then work the foam into the carpet to attract dirt.  The dirt and foam are then vacuumed up, leaving your carpets clean.

Dry Cleaning

Another popular carpet cleaning method is dry cleaning. With this type of carpet cleaning service, you don’t need to wait for the carpets to dry after cleaning.  Obviously, this is a huge plus to those with children and/or pets.  Dry carpet cleaning is done by applying a powder to the carpet to attract dirt, and then vacuuming to clean the carpet.

Shampooing

Shampooing is one of the least effective methods of carpet cleaning.  This type of carpet cleaning service does not remove the bulk of dirt embedded in carpet.  Initially, your carpets will look and smell good, but stains will quickly re-appear.

Bonnet Cleaning

Recommended for use in commercial applications only, a bonnet carpet cleaning service can damage residential carpet.

Step 1

Carpet cleaning services should start by thoroughly vacuuming the carpet with an upright, brush, agitation vacuum cleaner that has a high-efficiency, double-lined bag.  This step will remove up to 99% of the particles in the carpet.

Step 2

Following vacuuming, the soil suspension process should begin.  This step will apply preconditioning agents to the carpet to separate the soil from the carpet fibers.  Pre-treating can be done to spots and/or high traffic areas, but should, in theory, be done to the entire carpet.

Step 3

The next step carpet cleaning services should undertake is extraction.  This step physically removes the soil and allergens from the carpet.  The most popular method for residential cleaning is hot water extraction. Hot water extraction is also known as steam cleaning.  This type of extraction will provide the deepest level of cleaning.  Most residential carpet cleaning services specialize in this type of cleaning.

Step 4

Grooming is the fourth step in the process.  Grooming is done to restore the carpet to its original appearance.  Grooming lifts the pile and prevents matting of fibers.

Step 5

Drying is the final step in the carpet cleaning process.  Carpet cleaning services should strive to leave your carpet as dry as possible after the cleaning is done.  However, running fans and opening windows can help to speed the drying process.  A carpet that is left damp for a long period will re-soil easily and can encourage bacteria growth.

Choosing carpet cleaning services that follow this 5 step process will ensure you get the best cleaning for your money.  It is also recommended that you verify that the cleaners visiting your home are IICRC certified.  To find certified carpet cleaning services in your area, visit the online directory at http://www.carpetcleaning.org/listing/.

Here are a few quick steps for cat urine carpet cleaning that can easily be done at home.

1. Remove as much cat urine as possible from the carpet with paper towels.  This is best done by placing the paper towel on the carpet and stepping on it to absorb the urine.  Keep repeating this process until the paper towels stop absorbing moisture from the carpet.
2. The next step is to make a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water.  Wet the area so that it penetrates to the deepest part of the carpet fiber.  After it is almost dry, remove the excess liquid by blotting as in Step 1.
3. Apply baking soda on the area.  Combine ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap.  Drizzle on baking soda and work into the carpet with a brush.
4. Allow mixture to dry and then vacuum.

Completing these quick steps will eliminate much of the odor and stain from the carpet.  To ensure thorough removal of the cat urine, professional carpet cleaning is recommended.  A professional carpet cleaning service will have powerful enzyme based cleaning solutions that will remove any residual cat urine from the carpet.  Luckily there are many companies that can help homeowners with cat urine and carpet cleaning.  To find a company that is experienced in cat urine and carpet cleaning, visit http://www.carpetcleaning.org/listing/.