Four Steps
to Cleaner Carpet
FOUR STEPS TO A CLEAN, FRESH, HEALTHY CARPET
When you're ready for a healthier indoor environment, a more livable carpet, and a fresh start, there's really only 4 basic steps you need to take:
A) Armed with the information on this site, make a definite decision that you DO want a cleaner, fresher and healthier carpet.
B) Decide what level of cleanliness you want. Are you only interested in a temporary, clean-LOOKING carpet that will quickly show signs of soiling again, or are you more interested in a deep and thorough cleaning that will remove years of accumulated contaminants. If you want the temporary solution, then maybe renting a 'supermarket machine' may be for you.
If you want REAL cleanliness, you'll need to do some research, based on what you've learned. You can have a cut-rate company using poorly-trained workers on a tight schedule rush through your home. You can have a higher caliber company, armed with superior equipment, supplies, AND technicians who will make sure the job is done right.
C) Get on the phone, start calling and asking questions -- What methods and equipment are used? (Pssst! Our number is (503) 581-8587 !)
Does this include rotary agitation and extraction? What preparations are taken? Do you charge by the room or by the square foot? Is spotting extra? Is vacuuming extra? Do you prespray the entire carpet with chemicals safe for stain-resistant carpet? Do you neutralize my carpet. Do you charge extra to NEUTRALIZE my carpets or is it included? How often should my carpets be cleaned? What specific training (and certification) do your technicians receive?
Will the technician who arrives show me their certification?
Study this guide and jot down any other questions that are of particular interest to you.
D) If the answers you get by telephone are acceptable, it's time to schedule an estimating appointment to obtain a written quotation for the job. Keep in mind that not all companies are equal, even though some may try to get you to believe so. Remember to compare apples to apples.
If you are getting quotes from a company that uses Hot Water Extraction AND a Rotary Agitation machine, keep in mind the results will NOT be the same as a company that doesn't use BOTH types of equipment. Accordingly, don't expect the pricing to be a fair comparison either.
(TACH Cleaning Co. does more than just a free "estimate". We perform a FREE CARPET EVALUATION, which includes taking a history of your carpet. Inspecting for defects or problems. Evaluating existing spots and stains, an estimate of the remaining life of the carpet, suggestions of actions you can take to prolong it's life. You get a written copy of our Evaluation Form for your records, along with a firm quote on our services.)
This also includes comparable guarantees on work performed.
(TACH Cleaning Co. guarantees your satisfaction or your Money Back for any service you are not happy with. If you have a problem with our work, we will come back and do it over again. If you are still not satisfied, we will refund your money for that service.)
ABOUT GUARANTEES
I once spoke to a client who had another company "clean" carpets in her house. She left payment as she left for work, leaving the cleaner to do his job. He never bothered to leave a receipt. When she got back home for lunch, he was already long gone. Her check was gone. She walked around the house and the cleaner had obviously done SOMETHING to the carpet. It looked different. It looked far worse than when she left. The big spots weren't as noticeable, but they were blended into the rest of the carpet, all of which was now duller-looking than it had before. It looked like some sort of hazy, stiff powder was left on the entire surface.
And, though this cleaner advertises ONE price for all houses, she paid him TWICE the advertised price. She called back that day to complain. It took him a week to return. He refused to step into the door, yet he looked in and proclaimed the entire house clean. She demanded her money back, and he demanded a receipt (which he never left, of course).
I'm not sure if she ever got her money back. This company was a nationally franchised outfit. Not that that's bad...It just surprised me to hear of the case.
I ended up cleaning up after him, and pulled out all sorts of ugly dirt and grunge. The rinse water was left milky and dirty, so he obviously had NOT removed much of anything. When I was done, the carpet looked an entirely different color, which the lady said was the color it was BEFORE he got there. She ran her hand over the carpet and proclaimed it clean!
When I looked at his ad, there is no mention of a guarantee anywhere, yet hundreds, maybe thousands of people use this franchise each year because they offer a low price. Absolutely appalling.
Once you are satisfied you have compared pricing from two or more companies that will perform comparably (Remember - Apples-to-Apples!), you might want to take one more step - ask for references.
If you are still satisfied with what you find, schedule a job appointment.
GOOD LUCK!
Remember: The company that suits you best is the company that accomplishes the objectives you've set for yourself. The is no ONE Best Cleaning Company for all!
All Site Contents Copyright
©1997-2007,
Frank Nihei, TACH Cleaning Co.