Blog

4 Reasons You Need a Professional Carpet Cleaning Before the Holidays

• Legacy Carpet November 15, 2018
·
• Leave a Comment
 

The holiday season is upon us—which means you’ll probably be receiving more house guests than usual. Whether they’re friends, family, co-workers, or in-laws, chances are they’re headed to your house sometime soon. You need to make sure that your home is in tip-top shape for all these guests. This includes investing in professional carpet cleaning to keep your receiving areas clean, clear, and allergen-free.

Think you can do the job yourself? Don’t think it’s worth the expense? We’ve got four compelling reasons to why you should get a professional to clean your carpets for the holidays.

Protection

Dirt builds up in your carpet, especially if there are a lot of people inside your home. Considering the foot traffic in your house will exponentially increase once the holiday parties start, you need to take preventive steps.

Most homeowners don’t realize that carpet can wear out faster if you let dirt accumulate within its fibers. It is therefore important to apply protector right after a full carpet cleaning to keep the dirt from adhering to the fiber. By extension, it follows that a professional carpet cleaning also makes vacuuming a breeze because any dirt stuck to the fiber will glide off easily.

By investing in a proper carpet cleaning service, you will no longer need to replace carpeting in your home frequently.

Health

As the host, you need to make sure your guests have a pleasant time in your home. Carpets are known to carry different types of allergens and bacteria, and they need regular cleaning to ensure the health of everyone inside the home. It’s best to have your carpets cleaned before your guests arrive so that they don’t suffer any adverse reactions whilst in your home.

Carpet cleaners can remove deep-set pollen and dust that often trigger allergy attacks. This is even more important for your guests who suffer from allergies or asthma.

Pet Odors

During the holiday season, your home should smell of freshly-baked cookies, evergreen leaves, and apple cider. Pets may have a special place in every household, but their orders and mess stains sometimes damage the look of your carpets. What they leave behind can also prevent the floor from looking and smelling clean.

The solution? A professional carpet cleaning service. To ensure that your guests will notice your Christmas decorations instead of your old, dingy carpets, give your carpets a thorough cleaning. It can restore your carpet and give it a brand new look as well as eliminate any pet odor clinging to it.

Tough Stains

In this day and age, you can get information on just about any DIY carpet cleaning tip on the internet. While most of them are effective, there are still probably tough stains on your carpet that won’t budge.

At this point, stain removal may seem impossible. However, professionals have specially-designed equipment for deep cleaning needs. They also have strong detergents that can remove the toughest stains in a jiffy.

Professional carpet cleaning will also undeniably make things easier for you as it can prevent tougher stains from forming in the future.

Getting help from professionals saves you a lot of time. The holidays can be a busy time for most people, especially if you’re in charge of cooking different meals and buying gifts for loved ones. Investing in a professional carpet cleaning rather than doing it all on your own will surely make this holiday season stress-free—not just for you, but also for your family.

Do Carpet Cleaners Need a Cleaning License?

• Legacy Carpet October 15, 2018
·
• Leave a Comment
 

Running any sort of business usually demands certain legal obligations, like securing permits and licenses. The cleaning industry is no exception. Carpet cleaning businesses in particular, are called to the same standards to help regulate their work to protect both the clients and the company. So whether you’re planning to join the venture or you’re a homeowner simply ensuring your transactions are with trusted carpet cleaners, we’re here to tackle the question: do carpet cleaners need a license?

Franchises or Startups

Like any other business, franchises are also available in the carpet cleaning industry. Franchising is the easiest option for aspiring business owners since you’re already leveraged by the current reputation of the company. This saves you the time and financial investments needed to build your own name and reputation. However, a hefty sum is needed to afford the franchise investment on top of other startup costs.

From the customer’s perspective, franchising assures them of the same service standards upheld by the brand. A thriving franchise will ideally offer top-rate customer services considering its years in the business.

Individual carpet cleaning businesses, on the other hand, provide cleaners with much more flexibility in terms of service provisions and prices. It’s also much cheaper than franchising but will call for more investment in reeling in customers. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provides carpet cleaning training and certifications that you can avail of. Likewise, customers can also check if their local carpet cleaners are listed and certified.

Licenses

Apart from having business bank accounts, carpet cleaners are expected to meet the minimum requirements for operation. Applying for a cleaning license will depend on your location. Some local governments specifically require cleaning business licenses while others are fine with just regular business permits. Before getting licensed, you may also be required to get a license bond.

Getting these requirements settled will help you close certain contracts with clients, including government agencies. You can always visit the US Small Business Administration for more information.

Bonds

Bonds, while created to help mainly clients, also help businesses in terms of financial coverage and credibility. They ensure clients that you’re able to deliver agreed upon services, and that you can reimburse them should you fail to meet requirements.

In fact, many clients nowadays prefer that you get bonded before signing a contract with you. Getting surety bonds are therefore a practical choice for covering potential damages and inefficiencies, as well as marketing your services.

Insurance

Apart from the required bonds, you can go the extra mile and ensure your business is backed by insurance.

Now, you might be wondering what the difference between insurance and bonds may be. For one, bonds are intended to protect the clients. Your insurance, on the other hand, protects your business. Another difference is payment. Bonds need to be paid in full, including premiums, whereas insurance only needs premium payments.

There are a few insurance options available for your carpet cleaning business. The ones you’ll need will largely depend on your location, the size of your company, and the services you provide.

For homeowners, welcoming strangers, even service people, can be discomforting. Knowing that you’re letting in people who are licensed to conduct their services and are proficient at what they do is an assurance people definitely need. A common takeaway for both homeowners and aspiring carpet cleaners is that proper licenses, permits, and bonds make up an excellent cleaning professional.

Learn more information about carpet cleaners? Here and check this!

Why You Need to Have Your Area Rugs Professionally Cleaned at Least Once a Year

• Legacy Carpet September 15, 2018
·
• Leave a Comment
 

Area rugs are a common feature in every home thanks to the general comfort and visual appeal they bring. And just like every other piece of furniture or décor you have, they need regular care and maintenance. While many homeowners take the cleaning into their own hands, your area rugs need professional cleaning at least once a year.

The fact is, DIY-ing something as extensive as area rug cleaning can backfire. Even if you’re used to cleaning rugs and carpets, the cleaning methods and implements you use may not be sufficient—and they certainly aren’t on level with those used by cleaning professionals.

Keep your area rugs beautiful and long-lived by having them professionally cleaned at least once a year. Here’s why:

Professional Cleaning

Compared to normal rugs, area rugs are actually quite delicate, and therefore cannot by handled by regular cleaning solutions, chemicals, and approaches. They need professional cleaning dependent on their type, material, and condition. Your DIY cleaning methods and store-bought rug cleaner may damage or further deteriorate your rug.

Here are the Benefits of Hiring a Professional Carpet Cleaner!

To Shield Your Warranty

If you wish to keep your manufacturer’s warranty, you need to get your area rugs professionally cleaned at least once a year. As mentioned, since area rugs can be more delicate than regular rugs, they need to be treated with specific chemicals/cleaners and special cleaning approaches—the kind that only technical knowledge and industry experience can provide. If you damage your own rug due to incorrect cleaning methods, most companies would consider that grounds to void your warranty.

To Protect Your Health

Dust particles, pet dander, and pollen can accumulate in your area rugs and pose health risks, such as triggering asthma attacks and allergic rhinitis. Although vacuuming slowly can help get rid of some of the particles, there will be leftover dirt that your vacuum simply cannot reach. The dirt will eventually accumulate again, effectively keeping it as a permanent health hazard.

To be far, recent studies indicate that rugs can actually be beneficial to homeowners as they help trap allergens. However, be reminded that your rugs can only hold so much allergens combined with dirt before they start looking grimy; a big no-no for any homeowner.

Additionally, dust mites and bed bugs are easily transferred into your homes and, by extension, your area rugs. Save your pets—and your head—from these bugs and get your rugs properly, professionally cleaned.

To Properly Remove Stubborn Stains and Dirt

Area rugs that are frequently trampled on by children or pets are particularly prone to dirt and stains. As a homeowner, you know that some stains are easier to rid of than the others. It can be especially hassling and frustrating when the material is light-colored, making the stains more noticeable.

Stains left to fester for some time may need extensive treatment. And while using that new and improved cleaning agent advertised on TV can be tempting, just think of the harsh components and chemical inside it that could potentially ruin a stain that could have otherwise been managed by a professional.

To Maintain Your Area Rug’s   Quality

Some clumps of dirt can be removed with vacuuming and steaming, but expect most of it to be deeply embedded in the material—especially if you’ve had that rug for quite some time now. Additionally, because stains can be frustrating to deal with, it can be tempting to resort to harsher methods such as harsh solvent and rigorous brushing with a tough bristle brush. This can pull and stretch at the material, further damaging it.

Whether you’re planning to get your warranty coverage or you’re just trying to clean your home thoroughly, look for trusted professionals to do the cleaning for you. With the help of industry experts and trained technicians, you won’t have to worry about stubborn spots and rug damage. Sit back, relax, and let cleaning professionals give your area rug the maintenance it deserves.

9 Questions to Ask When Looking for the Best Upholstery Cleaner

• Legacy Carpet August 15, 2018
·
• Leave a Comment
 

Stains are common scenes in the home, especially with kids and pets around. When all’s said and done and your stains have permeated that lovely upholstery, it’s time to call in your professionals. Find the best upholstery cleaner in the city to handle your precious furniture and covers.

When looking for the experts to restore your spotless upholstery, remember these nine questions:

1. How much experience does your company have?

Experience matters in providing service. Practicality speaking, you’re availing of a service you expect to be done in a professional manner—timely and efficiently.

Typically experience entails professionalism and expertise. You’re also trusting them with your property in the process, and you wouldn’t want a stained upholstery end up scaling or in worse condition after the service.

2. What cleaning services do you offer and how much?

It’s important to know the services your cleaner offers to know their specialization. Some companies offer services outside their specialization and, on rare occasions, remote from their niche. It’s good to know their services are in one industry to ensure their focus on the service.

Apart from knowing their services, you should also know their prices. While it’s usually tempting to go for businesses with the cheapest fees, it’s better to go the cost-effective route and find the ones with a good reputation; services for reasonable prices.

3. What equipment do you use in your services?

You’ll want to know what equipment your cleaner uses and for what purpose, all for safety reasons. It’s best to know if you should keep the children away from their equipment or chemicals. It’s also a precautionary measure to know what they’re using to avoid other miscellaneous business fees.

4. Does your company implement and require trainings for cleaners?

It’s a bonus point for the company if they implement trainings or guides for their cleaners. This will help them resolve cleaning issues systematically and proficiently. This would also help you assess the extent of the company’s efforts in helping their cleaners know their industry better and provide better services for their clients.

In asking this question, take into account what their trainings were and who hosted the events. This will help you give credit for quality trainings.

5. Do you have a business license and other applicable and required certifications?

It’s important to check you cleaner’s licenses to ensure you’re dealing with a company recognized by the state. This will also help you identify their level of professionalism, knowing that the company respects and abides by the law. It would also help to know what the required and applicable certificates are for cleaners in your state before you proceed with your visits.

6. Do you have Public Liability Insurance?

A Public Liability Insurance will cover property damages or injuries caused by the cleaner. If, for instance and some reason, a cleaner accidentally sets your furniture on fire, you’re safe to know that you will be compensated for the damages.

7. Are your employees covered with Worker Cover Insurance?

While this is outside your servicing, it’s good to know whether the business you’re going to patronize is abides by the law and treats their employees well. With Worker Cover Insurance, cleaners are guaranteed coverage in case of accidents or injuries.

8. Is a Satisfaction Guarantee included in the service agreement?

Businesses who pride their work and believe in the best of their abilities will often gladly throw in a satisfaction guarantee clause in the service agreement. This clause will ensure you a quality experience using their service, and if not, a refund or re-servicing the least.

9. Do you have Police Clearance Certificate for your cleaners?

While this may question may sound pejorative, it’s strictly for your safety. You’re letting in strangers in your home; it’s only logical to know if they pose any danger to you and your family.

Some stains you can remove DIY, but stubborn ones should be left to the professionals. While you can easily find a quick fix online, you may also be compromising your furniture or covers.  Save time and potential major restorations; call in the best upholstery cleaner in the city and let them do their magic.

Hiring A Residential Carpet Cleaning Professional: 5 Questions You Need To Ask

• Legacy Carpet July 16, 2018
·
• 1 Comment
 

Cleaning your own carpet can be difficult, especially if it’s of considerable size or delicate fabric. It can also be tedious and time consuming, which is why it’s better to call in a residential carpet cleaning professional. These are men and women trained to clean your carpet in the quickest and most-effective way possible.

But before signing a contract, you want to make sure you’re working with the best possible professionals in regards to your situation. Here are five crucial questions you should ask a carpet cleaning technician before agreeing to work with them.

1. What cleaning method/s do you use?

Follow-up questions: are there any chemicals involved? Will they damage my carpet?

There are several residential carpet cleaning methods commonly used by technicians. The “best” method depends heavily on the carpet’s size and fabric, but a bit of personal preference can come into play as well. The five most common approaches are: hot water extraction (which is one of the most highly recommended methods), dry carpet cleaning, foam encapsulation, carpet shampooing, and bonnet (or surface) cleaning.

Your carpet cleaning professional should be able to explain the process and benefits of each method.

2. Do you offer free estimates?

Follow-up question: can I get that in writing?

Most residential carpet cleaning companies offer a free quote or estimate for the job. This should help immensely when you’re narrowing your choices down, especially if you’re using price as one of the deciding factors. Although most companies offer the quote over phone, some are willing to write down the job estimate as well so that you have something to refer to later on.

>>Learn 5 Advantages of Hiring a Professional Carpet Cleaner

3. Are you bonded and insured?

Follow-up question: are your technicians insured, too?

Even if carpet cleaning seems like a simple, straightforward task, there are too many unknown variables to take risks. You want to make sure the carpet cleaning company you choose has bonding and insurance in the eventuality of carpet or furniture damage. You also want to make sure their technicians are insured. In the off chance that they get injured while working in your home, you don’t want to be held liable for whatever happens to them. Even if it’s just carpet cleaning, safety is still paramount.

4. Are your technicians certified?

Certification means that the technician handling your carpet has received extensive education and hands-on training regarding cleaning carpets. The best certification comes from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IIRC). An IIRC-certified carpet cleaner is one of the best, which means you should definitely prioritize companies with certified technicians over ones that don’t.

5. Have you handled cases like mine before?

Follow-up questions: have you successfully cleaned carpets like mine before? In your experience, how long will it take my carpet to dry?

This question is basically gauging the carpet cleaner’s experience. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with giving fresh new technicians a chance, you might feel a little better knowing the one cleaning your carpet is already familiar with the size and fabric—especially if your carpet is a little on the antiquated side. If they can provide references, previous photos, or testimonials from satisfied clients, make sure to check those out.

How to Easily Dry Carpet After Cleaning

• Legacy Carpet June 15, 2018
·
• Leave a Comment
 

Unfortunately, a one-size-fits-all solution on how to dry carpet after cleaning is not yet available. Simply because there are lots of factors to be considered such as:
• Carpet Fabric
• Carpet Size
• Cleaning Method
• Humidity and many more!
Let alone the experience of the carpet cleaning technician which affects how well the carpet dries.

Hence, you’re left with many options rather than one direct answer. 

In most cases, you can leave the carpet to its own devices, and it’ll dry on its own time. For carpets cleaned using the hot water extraction (or steam) method, it typically takes 6 to 12 hours. Those that used dry cleaning can take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours.

If for whatever reason, you can’t afford to wait that long, there are measures you can take to help your carpet along. Bear in mind that these methods won’t instantly dry your carpet in record time. What they do is speed up the drying process. Ergo, you can bring your initial six-hour waiting time down to four or three hours.

Get It Cleaned More Often

In the long run, more frequent cleanings—especially by professionals—make for a generally cleaner carpet. And usually a cleaner carpet leads to less drying time, mainly because less water is used during each succeeding cleaning. Heavier soil loads in carpets require more effort, a more thorough soaking, and—predictably—more drying time.

Open the Windows (But Watch the Weather!)

If your carpet is in a room with windows, opening them up can help your carpet dry out. The fresh air can also do wonders for the smell, as some carpet fabrics don’t dry thoroughly in enclosed spaces. They tend to develop a very faint (but still unnatural) smell of musky dampness when dried out in unventilated rooms.

You may not notice it at first, but fresh air can leave a cleaner smell on your carpet after drying.

You also won’t need to open all windows. One or two windows on each end of the room on a categorically hot or windy day will do the job just fine.

It goes without saying, of course, that this drying method isn’t particularly advisable during rainy—or generally wet—days. If the clouds are grey and the wind is picking up, close the windows and turn on the fans instead.

Which is option number three.

Turn on The Fans

If you’ve got a ceiling fan situated over the carpet, switch that on instead of opening the windows. It will make for a cooler, more concentrated funnel of air that can dry your carpet out quicker. The constantly circulating air will also leave a fresher, cleaner smell to the carpet.

If you haven’t got a ceiling fan, stand fans or desk fans are viable alternatives. They won’t necessarily dry the carpet as fast as an overhead ceiling fan can, but one or two fans pointed directly at the carpet will do in a pinch.

And if you don’t have fans to spare, there’s still option four.

Turn on The Air-Conditioning

Admittedly, the air from an air-conditioning unit doesn’t circulate continually as it does from a fan. Ergo, it isn’t as “fresh.” However, this drying method is best during rainy days, when option number two won’t do. It’s also the best alternative if option three isn’t physically or logistically possible.

Bear in mind that the cold air blasting from the air-conditioning unit will react with the damp carpet fabric. Ergo, it might be difficult to tell whether your carpet’s still wet or if it’s just cold. If you want to know how long you should keep the air-conditioning running, your best bet would be to ask your carpet cleaning technician. They can give you a clear time estimate depending on your carpet’s size and fabric.

>>Learn the Top 7 Myths about Commercial Carpet Cleaning

Get a Professional Blow-Dry

One other way to dry carpet after cleaning is to ask for a blow-dry from the same professional who cleaned it. This usually entails using a blower or van to help dry out some areas of the carpet.

Blow-drying is typically a quick process, which means it won’t be as thorough as some of the other methods. However, as far as speeding up drying time is concerned, it makes for an excellent head-start.

What is a Steam Cleaner and How Does it Clean My Carpets?

• Legacy Carpet May 15, 2018
·
• Leave a Comment
 

Carpet steam cleaning has become one of the most popular methods for refreshing and renewing carpets in both residential and commercial settings. Steam cleaning is an efficient and effective method that relies on the natural cleaning powers of steam, reducing reliance on harsh chemicals. Understanding the details of what a steam cleaner is and how it works to deep clean your carpets can help you decide whether steam carpet cleaning is right for your home or business.

What is a Steam Cleaner?

Steam cleaners are designed to produce ‘dry’ vapor steam to help lift dirt and stains, remove buildup, and sanitize hard and soft surfaces. Steam cleaners consist of a boiler, tank, detergent compartment, steam vacuum, refill, and accessories like brushes and attachments. Water is heated in the boiler to create steam under high heat and pressure. During cleaning, steam may combine with detergent from the detergent tank for added stain removal and cleansing.

Industrial level steam cleaners may also include a steam vacuum that automatically removes the contents into extraction tanks, which significantly increases the efficiency and productivity of the steam cleaner. Steam cleaners also often have a refill tank which is a non-pressurized tank that water can be added into while the steam cleaner is still running. Industrial steam cleaners have automatic refill that provides a direct water feed to refill the steam cleaner as it’s running.

How does a Steam Carpet Cleaner Work?

Steam cleaners are useful for cleaning and sanitizing both hard and soft surfaces, but they’re particularly great for cleaning carpets. With steam temperatures reaching up

to 360 degrees F and low pressures up to 150 psi, steam cleaners are effective at removing build-up, dirt, stains, pathogens like viruses, bacteria, mold, and allergens.

During steam cleaning, steam vapor penetrates deep into carpet and surrounds carpet fibers to help soften and loosen dirt and shift old stains. Then the vacuum component of the steam cleaner applies pressure to lift away the moisture along with the germs and dirt, for fresher, cleaner carpets.

By using steam, every inch of the carpet can be cleaned efficiently, as the steam quickly penetrates the carpet. Because minimal moisture is left when steam cleaning is professionally conducted, carpets dry quicker after steam cleaning, eliminating the risk of mold or mildew.

What are the Benefits of Steam Cleaning for Carpets?

As a highly effective and thorough method, here are some of the benefits of carpet steam cleaning :

Steam cleaning is the most effective method for deep cleaning carpets to remove inground dirt and dust, old stains, and most importantly disease-causing bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, and allergens (like dust mites and pet dander).

Steam cleaning is so effective it makes your carpets look like new and helps them to last longer, improving the comfort and value of your home.

Carpet steam cleaning also helps to clean the air in your home as it effectively removes allergens from the carpet, which helps reduce allergies and breathing difficulties for sensitive occupants.

Steam carpet cleaning provides deep cleaning, but it is also safe for your carpets keeping them in top condition.

>> Need a Carpet Cleaning Company? Here Are 5 Important Things to Consider When Picking a Carpet Cleaning Company!

Steam carpet cleaning is a must for anyone thinking of selling their home, looking to improve the health or appearance of their home, or for homes that haven’t had a professional carpet clean in over a year. Regular carpet steam cleaning maintains healthier, cleaner and safer carpets while preserving the value and attractiveness of your home or office.

What is a Counter Rotating Brush and How Does It Clean My Carpets Better?

• Legacy Carpet April 16, 2018
·
• Leave a Comment
 

A counter rotating brush or CRB machines are the most efficient and professional way to clean carpets properly. If you are considering having your carpets cleaned, a CRB machine is likely the best choice whether you are having the cleaning done in your home, office, or other buildings. CRB machines are simple in design and concept, but when using the rotating brushes, they are sturdy and proficient. Here are some ways to better clean the carpet with the counter rotating brush.

Deep Cleaning Carpets.

Compared to traditional methods of carpet cleaning, counter rotating brushes allow for deeper cleaning. With a professional service, CRB machines remove hair, dirt, debris, and other particles that regular vacuums and wands cannot get out. Most CRB machines consist of two brushes rotating counterclockwise together. These two brushes work next to each other and traps the absorb dirt deep between the carpet fibers. With a CRB machine, you get an overall high-quality carpet clean and the drying time is faster.

Fast Clean, Quick Dry.

CRB machines are more efficient because they use 98% less water than traditional carpet cleaning systems. This allows CRB machines to be convenient because they do not require water to be dumped out during cleaning. Cleaning systems that rely heavily on water take longer to clean and prolong the drying process. For a quicker drying time, there is a less chance of carpet fibers, resorbing dirt and debris, floating in the air.

Size Matters.

Counter rotating brushes come in a variety of sizes, so you or your carpet cleaning professional can decide which sized brushes will work best with your carpet. Most brushes are usually 10”, 15”, or 20”. The design of the CRB machine is simple in the way that the counter rotating brushes lift the pile of dirt from your carpet and push the pile into the holding chambers, which leaves a smooth passageway for the wand to rinse. CRB machines are portable and easy to handle and they are used on almost all carpets and on any floor level.

All in all, if you are looking to have your carpets cleaned, CRB machines are the best cleaning systems. Although you can purchase a CRB machine of your own, it is recommended to hire a professional carpet cleaning service to operate the device. By hiring a professional carpet cleaning service, you will save time and money and receive a more thorough clean. Contact your local carpet cleaning service or Legacy Carpet for more information on counter rotating brushes.

5 Advantages of Hiring a Professional Carpet Cleaner

• Legacy Carpet March 15, 2018
·
• 1 Comment
 

Cleaning your carpets by yourself can be a serious hassle and can put a damper on your weekend. Unattended carpets will cause dirt build up that leaves unsightly stains and the possibility of unwanted pest such as fleas. Also, a damp carpet can be an environment in which bacteria can breed and grow. Hiring a professional carpet cleaner can not only prevent bacteria and pests but will also save you time and effort.

Read more

Top 7 Myths about Commercial Carpet Cleaning

• Legacy Carpet February 15, 2018
·
• Leave a Comment
 

Whether you are running a professional carpet cleaning business on a small level or a commercial business level, you have to provide premium services to maintain the standard of your business and generate revenue. There are many professionals and commercial carpet cleaners that make your life easy. With their modern and sophisticated machinery and excellent cleaning techniques, these pros clean your carpets like it was never used before.

One of the most difficult things to clean is the carpet, or so you think. It is not that difficult to clean the carpet if you’re a professional carpet cleaner. But people still hesitate to hire professionals for doing this job, why? Let’s take a look at the top 7 myths about commercial carpet cleaning.

Read more