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

3 Carpet Cleaning Methods Your Carpet Cleaning Professional Should be Using

• Legacy Carpet December 15, 2017
·
• 1 Comment
 

Is it time to have your carpets professionally cleaned? Professional carpet cleaners use unique expert methods and commercial grade tools to provide a more in-depth, healthier clean for your carpet. Here are 3 of the best carpet cleaning methods you should ensure your professional cleaner uses when cleaning your carpets.

1.Hot Water Extraction

The Hot Water Extraction Method is the most thorough and deep carpet cleaning method available. When used in conjunction with a Counter Rotating Brush, hot water extraction achieves outstanding results for removing stains, dirt, dust, and pathogens from the carpet.

In the hot water extraction method (sometimes called steam cleaning), the carpet is first pre-conditioned. This dissolves soils and oil-based compounds, which may have become lodged in the carpet fibers. Water is then heated to a very high temperature and pressurized in a special tank. The hot water is injected into the carpet to dissolve dirt, germs and the cleaning solutions.

The Hot Water Extraction Method uses a Counter Rotating Brush (CRB) to agitate cleaning agents and lift the carpet pile to restore its plush texture. During the cleaning process, the Counter Rotating brush can easily remove hair and other debris that may be otherwise trapped in the carpet fibers. This all provides a better and more thorough cleaning result compared to other types of carpet cleaning methods, removing harmful germs and pathogens that might otherwise stay trapped in the carpet. The Counter Rotating Brush also helps to restore the appearance of your carpet by adding height to the pile. Typically, the CRB is very portable, which makes it easy for your carpet cleaner to use it in every area of your home in conjunction with hot water extraction, for outstanding results.

To finalize the hot water extraction method, after approximately 15 minutes, the solution is vacuumed up under pressure. This helps to thoroughly remove dirt and residue from the carpet for a more hygienic and beautifully clean.

2. Encapsulation

The encapsulation method involves very little moisture and is useful for carpets or situations in which excess moisture would cause problems (such as humid climates). It is called encapsulation because specially formulated polymers are put over the carpet, which encapsulates and crystallize dirt and stains for easy vacuuming. The process leaves a dry and clean carpet without sticky or chemical residues.

3. Bonnet Cleaning

The Bonnet Cleaning method is intended for more routine, light maintenance. First, the carpet is vacuumed. Then, a cleaning solution is lightly misted onto the carpet. Caution must be used to avoid saturating the carpet because doing so will saturate the bonnet, reducing its effectiveness. After some time for absorption, the absorbent pad or bonnet is used on a machine that spins the bonnet over the carpet surface. The rotations of the bonnet work the chemicals into the carpet while also pulling the chemicals and dirt back up.

When you are deciding between potential carpet cleaners, inquire about the methods and tools they use. Access to better, commercial-grade, cleaning equipment and knowledge of the most effective methods is one key reason for seeking out professional cleaning services in the first place. To find the best carpet cleaning method for your carpets and area rugs, talk to Legacy Carpet Cleaning today for expert advice and premium service.

10 Ways to Prepare your Home for the Holidays

• Legacy Carpet November 15, 2017
·
• Leave a Comment
 

As you approach the holiday season, prepare your home for guests and celebrations in these 10 ways:

1. Clean and Freshen Up the Kitchen

As you prepare for holiday cooking, it is the perfect time to thoroughly clean your kitchen, including the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher. You might have your counters, floors, and backsplashes professionally cleaned, to remove stains and prepare for holiday cooking. This is also the perfect time to replace any broken appliances in preparation for holiday cooking.

2. Have Your Carpets and Rugs Cleaned

When your guests look over your holiday home, carpets and rugs may dominate the view, especially if they are stained or dirty. You also want your carpets and rugs to look great for family pictures and photos of gift-opening. This is the perfect time of year to have your carpets professionally cleaned to remove stains, lift odors, and make your carpets look like new.

3. Protect Your Flooring

If you have hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors, these can be damaged by snow and salt tracked in during the winter months. If you plan to have many visitors walking around your home, you will want to protect your floors from damage. Update your entry rugs (or add them) and if your floors require waxing, have this completed before the winter months.

4. Deep Clean Your Bathrooms

Most people think of cleaning their sinks and toilets, in preparation for guests. But your visitor’s attention might be grabbed by a moldy and stained shower, floor and wall tiles, which are difficult to clean by yourself. If your tiles and grout are looking off-color or mildewed, the holiday season might be the perfect time to book professional tile and grout cleaning.

5. Freshen Up Your Upholstery

Just like carpets and rugs, your couches, throw pillows, and curtains can absorb stains and odors over time. You can purchase cleaning agents and take care of this yourself, but it can be challenging work. Home upholstery cleaning can lead to discoloration and chemical residue being left in the upholstery. Save yourself time and risk by choosing professional upholstery cleaning for fresh, clean couches.

6. Child-Proof Your Home

If your guests are bringing small children, you will want to make your home safe for them. To start, put outlet protectors in on open electrical outlets. You may also want to install devices that make it difficult for children to open cabinets, doors, and toilets.

7. Remove Clutter

You want your home to look nice and inviting. Remove unnecessary clutter by consolidating your belongings, and disposing of unneeded items or putting them into storage.

8. Prepare for Emergencies

With lots of cooking, children running around, and new traffic and activity in your home, accidents can happen. Prepare for emergencies, such as injuries, by having a first-aid kit on hand (or re-stocking your existing kit). Put together a Spill Survival Kit to deal with accidental spills and marks quickly to prevent staining.

9. Make Your Home Warm and Cozy

If you have a fireplace, prepare it for use over the holidays. Stock up on firewood, if needed. Purchase scented candles and matches or lighters. These will bring a warm glow to your home. Make sure you have plenty of blankets for guests, who may be staying overnight or those who just want to curl up in front of the fireplace and watch holiday movies.

10. Decorate for the Holidays

This is the fun part of preparing your home for holiday guests! Get your Christmas tree or Holiday decorations and put it in place. Hang garlands on your banisters and set out your decorations to get everyone into the holiday spirit.

With these 10 simple steps, you can make your home warm, welcoming and clean for your guests and family over the holiday season!

5 Important Things to Consider When Picking a Carpet Cleaning Company

• Legacy Carpet October 16, 2017
·
• 1 Comment
 

Professional carpet cleaning is the ideal way to deep clean carpets, allowing the efficient removal of stains, dust, dirt, odors, germs, and pathogens. But when it comes to effective carpet cleaning, the proper technique and tools are essential. Choosing the right carpet cleaning company can mean the difference between an outstanding transformative result and a disaster that could ruin your carpets. Check for these 5 essential things to check for when choosing your carpet cleaning company.

Insured

When receiving any professional services in your home, insurance is necessary to protect your home, your belongings and your family, as well as the workers on your property. Many carpet cleaning companies start up without adequate training, experience, tools and most importantly, insurance. Without insurance, you have no financial coverage if damage occurs to your carpet or your home during the cleaning process, and the carpet cleaning company could leave you high and dry to pay for the repairs. You could also be liable for workers compensation if cleaners are injured on your property. Always check your carpet cleaning company’s training, experience, and insurance before hiring.

Certifications

Dedicated carpet cleaning professionals have the training and certification to show an indication of their skills and the standards to which they perform their work. Your carpet cleaning company should have the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification at a minimum, as well as other proven and recognized certifications.

Years of Experience

Experience gives your carpet cleaner the professionalism and knowledge how to handle any issue with your carpets. It takes years to build up the knowledge and skills to deal with different carpet fibers and carpet styles, different spills and stains, and the way they affect your home. An experienced carpet cleaner can offer a more individualized and customized service based on their experience and unique assessment of your needs.

Their Distance from Your House

Choosing a carpet cleaning company in your local area means timely and efficient service and better value. High quality, local carpet cleaner will be experienced and capable of providing a thorough carpet cleaning service in your area with all the equipment and tools necessary. You can also keep the details of a local carpet cleaner on hand if you need emergency carpet cleaning or stain removal, for rapid response to save your carpets.

Guarantees

A carpet cleaning company’s warranty is an indication of their commitment to providing you a thorough, reliable and high-quality service. A guarantee is a promise of a certain standard of service and a quality result. It also gives you the peace of mind that your carpet cleaning company has the dedication to complete the job correctly, and make any changes or amendments necessary.

Professional carpet cleaning and stain removal can make a lasting difference to your home, making it healthier, safer and more beautiful. Make sure you get the outstanding result you want by checking that your local carpet cleaner is fully qualified, experienced and insured.

Top 5 Things To Clean In Your House (Now That The Kids Are Back In School)

• Legacy Carpet September 15, 2017
·
• Leave a Comment
 

Summer vacation is over, and the kids are heading back to school, so now is the ideal time to get back into the house cleaning that fell by the wayside during the busy vacation season. Vacation time can mean more activities and more visitors, but this can also mean more dust, dirt, germs, and stains around your home. With the kids out of the house, now is the ideal time to clean these five things in your home.

Carpet Cleaning

Extra traffic, entertaining, outdoor activities in the summer mean extra dirt, germs, and stains on your carpet as well. Now that the busiest season is over but the weather is still warm, it’s the ideal time to have professional carpet cleaning done in your home. Professional carpet cleaning is recommended once a year, and after the summer vacation is a perfect time. Firstly, the weather is still warm, so carpets can dry quickly after cleaning. Secondly, carpet cleaning after summer helps to remove the excess buildup of dirt, mud and potentially harmful germs that may have been tracked in on your carpets during this busy season. Lastly, carpet cleaning in the fall prepares your home for entertaining throughout the holidays, so you have a spotless, clean and healthy home to welcome guests into.

Tile & Grout Cleaning

The tiles and grout in your kitchen, bathroom or living spaces may also need more attention after the summer vacation. Extra use and warm weather can promote the growth of germs and mold in tiles and grout. Grout naturally collects and absorbs dirt and stains more readily because unlike most tiles, it is porous. Professional tile and grout cleaning can help to refresh and deep clean your tiles and grout to remove stains and germs for sparkling white grout and clean, healthy tiles.

Area Rug Cleaning

Wall-to-wall carpets aren’t the only carpets in your home that may have absorbed dust, dirt, and germs over the vacation. Area rugs can harbor dirt tracked in during your vacation and dust mite populations that developed while you were away just like wall-to-wall carpets. However, area rugs often need particular and gentle care to preserve their delicate fibers and rare dyes. Professional area rug cleaning can help to restore your rugs’ cleanliness while maintaining its beauty.

Upholstery Cleaning

Your chairs, couches, sofas, curtains, and other soft furnishings in your house can quickly absorb dust, dirt, and odors, and with increased visitors and activity during the summer vacation. While vacuuming and dusting can help the surface of your upholstery, it can’t reach the deeper marks, stains, and odor. Professional upholstery cleaning can help to deep clean and shampoo out marks and residues from all soft furnishings, for cleaner, healthier and safer surfaces in your home.

Pet Stain & Odor Removal

During vacation time, house rules might become more lax, with pets playing inside the house, drinks and food on the couch, and more visitors and entertaining all around your home. This can lead to more spills, stains and pet accidents, and if not cleaned up promptly, the odors can absorb into any soft surface, including couches, curtains, and carpets. Even cooking smells, or smoke can stay stuck in your soft furnishings long after the party is over. While odors and pet stains are some of the biggest challenges to a clean home, professional pet stain and odor removal may be the only way to get stubborn odors and stains out.

Now that the kids have gone back to school and the summer vacation over, it’s the perfect time to use this quieter time at home to refresh your furniture and surfaces before the holiday season. Get in touch with a local professional cleaning company for a deep clean and complete rejuvenation of your home.