Carpets come in handy when you want to bring an element of luxury and comfort to any space or room. They instantly enhance the appearance of your home and improve indoor air quality. However, everything has its cons and downsides. Carpets are a breeding ground for bacteria, dust particles, and allergens when they don’t get cleaned regularly.
While there are available do-it-yourself cleaning methods and equipment in the market, it is still best to hire a professional carpet cleaner to do the hard work for you.
If you’ve landed on this blog post, chances are you want to know a reliable carpet cleaning company. Not all carpet cleaning companies are created equal. Before you call the first carpet cleaner in Lancaster, PA that appears in your Google search results, make sure you know the right questions to ask when choosing a carpet cleaner.
Do they offer a free written estimate?
As they say, verbal agreements aren’t worth the paper they’re marked on. Detailed written estimates help you figure how much the service will cost you. An estimate should serve as an initial guide price to prevent surprises on your final bill. You can request a written estimate before the carpet cleaning starts to avoid any disputes as the work progresses.
While an estimate is not fixed, the final price should be 10-15% of the estimate. If the final cost is greater than originally estimated, you can ask the company why they charged more, request an itemized invoice, and see if negotiation is viable. You may also get estimates from three different companies to find the best deal that suits your budget.
What are the basic services and add-ons offered?
You can ask what’s included in the standard cleaning packages, so you know if you’re getting your money’s worth. Stain treatments and upholstery services may be requested as cleaning add-on for additional charges. Knowing all the available options helps you make an informed decision and refuse to be pressured into purchasing services you don’t need.
Are they bonded and insured?
Carpet cleaning is a service where you get what you pay for, which is why you need to make sure you’re investing in the best. They are many companies that offer incredibly low prices that might seem like a great option. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It may be possible that they cut corners and use substandard materials to cut cleaning costs.
To avoid paying for damages, loss, or injuries, you should hire a company that is bonded and insured. This will guarantee that everything is covered from a financial perspective.
Which carpet cleaning methods do they use?
There are different carpet cleaning methods available, such as hot water extraction, carpet shampooing, hot water extraction, dry steam cleaning, and encapsulation. Each method has benefits and drawbacks, but they all serve one purpose that is to remove dirt in your carpet.
When you get confused with all these options, ask the company for recommendations and insights. Hot water extraction or steam cleaning may be the best option as approved by most carpet manufacturers.
How long will the carpet cleaning service take?
How long will the carpet dry after cleaning? How long do you have to stay off the carpet after cleaning? When can you move the furniture back? These are just some of the questions you might ask.
In general, carpet cleaning involves furniture moving, pre-vacuuming, pre-treatment, spraying, soil extraction and rinsing, spotting, and post-cleaning inspection. The entire process may last 30 minutes, depending on the room’s size, the cleaning method, carpet condition, and humidity. If the company used steam cleaning, it would take 3-6 hours before the carpet completely dries.
How long have they been in the carpet cleaning industry?
It’s always best to work with a company that has been operating for many years already. Having years of experience means they know what they are doing. Longevity also means they have satisfied customers who have kept them in business.
Ask them how long they have been offering carpet cleaning services and how much expertise they have in the market. Moreover, you should check reviews and feedback from their previous customers or seek recommendations from your friends and neighbors.
Do they offer a guarantee?
Only the best companies stand behind their work by providing a guarantee. In case there are any missed carpet stains, you have the right to ask the company back to remove the stubborn spots. Ask them upfront if they offer a guarantee on their work, so you can still call them in if any issues arise.
Still not sure who to choose for your carpet cleaning needs? Call Carpet Cleaning Pros of Lancaster today, and we’ll help you get started and provide the best value for your dollar!