Choosing the right carpet, tile or upholstery cleaning company can be a stressful activity especially when you don’t have any referrals from friends or family.
Carpet cleaners, more so than any other contractor you invite into your home have to be trusted as they have access to the most intimate places you and your family live. From your master bedroom, your children’s bedroom and your closets, a homeowner is wise to make sure the company they invite into their home is professional, insured and will do what they say they’ll do.
While most homeowners can take care of almost any other household cleaning issue, carpet, tile and upholstery cleaning is one where you need to call in the professionals.
What should you look for in a carpet cleaning company? Do you opt for the cheapest guy in town or do a company with a great reputation, certified technicians and “A” rating with Angie’s List.
Read on to see our five suggestions for how to choose a carpet cleaning company.
1. The Cheapest Choice is Not Always the Best
While sometimes it’s better to listen to your wallet when making decisions, choosing a carpet, tile or upholstery cleaning company is not one of those times. Many “budget” carpet cleaners are notorious for offering low ball prices that skyrocket when they get to your home. This is known as “bait & switch.”
Many “Budget” cleaners also use the cheapest cleaning solutions possible that guarantee stains will return about the same time the check you give them clears the bank. “Budget” carpet cleaners are notorious for using non-certified technicians and outdated equipment and many lack sufficient insurance in case one of their employees steals something from your home.
Another thing to keep in mind when hiring a “Cheap” carpet cleaning company is do they have sufficient insurance to cover your loss in case one of their employees gets hurt at your home? In the event of an injury, if the “budget” cleaner has no insurance (it is NOT a requirement in Florida) or insufficient insurance, the homeowner can be sued by the injured employee.
All carpet cleaners are NOT the same and the cheapest guy you can find could end up being the most expensive choice you’ve ever made.
2. Look at the Style of Cleaning
There are a number of different methods when it comes to carpet cleaning, and some of them may not be the right fit for you and your family.
According to The Carpet & Rug Institute, the IICRC and all major carpet manufacturers, the most thorough carpet cleaning you can get is through “hot water extraction” or more commonly called steam cleaning. In fact, most carpet manufacturers will VOID your carpet’s warranty if you use any other cleaning method.
Many “budget” carpet cleaning companies use “bonnet” or encapsulation cleaning because it’s cheap and quick. Basically the carpet cleaner will sprinkle some powder on your carpeting or use a squirt bottle to spray some “cleaner” on top of your carpets fibers and then use a floor buffer. This type of cleaning is designed to knock the dirt off the top of the carpet fibers. It is ineffective at deep cleaning and stains are guaranteed to return.
3. Find a Company You Can Trust
Remember when you hire a carpet cleaning company for the first time you are letting a complete stranger into your home. It’s a great idea to choose a company that has been rated by Angie’s List, has been checked out by the Better Business Bureau and one that runs background checks on all its employees annually.
You can also trust the recommendations of your friends, co-workers or family members or by doing an internet search on the potential company.
Trustworthy, quality companies have good ratings with Angie’s List, have sufficient insurance to cover the homeowner in the event of theft or damage, offer solid service guarantees and are reputable in their communities. They also do a great job and offer rock-solid service guarantees.
4. History of the Company
Is the company you’re looking at “fly by night” or experienced professionals that have been in business for a number of years? Do they use portables or powerful truck-mounted equipment? Are their technicians certified? Are the cleaning solutions they use safe for small children and pets?
A quality company relies on its reputation, experience and customer referrals for business. It doesn’t participate in “bait & switch” gimmicks, advertise in the coupon books or on Craigslist, offers a strong service guarantees and its employees are certified and backed by some of the best cleaning solutions and equipment in the industry.
5. Service Guarantee
NEVER hire a carpet, tile or upholstery company that does not GUARANTEE their results in WRITING. Look for companies that offer a 10 day or more guarantee against stains returning and if problems do arise, they will return and treat the area at no additional charge.
Tru Clean is a family owned environmentally responsible carpet, tile and upholstery cleaning company serving all of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lee, Collier and Charlotte County. Our technicians are certified by the world’s most respected certification body for textile professionals and we are an “A” rated company with Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau. We also specialize in Oriental, wool and silk area rug cleaning and maintain our own rug cleaning plant in Cape Coral.
As a family owned company, Tru Clean has a vested interest in ensuring that our clients are “thrilled” and not just merely satisfied with the quality of our services. Since we do no Yellow Page advertising our only opportunity to grow is to rely on repeat clients, their referrals and new clients seeking a quality carpet, tile or upholstery cleaning company.
If we’re fortunate enough to be invited into your home you can rest assured of a quality cleaning by experience, certified technicians who love what they do. Our family GUARANTEE’S IT!
For more information on Tru Clean check us out on Angie’s List or visit us online at www.trucleansurfacecare.com. We can also be reached 24/7 at 239-541-4888 – Lee County, 941-621-2198 – Punta Gorda or 239-206-1935 – Bonita Springs, Naples and Marco Island.