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What to look for in a professional cleaning company

If you need to hire a cleaning company to spruce up your carpets it's important to choose one who knows what they're doing and will guarantee a top class job.Carpets are one of the biggest investments in the home and the last thing you want is a so called "professional" cleaning company doing a bad job and leaving your carpets even worse than they werebefore you hired them. Here are some important questions to ask any prospective cleaning company:

1. Do your research! Ask friends, neighbours and relatives for recommendations.Investigate the suggestions they make on the internet, evaluating how long they have been operating and what kind of equipment they use?Can they provide extra useful services such as cleaning upholstery, tiles and grout or making minor carpet repairs?
2. Interview the company - find out if they are licensed and insured for any damage. Is their work guaranteed?What equipment will they use?How long will it take to do the job and of course get a written quote.
   
3. Check the average price locally - call around for different quotes and find out how much the average company charges per square foot.
   
4. Can they provide references from previous customers? This will help increase their credibility and put your mind at rest that you are getting a top quality service.
   
5. Expect a home visit before they quote - any reputable company should visit your home before they give you an accurate quote.Not only do they need to measure up but they also need to assess the condition and type of carpet and what cleaning method will be best.

The main cleaning methods

1. Dry extraction: this method uses an absorbent which is infused into the carpet and attracts dust and dirt from the fibres. This is particularly good for durable carpets.
2. Dry foam extraction: a detergent solution is used to create foam which is applied to the carpet.The foam attracts dirt and pollutants which rise to the surface and can vacuumed away.This method is good for wool carpets.
3. Hot steam extraction: the cleaning solution is infused into the carpet with steam.Dirt and dust is removed and sucked away.
4. Rotary shampoo: along with the use of a cleaning solution a machine with rotary brushes is pushed over the carpet to pick up dirt and dust.
5. Absorbent pad: a machine with absorbable spinning pads is pushed over the carpet to absorb dirt.