How Long Does Professional Carpet Cleaning Take? (Revealed)
Carpet cleaning removes deep-down grime and stains that accumulate over time. It also reduces asthma triggers by removing dust and other allergens.
Professional cleaners typically include furniture moving in their pricing, but you should prepare your home ahead of time by storing items that can’t be moved and moving small pieces yourself. This will speed up the process and make it more efficient.
Pre-Inspection
If you want your carpets to look and smell as good as new, professional cleaning is the way to go. Plus, many carpet manufacturers require this type of cleaning to maintain warranties. And even if your carpets aren’t looking particularly dirty, routine cleaning can restore their fluffiness and vibrancy.
The process begins with a preconditioning solution that loosens dirt and stains. A grooming brush is used to agitate the fibers and further dislodge stubborn particles that a vacuum cleaner can’t reach. Then a hot-water extraction machine sprays the carpet with water and cleaning solution, sucking up the soapy residue along with the embedded debris. Finally, a pH-neutralizing agent lowers the pH of the carpet to prevent resoiling.
A pro will assess the carpet fibers and types of stains to determine the best cleaning method. For example, some fabrics can’t be cleaned with water or may need to be spot treated. They also have access to specialized equipment that’s not available at your local hardware store, like UV lights for identifying pet stains and other difficult-to-remove spots. And they can use powerful fans to speed up the drying process, minimizing disruption to your home life.
If your carpets are still wet, the pros can apply a protector or deodorizer to minimize future staining and odors. Protectors are an additional charge but are a wise investment considering how much money you’ll save by extending the lifespan of your carpets.
Most importantly, a professional will take the time to remove any remaining stains and odors before leaving your home. And they’ll give you a timeline for how long your carpets will need to dry, so that you can plan accordingly. Be sure to avoid letting kids, pets, and other people walk on the carpet until it’s completely dry. And if you have wood or tile floors, cover them with plastic to keep the moisture off of them until the carpets are dry as well. Then you can move your furniture back into place without fear of damaging the surfaces …
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