Rainbow International® Of Coeur D Alene/Spokane

This page will answer some common questions we often receive about restoration and carpet cleaning.

How often should carpets be professionally cleaned?

Most major carpet and carpet fiber manufacturers recommend carpets be professionally cleaned every 18 months in order to remove particulate soils that cause carpeting to wear prematurely and affect the appearance of the carpet. However the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who takes a position of the carpet being cleaned for health and not appearance, recommends that carpets be cleaned annually. However, carpets that are subjected to extreme soiling or heavy use, particularly high-traffic areas, or carpets installed in homes occupied by persons with allergies or respiratory problems, require increased cleaning frequency.

Will a do-it-yourself carpet cleaning machine do the same job?

Actually the machine does not make the job good. The technician who is using the machine makes a difference. Well-trained technicians can do a good job with most types of equipment. With a well-trained technician, professional equipment and chemistry, and you get the best job. Homeowners who rent do-it-yourself equipment do not have the necessary training to understand that there are many different types of carpets and carpet fibers and the chemistry is not the same for all carpets and fibers. In addition there is no understanding of the protective coatings and stain resistant finishes that are built into today’s carpet.

Can carpet really be restored after water damage?

The best answer is, it depends. According to the Water Damage Restoration Standard and Reference Guide of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), water sources are placed in three general categories...read more.

What’s all this talk about top down drying?

The term came about as a result of a heavy emphasis put on drying carpet and cushion in place. Even though in some cases this process does allow carpet and cushion to stay in place, the real strength and emphasis of this process is drying the structure quickly. Therefore, a better term for this process is "rapid structural drying"...read more.

Is the hot water extraction method good for carpets?

In order to maintain most carpets and carpet fibers, manufacturers require hot water extraction cleaning to be performed by a professional carpet cleaning company. Typically this system is performed with a self-contained cleaning unit that is mounted in a truck. The cleaner only brings into the home his cleaning tool and the hoses that connect the cleaning tool to the truck. The solution is applied to the carpet under pressure and at high temperatures which helps the carpets to dry fast. The chemistry that is used should leave no residue, so your carpet will not attract soil after cleaning. Properly used, this system should not penetrate through the carpet backing, creating over-wetting of the carpet.

How long will it take carpets to dry after professional cleaning?

Complete drying should occur between six to eight hours or less.

Can professional carpet cleaning lead to mold in the home?

It is doubtful that professional carpet cleaning could lead to mold growth in the home. First, mold needs an organic food source to grow on. Most carpet manufactured today is made of all-synthetic materials. Mold can grow on the soils in carpet which are organic, however the carpet would have to be severely wet for 48 to 72 hours for mold to start to grow.

Can professional carpet cleaning be harmful to allergies?

One of the benefits of having carpet as a floor covering is that it acts as a filter by filtering allergens out of the air. On hard surfaces these allergens lay on the surface until swept or mopped, which can cause the allergens to become airborne, entering the breathing zone, and creating exposure to the allergen. Carpet holds the allergen until it can be vacuumed or cleaned out. This is why it is important to vacuum and clean carpet frequently.

What are the steps to good carpet cleaning?

The IICRC has published standards that include 5 steps to clean carpet no matter what system of cleaning you are using. Those steps are:

1. Pre-Vacuum – This step should always be done, regardless if you have vacuumed before the cleaner arrives.
2. Soil Suspension – This procedure suspends or separates ground-in or adhered soils which were not removed with vacuuming.
3. Soil Extraction – Once the Soils have been suspended they must be physically extracted.
4. Pile Setting or Grooming – The purpose of pile setting or grooming is to assist with evaporation, decreasing drying time and enhancing the carpet’s final appearance.
5. Drying – All available opportunities should be used to dry carpet as fast as possible.

Why is the indoor environment important to our health?

Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health, but may not know that indoor air pollution also can have significant effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times and, occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels...read more.

Does carpeting in schools compromise indoor air quality?

Carpets in schools can help the quality of indoor air by trapping contaminants and allergens, says a Cornell University indoor environmental expert...read more.