Rainbow International® of Holland

Carpet care companies may look pretty much the same to you - but they're not. In fact, there are many things that can vary greatly from company to company. For instance, there are different cleaning methods and products, many types of cleaning equipment, different pricing structures, vastly different customer service philosophies, and many degrees of technical training and technical skill.

That is why Rainbow International thought the information below would be helpful to you. Our wish for you is to be educated about the professional carpet care industry. We want you to be able to make the absolute best choice when purchasing professional carpet care services for your family or business.

Did you know?

Most major carpet and carpet fiber manufacturers recommend carpet be professionally cleaned every 18 months in order to remove particulate soils that cause carpeting to wear prematurely and affects 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 carpet be cleaned annually. Carpet that is subjected to extreme soiling or heavy use, particularly high-traffic areas, or carpet installed in homes occupies by persons with allergies or respiratory problems require increased cleaning frequency.

Did you know?

Hot Water Extraction cleaning is good for carpets. In order to maintain most carpet 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 quickly. 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.

Did you know?

Do-it-yourself carpet cleaning machines, like those you can buy and rent, not only do not clean your carpet according to your carpet's warranty requirements, but they usually will leave a residue in your carpet which will attract dirt. The residue remains because these types of machines do not get water hot enough or have enough vacuum to totally rinse cleaning products from your the carpet's fibers. In fact, you will most likely notice your carpet gets dirtier faster with this type of cleaning, so in the long run, you're not saving the money you thought you were.

Did you know?

Regular professional carpet cleaning is the only way to remove residue from spots and spills as well as everyday oils and sticky soils tracked in from the outdoors. If regular cleaning is not practiced, your carpet will become dull due to a film these types of substances cause. You will know if your carpet has such a film because the color of your carpet will gradually seem to fade. Rest assured, the color has probably not faded. You just need to have a professional cleaning performed by a technically proficient firm.

When You Are Ready For Carpet Care Services

You should ask:

“What do your cleaning services include?”

When calling on a professional carpet cleaning service, you should ask them what their cleaning services include. By asking that question, you can protect yourself from unmentioned fees, as well as companies that use illegal bait-and-switch tactics.

A basic carpet cleaning should include: 1) a free estimate, 2) local travel to and from your home, 3) vacuuming, 4) reasonable furniture moving, 5) special attention to removing spots and stains, 5) an acceptable drying time, 6) all use and disposal of their cleaning products, 7) fresh, clean carpet, 8) your satisfaction!

Also, make sure you get and sign-off on the complete total before the job begins. This will help you avoid costly mistakes.

You should ask:

“What method of cleaning do you use?”

When calling on a professional carpet cleaning service, you should ask them what method of cleaning they use, because you can bet there are many. Basically, though, there are two primary cleaning methods frequently used today: hot water extraction and dry cleaning.

Dry cleaning involves foam or powder-like mixtures, which are applied, allowed to dry, and then vacuumed up. Often, equipment is used after the application to smear the mix deep into the carpet before it is vacuumed up. Most of the time, this leaves a terrible residue that is not rinsed away - a residue that actually attracts more dirt! This is great if you're the carpet cleaner as it means you'll need to have your carpet cleaned more frequently.

Hot water extraction, on the other hand, is sometimes compared with washing your hair; you apply hot water and a gentle, pH balanced product thoroughly cleans your hair and then you rinse your hair with equally hot water. Of course this makes more sense than just smearing your hair with shampoo!

Hot water extraction is likely the method required by your carpet manufacturer to preserve your carpet warranty. Research indicates hot water extraction cleaning is best for carpets. It leaves the least amount of residue and therefore will provide the lowest amount of re-soiling. Rainbow International performs the hot water extraction system of cleaning.

You should ask:

"What professional training have you had in carpet care and restoration field, if any?"

The company you choose should be able to give you a specific, immediate reply about the kind of training they've received, as well as how long they've been working in the field. Special training and experience pays off, as not all carpets and their fibers are the same. Your carpet care specialist should be able to identify your carpet and make sure the proper methods are used for cleaning and stain removal.

You should ask:

"Are you a member of any professional trade associations?"

There are standards established for carpet care and restoration by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Someone who has achieved certification and is properly trained will perform services according to the IICRC's standards. Once this certification has been received, a diploma is awarded to provide proof of satisfactory completion. Ask the company you call about these important credentials.

You should ask:

"Do you provide a free estimate...that is guaranteed as a firm price?"

You should never pay for an estimate. Make sure you ask before the company prepares one. And read the estimate they give you carefully to make sure it is not subject to change. A good carpet cleaner will know ahead of time what needs to be done.

You should ask:

“What kind of satisfaction guarantee do you have?”

Ask what kind of satisfaction guarantee is offered and what the company's philosophy is on customer service. Also, it doesn't hurt to ask if the company is licensed (if applicable in your state) and insured.

You should ask:

“Can you give me a few phone numbers of your satisfied customers?”

A company that's really done a good job will have either letters of reference or at least 2-3 phone numbers of satisfied customers in the area. Ask to see the letters, and be sure to really call the references before you agree to use the service.

Now you can get the best carpet care available. Feel like you've learned a lot? We hope so. And we hope you'll include Rainbow International on your list of companies to call.