Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for your arrival?
Pick up smaller items and clear out areas to be cleaned as well as possible. Vacuum the carpet and look for any trouble spots that may require special attention. Tuck bed skirts in between mattresses and prop up curtains that are floor length. Remember that high traffic areas usually need to be preconditioned so do not move furniture or other items into those areas.
How long will it take to dry?
When properly cleaned by professionals, the carpet should only be slightly damp when the process is complete. Then with adequate ventilation, the carpet will dry within just a few hours. We recommend keeping foot traffic to a minimum or not at all during this time to allow the maximum amount of air to penetrate the carpet fibers.
How often should I clean my carpet?
Carpet manufacturers recommend professional hot water extraction (steam) cleaning every 12 to 18 months to maintain the life of the carpet. Carpeting that has moderate daily foot traffic should be cleaned every 6 to 10 months.
Accent Carpet Cleaning Systems uses state of the art equipment using soft water and the highest quality cleaning chemicals available to comply with current industry recommendations.
What can I do to clean up spills myself?
Blot up stains right away, the longer you wait the harder it will be to remove spots and spills. Wipe up as much of the stain as possible, then apply your cleaning chemical and blot up with a damp cloth. For pet stains, grease, heavy soil and other tough stains apply your stain remover and allow a dwell time of at least 5 minutes.
Why is "Professional steam cleaning" recommended?
Professional steam cleaning of carpet allows for a "deep clean" using a flushing action. Soils are suspended in a hot solution that quickly cleans the fibers and then is immediately extracted from the carpet and sent to a holding tank in the van. This method removes the soils, unlike other methods that only re-distribute them throughout the carpet.
Wouldn't "dry cleaning" be better then?
No. Dry cleaning does not extract the soils from your carpeting; it only is successful in removing some of the soils, with the remainder of the soil and contaminates being left in the carpet. Dry cleaning methods often leave the carpets damp as well, because most implement water in their process of cleaning.
How often is vacuuming recommended?
Nothing is more important than regular vacuuming of your carpet. Dry soil is abrasive and can damage carpet fibers, causing accelerated wear. A vacuum with a beater bar is best, as it will help remove the soils better than using only suction.
Why do some stains keep coming back?
It is not unusual for stains to reappear after spot cleaning. This is referred to as "wicking". Wicking can occur when a liquid is spilled on the carpet (usually a large quantity). Cleaning can remove only the stain from the carpet fibers. Liquid from spills can remain in the backing or padding. Through capillary action, the stain can "wick" back up into the carpet fibers. these stains are generally not permanent and can usually be removed by repeating the cleaning steps you followed above. It is important that you place paper towels weighed down by a heavy object over the area while the carpet is drying to absorb any of the remaining stain.
What else can I do to prevent rapid re-soiling?
Entrance mats will reduce the amount of soil brought onto your carpet. As much as 75% of the dirt and grime in your carpet is tracked-in soil. Some apply a "no shoe" policy in their homes, and this too significantly reduces re-soiling.
Are carpet fiber protectors necessary?
Studies have shown that by having "carpet protector" reapplied periodically to your carpet, it will release up to 40% more of the soil during vacuuming. This reduces the excessive wear from abrasion of the carpet fibers, and prolongs the life of your carpet.
Depending on the amount of traffic your carpet endures, you should re-apply carpet protector every time to every other time you have the carpet cleaned. Why? Carpet protectors coat your carpet's fibers to help prevent rapid re-soiling and accidental spills from ruining your carpet's "just cleaned look". Everyday wear and cleaning can leave your carpet unprotected from the elements that cause carpets to re-soil. Protective coating of the carpet fiber is important and well worth the money spent to protect the appearance, life and investment of your carpet.
Is it possible to clean my carpets too often?
No. The more often a carpet is cleaned, the longer it will maintain its original appearance. It is an excelent idea to clean high traffic areas and areas of heavy soiling several times per year using a do-it-yourself hot water extraction machine between professional cleanings.
