Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I clean my carpets?
- How does ServiceMaster clean my carpet?
- What is actually removed from my carpet?
- Will my carpets look brand new?
- How often should I have my carpets professionally cleaned?
- Why should I consider having my carpet protected?
- What is apparent soil?
- What should I do between cleanings?
Why should I clean my carpets?
ServiceMaster believes that the health of your family is the primary reason to clean carpets. The aesthetic benefits of cleaning, such as appearance and odor control, are also important. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has conducted studies of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and has found that the indoor environment of many homes and buildings is more polluted than outdoor air. Poor IAQ contributes to respiratory problems and increases symptoms of those who suffer from allergies to dust, fungi, and animal hair/dander. The good news is that the EPA has found properly performed and professional carpet cleaning removes many of the indoor pollutants and improves the quality of the air your family breathes.
How does ServiceMaster clean my carpet?
ServiceMaster offers you many choices to best suit your needs.
Restoration Cleaning is our most thorough cleaning! Incorporating the powerful agitation of our Interim Method with the superior soil removal of our Primary Method, Restoration Cleaning is employed in heavy soiling situations for deep extraction along with appearance enhancement.
Primary, or Hot Water Extraction (HWE), Cleaning is a process where cleaning solutions, which are encapsulating, are pre-sprayed on the carpet to lift the soil from the fiber. Equipment (which can be portable or truck mounted) that heats the water and creates a strong vacuum is then used to extract the cleaning solution and soil from the carpet. Manufacturers normally require carpets to be HWE for warranty compliance. It is recommended that HWE be performed once a year depending very heavily on the type of fiber, environment, age or carpet, other methods being employed, and so on. HWE is considered to be the primary cleaning methodology.
Interim, or Low Moisture Encapsulation Cleaning, is a process that uses state of the art chemistry to lift the oily soil from the fiber, surround it and crystallize around it to provide maximum cleaning with minimum residue. The process is used for maintaining the appearance of the carpeting and should only be used as part of a maintenance program.
What is actually removed from my carpet?
Professional cleaning removes soil, which is any material that is foreign to the construction of the carpet. Soils range from obvious dirt, sand, food and beverage spills, and pet accidents to the not so obvious chemical residues, soot, protein spills and organic fluids.
Will my carpets look brand new?
The professionals at ServiceMaster can and will remove soil from the carpet. Unfortunately, no one is able to reverse damage that may have been done to the carpet fiber.
How often should I have my carpets professionally cleaned?
The average family should plan one or two cleanings per year. That frequency will vary depending on the size of the home, number and age of occupants, along with the number, type , and size of pets.
Why should I consider having my carpet protected?
Today’s fiber protectors are called flourochemicals or acid dye blockers. There are several well known brands, but performance is very similar. They are designed to make your carpets stain resistant, not stain proof. These products give you time to blot spots up before they become permanent stains. How often to apply a protector depends on the type of fiber, amount of traffic, and type of use of the space. The general rule of thumb is at least once per year.
What is apparent soil?
This is the most aggravating of all issues because it appears to be but is not soil at all. It is a physical change or damage that cannot be removed or reversed. These are conditions that affect the appearance of the carpet, making it look “dirty” or different from these apparent soils. Examples include traffic area damage, nap reversal, corn rowing, wear, pooling, shading, light issues, and loss of color.
What should I do between cleanings?
Controlling soil is vital to maintaining a healthy home and clean carpet. Regular vacuuming, keeping your vacuum bags changed, and using walk off mats or area rugs near the entrance to your home can help reduce the accumulation of soil.
