What do I need to do before the Carpet Cleaners come?

What do I need to do?

        It's really up to you, the home, or business owner what you choose to do. A lot of people do nothing. They feel they called you, they are going to pay you, and that's it. Everything is left up to the Carpet Cleaner. That's not the best way to do things though. Recognizing that we live in a busy world there are still some things you can, and should do to ensure you get the best possible job. You should schedule the job for when you have time to put a little effort into it. In the following you will find things to do that will make things better for you and the person cleaning your carpets.
        We even made it easy and turned this items, into a check list for you.


                        Check list for Carpet Cleaning!

Check each item on off as it is completed.

1.  _______   Do a  great
dusting job. Don't forget the picture and painting frames, what knots, all the horizontal surfaces, fan blades and don't forget the chandeliers. Remove the cobwebs. Here is a good article on How to dust your Entire house!
how to systematically dust your house. 

2.  _______   Pick up everything that you have placed on the floor that doesn't really belong there and put it where it does belong.

Picking up the floor!

3.  _______   This is a very good time to vacuum your curtains. Or add that to the Carpet cleaners list of things to do. They'll be happy to have the extra work. They can take them down and take them in for a professional cleaning or give them a vacuuming for dust while they are hanging it they are in good enough condition to do so.

4.  _______   Roll up and set aside any Area Rugs the Carpet Cleaners may be picking up. If they are extra large, heavy or you have furniture on them that is heavy to move then wait for the carpet cleaner.
It is always best to have the rugs taken in by the Carpet cleaners to their facility as they will have a rug cleaning specialist (we do) who will clean them according to the type of material, type of construction, condition of soiling, and the age of the rug. In general, newer rugs in good material condition get a more aggressive cleaning while older, more worn, rugs are cleaned using a more gentle cleaning method. While cheap rugs may be cleaned on the patio or driveway (although we do not recommend it) by the on-site, carpet cleaner, a good, hand woven, wool rug should always be cleaned by an Area Rug Cleaning Specialist. Every Carpet cleaning company will have a man or women who is specially trained in rugs and their cleaning.

5.  _______   Have your Hvac system and vent covers cleaned if they are due. This is a biggie for so many reasons, but the one here is so that the air is cleaner inside your home and is not spreading a layer of dirt on your carpets through the movement of air. A good time to replace your filter.

6.  _______   Make sure they have a place to park, this is biggie in Downtown areas especially. The closer they can get the truck equipment to the work, the better suction they will have on the machine unit. For every length of hose used, you will also lose a corresponding unit of suction power. Having a shorter distance to the unit will enhance the removal of water, dirt and bacteria from your carpets and upholstery. Allowing for a cleaner carpet, that will dry faster.

7.  _______   Provide a walk through of your areas needing cleaning with the carpet cleaner. Point out any stains, spots, and soiled traffic areas. Let him know exactly what they are if you know.

8.  _______   Make sure you have a plan for pets. Out of the house for a day or two is the best. The back yard is fine but he or she will have to stay out their overnight as you do not want a dog or cat tracking dirt back onto your freshly cleaned carpets. Birds, hamsters, or other small animals, do them a solid and remove them from the house.

9.  _______   Check the location of your spigot and ensure it is operational. If it is a long distance you may have to lay out your hose so that he may hook into it.

10.  _______  Make plans for how you will get around your house. The Carpet Cleaner should leave you a set or two of booties. Don't necessarily count on it as they may run out before your job. While you can walk on the carpets it is best to stay off of them as much as possible. DO not wear you normal shoes on them as they will deposit dirt on a wet surface. Also be extra cautious when you walk from a wet freshly cleaned carpet to a hard surface flooring as you may slip and fall.

11.  _______   Have the fans ready! Overhead fans are fine, but if your house does not have them then use portable fans. Most people think that a warmed house dries faster, and it does but only slightly. The best way to dry your carpets and upholstery is through air movement, and fans do that best. Also keep those windows open if possible so the moisture in the air can go out.