Carpet Cleaning FAQ-Aqua Steam Services Inc.

Q: After my carpets are cleaned how long does it take to dry?

A: Drying times can vary depending on many factors. Carpets can dry within a couple hours under ideal condtions (low outside humidity, warm tempuratures, good air circulation.) We frequently leave powerful air movers with clients to speed up drying. The maximum amount of time that a carpet should take to dry is usually under 24 hours.

Q: When cleaning my carpets do you move furniture?

A: Yes, but we request that clients move out smaller and breakable items. If we do not have to move any furniture your overall price quote will be less. Certain furniture items we will not move are: beds that aren't sitting on a frame that has functioning rollers, various wall cabinets filled with books, dishes etc, any item that may contain or have breakables resting on their surface. Any furniture we move will then have protective foil pads or foam blocks put under the legs to protect the furniture from getting wet and prevent any damage to the carpet from wood stain transfer or rust staining.

Q: Do I have to move all furniture out of a room to be cleaned?

A: No, many clients just have "traffic areas" cleaned which in many cases is all that is required. If the general layout of your room stays the same then obviously there won't be any kind of ground in soiling under items that requires our services. Any dust build up etc under furniture can be easily cleaned with a regular household vacuum.

Q: What cleaning methods do you use?

A: Most of our cleaning is done using a powerful Cleanco truck mounted system using hot water extraction (180+F). Our vans are always filled with 100% soft water which enables us to use up to 50% less cleaning agents while maintaining superb results, and ensures easier rinsing of any emulsifiers. When other methods are required we can utilize portable extraction, occilating absorbent pads etc.

Q: You clean using hot water extraction, is this as good as steam cleaning?

A: "Steam cleaning" actually doesn't really exist for cleaning carpets, hot water extraction (HWE) is generally what the industry refers to as steam cleaning. Currently both Shaw Industries and Mohawk, who together manufacture over two thirds of the world's carpet, recommend hot water extraction cleaning. Actual steam occurs at over 220 degrees F, at this tempurature carpet fibers can easily be permanantly distorted.

Q: How is your cleaning system superior to do-it-yourself options?

A: Honestly there is no comparison to our powerful specialized and thorough equipment, experience and Clean Trust certified training. Your generic portable carpet cleaners found at many super markets or available for purchase tend to leave carpets full of sticky soapy residue and can take days to dry. Unfortunatley these machines don't have much heat, pressure or suction and rely primarily on harsh high PH chemicals and alot of brushes. Using agitation and harsh chemicals frequently can cause yellowing and fiber damage. After you haul one of these machines around for a day and pay for the rental fees and chemicals to get questionable results is it really worth it? The old saying "you get what you pay for" applies here. Another thing to consider is that recently Shaw Industries, the largest carpet manufacturer in the world announced that starting in 2008 that to maintain warranty coverage your carpets must be cleaned by a Clean Trust certified company!

Q: I heard that professionally cleaning your carpet often is bad for it, is this true?

A: Actually the opposite is true, leaving a carpet uncleaned for long periods until it is visibly soiled actually does more damage than cleaning frequently. What happens over time is that a buildup of abrasive soiling occurs that cannot be removed with regular vacuuming. These abrasive soils cut into the fibers at a microscopic level and has a cumulitive effect. Infrequent cleanings accelerate wear patterns developing in high traffic areas and can give carpets a shadowed blotchy appearance over time. Our techiniques and equipment rely more on heat, high suction and thorough rinsing agents (not harsh chemicals and damaging brushes that many portables use) that are gentle on carpet fibres. Our primary goal is to obtain a carpet that is clean as possible without altering it's original state. Essentially the overall life span of your carpet can be greatly increased with frequent professional cleaning!

Q: I have allergies, should I remove my carpets or have them cleaned?

A: It is a common misconseption that carpets cause allergies, in most cases when allergies are linked to carpets it is becuase they have not been maintaned properly. Studies have shown that carpet is better at trapping allergens than hard flooring such as tile, laminate and hardwood. Particles and allergens fall to the floor (out of the breathing zone) and onto the carpet. The fibers trap allergens and particles, reducing their continued circulation in the air, which can then be vacuumed up. A well maintained carpet actually acts like a filter for all these things being circulated in your home.

Q: What is Clean Trust certification?

A: The Clean Trust (formerly the IICRC) was formed in 1972 and is a standard-setting body and certification registry that develops and monitors educational programs and standards for the inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration industries. The Clean Trust represents more than 4,600 Certified Firms and over 43,000 Certified Technicians in 30 countries. When a company is certified they have made the effort to educate themselves, there are no legal regulations for the carpet cleaning industry, the majority of carpet cleaners have no formal training! Additionally certified firms agree to update their training on a ongoing basis, and abide to a "code of ethics."

Q: Should I apply a carpet protector after my carpets have been cleaned?

A: We recommend carpet protector on all carpeting to help repel soil, spills and to extend your carpets lifespan. A simple quick application is done immediatley after cleaning and is raked in with a carpet rake to distibute evenly. Cost of this service is a good value for the results it acheives, it really works!

Q: How does carpet protector work?

A: Carpet protector helps fill in microscopic scratches in fibers that develop as soon as your carpet starts to be used. Filling in these scratches from regular wear helps to take away spots for soiling to make a home in. This in turn makes your carpet resoil more slowly and reduces continued wear and extends the life of your carpet.

Q: Do you guarantee that you can remove all stains?

A: Unfortunately there are too many variables to guarantee removal of all stains, sometimes stains are just that....a stain, and can be permanent.