Find trustworthy carpet-cleaning service to work with
Though hardwood floors are popular in homes, carpets are still common in living rooms, family rooms or playrooms; however, they can be extremely hard to keep clean in such high traffic areas. Carpets collect dust, dirt and other unsavory germs, and it is always a good idea to vacuum them at least once week to maintain a clean living space. Some homeowners may choose to go a step further and have their carpets cleaned professionally on a regular basis.
Maintaining a home with clean carpeting involves so many choices and advertised prices, it’s important to find a trustworthy carpet-cleaning service to work with. Before you get started, the Better Business Bureau of Houston and South Texas offers the following tips so you don’t get pressured into purchasing services you do not want or need:
Check references. Family, friends and neighbors are good sources for references. Ask who they use and who they would recommend. A reputable cleaning professional should have a list of satisfied clients or businesses who use their services.
Review the warranty. If your carpet is new, read the warranty and find out if any special cleaning methods are recommended by the manufacturer. Some carpets must be professionally cleaned on a regular basis to maintain their warranty.
Get estimates and don’t select a business just because they claim to offer the low
est price. You should obtain estimates from at least three companies, but you shouldn’t base your choice solely on who’s offering the best price. While no one wants to be overcharged, extremely low prices should set off warning signals. Companies that advertise very low prices may be practicing what is called “bait-and-switch” advertising. Once the workers arrive in your home, they quickly suggest a more expensive treatment for the cleaning.
Find out what you get for your money. Just as pricing can differ from company to company, so can the services included in the price and what the company considers “extras.” Ask for a copy of the contract and read it carefully. Understand all terms, such as room size limitation, and costs of the work. Be sure to get everything in writing before any work begins. This includes warranties
and guarantees.
Ask for information about
insurance. Texas doesn’t require carpet-cleaning companies to be licensed, but you should ensure that the company is insured and bonded. Ask for proof. Also, inquire about the company’s employees. After all, these are the people who will be coming to your home. Find out if the company uses its own employees or do they subcontract the job to other companies? Who is responsible if the crew damages the carpet or other items in your home?
Request additional information about the company’s cleaning methods. Whether it is dry foam, powder or shampoo, all cleaning products have a pH factor that is generally measured on a scale of one to 14. The cleaner’s pH factor should be higher than 7, but anything over 10 may affect delicate colors. Before beginning any work, ask the company to test the cleaning method on an unseen section of carpet. Once cleaning is complete, find out what care is required. How long will it take to dry? What kind of ventilation is needed?
Check with the BBB. Take a little time to do some research at BBBHouston.org to learn more about the business. You’ll find that professional maintenance by the right company will not only improve the appearance and feel of your home, it also will help extend the life of your carpet and save you money in the long run.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For more information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which also includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or give us a call at 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails