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Rick Morejon, Sales, Glendale. "Carpet looks great!! We will definitely keep using your services!! You create miracles!"

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Do not call any carpet cleaning company

     Choosing a carpet cleaner isn't easy. Why? Because you are bombarded with misleading advertising, confusing claims and simply bad information.

     From super low prices and high pressure sales: to unqualified technicians and near worthless methods of carpet cleaning. How do you ever find a qualified, competent, professional carpet cleaner?

     You start by reading this CONSUMER INFORMATION GUIDE. In this fact filled web site, you will discover HOW TO AVOID FOUR CARPET CLEANING RIP OFFS. SIX MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN CHOOSING A CARPET CLEANER. AND FOUR STEPS TO A FRESH , CLEAN, HEALTHY CARPET.

     I am sure you have seen these very clever phrases that have appeared in newspaper articles and televised consumer news programs warning you about carpet cleaning scams. The media has related horror stories of trusting consumers who have responded to low-price carpet cleaning specials only to become a victim of unethical carpet cleaners who refuse to honor the advertised price, intimidate consumers, and do poor quality work.

Bait-and-switch companies are everywhere and the carpet cleaning industry is no exception. This does not mean, though, that all carpet cleaners are con-artists. But, how can you identify who is and who is not a con-artist? One of the leaders in the campaign to stomp out unethical carpet cleaners is the IICRC.

When trying to save money by taking advantage of carpet cleaning specials, make sure the “specials” don’t take advantage of you.

Remember that “Price is what you pay.” “Value is what you receive.” My business mission statement is to turn every new client into a long term relationship by exceeding your expectations with “The Most Thorough Cleaning Ever or it’s FREE” guarantee.

HOW TO AVOID FOUR CARPET CLEANING RIP-OFFS!

RIP-OFF #1: UNBELIEVABLE LOW PRICE. To some degree, all of us are attracted by low price because we want to work within a budget. But some carpet cleaners use price as the bait for their false and misleading advertising. Once they’re in your home, the technician pressures you into buying “Add-Ons.” It’s as if you were buying a car and found out that the dealer was charging you extra for the steering wheel.

RIP-OFF #2: BAIT AND SWITCH. Pre-treating carpet is the process of applying a cleaning solution to your carpet prior to cleaning. Unfortunately, unethical carpet cleaners often use pre-treating as a bait and switch technique. Here’s how it’s done: First, they “BAIT” you with a basic cleaning (without pre-treating) at an unbelievably low price. Then when you call they try to “SWITCH” or convince you that pre-treatment is not included in the actual price.

RIP-OFF #3: UNSUPPORTED CLAIMS. “THIS CLEANING METHOD IS THE BEST.” You will read this in almost every carpet cleaning advertisement. REMEMBER THIS: The method that’s best for you is the method that achieves your carpet cleaning goals. If you want a method that dries quickly, then a method that may take longer to dry isn’t the best for you. If your carpet is extremely soiled you may need to have rotary jet extraction, the most effective cleaning method available. So, BEFORE you choose a carpet cleaner and method, identify YOUR objectives. Then select the method that best reaches those objectives.

RIP-OFF #4: OUTDATED BELIEFS. “HOT WATER DAMAGES YOUR CARPET.” Years ago, many people believed this was true because their carpets were damaged by ‘technicians’ who didn’t know how to properly clean using hot water. But today, we know hot water extraction DOES NOT DAMAGE YOUR CARPET OR CARPET PAD! By pre-treating and then rinsing your carpet with hot water extraction, your carpet is thoroughly cleaned in the same way that a person who showers and then rinses off the dirt and soap will be much cleaner than the person who takes only a sponge bath.

There are many methods to clean carpet. Some of the methods are hot water extraction, bonnet, dry foam and dry absorbent powder. Obviously, each method does have advantages and disadvantages. So I suggest you look to what a carpet manufacturer says. Shaw Industries, the largest carpet manufacturer in the world, recommends only hot water extraction cleaning with a truck mounted unit used by technicians and firms that are Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification certified. This is also called IICRC.

5 COSTLY CARPET CLEANING MISCONCEPTIONS

MISCONCEPTION #1: You should wait as long as possible before cleaning your carpet.

NO. Dirt is abrasive-like sandpaper. Every time you step on your carpet, you grind dirt into the carpet fibers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you had used a knife. This cutting causes your carpet to wear out faster. A DIRTY CARPET WILL NOT LAST AS LONG AS A CLEAN CARPET! And while vacuuming helps, it’s simply not enough.

MISCONCEPTION #2: The only reason to clean carpets is to remove the dirt.

NO. As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust and hundreds of other chemicals. When you come into your home you carry these pollutants on your hair, skin, clothing and shoes. Not surprisingly, all those chemicals and toxins end up in your carpet. If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema or other breathing problems one major source of your problem could be your carpet.

MISCONCEPTION #3: One method of carpet cleaning is as good as another.

NO. THE DRY CLEANING METHODS WHICH ARE DRY FOAM, DRY CHEMICALS, AND DRY COMPOUND DO NOT RINSE YOUR CARPET IN ANY WAY. Instead, they leave a dirty residue. THE MOST EFFECTIVE CLEANING METHOD IS HOT WATER EXTRACTION.

MISCONCEPTION #4: Having the correct equipment is all a company needs to clean your carpets properly.

NOT TRUE. Many companies own hot water extractors but very few companies teach their employees how to use them properly. This is why it’s important that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully. The best cleaning companies are those that have been certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, known as the IICRC. Before you choose a carpet cleaner, ask to see written proof of the company’s IICRC Certification. IF THEY ARE NOT IICRC CERTIFIED DO NOT USE THEM!

MISCONCEPTION #5: The company that offers the lowest price is the company you should hire.

Probably not. I’ve seen so many problems arise from lowest bid companies that I suggest you NEVER hire the company that quotes the cheapest price. The two most common problems are:

(1) The price may not be for the services you want performed. The company may be equipped to remove only the dirt from your carpet. But you may want bacteria, fungus, pollens, dust mites and tobacco residues removed as well.

(2) The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many home owners have learned that the low price they saw advertised lasted only until the carpet cleaner got to their home. Some carpet cleaners even break the law by using illegal bait and switch tactics.