- What are those ugly black lines around the baseboards and under doorways?
- How safe are your cleaning and protection methods?
- Do you guarantee your work?
- Is your staff bonded and insured?
- What process do you use to clean carpet?
- How long does the carpet take to dry?
- I've heard it's best to put off having your carpet cleaned as long as possible, is this true?
- Can you get the pet odor out of my carpet?
- What does it mean to "clean to the standards?"
If you have light colored carpet, you may have experienced these dark lines that appear on the carpet. This soiling is called filtration soiling because it comes from air passing through the carpet as it is attempting to get through the crack between the carpet and the baseboard or under a closed door. As the air passes through the edge of the carpet pile, this microscopic soiling is deposited there (hence the term filtration soiling). This occurs over a significant period of time and is not noticed until a build up has occurred.
This type of soiling is difficult to remove because the soil particles are so fine that they penetrate deep into the carpet pile, sometimes into the backing of the carpet. Can it be removed? Sometimes. With special products, time and effort, reasonable results can sometimes be achieved. To help prevent filtration soiling, vacuum and wipe the edges of the carpeting on a regular basis. Be careful around the tackstrip on the edge of the carpeting, it could nick your fingers!
For a printable version, including pictures of this article, click here.
2) How safe are your cleaning and protection methods?
We use only the safest, most effective technology to assure not only your satisfaction, but your safety as well. We do not use any harsh chemicals, just pure, high-pressure steam.
3) Do you guarantee your work?
We offer 100% money-back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied, we will return at no charge to satisfy you. If you are still unsatisfied, we will honor our 200% guarantee.
The only reason we can make such an offer is because we believe in our service. Our equipment is unique, and our processes are unsurpassed. Additionally, we select only the type of personnel you yourself would invite into your home or business, and train them to be experts in their field. so relax; we gladly accept responsibility for your furnishings when we are your guest.
Our priority is to serve you well ALWAYS!
4) Is your staff bonded and insured?
Because your safety and confidence mean so much, we bond and insure our staff.
5) What Process do you use to clean carpet?
Chem-Dry of Richmond offers 2 methods of cleaning. We always use The Natural™ to safely and effectively emulisfy the soils and stains. Our preferred method is Hot Carbonating Extraction. This is a major improvement on our original cleaning and also "steam" cleaning. It gives us all the cleaning power of 230 degree cleaning solution and the safety of cleaning with the Natural and carbonation. Both methods are dry in 1-2 hours. For a list of manufacturers and their cleaning recommendations, visit our Manufacturer's Recommendations and Spotting Tips.
6) How long does the carpet take to dry?
It is always our goal to have the carpets dry in 1-2 Hours! You need to have the air flow on in the home and ceiling fans on where possible.
7) I've heard it's best to put off having your carpet cleaned as long as possible, is this true?
No. In fact, many of the major carpet mills today recommend professional cleaning at least once per year. The build up of soil in your carpet in combination with foot traffic creates abrasion that breaks down your carpet's fibers. The higher the traffic in a given area, the more often the carpet will need cleaning.
8) Can you get the pet odor out of my carpet?
YES! We are the cheapest, most effective way to eliminate urine odor with a Guarantee. Pet urine is a complex issue. It does get into the pad and into the subfloor. Carpet cleaninng alone cannot remove the odor. Chem-Dry® has a patented product P.U.R.T.® to eliminate urine odor. We are actually the Number 1 franchise in the country for sucessful pet odor removal.
See our Pet Odor page for more information.
9) What does it mean to "clean to the standards?"
In 1992, representatives from the carpet manufacturing industry, the carpet cleaning industry, and the federal government all agreed upon a common set of standards for the carpet cleaning industry. These standards are now referred to as the CRI standards. Chem-Dry® of Richmond offers all of these methods and can select the process that's right for your needs.
It was agreed that each of these cleaning processes should include these common steps:
- Pre-Vacuum
- Pre-treat spots, stains and heavily soiled areas
- Hot Water Extraction
- A thorough rinse
- Furniture Moving
- Complete Drying within 24 hours
Cleaning your carpet in accordance to these industry standards will help assure that you'll get a quality cleaning job.
The Chem-Dry® of Richmond "12-step cleaning service" exceeds these specifications. In addition to these steps The Chem-Dry® of Richmond Team has powerful truck-mounted equipment combined with our exclusive "Quick-Dry" process which reduces drying time to only a few hours.
For answers to additional questions you may have, we encourage you to visit The Carpet and Rug Institue website at www.carpet-rug.org.
