Avoiding Carpet Cleaning Scams

"2 Rooms Cleaned Free", "$5.95 Per Room Normal Cleaning", "Free Deodorizing", "Free Carpet Protector". Such carpet cleaning ads are seen every day by consumers, but is something really free? And, what is normal cleaning?

Too often unsuspecting consumers who are lured by specials find themselves victims of bait-and-switch advertising. They realize, often too late, that these advertised specials have conditions, either written in small print or not stated at all. They are often told that "preconditioning" costs extra or that the carpet is too soiled for normal cleaning at the advertised low price.

Knowing what to expect from a professional carpet cleaning job is difficult. Varying practices and services offered by cleaners just add to the  carpet cleaning confusion. What is included in the price? What will cost extra? What are the industry-accepted standard practices of a professional  carpet cleaner?

Having the answers to these questions and just knowing which questions to ask are essential in avoiding the scam artists when having your carpet professionally cleaned. Educating the consumer on what to expect, and demand, from a professional carpet cleaner and helping to expose unethical practices within the cleaning industry are major goals of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IlCRC). The IlCRC is a nonprofit certification body that sets and promotes high standards and technical proficiency within the cleaning industry. The IlCRC has developed a list of what consumers should expect from a professional carpet cleaning  job.

Cleaning Standard -The professional carpet cleaner will follow the guidelines as stated in IICRC SOOI-1991 Carpet Cleaning Standard.

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