Avoiding Carpet Cleaning Scams - Part Three

<continued from part two >

Preconditioning - Special treatment with "preconditioning" agents in heavily-soiled entry and traffic areas should be included in the cost of cleaning. However, overall job cost may increase in extreme soiling situations. Consumers should be advised in advance of the need for such increased charges.

Minimal Drying Time - It is the cleaner's responsibility, with the consumer s cooperation, to ensure that the carpet is dried and returned to normal use within a reasonable time frame. The amount of time required for drying will vary with different methods, the degree of soiling and the aggressiveness of cleaning. However, under no circumstances should carpet drying require more than twenty-four (24) hours with proper ventilation, Again, the consumer's cooperation in providing continuous airflow and/or ventilation to expedite drying cannot be over- emphasized.

Thorough Cleaning - There should be no differentiation between "normal" cleaning and "special" cleaning. Clean is clean. Every effort must be made to physically remove as much soil as possible from carpet during cleaning. Further, technicians must take steps to leave fibers as residue free as possible to prevent accelerated re-soiling. When trying to save money by taking advantage of carpet cleaning specials, make sure the specials don't take advantage of you.