MISCONCEPTION #5: HAVING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT IS ALL A COMPANY NEEDS TO CLEAN YOUR CARPETS PROPERLY.
Not true. Many companies hire employees that don’t know how to use carpet cleaning equipment properly. This can result in an improper cleaning and even damage to your carpets and home furnishings. Many Seattle carpet cleaners are sued each year because of improper cleanings that resulted in damage. This is another reason why it’s important that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully.
The best Seattle carpet cleaning companies are those that have been certified by the INSTITUTE OF INSPECTION, CLEANING, AND RESTORATION CERTIFICATION, known as the IICRC. A carpet cleaning company cannot buy this certification. The carpet cleaner must EARN the certification through study, experience, and the successful completion of formal, written examinations. Technicians who are certified by the IICRC have, in effect, earned a degree in carpet and textile cleaning, and continuing education is a must to remain certified.
The IICRC provides written credentials to the companies it certifies. So, before you choose a reputable company, ask to see written proof of the company’s IICRC certifications.
MISCONCEPTION #6: THE COMPANY THAT OFFERS THE LOWEST PRICE IS THE COMPANY YOU SHOULD HIRE.
No. We’ve seen so many problems arise from the lowest-bid companies that I suggest you NEVER hire a company that quotes the cheapest price. The three most common problems are:
(1): The price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed. Before you select a company, decide what you want to accomplish. If you want the technician to remove only some of the dirt, you can choose from hundreds of companies that offer low prices, poor equipment and limited knowledge.
On the other hand, if you want your carpet thoroughly cleaned – if you want to remove the harmful dirt, bacteria, pollens and chemicals – then you need to hire a company that uses a thorough 5-step system. This is the only way to assure that your carpet remains healthy and free from dirt, disease-causing bacteria, and harmful chemicals.
So, remember, the price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed.
(2): An inexpensive cleaning may last only a few weeks, and leave harmful chemicals in the carpet.
Most cleaners in the carpet cleaning industry (especially the ones that don’t charge much) clean with soap and detergent-based cleaners, leaving a sticky residue in the carpet. The residue attracts soil like a magnet, and pretty soon it looks worse than before the cleaning! It’s great business for them, because you have to hire them to clean more often, but that’s not good for you or your carpet. It’s a bad cycle of which there is no way out except to use a system that can break down the residue, or to replace the carpet. And since carpet is the single most expensive replaceable item in your home, you might save a few cents per square foot with a cheaper cleaning process, but it can cost you thousands of dollars in the long-run.
(3): The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay!
Many homeowners have learned that the low price they saw advertised was not the amount they were charged.
BAIT AND SWITCH is the term used to identify those who use fraudulent advertising, just to get their foot in the door. You probably know someone who has learned the hard way. Some carpet cleaner offered a cheap price – usually between $3.95 and $9.95 per room – and then pressured them into paying a lot more. This amounts to breaking the law.
As in all businesses and professions, the carpet cleaning industry has its share of bad apples. I take no pleasure in telling you this, but some are unethical and, sadly, a few are dishonest. By their misleading advertising and false promises, they cast a dark shadow on our entire industry.
Then you’ll find other carpet cleaners who work hard to earn your trust and respect, and to provide you with the highest amount of value.
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