Anderson Carpet Cleaning
Faq
From Overdue to Just Like New!
Frequently asked questions
Prepare for Your Professional Carpet Cleaning in Seattle Metro or Greater Eastside:
Before the Carpet Cleaning Tech Arrives
Any recommendations before the technician arrives?
Preparing for Carpet Cleaning: Recommendations Before the Technician Arrives
When it comes to getting your carpets professionally cleaned, there are a few essential steps you can take to ensure a successful and efficient process. By preparing your home before the carpet cleaning technician arrives, you can help them deliver the best results possible. Here are some recommendations to consider:
1. Clear the Area
Prior to the technician’s arrival, make sure to remove any small furniture or items from the rooms that will be cleaned. Clearing the area will allow the technician to access all areas of the carpet without any obstacles. It will also help to protect your belongings from any potential damage during the cleaning process.
2. Vacuum Thoroughly
While professional carpet cleaning will effectively remove deep-seated dirt and stains, vacuuming your carpets beforehand can make a significant difference. Vacuuming helps to eliminate loose dirt, dust, and debris, making the cleaning process more efficient and allowing the technician to focus on deep cleaning rather than surface-level dirt.
3. Address Stains and Spots
If you notice any specific stains or spots on your carpet, it’s a good idea to try treating them before the technician arrives. However, it’s important to avoid using strong chemicals or DIY remedies that could potentially damage the carpet fibers. Instead, consider using a mild carpet stain remover or seek professional advice on how to handle specific stains.
4. Communicate Special Requirements
If you have any specific concerns or requirements related to your carpets, it’s important to communicate them to the carpet cleaning technician in advance. For instance, if you have delicate or antique rugs, high-traffic areas that require extra attention, or any allergies or sensitivities to cleaning agents, informing the technician beforehand will help them tailor their approach accordingly.
5. Secure Pets and Children
During the carpet cleaning process, it’s generally a good idea to keep pets and children in a separate area of your home. This not only ensures their safety but also allows the technician to work without any interruptions or distractions. Additionally, some cleaning agents may have strong odors or potential allergens, so keeping your loved ones in a different space can prevent any discomfort.
6. Be Prepared for Drying Time
After the carpets have been cleaned, they will require some time to dry. Depending on various factors like humidity, ventilation, and carpet thickness, this process can take a few hours to a full day. Therefore, it’s essential to plan accordingly and avoid stepping on the damp carpets to prevent any re-soiling or potential damage.
7. Ask Questions
Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask any questions or seek advice from the carpet cleaning technician. They are experts in their field and can provide valuable insight into carpet maintenance, stain prevention, and other related topics. Utilize their knowledge to gain a better understanding of how to care for your carpets and prolong their lifespan.
By following these recommendations, you can ensure a smooth and successful carpet cleaning experience. Preparing your home in advance and communicating your needs will help the technician provide the best possible results, leaving your carpets fresh, clean, and looking their best.
What are considered additional charges?
- Minimum charge – $199.00
- 2nd staircase – $149.00
- Disinfectant whole house – Depends on size of home
- Extra Deodorizer whole house – $40/area, four areas are more are $35/per area
- Scotch Guard – $40/area
- Emergency Same day Water Extraction – $250.00/area
- Pet stain removal – $49.00 per room, four areas are more are $35/per area
- Enzyme Neutralizer – $40/area, four areas are more are $35/per area
- Filtration Cleaning – $150.00 per hour
- Portable Unit – $149.00
- Spot removal – $35.00/area (not pet related)
- Rotovac – $75.00
About Our Appointments
How do you guarantee customer satisfaction?
We guarantee your satisfaction. If you are not completely satisfied with the service provided by Anderson Carpet Cleaning, INC, we will prioritize sending a technician back out to re-clean the area(s) of concern as soon as we can. Please report your dissatisfaction within three days of noticing an issue by calling us during normal business hours at (425) 427-1639 or emailing us at anderson@acc-clean.com.
If you are still not satisfied with the work completed after, please contact our office staff to determine if a refund or credit may be placed. Complaints filed more than 72 hours after the completion of cleaning fall outside the warranty period, and may not be covered. We work hard to ensure our technicians are careful and detail oriented. Anderson Carpet Cleaning, INC will not be held responsible for the repair or replacement of items broken or damaged due to pre-existing issues; including wear and tear, incorrect installation, assembly, or usage.
What if I want to cancel an appointment?
Any appointment cancelled without two hours’ notice is subject to a $60 late cancellation fee. If we arrive onsite and we are unable to access the premises, there will be a $99 non-refundable fee charged to the account. Our technicians have a 20 minute waiting window and will try to reach the customer by phone, text, and/or email. Office staff may also attempt to reach out. This fee is to cover the accrued expenses we incur for travel time, schedule damage, and cost of fuel.
How long will it take to clean my carpets?
Whole houses take about 2 to 3 hours. 3 areas take 1 to 1.5 hours. This is an average, and can be longer (or shorter) depending on each technician and the condition the carpets are in.
Is there a travel charge?
No. There is no travel charge. Travel is included in the service (unless you are outside our service area). However, our service area is quite extensive.
Do I need to leave my house while you are cleaning?
You can stay. You can leave. You can stay and then leave, or leave a key and show up later. We often go out the garage, hit the garage door button, and jump the laser beam. Just let us know what you want. You are not required to be there
Do you move furniture you are cleaning around?
At Anderson Carpet Cleaning, our technicians are important to us and we want to keep them safe. In order to do so, they do not use ladders or move anything heavier than 15 pounds. Exposing them to anything more than this may result in the technician’s safety being in danger. If the customer would like for us to clean behind heavy furniture, like couches, appliances, or bed frames, please have it moved prior to the scheduled appointment.
What time will you show up?
If the customer wishes to be onsite during the cleaning and/or inspection visit, please be advised that our arrival windows vary by 30 minutes. For example, the arrival window would be 8:00AM to 8:30AM. There are many things that can cause the schedule to change, such as cancellations, traffic etc. If we happen to be running late to the appointment, we will be contacting you as soon as possible with an updated estimated time of arrival.
Do the technicians take off their shoes?
- Exposed tack strips, which could cause puncture wounds
- Contaminants such as pet or rodent urine and feces
- Biohazards like blood, vomit, or saliva
- Sharp objects such as sewing needles, hypodermic needles, staples, thumbtacks, or fragments of broken glass
Do you confirm appointment with a phone call or email?
Absolutely! Shortly after your booking, you will receive an email confirmation. Please look it over to make sure all information was entered correctly. Then, the day before your appointment you will receive another email later afternoon just as a reminder. If there are any changes, please let us know then.
About the Carpet Cleaning Process
Can I have both my area rugs and the carpet that it sits on cleaned at the same time?
Yes. However, the area rug cannot dry over the wet carpet. After cleaning the area rug must be taken to another area that is dry and clean.
Why is the cleaning agent used by Anderson Carpet Cleaning Inc better for my carpet and upholstery?
It prevents re-soiling (dry residue keeps the carpet cleaner longer) and is 100% soap free and biodegradable, with no fillers. Our agent will not strip away the stain resistance of carpeting and is safe for wool or stain-resistant carpets. Additional features include:
pH Balanced (8.5) • Non-Toxic, Non-Corrosive, Non-Fouling • Non-Allergenic & Odorless • Color Safe Cleaner
Why clean my carpets when I've heard that cleaning makes it soil faster and shortens the life of the carpet?
Some cleaning agents cause re-soiling, some do not. We use a commercial cleaning agent specifically designed to prevent re-soiling. Some companies use cheaper cleaning agents or methods, which leave a dirt-attracting residue. Most dry cleaning methods and “encapsulation systems” are inferior, so their agents boost the cleaning agents to overcompensate. This can leave particles in your carpet that attract dirt.
Won't water ruin my carpet?
Modern carpet technology is basically water resistant, and the limited amount of water left in the carpet due to our high-powered suction leaves the carpets damp, causing no problem to the carpet.
My carpet is heavily soiled. Will there be an extra fee?
We take pride in providing the best work we can. Our technicians will work hard to remove spots and stains, however there is only so much that can be done if the carpet is heavily soiled. We offer a concentrated solution for spots and stains at an additional cost, but there is no guarantee that the area of concern will be fixed 100%.
Once the pet urine treatment is completed, will my pet keep marking that particular place?
The products we use to perform pet urine treatment contain a pet deterrent. However, each pet acts differently, so we cannot guarantee that your pet will stop marking that place we treated.
Can you apply a deodorizer to my carpet?
Yes. After we’ve steamed cleaned, we can back in with a special deodorizer that is heavily concentrated. We use our high pressure sprayer to apply then with a special rake, we get it deep into the carpet.
Do you offer carpet and upholstery protection?
Yes. We have available Dupont Teflon™, which is a carpet/fabric protector designed to keep your carpet or upholstery clean longer. This adds life and protects from wear. This service is an additional charge. We can provide you a quote over the phone or while we are already at your home.
Are all carpet and upholstery cleaning agents about the same?
Is there a significant difference between various carpet and upholstery cleaning agents?
No. Many common “off-the-shelf” cleaning agents have a high pH, which may negatively affect your carpet. If it’s too strong, it can take the color out and/or leave a residue resulting in re-soiling. Typically, you will want to rinse out any spot cleaner you apply to the carpet.
When it comes to cleaning carpets and upholstery, many people wonder if all cleaning agents are essentially the same. While it may be tempting to think that all cleaning products are interchangeable, the reality is that there can be significant differences between them. These differences can impact the effectiveness of the cleaning process, the safety of the materials being cleaned, and even the environmental impact of the product.
The Effectiveness of Cleaning Agents
Not all cleaning agents are created equal. Different products may contain varying ingredients and formulations, which can directly affect their cleaning power. Some cleaning agents may be specifically designed to tackle tough stains, while others may focus on removing odors or disinfecting surfaces. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a cleaning agent that aligns with your specific cleaning needs.
Moreover, the concentration of active ingredients can also vary among cleaning agents. While some products may require higher concentrations to effectively clean, others may achieve the same results with lower concentrations. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure optimal cleaning results.
Safety Considerations
Another aspect to consider when comparing cleaning agents is the safety of the materials being cleaned. Different fabrics and upholstery materials may have specific cleaning requirements or may be more sensitive to certain chemicals. Using the wrong cleaning agent can potentially damage or discolor the material, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Furthermore, some cleaning agents may contain harsh chemicals or toxins that can pose health risks, especially if not used properly. It is crucial to read the labels and understand the potential hazards associated with the cleaning agent before using it. Opting for environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning agents can help minimize any negative impact on human health and the environment.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of cleaning agents is a growing concern for many individuals. Certain cleaning agents may contain harmful ingredients that can contribute to pollution or have adverse effects on ecosystems. In contrast, eco-friendly cleaning agents are specifically formulated to minimize their environmental footprint.
By choosing environmentally friendly cleaning agents, you can help reduce air and water pollution, protect wildlife, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Look for products that are biodegradable, made from renewable resources, or certified by reputable eco-labels to ensure you are making an environmentally conscious choice.
Conclusion
While it may be tempting to assume that all carpet and upholstery cleaning agents are the same, this is not the case. The effectiveness, safety, and environmental impact of these products can vary significantly. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider your specific cleaning needs, the materials being cleaned, and the potential environmental consequences when selecting a cleaning agent. By making an informed choice, you can ensure a thorough and safe cleaning process while minimizing your impact on the environment.
Can you get all the spots out?
It depends on what they are. Most grayish/blackish stains will come out. Unfortunately, anything with a dye will pose a problem. There is no way to remove a dye spot from your carpet without affecting the original dye applied when the rug was manufactured. So, wood stain, food coloring from popsicles, hair dye, some markers, dyes in some candle wax, etc, often can’t be removed. There are a few people that specialize in spot dying carpets. This is a process where the spot is bleached out and a new dye is applied to match the existing color of the carpet. But, it’s very tricky and raises special new problems. An exact color match is never guaranteed, some dyes can’t even be bleached out, and the bleaching effort can affect the PH balance and leave an orange ring.
After the Carpet Cleaning is Completed
What should I do if the stains that were cleaned reappear?
Although most stains that are removed from carpets do not reappear, from time to time we run into situations where spots have reappeared after the cleaning. There are 2 reasons why this could happen. 1) Something in the pad or the floorboard (usually pet urine) has worked its way back up into the carpet. This is more common than you might think. The pad works like a huge sponge absorbing anything that penetrates it. There is a property of physics that allows the salts in urine to seek airflow, which means the urine finds its way back into the carpet even when the substance is seemingly dry. 2) The second reason spots reappear has to do with PH levels. Sometimes the PH balance gets shifted to one side or the other of the pH scale. This could be because spot cleaning efforts previously upset the pH balance before we arrived, or rarely, our agent reacted with some invisible thing already there. If your situation is a PH issue, we are happy to make a no-charge visit to correct the problem, which usually involves spraying a neutralizer on the spot and brushing with a carpet rake.
Why does the carpet under my area rug look different than the carpet surrounding it?
There is a phenomena that occurs beneath area rugs that lay on installed carpet. At least three factors contribute. 1) The fibers of installed carpets are typically glued to the backing. The glues offlays and this causes a shift in the PH balance of the carpet, which over the course of 4 or 5 months often develops a yellow tinge in the carpet beneath the area rug. When this happens, it is usually irreversible. 2) The light usually comes in the windows and dulls the carpet surrounding the area rug. When the area rug is pulled back, you then have a nice bright rectangle where the area rug was (95% of the time). 3) Dyes from area rugs are often unstable and bleed into the carpet underneath, especially along the edge of the area rug.
There are some areas in my carpet that have wrinkles. What can you do?
It’s common for carpets to loosen up over time. If you want them stretched down flat, please let us know and we can send someone out to provide an estimate. This process should be completed prior to the carpet cleaning.
There are black lines around the edges of my carpet. Are they permanent?
Those are called soil “filtration lines,” which are created by soot from your furnace, and in some cases, candles. Nearly every home has them to some degree. It’s possible to remove them, but it’s very time consuming. It requires taping the molding with painter’s tape, treating the edges with a cleaning solution, working it in, steaming out with a crevice tool attached to our equipment, and repeating the process as many as 6 or 7 times. A single home can easily take 8 hours just working on filtration. This is available at an additional charge and requires a separate appointment. This is not included as part of our whole house special because of the time involved. Typically, when customers want this done, they will arrange to have us work on the high impact areas a set amount of time, maybe 2 or 3 hours.
Can I walk on the carpet right after the cleaning has been done?
Yes. However, we recommend you avoid high traffic until the carpet is completely dry. A lot of traffic may prolong dry time. Use caution as wet feet may cause slipping and falling.
How long will it take for my carpets to dry?
Typically, it can take up to 24 hours. Airflow is what dries carpets. If it’s cold outside, turn the furnace on and fans if you have them. If it’s hot outside, open windows and let the air blow through. Avoid turning on fireplaces since fireplaces tend to create humidity rather than the converse.
Area Rug Cleaning Services
How often should I clean my area rugs?
It depends on the amount of traffic the rug gets. For rugs that get high traffic we recommend at least twice a year.
What kind of results should I expect?
Synthetic rugs clean much like carpet so you can expect very clean and refreshed rugs. Natural fibers are more absorbent so they are more easily stained.
Will "steam" cleaning damage my area rugs?
It will not damage synthetic area rugs, and some wool rugs. All synthetics are safe to steam clean and can be cleaned just like we would your carpet. Some wool rugs are safe to steam clean too as long as the heat is low, water pressure is low and safe chemicals are used. Other wool and natural fiber rugs like cotton and silk must be cleaned by hand using the foam method.
How long does it take the area rugs to dry?
It depends on what type of rug it is. Synthetic rugs will dry within a couple of hours. Natural fiber rugs like wool and cotton can take several hours.
Leather Cleaning
Can you clean the leather in my car?
Yes, we can clean the leather not only in your car, but your boat and RV too.
How often does Anderson Carpet Cleaning recommend leather cleaning?
We recommend a good cleaning every 6-12 months.
Why should I clean my leather furniture?
Like your skin, leather needs regular TLC, to retain its moisture and softness.
How does Anderson Carpet Cleaner clean leather?
We use professional products and conditioners that provide immediate relief to your leathers. By removing and applying a cleaner that removes damaging soils. This will keep your leathers looking and feeling great for a long time.
Tile Cleaning
What is color seal?
Color seal transforms the discolored grout back to its original color by providing a layer of uniform color to your grout lines, giving your floor a clean and fresh look. Along with improving the cosmetic appearance of your floor, color seal provides a protective waterproof barrier that guards grout from spills, dirt and debris.
What is clear seal?
Clear seal is that invisible layer of protection that penetrates into the pores of the grout. It is not waterproof. It will be the color that the grout is after cleaning.
How long do I need to stay off the floor once the tile has been cleaned and sealed?
To preserve the life of the sealant, we recommend 24 hours for the seal to dry completely. Please avoid bleach and other harsh chemical cleaners as these can wear away the sealant and cause it to break down prematurely.
Do you clean tile and grout without sealing it?
NO, we ALWAYS seal the tile we clean. Grout is a porous material that will absorb soil and spills, just like your carpet. Applying the sealant makes maintenance for you easier by giving you more time to clean up after a spill.
How long will it take to clean my tile?
Typically, for and average size room (entry, guest bath, laundry room) it takes 45-60 minutes. However, this can vary based on the size of the tile, amount of soil in grout lines, and room configuration. Then we seal the grout which adds time.
How long will it take to clean my tile?
Typically, for and average size room (entry, guest bath, laundry room) it takes 45-60 minutes. However, this can vary based on the size of the tile, amount of soil in grout lines, and room configuration. Then we seal the grout which adds time.
How often should my tile be cleaned?
There are many factors that go into this question….Foot traffic, children, pets, and routine floor care will affect how often your tile and grout needs to be cleaned.
How do you clean my tile?
Anderson Carpet Cleaning uses a high-pressure rotary tool with dual rotating jets. This along with the same truck-mount steam/pressure cleaning that we use to clean your carpets. As well, we use tile and grout-specific cleaners that strip away any waxy build-up and remove the dirt embedded in the grout lines.
Upholstery Cleaning
How long does furniture take to dry?
Typical dry time is 6-12 hours.
What about the manufacturer's protective coating?
Along with daily living and dry soils that can help deteriorate that original protective coating, our cleaning process can also remove some of that. We offer (for an additional charge) to reapply a coating for you.
How does Anderson Carpet Cleaning clean upholstery?
We use our powerful, hot water extraction on our truck mount. Just like the carpets, but with is a different tool. Some fabrics do require a more delicate hand in which case we turn the heat and amount of chemicals used down.
How often should I clean my upholstery?
Every 12-24 months according to the recommendations by the manufacturers, however, if it’s a high traffic piece we recommend every 9-12 months.