Preparing for a Carpet Cleaner

What should you do to prepare for a carpet cleaner?

Getting your carpets cleaned freshens up the appeal of your home and lengthens the carpet's life span.

While part of the joy of hiring a professional includes having someone else do the dirty work, taking these pro-active steps can help make sure you get the cleanest carpet possible and the biggest bang for your buck.

Vacuum, if needed

Removing as much debris and dirt from the carpet fiber prior to a cleaning can help ensure your carpet cleaner focuses on the deep down soiled-in dirt. Some carpet cleaning services vacuum the carpet prior to beginning their work. Others rely on you, the homeowner, to do so. Ask your carpet cleaning professional whether or not you need to vacuum before they arrive.

Dust and clean baseboards and HVAC registers

While not dusting or cleaning your baseboards of HVAC registers prior to the carpet cleaner's arrival won't inhibit their job in any way, you should still complete these tasks. Clearing these areas of dirt and debris can help ensure the carpet doesn't become dirty quickly following a cleaning.

Remove fragile and valuable items

Porcelain knick-knacks, fine china, collectibles and any other potentially fragile or breakable items should be removed from the cleaning area and placed in a safe area.

While many carpet cleaning companies thoroughly screen and vet their employees, it's also a good idea to remove any items of value from rooms with carpeting you hire them to clean. Store your valuables behind a locked door or in your car's trunk.

Moving furniture is not necessary

Some carpet cleaners may offer a discount for focusing on high foot traffic areas or cleaning a room

that's empty. On the other hand, you may want to ensure your carpet is totally clean from wall to wall. Some companies charge a fee for moving furniture, and others won't move your furniture at all, so ask about furniture when making an appointment. Please make specific request if you would like furniture moved during a service with Old West Cleaning.

Remove smaller items from the floor

Floor lamps, waste baskets, toys and clothing or shoes should all be moved out of the area that requires cleaning. It's also a good idea to lift up and secure things like bedspreads, drapes or dust ruffles with a clothespin to prevent them from getting in the way of a carpet cleaner's tools.

Free up a parking spot

If your carpet cleaner uses truck-mounted equipment, they'll need to park their vehicle as close as possible to an entry door in order to run hoses for their cleaning equipment. Make sure your family's vehicles aren't obstructing their work.

Point out areas of concern

Showing a professional carpet cleaner the stains, spots or high traffic areas you're most concerned with will help make sure the carpet cleaner won't miss those areas during the cleaning process.

 Tips from Angieslist.com