ServiceMaster of El Dorado

What can I do to keep my carpet clean?

Carpet is generally made of artificial (Nylon, Polypropylene, Polyester, Acrylic, etc) and natural (wool, silk etc.) materials.  Since carpet is made of woven materials similar to clothing, it requires periodic and thorough cleaning.  Similar to not cleaning ones clothing develops soiling, staining and odor, carpets have the same effects and will need thorough cleaning regularly.

Keeping the soil off of your carpet is the best way to maintain the “new carpet look”.  One of the most economical ways to keep your carpet clean is to keep it from getting dirty by using walk-off mats.  Walk off mats are rarely utilized properly by homeowners.

Walk off mats must be cleaned regularly to ensure they do not become a new source of soil that gets trapped.  Walk off mats should be large enough for the individual entering the home to wipe both feet as they walk in.  Walk off mats are available at most home improvement stores.

Vacuum regularly.  There is not a step more important.  Depending on the traffic on the carpets, a new carpet’s appearance can be maintained by a thorough vacuuming as frequently as daily in the high traffic areas and at least once a week for the rest of the areas.  It is estimated that 75% of carpet soil is dry particulate, vacuuming more often prevents soil from embedding into the carpet fibers.

        A few tips about vacuum cleaners:

• Replace the bag once it is ¾ full.
• An agitator bar is good when it is used to the manufacturers recommendations.
  • A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Air Filter will prevent the redistribution of soil that is vacuumed.

Clean spots when they occur.  Almost all carpets manufactured today have some sort of stain resistance built into the fabric.  Removing a spot that is fresh is generally easier than attempting to remove it later.  Remove the soil or dirt by scraping and vacuuming.  If it is a spill, dab with a dry absorbent towel.  Add only a little water (if necessary, based on need) and absorb with a dry clean towel.  All liquid should be blotted, rubbing is not a good idea and will generally spread the spot and may damage the fabric.

Use spotting products sparely and only when above procedure fails.  Only use products that are made for spotting purposes.  Bleach will damage the fabric.  Consult the cleaning procedures recommended by the carpet manufacturer of your carpet.  Use of unapproved products may also void your warranty and damage your carpet.

What is professional carpet cleaning?

Professional carpet cleaning is the process of cleaning the carpets in your home by the recommended standards (among others) of the carpet manufacturers, the carpet and rug institute and The Clean Trust [formerly the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification]) with professional equipment by trained and certified technicians.

Why should you have your carpets professionally cleaned?

• Most carpet manufacturers require it.  With the purchase of new carpet and professional installation, most manufacturers recommend that carpets be professionally cleaned to recommended standards every twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months for your warranty to be in effect.
• Professional carpet cleaning helps maintain the new carpet look.  Similar to laundering clothes, the process freshens the fabric and “brings it back to life”.
• Carpet cleaning professionals are able to extract more soiling than regular vacuuming would by itself.
• Spots are generally better removed by professionals compared to what home-owners may or may not be able because of their training and certifications.
• A timely and frequent cleaning process ensures that soils do not penetrate into the backing of the carpet and thus cause further damage to the construction of the carpet.
• Often home-owners use detergents when picking up day-to-day soils, professional cleaning will extract these before they buildup.
• You will love the way your carpet will look and feel once it is professionally cleaned.

What should you expect from ServiceMaster by Best professional carpet cleaning?

• Trained, knowledgeable and courteous professional technicians servicing you.
  • Excellent service for a fair price, no high pressure sales and up front estimates.  Please confirm price with technician before your job commences.
  • Being serviced by someone who has been in business in the local market since 2003 and part of an American cleaning tradition that is over 60 years old.
  • A thorough walkthrough with you and an inspection of the carpets in your home before cleaning begins.
• A thorough cleaning of the carpets in your home.

Result: Your carpet should be free of most soil, it should feel soft and have a “combed”, even look.  Your furniture should be protected and put back in place.  Your home or the rooms cleaned should have a fresher smell.

• A walk through to identify any areas that may need to be brought to your attention or the stains or discoloration that cannot be removed.

How does ServiceMaster by Best professionally clean carpets?

There are many professional carpet cleaning methods, among them are:

• Dry Foam Shampoo
• Absorbent Pad
• Absorbent Compound
• Maintenance Extraction
• Hot Water Extraction (also known as steam cleaning by the non-professionals)

For most residential clients, we recommend for their annual professional carpet cleaning, the “Hot Water Extraction” method.  We provide all other services as well to meet your needs.  Contrary to common misconceptions, this is one of the most thorough cleaning methods.

• We inspect your carpet to determine the best method and to see if there are any trouble areas that need a little extra attention
• Pre-treat spots and stains, agitating them gently to assist extraction
• Pre-apply cleaning solutions that suit your cleaning needs
• Rinse your carpet with clean hot water and extract
• If needed, post-treat soiling, re-rinse and extract
• Apply fabric protector (if purchased separately [cost extra])
• Groom carpet for drying and create a combed uniform appearance
• Protect furniture as needed
• Finally, inspect for your complete satisfaction

How long will it take for us to clean your carpet and how long will it take to dry?

• In order for us to perform the above mentioned services to your satisfaction using the Hot Water Extraction method, it takes us little over an hour to do an average job.  This is also dependant on the soiling in your carpet and services purchased.  Carpet cleaning of a smaller area takes less than a larger area and thus each job is slightly different.  Please ask the time frame when scheduling your carpet cleaning.
• Carpets are generally dry in about 4 hours.  This is dependent on environmental conditions of humidity and temperature.  Proper air flow with the assistance of fans can speed up the drying process significantly.  We also provide forced drying services at additional charges.  If you are in need to quick dry, please let our courteous staff know of your specific needs so we can accommodate them.

How much does it cost?

Due to changing market conditions and current condition of your carpet, please call the office at (316) 573-4888 to get a quote and schedule your appointment.  You may also complete the Quick Contact on the right side and we will get back to you at your convenience.  Please also let us know your special needs so we can accommodate them.  While having your carpets cleaned, consider having your upholstery cleaned as well.

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Area Rug Cleaning

Area rugs have been used in homes for centuries.  Rugs are manufactured internationally with various fibers and backings.  American carpet manufacturers have been making rugs with and without patterns also.  Fibers have ranged from natural fibers such as wool and silk to manmade or artificial fibers of Nylon, Polypropylene, Polyester, Acrylic, etc.  Artificial fibers used in rugs make them easier to clean and there is less opportunity of color bleeding or shrinking which can easily occur in natural fibers like wool or silk.  Often rugs that are of oriental origin or from the mid-east are more likely to be made of natural fibers.  Excellent quality wool rugs also originate from countries that have high wool production such as New Zealand.

What can I do keep my rugs clean?  Tips on rug cleaning

Similar to carpet, the best way to keep rugs clean is to keep them from getting soiled.  Walking on rugs without shoes (bare feet or with socks only) can significantly keep soiling off.  In many countries where it is a custom to remove shoes at the door, certainly assists in keeping the rugs clean.

A periodic vacuum is one option in cleaning that is very effective.  When vacuuming, be careful to not have the rug “sucked in” to the beater bar.  This may damage the rug in a few seconds.  It may help to have another person stand on the edges to help in this process.  If possible, vacuum both sides.

Clean up accidental spills by blotting or dabbing with a clean color-fast cloth (preferably white to be able to see the soil transfer and notice color bleeding if it occurs).  If possible avoid using cleaning chemicals, use of water to remove the soiling is the best solution.  Avoid increasing the area of the spill by using as little water as possible.  When using water, if the rug is made of natural fibers (wool or silk, etc) test clean a corner or an area that is not easily visible should there be a color bleed.

A method that is not common in the United States that is found in many nations is to suspend rugs so they hang.  Then they are beaten with a rod or stick till all the dust comes off.  This may or may not be the best solution for rugs that are American made.

As in all products, please refer to the label or the manufacturer requirements for cleaning and follow their tips.

Why should you have your rugs professionally cleaned?

Most area rugs can be cleaned by most homeowners.  Should the need arise due to significant soiling that will not come out with water based cleaning (as mentioned above), professional cleaning may be necessary.  Stubborn pet odor or urine/fecal soiling may require professional cleaning.

How does ServiceMaster by Best professionally clean area rugs?

First and foremost, we attempt to clean using the standard procedures based on the manufacturer’s requirements.  If they are not available, we perform a fiber test to see if the fabric is man-made or natural fiber.  Once the fabric is determined, we perform a color-fast test to identify color bleeding.

• Vacuum the rug thoroughly front and back to remove all loose soil
• Pre-treat spots agitating them gently to assist extraction
• Pre-apply cleaning solutions that suit the cleaning needs of the fabric
• Rinse your rugs with clean temperature controlled water (based on need) and extract
• If needed, post-treat soiling, re-rinse and extract
• Groom the rug for drying and create a combed uniform appearance
• Dry it based on the needs of the fiber
• Finally, inspect for your complete satisfaction

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Upholstery (Chair, Couch, Sofa, Mattress, etc) Cleaning

Upholstery fabric at home or the office is heavily used and often will show dirt and soil easily, especially if it is a light color.  Whether it is micro-fiber or silk to leather, regular maintenance cleaning will prolong the life and appearance of the furniture.  To maintain its aesthetic appearance, regular maintenance cleaning and occasional professional cleaning is recommended by the manufactures and cleaning industry associates.

What can I do to keep my upholstery clean?

To keep it from soiling, adequate protection is necessary.  For mattresses, a water proof mattress pad keeps from soil penetrating the fabric of the mattress.  Most mattress warranties are void or depreciated once they are soiled or stained.  With chairs, couches and sofas; a throw over it can help in preventing from deep soiling.  Dining chairs that have a seat cover are easier to wash in the laundry and can be replaced if necessary, keeping the upholstery on them clean.  Protecting the chairs that young children use is an excellent idea in keeping them from soiling.

Regular vacuuming of couches, sofas and over-stuffed chairs is an excellent way to keep up the maintenance.  Some vacuum cleaners have attachments to facilitate that.  If your vacuum cleaner does not have specific attachments and the suction hose can be removed, use a soft to medium bristle brush to agitate and vacuum the dust and soil on a weekly basis.

Spills need to be absorbed with high absorbent towels quickly before they penetrate too deep.  Use fresh filtered water to avoid bleaching that can happen due to the chlorine in the water when using water to clean spill.  Use very mild detergents sparingly and only when necessary.

Leathers can be maintained by cleaning with a leather cleaner and then applying a leather conditioner on a periodic basis.  Before using any agent or conditioner, always refer to the leather manufacturer’s recommendations.

Why should you have your upholstery professionally cleaned?

• Most upholstery manufacturers require you to do it.  With the purchase of a new piece of furniture, ask about the cleaning requirements for your warranty to stay intact.  Most manufacturers recommend that fabric be professionally cleaned to recommended standards every twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months for your warranty to be in effect.
• Professional upholstery cleaning helps maintain the new upholstery look.  Similar to laundering clothes, the process freshens the fabric and “brings it back to life”.
• Upholstery cleaning professionals are able to extract more soiling than regular vacuuming would by itself.
• Spots are generally better removed by professionals compared to what home-owners may or may not be able because of their processes and training.
• A timely and frequent cleaning process ensures that soils do not penetrate deep into the furniture thus preventing further damage.
• Often home-owners use detergents when picking up day-to-day soils, professional cleaning will extract these before they buildup.
• You will love the way your furniture will look and feel once it is professionally cleaned.

How does ServiceMaster by Best professionally clean upholstery?

There are many professional upholstery cleaning methods and they are dependent on the fabric or leather that it is made of.  For the basic fabric, below are the basic steps; however they are customized to accommodate the specific fabric that we will clean:

• We inspect your furniture and determine the best method and to see if there are any trouble areas that need a little extra attention
• Pre-treat spots and stains, agitating them gently
• Pre-apply cleaning solutions that suit your cleaning needs
• Rinse the fabric with clean hot water and extract
• If needed, post-treat soiling, re-rinse and extract
• Groom for drying and create a combed uniform appearance, wipe down the wood if necessary
• Protect furniture as needed
• Finally, inspect for your complete satisfaction

How long will it take for us to clean your piece of furniture and how long will it take to dry?

• This is completely dependent on the soiling, the materials and size of your furniture.  Upholstery cleaning of smaller items take less than a larger and thus each job is slightly different.
• Furniture is generally dry within a few minutes up to 4 hours.  This is dependent on environmental conditions of humidity and temperature.  Proper air flow with the assistance of fans can speed up the drying process significantly if wet and extraction services are performed.  We also provide forced drying services at additional charges.  If you are in need to quick dry, please let our courteous staff know of your specific needs so we can accommodate them.
• While having your upholstery cleaned, consider having the technician clean your carpets as well.