Frequently Asked Questions

The carpet fiber type, along with the relative humidity in your home affect the drying time. In general, turning on your air conditioning or heating system (depending on the time of year) will help speed the process. You can walk on it as soon as we are finished (just remember to remove street shoes first) Generally, 4 – 6 hours to be dry. Some carpets may take longer due to the type of carpet and soil conditions.

No. In fact, many of the major carpet mills today recommend professional cleaning at least once per year. The build-up of soil in your carpet, in combination with foot traffic, creates abrasion that breaks down your carpet’s fibers. The higher the traffic in a given area, the more often the carpet will need cleaning.

If you have a light-colored carpet, you may have experienced these dark lines that appear on the carpet. This soiling is called filtration soiling because it comes from air passing through the carpet as it is attempting to get through the crack between the carpet and the baseboard or under a closed door. As the air passes through the edge of the carpet pile, this microscopic soiling is deposited there (hence the term filtration soiling). This occurs over a significant period of time and is not noticed until a build-up has occurred.

This type of soiling is difficult to remove because the soil particles are so fine that they penetrate deep into the carpet pile, sometimes into the backing of the carpet. Can it be removed? Sometimes. With special products, time and effort, reasonable results can sometimes be achieved. To help prevent filtration soiling, vacuum and wipe the edges of the carpeting on a regular basis. Be careful around the tack strip on the edge of the carpeting, and it could nick your fingers!

Super Kleen is experienced in all methods of cleaning and cleans according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most of the carpet cleaning provided is done with the “truck-mounted hot water extraction” method, also commonly called “steam cleaning.”

Stain protectant, Stain-guard, fiber, or fabric protectant helps avoid the penetration and absorption of soil, liquids or dirt into the fibers of your carpet, leaving the spot on the surface, which also means avoiding stains and making the carpet easier to clean.

No. We will move at no additional charge. We will move items like sofas, recliners, tables, and chairs. Dressers, beds, china cabinets, electronics, pianos, and such don’t usually need to be moved and should be kept in place. Breakables and knickknacks should be removed from the furniture that will be moved.

While there are many ways to clean and maintain carpet, Hot water extraction (“steam cleaning”) is the most thorough way to clean. This is the process that is required by most major carpet manufacturers.

Shaw’s choice: Hot water extraction

Research indicates that the hot water extraction system provides the best capability for cleaning. This system is commonly referred to as “steam cleaning,” although no steam is actually generated. The process consists of applying a cleaning agent into the carpet pile and using water in the extractor to recover the used solution and soil. This can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and wand brought inside or by a portable system brought into the home.

Mohawk carpet cleaning recommendations:

• Even with regular vacuuming, soil particles and oily dirt will cling to the carpet fibers. With foot traffic, these particles and oily dirt are driven deep into the carpet. We recommend professional hot water extraction every 12 to 18 months using cleaning products, equipment, or systems that carry the Carpet & Rug Institute Seal of Approval. Periodic cleaning using the hot water extraction method performed by a certified carpet care professional will refresh carpet appearance.

• The most used areas, such as entrances, doorways, traffic lanes, and in front of chairs, will collect dirt faster than other areas. Clean these areas as they begin to show soil. This will stop dirt from spreading and will extend the time between professional cleaning.