Carpet Cleaning in Athens

Does it mean anything?

Would you be surprised to learn that most carpet cleaning companies have no formal training? Some are not companies at all - only one person with a van, cleaning equipment and call themselves a company? That they are not required to be licensed? That there are no requirements to have any certification whatsoever?

Is training and certification important? After all, isn’t carpet cleaning a “menial task” that anyone can perform?

Actually, a carpet cleaning professional is working with one of your most valuable assets. Should it be trusted with just anyone? Unfortunately, our industry is full of “rogues” that only care about how much money they can get from you, and nothing about the life of your carpeting. They do not care about the industry in which they work.

Have you ever noticed that in many states, air conditioning companies, plumbers and pest control companies are required to be licensed? Not so for carpet cleaners. Unfortunately for you, and for me, there are many fine people in the carpet cleaning industry that realize that the standard must be raised. Those of us in that process help to police our industry. In order to do this, associations and certification organizations were created.

One such organization is called the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). This organization provides certification courses and exams for the carpet cleaning industry. By attending these courses, carpet cleaners are taught about fiber identification, carpet construction, cleaning chemistry, cleaning methods and professionalism. There are several levels of certification. Certified technician, Journeyman technician and Master Cleaning technician.

So, the question remains - “Does it mean anything?”  Yes, Yes, Yes! It means alot! It means that the certified firm is on the cutting edge of technology and change in our industry. It means that a certified firm knows the right way to apply cleaning procedures and chemistry. It means that the certified firm is working together with other certified firms to raise the standard of carpet cleaning, in general, therefore providing you with a higher quality product.

Considering having your carpets cleaned? Curious as to if the company that is coming to your home is a certified firm? You can check for yourself at www.iicrc.org

“Have you ever tried cleaning a spot on your carpet or rug only to make it worse?”

Using the wrong product or the wrong technique can actually damage your carpet or rug. Follow these simple instructions for best results. Please keep in mind that some spots require professional care.

STEP 1: Cover spill with WHITE napkin or paper towels.  DO NOT use colored paper! It might transfer onto the carpet. Be sure to use a THICK stack to absorb as much of the spot as possible

STEP 2: Blot by stepping on stack of towels.

REPEAT THIS PROCESS UNTIL NO TRANSFER TAKES PLACE. DO NOT RUB!!!

STEP 3: Apply Spotting Agent. Warning: Do not use “over the counter” spot removers! They can leave a sticky residue that attracts soil and may discolor your textiles. Instead, call us to find out what spotters are recommended.

STEP 4: REPEAT Steps 1 and 2. If the spot does not come out, do NOT attempt any further action, as you may set the spot and or damage your textiles. Instead, give us a call 706-769-1444

Do not over-wet the spot. Keep blotting until dry to the touch. You may then repeat all steps.

3 STEP CLEANING PLAN:

STEP 1.     VACUUM FREQUENTLY

STEP 2.     CLEAN MOST FREQUENTLY USED AREAS MORE OFTEN

STEP 3.     PERIODIC PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

         Periodic professional cleaning of the overall carpet is recommended. The frequency of overall cleaning may vary depending on the level and type of traffic and the conditions to which your carpet is exposed. This may range from as little as 6 months to 24 months between cleanings. Please note that a  claim canot be filed on a carpet over two years old without proof of professional cleaning. If  the carpet has not been cleaned within 24 months, your warranty will be voided. Please refer to the applicable warranty for more detail.

We support industry standard procedures for cleaning stain resistant carpet. The only method we recommend is hot water extraction (often referred to as steam cleaning although no steam is actually generated) utlilizing cleaning products which are non-cationic and have a pH less than 10. Carpet cleaning equipment and products used as spotters, pre-sprays, and in-tank solutions must have certification through the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval Program.

Warning: Non-approved cleaning products and topical treatments, applied by you or by a professional carpet cleaner, will void your warranty.

©2007 Shaw Industries Group, Inc.                             2007- Warranty