What is the best method for cleaning carpets?
All approved methods have a place, each with advantages and disadvantages. A company that offers only one method may not be knowledgeable about other methods, or may be limited by a franchise agreement to certain equipment or chemicals. No equipment was designed to ruin carpet. It's possible for untrained personnel to cause damage with any machine or cleaning agent. A trained technician may choose one or a combination of methods to achieve the best results.

How often should carpets be cleaned?
It depends on (1) the type of use the carpet receives, (2) the nature of the carpet fibers to attract soil, (3) the customer's tolerance of the carpet's appearance. Generally, when traffic lanes begin to show, the exposed areas of carpet need to be cleaned. Airborne soils, as well as tracked soils, need to be removed. Weekly vacuuming can help extend time between cleanings.

Will a carpet resoil quickly once it is cleaned the first time?
Quick carpet resoiling may be caused by excessive residue from improper cleaning methods. An older carpet will resoil more quickly than a newer carpet. The first cleaning should be performed when the carpet starts to appear soiled. It's better not to have damaging soil build-up. The use of efficient equipment and cleaning agents will leave the least amount of residue.

What is “bait & switch” pricing?
If It Sounds Too Good to be True . . . It Usually Is !!

There have been some TV documentaries disclosing certain carpet cleaning companies' advertising and pricing practices. Companies that use "bait & switch" tactics have been around in one form or another for many years, usually changing their identities after a short time.

"Bait & Switch" tactics usually start with a ridiculously low price to get in the customer's home, and then they claim that the service offered at that low, low price really won't clean the carpet because it's so dirty - but the higher price service will do the job. Hence, the "bait" with the low price, and the "switch" to the higher price. The problem is when the cleaner refuses to do the work at the advertised price.

Although not illegal, most reputable companies believe that cleaning carpet cannot be priced "by the room" without a visual inspection any more than carpet can be purchased "by the room." On-site inspections and written quotes for carpet and upholstery cleaning do not generate quick sales over the phone, but consumers get the best opportunity to determine the credibility of someone who will be entrusted with the care of one of the most expensive home furnishings.

Expect a reputable cleaning company to give you a written quote before the carpet or upholstery cleaning job.

What should I do when my home or office is flooded?
DO...

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil, china saucers or unstained wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn on air conditioning for maximum drying in summer; open windows to speed drying in winter.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying (do not force).
• Remove oil paintings and art objects to a safe place.
• Open suitcases and luggage to dry in sunlight.
• Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water (with pans underneath).
   

What should NOT be done when my premises are flooded?
DO NOT...

• Use household vacuum to remove water.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet floors.
• Please do not touch, move, turn-off or disturb the equipment which is left to dry the building and contents.
• Leave books, magazines or colored items on wet carpets or floors.

What should happen when my home or office is flooded?
As an industry standard, all flood water must be surface extracted and removed from all wet contents and building materials. Fresh water left beyond 24 hours is subject to unwanted fungi, and when necessary, processed with structural drying. This often involves removal and disposal of damaged pad and carpet, while attempting to salvage most carpeting. Wet floors are extracted, air-dried and dehumidified in an attempt to salvage costly building materials. Drywall may dry with or without drying equipment, but in some instances fungi are known to live inside wet drywall, studs, insulation and other wet building materials. Equipment is available to dry wall interiors, which may prevent the need to open wet wall cavities to clean, sanitize and/or replace damaged building materials.

What are the health considerations in a flood damage?

If you have allergies, are pregnant, under 6 or over 60 years of age, on immunosuppressive medication, have an infection, recently had an operation, or someone in the building has a debilitating disease, these persons should stay out of flooded areas while the building is in the drying phase.

What are the safety considerations in a flood damage?
Industrial hygienists and legal consultants advise that water restoration companies must inform the customer that wet floors, vacuums, electrical circuits, gas appliances, building heating/AC and wet household items may be dangerous to touch, turn-on or use until they are inspected by your electrical-plumbing contractor.

What if my flood is caused by just clean water from water pipes?
The certified water damage technician will advise what services are suggested and/or mandated in the containment of fresh-water flooding in buildings.

What if my flood is caused by “grey water” or “black water”?
Grey water is any tainted water which may harbor harmful bacteria, fungi, yeasts and parasites; for example: toilet bowl overflows not having sewage solids or black water. Other grey water flooding may include broken fish tanks, water beds, stagnant water and non-potable water, water in dirty carpets or buildings, and water from an outside source

Black water or Sewage water is any contaminated water that harbors harmful disease-causing bacteria, health-compromising organisms, toxins, and other agents which are known to be disease causing and potentially pathogenic to humans; for example: a main-line sewer system overflow in and under buildings, and toilet bowls with sewage effluent solids.

A competent water restoration company will have as part of its company standards a mandated injury/illness prevention program, while following suggested Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) flooding and containment guidelines, state and local health and safety regulations, and local building codes, as well as standards set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRCC). All contaminants are taken seriously which are known to cause harm to the health of cleanup workers, occupants and the public. Stay out of all contaminated areas of the building.

All items should be evaluated for cleaning and sanitation, repair or replacement; for example: contaminated children's soft toys, slippers, personal hygiene and sanitary items should be discarded. Most wood furniture and other hard items can be sanitized.

What are my obligations for mitigation?
Mitigation is a requirement of most insurance policies for policyholders to take steps to minimize damage to their damaged properties even when it is not convenient to contact the insurance company first.

Who should I call when my premises are flooded?
Trained and certified technicians can address concerns about procedures necessary to minimize damage, and which building materials are salvageable, compared to building materials requiring repair or replacement. A reputable, certified and experienced water restoration should be consulted as soon as possible.

Can I get a price estimate before work begins?
Most damages caused by fire or water cannot be accurately determined until the property is dry and the damage has been stopped. Hidden damages may be discovered after the obvious damage is removed. Until the property is stabilized, a firm price is usually not possible.

A written detailed "damage survey" may be generated after research, but because of the time involved, a charge can be expected for this service. This charge is usually deducted from the job when the job is complete.

Should I get bids on restoration work?
Most insurance companies mandate emergency action be taken to stop the damage. Restoration steps are then coordinated with the insurance adjuster. The insured is entitled to competent, quality work at a fair (not cheapest) price.

How do I know the price is fair?
Most pricing today is generated from sophisticated computer programs with adjustments for regional differences. Choose your restoration company considering length of time in business, knowledge, certification, and competence. There are known cases of "bait & switch" tactics on emergency services, too. An ethical company will not risk its reputation on inflated pricing.

How do you know when the property is really dry?
State-of-the-art technology is employed to eliminate guesswork. Click here for further information.

What happens if the flood cleanup is handled improperly?
When potential pathogenic agents are not contained, removed and disposed of properly, a contractor may be liable for leaving buildings in a condition other than clean and sanitized. Consumers should comply with trained emergency worker requests and follow their recommendations in attempting to maintain building and occupant safety and health during containment and removal of potentially disease-causing organisms.

What happens if I decline service?
Consumers occasionally decline to take appropriate steps to mitigate their water damage in order to attempt shortcuts to their restoration. A certified water restoration company may not then warrant any of their work to clean and sanitize the property, and may reserve the right to refuse to perform any work for that consumer.