Prepping for Professional Cleaning

So, you’ve decided it’s time to hire a pro. Naturally, you’ll want to get your money’s worth and make the most of the time it takes to prepare your home for a professional carpet cleaning. 

With over 68,000 very-low moisture (VLM) jobs under our belt, we know precisely how to unlock the full potential of professional carpet cleaning. We’ll help you navigate each stage (booking, day of, and aftercare) to ensure your home receives the care it deserves and hopefully save you some money. 

The booking stage is your first step towards a successful cleaning experience. It’s about laying the groundwork for a smooth service appointment. In this phase, choose a reputable vendor who aligns with your quality, safety, and budget standards. Clear communication about the scope of work, pricing, addressing health concerns, and providing detailed access information are essential. This stage establishes the cleaning tone, ensuring we understand and meet your needs.

• The cornerstone of a successful cleaning is partnering with a vendor that aligns with your values of quality, safety, and trust. Remember, this company will be entering your personal space.

• Research customer reviews, ask for recommendations, and check insurance to ensure their credibility. 

• Specify which carpeted areas, area rugs, and upholstery pieces need cleaning. Include material type and size when possible, or send photos.

• Ask the service provider about their policy on maximum room size and the materials they have experience cleaning. Some materials may require hand cleaning or special care, which can be more costly.

• Highlight specific issues, like pet accidents in carpets or stains on upholstery, as these will require additional work, products, or specialized equipment. It is important to know that professional carpet cleaners use a UV light that illuminates the proteins in pet accidents, bodily fluids, mold, or mildew. So, once onsite, your technician can easily identify these areas and will require that the proper treatment be added (at an additional cost).

• Ask if the Service Provider will move furniture and if vacuuming is included.

• Stains, Odors, and Contamination: Ask how the vendor will address specific issues like stains, odors, and other types of contamination. Be aware that assessing the severity of pet soiling, for instance, may not be possible over the phone. Therefore, it’s essential to understand their pricing structure for additional treatments to avoid surprises.

• Pricing Structure: Inquire about the pricing model – is it by the square foot or the room? Ask about the maximum square footage covered per area if it’s by the room. 

• Specials and Bundle Packages: Ask about current specials or bundle packages, especially for a whole-house clean. These offers can provide significant savings as most cleaners are willing to offer package deals as it saves them time on a return trip.

• Additional Costs: Ensure you understand all potential costs, including those for moving large furniture, hand cleaning delicate materials, adding additional items such as area rugs, upholstery, stairs, and mattresses, and adding additional services such as pet treatment, deodorizer, and stain Guard protection. 

• Discuss allergies or sensitivities to ensure safe cleaning products are used. This is especially important for high-usage areas, like living rooms, bedrooms, or upholstery.

• Share details regarding parking and access codes for doors and gates.

• Let your technician know if your residence is on a higher floor and whether an elevator is available. Not all cleaners can work on the 3rd floor or higher, so ask about additional fees associated with high-rise buildings.

Your preparation and interaction with the Service Provider are pivotal on the appointment day. It’s also a time for you to prepare your space well — from clearing items to managing pets and children. This stage is crucial for a harmonious collaboration with your Service Provider. Now is an ideal opportunity to discuss additional services and get a comprehensive quote that can save you big bucks.

• Be available to guide the technician at the start of your appointment so you can point out any areas of concern and review the scope of work. If you cannot be present, clearly communicate entrance instructions and any other special requests such as photos, phone calls, or texts during the service to ensure your expectations are met even without being on-site.

• Stay reachable throughout the cleaning appointment.

• Plan to be present for the final walk-through to ensure your satisfaction with the work performed and receive aftercare instructions.

• Clearing Items: Remove personal items, toys, blankets, and pillows from upholstery and other areas that are included in the scope of work. This will ensure the maximum amount of carpet square footage can be accessed and cleaned during your appointment.

• Furniture: Your Service Provider will attempt to move all furniture that is safe for one man to do so. Removing personal or breakable items from the furniture you anticipate being moved is important. For larger furniture items such as sectional sofas, beds, dining tables, buffets, etc., your Service Provider will do their best to clean around and under them, so clearing these areas is also suggested. 

• Vacuuming: You hired Be Green, so you can skip vacuuming, as your Service Provider will rake and use a high-powered vacuum during the dry extraction stage of the very-low moisture cleaning process.

• Pets and Children: Ensure they are safely away from the cleaning areas.

• Request a Whole House Quote: If you haven’t already, now is your chance to ask for a comprehensive quote for all your cleaning needs. You get the biggest discounts for adding more items or additional services.

• Learn About Additional Services

  • Discuss the specific benefits of DeoGerm as a dual-purpose solution for deodorizing and disinfecting.

  • Explore the option of adding a stain Guard for its protective qualities that help extend the life and appearance of your furnishings.

  • Ask any outstanding questions regarding the VLM cleaning process.

The post-cleaning phase is about ensuring satisfaction and maintaining the pristine condition of your freshly cleaned areas. The final walkthrough is your opportunity to review the results and address any areas needing extra attention. Understanding drying times and post-cleaning maintenance, such as the recommended waiting period before vacuuming or walking on the carpet, is crucial for sustaining the cleaning benefits. 

Review the professional carpet cleaning results to ensure they meet your satisfaction. If you notice any areas not cleaned to your standards, inform your Service Provider so they can address them. Additionally, your technician will inform you of any issues encountered during the cleaning process and suggest appropriate solutions.

With a very-low moisture cleaning process that uses 70% less water, your carpets will be ready for immediate use after the service. Typically, drying time ranges from 2 to 4 hours, but some areas, especially those heavily soiled, might take longer to dry.

• For optimal results using a very-low moisture encapsulation cleaning process, you should wait 48 hours before vacuuming. This pause allows the encapsulation polymers in the cleaning solution to fully harden and set, ensuring the effectiveness of the cleaning.

• Upon vacuuming for the first time after the service, you might notice a fine, light-colored dust in your vacuum’s canister. This is a normal part of the VLM process. These particles were encapsulated by the polymers in the cleaning solution, and they are designed to be easily removed during post-service vacuuming. 

• If possible, use a carpet grooming tool before vacuuming to loosen the dirt trapped in the carpet. It also prolongs the life and look of your carpet.

• We recommend scheduling professional carpet cleaning every 12 to 18 months, though your home’s specific condition and needs may vary this frequency.

• Simplified Cleaning with Stain Guard Protection: If a stain guard or protective treatment has been applied post-cleaning, managing future spills and spots becomes much more manageable. In this case, most spills can be effectively cleaned with just a damp rag.

• Immediate Response: It’s crucial to address spills as soon as they occur. Prompt action prevents the spill from setting in or reaching the backing of the carpet, which can cause more permanent damage.

• DIY Solution for Tough Spots: A homemade cleaning solution can be effective for stubborn spots. Mix a small amount of enzyme-based dish soap, like Dawn detergent, with vinegar and water (about one teaspoon of Dawn per cup and one cup of vinegar) to create a powerful cleaning solution. This mixture doesn’t require rinsing out after application.

• Assistance for Complex Issues: For challenging or persistent problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to your trusted professional. Here at Be Green, we are happy to offer complimentary phone or video consultations to assess the situation and advise if professional intervention is necessary.

Embracing the journey of very-low moisture (VLM) cleaning for your carpets, area rugs, and upholstery isn’t just about achieving cleanliness; it’s a commitment to rejuvenating your living space and enhancing the ambiance of your home. By preparing for each phase of the cleaning process, from the initial booking to the final post-cleaning care, you ensure that your home enjoys the enduring beauty and comfort of professionally refreshed furnishings. 

For a more comprehensive understanding of VLM professional carpet cleaning, including its process and benefits, interested individuals can find additional resources here. These resources provide valuable insights, helping you make well-informed decisions for your home’s professional carpet cleaning needs.

1. Do I need to move furniture before professional carpet cleaning?

   • Your Service Provider will attempt to move furniture that is safe for one person. However, larger items like beds and sectionals may require you to clear the area for better access.

2. Should I vacuum before the professionals arrive?

   • No, Be Green includes vacuuming as part of the very-low moisture (VLM) cleaning process, using a high-powered vacuum.

3. How long does it take for carpets to dry after VLM cleaning?

   • Drying time typically ranges from 2 to 4 hours, though heavily soiled areas may take longer.

4. When can I vacuum after VLM carpet cleaning?

   • It is recommended to wait 48 hours before vacuuming to allow the encapsulation polymers to fully set.

5. What should I do if a spill happens after cleaning?

   • If a stain guard was applied, most spills can be cleaned with a damp rag. For tougher spots, use a DIY solution of enzyme-based dish soap, vinegar, and water.