Monday, March 2, 2009

4 Must-Ask Questions BEFORE You Hire a Carpet Cleaing Professionall!

Ask these questions of any company you consider, before hiring them, to ensure a great carpet cleaning job!


1 - How long have you been cleaning, and are you Certified by the IICRC?

Experience does count - and so does education! Look for a company that can promise you experienced technicians at your house, that have been certified by the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification in whatever areas (carpet, upholstery, odor, etc.) that you are hiring service for. An IICRC Certified Firm is even better! Bonus: Membership in a trade association (such as the Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners Association) helps prove professionalism, ongoing education and industry involvement.

2 - What kind of equipment do you use?


Most carpet cleaning jobs will require hot-water extraction to get the best results...and, unless you live in a high-rise, out of reach, you'll want a truckmounted system. Truckmounts provide more heat, water pressure and suction, getting the carpet cleaner and drying it faster. Shaw Industries, the world's largest carpet manufacturer, requires hot water extraction annually to maintain the new carpet warranty, and they recommend truckmounts be used whenever possible.

3 - Do you use "green" cleaning products, and what do you rinse with?

In the past, carpet cleaners had to use harsh, petrochemical-containing cleaners. But nowadays there are new, "green" carpet cleaning alternatives (which often clean better than the old kind!) and are better for your family's health and that of the earth. They are more expensive, though, so many companies still use the old ones to keep costs down.

The other part of the question deals with the final rinse step. Many companies meter their detergent into the rinse, and leave whatever they don't suck out still in the carpet. An increasing number of companies, however, apply the detergent first, then use a clear rinse to remove residues. Soft water is always preferable - it will clean better and leave your carpet softer. But the "one-step" process is usually cheaper.

In the end, you'll need to decide what's best for you and your home, and hire accordingly.

4 - What Guarantee Do You Offer?

Make sure that the cleaner you choose stands behind their work! This should be a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many companies don't offer an actual guarantee. My company guarantees you The Most Thorough Cleaning and Exceptional Service Ever...or it's Free! If you're ever less than completely delighted, we'll make it right or you don't owe us a penny! What could be more fair? Make sure your choice of cleaners does the same.

If you live in the Reno area, check out our website for more information and current specials, or give us a call at 223-8377.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Carpet Cleaning in Winter? Here's why...

Strange as it sounds, winter is actually a great time to clean your carpets - for a couple of reasons:

1 - Your house is closed up more this time of year, keeping dust and allergens circulating inside (especially if you have forced-air heat) Carpet and upholstery acts like a huge filter, trapping soil and allergens - but like all filters, it works best if it's clean! So by cleaning now, you'll not only beautify your carpet, but you'll breathe easier too! (And if you have allergies to pets or dustmites, ask about our Allergy Relief Treatment that will denature these allergens for up to 6 months to help keep your allergies in check.)

2 - Since most people are waiting until spring to clean, savvy consumers know they'll get the best deals by cleaning now! Our courteous, certified technicians have more time to spend at your home working on difficult stains or taking care of any extra work you decide to have done, and I offer my best possible specials right now to just "break even" during the slow months and keep these great people working instead of laying them off and re-hiring come spring like some companies do.

In fact, we're doing our annual "2 for 1" special right now! Have us clean and MagicGaurd your carpets in February, and we'll give you a certificate for FREE Spring Cleaning of the traffic areas by May 30th. You can have clean, healthy carpets now...AND later! Just call 223-8377 to schedule your appointment.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

If you DO have a flood...

With below-freezing temperatures we’ve had lately around Reno, water damage can suddenly be a very real problem. Whether from burst pipes or ice dams or any other source, if you suddenly find yourself in such a situation CALL US IMMEDIATELY!

Here are the first steps you must take to keep damage to a minimum:

1 - Shut off the water if possible.

2 - Call a plumber to fix the leak, or the city if the sewer is an issue.

3 - Move furniture off the wet area, if possible, or put foil under the legs to keep the wood stain from transferring to the carpet.

4 - Call Non Stop Cleaning at 223-8377 for prompt, courteous service, and we'll extract the water and dry your house. Time is of the essence; water starts causing damage immediately to structural components, so don't wait days in order to get the insurance company's OK - we'll come out as soon as you call so we can remove the water and get drying equipment installed to return your home to normal FAST!

Thank you for your time and kind attention - if you have any questions about water damage, please call me at 223-8377.