MISTAKE #1: Choosing a carpet cleaner based on equipment alone.
No question, your carpet cleaner needs first-rate equipment but he also needs something else. He needs employees who are skilled at operating that equipment. Many companies own hot-water extractors but very few companies teach their employees how to use them properly. The best way to know that the carpet cleaner's employees have been properly trained is to make sure the cleaner has been certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (
IICRC). Before you choose a carpet cleaner, ask to see written proof of the company's and the technician's IICRC certification.
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MISTAKE #2: Choosing a carpet cleaner based on a single telephone call.
Instead, invite the person to your home and ask for a specific written quotation. Then you will know exactly what the carpet cleaner recommends - and you won't be the victim of high pressure tactics when the technician steps into your living room.
MISTAKE #3: Choosing a carpet cleaner without getting comments from his other clients
Any carpet cleaner can say anything about his past jobs and, sadly, some of what he says may not be true. Make sure you ask for references or read comments from current customers so you can depend on the carpet cleaner and his work.
MISTAKE #4: Choosing a carpet cleaner who is not certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
If you carpet cleaner is not a close friend, you may not know whether he has the knowledge or experience to clean you carpet well. If you want to be sure you are hiring a competent professional, make sure he is
IICRC certified. The carpet cleaner must earn that certification through study, experience and successful completion of formal, written examinations. In effect, cleaners who are certified by the IICRC have earned a college degree in carpet cleaning.
MISTAKE #5: Choosing a carpet cleaner who is not a member of the National Upholstery & Carpet Cleaners Association (NUCCA).
NUCCA is a trade association of carpet cleaners who are dedicated to: (1) honest, ethical business practices (2) staying current on the latest methods for carpet and upholstery care, cleaning and restoration and (3) the highest possible level of customer service. You are making a wise decision when you have your carpets cleaned by a member of the
IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration)
MISTAKE #6: Choosing a carpet cleaner who doesn't use a truck mounted, hot water extraction systems.
You might expect this from me, since my employees and I use this type of system but there are several good reasons. Portable hot water systems are good, but they aren't as good as truck-mount systems. Truck-mount systems are the Rolls Royces of carpet cleaners. Compared with portable hot water systems, truck-mount systems use hotter water, higher pressure and stronger suction. So all the way around, you get a much better job.
