Top 10 Mistakes Rhode Islanders Make When Hiring Carpet Cleaners
From Providence to East Greenwich to Newport: Learn how to choose the right service of carpet cleaners and avoid regretting it later!
Hiring a professional carpet cleaner can give your floor new life, but selecting the wrong person for the job can lead to results you’re not happy with and a bank account that looks a little emptier. To ensure you receive the type of service that meets your expectations, here are the top mistakes to avoid when hiring a professional carpet cleaner in Rhode Island.
1- Focusing only on price
The problem is that, while it is perfectly natural to want to choose the cheapest option, when it comes to hiring a professional steam cleaner for carpets and upholstery, the low-cost option may well indicate a low-quality service. A very inexpensive service is unlikely to use high-quality cleaning equipment or solutions, and in all likelihood, the technician who arrives at your home will not be well trained and will not be meaningfully supervised. You want a cleaning service that has a good reputation, good credentials, and reviews.
2- Not checking if they are even qualified
Anyone can tell it’s a carpet cleaner. And many people do it.
But the truth is that a good number of these self-proclaimed “carpet cleaners” have no certifications, no real training, and no real business in what they do.
So, if you decide to hire someone for this not-so-simple job of cleaning your carpets or upholstery, do yourself a favor and check their credentials first. They must be certified by the IICRC or some equally accredited agency.
3- Omiting reviews and references.
If you skip the part where you read online reviews and ask for references, you could end up hiring a “problem” cleaner. This usually ends in disappointment and a lot of frustration, especially if they ruin your floors or furniture due to poor craftsmanship. Do yourself a favor and do your research and read the reviews. Ask people you trust if they have recommendations and listen to what they have to say. Here in Rhode Island, everyone “knows a guy” and word of mouth is a great referral tool.
4- Ignoring the fine print
This can cause problems for you. Many companies advertise “whole house” specials or very low-cost deals, but customers are often uncomfortable when they realize they have to pay additional fees for “up-sells” not included in the initial service. A reasonable upcharge for work to be done throughout the house is one thing. Paying it after being surprised with a bill is quite another. If the deal is too good to be true, it usually is!
5- Not asking about cleaning methods
Carpet cleaning companies use several types of techniques; Some may be better for your carpet than others. They may recommend a method that is not suitable for your particular carpet. At Phoenix of Rhode Island, we prioritize the health and safety of our customers. That is why we always recommend hot water extraction in spaces where babies or people with immunodeficiencies are present. This method offers the deepest and most thorough cleaning, effectively eliminating allergens, bacteria and contaminants.
For commercial areas with high traffic lanes, where babies are unlikely to crawl or come into contact with the ground, we usually use the encapsulation method. While encapsulation is very effective in maintaining commercial carpets and reducing downtime, there is a distinction between “good” and “better.” Both methods have their place, but hot water extraction provides a superior deep cleaning experience when health and hygiene are top priorities.
Always ask what methods the company uses and why. Next, make sure the method you prefer is right for your family and your rug.
6 – Not asking for insurance
Accidents happen even with the best cleaners and can sometimes cause irreversible damage to your home or property. From unintentional dents, dings and scratches to accidentally knocked over items and craftsmanship issues. As a homeowner and customer, you should know that you are protected against those types of events. A carpet or upholstery cleaner who does not have liability insurance is a big red flag.
7- Overlooking experience with specific stains
Not all cleaners are experts at handling tough, unique stains or delicate fabrics. If your cleaner lacks this experience and your dyes or materials fall into these categories, you may be disappointed with the results. Don’t assume, ask the cleaner about that particular stain and share your expectations. Ask about their stain removal experience and if you are not guaranteed success, you will probably have to find another stain and stain removal expert.
8- Not asking for a satisfaction guarantee
Lacking a satisfaction guarantee, you could easily end up dissatisfied with the results. And if the company you hired to do the job didn’t do it right, you will have few effective resources available. The Solution: Select companies that are strict and only offer warranties on jobs they are confident will meet your expectations.
9- Not asking about drying time
Long drying times are a potential problem that certain carpet cleaning methods can create. These methods can leave the carpet excessively wet. From mere inconvenience to potential health risks associated with mold, there are many reasons why a consumer should be concerned about how long it takes a carpet to dry after it has been cleaned.
10- Neglecting to obtain a written estimate
When you rely on a verbal agreement, you expose yourself to the dangers of misinterpretations and vagueness, which can then result in “surprise” bills and arguments. Therefore, insist on getting a clear, thorough and, most importantly, written quote before the professional performs any work. Ask him to explain in writing, or a detailed written estimate that includes the scope of work, cost and applicable terms.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you select a reputable, trained carpet cleaner who can meet your needs and leave your carpets looking their best.