FAQ
Questions about carpet, upholstery and other cleaning
Plain answers to what people ask before they book. Not here? Call (844) 966-2005.
Booking and visits
Do you serve my city?
Yes, if it is in Los Angeles County. We serve all 88 cities, from Lancaster and Palmdale to Long Beach and Avalon, and from Malibu to Pomona. If you are not sure whether your address is inside the county, call (844) 966-2005 and we will check.
How do I get a quote?
Call (844) 966-2005. The office is open 24 hours. Or fill in the request form at any hour. Tell us the rooms or pieces, the type of floor or fabric, and any stains or pets, and we take it from there.
What should I tell you when I ask for a quote?
Tell us the rooms or pieces you want cleaned, the type of floor or fabric if you know it, any stains, pet accidents or spills, and anything delicate, such as a wool rug or an antique chair. A quote is only as good as the description behind it, so more detail helps.
Do you clean homes and businesses?
Yes, both. We clean carpet and upholstery in houses and apartments, and carpet in offices, shops and other commercial spaces. Tell us when the space is busy.
What should I do before the visit?
Vacuum if you can. Vacuuming removes most loose dry soil, and either you or the cleaner can do it. Pick up small items from the floor, and tell us about delicate rugs, antique pieces or spots you are worried about.
Carpet and rugs
Is steam cleaning the same as hot-water extraction?
Mostly, yes. Steam cleaning is the popular name for hot-water extraction. Hot water and cleaning solution go into the carpet, and suction pulls them back out with the dirt. It is the most common professional method for homes, and machines that spin or oscillate on the carpet surface are not recommended.
How long does carpet take to dry?
The Carpet and Rug Institute says it often takes 6 to 12 hours. It depends on airflow, humidity and the carpet itself, so nobody can promise a number for your floor. Fans, open windows and moderate heating or cooling help. Wait until the carpet is dry before you walk on it or move furniture back, and if it is still wet after 12 hours, call us.
Can you remove pet stains and odors?
Often, when the spot is treated early and has not soaked through to the pad. Old urine can be invisible, so finding every spot comes first. If urine has reached the pad, parts of the pad or carpet may need replacing, and no cleaner can promise that a spot will come out.
How often should I have my carpet cleaned?
The Carpet and Rug Institute says to clean as needed, and at least every 24 months. Follow the carpet maker’s schedule if you want to keep the warranty. Pets, children and heavy foot traffic can mean more often.
Can delicate rugs, like wool or viscose, be cleaned?
Often, but the fiber decides the method. Viscose, sold as art silk or banana silk, is weak when wet and can yellow, bleed or stiffen, so it needs a dye test and no scrubbing. For woven Oriental, Turkish and Persian rugs, it is wise to consult a rug specialist, and many rugs are better washed in a plant than on your floor.
Is it safe for children and pets?
That depends on the product and on how well it is rinsed out. We use eco-friendly products, and a thorough rinse also keeps detergent from staying in the fiber, where it attracts dirt. If anyone at home has a health condition, tell us when you call.
Upholstery, mattresses and tile
What do the codes W, S, W/S and X on a sofa tag mean?
They come from the furniture fabric industry and are used in the upholstery cleaning standard. W means water-based cleaning, S means solvent only, with no water, W/S means either, and X means vacuum or light brushing only. For W and W/S fabrics, hot-water extraction or steam is not recommended, so a test spot comes first.
Does mattress cleaning remove dust mites?
Not completely, and nothing does. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences says dust mites cannot be fully eliminated but can be reduced, with humidity at or below 50 percent, allergen-proof covers, weekly hot washing of bedding and a HEPA-filter vacuum. Mattress cleaning lifts stains and odors from the surface, and we do not claim more than that.
Why is grout sealed?
Grout made of cement is porous, so it can absorb stains. The Tile Council of North America notes that sealing is generally a good idea for it, and that epoxy grout is close to stain-proof. Acid cleaners, vinegar included, dissolve cement grout, so use an alkaline cleaner and rinse well.
Water, air, vents and fireplaces
There is water on my floor. Can the carpet be saved?
Call (844) 966-2005 right away. The office is open 24 hours. Whether carpet can be saved depends on where the water came from and how long it has been wet. The water-damage industry sorts water into three categories, from a clean source, to a significantly contaminated one such as washing machine discharge, to a grossly contaminated one such as sewage or river flooding. Stopping the water at its source comes first, and that part is the property owner’s job.
Is air duct cleaning worth it?
Usually not as a routine job. EPA does not recommend routine duct cleaning, and says it has never been shown to prevent health problems. It can make sense when there is substantial visible mold, vermin in the ducts, or ducts clogged with excessive dust and debris. If you can see a problem, call and we will talk it through.
How do I know if my dryer vent needs cleaning?
Lint builds up in the vent, cuts airflow and can overheat the dryer. The U.S. Fire Administration lists failure to clean as the leading factor in home dryer fires, and bird nests or damage can block a vent too. Vent cleaners usually mention two signs, clothes that take longer to dry and a laundry room that gets hot.
How often should a chimney be inspected?
The Chimney Safety Institute of America cites NFPA 211, which says chimneys, fireplaces and vents should be inspected at least once a year, even if the fireplace is rarely used, with cleaning and repair as needed.
