Good questions to ask your potential carpet cleaner

Don’t be afraid to ask these important questions before hiring a carpet cleaner:

--What method of carpet cleaning do you use? Is it safe for family and pets?

--Is your business insured?

--How long will it take for my carpet to dry? Typically, carpet will dry in 12-24 hours.

--What does your price include? This is important because many carpet cleaners will advertise a very low price per room, but the service will basically be a vacuum cleaning. To add steam cleaning, enzyme cleaning, etc., the service will likely add to the cost. Try to find a carpet cleaner that will quote a price within $10-$20 of the actual service. Also, ask to see the invoice before the carpet cleaning is performed to be sure you are not charged for services you didn’t ask for.

Classic Care provides free estimates and fair price quotes. Twin Cities residents can call for a free quote at 651-777-1100.

Candle wax spill? Find out how to remove it!

If your candles spill onto your carpet, don’t worry! Here’s an easy way to remove the wax:

1) Wait for the wax to harden, then scrape off what you can with a butter knife. Be careful not to damage the carpet fibers.

2) Place a white terrycloth towel over the wax. Put a warm iron over the towel and press gently. The wax should soak up into the towel. Be sure not to turn the iron on too hot or leave it in one place for too long or you will burn the carpet fibers.

3) If the wax left a stain in your carpet, take a wet white terrycloth towel and blot to lift the stain into the towel. Be sure not to rub or damage the carpet fibers.

Get rid of pet urine stains and odors

The most frequently asked questions in the carpet cleaning business involve removing pet stains and pet odors from carpeting. Below are some steps to take to help remediate this issue:

1) Sprinkle the area with baking soda immediately after the incident. Let it sit for several minutes, then vacuum the area very well to remove the baking soda.

2) Have the carpet cleaned as soon as possible. If you have a professional carpet cleaner to your home, they will likely have cleaners with enzymes and strong water extraction to help remove the stain and odor. Steam cleaning will work best for these types of stains.

3) Be sure the area is completely dry before allowing pets back onto the carpet.

Important tips:

--Do not use commercial cleaners to clean the area, which may contain chemicals that can make the stain and odor even worse. Also, using these cleaners may help pets to find the area again and continue to damage the carpeting.

--Be prepared that the cleaning steps above may need to be repeated once or twice to completely remove the stains and odors.

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Check out this five-star review from a ServiceMagic.com customer regarding Classic Care Carpet Cleaning and pet stains:

Provided By: Jim R.City: Fridley
Project: Carpets or Rugs - Clean at Home
My dogs (one un-potty-trained puppy and one incontinent older dog) had absolutely destroyed my carpets. I had resigned myself that some day I would have to totally replace the carpeting, but I was hoping to make it livable for now. Literally, there were 30-50 stains which I couldn't get rid of with store cleaners. My daughter and I were completely astounded. We can't find one stain. I didn't do it, because it seemed so hopeless, but now I wish I had taken before-and-after pictures. Now I am praying the "Puppy Patch" works, so I can keep it this way!

Click here for all Classic Care reviews on ServiceMagic.com.
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Twin Cities residents can call Classic Care for a free estimate or appointment at 651-777-1100

Why get your carpets cleaned?

Why is it important to get your carpets and upholstery cleaned? Here are several benefits:

• As dirt and dust continues to build up in your carpet, it will deteriorate the fibers. Removing particles from your carpet will give your carpeting a longer life.
• Removing bacteria from your carpet and furniture can help reduce effects of asthma and allergies and other illnesses.
• Typical vacuuming will not reduce very fine particles. These build up over time and need to be removed professionally.

Twin Cities residents can call Classic Care today at 651-777-1100 for a healthier tomorrow!

What should you do after your carpet has been cleaned?

Now that your carpet has been professionally cleaned, you'll want the look to last as long as possible. After cleaning:

• Stay off damp carpet as much as possible to avoid soil tracking and allow the pile to dry in its "up" position.
• If you walk directly on the carpet, do not wear shoes. Shoe dye may transfer to the carpet. It's best to wear slippers or socks and your carpet cleaner should provide these to you.
• If the carpet was treated with Scotchgard, allow at least 24 hours for drying. Allow more time for more humid climates.
• Foil squares and blocks under your furniture should stay in place for at least 48 hours until the carpet is completely dry.
• Increase the air circulation to increase the dry time for your carpeting.

For more information in the Twin Cities area, contact Classic Care Carpet Cleaning at (651) 777-1100.

How often should you clean your carpets?

People may go for years without cleaning their carpets because they “look” clean and vacuum regularly. Even if you think the carpets are clean, they easily trap dirt and oils that can damage your carpet fibers the longer you wait to clean.

Here is an easy cleaning guide you can follow to make sure your carpeting lasts as long as possible without needing to be replaced.

Home with 2 adults: Once per year

Home with smokers: Every four months

Home with children or pets: Every six months

Home with children AND pets: Every three months

Home in extremely cold climates: Every six months

Office building or retail store: Every six months

Daycare center, nursing home or food service establishment: Once per month

Cleaning for your carpet type

What type of carpeting do you have in your home? This is an important question you should address prior to any cleaning procedures.

Most carpeting is made from synthetics such as nylon because it can be stain and soil resistant, which will keep it in good condition over time. This type of carpeting has become mainstream, such as Berber carpeting, because it’s much more affordable than wool and can be more resistant to stains and abrasion. For this type of carpeting, steam cleaning on a regular basis will be most effective for keeping your carpet in good shape. Unlike true wool carpeting, which requires professional dry cleaning. Wool carpeting tends to absorb water and can be very difficult to dry out if you use a steam cleaning method.

Remember, for all carpet types, it’s important to vacuum on a regular basis. This will remove particles and dirt from the carpeting that can cause damage to the carpet fibers if they are not removed. Regular vacuuming will help your carpets last even longer.