In order to end up with the carpet cleaning method best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of options are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in carpet cleaning.
Research the market: Carpet Cleaning essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the carpet cleaning market. You can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Type: Dry cleaning, hot or cold water extraction or a combination method. Many do it yourself products are shampoos that are applied and either allowed to dry before vacuuming, or removed using a damp cloth.
Approach: DIY or hire a professional. DIY methods can involve hiring equipment and purchasing chemicals; there are a number of professional carpet cleaning services available, who use different methods and chemicals.
Tools needed (DIY): Carpet steamer, hand steamer, brushes, cleaners and chemicals.
Possible toxicity: Some methods can leave chemicals in the carpet, and are not suitable for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Type of carpet: The carpet composition largely determines which methods are suitable; thick pile carpets are more complicated to clean, for instance. Carpets that are not attached to the floor can be taken to the cleaners in some cases. Luxury carpets that contain fibres such as silk are best left to the professionals.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in carpet cleaning. For example, will you need your carpets cleaned only infrequently, perhaps before special occasions, or do you subject your carpets to hard wear thereby necessitating more regular cleaning?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used carpet cleaning products or a service before? |
| | If you have used a product or a service, work out what you did or didn't like about it. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to change to a more environmentally friendly alternative, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| What is my main concern about the carpet? |
| | This may just be a regular cleaning job or there may be stains on the carpet or large areas of damage that need to be addressed. Stains may be in a prominent place, where any changes in color would be noticeable. |
| Does my carpet suffer from particular problems? |
| | The carpet may be impacted by children playing with crayons or other products, or your pets may have had the occasional accident on the carpet. |
| What type of carpet is it? |
| | The carpet composition and style will determine which cleaning products and processes are suitable. |
| How much time and money am I able to invest in this project? |
| | You may be able to clean the area yourself, or it might be a job for a professional service. Do you already have equipment to clean the carpet or will you have to rent it? You'll need to check whether the carpet cleaning company has a minimum area requirement, or minimum number of rooms. |
| Am I physically fit enough to handle a hands-on project? |
| | You may not have the time, skills, products or even the physical strength to clean your own carpet. Do you have knees, back, or joints that may make cleaning difficult? Are you sensitive to chemicals that might be required? |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of carpet cleaning and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
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