Carpets build up a huge amount of dirt, dust and grime that DIY cleaning just can’t pick up. Professional carpet steam cleaning is the only way to truly sanitise, dislodge stains and freshen the carpet fibres. Getting the pros in, also helps to elongate the life of your carpets, saving you money on installing a new carpet so soon. But, before your local carpet cleaners arrive, read on to learn how to prepare your home.
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Remove Furniture
Start to remove small pieces of furniture out of the room to be cleaned. Your carpet cleaner should help with any larger pieces of furniture. The carpet needs to be as clear as possible from obstacles, to get the best clean. If something cannot be moved, your cleaner should be able to clean underneath it.
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Tidy Up Clutter
Remove as much clutter as possible including toys, books, bags, stationary, cables, coins and anything else on the floor. Any small items left behind may get sucked up during the vacuuming stage. Your carpet cleaner will have a certain timeframe to work on your carpet and clearing up beforehand keeps things moving.
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Protect Window Furnishings
Do you have floor length curtains, drapes or nets? Make sure you tie them up off the floor to prevent the fabric from getting damp. This also protects your window furnishings from coming into contact with cleaning chemicals which may fade the material.
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Keep Kids and Pets Out of the Way
While having your carpet cleaned, kids and pets need to be kept at a safe distance. Your pro carpet cleaners will arrive with equipment and environmentally friendly cleaning substances that are less harsh than traditional cleaning products. If possible, schedule the clean while kids are at school or out to play. Get a family member to take the pooch out for a long walk as well.
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Assess Your Carpet
Do you have areas of carpet with stubborn stains? Are carpet fibres worn in particular areas? Your carpet cleaning team can find this out themselves, but if you’re armed with info, the process will move quicker. Once in the building, you can direct your cleaner to which areas need more attention. And if you have any questions regarding the health of your carpet, don’t be afraid to ask.
What to do After a Professional Carpet Clean?
After your carpet has been steam cleaned, avoid walking over it with shoes for 2 – 8 hours. Drying time will vary depending on the air flow and temperature of the day. Open windows, turn on fans and run the AC if possible to speed up the process. Always follow the given advice from your carpet cleaner regarding post-clean maintenance and when to book in for another clean.
