All right! You scheduled your professional carpet cleaning with Redding’s own Preferred Carpet Care, they got there on time, and then performed the cleaning. They even answered your questions before they left. What a great experience! But in the hustle and bustle of daily life, there’s a few questions you forgot to ask, and some answers you forgot to remember.
What Now?
Not to worry – We’d love to answer whatever questions you have or provide further details on topics we already discussed. You can leave a message on our website, and even on our phone if you’re calling after hours. However, many of our customers have very similar questions about what to do after the cleaning is finished. Therefore, let this post provide you with tips and pointers on what to do next.
Keep the Air Moving
Immediately after we professionally clean your carpet, we use strong fans to dry out the fibers, so they do not retain any moisture. Even after we leave, however, the carpet will likely be moist. It’s important to remove as much of it as possible. Any ceiling, box, standing, or other fans will help keep the air moving. This allows the air to carry away evaporating moisture.
Also, bring the ambient temperature to at least 75 degrees – if not more – to help the moisture evaporate. Opening a few windows will also help the moisture to escape, unless the humidity level is high. If so, keep the windows closed and use your fans and HVAC to help dry out your carpet.
Applying Protection
Once your carpet is clean, you want to keep it that way for as long as you can. Preferred Carpet Care has a tried and true carpet protection system that helps to repel dirt and stains. In fact, putting down a few mats in strategic areas, like entryways and high-traffic areas, will add another level of protection. When you walk on damp carpet, you might track in fresh dirt on your new carpet. This might be a great time to initiate taking off your shoes at the door.
Another advantage to cleaning your carpets this time of year is the reduced sunlight. The intensity of ultraviolet rays from the sun can increase the fading and deterioration of your carpet, including the time right after a professional cleaning. Keep the drapes closed until you get your furniture back in position. And speaking of furniture…
Hold Off on Furniture Placement
When you step on a damp carpet, it pushes down the pile and affects their position as they dry. Furniture does the same thing, but it isn’t likely to be moved for a while once you have it back in its proper place. Therefore, it’s imperative to make sure the carpet is bone dry, so it doesn’t have a chance to attract mildew under the sofa.
In fact, this might be a perfect opportunity to shake things up a bit by rearranging your furniture placement. With the changing of seasons comes the changing of angles that sunlight meets with your carpet. Keeping your furniture permanently in one place could result in uneven carpet fading. Since you’ve already removed your furniture in preparation for your cleaning, consider putting it back in different places.
Reinforce Your Vacuum Routine
No matter how clean we get your carpet, there will be a certain level of residue. Once your carpet is dry, give it a thorough vacuuming to make sure anything that can be removed is removed. Try to do this before you replace your furniture, and then maintain a weekly vacuum regimen thereafter. Vacuuming regularly soon after your professional cleaning also makes sure your carpet pile is lifted up instead of pressed down, thereby keeping its soft fluffiness.
If you haven’t already done so, schedule your next carpet cleaning after the current one is finished. A professional cleaning once a year is simply not enough, but twice a year is typically just right. And getting your appointment in the books early is a great way to make sure you don’t stress out about it later.
Of course, you might have other questions beyond these tips and pointers, or perhaps the ones listed here brought up another question. Please, take the time to write it down, and then call us so we can provide you with an informed answer. After all, providing you with follow-up information is merely part of the superior service offered by Preferred Carpet Care – it doesn’t end with the cleaning.