Carpet Cleaning FAQs

Is professional carpet cleaning expensive?

Professional carpet cleaning is just pennies compared to the cost of replacing it. Call today to get an estimate from one of our professionals.

How long will it take to have my carpets cleaned at my home?

The amount of time will be contingent on the size of the area needing to be cleaned and processes used – low moisture, portable extraction, or truck-mount extraction in terms of efficiencies and time. A highly trained ServiceMaster technician can help you pick a program best meets your needs and schedule.

Will carpet cleaning be disruptive to my family?

The team at ServiceMaster will work with you to schedule a time convenient for you. Our technician will let you know of expected dry times that you will need to be aware of.

Can I use household carpet cleaners for spot removal?

We recommend using only ServiceMaster Clean products. For more information, contact your local ServiceMaster Clean professional.

How often do I need to get my carpets professionally cleaned?

To keep your carpets in your home looking their best, we recommend having your carpets professionally cleaned every 6-12 months depending on traffic. Many carpet manufacturers require professional cleaning to maintain your warranty, so save your cleaning receipts.

When will I be able to walk on my floors after a carpet cleaning?

Allow drying time of six to eight hours before you walk on your carpet. It is best to wait two days before placing heavy furniture back onto carpet if not using blocks.

Will there be an odor?

Depending on the type of carpet we’re cleaning, you may notice a faint scent. This is especially prevalent when cleaning wool carpets. The amount of time it takes for the odor to dissipate is usually within an hour but varies based on air circulation, heat and humidity. A big difference in the way ServiceMaster cleans carpet compared to many of our competitors is that we do not put soap in our rinse water. We pre-spray the carpets, remove the spots, then clean water extract, ensuring we do not leave any soapy residue behind allowing for fresh, clean carpets.

Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving for my scheduled service?

Yes. Remove breakables from the tops of furniture in the room we will be cleaning. Pick up items from the floor, such as rugs, plants, toys, pet beds, etc. Pre-vacuum all areas to be cleaned.

Do I have to move furniture?

To get the best results with professional carpet cleaning, we recommend removing furniture from the rooms we will be cleaning. However, we can place blocks under lighter items such as end tables, coffee tables, dining room chairs, loveseats, chairs and small sofas. Items we clean around instead of moving include beds, armoires, pieces containing china and electronics, exercise equipment and large or heavy sofas.

Are there instructions to follow after my carpets are cleaned?

Immediately after cleaning, it’s best to allow carpets to dry for at least 8 hours before walking on them. Walking on them may flatten the fibers. When walking on them for the next 8 hours, wear white cotton socks. Use air movers if needed to help air circulation as this will speed up the drying time. If a carpet protector such as Scotchgard was applied, foot traffic should be minimized for up to 24 hours to let product cure. Don’t move any furniture back in place until carpet is completely dry or Scotchgard carpet protector has cured. Regular maintenance includes vacuuming often and cleaning up spills immediately.

How can I remove impressions on my carpets that heavy furniture left behind?

Our technical experts at ServiceMaster Clean recommend using a clothes steamer to remove the furniture dents. If you do not have a clothes steamer handy, you can use a kitchen towel and an iron. Place a damp towel over the carpet dent. Heat the iron to a medium heat setting then set the iron on the damp towel. You can use the steam button on the iron periodically. Remove the iron and towel to check the carpet. If it is to your liking, use your fingers to fluff the carpet. If the dent still needs work, place the warm iron on the damp towel and repeat. This process is not suitable for carpets made of olefin fiber.