Why is vacuuming important?

The most important thing you can do to keep your carpet looking great is to vacuum it thoroughly and
frequently, particularly in high-traffic areas. Vacuuming helps remove dirt particles which dull the
carpet's appearance and damage the carpet fibers. Also, use walk-off mats at entrances to minimize
dirt particles being tracked onto the carpet and to reduce soil accumulation.

I know regular vacuuming is important. What type of vacuum should I use?

A good vacuum cleaner is extremely important in prolonging the life of your carpet. Almost any
vacuum cleaner can remove surface dirt, but only a quality machine can effectively remove the soil
that's embedded in the pile. We recommend using a vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush or
beater/brush combination that agitates the carpet pile to loosen embedded soil. (Note that some
thick loop pile carpets can become fuzzy when cleaned with a rotating brush-style vacuum cleaner. For
those carpets, we recommend a good quality suction-only machine.)

How can I maintain my new carpet warranty?

There are three key things to do to maintain your new carpet warranty:

1. Vacuum frequently
2. Clean spills promptly
3. Have periodic professional carpet cleanings

Why is professional cleaning important?
When vacuuming no longer removes all of the soil, or you have not been able to remove spots
following the recommended carpet care and cleaning procedures, it's time to have your carpet cleaned
by a trained and qualified professional cleaner. At Scotty Steam Clean, we know the latest information
on carpet construction, carpet care products, and safe, effective cleaning methods to help maintain
carpet beauty. For this reason, we recommend, and most carpet manufacturers' warranties require,
periodic professional cleaning.

How often should my carpet be cleaned?
We recommend professional cleaning at least every 6 - 12 months.
Upholstery Cleaning Questions:

What is your method for upholstery cleaning?
Prior to cleaning, the material of each piece of furniture will be identified, the dyes will be tested for
color fastness, and any other potential problems will be identified.  From these factors, one of our
special upholstery cleaning solutions is applied to the fabric to loosen embedded dirt, which is
followed by a thorough fiber rinse and extraction step to remove the dirt along with the cleaning
solution.

How long will my furniture take to dry after steam cleaning?
Most furniture will dry within 1-4 hours.  Although materials such as cotton, wool or other natural
fibers may dry slower and may take as long as 6-8 hours to dry.

Why can't I wash my zippered cushion covers in the washing machine?

We do not recommended washing your zippered cushions.  Manufacturers often sew zippers into
cushions for ease of fit.   If you remove the covers and wash them, you may run into the problem of
shrinking the cover and in turn distorting the fit of the cushion to your couch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carpet Cleaning Questions:


One method of carpet cleaning is as good as another?

No. You can choose from two primary methods: dry cleaning or hot water extraction (steam cleaning).

Many people believe that dry cleaning your carpet is like dry cleaning your clothing. This is not true.  All
carpet cleaning methods use water in one from or another. Here are the three methods of dry cleaning
carpet:

  • When a carpet cleaner uses dry foam, he applies shampoo to your carpet, allows it to dry, and
    then sucks the dried shampoo into a vacuum. Can you imagine applying shampoo to your hair,
    allowing it to dry and then removing the shampoo from your head with a vacuum? This method
    can leave a residue in your carpet, which in my opinion is one reason dry foam is not very
    effective.

  • The dry-chem method is similar to dry foam. The major difference is that when dry-chem is
    used, the company sets a large cotton bonnet on your carpet. Using a machine, the bonnet
    spins from side to side, absorbing the dirt that's in the carpet. After the bonnet is saturated with
    dirt, another cotton bonnet is applied. Bonnet cleaning is like trying to use a large towel to rub
    the dirt out of your carpet.  Also, not very effective.

  • The dry-compound method spreads an absorbent mixture that looks like wet sawdust all over
    you’re carpeting. Then the machine brushes the mixture into the carpet, which in theory causes
    dirt to absorb into the mixture. When the mixture has dried, a vacuum cleaner sucks the
    material out of the carpeting. Because the carpet is not rinsed in any way, this method is also
    not very effective.

The second carpet cleaning method which Scotty Steam Clean uses is called hot water extraction, also
known as steam cleaning.  
Shaw Industries, the world's largest carpet manufacturer, recommends hot
water extraction.

Hot water extraction (steam cleaning) is a method in which hot water and cleaning solution is forced
under high pressure into the carpet and then sucked out of the carpet -- which breaks up the dirt,
bacteria and pollens.  Then the machine uses high suction to draw the dirt out of the carpet.  

No question, the most effective way to thoroughly clean carpeting is with hot water, along with high
quality cleaning agents, a high power machine and an experienced technician committed to spending
the time required to thoroughly clean your carpet of dirt, harmful bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollens
and tobacco residue.

Methods that use cold and even warm water to remove dirt are not as effective as the hot water
extraction method.

I've heard water can ruin carpets. Is that true?
No. What can harm carpet is poor quality machinery that does not remove enough of the water to allow
the carpet to go through the drying process properly.   By washing and then rinsing your carpet with hot
water, we clean your carpet completely -- in the same way that the person who showers and then rinses
off the dirt and soap will be much cleaner than the person who takes only a sponge bath.

What's included?
All prices include vacuuming, light furniture moving, pre-treating and spotting.  Please see the prices
section of our website.    

How long does it take to dry?
Carpets are dry in 2-6 hours.  If proper conditions exist, carpets can dry as little as 2 hours.

Is there an odor?
No, our products have no odor.  We do not use toxic solvents or detergents.  Perfect for pets or
persons with allergies.

Is there a guarantee?
We guarantee all of our work.  Within two weeks, if you are unhappy with the cleaning, let us know and
we will re-clean your carpets free of charge.

How much does it cost?
Please see our price chart. We have no hidden charges.

Does Carpet Protector really work?
Absolutely. Carpet protector is an outstanding product that Carpet & Upholstery Care professionals
recommend highly.  In fact, most new carpet has protector on it - applied by the carpet manufacturer.
However, protector wears off because of foot traffic on the carpet,  frequent vacuuming, etc.