Frequently Asked Questions

Q:
What type of cleaning do you do?

A:
We use various methods but in general we use Hot Water Extraction (otherwise known as steam cleaning). There is no steam in the cleaning process but because the hot water extraction is a very high temperature, it does give off steam - which is where the term comes from. Hot water extraction is recommended by leading carpet manufacturers and retailers and is the most thorough system available to the industry.

Q:
How long does it take to dry?

A:
How long is a piece of string! Unfortunately there can never be a 'set' time as there are many factors involved. Room temperature, humidity, outside temperature, pile thickness, pile construction and cleaning intensity, are all factors in drying. For carpets we would say between 1 - 5 hours and for upholstery we would have some of it dry before we leave.

Q:
Are the products you use safe?

A:
Extremely so. Not only are our products safe but are absolutely fine for babies, pets, allergy sufferers and wool fibres. We also leave no dirt attracting residues behind (like cheap cleaning attempts/DIY type machinery), and all fibres are left ph neutral .

Q:
There's an old saying that having your carpets/upholstery cleaned will knock the stuffing out of them - is this true?

A:
This is completely untrue. What does happen is that heavy soil can disguise wear and damage issues quite nicely, hiding colour loss and fibre damage. Once cleaning has been done this will highlight these already affected areas. Another common problem is waxy soils 'sealing in' and flattening down worn fibres, especially on arms and hiding loose/worn fibres. Again, when this greasy waxy soil is removed, fresh clean fibres can protrude which is quite normal, as the damage is already present - just highlighted.

Q:
Will my carpets/upholstery get dirtier quicker after having them cleaned? - I've heard this is also true.

A:
This is untrue - but only if true professionals clean them. What we mean is, unfortunately there are cheap unethical cleaners about and they invariably use cheap shampoo based systems - just like you get at the hire shops. Because there is no rinsing of the fibres, the shampoo is left in the fabric/fibres and this attracts dirt very quickly. We rinse the fibres so that they stay cleaner for longer.

Q:
Will I have to move any furniture?

A:
Ideally we would want an empty room, but this isn't always possible so it's all about common sense and Health & Safety. We will gladly move any large items so long as its safe to do so. If any units are required to be moved we only ask that they are emptied first, drawers from chests, clothes from light wardrobes, everything from sideboards etc. Unfortunately if they are not emptied we wont be able to move them - this is for 2 reasons. Firstly, we may injure ourselves and secondly units are not designed to be moved when full. Damage can easily occur if any attempts are made when they are full. Don't forget, if any items are wooden, we will have to place the items on polystyrene blocks so that they don't bleed wood dye back onto the carpet, so sometimes it makes sense to go round such items. We also ask that you remove all small items i.e. lamps, coffee tables, cd racks, plants, etc from the cleaning area

Q:
Will you be careful in my home?

A:
Yes. It is out top priority to ensure that we do not cause any damage or make anything dirty. We use various mats to protect your flooring and sheets are put under furniture before they are cleaned. We also use indoor slippers when working and only put shoes on when leaving the property

Q:
What do I need to do after the clean?

A:
For carpets, don't wear any coloured socks or any black soled shoes/slippers whilst the carpet is still drying - it may transfer onto it. Also leave any foil strips/polystyrene blocks in place for a few days, or simply offset the furniture after the main areas have dried. If any of these are removed from under items too soon then staining from wood or metal studs/frames may occur. In winter open windows and put your heating on to speed up drying, don't be tempted to close windows otherwise it will take longer. For upholstery it's wise to leave any items that are not quite dry in an upright position to allow air flow over the whole item.

Q:
Are you fully insured - not just for my home, but also items you are working on?

A:
Of course we are. Some companies only have basic liability insurance which wont cover you for items being cleaned on. We have 'treatments risk' which means that if for some reason we cause any damage on an item we are cleaning (we never have) - you will be covered automatically.

Q:
Are you professionally trained and are you part of any trade associations like Corgi is with gas?

A:
Yes indeed we are. We are members of the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification - www.iicrc.co.uk), and the NCCA (National Carpet Cleaners Association - www.ncca.co.uk). This ensures we use industry approved standards and ethically run our business. Please log on to their websites for more benefits and information on why it is so important for companies to be registered.