Carpet Cleaning

Keeping your carpets clean does more than improve appearance. It protects your investment, improves air quality, and creates a healthier home environment.

Here are the most common questions people ask about professional carpet cleaning:

1. Is professional carpet cleaning worth it?

Yes, professional carpet cleaning is worth it because it removes deep dirt, allergens, and bacteria that household vacuums and rental machines cannot reach.

Regular professional cleaning extends carpet life, restores color, eliminates odors, and improves indoor air quality, which makes it a smart and cost-effective service for homeowners.

2. How often should I have my carpets professionally cleaned?

Most carpet manufacturers recommend having your carpets professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months.

Homes with kids, pets, or heavy traffic should schedule cleaning every 6 to 9 months. Routine cleaning keeps carpets fresh, prevents matting, and helps maintain warranty coverage.

3. What is the difference between professional carpet cleaning and doing it yourself?

The difference between professional carpet cleaning and DIY cleaning is the depth and consistency of the results.

Professionals use truck-mounted systems that provide stronger suction and higher heat, which remove more soil and water. DIY machines often leave detergent residue that attracts new dirt.

4. What method do professionals use to clean carpets?

At Carter’s Carpet Restoration, our professional carpet cleaners use hot water extraction, often called steam cleaning.

This process injects hot water and a cleaning solution deep into the fibers, loosens dirt, and extracts it with high-powered suction. For delicate materials, cleaners may use low-moisture or dry methods.

5. How long does professional carpet cleaning take?

Professional carpet cleaning usually takes one to two hours depending on home size and soil level.

Larger homes or heavily used areas can take longer. Carpets normally dry in six to eight hours depending on airflow and humidity.

6. Can professional carpet cleaning remove pet stains and odors?

Yes, professional carpet cleaning can remove most pet stains and odors with enzyme-based treatments that break down organic material.

These treatments target bacteria and odor sources within the fibers and padding. When contamination reaches the subfloor, additional odor-control services may be required.

7. Does professional carpet cleaning remove allergens such as dust or pet dander?

Yes, professional carpet cleaning removes allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen that collect deep in carpet fibers.

The hot water extraction process flushes out these irritants and improves indoor air quality, which helps reduce allergy symptoms.

8. Will professional carpet cleaning damage my carpet?

No, professional carpet cleaning will not damage your carpet when performed by certified technicians.

Modern methods use the correct temperature, water pressure, and cleaning agents for each carpet type to prevent shrinkage, discoloration, or fiber damage.

9. What should I do before the carpet cleaners arrive?

Before professional carpet cleaning, you should vacuum your carpets, move small or fragile items, and secure pets in another area.

Technicians can handle larger furniture and pre-treat stains during the visit. A little preparation ensures faster and more efficient cleaning.

10. How long before I can walk on my carpet after cleaning?

You can walk on your carpet immediately after professional cleaning if you wear clean socks or indoor shoes.

Avoid heavy foot traffic until it is fully dry, which typically takes six to eight hours but can take up to 24 hours. Open windows or run fans to speed up drying.

11. Can professional carpet cleaning help with mold or mildew?

Yes, professional carpet cleaning can help remove mild surface mold and mildew by eliminating moisture and contaminants.

If mold has spread into the padding or subfloor, specialized remediation may be necessary to resolve the problem completely.

12. How can I keep my carpets cleaner for longer after professional cleaning?

To keep your carpets cleaner for longer after professional cleaning, vacuum weekly, use entry mats, and remove shoes indoors.

Treat spills immediately and schedule regular professional maintenance to prevent buildup and preserve color and texture.

13. What happens if stains come back after cleaning?

If stains return after professional cleaning, they are usually caused by deep residue that rises to the surface while drying.

We offer a free follow-up visit to re-treat any spots that reappear.

14. Are professional carpet cleaning products safe for pets and children?

Yes, professional carpet cleaning products are safe for pets and children when applied correctly.

Most technicians use biodegradable and non-toxic solutions that rinse clean without leaving harmful residue. If you have allergies or sensitivities, let your cleaner know before the service.

15. What are the main benefits of regular professional carpet cleaning?

The main benefits of professional carpet cleaning are longer carpet life, better air quality, and a cleaner, healthier home.

Routine cleaning removes stains and allergens, restores texture and color, and helps your flooring look its best year-round.

16. How much does professional carpet cleaning cost?

Carter’s Carpet Restoration charges a flat rate per square foot for carpet cleaning instead of by the number of rooms cleaned.

This means you only pay for the exact area that is cleaned, not the entire room. For example, if heavy furniture stays in place, the technician measures around it so you are charged only for the exposed carpet. This pricing method ensures fairness and accuracy for every customer.