DoneRite Carpet Cleaning : FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chemicals do you use? And are they safe?

We are very proud of the fact that we use cleaning products that are soap free, odor free, hypo-allergenic, non-toxic with no VOCs and no off-gassing. It is made with all natural ingredients, our cleaning product is absolutely one of the safest used in our industry today. For complete details please click on this web site: www.soapfreeprocyon.com

How soon can I walk on it?

Keep pets, children and regular traffic off of the carpet for a period of 6 hours. The home owner may use the carpet lightly immediately after cleaning by wearing the plastic booties we provide. Wait 24 hours before removing foam blocks and plastic tabs that are put in place to protect the furniture and carpet. Some carpets may still feel slightly damp for up to 24 hours depending on carpet, soiling condition and weather. This is normal and will not cause any problems.

Do you move the furniture?

Yes our regular pricing includes moving sofas, chairs, tables, end tables, etc. However beds, entertainment centers and heavier pieces are left in place due to liability issues.

Can you clean carpet or rugs over hardwood floors?

Yes, we have our system set up where the backing of the carpet or rug is not ever saturated, therefore no problem with wood floors underneath. Oriental rugs and all woven rugs should be cleaned in-plant by hand for the best results. (see services for more info on rugs).

Do you clean Berber?

Absolutely, Berber is a weave, not a particular type of fabric. Berber is simply a type of loop construction that may come in olefin, nylon, wool, or a blend. Berber requires a more thorough cleaning than other carpets because the "flushing" action needs to take place to get under, around, and through the loops. Other companies that are not as thorough as we are do have problems with Berber because of leaving soil behind that "wicks" back to the surface.

Do you clean Sisal, Sea Grass and Grass?

Yes, however each of these rugs are unique and should be evaluated. The sisal rugs are not made to be cleaned, and results are limited and very with each rug. Hot water extraction can cause shrinkage, discoloration or even water rings.

Do you clean Wool?

Yes, yes, yes, we have special products that we use for wool. We clean wool often. We use a little lower temperature, lower pressure and there is a special low PH rinsing surfactant we use as well. We give special concern to drying time when cleaning wool as well. Most importantly there is no substitute for experience. And our 10 years of cleaning experience makes us the true experts in cleaning wool.

Can you clean Haitian cotton fabrics?

Yes, we have special Haitian cotton cleaner, or we can dry-clean it. Each case is unique and should be evaluated.

Is it possible to clean Silk, Chintz, or Micro Fiber?

Yes - it is not only possible, but we do it very well! And it will be dry in 1-3 hours.

What is the best cleaning method?

There are several methods but two of the basic methods are the wet and dry methods. The term dry cleaning is bit misleading since all methods use some amount of water. And there absolutely no similarity to the dry cleaning method that is used to clean clothing.

1. One of the more popular so-called dry methods used is referred to as dry-chem or encapsulation. The processes goes something like this: There is a cleaning product that is sprayed onto the carpet and is then wiped up with an absorbent pad or cotton bonnet using a rotary type floor machine. (I liken this to a person soaping up then just wiping off with a towel, no rinsing with water! They will get some of the dirt off but will be left with a residue). This method is actually surface or maintaince method. The down side is it does leave a residue. The benefit is that it does dry in 1- 3 hours.

2. The most popular cleaning method is known as Steam Cleaning or Hot water extraction. There are basically 2 types:

A: The portable machine that plugs into your household current (one like you would rent a supermarket, not very good because it is very limited in it's power and can leave the carpet very wet taking several days for the carpet to dry).

B: A much more preferred method, is the powerful truck-mounted hot water extraction unit, which we use. This is a large powerful unit mounted in a truck or van. The process goes something like this: Here again a cleaner is applied to the carpet but it is then rinsed out with very hot soft water (you see once water is heated up to 120 degrees every 15-17 degree temperature rise doubles the waters power to clean, the water itself can become a very aggressive cleaner). The rinsing temperature can be adjusted to between 120 to 240 degrees depending on the type of carpet and soiling conditions that are found. This is the method we use and is the method that is recommended by Shaw Carpet Ind., the largest carpet manufacturer in the world. DuPont as well as all the other large manufactures also recommend this, in fact they require it, to honor their warranties. Not to mention the IICRC (Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) which we are members of.

To answer more questions and access more information click here to see the Consumer's Inside Guide to Carpet Cleaning.

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