Residential FAQs
Q: Can I treat a stain myself without scheduling a SaniTech appointment?
A: Please refer to DIY SPOT CLEANING
Q: Should I have my carpet dry cleaned or steam cleaned?
A: Most major carpet manufacturers recommend truck-mounted steam cleaning as the preferred method for keeping carpet as clean as possible. Done properly by a trained and certified technician, steam cleaning has been proven to remove more soil and spots than dry cleaning methods. Steam cleaning also rinses the carpet and leaves it thoroughly clean, unlike dry cleaning solvents that are left in the carpet and attract more dirt.
Q: What process do you use to clean carpet?
A: SaniTech is experienced in all methods of cleaning, but most of the carpet cleaning provided (aside from the occasional exception) is done according to manufacturers’ warranty recommendations: with a truck-mounted, hot water extraction unit. This is commonly referred to as “steam cleaning”.
Contrary to the harsh chemicals used by other cleaning companies, we use a product called Soap-Free PROCYON®, which is an all-natural, non-toxic, eco-friendly solution that leaves your carpet clean, soft, and free of any residues which would attract dirt. Typically, we use PROCYON® as a pre-spray, followed by a thorough rinsing with pure hot water. Some stains such as pet urine, vomit, red wine, Kool-Aid, nail polish, and coffee require more aggressive treatment with stronger products or neutralizers, but we always make sure your carpet is thoroughly rinsed with pure, hot water.
Q: How long does the carpet take to dry?
A: Normal drying time could take anywhere from thirty minutes to six hours. Drying time depends on humidity/weather conditions, room temperature, air flow, and the density of the carpet. SaniTech professionals can assess these conditions, and will work to achieve the shortest possible dry-time. Our hot water extraction method leaves carpet only damp to the touch, and we always pay special attention to making sure that your carpet dries as thoroughly and efficiently as possible, using ventilation procedures, fans, and temperature control methods. During the short waiting time to dry your carpet, we suggest you wear our complementary plastic shoe covers.
Q: How often should I get my carpet cleaned?
A: Depending on the foot traffic in your home, we usually recommend steam cleaning once or twice a year. For in-between times, SaniTech has a unique Maintenance Program, which does not involve truck-mounted steam cleaning. For this type of maintenance, we do a light surface cleaning with non-toxic PROCYON®, which keeps dirt from settling into the backing of the carpet, improves indoor air quality, and makes future steam cleaning more effective. Some people have us maintain their homes in this way on a monthly basis so that their spaces stay looking pristine year-round. In addition, regular maintenance cleaning can drastically reduce the need for more costly steam cleaning and can extend the life of your carpet–sometimes years beyond the typical life of the carpet.
Q: Can you get pet odor out of my carpet?
A: Pet odor can be a real nuisance, but we love our pets and want to keep them as part of the family! Here’s what we’ve learned in our decades of experience at SaniTech:
Urine provides for the growth of bacteria, which contributes to a worsening of the odor problem and can result in permanent color loss in the carpet’s fibers. The urine can penetrate much deeper than it first appears, soaking through the backing of the carpet into the padding underneath, and even in some cases, to the sub-floor beneath the padding. This can create a multi-layered problem. Left untreated, other porous materials such as draperies, upholstered furniture, and baseboards can also absorb those odors.
Additionally, the age of the animal is a major factor. Older animals produce more acidic urine, making discoloration and odor very difficult to treat. On the flip side, the urine from younger animals is not as difficult to treat.
To eliminate problematic pet odors, the urine must be removed or neutralized as soon as possible from each of the affected layers. If the contamination is limited to only the face of the yarn of the carpet, then the cleaning itself may effectively remove the odor. However, in most cases, carpet saturated by urine requires a second or third rinsing. In more severe cases, replacement of the carpet, padding, or treatment of the sub-floor may be required.
SaniTech’s extensive experience with pet odor treatment enables us to assess and offer real solutions to your pet odor problems.