Dealing with a professional carpet cleaner

DEALING WITH A PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANER

Preparation

Remove/raise hangings, curtains, valuables, chandeliers etc.
Vacuum the carpet - the carpet cleaner might not to do it, or may be not as carefully as you would!

Communication

Specify special services like truck-mounted Hot Water Extraction treatment, if required, in advance
Talk to the service person about the cleaning methods to be used; treat him/her like a professional that he/she is!
Specify any add-ons that you want / don't want
Describe past cleanings, if any that the carpet has undergone
Point out stains in the carpet and what might have caused them
Alert the service person to any furniture with weak legs, seams in the carpet etc.
Get the operation cost in writing before service begins

Afterwards

Pay only after inspecting the cleaned carpet/rug with the service person
Make sure that the plastic or foil shields have been placed under all furniture legs
Ask for estimate of carpet drying time and special instructions
If the weather allows, open all doors and windows to speed up drying
Don't cover the carpet with anything to walk on it
Leave moisture shields under the furniture legs until th e carpet dries completely
Vacuum immediately after the carpet dries and regularly afterwards
If you notice spots after the service person has left, call the firm immediately
If the carpet still seems damp after 24 hrs, call the carpet cleaning firm
If unable to resolve any dispute with the carpet cleaner
1. complain to the local office of consumer affairs
2. contact the firm's headquarters, if it is a franchise
3. get the carpet inspected by an independent inspector who might even assist you in solving your claim