How to Get Ready for a Carpet Cleaning Visit

A carpet cleaning visit doesn't take much preparation, but a little of it goes a long way. The more open the floor is when we walk in, the more time goes into cleaning instead of moving things around. Here's a simple checklist, plus an honest list of what we move and what we clean around.

The short version

Our standard request is this: vacuum if possible, move small items and breakables, and clear a path to every area being cleaned. That's it. If you do those three things, you've done most of the work.

Vacuum first, if you can

A vacuum pass before we arrive removes the loose hair, crumbs and surface dust, so the cleaning solution goes to work on the soil that's actually in the carpet. It's not a requirement, and we won't turn you away if there's no time. But it helps, and a thorough pass over traffic lanes makes a visible difference in the finished result.

Move the small stuff and the breakables

Please move small and light items out of the way. Think about what's sitting on the floor or on low surfaces:

• Toys, shoes, pet beds and bowls.
• Baskets, magazine racks and laundry.
• Lamps, plants and decor on low tables.
• Anything fragile, valuable or sentimental.
• Cords and chargers that run across the floor.

Breakables deserve special attention. We're careful, but a vase on the floor next to a hose is a risk we'd rather not take. Put anything you'd be sad to lose in another room or on a high shelf.

Clear a path

We run hoses from our truck-mounted equipment into your home, so we need a clear route from the front door to every room being cleaned. Open the doors we'll use, and move boxes, baby gates, bikes and anything else that blocks the way. Stairs need to be clear, too, since they're part of the job. A clear path keeps the visit quick and keeps your things safe.

Parking

We usually like to park in the driveway, or as close to the house as we can get. The truck holds the equipment that does the work, so the closer it is, the shorter the hoses and the smoother the visit. If your driveway is full or you share a parking area, let us know when you book, and we'll plan around it.

What we move, and what we clean around

We can move some pieces of furniture, and we'll put protectors or blocks under the legs afterward. Ask about any piece you'd like moved. As we mentioned in our drying guide, leave those blocks in place until the carpet is completely dry, to avoid permanent staining from wooden legs.

Some things we clean around instead of moving. These include:

• Electronics.
• Hutches.
• Bookcases.
• Desks.
• TVs.
• Pianos.

Anything really heavy, we'll go around. That's a safety decision for your furniture, your floors and our team. It does mean the carpet directly under those pieces stays uncleaned, but that area isn't walked on anyway. If there's a piece you'd like moved, ask when you book and we'll tell you whether we can do it.

A few extras worth doing

• Tell us about pet accidents or stains before we start. Pointing out the problem spots saves time and gets better results.
• Let us know about anything with special care needs, like a delicate rug or a spot where a repair was made.
• Keep pets and young kids in a different part of the house. Wet floors, equipment and open doors aren't a good mix with a curious dog.
• Have a plan for the next few hours. Carpet will be lightly damp, so socks or bare feet only, and no shoes.

What happens when we arrive

We begin with a pre-inspection and spot treatment of problem areas. Then comes hot water extraction, a deodorizing treatment, and grooming of the carpet to help it dry faster. We finish with a walk-through with you, and we'll give you tips to speed up drying. Most homes take one to three hours, depending on the size of the home and the condition of the carpets.

One customer wrote that the owner "explained many tips and tricks for keeping our carpet upheld after the cleaning." That's D P, and we do that on purpose. The visit is a good time to ask us anything about your carpets.

Ready to book, or just want to ask a question first? Call M&J at (970) 207-0510 for a free estimate, or send a message through the contact page.