Answering the Most Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions on Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, Area Rug Cleaning, Carpet Stretching, and Carpet Repair.
Q: What type of cleaning method does Cook Cleaning Co. use?
A: Cook Cleaning Co. uses a truck mount steam cleaning system. This means that the motor, pump, heater, fresh water tank and waste water tank stays in our van parked outside. Two hoses are run from the van to inside the residence or commercial space. The benefit of this system is the cleaning power this equipment provides. It cleans with up to 600 PSI, keeps water at a constant 160 degrees Fahrenheit, provides 395 CFM and 15″ Hg of lift. This equates to a thorough, uniform cleaning and a quicker drying time. A second benefit is that it keeps most of the noise outside which means that our work from home clients are not bothered by excess background noise. The only drawback is that this system has a maximum range of 300 feet or the length of a football field. Potential clients that are on the 4th story of high rise building and above will not be able to utilize our services as they currently operate. Check out our work on Facebook.
Q: What is included in a standard room steam cleaning?
A: A standard room cleaning from Cook Cleaning Co. starts with clearing the space for cleaning. Clearing an area is limited to small furniture and items under 40 lbs. We then pad the legs of the remaining items to prevent furniture and rust stains. The cleaning process starts with vacuuming the space if excessive pet hair or dirt is present. CCC then applies our standard pre-spray that includes enzymes to dissolve and release particulates from carpet fibers. Our standard pre-spray is also anti-microbial to kill odor causing bacteria. This step is followed with a quick agitation and dwell time to allow for maximum penetration. Now the hot water extraction takes place. This is when water at a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and 500 PSI is used to dislodge, dissolve and extract the allergens, dirt, particulates and stains from the clients carpets and area rugs. Our powerful vacuum has 395 CFM and 15″ Hg lift to remove as much water out of our clients carpets and rugs without sucking them out of the house. Extra drying strokes are used to remove all possible water because that is where the undesirable particulates have been been dissolved into. Finally, air movers can be placed in our clients house to improve drying times if needed.
Q: How long do our carpets and furniture take to dry?
A: The average drying time for upholstery is 1-2 hours. Upholstery is more delicate and thinner material than carpet so a lower pressure is used to clean fabrics. The average drying time of carpets is 6-8 hours. We use drying strokes to remove 99% of the water used to dissolve the dirt, stains, allergens, and bacteria present in the carpets and area rugs. Drying times can be improved up by running fans to circulate air or the cooling system to lower humidity.
Q: What is a safe and effective home cleaner Cook Cleaning Co. recommends for small spills and accidents between cleanings?
A: 3% hydrogen peroxide is our favorite safe and effective house hold product for removing stains and spills. 3% hydrogen peroxide is safe for most polyester and nylon fabrics. It has the added benefit of being anti-bacterial which means it will help neutralize odor causing bacteria. Cook Cleaning Co. recommends blotting a stain as much as possible with an absorbent towel. Then put some 3% hydrogen peroxide on a clean towel and gently apply the 3% hydrogen peroxide to remaining stain. Repeat until stain is neutralized. If stain persists give us a call, Cook Cleaning Co. has access to more powerful cleaners and solvents meant to be extracted after use.
Q: How do we get rid of the wrinkles in our carpets?
A: Your carpets need to be restretched. When carpets are installed they are cut to fit the room and stretched over a tack strip bordering the walls. Sometimes carpets are not cut properly leaving too much material and sometimes carpets naturally relax over time. In both instances the carpet bunches up creating tripping hazards and also causing carpets to wear out prematurely. The solution is to pull back the carpets off the tack strips and cut the excess off the edge the carpets. The carpet is then restretched over the tack strip and back under the wall.