Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What is "Footroom Pricing"™ all about?
A: Footroom Pricing™ is offered exclusively by Grand Traverse Carpet Cleaners and gives you the choices not available with any other company! Proper carpet maintenance requires more frequent cleaning of traffic areas than carpeted areas under furniture. Footroom Pricing™ gives you the option to have just traffic areas cleaned between whole room cleanings without having to pay whole room prices! We measure only the areas you want cleaned (whole rooms, traffic areas or a combination), we calculate by the room and by the square foot - you pay whichever is less! Simple - You Save Money!

 

 

Q: What do I need to do to prepare for carpet cleaning?
A: We move large heavy items* as we clean, therefore we just ask that you have any small breakables removed from the tops of anything you would like moved and cleaned underneath. Any small items such as magazines, toys, shoes, etc. sitting on the carpets to be cleaned should be removed. Debris larger than the size of a pea should be vacuumed up before arrival.

 

 

Q: What cleaning process is best for my carpet?
A: Grand Traverse Carpet Cleaners follows manufacturers guidelines by employing a 2 - step steam extraction process. A pre-conditioner is applied to the areas being cleaned to loosen and suspend tough ground in soil. We then extract the pre-conditioner, soil and any residue from previous cleanings with hot water and a fabric rinse solution. Similar to washing your cloths with a detergent and using a fabric softener in the rinse cycle. Clean, soft and fresh.

 

 

Q: How long do I have to stay off my carpet?
A: It is generally recommended that you avoid excessive traffic while you carpet is drying, however, you can walk on damp carpet to access areas as needed. Traffic from outside should be avoided as much as possible or remove shoes before entering. Clean carpet is like a clean sponge and will absorb soil brought in from other areas.

 

 

Q: How long will it take my carpet to dry?
A: Drying times can vary significantly depending on weather conditional and humidity levels indoors and out. Normal drying times are 6 - 8 hours**. Carpet dries by evaporation and to speed drying you may use fans to circulate the air. In general, the more air circulation, the faster your carpet will dry.

 

 

Q: How often should I have my carpet cleaned?
A: Most major carpet manufactures recommend you have your carpet cleaned every 12 - 18 months. In fact, if your carpet came with a warrantee you are required to have periodic professional cleaning to maintain your warrantee. We have provided to links below as a courtesy to check some manufactures recommendations.

 

Stainmaster
Mohawk

 

Q: What should I do if I spill something on my carpet?
A: Spills and pet accidents are the major two reasons for re-appearing spots. Time is critical! The first thing you should do when addressing spills or pet accidents is to place a clean dry towel over the spill and stand on it. You must absorb as much of the spill into the towel as possible. Letting the spill soak into the backing of the carpet will increase the risk of re-appearing spots in the future. For specific spotting information click on "Ask A Pro" below to be connected to an expert who can advise you how to proceed..

 

 

Q: Which "over the counter" spot cleaner works best?
A: NEVER use over the counter spot cleaners! Use of OTC spotters can actually make some spots permanent. In addition, all spot cleaners leave some residue and over time will become sticky and attract soil. OTC spot cleaners do not "remove" anything, they hide the spot… for a while.

 

 

Q: What can I do about pet odors?
A: It depends on the severity. General pet odors can be eliminated with our "Odor Control" application during the cleaning process. "Odor Control" contains active enzymes that actually digests the bacteria that is creating the odor. Keep in mind, liquids (urine) can soak through the carpet and into the padding. More sever pet odors that are in the padding may require removal and replacement of the affected padding.

 

 

Q: Does Scotchgard® Carpet Protector actually help keep my carpet clean?
A: Absolutely! Try cooking an egg in a dry cast iron skillet. Now try cooking an egg in a non-stick coated skillet. Scotchgard® Carpet Protector works the same way by coating the fibers of your carpet allowing more soil removal during routine vacuuming keeping your carpet cleaner, longer. Grand Traverse Carpet Cleaners uses only genuine "3M Scotchgard® Carpet Protector and highly recommend it.

 

 

Q: I have a question not addressed above, what should I do?
A: Simple, "ASK A PRO". Just click below and you will be instantly be connected to an expert technician that will be happy to answer any carpet, upholstery or duct cleaning related questions you may have... free of charge!

 

 

Thank you for visiting Grand Traverse Carpet Cleaners!
We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in the future. Our philosophy: We want you as a customer today, but just as important, we want you as a customer, tomorrow!

 

 

 

*Some large heavy items can not be moved safely. China cabinets & curios that you wold like moved should be emptied prior to our arrival. We do not moved entertainment centers, wood frame beds, computers or pianos.
**You must provide adequate continuous air circulation. Humidity levels will affect drying time.