Having made the decision to bring in a professional carpet and upholstery cleaner to restore the freshness and extend the life of the fabrics in your home, you’re already on the right track. Professional cleaning services don’t just make your carpets and upholstery visually appealing but also substantially increase their longevity.
While the lion’s share of benefits comes directly from the expertise and diligent work of the cleaning service, there’s a vital role for you to play as well. This includes post-cleaning care and maintenance, but importantly, several preparatory steps should be taken before the professional cleaners arrive.
The preparations are not as simple as a couple of quick tasks. Instead, there are several actions that can set the stage for a seamless cleaning process. Here are seven critical steps to take before your carpets and upholstery receive their professional cleaning.
Pre-Vacuum Your Carpets:
While many cleaning services may include vacuuming as a preliminary step, pre-vacuuming your carpets ensures the deep cleaning phase isn’t delayed. Plus, any dirt and grit you remove is already benefitting your carpets.
Sweep Other Surfaces:
Your home may have a mix of carpeted floors and other floor types like hardwood or vinyl. Sweep these surfaces to ensure no loose debris can find its way onto your carpets or upholstered furniture during the cleaning process.
Relocate Small Furniture:
Making your cleaning service’s job easier often leads to better results and faster completion time. Help streamline their task by moving smaller pieces of furniture out of the room prior to their arrival.
Secure Fragile Items:
Accidents can happen, so ensure you’ve removed any delicate or valuable items that could be potentially damaged during the cleaning process. Though professional cleaners will exercise care, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Clear the Clutter:
Make the workspace as accessible as possible for your professional cleaners. Look around your rooms and remove any items that could be in the way, such as children’s toys, shoes, or pet items.
Lift Up Your Curtains:
Ensure your curtains aren’t at risk of damage or obstruction during the cleaning process by lifting or tying them up, especially if they extend to the floor.
Ensure Your Pets Are Safe:
This step applies only to pet owners, of course. To ensure their safety and avoid any disturbances, pets, particularly cats or dogs that usually roam freely, should be kept in a secure location. This could mean leaving them with a friend or relative or letting them enjoy the outdoors for the day.
By taking the time to complete these preparatory steps ensures a smoother and more efficient carpet and upholstery cleaning process. Your proactive effort complements the hard work of professional cleaners, leading to the best possible outcome for your carpets and upholstery.