Here are a few questions you could ask a potential service company:

• How long have you been in business?
• Do you carry liability insurance for what you're working on and its surroundings?
• Do you carry liability insurance for what you're working on and its surroundings?
• Are your employees trained and at least one crew chief certified?
• Are your employees bonded and covered by workman's compensation insurance?
• Do your crew members wear uniforms, look neat, drive identified vehicles, and wear photo ID?
• Will you be on time or call if there are delays?
• Do you provide a written guarantee?
• What is your company's smoking policy? Do they smoke on customer's property?
• Do you provide a written estimate?
• Are the owners of the company available to speak with? Are they ever on a job site?
• What do you do if I am not happy with the service?
• What is your policy for keeping me informed while my job is in progress?
• Will your billing be sent out in a timely manor?
• Do you accept Visa, Master Card, Discover Card, or American Express?

Answer: A carpet may "look" clean when in fact it's really not, that's because a carpet will soil from the bottom up. Also, today's fibers are actually designed to hide soil. By the time a carpet looks like it should be cleaned, it has become very heavily soiled and the best results may not be achieved. Most warranties require you to have your carpet cleaned using hot water extraction method at least once every 12 to 18 months. It is also recommended that protector be re-applied for best results. Carpet that is properly maintained on a regular basis will last much longer than carpet that is only cleaned when it "looks" dirty.

Answer: Well the answer to this is yes and no. This can be true with many carpet cleaning methods because of a detergent residue left in the carpet which will attract and hold soil, thereby increasing the re-soil rates substantially. As you may have already read under our "carpet cleaning procedures", ServiClean One uses a multi-step process that removes not only the soil but also the cleaning detergents that were used to suspend the soil. This process combined with only soft water will leave your carpet fibers clean, soft, and free of any chemical residues. The second part of the question; having your carpet cleaned too often is bad for them. NOT TRUE IF CLEANED PROPERLY. If the carpet is left with too much residue, too wet, or are cleaned too aggressively then the fibers and backing may become damaged and thus reducing the life of your carpet.

Answer: ServiClean One uses the very best in cleaning and deodorizing chemistry along with state-of-the art equipment and techniques. If an odor-causing spill is only in the fibers themselves, deodorizing through pre-treatment followed by thorough cleaning may solve the odor problem and discolorations. However, many times urine has penetrated down into the backing, padding, sub-floor and wood tact strip, and requires more aggressive treatment. The carpet must be disengaged, deodorized and cleaned on both sides, replacement of padding, and tact strip is needed, along with sealing of the sub-floor surface. In some severe cases carpeting may also have to be replaced. It is very important that you let your ServiClean One representative know if you suspect a urine problem. We have electronic devices to detect and locate even old urine so it can be properly treated. It is also important to use the correct cleaning product after pet accidents or the stain may become permanent.

Answer: This depends greatly on the usage, type of fabric, and construction. Natural fibers (such as cotton, rayon, wool, silk, and acetate) stain easily and are more difficult to clean. Synthetics (such as nylon, olefin and acrylic) are less likely to permanently stain and are easier to clean. Keeping this in mind, natural fibers must be cleaned on a regular basis and more care must be taken to prevent spills. Synthetic fabrics should be used in family rooms and dining rooms where high use and spills are more common. Synthetic fabric should be cleaned every 12-24 months. Natural fabrics should be cleaned when light soiling occurs or immediately if spills happen.

Answer: Leather needs to be cleaned and conditioned to replenish natural moisture on a regular basis. Depending on usage, they should be cleaned professionally every 6 - 24 months. A leather protector is also available and recommended to prevent stains.

Answer: ServiClean One uses the very best in cleaning and deodorizing chemistry along with state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. All fabrics are pre-tested for dye migration, shrinking, and color loss. Although most odors can be removed, pet stains can leave permanent odors. This is because chances are the odor has penetrated down into the padding/cushioning. This may require the fabric to be cleaned and deodorized and the padding/cushioning be replaced. In some severe cases, the upholstery may to be replaced or re-upholstered. As for stains on natural fabrics, the stain is may be permanent but if it is synthetic, success is more likely. Again, it is important to inform your representative if you suspect a problem and quick response on most stains and spills is very important.

Answer: It varies with how many people and pets live in the home, the filter system, and the outdoor environment around the house. As a general rule the system should be checked every 3-5 years. If you can see dust and dirt building up around the return air inlets, then it may be time for another cleaning.

Answer: Ideally, just before the new unit is installed. We can also do it just after the new unit is installed, but there is the likelihood of the new furnace processing the dirt, debris, and other particles through it system.

Answer: It can be done year-round at your convenience. In very cold temperatures the home will get cool, but the system will not be off long enough to present any freezing concerns.

Answer: Today we have equipment and technology that can effectively remove water from the carpet and pad. Most modern carpet and padding is made from synthetic materials (forms of plastic) which makes them un-effected from clean water. Therefore carpet and pad can be dried and restored easily. However, if the water is from a contaminated source such as a sewer back-up, carpet and pad must be replaced and the sub-floor cleaned and disinfected.

Answer: Restoring water damaged carpet is almost always more cost effective, saves time and disruption for the occupants, and the end result leaves the carpet in better than pre-loss condition (we guarantee it). Even if the carpet is removed the walls and sub-floor must be quickly and properly dried to prevent mold and other extensive damage.

Answer: This is a complex subject and can't be completely covered in this forum. Mold is a natural organism that is everywhere in our environment. There are some types that are harmless in small quantities and others that are very dangerous to humans. Visual mold is generally a symptom of a moisture problem that must be addressed to permanently correct. ServiClean One has extensive moisture detecting equipment that can help locate these problems. Correction of extensive mold damage is an extensive job to do it right and protect the health of the occupants. The most important part of the process is independent testing and a written job scope by a licensed environmental company. Finally, when the job is complete, a test is conducted to ensure that the problem has been eliminated and the indoor environment is safe for you and your family. ServiClean One is a certified mold restorer and operates under the standards set forth by the IICRC We can direct you to a licensed environmental company for testing by request.