The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration is a non-profit organization that assists cleaners, consumers, and industry giants alike. It helps set standards of conduct and workmanship throughout the industry. It is a voluntary organization whose classes and seminars enable cleaners (technicians) to stay up to date with the technological changes in their respective areas of expertise. This provides a means by which consumers can receive the highest quality of service from a trained, knowledgeable, and professional technician. After attending a seminar and passing an exam, a technician is certified.

Huber’s Carpet Cleaning recommends a protectant called DuPont Teflon Advanced. In heavily traveled areas, in areas frequented by pets, or in areas where there is the possibility of food spills, a good way to help you protect your investment is the use of a good quality protectant. Topically applied, it coats the carpet fibers, filling the microscopic dye sites, thereby reducing staining from spills. It also makes routine vacuuming more effective.

Since most carpets come with a certain degree of stain protection, you have to be careful. This protection dissipates in two ways --- friction and improper cleaning. Unless you know the pH specifications of the cleaning agents you are using, you could actually “clean” the protectant right out of your carpet. Also, the greater heat and suction from a truck mounted machine allows your carpet to dry in a fraction of the time it would take with a rented portable.

This is one old wives’ tale that once had a degree of truth behind it. Years ago, before the days of hot water extraction, carpet cleaners used shampoo which, though making the carpet look less soiled, left a residue of its own which actually attracted soil. (Some over the counter spotters still do the same thing). Therefore the carpet did get dirtier faster after it was shampooed. But today’s technology and the knowledge of a reputable, professional have practically eliminated that soil attracting residue. Actually, in today’s world, most carpet warranties require the buyer to have regular cleanings yearly or bi-yearly --- beginning at 18 months.

Drying time depends on a number of factors, the most important of which are humidity, pile height and thickness, the amount of soil removed, and ventilation. Times can range from 1-24 hours with the average being 4-6.