Frequently Asked Questions
What method of cleaning do you use?
We have all 5 cleaning methods and utilize the best one for your carpet, soil condition and results desired. Usually, the method of cleaning we use is called hot water extraction otherwise known as steam cleaning. We only use truck-mounted units. This method is the one required by major carpet manufacturers to fulfill the warranty requirements.
Why do you charge by the square foot?
Room sizes vary from one home to another. Therefore, we have found the most ethical way to charge is by the square foot. This ensures that you are only paying for what we clean. If you have a room that has 450 square feet and 2 rooms that only have 100 square feet – you shouldn’t have to pay the same price for each room.
I have my room measurements – can you give me a price for the cleaning?
We can provide a “ball park estimate” over the phone. However, if there are other factors such has pet contamination or extra heavy soiling, this price can increase. Therefore, we always state the phone quote as only being an estimate. Prior to starting any work in your home, we will go over your cleaning needs in detail so you can make an informed decision on what areas actually need cleaning and exactly how much it will be with absolutely no high pressure sales tactics.
How long does it take for my carpets to dry?
Our technician will provide you some after cleaning guidelines to have your carpets dry ASAP. The carpets will usually be dry in 6-24 hours. The weather is the factor here. We do ask that you limit major foot traffic until the carpet is dry. If you need to have the carpet dry sooner, for an additional charge we can speed dry the carpet.
Can you remove the dog urine and stain from the carpet?
Urine can be a complicated cleaning procedure depending upon the degree of urine contamination in the carpeting. If the degree is light, we can usually take care of that with a topical treatment to neutralize the pet urine and we are usually successful at removing the urine stain. If the degree is heavy, our carpet cleaning technician will be able to give you options for the best available method of removal of the urine.
I heard that I should wait as long as possible before having my carpet cleaned, because it will get dirty faster.
About 20 years ago, when in home carpet cleaning first began, the most popular cleaning method was Shampoo. The shampoo left a sticky residue that did cause resoiling. The method of cleaning that we use does not leave a residue, so your carpet will be free of dirt attracting residues.
How do I know if my carpet or upholstery is really worth cleaning?
Our cleaning technician sent to your home will be able to give you an audit of the condition of your carpet and upholstery and provide recommendations. If we feel the results will be less than what we would be proud of or would fall short of your expectations, we won’t ask you to waste money on the cleaning.
Do I have to be home to have the carpet cleaned?
Our company is licensed and bonded and has been working in this area for 40 years. We have many clients who choose to simply leave a key under the mat so our technician can let him self in for cleaning and lock the keys inside upon completion. If you like, we can take a credit card number over the phone, and the technician will leave a bill for you.
Do I have to move all the furniture out of the rooms to be cleaned?
No, you don’t. We can take care of everything for you. We provide several levels of service so you may choose just the service you need. Our technicians can do a complete wall to wall cleaning, moving the furniture, cleaning behind it, and replacing the furniture on protective blocks or tabs. Anything that you do not want moved, we can clean around it. If we are moving furniture, we ask that you remove lamps, plants, and clear surfaces of any furniture to be moved. The carpet cleaning technician and you can discuss which items you would like to have moved.
Are you able to remove cigarette smell?
In general, we have good success in removing smoke odor from a home. We can clean and deodorize carpet with a product designed to remove smoke smell. Keep in mind that there are other factors involved than just the carpeting. The drapes and furniture will have smoke in them. The walls and ceiling also may have a layer of smoke residue. For complete smoke removal our cleaning technician will assess your specific situation and suggest to you the most effective way to treat the smoke odor.
Does cleaning remove the stain protection that was on the carpet & upholstery when I bought it?
Stain guard protection does where off over time due to general traffic, vacuuming and professional cleaning. To keep your carpet and upholstery at its maximum ability to repel spots and spills, it is recommended that you have protection reapplied after each professional cleaning.
Should I vacuum before you clean?
It is not necessary. When needed, we will vacuum prior to cleaning. However, our equipment is designed to remove the loose dust and soil with our first pass across your carpet. Then we proceed with washing, rinsing and extracting.
Can you clean my wool carpeting?
Yes we can. Wool carpeting requires specialized cleaners and techniques. Our technicians are fully trained in the cleaning procedures for wool. You can trust that your wool carpeting will be in very capable hands.
How important is carpet & fabric protector and why do I need it?
It is a product that is applied to help keep your carpets and furniture stay cleaner longer. It wears off with vacuuming and everyday use. Many manufacturers recommend it be applied after each cleaning.
How often do I need to vacuum my carpet & upholstery?
The EPA suggests vacuuming at least twice a week in traffic areas and in other areas weekly. Vacuuming is key to helping your carpet stay in good condition. Upholstery should be vacuumed twice a month.
I heard that having my carpets cleaned could cause my child to become ill.
Carpet cleaning is one of many possibilities that was studied. There has been much research done on Kawasaki syndrome and there has been no cause found for the illness.(REF Current Medical Literature: Infectious Diseases 1994;8) We do recommend that children stay off of wet carpeting.
How often should I have my carpet & upholstery cleaned?
Carpet manufacturers require the carpet to be cleaned in the first 12-18 months to qualify for warranty. Depending on use, we recommend once a year for carpet and every 2-3 years for upholstery.
Why do you seem higher priced than coupon advertisers?
Many coupon advertisers are known for their “bait-and-switch” tactics. They advertise one price, and upon arriving at your home, the price rapidly increases to much more than you anticipated. With Artistic Associates, you get honest pricing right up front. No sales gimmicks, no hidden costs, no bait-and-switch.
We don’t cut corners-we clean them. We’ll take the time needed to clean every square inch thoroughly. You’ll even see us on our hands and knees as we remove filtration soiling along the edges of walls and stairs. We only send a uniformed, trained and certified technician to your home. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured.
What should I do to get ready for the cleaning?
We recommend that you clear furniture to be moved of lamps, plants, and breakables. If you have a bookcase, china closet, or china hutch that you would like to have cleaned under we ask that you have it unloaded. Or we can clean around it. Also, we ask that you keep pets and children out of the work area for their protection.
I am chemically sensitive-will your products affect me?
We have attended several seminars and classes to understand and provide for the needs of our chemically sensitive clients. We have products and procedures specially designed to accommodate your needs. The more we know about your sensitivity the more we can customize our service for you.
Are the cleaning agents that you use safe for my children and pets?
Our main focus is providing a healthy indoor environment. We continue to test and utilize the latest in environmentally safe products and methods for your health. Our aim is to leave the area residue free. However, we recommend you keep children and pets away from the area until it is completely dry at which time there is virtually no possibility of any unforeseen reaction.
If you have a question that has not been addressed here, please feel free to call us directly for an answer (916)483-7400. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll find it for you.
