Get Quotes from Top Carpet Cleaning Services in Fort Worth, TX
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Carpet Cleaner
Cleaning your carpet is worthwhile if the work is done properly, does not void your warranty, and does not expose your children or pets to serious health risks such as allergic reactions and cardiovascular and lung issues. Professional Fort Worth carpet cleaners are trained to help you save money while keeping your home clean and safe for you and your family.
However, before you choose a carpet cleaning technician in Fort Worth, you should always ask the following question to determine if they are fit to do your job:
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Carpet Cleaning Companies in Columbus?
- Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?
- Are Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians Certified By the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC)?
- What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?
- Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?
- What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?
- How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?
- Are You Insured and Bonded?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Carpet Cleaning Service in Fort Worth
How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Carpet Cleaning Companies in Columbus?
Before making any agreement with a carpet cleaner in Fort Worth, always ensure that you discuss the nature and scope of the service and how the cost of the service will be calculated. Fort Worth carpet cleaners calculate the cost of their service using either per square footage rate, where the client is billed for each square foot cleaned, or per room rate, where the client is billed for each room cleaned. Regardless of the billing method a carpet cleaning company decides to use, home and property owners must understand that the overall cost of their carpet cleaning service will be determined by several other factors, namely:
- The size of the carpet and the number of rooms involved
- The carpet type and material
- The type of stains on the carpet
- The amount of time it will take to complete the job
- The cleaning method and solution that will be used
- The urgency of the service
- The location of the customer within the city
- The carpet cleaner’s reputation
As a home or property owner, it is important to find out the average cost of the service you need before choosing any carpet cleaning company. Home and property owners can find out the average cost of a particular carpet cleaning service in their area by obtaining and comparing estimates from multiple carpet cleaning companies in the city. By doing so, home and property owners in Fort Worth can ensure that they will not pay more than what is necessary to get the service they need.
Reputable carpet cleaning companies in Fort Worth offer free estimates to anyone interested in their services. As such, home and property owners should consider it a red flag when the carpet cleaning company they intend to hire is refusing to provide an estimate for the job.
Listed below are the average costs for different kinds of carpet cleaning services offered by professional carpet cleaning companies in Fort Worth :
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Square Foot:
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Room:
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Cleaning Method:
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Carpet Type:
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Type of Service:
Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?
Reputable carpet cleaning companies in the city conduct background checks on prospective employees to avoid hiring dishonest persons or people who can not be trusted to act professionally while discharging their duties. Some of the background checks conducted on prospective employees include:
- Criminal record check
- Credit record check
- Driving record check
- Court record check
- Educational and certificate verification
- Sex offender record check
- Social security number check
- State licensing record check
- Worker’s compensation record check
Making sure that the necessary background checks have been conducted on the carpet cleaning technician sent to your home is crucial because carpet cleaning services often require the cleaning technician to be left alone to do the work in the client's home. As a result, you should verify each of the aforementioned records with the carpet cleaning company that sent them before allowing the technician in your home.
Are Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians Certified By the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC)?
When considering hiring a carpet cleaning company in Fort Worth, it is important to ask if the company and its technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC). The IICRC is a global non-profit organization that certifies professionals and businesses in the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry. The IICRC has certified over 49,000 technicians and 6,500 firms.
Hiring a carpet cleaning technician or company that is certified by the IICRC guarantees that you will be receiving quality carpet cleaning services, backed by the highest possible level of professionalism.
IICRC-certified technicians go through multiple training to get certified. In addition, these technicians are usually the first to be updated about the latest carpet cleaning techniques and developments and unlike non-certified cleaners, they are expected to uphold the institute's values of integrity, respect, excellence, and responsibility, as well as the cleaning industry standards.
Carpet cleaning companies in Fort Worth can earn their certification from the IICRC by completing multiple rigorous training courses, passing a written examination, and demonstrating proof of skill acquisition in a specific area. Note that the IICRC certifies both companies and technicians, and companies with at least one certified IICRC technician, business license, and the right insurance coverage can get the IICRC badge alongside relevant certifications.
What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?
Professional carpet cleaners in Fort Worth use a variety of cleaning methods to remove dirt and stains from carpets. However, it is important to note that it is not every cleaning method that is good for your carpets. Therefore, you should always find out whether the type of cleaning method your preferred carpet cleaner intends to use for the job is suitable for your carpets. Professional carpet cleaners often consider the type of stain and carpet fiber to be cleaned when deciding on which cleaning method to use.
Carpets are often made from either natural or synthetic fibers and each may require a different cleaning method. Some common carpet fibers include:
- Nylon: this carpet material is popular for its ability to withstand mold and abrasion while fitting into a variety of carpet styles and constructions
- Polyester: this carpet material has many similarities to nylon. Although it is highly resistant to water-based stains, oily spills or stains can chemically bond with this fiber, making cleaning impossible
- Wool: this carpet material is strong and difficult to burn. It is also resistant to different kinds of stains. However, wool can easily get damaged by moths, beetles, and other types of insects
- Acrylic: this is similar to wool in straight and ability to resist stains. However, it is not widely available in the market
- Cotton: this carpet is commonly found in high-traffic areas. It has a soft and plush exterior that reduces traffic damage. This carpet is simple to clean and care for. They are, however, prone to fading and require extensive maintenance
- Olefin: this is a popular outdoor carpet material. It is tough, long-lasting, stain-resistant, and moisture-resistant. However, if not properly maintained, olefin can easily lose its texture
- Triexta: triexta is a synthetic fiber carpet and is considered durable, extremely stain and moisture-resistant, and relatively easy to maintain
Fort Worth carpet cleaners make use of one or more of the following cleaning methods in dealing with the aforementioned carpet types:
- Hot water extraction: here, the cleaner combines hot water and cleaning products, and the mixture is sprayed on the carpet at high pressure, allowing dust, mud, thick dirt, and other debris to escape
- Carpet shampooing: this is done using a combination of shampoo and water. The shampoo is applied to the carpet with the help of a brush, and a machine is used to extract the shampoo until the carpet is clean and dry
- Dry carpet cleaning: this involves the application of special powders or chemicals on a carpet, with little-to-no water or liquids
- Bonnet cleaning: here, a cleaning product is applied and extracted from a carpet with the help of a machine that has a motorized spinning pad. The machine first applies the cleaning product to the surface of the carpet and then extracts it along with trapped dirt and debris
- Encapsulation carpet cleaning: this involves the application of a cleaning solution to a carpet so that the solution penetrates deeply and crystallizes around the dirt in the carpet before vacuuming takes place
After identifying the carpet cleaning method that is best suited for your carpet, you should confirm whether your preferred carpet cleaning company specializes in providing the exact cleaning solutions you need.
The table below lists the pros and cons of each of these carpet cleaning methods:
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Steam Carpet Cleaning/Hot Water Extraction Carpet Cleaning |
Effective for removing dirt and bacteria from carpets
Can help neutralize pollens, dust, and other allergens |
Requires hours of downtime to dry
Retained moisture may cause mold or mildew-related issues |
Carpet Shampooing |
Separates and removes dirt molecules from carpet fibers
Strips embedded pet hairs from tightly wound carpet fibers |
Improperly removed shampoo molecules can end up making your carpet look dingy over time
Excess moisture may soak into your carpet’s foam padding and create mold and moisture-related issues down the line |
Dry Carpet Cleaning |
No drying downtime
Safe for all types of carpets |
Powders and detergents used can be pungent
Not a good option for homeowners with breathing difficulties or allergies |
Bonnet Cleaning |
Effective for light stains
Quick-drying |
Not effective for deep cleaning |
Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning |
Environmentally friendly
Quick-drying Does not rely on water or electricity |
Only useful for surface cleaning and is usually ineffective for deep stains and odors |
While these are some of the popular carpet cleaning methods, note that professional cleaners are familiar with many more. However, it is best to confirm with your carpet cleaner what method they will use and why. Essentially, you know what to expect and how long you may need to wait for the job to be completed. For example, hot water extraction typically takes more time than dry powder cleaning. Also, confirm that this cleaner is familiar with the method they intend to use and has the necessary equipment.
Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?
Most carpet cleaning solutions contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that are harmful to children, pets, and the environment. Therefore, it is always crucial to find out if the cleaning products your preferred carpet cleaning company intends to use are safe for kids, pets, and the environment before any agreement is made. Allowing your preferred carpet cleaner to use products that contain VOCs in your home can lead to any of the following:
- Eyes and skin irritation
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Allergic reactions
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased risk of new on-set asthma
- Increased risk of cardiovascular and lung issues
When choosing a carpet cleaning company near you, you should always ask for a list of cleaning products they intend to use for the job. You can find out how safe these products are online using the EPA's Safer Choice platform, which contains a list of cleaning products that have been certified as safe for use.
Finally, reputable carpet cleaners in Fort Worth are aware that customers are now interested more than ever in the type of cleaning products they use to perform a cleaning procedure. As a result, many carpet cleaning companies in the city now offer green-certified cleaning services to members of the public. You can always ask the carpet cleaning company you intend to hire if they offer green cleaning services
What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?
Some carpet cleaning companies in Fort Worth offer additional cleaning services that are not carpet-related to interested persons. Some of these services typically include house cleaning, upholstery cleaning, window cleaning, and pet odor and stain removal. Therefore, if you need other cleaning services alongside carpet cleaning, you should ask the carpet cleaning services you intend to hire what other cleaning services they can provide.
Even if your preferred carpet cleaners claim to provide other cleaning services you need, it is your responsibility as a homeowner to find out if the company is experienced in providing these other cleaning services. To be sure, you can ask the carpet cleaner about their years of practice in providing these other services, as well as a list of references that you can contact to find out more about the company's competence in these other areas. This will ensure that you do not hire the wrong hand for the job.
Listed below are some additional services that many carpet cleaners in Fort Worth offer:
- House cleaning services: generally include dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and emptying the trash. House cleaning services in Fort Worth cost anywhere between $16 - $20 per hour.
- Deep cleaning: this type of cleaning is more intense than an ordinary house cleaning service. Deep cleaning typically includes grout scrubbing, disinfecting wastebaskets, cleaning toilet base, and cleaning off soap scum and limescale from fixtures. Professional cleaners in Fort Worth offering deep cleaning services charge anywhere between $150 - $500, or more, depending on the scope of the work
- Window cleaning: this typically includes activities like washing and wiping windows. Professional cleaners providing this service can charge you anywhere from $1.20 – $12.50 per window
- Pet odor and stain removal: some professional cleaners specialize in helping with unpleasant smells and stains left by pets. This service can cost anywhere between $100 - $500
- Pressure washing: this involves any cleaning procedure that aims at removing loose paint, mold, mud, and dirt from hard surfaces like walls, roofs, and sidewalks with the help of a high-pressure water spray. Pressure washing services cost an average of $130 - $630
- Laundry services: this generally includes washing, folding, and ironing clothes, uniforms, and other types of fabrics. Laundry services cost an average of $10 - $20 per load
- Upholstery cleaning: this typically includes dusting, wiping, and cleaning household furniture with special cleaning equipment and supplies. This service costs an average of $20 - $230 per item
- Disinfection and sanitization services: this includes any activity that actively kills germs and helps keep viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms to a bare minimum. This type of service can cost anywhere between $200 - $450 or more, depending on the number of rooms that require cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization
- Pest control cleaning services: this type of service focuses on preventing, controlling, and treating pest infestation. This service can cost $50 -$1000. Before allowing anyone to provide you with a pest control service, it is important to find out whether they require an occupational license.
- Rug cleaning: this service focuses on removing stains and dirt from a rug. Rug cleaning costs between $100 and $400.
- Mattress cleaning services: this service is provided to remove stains from dirty mattresses. Mattress cleaning costs between $50 and $150 per mattress
Tile and grout cleaning: this service involves cleaning any area covered with tiles with special attention paid to the tile grouts. This type of service costs anywhere between $22 - $47 per hour
How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?
Finding out how long it will take for your carpet to dry after a cleaning procedure is crucial, especially in situations where you intend to make use of the room soon or you have kids and pets that you need to keep away from the wet carpet.
Although it takes a professionally cleaned carpet 4 to 10 hours to dry, home and property owners should not be surprised if their carpet takes longer than the average time to dry. This is so because the actual amount of time it takes for a cleaned carpet to dry is typically influenced by other factors like:
- The carpet material: the type of material your carpet is made of determines how long it will take to dry after cleaning. For instance, synthetic fiber carpets like nylon and polyester typically dry faster than natural fiber carpets like wool and cotton, which are usually more absorbent and can take as much as 24 hours to dry completely.
- The cleaning method: carpets cleaned with methods like dry carpet cleaning and encapsulation that require little to no water typically dry faster than those cleaned with methods like steam cleaning and carpet shampooing that require a lot of water
- Humidity: carpets typically dry faster in areas with low humidity and vice versa
- Temperature: your room's temperature and airflow also determine how quickly or slowly carpets will dry
While all these factors determine how long it will take your cleaned carpet to dry, it is important to note that you can speed up your carpet's drying time by taking any of the following steps:
- Turn on your fans
- If possible, open your windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate
- Turn on the air conditioner, when opening a window is not an option,
- Use a dehumidifier If you live in an area with high humidity
- Remove furniture from the wet carpet
- Use a wet vacuum cleaner to absorb moisture
Are You Insured and Bonded?
There are generally no local insurance obligations for carpet cleaners in Fort Worth. However, since carpet cleaners routinely face work-related risks and hazards like exposure to chemicals and, other potentially harmful substances, as well as injuries from specialized cleaning tools and equipment, it is always important for homeowners to hire a carpet cleaning company that is properly insured. Hiring a carpet cleaning company that is properly insured provides homeowners with financial and legal coverage in situations where an injury occurs as a direct result of the carpet cleaning job or the cleaner damages their property during the job.
However, it is important to note that insurance does not cover every type of liability that can arise from hiring a carpet cleaning company. For instance, insurance offers little or no compensation to the homeowner if a cleaning company's employee steals or commits fraud on their property. The only way they can get the reimbursement they deserve when a cleaning company's employee steals or commits fraud on their property is by hiring a company that is fully bonded in the first place.
Homeowners should always ensure that their preferred carpet cleaner is bonded and insured before signing any agreement with them. Homeowners can confirm their preferred carpet cleaner's bond and insurance status by requesting copies of the cleaner’s insurance and bond certificate and validating the contents of these documents with the appropriate organizations.
How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Carpet Cleaning Service in Fort Worth
The Texas Attorney General's Office handles complaints against carpet cleaning services in Fort Worth.
Scams occur on a daily basis in Fort Worth and throughout Texas, and the state's Attorney General's Office estimates that it handles thousands of consumer fraud cases each year. Although no specific figures are showing the rate of carpet cleaning-related scams in the city, homeowners should keep in mind that residents of the city lose money to unscrupulous cleaners every day. These dishonest carpet cleaners employ various scam tricks to steal from unsuspecting citizens. Some of these tricks include:
- The carpet cleaner shows up at your door uninvited
- Insisting on full payment before starting the work
- Collecting money upfront and not showing up to do the job
- Offering ridiculously low rates to persuade prospective clients
- The carpet cleaner gets the job and subcontracts it to untrained personnel
Homeowners can avoid falling victim to these scam tricks by taking the following precautions when choosing a carpet cleaning company in Fort Worth:
- Avoid carpet cleaners that show up in front of your door uninvited. Ask friends and relatives that have successfully had their carpets cleaned for referrals to reputable carpet cleaning companies in the city
- Look up reviews and testimonials on prospective carpet cleaning companies online via websites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Google Review, and other similar platforms
- Get and compare rates from at least three different carpet cleaners before deciding on who to hire
- Never hire a carpet cleaner that is not properly insured and bonded
- Avoid making full payment for your carpet cleaning services up front
- Avoid verbal agreements. Always request a written contract and ensure that it contains information about the types of services to be offered, their cost, the types of products to be used, and any guarantees that the carpet cleaner makes concerning these services
Victims of carpet cleaning scams can file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Office by calling its consumer protection hotline at 1-800-621-0508. Complaints can also be filed with this office either by completing and submitting a consumer complaint form online or by mailing a completed pdf consumer complaint form to:
Office of the Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548
Table of Contents
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Carpet Cleaning Companies in Columbus?
- Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?
- Are Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians Certified By the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC)?
- What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?
- Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?
- What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?
- How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?
- Are You Insured and Bonded?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Carpet Cleaning Service in Fort Worth