3 Tips for Preparing Your Home for a Professional Carpet Cleaning Service

If you have never had your carpeting professionally cleaned, you may not know what to expect. It's important that you take some steps to prepare your home before the cleaners come. Here is what you need to know.

Move Your Furniture

The people coming to clean your carpet will do just that. Occasionally, a carpet cleaning service may offer to move your furniture for an extra fee, but most don't offer this service as it is a potential liability they may not be insured for. If you are just moving in or out, scheduling the appointment before or after the furniture is moved in or out is easiest. For homeowners who are already established and just want to do some spring cleaning, you will need to decide how much of the room you want cleaned. If you have a lot of heavy furniture, you can always opt for a cleaning of the major areas around the furniture. If you want the entire carpet cleaned, you will need to temporarily remove it all to an out-of-the-way area.

Clear Clutter from All Rooms

Professional carpet cleaners will be pulling long hoses through your home. Look at the areas they will need to go through to get to each carpeted room you are having cleaned. Get things out of the way, especially things that are fragile. For example, if they will have to go through your kitchen to get to the living room, you don't want to have a bunch of dishes sitting on the counter. Another example is if they will be going upstairs, make sure the stairs are cleared of any piles or decorative items you may have sitting on the steps. Remove any valuable items as well.

Additionally, if you have nice woodwork or molding, you may want to protect it from any nicks and dings that may inadvertently happen. Consider wrapping the molding around doorways and corners with bubble wrap to protect it.

Consider Your Pets

Dogs, cats, and birds should all be contained before the carpet cleaner's arrival. You can put them in the basement, put them in a spare room that will not be cleaned and can be closed off, lock them in their kennel or pet carrier, or take them to a friend or family member's home. Regardless of how well a pet behaves, the excitement and the noise of the equipment can startle them. You don't want your pet escaping through an open door or having a panic attack.

Contact a residential carpet cleaning service for more information.