When choosing a professional, here are some things to consider

Chem-Dry of Stratford offers the latest in professional carpet cleaning technologies used in the industry, and we are preferred by carpet cleaning customers in Illinois and the surrounding area. Instead of traditional carpet steam cleaning, we use an exclusive patented method that’s able to combine our carbonated cleaning solution that cleans deep down into your carpet or upholstery. And because our process uses much less water than steam cleaners, your carpets dry much faster so you don’t have to wait as long to start enjoying them again in Bartlett, Wheaton, West Chicago, Naperville, Roselle, Bloomingdale, Oakbrook and the surrounding area.

You get what you pay for
Quality pros charge according to the type of carpeting, the services you need and the size of the job. The entire process can take one to three hours.

Don’t take bids over the phone
Quality pros will provide references, an in-home inspection and a written estimate based on the square footage, type and condition of the carpeting rather than the number of rooms cleaned, and a written guarantee of their work.

Beware of “discount” carpet cleaners
Discount pros depend on making volume sales rather than establishing ongoing client relationships. They typically spray soap on your carpet, suck up the water and are gone in 30 minutes. These services leave behind a soap residue that will actually attract dirt to your carpet. Those “three rooms for 50 bucks” offers also get them into your house so they can sell you high-priced add-ons like spot removal and deodorizers—services that quality pros include for free.

4 ways to recognize a quality professional

1. Truck-mounted equipment is a better choice than portable steam cleaning equipment because it exhausts the dirty air and humidity outside. Its stronger suction leaves carpets drier, too.

2. Quality pros include furniture moving, vacuuming (some charge extra for this, so check), routine spot removal, preconditioning and deodorizing as part of a standard cleaning package.

3. To agitate the pile and neutralize the carpet’s pH, pros force a hot, high-pressure rinse solution into the carpet and then extract it.

4. After cleaning, quality pros set furniture on blocks or pads to prevent stains from transferring from furniture legs to the damp carpet.