Carpet cleaning.

[tiggerblue10]

I want to get my carpets cleaned. I can't afford to get a carpet cleaner to do this as the last time I got one in he told me a price at the beginning which went 3 fold by the time he finished!

Which is best: steam cleaning or shampoo? I am going to hire a machine and do it myself.

[ethanryan]

look up on the internet at the kirby vacumn and cleaning machine. we brought one which is fab but im sure you can hire them

[B00]

I'm sure B&Q used to have machines you could hire out- try ringing your local one to check?

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes, the Kirby cleaners are brilliant - but quite expensive. However, the money spent'd be well worth it, as you can use them on mattresses, carpets, curtains and just about anywhere. The difference afterwards is amazing.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks guys :-)

[Clanad]

A bit of added advice... since you've posted this in the H&G section this will apply to almost any estimate you receive for home repairs or services. Don't be reluctant to ask or demand, if neccessary, a written estimate, stating services to be performed and cost. I'd be willing to bet the price of a cup of Starbucks (tall, room for cream, Guatemala, $1.54 here in the U.S., please) that you simply asked for the estimate. It's always advisable to have the piece of paper in your hand when the provider of the service comes back and states the final bill will be 25% higher because of.... whatever...
Best of luck with your carpets!

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Clanad :-)

The cleaner kept telling me that there were stains which could not be removed unless he did some other treatment. This then bumped up the price.

I'm not going to make the same mistake again.

[theonlyone]

Most dry cleaners hire out carpet cleaners ,I have used them over the years and they are fine . The ones I have used have been the shampoo type . The worse part is moving the furniture !!

[naturalcarpe]

I own a carpet & upholstery cleaning company in East Sussex, the worst product you can possibly clean your carpets with is.....detergent-shampoo.

The hire companies happily provide you with a bottle because they know that 'rapid re-soiling' will occur, detergents leave extremely stick residues in your carpet, which then attract more dirt and dust, very quickly.

Regards



S

[naturalcarpe]

Also, your previous experience was with a 'bait and switch' merchant, they list ridiculous prices on their cheap leaflet, once on site they do exactly as you described, I would report them to Trading Standards.

If you are looking for this type of service again, check out the NCCA (National Carpet Cleaners Association) website to find properly qualified people in your area.


Regards S

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks naturalcarpe.

Would you recommend steam-cleaning then?