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DECEMBER 4,2025

How to Hire the Best Carpet Cleaning Company

Your carpets are more than just décor, they’re an investment in your home. Choosing the right professional carpet cleaning service isn’t just about spotless carpets; it’s about protecting your home, ensuring your family’s health, and avoiding costly mistakes.At Aussie Steam, we believe in informed customers. This guide will help you know exactly what to look for when hiring a carpet cleaning company, the red flags to avoid, and insider tips most companies won’t tell you.Why Professional Carpet Cleaning MattersBefore choosing a company, it’s important to understand why professional cleaning is essential:• Health Impact: Carpets trap dust, allergens, bacteria, pet dander, and pollutants. Dirty carpets can reduce indoor air quality and contribute to allergies and respiratory issues.• Longevity: Regular professional cleaning extends the life of your carpets, keeping them looking fresh and preventing premature wear and tear.• Financial Protection: Proper care prevents damage that could lead to costly carpet replacement.10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring1. Do You Have Full Public Liability Insurance?Insurance protects your home and property. Always confirm that the company’s insurance covers any accidental damage or injury that could occur during cleaning.2. What Cleaning Method Do You Use and Why? Understanding the cleaning method ensures it’s appropriate for your carpet type:• Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning): Deep cleans, removes embedded dirt, and is ideal for high-traffic areas.• Dry Cleaning (Low Moisture): Quick-drying, ideal for delicate fibers and fast turnarounds.Ask the company which method they recommend for your carpet type and why.3. What Equipment Do You Use?Equipment quality makes a big difference in results. Truck-mounted systems provide more powerful cleaning and faster drying compared to portable machines. Ask about the equipment used and how often it’s serviced.4. What Cleaning Solutions Do You Use?Chemical safety impacts your family's health, pet safety, and environmental impact.Look for:• pH-balanced solutions (safe for all fiber types)• Eco-friendly and biodegradable options• Low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds)• Hypoallergenic formulations for sensitive individuals• Certified safe for children and pets5. Can You Provide References and Reviews?Past performance is the best predictor of future results. Reviews reveal patterns in service quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.Where to Check:• Google Reviews: Look for 4.5+ stars.• Facebook: Check for engagement and response to complaintsRed Flags in Reviews:• All 5-star reviews (unrealistic)• Vague, generic praise• Complaints about hidden fees or aggressive upselling• Reports of damaged property or poor customer service6. Do You Offer a Written Guarantee or Warranty?Guarantees demonstrate confidence in workmanship and provide recourse if results aren't satisfactory.Common Guarantees:• Satisfaction Guarantee: Will return and re-clean areas you're unhappy with• Spot Return Guarantee: Spots that reappear within 30 days are cleaned free• No Damage Guarantee: Compensation if carpet is damaged during cleaning7. Will You Provide a Written Quote Before Starting Work?Verbal estimates can lead to bait and switch tactics where the price suddenly doubles once technicians arrive.What a Proper Quote Should Include:• Number of rooms and approximate square footage• Specific services included (pre-treatment, stain removal, deodorizing)• Breakdown of costs per service• Any extra charges (travel fees, stain protection)• Payment terms and accepted methodsRed Flag: Companies that refuse to provide written quotes or say we'll see when we get there are setting up for surprise charges.8. Do You Move Furniture, and What’s Your Policy?Common Policies:• Full Service: Move all furniture except large items (beds, dressers)• Light Furniture: Move chairs, small tables, ottoman but not large pieces• No Moving: Customer must clear rooms (usually reflects in lower price)What to Ask: What furniture do you move? Do you charge extra?9. How Long Will My Carpets Take to Dry?Typical Drying Times:• Hot Water Extraction (done properly): 6-12 hours• Low Moisture/Dry Cleaning: 1-4 hoursWarning: If carpets aren't dry within 24 hours, there's likely a problem. Persistent moisture risks mold growth.10. Are You a Local Company?Local companies have a reputation to protect, can respond quickly, and understand local conditions (Brisbane humidity, Sydney pollution, etc.).Benefits: Faster response for emergencies, better accountability, local references you can verify, understanding of regional carpet types and issues.Red Flags to Watch Out For• Unrealistically Low Prices: Extremely cheap offers often hide additional charges or subpar service.• No Physical Address or Contact Details: Legitimate businesses are easy to verify.• High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Reputable companies don’t rush you into booking.• Refusal to Provide References or Quotes: Transparency is key.• Requesting Full Payment Upfront: Standard practice is a small deposit or payment upon completion.How to Compare Quotes ProperlyDon’t rely solely on price. Consider:• Base price AND what's included• Cleaning method (hot water extraction vs. dry cleaning)• Equipment type (truck-mounted vs. portable)• Certifications (IICRC, NCCA)• Insurance coverage• Years in business• Google review rating and quantity• Guarantee terms• Add-ons included (pre-treatment, deodorizing)• Furniture moving policy• Drying time estimatesLook for the best overall value, not just the lowest cost.What to Expect on Cleaning DayPreparation (24–48 Hours Before):• Vacuum thoroughly• Remove small items from floors• Clear pathways for equipment• Secure pets in a separate room• Pick up valuablesProfessional Process:Pre-Inspection (10-15 minutes): Identifies carpet types, notes pre-existing damage, discusses expectations, confirms pricingFurniture Moving (10-20 minutes): Moves agreed furniture, places protective tabs under legs• Pre-Treatment (10-20 minutes): Applies solutions to high-traffic areas, spot-treats stains• Main Cleaning (30-90 minutes): Methodical cleaning with hot water extraction or chosen method• Post-Treatment (10-15 minutes): Optional deodorizing, fabric protection, final grooming• Post-Inspection (10-15 minutes): Walk-through, care instructions, discusses drying timePost-Cleaning Care: First 24 Hours:DO:• Keep windows open for ventilation• Run ceiling fans or portable fans• Walk on carpets with clean socks or white-soled shoes only• Wait until completely dry before replacing furnitureDON'T:• Walk with bare feet (skin oils attract dirt)• Walk with outdoor shoes• Close windows or turn off ventilation• Place furniture on wet carpetOngoing Maintenance:• Weekly: Vacuum high-traffic areas• Monthly: Deep vacuum including under furniture• Annually: Schedule professional cleaningSpot Cleaning:• Act immediately, blot instead of rub, test solutions first, and use safe, eco-friendly cleaning solutions.Ready to experience the Aussie Steam difference?Ready to experience the Aussie Steam difference? Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote, explore our services to learn more about what we offer, and read our reviews to see why Brisbane trusts Aussie Steam for professional carpet cleaning.