Carpet Cleaning FAQs

How long will it take to clean my carpet? 
On average, it can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes per room plus set up time, depending on the condition of the carpets, any necessary spot removal treatments, when last cleaning was done etc.

Do I need to move my furniture before the crew arrives?
We will move most smaller furniture items that can be safely moved like chairs, coffe tables etc.  We do suggest you remove items from your furniture such as electronics, plants, lamps, and knick-knacks. There are several items we will not move, including:  pianos, electronics, China cabinets, waterbeds, some large beds, dressers with mirrors, pool tables, etc. Also, we do request a liability waiver before moving items in the event that the mere act of moving some pieces can damage them.

How long will it take for my carpet to dry?
Drying time depends on humidity levels, airflow to the room(s) cleaned, and the type of carpet. In general, turning on your air conditioning or heating system (depending on the time of year and your location) will help speed the process. While it typically takes 2–24 hours for the carpet to dry, you can walk on it as soon as we are finished (just remember to remove street shoes first to avoid re-soiling). 

How often should I have my carpets and upholstery cleaned? 
It is important to clean carpets and upholstery on a regular basis.  Cleaning carpets every 6 to 12 months promotes a healthy indoor environment.  Cleaning upholstery every 12 to 18 months because the soil protection usually wears off by then.  More frequent cleanings may be needed when there is heavy use or unusual environmental conditions.
To keep your carpet looking its best for as long as possible, we recommend the following cleaning schedule based on your home’s inhabitants and your climate:

Won’t water ruin my carpet?
Water can damage carpet if it is not properly extracted. However, the method used by Greenforce removes 95% of the limited water with our industrial-strength vacuum. Also, it’s the method that most carpet manufacturers recommend.

I’ve heard that cleaning my carpet makes it soil faster. Is this true? 
The problem results from residues being left in the carpet by old methods which attract dirt. We use modern methods that rinse virtually all of the cleaning agents out of the carpet so it will not attract dirt.

How long do I have to wait to let my children or pets on the carpet? 
The carpet may be walked on with clean feet or indoor shoes immediately after cleaning; however, we recommend limiting activity on the carpet to this foot traffic until it is completely dry.

Will the cleaning agents used harm my children or pets?
Our basic cleaning solution is very similar to laundry detergent. While it is both family and environmentally friendly, it is always a good idea to limit contact between the recently cleaned carpet and your children or pets.

Do I have to be home while my carpet is being cleaned? 
It is not necessary that you be home while your carpet is cleaned because we are thoroughly trained professionals you can trust. In order to provide the best possible service, we do recommend that someone be home before we begin cleaning to discuss any specific needs or areas of concern regarding the care of your carpet.

Can I have both my area rug and the carpet it sits on cleaned at the same time? 
Yes. However, the area rug cannot dry over the wet carpet. The area rug must be taken to a clean hard surface to dry.

What should I do if the spots that were cleaned reappear?
Although most spots that are removed from carpet do not reappear, some substances in carpet backing may wick to the surface after cleaning. If this happens, contact Greenforce at (415) 673-3266 as soon as possible.