Sooner or later you’ll need a professional rug or carpet cleaner. There simply is no way you can match the advanced chemistry, equipment, and training the professional has.

Note that I use the term “professional” cleaner. Anyone can “clean,” and anyone can call himself or herself “professional.” If you are going to spend hard-earned money having your rugs or carpets cleaned professionally, then you need to know how to choose between the self-proclaimed professional and the true expert. Consider these suggestions:

  • First, check the length of time the person has been in business; five years or more generally indicates a qualified cleaner. It’s always interesting to see a new company identifying with a national marketing organization advertising 20 years of experience. How do you determine actual experience? One way is to check a phone book that is a few years old. Chances are the more experienced firms will be listed, while less-experienced firms will not. If you’re new in town, don’t hesitate to ask your neighbors for suggestions.
  • Second, look for memberships in professional trade associations. This is no guarantee that the company is experienced and reputable, but it’s a step in the right direction.
  • Third, look for the seal of the IICUC Certified Operators – the International Institute of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners certification. These individuals are the best the profession has to offer and have met educational, testing, and on-the-job experience requirements.
  • Fourth, firms that care about their reputations and their communities will have strong ties to their local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureaus, and more. Again, this is no guarantee, but it puts you on the right track.
  • Fifth, check to see if your cleaner has attained the status of Certified Master Rug Cleaner, which is the gold standard in training and certification for rug cleaning professionals.

Finally, ask questions – and lots of them. A true pro will be happy to answer them in detail. Then, use common sense in making your decision.