Q1. How safe are your cleaning and protection methods?
We use only the safest, most effective technology to assure not only your satisfaction, but your safety as well. We do not use any harsh chemicals, just pure, high-pressure steam. We have a state-of-the-art rug cleaning facility located at 9901 Burnet Rd. Austin, Texas 78758.
Q2. Do you guarantee your work?
Absolutely. Your satisfaction is our paramount concern. If you are not happy with the work we've done, please let us know. We will do everything in our power to rectify the problem.
Q3. Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau?
We are registered with the Better Business Bureau, as well as many other industry organizations.
Q4. Is your staff bonded and insured?
Because your safety and confidence mean so much, we bond and insure our staff.
Q5. What Process do you use to clean carpet?
Most of the carpet cleaning we do is the "hot water extraction" method, also known as "steam cleaning" This process is used by about 80% of all carpet cleaning companies across the country. Most major carpet manufacturers recommend hot water extraction as the preferred method of cleaning.
Q6. How long does the carpet take to dry?
The normal drying time is anywhere from 2 to 24 hours. With our "Quick Dry" process drying times can be reduced by as much as 50% of normal.
Q7. I've heard it's best to put off having your carpet cleaned as long as possible, is this true?
No. In fact, many of the major carpet mills today recommend professional cleaning at least once per year. The build up of soil in your carpet in combination with foot traffic creates abrasion that breaks down your carpet's fibers. The higher the traffic in a given area, the more often the carpet will need cleaning.
Q8. Should I have my carpet dry cleaned or steam cleaned?
As mentioned earlier, most major carpet manufacturers now recommend hot water extraction (steam cleaning) as the preferred method. Like the laundering of your clothing, steam cleaning is highly effective in removing soil and other contaminants from your carpet. It is one of five carpet cleaning processes that are officially recognized as an industry standard.
To most people "dry cleaning" means cleaning without water. The fact is that most carpet cleaning advertised as "dry" cleaning actually uses anywhere from a little to a lot of water! That's because most of the soil in your carpet is water soluble. For the most part that means better results with a wet cleaning process. On the other hand each cleaning process has its place given the circumstances. For the majority of residential customers steam cleaning will deliver the most effective results.
At The Steam Team we offer all five of the industry standard cleaning processes. Each process can be effective depending on the right circumstances. For those who prefer a dry cleaning process, we offer "Ultra Dry." "Ultra Dry" is a unique and effective process that delivers good results with minimum water use. Drying times are brief with an average of 1 to 2 hours.
Q9. Does your cleaning process soak the backing of the carpet?
No, although our process rinses the carpet deep down, moisture does not penetrate the backing of the carpet. With our powerful truck-mounted powered equipment, your carpet is thoroughly rinsed, but left only damp to the touch.
Q10. Can you get the pet odor out of my carpet?
Pet odor is a very common problem. At The Steam Team we can help you deal with your pet challenges. From minor problems to major headaches The Steam Team can help find that solution that works best for you.
The problem with pet odor is that it can be much deeper than it first appears at first. Pet urine can easily soak through the backing of the carpet into the padding underneath. In more severe cases the urine can penetrate into the sub-floor beneath the padding. This creates a problem that is multi-layered.
The urine also provides for the growth of bacteria. This in turn contributes to a worsening of the odor problem and can contribute to permanent color loss of the carpet fiber.
To eliminate this problem the urine must be removed or neutralized from each of the layers effected. If the contamination is limited to only the face yarn of the carpet then the cleaning itself may effectively remove the odor. In more severe cases a urine neutralizer may be applied.
In the most severe cases, replacement of the carpet padding, treatment of the under-side of the carpet and the sub-floor may be required. Even replacement of the carpet, however, can not guarantee complete removal of the odor.
Left untreated over a period of time pet odor can become absorbed into many of the porous materials in your home. Draperies, sheet rock, upholstered furniture, base-boards, even the concrete foundation are just a few of the materials that can absorb these odors.
At The Steam Team we offer a range of solutions to help you with your pet odor problems. In the long run, however, it may be more a matter of proper maintenance instead of total elimination. After all, we love our pets and want to keep them a part of our family. Pet ownership adds to the challenge of maintaining a clean and healthy home. At The Steam Team we can help you meet those challenges.
Q11. What does it mean to "clean to the standards?"
In 1992, representatives from the carpet manufacturing industry, the carpet cleaning industry, and the federal government all agreed upon a common set of standards for the carpet cleaning industry. These standards are now referred to as the Soo1-92 standards. The Steam Team offers all of these methods and can select the process that's right for your needs.
It was agreed that each of these cleaning processes should include these common steps.
Pre-Vacuum
Pre-treat spots, stains and heavily soiled areas
Hot Water Extraction
A thorough rinse
Furniture Moving
Complete Drying within 24 hours
Cleaning your carpet in accordance to these industry standards will help assure that you'll get a quality cleaning job.
The Steam Team "12-step cleaning service" exceeds these specifications. In addition to these steps The Steam Team has powerful truck-mounted equipment combined with our exclusive "Quick-Dry" process reduces drying time to only a few hours.