Here are a list of Frequently Asked Questions.  Click the question to read the answer.  If you have a question we don't answer here, please send us your question and we'll answer it as soon as possible. How often should I have my carpets cleaned? How do I know which carpet cleaner to choose to clean my carpets? Why do some carpet cleaning companies cost more than others? What method of cleaning is the best? Can department store or supermarket rental machines really get my carpets clean? Are carpet powders and deodorizers an effective way to remove odors from my carpets? What kind of vacuum cleaner should I buy? What does Indoor Air Quality have to do with clean carpets? Q1 - How often should I have my carpets cleaned? A1 - Many factors figure in this decision. Among those are obvious things such as amount of foot traffic, frequency of vacuuming, number of kids in the home, and the number and types of indoor pets. Other, less noticeable, factors include internal and external pollution levels, the age of the carpet and, possibly, existing warranties on the stain resistant properties of the carpet. As a general rule, however, residential carpets should be cleaned at least once per year. Carpets in commercial buildings should be done at least two or three times annually. Remember, if you think your carpets might be dirty - they probably are.  [TOP] Q2 - How do I know which carpet cleaner to choose to clean my carpets? A2 - When searching for a carpet cleaner it is important to find a company that can provide you with the best service possible. The company should use state-of-the-art equipment, such as the RX-20, have technicians who are certified by industry experts like the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and offer a guarantee for their work. They should be willing to do an in-home estimate at no charge and should be able to offer references at your request. Cost should not be the determining factor in selecting a cleaning company. Cleaners who charge considerably less are likely to do a considerably poorer job.  [TOP] Q3 - Why do some carpet cleaning companies cost more than others? A3 - A general rule is this - you get what you pay for. Many cleaners within the industry advertise a "cheap" price in order to get into your home, where they do a less than satisfactory job and often add on extra costs in an attempt to increase their profits. Other businesses, such as Country Road, cost more but are upfront about their prices. They charge more because the equipment they use and the time they put into actually getting your carpets clean require it. In addition, most of the more expensive cleaners guarantee their work whereas the cheaper guys do not. A key concept to focus on rather than cost alone is "value". For most people, it is worth paying the extra money to ensure the peace of mind that comes from knowing that their carpets will be truly clean.  [TOP] Q4 - What method of cleaning is the best? A4 - While we at Country Road believe steam extraction using a truck-mounted unit provides the most thorough method of carpet cleaning, we realize that the skill of the technician performing the work is equally important in determining how clean a carpet will get. Therefore, it is important to choose a cleaning company that uses state-of-the-art equipment, such as the RX-20, and has technicians who are certified by industry experts like the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Proper equipment in the hands of qualified technicians results in clean carpets.  [TOP] Q5 - Can department store or supermarket rental machines really get my carpets clean? A5 - Simply, NO. As with most other things in life, it pays to hire an experienced professional who is equipped with the proper tools to get the job done right. Don't just take our word for it though. In July 1997, Consumer Reports published an article entitled "How to Really Clean a Carpet". Speaking specifically about the rental machines the article stated, "Our tests show . . . that the machines don't perform very well." If clean carpets are your goal, you'll receive more value for your money if you hire a professional.  [TOP] Q6 - Are carpet powders and deodorizers an effective way to remove odors from my carpets? A6 - Carpet powders and deodorizers fight odor problems in two ways: masking and absorption. A masking powder or deodorant is simply a powder base that has a scented aroma as the main ingredient. The object of this type of deodorizer is not to remove the unpleasant odor from your carpet but to overpower it with a different, more pleasing smell. It's important to understand that the unpleasant odor is not removed from your carpet. It is merely hidden behind the stronger, better smelling odor. A carpet powder or deodorant utilizing absorption is a passive way to deal with an odor problem. While it does work at times, it often takes a lot of absorbent to control the odor. This can cause an unwanted accumulation of absorbents within the carpet. Eventually this accumulation will make its way into your vacuum cleaner resulting in an obstruction that causes less air movement within your vacuum. As time goes by, more absorbents make their way from your carpet to your vacuum and the cleaner becomes less effective and leaves more powder in the carpet. If you truly want to eliminate carpet odors, you should schedule a professional cleaning.  [TOP] Q7 - What kind of vacuum cleaner should I buy? A7 - One that will get used! The most important issue concerning vacuum cleaner purchasing is to make sure the one you buy gets used regularly once you get it home. Many new vacuums have High Efficiency Particle Arrest (HEPA) filters incorporated into their filtration systems and offer a simple means to combat indoor air quality problems. While the price range for new vacuums varies greatly, you should be able to find an excellent machine for around $350-$450.  [TOP] Q8 - What does Indoor Air Quality have to do with clean carpets? A8 - Recent studies by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association (ALA) have shown that "air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air of even the largest and most industrial cities." Because Americans spend an estimated 90% of their time indoors, it is now recognized that the quality of indoor air is a likely source for many health problems such as allergies, respiratory ailments and even cardiovascular disease. One known way to combat poor indoor air quality is regular carpet cleaning.  [TOP]