#2 Question to ask your prospective carpet cleaning company:
Is your company a certified firm by the IICRC and does your company have the Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute?
The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, CLeaning and Restoration Certification) is an independent body that provides the finest, most complete technical training courses and seminars available to carpet cleaners and restoration (flood, mold and fire damage) in the industry. Your cleaner should be IICRC certified in any type of cleaning or restoration service they are providing you. IICRC certification and training is expensive and many companies cut corners when it comes to training their employees in the best and most effective cleaning methods. Each technician must earn their certifications through study, experience and successful completion of formal, written examinations. In addition to your technician being certified, the carpet cleaning firm should also be certified by the IICRC. Before agreeing to have your carpet or upholstery cleaned ask to see written proof of the company’s and the technician’s IICRC certification. Any cleaner who has gone through the exhaustive and intensive training by the IICRC will be proud to show you proof of their certification. Visit: www.iicrc.org for a list of certified firms.
“The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), based in Dalton, Georgia, is a nonprofit trade association representing the manufacturers of more than 95 percent of all carpet made in the United States, as well as their suppliers and service providers. We coordinate with other segments of the industry, such as distributors, retailers and installers, to help increase consumer’s satisfaction with carpet and to show them how carpet creates a better environment.” The CRI has instituted a Seal of Approval program of both carpet cleaning companies and the cleaning solutions and machines they use. “The CRI recommends to the consumer getting their carpet professionally cleaned utilizing the service of those recognized SOA Service Providers as the best way to guarantee your carpet is being serviced with only the best cleaning equipment. It is also the best way to make sure many of your residential warranties covering your carpet are being met as many carpet manufacturers are now tying their warranties to the use of SOA products.” And IICRC certified statues. Visit www.carpet-rug.org for a list of SOA Service Providers.