We’ve been cleaning carpets for a long time at Alameda, actually since 1980. Over the years we have heard a lot of different thoughts and beliefs about carpet cleaning. Here are a few of the misconceptions that we hear over and over.

Misconception #1: You should wait as long as possible before cleaning your carpet.

No! Dirt is abrasive – not unlike sandpaper. Every time you step on your carpet, you grind dirt into the carpet fibers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you had used a knife.

This cutting causes your carpet to wear out faster. A dirty carpet will not last as long as a clean carpet. While vacuuming helps, by itself, it’s simply not enough, The longer you wait to have your carpet cleaned, the more damage you do to your carpet and the faster it wears out.

Misconception #2: The only reason to clean carpets is to remove the dirt.

No! You probably know that outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust…and hundreds of other chemicals. When you come into your home, you carry those pollens, bacteria, and chemicals in your hair and on your skin, clothing, and shoes.

Not surprisingly, all those chemicals and toxins wind up in your carpet. If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems, one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, smoke, and chemicals in your carpet. Your carpets and upholstery become deposits for these pollutants.

Misconception #3: One Method of carpet cleaning is as good as another.

No! The dry cleaning methods are dry foam, dry chemicals, and dry compound which do not rinse your carpet in any way. Instead, they leave a dirty residue.

You might say they clean your carpet only halfway. The most effective cleaning method is Hot Water Extraction. Hot Water Extraction means a hot water cleaning solution, under high pressure, is forced into your carpet and then sucked out of your carpet. Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, recommends Hot Water Extraction as the primary method of cleaning carpets, along with an IICRC approved firm. Carpet cleaners use one of two types of hot water extraction. If they use a large unit that operates from a van or truck outside your facility, it’s called truck-mount extraction. Shaw’s first choice is the truck-mounted unit, and it recommends the small, portable unit only in areas where the truck-mounted unit won’t reach. Truck-mounted extraction cleans much better because it heats the water to a higher temperature, which breaks up the dirt, bacteria, chemicals, and pollens in the carpet. Then, the machine uses high-powered suction to draw the dirt and chemicals out of your carpet. This is the method that Alameda Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners uses.

Misconception #4: Having the right equipment is all a company needs to clean your carpets properly.

Not true! Many companies own hot water cleaners, but few companies teach their employees how to use them properly.

This is why it’s essential that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully. The best cleaning companies are those that have been trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, known as the IICRC. The technician who is doing the job must be IICRC trained. If not – do not use them!

Misconception #5: The company that offers the lowest price is the company you should hire.

No! I’ve seen so many problems arise from lowest-bid companies that I suggest you NEVER hire the company that quotes the lowest price. The two most common issues are:

(1) The price may not be for the services that you want performed. There is a reason why they are cheap! The company may be equipped to remove only the dirt from your carpet, but you may want bacteria, fungus, pollens, dust mites and tobacco residues removed as well.

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”

(2) The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many homeowners have learned that the low price they saw advertised lasted only until the carpet cleaner got into their home. Then, they were pressured into paying a lot more for a variety of add-ons. (Some carpet cleaners even break the law by using illegal bait and switch tactics and usually end up charging more than a reputable company.)

Misconception #6: Any honest carpet cleaning company should be able to give you an exact price quote over the telephone.

I wish this was true but it isn’t.

Honest, reputable carpet cleaning companies almost never price carpet cleaning by the room. Instead, carpet cleaning is usually priced by the square foot. So if you’d like me to tell you the exact cost of cleaning your carpet, I need to know the exact number of square feet that you want to be cleaned. To get an accurate measurement, I use a measuring wheel to calculate the exact size of the carpet area.

 We hope that you learned something from these 6 misconceptions, if you have more questions about carpet cleaning please contact one of our local professionals here in Portland, we would love to help you understand what we do.

While renting a carpet cleaning machine may be cheaper than hiring a professional, there are many advantages to calling in the pros that will make the extra cost worthwhile. Professionals with truck-mounted equipment have an edge in several ways. Because they clean carpets day after day, they aren’t as likely to make mistakes such as using too much detergent or neglecting to rinse away all residues.

Not only do professional carpet cleaners save you time, they also ensure that your carpets are being cleaned safely and effectively.

Here are the top 10 advantages of hiring a professional carpet cleaner: 

1. Industrial equipment and cleaning solutions– We use properly-maintained, up-to-date truck-mounted cleaning machines. Unlike machines you rent or buy, truck-mounted machines have a super strong suction that enables them to extract deeply embedded dirt and stubborn stains. Our vans are stocked with only the very best products from top manufacturers. You can be assured that our products are effective, efficient, and safe for your carpet, the consumer, and the environment. If a spot can be removed, our products will remove it. Aft our neutralizing rinse, any moisture left is as safe as tap water, with NO residue left behind.

2. Hotter water = better cleaning– The trucks deliver hot water that can reach 250 degrees, which boosts the detergent’s effectiveness. With a rental machine, the best you can do is to pour hot water into the mixing tank and hope it doesn’t cool off too much as you clean. Finally, professionals benefit from having more powerful vacuum systems. Because they remove more water, it’s possible to rinse more thoroughly. The amount of water flowing through carpet fibers is the most important factor that determines whether cleaning is thorough, Shaw’s researchers found. Plus, the professional vacuums leave the fibers dryer, so the room can get back in use faster.

3. Don’t break your back– Another bonus is that Alameda technicians will move most of your furniture before cleaning (we don’t move large items such as armoires, entertainment centers or beds). No need to break your back or rent a dolly. Plus, once the carpets are dry, our technicians will move all of the furniture back to their original places. Moving furniture is part of the price you are quoted and not an extra fee.

4. Improve the air quality in your home– Regular vacuuming will only remove surface dirt and dust, leaving pounds of built-up grime embedded in your carpet fibers. It is recommended that you have your carpets professionally cleaned once a year – more frequently for larger households and areas with high traffic and pets – to remove deeply layered dirt underneath your carpet. A professional carpet cleaner’s equipment is powerful enough to eliminate the unseen dry contaminants, improving the air quality inside your home.

5. Save you time – When you clean your carpets yourself, you have to move the furniture, vacuum all of the carpets, spot treat your carpet to remove stains, apply pre-treatment solution to your carpet, fill and empty the tanks, and carry and cleaning the equipment when you are done. Phew! Using a professional service means an experienced technician takes care of all of those tasks for, saving you time and a trip to the chiropractor.

6. Avoid mold and mildew – Mold and mildew are common carpet invaders. Often, they appear after someone attempts to clean their own carpets, leaving them excessively wet. Hiring a professional company, such as ours, will ensure that your carpets do not become oversaturated and are properly extracted with industrial-strength suction power.

7. Restore your carpet to its original beauty and quality – By removing stubborn stains and embedded dirt, you help to restore your carpets original beauty and quality. Maintaining your carpets with regular professional deep cleanings will help you extend the life of your carpet and will leave your carpets feeling and looking fresh and clean.

8. Protection – We can also help you to protect your carpets from permanent staining and soiling. Ask about our fabric protection to help protect the fibers from wear and tear, as well as stains and spills. Our premium fabric protection, MicroSeal Permanent Fabric Protection, is the best fabric protection there is. It does not have to be reapplied after cleaning and is non -toxic and non-allergenic.

9. Knowledge of different carpet types – Our experienced carpet cleaning technicians have extensive knowledge of the different types and brands of carpet, and the best cleaning methods and products for your carpet. Instead of taking risk using a carpet cleaning rental or store-bought cleaning solution, protect your carpet from unintentional damage and let the pro’s expertly clean your carpet.

10. Guaranteed – As a reputable carpet cleaner we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all our services. We stand behind our work every time. If you are not satisfied with the cleaning you receive, give us a call and we’ll go back out and redo it for free.  

We hope these ten points give you some insights into the reasons it makes sense to trust a company like Alameda Cleaners to clean your carpets. Give us a call at 503.335.3915 if you have questions or would like to schedule a carpet cleaning for your home.

Thank you!

When it comes to maintaining your carpet, the most critical areas of focus is the traffic areas. If soil is not removed on a regular basis, the traffic areas will begin to wear excessively. The dirt is extremely abrasive against the fibers of the carpet as you walk back and forth on it. The second area of focus, of course, is spot removal. You must react to “danger” spots immediately. Red wine, Red beverages, urine, blood, etc. can cause a permanent stain if not treated immediately. Listed below are the steps that you must take to properly maintain your carpeting.

1. Vacuuming

Vacuum your carpet often. Once or twice a week at least. Vacuuming removes the sharp soil that can cut and slice the fiber causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye. Vacuum before the carpet looks soiled. Remove any loose particles such as loose food, leaves, pieces of crayon, bugs, etc. as these items can cause a spot on the carpet.

2. Spot Removal and Interim Cleaning

Immediate spot removal is key to a clean carpet. Great care also must be taken in how spot cleaning is performed. When a carpet is new or has sufficient protector on it, plain tap water will remove many spots. However, for those spots that will not move easily with water, you must use a spot cleaner. Select a spot cleaner that is recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your trained, certified professional cleaner. Most spot removers that are purchased over the counter leave too much soap residue and can cause yellowing. Avoid using foam carpet cleaners or any product that is not made specifically for carpet.

3. Professional Cleaning

As a general rule, professional cleaning by a professional, certified firm should take place about once per year. For extremely heavy traffic areas, cleaning may be required more often. A proper professional cleaning will not leave a sticky residue behind and can be done as many times per year as needed. MANY STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL CLEANING EVERY YEAR.

4. Before Your Carpeting Is Cleaned

Please remove breakables and knick-knacks from tables and other pieces that will be moved by our crew. If there is a large number of small items such as boxes, magazines, shoes, etc. please remove these items if you want the carpet cleaned in these areas. Arrange for pets and children to be away from the area that we are cleaning, and away from all equipment, hoses, etc.

5. After Your Carpeting Is Cleaned

• Be careful walking from carpet to hard surfaces. Floors can be very slippery.

• Keep pets and children off of carpet for at least 6 hours.

• Remove blocks and tabs 24 hours after carpet is cleaned.

• Vacuum carpet anytime after 24-hour period.

There are many systems to choose from in the marketplace. You hear from just about every cleaner that their method is the best. The fact is that one should not choose a carpet cleaner based on cleaning method alone. A customer could get a good job or a poor job with any system. The system must be applied properly in order to be effective, so the emphasis should be placed on the reputation and experience of the company operating the system.

However, all things being equal, truck-mounted extraction applied properly, is the most effective way to clean a carpet. Hot water extraction will get maximum soil removal and maximum spot removal. It has the ability to flush out deep spots and soil. Our company pre-emulsifies the soil so that a lower water pressure can be used, therefore not over-soaking the carpet. We also neutralize every carpet we clean, so that there is no sticky residue left behind.

The disadvantages of other systems compared to truck-mounted hot water extraction performed properly are as follows:

Dry-Cleaning Systems:

There are a handful of applications where dry-cleaning is preferred, such as oriental rugs that have a bleeding problem, sisal rugs, or a 24-hour facility.

Dry-cleaning systems do not get the amount of soil removal that hot water extraction gets, therefore leaving abrasive soils in the carpet to build up over a period of time. In addition, dry-cleaning systems are not as sanitary as hot water extraction. In many cases, the soil is simply moved around instead of actually being extracted.

Alternative Extraction Systems:

This would include systems using a “low moisture” tool, recycled water, or “specially charged” water. These systems are smoke screens that attempt to confuse the consumer. Systems that supposedly have a “low moisture” tool simply do not have the flushing action that is needed to get the carpet thoroughly clean. Recycled water is completely unsanitary, and companies that are advertising “no chemicals” use plenty of chemicals. They try to say that because they use a specially charged water that they do not need to use any chemicals. However, to remove spots and traffic area soil, they have to use chemicals. Usually, they use the chemicals without telling you, or they talk about their prespray that is made from wheat, barley, etc. It’s a farce. Truck-mounted hot water extraction applied properly will use high-quality cleaning solutions that are neutralized. There is no other way to get maximum soil removal.

 Make sure that you are getting the best cleaning for your carpets, call one of our professionals today and get your questions answered.

Recently we have seen an increase in the use of viscose in various kinds of fabrics, such as clothing, furniture, and rugs. We want to get the word out of the extreme health concerns associated with this product, as well as the danger to the environment.

Viscose, also known as “Bamboo Silk”, is really nothing other than an old product known as “Rayon”, which has been around for over 100 years. Due to health concerns, Rayon is no longer produced in the USA or Europe. It is now produced in China, India, and Indonesia.
Employees are not protected with proper health standards. These countries have poor health and safety standards that do not protect their employees, as well as less stringent standards to protect the environment.

Carbon disulfide exposure leads to acute insanity in those it poisons. Reports show higher levels of coronary heart disease, birth defects, skin conditions, and cancer, not just in textile workers but also in those who live near viscose factories.

After the industry’s mid-century high point, viscose manufacturing found itself at the forefront of those hazardous industrial processes exported to the developing world, starting in the 1960s and continuing through the decades. Viscose is still widely used today. It is currently being branded as a renewable, eco-friendly product and cleverly sidesteps the inconvenient reality that carbon disulfide, whether mixed with softwood pulp or bamboo or straw, is anything but green and extremely dangerous to those who manufacture it.

Viscose is made by using cellulose wood pulp that is treated with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) at a high pH. Carbon disulfide is added to that solution. The mix is churned, allowed to “ripen” and then mixed with more caustics to form a syrupy semi-liquid that is what they call “viscose”. The Rayon syrup is forced through tiny spinning nozzles submerged in a bath of sulfuric acid, like sprinklers irrigating a garden. It is in this environment that the extruded filaments of viscose rayon fibers coagulate and grow. This is a highly polluting process and releases many toxic chemicals into the air and waterways surrounding production plants.

Concerns regarding the devastating impact of wood pulp production on forests, people and vulnerable animal populations have also been raised. The production of viscose contributes to the rapid depletion of the world’s forests, which are being cleared to make way for pulpwood plantations. It is estimated that around 30% of rayon/viscose used in fashion is made from pulp sourced from endangered and ancient forests. This leads to habitat destruction, creating a significant threat to endangered species, and often human rights abuse and land grabbing from Indigenous communities.

As a company, we are committed to sustainable cleaning practices as well as the health and safety of our employees. We feel the need to spread the word about this product. Although there are no documented health concerns with ownership or use of these products, the creation of the fibers affects those in the manufacturing plants and surrounding areas. Alameda does not purchase anything with viscose or its blends for our use.

Our hope is that with proper education, the use of viscose will cease.

What distinguishes one carpet cleaning company from another? Not using gimmicks, trick, and dishonesty to get your business but instead of providing excellent service, you can depend on again and again.

RIP-OFF #1: UNBELIEVABLY LOW PRICE.

To some degree, all of us are attracted to low prices because we want to work within a budget. But some carpet cleaners use price as the bait for their false and misleading advertising. They offer a cheap price-usually between $9.95 and $13.95 per room-and then, once they’re in your home, they pressure you into buying “add-ons.” It’s as if you were buying a car and found that the dealer was charging you extra for the tires and steering wheel. Carpet cleaning is not as cheap as some unethical carpet cleaners would like you to believe.

RIP-OFF #2: BAIT AND SWITCH.

Dual process carpet cleaning describes the process of shampooing or heavy preconditioning, followed by extraction cleaning. Unfortunately, unethical carpet cleaners often use the dual process as a bait-and-switch technique. Here’s how it’s done: First, they “bait” you with a basic cleaning (single process) at an unbelievably low price. Then, when you call, they try to “switch” you to more expensive dual-process cleaning. If you don’t fall for their switch and choose their basic service, you’ll likely receive poor workmanship using little or no chemical, and they will not guarantee their work. (There have been several investigative programs on TV about these types of business practices by reporters such as Peter Jennings.) Carpet manufacturers recommend a certified carpet cleaner using a truck mounted machine.

RIP-OFF #3: UNSUPPORTED CLAIMS.

“THIS CLEANING METHOD IS THE BEST.” You’ll read this in almost every ad. You’ll hear this from virtually every carpet cleaner. Remember this: The method that’s best for you is the method that achieves your goal. If you want a method that dries quickly, then a method that takes a long time to dry isn’t the best for you. So, before you choose a carpet cleaner, identify your objectives, Then select the method that best reaches those objectives.

RIP-OFF #4: OUTDATED BELIEFS.

“HOT WATER DAMAGES YOUR CARPET.” Years ago, many people believed this was true because their carpets were damaged by “technicians” who didn’t know how to clean using hot water properly. But today, we know it’s false. By washing and then rinsing your carpet with hot water, your carpet is thoroughly cleaned in the same way that the person who showers and then rinses off the dirt and the soap will be much cleaner than the person who takes only a sponge bath.

There are a lot of carpet cleaners in the Portland-Vancouver area, make sure that you find one that is going to provide the service you want at a fair price. If you have questions contact one of our local professionals today.