Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

Q. How long will my carpets take to dry?
A. There are many factors to consider, the amount of soiling in the carpet, the length of pile, the weather, the temperature in the property. Part of a professional carpet cleaner`s skill is to clean the carpets as thoroughly as possible and leave the carpets as dry as possible. However our state of the art equipment extracts far more moisture. Your carpets should dry quickly and will be able to be walked upon immediately.

Q. Will my carpet shrink?
A. Some carpets are prone to shrinkage. We have many years of experience in spotting these fibers, and can take measures for prevention. If we have any doubts that this will occur we will not carry out the job and there will be no charge for our assessment.

Q. I have heard that carpets get dirty quicker once they have been cleaned.
A. Using the correct cleaning system is important. Some systems and incorrect application methods may leave residues which accelerates re-soiling and defeats the whole purpose of cleaning. This is not the case with the systems and products that we of course use.

Q. Will I have to clear all the furniture out of the room?
A. No. Whilst we appreciate the removal of small objects and breakables, we have a system of working with larger pieces. We will move as much of the furniture as possible but some items may have to be cleaned around. Chairs and table legs will be protected by foil where necessary to prevent them marking the carpet. Theses can easily be removed the following day when the carpets are dry.

Q. How long will it take you to clean my carpets?
A. We can clean a 3 bedroom house in approximately 1 and a half hours. A hall, stairs landing and a lounge is normally completed in 1 hour and a 3 piece suite just over an hour. These times are estimates depending on degree of soiling and stains. Again with the latest equipment we use, we will complete the work as fast as possible in order that your home or premises will return to normal as soon as possible.

Q. Will hot water extraction (steam cleaning) damage my carpet?
A. No! Hot water extraction is the method preferred by Shaw Industries and many other major carpet manufacturers. It is considered by many to be the best method of removing embedded soil and other contaminants.

Q. Do you charge extra for parking?
A. In some areas where parking can be quite expensive we may add the charge to the bill. This depends on the size of the job.

Q. Do I have to hoover before you arrive?
A. It is advisable to give the carpets a quick vacuum the day before especially if there is a lot of fluff or larger particles on the carpet as this may block our machinery.

Q. When carpets are flooded due to burst pipes, washing machine or radiator problems, what should I do?
A. Take a deep breath, keep calm and phone us for advice, WE ARE HERE TO HELP.

Hints and Tips
Accidents will happen. If something gets spilled on your carpet take prompt action to prevent staining. You will need some clean white absorbent cloth, or tissue, and the four basic solutions listed below. (Please check that your carpet is colour fast, and safe to clean, by testing all solutions in an inconspicuous area before application).

• Dry Cleaning Solution - Surgical Spirit.
• Detergent Solution - One teaspoonful of gentle detergent for washing woolens to half a pint (0.75) litres) of warm water
• Detergent and Vinegar Solution - Add one tablespoon of white (not malt) vinegar to the detergent solution.
  
• Ammonia Solution - One teaspoonful of branded household ammonia (available from hardware stores), to one cup of warm water.
  

Tackle the Stains as follows:

• Alcohol, Coffee, Tea, Liquid Foods and Urine - Stain Removal action:
  Blot up surplus spillage. Use detergent vinegar solution. Work from the outer edge of the stain inwards, using a little at a time, blotting up with dry cloths frequently. See below for final rinse procedure.
• Chocolate, Sweets, Blood, Glue, Ice Cream, Milk, Soft Drinks and Vomit - Stain Removal action:
  Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a detergent solution starting at the outer edge. Blot dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.
  
• Solids, Fats, Tar, Chewing Gum. Oil, Ointment and Shoe Polish - Stain Removal action:
  Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a dry cleaning solution followed by Detergent and Vinegar Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.
  
• Unknown stains. Scrape up or blot surplus spillage - Stain Removal action:
  Use a dry cleaning solvent followed by clean luke warm water. Blot dry. If further treatment is needed, use either Detergent or Detergent and Vinegar Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.

Final Rinse Procedure:
This rinse procedure is applicable to all the above methods of stain removal. Simply mix one part white vinegar and four parts water. Pour mixture into spray bottle and spay over the stained area. Blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture. Spread white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) over the affected area and a place a weight, such as a book, directly on top. This will help the moisture residue to soak into the towels. Leave overnight and repeat if necessary.

Remember Act Quickly
Scrape up the solids. Blot up the liquids, taking plenty of time. It is worth the effort. Mix the solution accurately. Test it on an out of the way piece of carpet. Always work from the outer edge of the stain to the centre. NEVER OVER WET. Dab rather than scrub or rub hard. Even though you do not completely remove the stain, the correct routine will give Witch Cleaning Services the best chance of success.

NOTE: Some new carpets have been subjected to anti-static and soil resistant treatments. Even when these have been applied, it is wise to follow the stain removal procedures suggested