FAQ

Carpet Cleaning FAQ

What method of cleaning do you use?
Our exclusive 12 Step Soap-Free Cleaning Process leaves absolutely zero residue behind and is approved by all major carpet manufacturers. Hot-water extraction is the only cleaning method approved by the carpet industry for warranty maintenance.
How soon can we walk on the carpet after cleaning?
We will leave plastic shoe covers so you can walk on your carpet immediately after we leave. However do not place any items onto the carpet until it is completely dry.
How soon can I vacuum after carpet cleaning?
Since vacuuming is part of our 12 Step Soap-Free Cleaning process, you will not need to vacuum right away. However you may vacuum as soon as the carpet is dry.
Do I need to vacuum before carpet cleaners come?
No. Our exclusive 12 Step Soap-Free Cleaning Process includes pre- vacuuming with our powerful truck-mounted vacuums prior to cleaning to remove any dry particulate soil.
Does steam cleaning remove carpet dents?
It helps. However no cleaning process can completely remove carpet denting because the pad underneath, that is supposed to support the carpet, has usually been crushed.
How long does it take the carpet to dry after cleaning?
We will leave plastic shoe covers for you so you may walk on your carpet immediately after we leave. As with all hot-water extraction cleaning, the drying time varies depending on fiber type and environmental conditions. But it usually takes from 6 to 24 hours. However your technician will leave long before the carpet is completely dry. So always check before placing any items onto the carpet after cleaning. And always look for an IICRC Certified cleaning technician.
How long does it take to clean carpets?
Our exclusive 12 Step Soap-Free Cleaning Process is more thorough than other cleaning methods. So we may take a little longer than other cleaning companies. However our clients appreciate the difference it makes in the appearance of their carpet. If you are cleaning more than one room, it could take several hours. And, as with all hot-water extraction cleaning, (which is the method required by all major carpet manufacturers), the carpet will be damp when we leave. So you need to account for drying time, which can vary from 6 – 24 hours or more. And always insist on IICRC Certified cleaning technicians.
How often should I have my carpets cleaned?
Most carpet manufacturers require professional carpet cleaning every 12-24 months or it voids the factory warranty. (which is usually 20 years or more!) But always check your carpet warranty for cleaning frequency requirements. And always ask for an IICRC Certified cleaning technician.
What should I do to prepare for carpet cleaning?
It’s always a good idea to make sure the cleaner has a safe place to park and easy access to the areas to be cleaned. Also, have your pets relocated (off premises if possible). Keep all children away from the equipment and areas being cleaned. Also remove any small items as well as valuable or fragile items. Your technician will only move small contents (items easily moved by one person). If there are large or heavy pieces to be moved, they must be moved prior to your technician’s arrival.
Does carpet cleaning make your carpets wear faster
No. In fact the opposite is true. The soils in your carpet are abrasive to the fibers. The longer they remain in your carpet the more damage is done. That is why all major carpet manufacturers require regular professional cleaning to keep from voiding carpet warranties.
Will the cleaning take care of the carpet’s odors?
Yes, but only if cleaning the carpet will remove the cause of the odor. Carpet cleaning only cleans the top, or “face” fibers of the carpet. However odors are often caused by damage or contamination that is deep down in the backing, pad or subfloor. In those cases other treatments may be needed in addition to cleaning of the carpet.
Can you take care of pet stains and odors?
Impressions specializes in pet stain and pet odor treatment. We offer several different processes from simple topical treatments to deeper treatments that can remove subsurface contamination from the backing, pad or subfloor – without removing the carpet. Many times we can “Save”the carpet from needing to be replaced.
Are your cleaners safe for my pets and family?
Yes. The cleaning products we bring into your home have been tested and approved by the carpet manufacturers to be effective on your carpet, and safe for your family,pets and environment.
What makes you different from other carpet cleaners?
It starts with Impressions’ superior technology. Our exclusive 12 Step Soap-Free Cleaning Process leaves absolutely no residue behind so your carpet dries faster and stays cleaner. But more importantly, its our people. Our people make the biggest difference. A family owned, local business, our technicians have been with us an average of 10 years. Unheard of in the industry, this not only gives us more experience, but also allows Impressions to invest in ongoing education for our technicians. This assures you that with Impressions you always get the latest, proven methods and best practices. And, since Impressions also sells and installs new carpet, you get a level of knowledge that other cleaning companies just don’t have. Lastly, with our “try us – you’ll like us” guarantee, your satisfaction is assured.

Upholstery Cleaning FAQ

What type of upholstery do you clean?
Upholstery cleaning is one of the most overlooked ways to extend the life of your favorite furniture pieces. Impressions’ technicians are trained in cleaning all fiber types and experienced in all types of upholstery cleaning. We use cleaning methods from hand cleaning and dry soil removal, to dry cleaning, or extraction cleaning as necessary. depending on the fiber and backing of the piece we’re cleaning.
What information do you need to give me an estimate?
It’s easy. It all starts with a simple phone call to our office. We will ask a couple of questions and either give you a price on the phone, or set an appointment for an in person, on site estimate – with no cost or obligation ofcourse.
What method do you use to clean furniture?
Impressions’ technicians are trained in cleaning all fiber types. And we can use cleaning methods from dry cleaning to extraction cleaning as needed depending on the fiber and backing of the piece we’re cleaning.
Can you treat pet odor?
Yes. Impressions specializes in pet odor treatment. We offer several different processes from simple topical treatments to deeper treatments that can remove subsurface contamination of the backing, pad or subfloor. Many times we can “Save”the carpet from needing to be replaced.
How often should upholstery be cleaned?
It’s best to clean your upholstery before it gets soiled. Many times the fabrics used in the furniture industry are easily permanently stained. It is much easier to prevent soiling and wearing of the fiber if you clean your high use items at least once a year. Also, to help prevent staining, we can apply a protective layer that can really prolong the life of the piece.
How long does it take for upholstery to dry after cleaning?
Dry times vary depending on the type of fiber and cleaning method used, But generally upholstery dries more quickly than carpet or rugs.
How long does it take to professionally clean a sofa?
Cleaning times for sofas vary with the length, number of cushions and fiber type. As a general rule, it takes about as long to clean a sofa as it does to clean several rooms of carpet.

Tile & Grout Cleaning FAQ

How long does it take to clean my tile and grout floors?
The time needed to clean tile and grout depends on how many square feet of tile there is and how soiled or stained the grout lines are. But in general it usually takes about as long to clean a tile floor as it does to clean the carpet in a large room.
What is grout sealing?
The lines between your tiles are usually filled with grout. Grout is a type of cement and very porous. So spills soak into the grout and can permanently stain it. (think concrete driveway). That’s why its very important to have your grout sealed regularly (every 6 months to a year). Its much easier to prevent the staining than to correct it after it occurs.
How long do you wait to clean tile after grouting?
Most experts agree that you don’t need to wait for the grout to dry before wiping the haze off the tiles (usually 30 minutes -3 hrs hours) A second wiping of the tiles can be done after 12 to 24 hours. But if you wait too long the haze will adhere to the surface of the tiles and can be extremely difficult to remove.
How often should tile and grout be cleaned?
Most people agree that your grout should be cleaned and sealed every 6 – 12 months. Your grout is porous so spills can soak in. This can cause permanent discoloration. (think concrete driveway). So regular cleaning and sealing is important.
What happens if grout sealer dries on tile?
If you allow grout sealer to dry on the tiles it will leave a visible residue. Any sealer spilled onto the tile should be wiped off immediately with a damp sponge or cloth.
How much do you charge for tile and grout cleaning typically?
Tile and grout cleaning cost depends on the type of tile, the number of grout lines and the square footage. Natural stone tile is substantially more expensive than ceramic or porcelain tile. An estimate of the average range for tile and grout cleaning is .50psf to $5psf. Grout sealing is in the same range. Most companies will give an on site estimate at no charge.
What would cause my grout not to clean up perfectly?
There are several reasons that grout can remain discolored even after cleaning. Usually the grout has been permanently stained due to spills soaking into the porous grout. (think concrete driveway). Often mold has developed that has permanently discolored the grout. Sometimes the grout has been painted or colored previously, and cleaning has dislodged some of the color. Never use paint as a grout sealer. Proper cleaning and sealing on a regular basis is the best way to assure your tile and grout retain their best appearance.
Can you get rid of mold and mildew?
Mold and mildew can be difficult to remove without damaging the grout. It goes into the pores of the grout and causes permanent discoloration. Professional cleaning can help.
Is it important to seal grout lines?
It is very important to seal your grout. Grout is a porous material that resembles cement. So spills can soak in, causing permanent discoloration. (think concrete driveway) Sealing helps to prevent spills from soaking into the grout.
When will I be able to walk on my floors after a tile & grout cleaning?
You can walk on your tile floors after cleaning and sealing in about 30 minutes.
Do you replace damaged tiles?
Impressions does not provide tile replacement services.
When should I have my tile re-grouted?
Tile may need to be re-grouted if grout is cracked, chipped, missing or otherwise damaged. Also replacement may be necessary when grout is still unsightly after cleaning.

Carpet Repair FAQ

Can you repair the carpet without replacing it?
Yes. carpet can often be restored to an acceptable condition with proper restretching and other repair services along with deep cleaning and odor treatments. Carpet Restoration Services represent substantial savings over the cost of replacement. Always look for an IICRC Certified repair technician.
How much does it cost to repair a damaged carpet?
Usually an on-site estimate is required to assess the damage and estimate costs. Minimum repair charges are usually around $150. But can go as high as several hundred dollars.
Which carpet repair services do you provide?
The most common repair on carpet industry is restretching. Carpets frequently develop unsightly bubbles or wrinkles. Restretching a carpet eliminates those and can have an amazing effect on its appearance by helping the face fibers stand up again (resetting the nap). Other common repair services include sectioning and bonding (patching), threshold repair, and damage from pets or pet urine. Carpet restoration combines repair services with cleaning and odor treatments to renew carpet and save substantially over replacement costs. Always look for an IICRC Certified repair technician.
Can you reattach carpets that have come loose around the edges?
Yes. When a carpet becomes detached from the tack strip along the wall, it’s usually an indication of loose carpet that needs restretching. Always look for an IICRC Certified repair technician.
Should I get my carpets cleaned first or stretched first?
Carpet that needs restretching should normally be cleaned after the restretching is done. This is because if there are wrinkles in the carpet, they will have a memory and are usually more soiled along the ridge of the wrinkle. Cleaning after restretching relaxes the carpet, resets the nap and cleans away the dark soiled mark that often accompanies a wrinkle. Always ask for an IICRC Certified repair technician.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning FAQ

How often should you professionally clean hardwood floors?
Mopping will not get down into the small crevices and textured surfaces of many floors. A specially designed floor machine with soft brushes that cleans, scrubs and rinses at the same time, like the Bona Power Scrubber, is the best way to deep clean a hardwood floor. (or other hard surface floor as well) Bona recommends Deep Cleaning with the Bona Power Scrubber once or twice year.
Can I use regular furniture spray, wax, or oils on my wood floors?
Furniture spray, waxes, acrylics or oils should never be used on wood, engineered, laminate or LVP flooring. They have the potential to build up and require chemical stripper to remove them. And in the case of hardwood floors, using these products can make it difficult (or impossible) to recoat or refinish them in the future.
How does moisture affect my hardwood flooring?
Moisture is the enemy of wood flooring. It can cause cupping and delamination leading to costly replacement.
How often should hardwood floors be professionally cleaned?
Bona Corporation, the largest manufacturer of floor finish and refinishing equipment in the world, recommends professional deep cleaning with the Bona Power Scrubber,once or twice a year.
How much does it cost to have hardwood floors professionally cleaned?
Prices for deep cleaning of hardwood floors (as well as engineered, laminate and LVP) is about $1 per foot or less. However if waxes, acrylic polishes or oils have been used on the floor, additional costs may be necessary to remove those layers that have built up and become contaminated over time.
How long will it take to clean our Hard Floors?
Depending on size, about as long as carpet cleaning.
How long will it take hard surfaces and floors to dry?
Utilizing the proper equipment like the Bona Power Scrubber, your hard surface flooring should be dry when the technician leaves. (remember, water is the enemy of most hard surface flooring) Always look for an IICRC Certified Hard Surface technician to maintain your floors.