Finding a good operator

Your carpet is a major investment, so finding a competent operator is important. Ask your insurance company, or the retailer that supplied your carpet, to recommend a cleaning service.

A good operator will check the condition of the carpet, looking especially for loose seams or damage. They will note any stains and should ask you what caused them. They'll then decide on the most appropriate method of cleaning. If an operator doesn't make a proper inspection first, don't use them.

Be aware that specialist stain removal is usually an extra cost.

What you should ask

Experience

What qualifications and experience does the operator have? This is especially important with hot-water extraction, or when it comes to removing stubborn stains.

Guarantees

Does the cleaning service carry insurance in case it all goes wrong? Does it belong to a professional association that will step in and resolve disputes?

How long will it take?
How much time will the carpet take to clean, and how long to dry? What will be involved in getting it dry? Don't pressure the operator about doing it faster - it's better to have the job done right first time.

Deadlines

If you need the carpet clean and dry by a particular date, make sure the cleaning service agrees this will be done. If the timing is really important, get the agreement in writing.

Pre-vacuum

Is this included? Pre-vacuuming will improve results if an efficient commercial vacuum cleaner is used.

Hot water

For hot-water extraction, will the operator want to use your hot water?

Stains

Does the service have techniques to deal with your particular stains? Will stain removal add to the cost? What guarantees does the service give against bleaching or residual staining?

Price

Make sure you know whether the fee includes:

• all the areas you want cleaned (fixed-cost cleaning is often based on a relatively small area - say the living area and hall - and if you want the bedrooms or stairs done, the cost may rise sharply)
  
  
• any extras - such as stain removal, deodorising, stain-resistant treatments, or extra drying equipment for hot-water extraction done in cold wet weather (extras can be useful, but they can send the cost skyrocketing)
  
  
• GST and any other charges, such as travel.

Be wary if the operator quotes a price that's much lower than others. If you want an operator who has qualifications and experience and is covered by insurance, you should expect to pay a reasonable price.

A "reasonable price" starts at around $3 per square metre including GST - this will cover pre-vacuuming and furniture moving but won't cover specialist stain treatment.