Common Questions & Answers

Q. What Process do you use to clean carpet?

A.Most of the carpet cleaning we do is the "Dry Foam" method. This process is used by about 80% of all carpet cleaning companies across the country, who specialize in "high end clientele" -- those homes with very expensive carpets and area rugs .

Q. How long does the carpet take to dry?

A. The normal drying time is from 1 to 3 hours. With our "Quick Dry" process drying times can be reduced by as much as 50% of normal.

Q. I've heard it's best to put off having your carpet cleaned as long as possible, is this true?

A. No. In fact, many of the major carpet mills today recommend professional cleaning at least once per year. The build up of soil in your carpet in combination with foot traffic creates abrasion that breaks down your carpets' fibers. The higher the traffic in a given area, the more often the carpet will need cleaning.

Q. Should I have my carpet dry cleaned or steam cleaned?

A. In certian cleaning conditions, primarily resturants, the use of steam cleaning will remove large amounts of oils, grease, and other nonwater souluble materials. However, in a residential or office situation, where a quick drying time, or protection of the sub flooring is important, the dry foam method is perhaps better choice for the job.

Q. Does your cleaning process soak the backing of the carpet?

A. No, with "Dry Foam" 92% is air and only 8% is moisture.

Q. Can you get the pet odor out of my carpet?

A. Pet odor is a very common problem. At Howard's we can help you deal with your pet challenges. From minor problems to major headaches Howard's can help find that solution that works best for you.

The problem with pet odor is that it can be much deeper than it first appears at first. Pet urine can easily soak through the backing of the carpet into the padding underneath. In more severe cases the urine can penetrate into the sub-floor beneath the padding. This creates a problem that is multi-layered.

The urine also provides for the growth of bacteria. This in turn contributes to a worsening of the odor problem and can contribute to permanent color loss of the carpet fiber.

To eliminate this problem the urine must be removed or neutralized from each of the layers effected. If the contamination is limited to only the face yarn of the carpet then the cleaning itself may effectively remove the odor. In more severe cases a urine neutralizer may be applied.

In the most severe cases, replacement of the carpet padding, treatment of the under-side of the carpet and the sub-floor may be required. Even replacement of the carpet, however, can not guarantee complete removal of the odor.

Left untreated over a period of time pet odor can become absorbed into many of the porous materials in your home. Draperies, sheet rock, upholstered furniture, base-boards, even the concrete foundation are just a few of the materials that can absorb these odors.

At Howard's we offer a range of solutions to help you with your pet odor problems. In the long run, however, it may be more a matter of proper maintenance instead of total elimination. After all, we love our pets and want to keep them a part of our family. Pet ownership adds to the challenge of maintaining a clean and healthy home. At Howard's we can help you meet those challenges.

Q. What does it mean to "clean to the standards"?

A. In 1992 representatives from the carpet manufacturing industry, the carpet cleaning industry and the federal government all agreed upon a common set of standards for the carpet cleaning industry. These standards are now referred to as the Soo1-92 standards. They recognize five types of cleaning processes; Hot Water Extraction, Absorbent Compound Cleaning, Bonnet Cleaning, Rotary Shampoo and Dry Foam Cleaning.

Howard's offers most all of these methods and can select the process that's right for your needs.

It was agreed that each of these cleaning processes should include these common steps.

1. Pre-Vacuum
2. Pre-treat spots, stains and heavily soiled areas
3. A thorough rinse
4. Furniture Moving
5. Complete Drying within 2-4 hours.

Cleaning your carpet in accordance to these industry standards will help assure that you'll get a quality cleaning job.

Howards "standard service" exceeds these specifications. In addition to these steps Howard's powerful combined with our exclusive "Quick-Dry" process reduces drying time to only a few hours.