Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to clean my carpet?
On average, it will take approximately 20 minutes per room. This time can vary greatly depending on the amount of furniture to be moved, how dirty the carpet is and any necessary spot removal treatments.

Won't water ruin my carpet?
Modern carpet technology is basically water resistant, and approximately 95% of the limited amount of water used in our cleaning process is removed by an industrial-strength vacuum.

How long do I have to wait after cleaning to let my children or pets on the carpet?
The carpet may be walked on with clean feet or shoes immediately after cleaning; however, we recommend limiting activity on the carpet to this foot traffic until it is completely dry.


How long will it take for my carpet to dry?
Drying time depends on humidity levels, air flow to the room(s) cleaned and the type of carpet. In general, turning on your air conditioning or heating system (depending on the time of year and your location) will help speed the process. While it typically takes between 2 and 24 hours for the carpet to dry, you can walk on it as soon as we are finished (just remember to remove street shoes first to avoid re-soiling).

I've heard that cleaning my carpet makes it soil faster. Is this true?
The modern cleaning methods Stanley Steemer use rinse virtually all cleaning agents out of the carpet so it will not attract dirt. This problem results from soap or oily powder particles being left in the carpet, which attract dirt. Companies that use soap to clean your carpet without completely rinsing it and companies which employ dry-cleaning methods are the most likely to cause this problem.

Will the cleaning agents used harm my children or pets?
Our basic cleaning solution is very similar to laundry detergent. While it is both family- and environmentally-friendly, it is always a good idea to limit contact between the recently cleaned carpet and your children or pets.

Do I need to move my furniture before the crew arrives?
Our crews are professionally trained to move your furniture, and return it to its rightful place when cleaning is completed. We will move most furniture that can be safely moved by a two man crew. However, there are several items we will not move, such as: pianos, electronics, china cabinets, waterbeds, king size beds, dressers with mirrors, pool tables, etc. We do suggest you remove items off of your furniture like plants, lamps and knickknacks.

Do I have to be home while my carpet is being cleaned?
It is not necessary that you be home while your carpet is cleaned because our technicians are thoroughly trained professionals you can trust. In order to provide the best possible service, we do recommend that someone is home before we begin cleaning to discuss any specific needs or areas of concern regarding the care of your carpet.

Can I have both my area rug and the carpet that it sits on cleaned at the same time?
Yes. However, the area rug cannot dry over the wet carpet. The area rug must be taken to another area (such as dry carpet or clean concrete) to dry.

What should I do if the stains that were cleaned reappear?
Although most stains that are removed from carpet do not reappear, deep stains in carpet backing may wick to the surface after cleaning. If this happens, contact your local Stanley Steemer at 1-800-STEEMER as soon as possible. They will be able to help you resolve this problem.

How do you guarantee customer satisfaction?
We are happy to work with you to correct any situation that may arise. In some cases this can mean spot cleaning specific areas of concern or even completely re-cleaning the areas in question. In the end, we're not satisfied until you are.