Questions? I’ve got answers!
Do you live in or around Indianapolis and have questions about my services? Due to my benevolent nature and a keen desire to help my fellow man, I’ve written answers below to frequently asked questions. Read, learn and then call me, Ross, at 317-370-9075. I promise to take good care of you.
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Tile & Grout Cleaning Questions
Carpet Cleaning Questions
How much do you charge for carpet cleaning?
Carpet cleaning is $.45 per sqft, and I measure rooms wall-to-wall. Yes, I realize your rooms may be full of stationary furniture and I’m not cleaning the carpet underneath. It takes an incredible amount of time to detail around the legs and bases of all that furniture, and I must work slower to make sure I don’t get your furniture wet. So $.45 per sqft is my predetermined rate and it already accounts for the fact your rooms are likely furnished. If your rooms are empty, I have to use more pretreatment, clean more carpet and get more carpet dry, so empty rooms are also $.45 per sqft. Stairways are $100. Minimum charge for any service is $150. And I highly recommend Stain Guardian Ultra, which you can read more about here.
What must I do before you arrive to clean my carpet?
It’s helpful if you move small items out of the way like dining room chairs, floor lamps, potted plants and wastebaskets, etc. Upon request, I’m happy to move medium sized furniture like coffee tables and recliners. I do not move large pieces like beds and dressers. You can move them if you want, but it must be done before I arrive. I can give you some helpful advice, though, so feel free to contact me if you need help moving large pieces of furniture. You can call or text any time at 317-370-9075.
If there is visible pet hair or other debris on your carpet, it’s helpful if you vacuum first.
It’s also a good idea to secure pets. I’ll need a door cracked open so I can run hoses inside. I don’t want a cherished family pet escaping.
Additionally, my equipment makes noise many pets seem to hate. Even sweet, friendly dogs may turn into vicious killers when I fire up my equipment. For their protection and mine, please make sure pets are in a safe area away from where I’m working.
Do you move furniture while cleaning carpet?
Yes. See the question above.
How long is the carpet wet after cleaning and when can we walk on it?
After cleaning, it usually takes around eight hours for most carpets to dry. Some areas may take overnight depending on how soiled the carpet was (more soil means more cleaning passes, which means more water, which means more dry time). I’ll give you waterproof shoe covers so you can walk on it immediately. It won’t hurt a thing.
But don’t replace furniture until you’re positive the carpet is bone dry. I recommend waiting overnight if possible. If you place furniture on carpet that’s even slightly damp, the legs and bases can leave permanent stains.
Can you remove stains from carpet?
HA! Don’t make me laugh. Of course I remove stains. I pretreat everything I clean, which easily takes care of most spots.
If I encounter stains that don’t respond to cleaning, then I treat them with various spotting agents and stain removers. And no, I don’t charge extra.
Between my pretreatment and stain removal techniques, there are very few stains I can’t remove.
Can you fix carpet that’s been damaged by pet urine?
Yes, many times I can. And no, I don’t charge extra unless you have a severe problem, which is rare. There are occasional problems I can’t fix, but I try my best. Some things are simply out of my control. To learn more about pet urine damage, click here.
Can my pets walk on the carpet immediately after cleaning?
It’s usually not a problem because I don’t leave chemicals in your carpet. However, if your carpet has a severe urine problem, I will have treated areas with strong peroxide, which can cause minor, temporary skin irritation. In that case, I’ll warn you so you can keep your pets away from those areas. As peroxide naturally degrades, it turns into water vapor and evaporates over the course of a few hours. So not long after I leave, the peroxide is completely harmless. If it makes you feel better, I get peroxide all over my hands every day. Although it’s not necessarily comfortable, it’s not a big deal. It causes a burning sensation that disappears after a few minutes.
The other thing to consider is whether or not you purchase Stain Guardian Ultra, an invisible coating that protects carpet and upholstery. I would not let pets on the carpet until this product dries. It’s not dangerous, but that doesn’t mean we want pets licking their paws and ingesting it.
How long does it take to clean carpet?
As a rule of thumb, every $100 you spend equates to about 45 minutes of work. So, for instance, a $300 job will take about 2.5 hours. I take my time to make sure the job gets done right, but I’m not slow. I put my nose to the grindstone and take care of business. You’ll never see me texting, talking on the phone or taking breaks.
Click here to learn more about my carpet cleaning service
Upholstery Cleaning Questions
How much does upholstery cleaning cost?
Generally, standard sofas are $150. Sectional sofas are $250. Loveseats are $100. Recliners and other “side chairs” are $45-65. Dining chairs are usually $10-20 depending on whether they have upholstered backs. Please keep in mind my minimum charge for any service is $150. These prices may vary based on size, so if you have questions, give me a call at 317-370-9075 and I’ll gladly answer.
What kind of upholstery do you clean?
Sofas, sectionals, recliners, chairs, ottomans, futons, outdoor cushions, Lovesacs, fabric-covered headboards and any other type of upholstered furniture.
How long does it take for upholstery to dry after cleaning? How soon can we sit on it?
My upholstery cleaning tool uses low moisture, so most pieces dry within two or three hours, especially with good air movement from a floor or ceiling fan.
My pet peed on an upholstered cushion. Can you fix it?
I’ll sure try my best. It starts with cleaning every stitch of fabric I can possibly get to, including inside cushion covers if you want to remove them and turn them inside out. But if urine penetrates into the cushioning, there’s not much I can do… other than some experimental methods. Call me at 317-370-9075 for more info.
Do you clean car interiors?
It’s not my favorite.
Click here to learn more about my upholstery cleaning service.
Area Rug Cleaning Questions
How much does it cost to clean area rugs?
I can do quick, topical rug cleaning at your home or business for $.50 per sqft. An 8×10 rug, for example, would cost $40. However, it’s not a deep cleaning. I recommend this only for light soil or inexpensive synthetic rugs. Full service cleaning at my shop is $2.00 per sqft with a $50 pickup/drop off fee. In this case, an 8×10 rug would cost $160 to clean, and $50 for pickup and delivery. That’s a grand total of $210. This is best for rugs with heavy soil or pet damage and most rugs made from natural fibers like wool, silk or cotton.
What if my rug is damaged by your cleaning process?
It won’t be. Rugs are incredibly resilient and much tougher than we think. Plus, I use gentle, citrus-based pretreatment which is easy on synthetic and natural fibers. In the rare event a rug is damaged (I’ve never had it happen), I carry special insurance riders. Your rugs are covered the entire time they’re in my care.
Are there area rugs you can’t clean?
Sisal, a plant fiber, does not respond well to wet cleaning. Therefore, I don’t recommend cleaning sisal rugs because they warp and discolor. My advice is don’t buy a sisal rug in the first place. And if you have one that’s dirty, toss it in a dumpster. Also, rayon rugs—sometimes marketed as “art silk”—don’t respond well to cleaning. Rayon fibers are weak, so they often break in the cleaning process. The fibers also distort and harden. It’s a complete mess. I don’t recommend buying or attempting to clean rayon rugs.
How long will you have my area rug if you clean it at your shop?
Usually about 10 days.
Is your shop a dump?
Um, no. Come down to Beech Grove and check it out. I’m happy to show you around.
Click here to learn more about my area rug cleaning service.
Tile & Grout Cleaning Questions
How much do you charge for tile & grout cleaning?
Tile and grout cleaning is $1.00 per sqft. Sealing is $.50 per sqft.
Do you clean tiled shower stalls, or just floors?
Yes, I can clean tiled shower stalls, but I call in a specialist. Why? Because many times, the caulking in and around the shower stall needs to be cut out and replaced in order for the job to look good, and I’m horrible at caulking. It’s best for both of us if I don’t get anywhere near a caulk gun inside your home.
Do you seal tile and grout?
Yes, as an optional service that comes with additional fees. Depending on your floor, I may seal the tile and the grout, or just the grout. For example, smooth porcelain tile doesn’t accept sealer. In that event, I’d only seal the grout. If you want to save a few bucks, I can tell you what to buy and how to do it, but it’s backbreaking work.
Does tile & grout cleaning really make a difference? Can you really fix extremely dirty grout lines?
Yes and yes.
Can I walk on my floors after you clean my tile & grout?
It’s best if you stay off the floor while I’m pretreating and scrubbing because it’s slippery. But you can walk on the floor immediately after cleaning. After sealing, it’s best to stay off for 30-60 minutes to let the sealant dry. After that, you can tiptoe across the tiles but I recommend avoiding the grout lines, because you don’t want to soak sealant into your socks. It won’t necessarily hurt anything, but you want the sealant to stay in the grout where it belongs. The sealant will completely set overnight so you can go back to normal the next day.
Click here to learn more about my tile & grout cleaning service.
Pet Odor & Stains Questions
Can you really remove cat and dog pee odors?
Sometimes. It depends on the frequency of accidents, size and diet of your pet, age and fiber content of your carpet and about 14-billion other factors. Sometimes my process works, sometimes it doesn’t. The only way to know is to try.
Can you really remove cat and dog pee stains?
Almost always. Stains are easier to treat than odors.
What if I spend a bunch of money on treatment and it doesn’t work?
I won’t lie. That’s definitely a risk. HOWEVER, I’ve been doing this for a long time and can tell you exactly how I think your job will turn out. I just need to swing by and check it out, which is a free service. If I think the odds are in your favor, I’ll tell you. If I think there’s no hope, I’ll tell you. The choice is yours whether or not you want to proceed.
Will my pet still be able to smell old urine in the carpet after you’ve treated it?
Probably. Dogs and cats have senses of smell many times more powerful than ours. If a drug-sniffing dog at the US-Mexico border can smell weed wrapped in plastic and hidden inside a truck tire, your chihuahua is gonna be able to smell old urine deposits, even after treatment.
How can I keep my pet from having accidents on the carpet?
People ask me this all the time and I wish I had an answer, but I don’t. A veterinarian once told me her theory. She thinks dogs pee on the carpet because they’re left alone too often. They pee all over the place thinking it’ll help you find your way home. Sounds logical to me. Then again, I’m just a dumb carpet cleaner, so who knows?
Click here to learn more about my pet odor & stains service.
Carpet Repair Questions
How can you fix holes in my carpet?
Easy. I cut out the damaged area until I’m left with clean edges. Then I take a donor piece, cut it to size and seam it into the vacant spot. Of course, this is contingent on having a donor piece. If you don’t have a remnant that matches, I can take a piece of matching carpet from a closet. But won’t that leave a hole in the closet? Yes, but I have tons of carpet remnants at my shop. I can find a piece that closely matches your closet, even if it’s not perfect. Better to have a slightly non-matching piece in a closet than a damaged area in your family room.
Can’t I just repair my own carpet?
I don’t recommend it. You need a carpet knife, seam tape, a seam iron, a carpet tractor and various other tools that aren’t necessarily affordable. By the time you buy the proper tools—which you’ll never use again—you could have paid me to complete your repair. And trust me, my repair will look much better than yours. There are lots of tricks and secrets that aren’t on YouTube and you’ll never stumble onto them yourself.
What kind of damaged carpet, exactly, can you fix?
Wrinkles, broken seams, rips, holes, burns, fraying transitions to hard floors, stains that won’t come out, bleach spots and anything else you can imagine.
How long do carpet repairs last?
Repairs almost always last the life of the carpet. Sometimes, a repair is stronger than the carpet itself.
Click here to learn more about my carpet repair service.
Stain Guardian Ultra Questions
What is Stain Guardian Ultra and does it Ultra really work?
Stain Guardian Ultra is a protective, invisible coating I can apply to your carpet to help it resist stains and wear and stay cleaner, longer. It’s like Scotchgard, but better. Yes, it works. It’s not a miracle product, but it does give you time to grab a towel if something spills on your carpet. You won’t believe how it repels spills and accidents. It really is remarkable.
How much does Stain Guardian Ultra cost?
Half the cost of cleaning. If you spend $200 on cleaning, it’ll cost $100 to treat those same areas with Stain Guardian Ultra. The real question is, what will it cost if you don’t get Stain Guardian Ultra?
Is Stain Guardian Ultra safe?
Yes, Stain Guardian Ultra is perfectly harmless. It’s not plant-based like most of the other products I use, but it’s still safe for people, pets and the environment.
How long does Stain Guardian Ultra last?
The manufacturer intends for Stain Guardian Ultra to last at least 12 months. If you’re easy on your carpet, it can last much longer. Vacuum regularly, prevent sun damage by keeping blinds and curtains closed, and try to prevent spills and pet accidents. Most food and drinks are acidic, as is urine. Acids degrade protector over time. Take care of the protector and it will take care of you.
Does adding Stain Guardian Ultra affect the dry time of my carpet after cleaning?
Yes, it adds a few minutes to the dry time of your carpet because we’re adding an extra step with more moisture. However, most folks never notice the extra dry time.
I don’t have kids or pets. Should I still get Stain Guardian Ultra?
Yes. Your carpet comes from the factory with protector, but it eventually wears off. The carpet manufacturers intend for their products to be protected, so I recommend doing what they say.
Click here to learn more about Stain Guardian Ultra.
Miscellaneous Questions
Do I have to be present while you work?
No, you don’t necessarily need to be present while I’m working. I just need four things…
First, I need a way to enter your home or business.
Second, I need to know exactly what you want cleaned. You can tell me beforehand or leave a detailed note where I can find it.
Third, I need you to approve the price before I start working. If you’re not home and we haven’t already agreed on a price, I’ll need to be able to reach you via phone, text or email once I measure your job and determine the price.
Fourth, I need to be payed because I don’t invoice. I collect as soon as the work is done. If you can’t be there, we’ll figure something out.
As long as those needs are met, we’re good to go.
Are you an addict, thief, criminal, socially awkward or a general weirdo?
Actually, I’m just a nerdy family man who likes my own privacy, so I’ll always respect yours. I know the line between friendly and too friendly and never cross it. My lips have never touched a cigarette and I’ve never even been tempted to try illicit drugs. Spy on my personal Facebook page and you can see pics of me and my family. We’re normal, boring people. I did once keep a $20 bill I found in the Walmart parking lot, but only because the customer service clerks probably would have kept it had I turned it in. Oh, and once I tore off one of those tags on a mattress that says “Do not remove under penalty of law”. Other than that, I’m a law abiding citizen.
Do you need to use my water?
I almost always have my own water. My van has a 110-gallon fresh water tank which I try to fill in the morning. If it happens to start running out or I forget to fill it, I might ask permission to use an outside spigot (for your peace of mind and mine, I don’t use interior faucets). Don’t worry, I have my own hose, so I don’t need to use yours. I also have a full-blown water softening system permanently mounted in my van, which makes soft, filtered water on-the-fly, even if you’re on a well. You’re welcome to come out and see it if you want; I love showing off my equipment.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Credit and debit cards, personal checks and cash are all welcomed. Unlike many of my competitors, I don’t charge a fee if you want to pay with a card. If you pay with cash, I probably won’t have change.
What should you do next?
Call or text me at 317-370-9075 to make an appointment. If you prefer email, click here to leave a message. I look forward to hearing from you!
