What does the CRI say to ask, and how does Klein's answer?
The questions are the CRI's, from its page on hiring a carpet cleaning professional. The right-hand column is ours.
| The CRI's question | Why it matters | Klein's answer |
|---|---|---|
| "How long have you been in business?" | The CRI: the answer "can speak volumes about a company's reputation and experience" | Klein's started as a general cleaning company and now cleans carpet only; ask us for the detail |
| "Do you vacuum before deep cleaning the carpet?" | The CRI: "The answer should be yes." | Yes. Vacuuming is the first step of every clean |
| "How is your pricing structured?" | "Pricing should be based on the area cleaned, not by the number of rooms." | By area: about 50 cents a square foot at home, confirmed in writing before any work starts |
| "How much will it cost?" | Get an estimate you are comfortable with "before the cleaner comes to your house" | A written figure before any work starts; see prices |
| "Are your technicians certified through the IICRC?" | The CRI: certifications "show advanced training" | Klein's does not claim IICRC certification on this site. Ask any cleaner who does to show it |
| "Do you move the furniture?" | "Understand all of the service details to avoid surprises." | Light furniture is moved and put back; beds, dressers and full bookcases are cleaned around |
Why is pricing by the room a warning sign?
Because a "room" is not a unit of carpet. The CRI says: "Room sizes vary, so be careful of any company that quotes price by the room." A low per-room price can grow on the day when the rooms turn out larger than the company assumed, or when "room" turns out to exclude the hall and the stairs. Ask what area the price covers. Klein's gives a bedroom figure only as what its area rate comes to on a typical bedroom.
What else is worth asking?
- What method do you use? Many carpet warranties name hot water extraction; see steam cleaning vs dry cleaning. Klein's uses hot water extraction.
- How do you handle pet urine? Urine needs separate treatment before a hot rinse; the CRI warns that heat sets it. See pet urine.
- Will you tell me what will not come out? Damage such as bleach spots or burns cannot be cleaned out. A cleaner should say so before starting, not after.
- How long will it take to dry? Several hours is normal; see drying time.
- Are you insured? A fair question for any trade working in your home. Ask for the certificate rather than taking a yes on trust.
What should I have ready when I call?
The measurements of each carpeted room (the CRI's advice is to "measure your area before you get on the phone"), the number of stairs, where any pet accidents or stains are, when the carpet was last professionally cleaned, and whether it is still under warranty. With those, a quote can be accurate the first time. Klein's quote form asks for exactly these.
Get a free carpet cleaning quote
Tell us which rooms, how many stairs, and about any pets or stains. We reply within one business day, by phone or email, and the quote is agreed before anyone starts.