Carpet and Rug Cleaning

How long will it take to clean my carpets?

In the average home, our process takes about 2 hours. You can estimate about 20 minutes per room, depending on the size of your home, the furniture to be moved, the level of carpet soiling, and the extent of pre-treating that's required.

What do I need to do before the cleaning crew arrives?

Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning professionals are trained to carefully move your furniture. We will take care of moving your sofas, tables, and chairs. Most large pieces, such as china cabinets, pianos, and large dressers, can be left in place - we can clean around them, and the carpet beneath them has probably not experienced much wear. We do, however, recommend that you remove fragile items such as electronics, knickknacks, lamps, or glassware. If you're not sure, just ask us - we'll be happy to advise you.

Do I need to be home when my carpet is cleaned?

We understand and respect our clients' busy lifestyles. That's why we offer very flexible scheduling, including Sundays. It does help us offer you our best service if you can meet with our professionals to discuss your specific needs or concerns before we start. But it's not necessary for you to stay at home while your carpet is cleaned. All of our professionals provide services you can trust.

Can't I just clean my carpets myself?

Many homeowners do choose to clean their own carpets and upholstery using portable home equipment or rented steam cleaners. This equipment, though, doesn't have the power that's necessary to reach deeply ground-in soil and stains, and therefore can't completely eliminate pet odors. Such equipment lacks the ability to heat and extract water in the way our equipment will - ensuring the very best in cleaning and care for your carpets.

If I have my carpet cleaned, will it then get dirty faster?

Problems with re-soiling can arise if residues from cleaning agents are left in the carpet. The residues left by traditional cleaning solutions can indeed attract dirt. However, this is not a problem with the all-natural organic cleansers and state-of-the art equipment we use. Our cleaning products and equipment remove virtually all residue and moisture from your carpet.

But doesn't water damage my carpet during cleaning?

If it's not properly extracted, water can indeed damage carpet. That's why the professionals at Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning use a powerful system that employs an industrial-strength vacuum to immediately remove 95 percent of the hot water used in the cleaning process. This hot-water extraction method is recommended by most carpet manufacturers.

How long before my carpet is completely dry?

Drying times can vary depending on humidity levels both inside and outside, your home's airflow, and the type of carpet. On average, though, it takes between 2 and 24 hours for a carpet to become thoroughly dry after cleaning. Turning on your air conditioning or heating system can help move the process along and cut down the drying time. You can walk on your carpet, though, as soon as we have finished with our cleaning process - though it may feel slightly damp, you won't cause any harm. We do, however, strongly recommend that you remove your shoes to avoid re-soiling - and be careful not to slip when walking from a damp carpet to a bare floor.

How long should I wait before letting children or pets on my cleaned carpet?

You can walk on the carpets as soon as our professionals have finished. We do, though, recommend that you limit activity on the carpet as much as possible until it is completely dry. This could take as long as 24 hours. Be sure to ask your Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning professionals for recommendations specific to your carpets and your unique home environment.

Will your cleaning products harm my children or pets?

Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning uses only organic, non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning products. We take our environmental and company responsibility very seriously - and that's a responsibility that extends to our staff, the environment, and to our customers.

Upholstered Furniture Cleaning

Why should I have my upholstered furniture professionally cleaned?

There are two important reasons to have your furniture professionally cleaned. As much as 80 percent of the everyday dirt and dust carried into a home settles onto the carpets and upholstered furniture. Professional cleaning helps prevent damage to your upholstery by removing soil and dust and sand, which can scratch the fabric and permanently degrade its appearance. Second, and more important, professional cleaning removes dust, allergens and pollutants that can affect the air quality in your home. Professional cleaning is especially important if you or your family members have asthma, allergies, or sensitivities to air pollutants.

Will professional cleaning damage the protective coating I purchased with my furniture?

Our cleaning methods may affect the protective coating - but the dry soils, sand, and dust that accumulate on your furniture, along with everyday wear, will also cause that coating to deteriorate over time. We recommend re-application of fabric protector with every cleaning to protect your upholstery - and we can do it for you.

Can I wash my cushion covers in the washing machine?

Some fabrics will survive machine washing, but many won't. This can cause fading, shrinkage, and fabric deterioration. The Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning professional staff can provide you a much safer and healthier deep cleaning, without risking any damage to your furniture.

How often should I have my upholstery cleaned?

Most manufacturers recommend cleaning every 12-24 months, depending on your home environment, the level of use, and the type of upholstery. We'll be happy to assess your furnishings during a free home consultation and can advise you on the best schedule, tailored to your individual needs.

Which cleaning method is best for my upholstery?

Cleaning methods will vary depending on the type of fabric and other factors. Our professional staff members are fully trained in manufacturers' recommendations; we will examine the construction of your furniture and test your fabrics to determine the most effective cleaning methods.

But the tag on my furniture says "dry clean only."

Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning staff will use dry cleaning methods if that is the safest and most effective cleaning method for your upholstered furniture. Manufacturers are required to place a tag or "Manufacturer Liability Code" on every piece of furniture, and this tag recommends a cleaning method. These recommendations, however, do not always specify the most effective way to remove soils and prolong the life of your furniture.

How long will it take my furniture to dry?

Drying times vary, depending on the cleaning method used and the optional application of fabric protector. Other factors such as humidity and ventilation and temperatures also affect drying times. If our state-of-the-art hot-water extraction method is used, the average drying time is between 1 and 6 hours.

Flood and Water Damage

What is it going to cost to have my home water damage repaired?

Every situation is unique, and it's impossible to estimate a "typical" cost for water damage cleanup and repair. When you call Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning, our professional staff will immediately conduct an in-home inspection with you; we'll assess much water is involved, how much space is damaged or affected, and the extent of microbial damage. We'll answer all your questions and provide you with an estimate.

Can I clean up flood and water damage myself?

You can, but water damage is a bigger risk than other home repair needs. A professional assessment, and cleanup by trained staff, greatly reduces health risks. Most at-home techniques and equipment are not able to extract enough water to prevent secondary damage and microbial growth. For example, water can soak into carpet padding undetected, which creates a haven for mold, mildew, and other microbial growth. This longer-term damage can spread and eventually be very costly to fix.

Will the damage be covered by my homeowners insurance?

Insurance coverage varies greatly from company to company and from policy to policy. It is always a good idea to review your policy with your agent to ensure you have adequate coverage for all situations - including leaks from your water heater, or sump pump failures. This kind of coverage may require an inexpensive rider added to your insurance policy.

Can my carpet and padding be salvaged? Or is it permanently ruined?

In many cases, when water is extracted immediately and thoroughly, carpets and padding can be saved. However, this depends on a number of factors, including the cause of the flooding, the extent of the damage, and the time that's transpired before cleanup begins. If you experience flooding or water damage, it is essential that you contact us immediately to prevent unnecessary damage caused by delay. We are on call 24 hours a day, and our trained staff will arrive promptly to assess the damage and consult with you on the most effective ways to address it.

Can my hardwood floors be salvaged?

Like carpeting, if hardwood flooring is dried quickly and thoroughly, it can often be saved. However, every situation is different - our professionals will work with you on assessing the damage and recommending which options are best for you.

With water damage, should I move my furniture and personal belongings?

If it is safe to do so, move whatever you can from the areas affected by flooding. When our professionals arrive at your home, they will carefully move your belongings for you, to dry areas where they will be safe until the cleanup process is completed.

Tile and Grout Cleaning

Why should I have my tile and grout professionally cleaned?

Even with light use and consistent care, the buildup of dirt and residue over time will dull your tile and discolor the grout lines. A thorough professional cleaning with our powerful hot-water extraction system will remove deeply embedded dirt and stains that other methods simply can't reach. This will prolong the life and the beauty of your tile counters, walls, and floors - and bring that sparkle back!

Should I have sealant applied to grout lines?

Grout is a very porous material; it readily absorbs soil, food debris, and spills. Sealant applied after your tile and grout is thoroughly cleaned will provide a protective barrier against staining. The sealant applied by Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning also makes your tile much easier to maintain.

How often should I have my tile floors cleaned?

This can vary widely, depending on the location of the tile in your home and the wear it typically receives. For example, areas that receive heavy foot traffic, or areas where children and pets play, will require more frequent cleaning than a floor that sees infrequent use. Most people have their tile and grout cleaned every 12 to 24 months, depending on the wear and tear of the tile, and other factors such as regular cleaning schedules.

How long does it take to clean my tile floors?

Cleaning times can vary, depending on the size and layout of the room, the type of tile, and the level of soil and staining. The average cleaning time, though, is typically about 30-60 minutes per room. The application of new sealant after the cleaning can increase the time to 2-3 hours.

How long does it take for the sealant to dry?

Drying times of course can vary, but it usually takes about 24 hours for new sealant to dry completely. Factors such as humidity, ventilation, and temperature can affect drying time. We recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before walking on newly cleaned and sealed tile floors, and waiting 24 hours before allowing any liquid to come in contact with the sealant.