Residential Cleaning FAQ

Carpet Cleaning FAQ

• Is a professional carpet cleaning expensive?

  Compared to the cost of replacing your carpeting, professional carpet cleaning can be a fraction of the cost. Give us a call today and we’ll provide you with an estimate for your home.

• How long does it take to clean my carpets?

• This will depend on the size of the area that needs to be cleaned and the processes we use. These include low moisture, portable extraction and truck-mount extraction. Our ServiceMaster Clean expert will discuss these options and the time they take during your estimate.

• Will carpet cleaning disrupt my family and schedule?

  Our ServiceMaster Clean professionals will work with you to schedule our services at a time that works best for you and your family. We’ll also inform you of the estimated drying time for your carpet.

• Can I remove spots with household carpet cleaning products?

  We recommend you use ServiceMaster cleaning products to get rid of spots. For more information, give your local office a call.

• How often do I need to get my carpets professionally cleaned?

  We recommend having your carpets cleaned every 6-12 months to keep them and your home looking their best. Many carpet manufacturers require you to routinely clean them to maintain your warranty, so make sure to save your cleaning receipts.

• How long do I have to wait to walk on my carpet after it’s cleaned?

  Drying generally takes six to eight hours, so avoid walking on them until after that period. We also recommend you wait about 24 hours before returning heavy furniture.

• Will there be an odor after the cleaning?

  This will depend on the type of carpet you have. In some cases, there might be a light scent, especially with wool carpets. This odor will dissipate usually within an hour but can sometimes take longer depending on heat, humidity and circulation.
  
  Unlike some of our competitors, ServiceMaster Clean doesn’t use soap in our rinse water. Instead, we pre-spray carpets to treat the spots and then use clean water extraction, which doesn’t leave behind any soapy residue.

• Do I have to move furniture?

  Yes, please. We recommend moving furniture from the rooms we are going to clean in order to get the best results. For lighter items like chairs, coffee tables, and small sofas, we can place blocks under them. We will clean around larger, heavier items like beds, large sofas, armoires, exercise equipment and delicate pieces.

• Are there post-cleaning instructions I should follow?

  You should allow between six and eight hours after cleaning to walk on your carpets. If you walk on them prior to them fully drying, you could flatten the fibers. When you do walk on them, we recommend wearing white socks. Use fans and other air movers to circulate air and speed up the drying time.
  
  If there was a carpet protector applied, like Scotchgard, you should minimize foot traffic for up to 24-hours to let the product cure. You also shouldn’t move any furniture back during this period. Routine maintenance will include vacuuming often and immediately cleaning up any spills.

• How do I get rid of the impressions caused by heavy furniture?

  ServiceMaster Clean experts use a steamer to remove furniture dents. If you don’t have a steamer, an iron and kitchen towel will also do the trick. You just dampen the towel and place it over the dent, heat the iron to a medium setting and set it on the towel, periodically using the steam button. Remove the iron and check the carpet and repeat if necessary. You can also use your fingers to fluff up the carpet. This process is not recommended for olefin fiber carpets.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning FAQ

• How do I know which WoodGlo option is best for my home?

  Both of the WoodGlo options will aggressively, yet safely, remove grease, soil, dust, dirt, debris, hair, and built-up residue on your floors. The best solution for you will depend on the level of protection you want for your floors. Level 1 will provide the standard professional cleaning while Level 2 offers a more intensive cleaning process that will leave a long-lasting glossy sheen on your floors.

• Is professional hardwood floor cleaning costly?

  It’s a fraction of the price compared to having your hardwood floors sanded and refinished. Routinely having your floors refurbished will prevent the need to hire a contractor to re-sand your floors, which can be quite pricey. Give us a call today and we’ll provide you with an estimate.

• How long does the hardwood floor cleaning process take?

  It generally shouldn’t take more than a few hours to clean your hardwood floors, but the exact time will depend on the area being cleaned. We recommend allowing 24-hours for drying to allow the floor to cure properly.

• Will my family be disrupted by a professional hardwood floor cleaning?

  We can always perform our cleaning at a time that best works with your schedule. Within a few hours of our cleaning, your floors will be ready for use with socks. Our professionals will inform you and your family of the cure times so that you can plan accordingly.

• Will my hardwood floors turn yellow after the cleaning service?

  ServiceMaster Clean uses a water-based finish that will retain a clean, non-yellow appearance.

• Is it okay to use household cleaning products to clean my hardwood floors?

  You should never use oil soap, wax or other household cleaners. These can make refinishing more difficult and can dull the finish. Our cleaning experts recommend using WoodGlo Neutral Cleaner weekly with a microfiber flatmop. Talk to your local ServiceMaster Clean professional for more information.

• How often should I schedule hardwood floor cleanings?

  The frequency will depend on which WoodGlo option you choose. For Level 1, we recommend cleaning your floors every 6-12 months to keep them in good condition. With Level 2, we recommend every 3-5 years, depending on factors including the amount of foot traffic and the severity of the damage.

• How long should I wait before walking on my floors after cleaning?

  You should allow at least one to two hours of drying time before walking on them, though we recommend allowing 24 hours to make sure the floors cure property.

• Will there be any odors?

  Sometimes you may notice a faint smell. It usually fades within an hour but that could vary based on humidity and air circulation. An advantage of our water-based finishes I that they have less harmful fumes than their oil-based counterparts as a result of their low volatile organic compounds (VOC) levels.

• Will the cleaning generate any dust?

  No. We keep your home clean by using a recoating process that is dustless.

• I want to finish my hardwood floors but am worried about the cost. What should I do?

  Give us a call so that we can come out and inspect your floors and suggest the best restoration method. Our intensive cleaning process doesn’t require sanding and is a fraction of the price compared to getting your floors sanded and refinished.

• My floors were almost destroyed by a fire. What should I do?

  Leave this challenging task to our professional experts. We can help restore them to their pre-damaged state.

• What do I do if my floors have been damaged by water?

  Don’t rip up the flooring! Not all hope is lost. Our professionals can assist you with damages of all kinds and can restore your floors and peace of mind.

• What do I need to do prior to a technician arriving for my service?

  ServiceMaster Clean asks that you remove any breakables from the tops of furniture in the room(s) we will be cleaning. Also remove other items from the floor, including plants, pet toys and beds, rugs, and décor. Vacuum and dust mop the hardwood floor and move any heavy items out of the room we will be cleaning, if possible. If the items are too large or heavy, consult with your technician.

• What do I need to do after my floors are cleaned?

  It’s important that you allow one to two hours of drying time before walking on your floors with socks. Avoid getting your floors wet for at least 24 hours after the application of a finish. After 24 hours, you can return furniture and rugs to the floor.

Tile & Grout Cleaning FAQ

• Why should I get my tile and grout cleaned by a professional?

  Routinely cleaning your floors with average cleaning products can only do so much and often does not remove embedded dirt that causes them to look stained. Our professional tile and grout cleaning will restore their look and extend their life.

• Is professional tile and grout cleaning expensive?

  It's far less expensive than replacing your tiles. Contact us today to get an estimate from one of our professionals.

• How long does tile and grout cleaning take?

  This will depend on the size of the space. A 300 square-foot area generally takes 60 -90 minutes to clean. Grout sealing takes longer and we recommend you wait 24 hours after rinsing to apply sealer so that it adheres properly. Grout sealing itself can take two or three hours. We’ll discuss these time frames in more detail during your estimate.

• Will my family be disrupted by a tile and grout cleaning?

  At ServiceMaster Clean, we will work with you to schedule our services at a time that works best for you and your family.

• Can I use ordinary cleaning products to clean my tile and grout?

  We recommend you use a neutral cleaning agent, as tile floors are fairly easy to clean. Ask your ServiceMaster Clean expert for more specific information.

• How often should I schedule professional tile and grout cleaning?

  ServiceMaster Clean recommends having your floors professionally cleaned once per year to keep them looking their best. This will also depend on foot traffic, children, pets, etc.

• How long do I have to wait to walk on my floors after a cleaning?

  You and your family will need to stay off your newly cleaned floors for at least 30 minutes. Also try to avoid getting any liquid on the floors for 24 hours so that the sealant can cure completely (if this is included in your service).

• Will there be any odor afterward?

  You may notice a faint smell after the cleaning. This will dissipate fairly quickly, most likely within an hour, but will vary depending on heat, humidity and air circulation.

• What should I do prior to my technician arriving for my scheduled service?

  All we ask is that you pick up anything on the floor, including rugs, trash cans and plants. Please also sweep and vacuum the floor that is going to be cleaned.

• What do I need to know about the aftercare of my floors?

  Please stay off your floors for the first 30 minutes after cleaning. Avoid getting liquid on the floors for 24 hours (if we’ve applied a sealant). Return furniture (using suggested felt pads) and rugs to floors after 24 hours.

Upholstery Cleaning FAQ

• Why should I hire professionals to clean my upholstered furniture?

  Only professionals can fully remove stains, eliminate odors and help extend the life of your items.

• Is a professional upholstery cleaning expensive?

  It’s a fraction of the cost of having to replace your damaged or dirty furniture. Regular maintenance can save you quite a bit of money in the long run.

• How long will a professional cleaning take?

  The total cleaning time will depend on the cleaning process that is used and the amount of time that is required for drying. Your ServiceMaster Clean technician will give you an estimated cleaning time before your service appointment.

• Will upholstery cleaning disrupt my family?

  Your ServiceMaster Clean professional will work with you to schedule a time that works best for you and your family to minimize any disruption. They will also inform you of the estimated drying times.

• Can I use everyday products for stains and spots?

  We strongly recommend using ServiceMaster Clean products, as upholstered fabrics are often more delicate. Contact us for more information.

• How frequently should I schedule professional upholstered furniture cleanings?

  Every 12 to 24 months is what is typically recommended by furniture manufacturers.

• How long do I have to wait to use my furniture following a cleaning?

  This will depend on the cleaning method used, as drying time can differ. The average drying time is between one and six hours.

• Will there be any residual odors?

  Depending on the type of upholstery we clean, there may be a faint scent. This will often dissipate within an hour.

• What should I do before my service appointment?

  We just ask that you pick up items on top of any upholstery that is to be cleaned, including reading materials, toys, blankets, etc.

Air Duct Cleaning FAQ

• How much will an air duct cleaning cost me?

  Our air duct cleaning prices vary and will depend on a few factors, including where you live, how easy it is for the contractor to access your ducts, how dirty they are and what the ducts are made of.

• How long will it take for you to clean my air ducts?

  The length of time will depend on the complexity of the system. When our technician arrives for the job, they will be able to give you an estimate of how long it will take. We generally ask that you plan for at least 3-5 hours to get the job done right and to your satisfaction.

• Will my family be disrupted during an air duct cleaning?

  To avoid disrupting you and your family, our technicians will schedule your cleaning at a time that works best for you. The entire cleaning process should only take a few hours and you’ll have your home back to normal again.

• How frequently should I schedule an air duct cleaning?

  At ServiceMaster Clean, we recommend you have your air ducts cleaned every three to five years. In some cases, it should be more often.

  • Those situations include:
  • Having pets that shed a lot
  • Experiencing water damage to your home
  • Following a home renovation or remodeling
  • Living in a humid environment
  • Having family members with asthma or allergies

• What should I do before my scheduled service?

  For safety purposes, please show our technician where your fire extinguisher and first aid kits are located and provide them with any emergency contacts. Duct cleaning can be noisy, so we recommend scheduling it when most of your family is not home.
  
  We also recommend that you clear way work areas. Check with your technician to find out how much space is needed around your air vents, furnace and air conditioner and clear these areas out beforehand.

• Why should I hire someone to clean my air ducts?

  • Routine air duct cleaning will help to:
  • Improve your home air quality
  • Increase your home system performance
  • Reduce the potential for mold
  • Reduce energy costs in your home
  • Extend the life of your HVAC system
  • Increase the airflow and circulation

• What else can I do to maintain clean air ducts?

  ServiceMaster Clean recommends a few things: Change your air filters based on the manufacturer's recommendations, vacuum your floors regularly to reduce dirt, debris and pet dander, and have your floors professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Reach out to us for more information on all of the above recommendations.