Carpet cleaning is the subject of much confusion. Most people don't get their carpets cleaned that often, so how do you know WHO to pick when it comes to a carpet cleaning company?

As a professional in the cleaning industry, here are a few tips for you to consider when selecting a carpet cleaning company here in the Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding area.

Tip #1: Don't choose a carpet cleaner based on equipment alone. No question, your carpet cleaner needs first-rate equipment. But he also needs something else. They need employees who are skilled at operating that equipment or operate the equipment themselves. Many companies own hot-water extractors, but very few companies teach their employees how to use them properly. So ask WHO will be doing the cleaning.

Tip #2: You get what you pay for. Don't fall for the $29.00 living/dining room cleaning scheme. Low price could be a problem in three ways:

1. (1) low price can be the bait that attracts your phone call. But once the cleaner gets into your home, he pressures you into a much more expensive job.
2. (2) Low price can be for single-process cleaning. Rarely does the consumer know what this means and, when told, ask for dual-process cleaning instead, which costs much more.
3. (3) Low price could mean the carpet cleaner has cheap equipment, which will not effectively clean your carpet.

Tip #3: Rather than "shopping for carpet cleaning by phone", call the company and ask questions. Then, if you feel comfortable with the person you are speaking with, ask for a specific written quotation or estimate. The company should offer a free quotation or estimate in your home. Then you'll know exactly what the carpet cleaner recommends - and you won't be the victim of high-pressure tactics when the technician steps into your living room to start cleaning.

Tip #4: In my view, every carpet cleaning company should be fully accountable for its work. And if you aren't pleased with the job in every way, you shouldn't have to pay for it. Period. Not all carpet cleaners offer a guarantee. Or, if they do, the guarantee may be "limited." Ask the carpet cleaner if he offers a money-back guarantee and then make sure the carpet cleaner includes his guarantee on his written quotation.

Tip #5: . Any carpet cleaner can say anything about his past jobs. And, sadly, some of what he says may not be true. Make sure you ask for references or read comments from current customers so you can depend on the carpet cleaner and his work.

Tip #6: Choosing a company based on size. Some large companies in Fargo do a great job, some not so good. Other small companies do a fantastic job, yet some are unqualified to clean the most basic carpet. So do your homework, find out if a new employee is going to clean your carpet or an experienced technician. Check out the company web site, is it just a page with a phone number or does it have enough information about the company to make a decision?

Thank you for reading these tips to help you choose the best carpet cleaning company in the Fargo-Moorhead area.