American Carpet Masters Inc.

For steam cleaning, normal drying time for moderately soiled carpet is approximately 6-8 hours. If doors and windows can be opened and ceiling fans or floor fans used, drying time can be as little as a couple of hours. Our truck mounted equipment will extract about 97% of the water out of the carpet.

Dry cleaning will evaporate in about an hour.

What is the difference between steam and dry cleaning, and which is better?

Steam cleaning is a deeper, more penetrating cleaning method. It is best for heavily soiled carpet. It uses detergent and water and is completely non-toxic and biodegradable, completely safe for humans and pets.

Our dry cleaning method uses a "bonnet" cleaner and an odorless mineral spirit solvent. It is better for maintenance cleaning on lightly soiled areas. It evaporates in about an hour.

Most of today's carpet manufacturers recommend steam cleaning. Dry cleaning is recommended for natural fibers such as wool or cotton.

Will the cleaning remove all stains?

The cleaning methods we use will get the carpet clean, we guarantee it! Unfortunately, there are some substances that will permanently discolor carpet fibers. These will not come out with the cleaning. Some examples are bleach, hair coloring, fingernail polish, paint, and some food coloring agents.

Does the padding or hardwood floors under the carpet get wet?

Absolutely not. The steam cleaning penetrates to the carpet backing, but is perfectly safe for the hardwood floor underneath.

My carpet looked great after they cleaned it. A couple days later the spots came back, what happened?

Wicking: just like a kerosene lamp works, something gets spilled and goes through the backing into the pad. During the cleaning process the substance is removed from the carpet fibers but remains in the padding. Sometimes this substance will "wick" its way back up through the backing into the carpet. Usually a repeat spot cleaning (which we do at no additional charge if we are notified within a week) will take care of the problem. On rare occasions that particular area of padding will need to be replaced.

What is and is not included with my cleaning as estimated?

The estimate we quote over the phone is an accurate price based on the information our office staff is given. Taxes are charged and a waste and/or fuel fee may apply. We do not charge any "hidden" costs such as travel charges, pre-heating or furniture moving.

Additional products and services are not included. These include carpet protectors, pet odor removal, water damage treatments, or additional areas or furniture you want cleaned. Montgomery sales tax is also not included in the estimate.

Is it extra for spot cleaning?

No. We do pre-cleaning at no charge which helps to dissolve heavily soiled areas prior to steam cleaning so they extract better.

Can you guarantee to get out all stains?

No. Technicians can look at carpet and give you their professional opinion. Most normal soiling usually comes clean. Some stains may not release depending on type of stain.

Kool-Aid or juice, due to dyes they may contain
Water stains, usually permanent
Bleach, permanent
Sometimes coffee and pop
Anything adhesive such as gum
Varnish, usually permanent
Grease or oil, non-water soluble

Note: If the stains consist of Kool-Aid, adhesive or grease/oil, alternative methods may be tried such as heat transfers or different solvents, but there is an extra charge quoted by the tech at the time of service. Pricing depends on the type of stains, size of area, and what needs to be done. However, there are still no guarantees on these types of stains.

I have four areas but they equal less than 500 square feet, can you count that as two areas?

No. We don't charge by the square foot. We charge by the area. Any one area that goes over 250 square feet counts as two areas. Halls, baths, and walk-in closets are considered one area. They are high-traffic areas and are usually more soiled.

Is dry cleaning better for my carpet?

It is basically a customer preference and a convenience because there is no drying time. A mineral spirit solvent is used which actually evaporates. It is a maintenance cleaning which gives only a surface cleaning. It does not penetrate deep into the carpet fiber. It is only recommended only for a mildly soiled carpet. If you have moderately to heavily soiled carpet, steam cleaning is recommended.

If dry cleaning isn't as deep of a cleaning, why is it more expensive?

It uses a straight solvent, which is more expensive.

I have Berber carpet. Does it have to be dry cleaned?

No. We steam clean 98% of all Berber carpet. It is a customer preference and depends on how soiled your carpet is. If your carpet is moderately to heavily soiled, we recommend a steam cleaning.

Is there an extra charge for Berber carpet?

No.

Do you honor competitor coupons?

No. We do a quality job with skilled employees, including pre-cleaning at no extra charge. A lot of companies don't offer this with the price of their cleaning.

Will there be a charge for waste removal?

To protect the environment, we follow strict guidelines for disposing of the soiled water extracted from your carpets since it contains chemicals. Such disposal is costly, and in some cases a small surcharge is passed on to customers.

Will they charge me more once they get to my home?

Based on the service you have requested, you have been given an accurate estimate. The technicians may offer you additional services such as protector, pet odor control, etc., which you are under no obligation to accept. (Tax is additional)

What do you consider an area or room?

An area/room is any single purpose area/room up to 250 sq ft. Combination rooms and great rooms count as 2 areas. Hallways, walk-in closets, and dressing rooms count as a separate room. Stairways are $1.50 per step or can count as a room.