Tactic #1: Unbelievably Low Price - Per Room Estimates
To some degree, all of us are attracted by low price because we want to work within a budget. But some carpet cleaners use price as a bait for their false and misleading advertising. They offer a cheap price -- usually between $5.95 and $9.95 per room -- and then, once they are in your home, they pressure you into buying "add-ons".
Tactic #2: Bait and Switch - Dual Process Carpet Cleaning
Today a lot of carpet cleaning services describe their service as a process of shampooing or heavy preconditioning, followed with hot water extraction cleaning. Unfortunately, unethical carpet cleaners offer "dual process" as a bait-and-switch technique. Here's how it's done: First, they "bait" you with a basic cleaning (single process) at an unbelievably low price. Then, when you call, they try to "switch" you to more expensive dual process cleaning. If you don't fall for their switch and choose their basic service, you'll likely receive poor workmanship using little or no product (detergent and/or solvents), and they will not guarantee their work.
Tactic #3: Unsupported Claims "This Cleaning Method is the Best"
You'll read this in almost every ad. You'll hear this from virtually every carpet cleaner. Remember this: The method that's best for you is the method that achieves your goal. If you want a method that cleans the deep down soil in the carpet, then a method that top cleans only would not be best for you. So before you choose a carpet cleaner, identify your objectives. Then select the method that best reaches those objectives.
Three Costly Misconceptions
Misconception #1: You Should Wait as Long as Possible Before Cleaning Your Carpet.
False. A dirty carpet will not last as long as a clean carpet. And while vacuuming helps, it's simply not enough.
Misconception #2: The Only Reason to Clean Carpet is to Remove Soil / Dirt.
False. As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust and hundreds of other chemicals. When you come into your home, you carry those pollens, bacteria and chemicals in your hair, on your skin, clothing and shoes. Not surprisingly, all of those chemicals and toxins wind up in your carpet.
Misconception #3: One Method of Carpet Cleaning is as Good as Another.