What is "healthy", "green" or "safe" about your cleaning method and products?

Our cleaning solutions are plant based, with 99.7% readily biodegradeable ingredients.  Our cleaning solutions do not contain any petroleum distillates, butyl, ammonium hydroxide, phosphates, etc.  Our cleaning solutions also meet the stringent VOC regulations such as with the California Code of Regulations.  We also offer a low moisture cleaning process that uses less water than traditional methods.

Best of all, our products do a better job than competitive non-green products!

How does your process fit into the "green cleaning" movement?

To do green cleaning, Bellingham Carpet uses products that contain no Sara Title III, CA65, or EPA priority pollutants, cationic softeners, optical brighteners, harsh fumes, chlorine, ammonia, petroleum solvents, alcohol, butyl, glycol ether, SLS, SLES, DEA MEA, known carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, or materials listed by the ACGIH as hazardous.

Beyond just our carpet cleaning pre-spray, we seek to use the safest spot removing products as well.  We use several products from Bi-O-Kleen, and also use and recommend their laundry products. 

An example of this is our spot remover we provide to our customers is actually a 100% chemical free product.  Best of all, it kill odors and removes a wide array of common spots and stains.

What are the pros and cons of using carpet protectant (aka "Scotchguard")?

We are proud to offer a Green Certified carpet protector.  Every ingredient in our protectant is certified "GREEN" by the Handbook of Green Chemicals, 2nd Ed.  Our protectant is:  Biodegradeable, non-carcinogenic, non-toxic, no-cfc's, environmentally safe, does not contribute to global warming, SARA non-reportable, EPA exempt, non-hazardous, VOC free/low, HAPs-free, non-ozone depleting, low vapor pressure, SNAP compliant

Here are some reasons to consider carpet protectant:

• Forms an invisible shield, like a sealant, around each fiber;
• Repels liquid spills;
• Helps carpets last longer;
• Protects your carpet investment;
• Helps make carpets easier to care for;
• Dries quickly, and leaves no odor;
• Is non-toxic, CFC and solvent free and is safe for family and pets.

Do you offer discounts?

We now offer a discounted "whole house" cleaning package in addition to our traditional "Standard Cleaning" package.  These specials are valid for cleaning all exposed carpeted area in your home.  Please see details on our RATES page.

You can also find a valuable coupon in the "Buy Local" coupon book, available at many locations around town such as Village Books.

How do your rates compare to the competition?

We compete on quality not price.  Our desire is to be thought of as your favorite cleaner, not the cheapest.  However, we believe you will find our rates to be the easiest to understand and very reasonable.

Be aware of competitors games which often make it sound like their rates are much lower than they actually are.  Some have a hidden charge for a "restorative" cleaning, which just means if your carpet is dirty it will cost you extra.  Most also charge for pre-vacuuming, an essential part of carpet cleaning and included in all our rates.  We also include some basic specialty spot removal time in our basic rates. 

Will the moisture damage my Wood Floors underneath the carpet?

We offer a low moisture cleaning process that will not wet your pad or floors underneath your carpet.  In these cases, it may be in your best interest to avoid steam cleaning.  With our low moisture cleaning, there will be no moisture under the carpets cleaned, and any overspray that may occur will be wiped up and cause no damage to any kind of hard surface, including wood and laminates.  Our low moisture process does not wet the pad or floor underneath your carpet.

How far in advance do I need to book an appointment?

Our schedule is different every day, so your job may fit into tomorrow's schedule, or you may have to wait a few days.  Small jobs (2 or 3 rooms) can generally be fit in on shorter notice.

Do you move furniture to clean under it?

Our published rates are for cleaning exposed or open areas.  You may move as much furniture as you wish prior to our arrival and we will clean around whatever is left. 

If you would like us to move some furniture, please let us know, we will work with you as best we can to accomodate your needs.  If you would like a lot of furniture to be moved, we may request to conduct an on-site visit/quote prior to making the appointment.

How long will it take the carpets to dry?

With our low moisture, pad cleaning process your carpet may be dry in as little as 30 minutes, on a sunny day with windows open.  In most other conditions, the drying time is usually about 2 hours.  Staircases can take longer to dry.

With our Hot Water Extraction cleaning, you can expect your carpet to be dry in 4 to 8 hours, faster with good air circulation in your home.

What can I do to prepare?

You should remove small objects and breakables from the areas to be cleaned.  If you want objects like bookshelves moved, you should remove the contents first.  You do not need to vacuum prior to our arrival as that service is included in our rates.

How long before I can walk on my carpet?

You can walk on your carpet immediately, but be careful walking off the carpet to a hard surface, because you could slip.  You should wear slippers or other waterproof footwear to keep your feet from getting damp.

What can I do to keep the carpets clean?

• If wearing street shoes, use entry mats to remove most of the dirt upon entering the house.
• Even better, remove shoes upon entering, or have slippers or shoes worn only indoors.
• Get a good vacuum and use it at least once a week.
• Treat spills and accidents (from pets or people) immediately using our spot cleaner or similar product.

Will your services help my allergies?

Yes, having your carpet and furniture cleaned removes pollutants and improves indoor air quality (IAQ).  For maximum allergen relief consider our Anti-Allergen treatment.

Will you remove my stains?

We use a lot of techniques.  However, some stains will not come out completely, like pet stains that were not treated quickly with an enzyme or other appropriate product, and long-standing rust, ink or dye stains.

Does cleaning my carpet make it wear out faster?

No, actually dirt is full of stand which acts as an abrasive when trapped in your carpet and fabrics.  It should be removed to reduce wear.

Is there an extra charge for spot and stain removal?

Spot and stain removal is not an add-on, as with other companies, but done as part of our basic cleaning.  Generally Bellingham Carpet is able to remove or substantially fade all spots; however stains caused by some paints, water damage, rust, ink, and some pet accidents particularly on white fabrics can often be reduced by not completely removed.

Are there any guarantees that the work will be done well?

Bellingham Carpet & Floor Cleaners offers a satisfaction guarantee.  If you are not happy with the results I will return to make it right.  If you still aren't happy, I will refund your money.

Being on-time and reliable is important to customers, how does Bellingham Carpet measure up?

Being on-time is important to us.  Unlike many of our competitors, we do not over-schedule our time since it often ends up in being late.  We believe in doing fewer jobs, taking our time to do each job right.  Being on-time is part of this commitment.  Having arrival windows usually of only 30 minutes to an hour is also part of this commitment.

In the rare case where we are running late, you can expect a call ahead so you know when to expect us.

What groups or organizations are you a part of?

Locally we are a Business Member of Sustainable Connections.  Grant is a certified Carpet Cleaning Technician by the IICRC, the only nationally recognized certification system for carpet cleaning.  We are also members of the Independent Carpet Cleaners Association.