How to Choose a Carpet Cleaner Person

A carpet cleaner person cleans rugs, mattresses and furniture with cleaning equipment. They might also offer upholstery, air duct, tile and grout, car interior and dryer vent cleaning services. Those in the industry often complete formal training, which includes classes and hands-on practice with specialized tools and equipment. They also learn the ins and outs of customer service, marketing, safety practices and business management. Some companies provide additional services, such as water and smoke damage restoration, mold mitigation and deodorization.

When choosing a professional, ask how long they have been in the business and what kind of training they have received. Check online reviews to get a sense of the quality of work they deliver. Look for a professional who has a valid business license in your state and has workers' compensation and liability insurance. Ask to see proof of insurance and a copy of their certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Before the carpet cleaning person arrives, prepare your home. Pin up or raise carpet cleaning services -length draperies, and remove and relocate any heirlooms, collections, fragile items or special furnishings. This will protect them from the dampness of the cleaning process and from being bumped or moved carelessly by the workers. Remove any rugs you don't want to be cleaned, as well.

Make sure the professional provides a written contract for services. This will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure you're both on the same page regarding expectations and costs. Some professionals will even include a clause in their contracts that states you won't pay until the job is completed and you're satisfied with the results.

Consider the amount of work involved in a cleaning session and the condition of your carpeting. You may not need as thorough a clean if you're moving into a new house and have only a few rooms of carpeting, or if the carpet is in good shape but needs a deep cleaning to remove odors or staining. If you have pets or children, ask the carpet cleaner if they're familiar with pet and kid-safe cleaning methods.

Tip a carpet cleaner person if they're prompt, courteous and do a good job. A tip of about 20 percent is typical, although you can give more if the pro goes above and beyond to satisfy your needs. If the professional does a terrible job, however, don't tip -- that type of behavior is not professional and could reflect negatively on the carpet cleaning company. It's best to report a lousy cleaning to the company, instead. That way, the cleaning person can be held accountable and prevented from taking advantage of other customers. The company may also refund your money. If not, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer protection agency.