The Ultimate Guide to Find the Best Carpet Cleaning Services

Finding the right carpet cleaning services is essential for creating a professional and welcoming environment in offices and commercial spaces. 

Today, we know the importance of maintaining indoor air quality, to reduce (and even eliminate) allergies and illness.

Clean carpets can trap harmful particles, and regular maintenance prevents them from being re-released into the air.

Ideally, whoever cleans your carpets daily through vacuuming is also the company that can provide hot water extraction cleaning to provide you with a full service, no-headaches situation. 

This blog will break down all you need to know to maintain your carpets and hire the right carpet company to do that for you! 

Why Is Office Carpet Cleaning Important?

Cleaning your office carpets means reducing absenteeism!

This is accomplished through a proper maintenance program that starts with stopping dirt and debris from entering the building, and includes regular vacuuming, and hot water extraction. 

By following the right cleaning protocols you will: 

• Maintain indoor air quality by reducing airborne particles. 
• Reduce allergens and illness, such as respiratory issues caused by dust mites or mould.
• Extend the lifespan of your carpets, saving money over time by delaying replacements.
• Create a positive impression for employees and visitors, fostering a professional and welcoming atmosphere.

Key Practices for Effective Carpet Cleaning

Your regular janitorial services should be providing daily or weekly vacuuming for all high-traffic areas. 

This removes surface dirt and prevents it from being pounded into the fibres which damages them. 

Regular cleaning also prevents dirt from getting embedded deep in the fibres which makes extraction take longer which will cost you more. 

Entryways and hallways experience the most wear and dirt accumulation and you need to buy mats to cover these areas or increase the frequency of cleaning. 

Ask your janitors if they are using the right carpet equipment.

Here’s what you need to know! 

• Make sure they use industrial-grade vacuums, carpet cleaners, and upholstery cleaners for large spaces.
• Look for advanced features like powerful suction and filtration systems for optimal results. HEPA filters, for example, can capture smaller particles, improving air quality.
• Make sure they are noting spills or stains that can’t be easily removed without shampoo cleaning or hot water extraction. 

How to Choose a Carpet Cleaning Company

Eventually, you’re going to need a deeper cleaning for your carpets. 

If you’re working with a company like Metropolitan, which can provide both everyday vacuuming with janitorial services and also scheduled hot water extraction, you don’t have to worry. 

But, if you have to search for “carpet cleaning services near me,” keep these tips in mind:

• Experience and Reputation: Look for companies with proven expertise in commercial carpet cleaning. Check reviews and ask for references.
• Services Offered: Ensure they provide a range of options, including carpet cleaner and upholstery cleaner services.
• Eco-Friendly Solutions: If sustainability is important, choose companies offering green cleaning methods.
• Onsite Quote: They should come and quote your carpet, test its fibres, and inform you of the unique qualities of your office carpets. 
• Cost Transparency: Ask, “How much is a carpet cleaning service?” to get clear pricing details and ask why to see how knowledgeable the company is. 
• Liability: Make sure they are insured for any mistakes they make if they don’t properly determine your carpet fibre and the correct method for cleaning. 
• Quick Drying Solutions: Ensure they use advanced equipment for fast drying to minimise downtime, or that they work with your schedule to provide the most efficient logistics to make sure the carpet cleaning doesn’t impact your workers. 

Types of Carpet Cleaning Methods

Selecting the right cleaning method is essential to achieving the best results. 

Here are some popular methods used by commercial carpet cleaning services:

• Commercial Steam Cleaning (Hot Water Extraction):
  • Uses hot water and cleaning agents to penetrate deep into the carpet fibres.
  • Effectively removes dirt, allergens, and bacteria, which can improve air quality and reduce illness.
  • Ideal for offices and commercial spaces with heavy foot traffic.
• Truck-Mounted Carpet Cleaning:
  • Utilises a powerful, vehicle-mounted hot water extraction cleaning system.
  • Offers superior cleaning performance for large areas.
  • Faster drying times due to high suction power.
• Portable Carpet Cleaning Machines:
  • Suitable for smaller spaces or areas that are difficult to access with larger equipment.
  • Provides flexibility but may not match the power of truck-mounted systems.
• Encapsulation Cleaning:
  • Applies a cleaning solution that crystallises dirt particles, which are then vacuumed away.
  • Low-moisture method perfect for interim maintenance.

Discuss your needs with your chosen carpet cleaning company to determine the most appropriate method for your space which fits with your costs and matches your expectations. 

Managing Spots vs. Stains

In an office, spills happen all the time. Understanding the difference between spots and stains can help in maintaining carpet appearance:

• Spots: Usually caused by substances that remain on the surface (e.g., dirt or food). These can often be removed with a mild cleaner and prompt attention.
• Stains: Penetrate deeper into the carpet fibres and may require professional treatment and sometimes cannot be removed. Examples include ink, wine, and coffee.

Always let your janitorial staff know with a note or phone call if there’s a spill. 

Providing information on how long the spill has been on the carpet and what the substance is can also help in their ability to remove spots. 

Tips for Spot and Stain Removal:

• Blot spills immediately with a clean cloth; avoid rubbing, as it spreads the stain.
• Use a cleaning product appropriate for the type of spot or stain (your janitor might provide this already in the supplies closet)
• For stubborn stains, consider hiring a carpet cleaning company with expertise in stain removal.

Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning Options

For businesses committed to sustainability, eco-friendly carpet cleaning services offer excellent alternatives. 

In most cases, if you have the right carpet maintenance program, hot water extraction without chemicals is enough to provide all the benefits. 

But there are some other green carpet options you should be aware of: 

• Green Cleaning Products: Biodegradable and non-toxic solutions that are safe for both people and the environment. Look for certifications such as Green Seal or EcoLogo.
• Low-Moisture Cleaning: Reduces water usage and speeds up drying times, minimising environmental impact. This method also helps prevent mould growth.

Choosing an eco-conscious carpet cleaning company can align with your company’s green initiatives while maintaining a clean workspace.

How Often Should Office Carpets Be Cleaned?

Maintaining clean office carpets is essential for a professional workspace and a healthier environment. 

The frequency of commercial office carpet cleaning depends on foot traffic, office size, and industry standards. Here’s a general guideline:

• High-Traffic Areas (lobbies, hallways, break rooms): Vacuum daily.
• Standard Office Spaces (workstations, conference rooms): Vacuum 2-3 times per week.
• Low-Traffic Areas (executive offices, storage rooms): Vacuum weekly.

General Guidelines for Deep Carpet Cleaning

To maintain carpets and extend their lifespan, professional deep cleaning is essential. 

Two effective methods used in commercial office carpet cleaning are:

• Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning): This should be done every 6-12 months in most office spaces.
• Encapsulation Cleaning: This is ideal for high-traffic offices needing frequent maintenance and should be scheduled every 2-3 months.

Regular carpet and cleaning services improve air quality, reduce allergens, and create a more inviting workspace. 

A professional carpet shampoo cleaning service ensures office carpets stay fresh, clean, and presentable year-round.

Budget Considerations

Maintaining office carpets requires thoughtful budgeting to balance costs with longevity. 

Key budget considerations include:

• Carpet Quality & Lifespan: Invest in quality if you can at the outset, it will provide a better appearance over a longer timeframe and if maintained will need fewer replacements.
• Cleaning Frequency: Budget for regular vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning.
• Cleaning Methods: Weigh the cost of in-house versus professional cleaning.
• Stain Prevention & Repairs: Set aside funds for spot cleaning and occasional repairs.
• Preventive Measures: Use mats and furniture pads to reduce wear.
• Environmental Considerations: Plan for eco-friendly products or sustainability efforts.
• Emergency Situations: Have a contingency for unexpected damage.
• Tax Considerations: Account for how costs are written off.

Proper budgeting for regular carpet maintenance helps prevent large capital expenditures to replace damaged and unappealing carpets. 

Why Professional Services Matter

Partnering with a professional carpet cleaning company ensures:

• Access to advanced equipment and techniques.
• Effective cleaning of high-traffic areas and tough stains.
• A cleaner, healthier, and more inviting workspace.

The Grass is Greener

Maintaining clean carpets in commercial spaces is crucial for both health and aesthetics. 

By following a structured cleaning plan and partnering with the best carpet cleaning company, you can create a professional and welcoming environment.

Metropolitan Building Maintenance has been a trusted provider of carpet cleaning services in Vancouver and the lower mainland and we’ve been doing it for over 40 years.

Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you maintain pristine carpets in your commercial space.