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Q: What should I do to prepare my home for Sears carpet cleaning?
A: Any furniture you want moved that has breakables on them, such as pictures or crystal, should be cleared.
Our policy is that we will move most furniture that can be safely moved, so if you would like to have a
china cabinet, credenza or other large item moved they would have to be empty prior to the crews arrival.
Our technicians will do an inspection before they start cleaning and notify you if there is any furniture
that can’t be moved. Also, any small items sitting on the carpets to be cleaned, such as boxes, newspapers,
toys and shoes, should be picked up. If there is a lot of debris on the carpet it is recommended that you vacuum first.
Q: Will the Sears Two-Step Deep Clean system shrink my carpet?
A: No. Years ago, some carpets would shrink when cleaned because manufacturers used jute as a backing.
Jute is a natural fiber that can shrink when it gets excessively wet, and old steam-cleaning equipment
would sometimes cause that kind of over-wetting. Today, nearly all carpet has a synthetic backing, which
helps prevent shrinking. In addition, our powerful extraction equipment helps prevent the carpet backing
from getting excessively wet.
Q: I've heard that once you clean a carpet it gets dirty quicker. Is that true?
A: Not with the Sears Two-Step Deep Clean system. Residue that gets left in the carpet from inferior
cleaning processes is what causes rapid re-soiling. Our two-step deep cleaning process uses pressurized
hot water and advanced cleaning agents to loosen soil. Then we remove the dirt and the cleaning solution
with a pH-balancing rinse and a powerful vacuuming, leaving your carpet soft and clean.
Q: When Sears cleans my carpet, does the padding or sub-floor get wet?
A: No. While the Sears Two-Step Deep Clean system does use a very powerful, deep-cleaning fiber rinse,
the system extracts the rinse, the cleaning solution and the dirt very effectively in the same step.
That gets your carpets as clean as possible while leaving your padding and sub-floor dry.
Q: How long will it take my carpet to dry?
A: Factors like carpet material and type, and the relative humidity in your home affect the drying time.
It can take from 12 to 24 hours to be completely dry, but you can walk on it right after cleaning, if necessary.
Q: Why is the 2-step hot water extraction the method most carpet makers recommend?
A: In order to get anything truly clean, you need to use water to flush out the cleaning agents and dirt.
Hot water extraction is the method that uses a flushing process to remove dirt. (Imagine washing your clothes
and not rinsing them. That's what happens to carpet cleaned without the hot water extraction method.)
The Sears Two-Step Deep Clean system uses a two-step cleaning process: a pre-conditioning cleaning spray
to loosen soil and a combination hot water fiber rinse and a powerful vacuum to extract and remove
both the cleaning solution and the dirt.
Q: I've heard water can ruin carpets. Is that true?
A: No. What harms carpet is poor quality machinery that doesn't remove enough of the water to allow the
carpet to go through the drying process properly.
Q: Does Carpet Protector really work?
A: Absolutely. Carpet protector is an outstanding product that Sears Carpet and Upholstery Care professionals
recommend highly. In fact, most new carpet has protector on it - applied by the carpet manufacturer.
However, protector wears off because of foot traffic on the carpet, frequent vacuuming, etc.
Q: Why is vacuuming important?
A: The most important thing you can do to keep your carpet looking great is to vacuum it thoroughly and
frequently, particularly in high-traffic areas. Vacuuming helps remove dirt particles which dull the carpet's
appearance and damage the carpet fibers. Also, use walk-off mats at entrances to minimize dirt particles
being tracked onto the carpet and to reduce soil accumulation.
Q: I know regular vacuuming is important. What type of vacuum should I use?
A: A good vacuum cleaner is extremely important in prolonging the life of your carpet. Almost any vacuum
cleaner can remove surface dirt, but only a quality machine can effectively remove the soil that's
embedded in the pile. We recommend using a vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush or beater/brush combination
that agitates the carpet pile to loosen embedded soil. (Note that some thick loop pile carpets can
become fuzzy when cleaned with a rotating brush-style vacuum cleaner. For those carpets, we recommend a
good quality suction-only machine. Ask a Sears carpet retailer for advice.)
Q: How can I maintain my new carpet warranty?
A: There are three key things to do to maintain your new carpet warranty:
1. Vacuum frequently
2. Clean spills promptly
3. Have periodic professional carpet cleanings
Q: Why is professional cleaning important?
A: When vacuuming no longer removes all of the soil, or you have not been able to remove spots following the
recommended carpet care and cleaning procedures, it's time to have your carpet cleaned by a trained and
qualified professional cleaner. At Sears we know the latest information on carpet construction, carpet care
products, and safe, effective cleaning methods to help maintain carpet beauty. For this reason, we recommend,
and most carpet manufacturers' warranties require, periodic professional cleaning.
Q: How often should my carpet be cleaned?
A: We recommend professional cleaning at least every 12 months.
Q: I've heard it's best to put off having your carpet cleaned as long as possible, is this true?
A: No. In fact, many of the major carpet mills today recommend professional cleaning at least once per year.
The build up of soil in your carpet in combination with foot traffic creates abrasion that breaks down your
carpets' fibers. The higher the traffic in a given area, the more often the carpet will need cleaning.
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Q: Why should I clean my air ducts
A: The EPA lists indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental threats to public health. the EPA
estimates that we spend 90% of our time indoors. the levels of some hazardous pollutants have been
found to be up to 70 times greater in indoor air than in outdoor air.(U.S.EPA) Your air ducts are part
of the house's respiratory system. As your house functions it "breathes" in dirt, dust, debris, pet dander
and microbial growth such as mold spores, mildew, bacteria, pollen and ragweed. These attach to the
lining of the ducts. A thorough cleaning will eliminate debris from your air ducts that cause indoor air
quality (IAQ) problems in your home and for its occupants. In addition, cleaning the "respiratory system"
will keep your HVAC system running more efficiently.
Q: How do I know if I need to have the air ducts cleaned?
A: Consider having your ducts cleaned if you have:
- Never had them cleaned
- a build-up of dirt at the registers
- particulates / dust blowing out of your vents
- unusual odors
- a unit that runs longer than it used to
- a coil that ices up
- pets
- smoking in the home
- family members that suffer from indoor allergies
- recently remodeled your home
Q: How long does it take to clean my air ducts?
A: The amount of time depends on the size of the home, the number of HVAC units and the number of
vents/air returns. It also depends on the extent of the contamination that is in the ducts. An
average completion time would be 2-4 hours.
Q: Will Sears deodorize the air ducts once done?
A: Deodorizers are antimicrobial solutions fogged in the interior, hard surface of the air ducts.
The system MUST be cleaned before applying the spray. It MUST be a registered EPA antimicrobial intended
for HVAC systems. Sears uses only EPA registered products and has a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
available for you to view.
Q: What kind of equipment does Sears use?
A: We use high powered truck mounted units and HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtered portable
units. We use the best state of the art equipment made in the air duct cleaning industry. Either unit
powerfully cleans the ducts and provides excellent results
Q: How often should residential HVAC systems be cleaned?
A: Frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, not the least of which is the preference of the
home owner. Some of the things that may lead a home owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:
- Smokers in the household.
- Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander.
- Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.
- Residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home's HVAC system.
- After home renovations or remodeling.
- Prior to occupancy of a new home.
Q: How much does cleaning my air ducts cost?
A: The cost varies depending on the size of your home and the number of vents, or heating/cooling
systems. The EPA says that “duct cleaning services” typically cost from $450-$1000. Sears can give you
an estimate when you call to schedule. BEWARE OF LOW PRICE OFFERS OR COMPANIES THAT MAKE
UNSUBSTANTIATED CLAIMS (EPA). They may do a poor job of cleaning or charge more at the time of
service than a reputable company. Please check with the BBB before making a decision. If it sounds
too good to be true, it usually is.
Q: How can I keep my air ducts clean?
A: You cannot keep them thoroughly clean, but you can take steps to reduce circulating dirt, dust, and
dander through the indoor air that you breathe. A good filter is an excellent start to keeping air ducts
clean and to help improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Sears trained technicians can help you
choose the best solution for your home.
Q: How do I keep the air in my house clean?
A: We will be happy to do a free indoor air quality (IAQ) evaluation when we get to your home. The
trained, professional technician can introduce you to several Indoor Air Quality products that help clean
the indoor air and provide a healthier environment for your family.
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Q: How does a clothes dryer work?
A: A clothes dryer system works on the air exchange principle. The dryer pulls in ambient air, heats it,
then circulates the air over your clothes and blows the air out through the venting system. Warm air
passing over wet clothes naturally produces moisture. The main purpose of the duct system is to
remove the hot air and moisture. If, at any point, the duct system becomes restricted or clogged, it
needs attention. Clogged vents cause the dryer to work harder and expend more energy, making it
highly inefficient.
Q: Why does my dryer vent need cleaning?
A: Lint builds up quickly in the dryer vent. If the vent becomes clogged, it could lead to costly
repairs or a potential fire. Many consumers are under the impression that the lint screen/trap removes
all the lint. This is incorrect. The lint filter traps 70 to 90% of the lint cycling through the system.
The remaining 10-30% travels out through the dryer vent system. However, lint can build up quickly and
clog the vent.
Q: Why are my clothes taking longer to dry?
A: A clogged dryer vent can significantly reduce your dryer’s ability to dry your clothes in its normal
time. If your dryer is taking longer than expected to dry your clothes, the dryer vent may be blocked,
the lint screen may be fully covered, or the heating element is malfunctioning, all of which waste
energy and money.
Q: Why is there lint in my laundry room?
A: Check to make sure the vent hose is not loose or disconnected. A clogged dryer vent creates
pressure and the dryer may not be pushing the exhaust air outside your home. Naturally the air will
find any way to escape, usually right outside the dryer.
Q: How often does my dryer vent need cleaning?
A: Dryer vents should be cleaned every year. There are situations that could increase the need for
cleaning more frequently.
- Pets - Pet hair will bind to lint particles making them much larger and increasing the
buildup factor.
- Pools - Families who have pools dry more towels than an average family. Towels produce a large
amount of lint. A new towel is thick and fluffy but after washing becomes thinner. The "shedding"
of towel fiber has a direct impact on lint buildup.
- Length and routing of the dryer vent - In a perfect situation, the dryer vent will exit the
house in a straight route. Every turn/bend in the dryer vent slows the air down and creates
an area where the lint is readily deposited. Also, the more vent pipe in use (2-3 story homes),
the longer the distance your dryer has to work to remove the hot air and lint.
Q: Is it OK to vent a clothes dryer into a basement?
A: No. It is not recommended to vent dryers to any indoor space. The combination of moisture and
heat can cause mold or damage to walls and ceilings and is unhealthy. Indoor vent kits should be
considered only as a last resort, and only used in a well-ventilated area.
Q: How long does the vent cleaning take?
A: Most vents can be cleaned within an hour. Excessive lint buildup or the presence of a bird’s
nest (outside) can take additional time.
Q: What should I do prior to the technician’s arrival?
A: Remove all items in and around your washer and dryer to allow easy access. Also, remove all
clothing from the washer and dryer.
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Q: What is IAQ?
A: IAQ stands for Indoor Air Quality and is becoming increasingly important as the country
continues to seal and insulate houses to save energy.
Q: What does Indoor Air contain?
A: Indoor air has dust, dust mites, dirt, pet hair, pollen, mold spores, virus, bacteria and
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Q: What are VOCs?
A: VOCs include craft materials, glues, permanent markers, air fresheners, cleaning supplies,
paint stripping, pesticides, off gassing from furniture, carpet, building materials, as well
as emissions from stoves, ovens, fireplaces and portable heaters.
Q: How do I improve the air in my house?
A: A good way to start is to have the Sears Blue Service Crew clean the air ducts and HVAC system
in your home. The Blue Crew Advisor can recommend products that will help eliminate problems
in Indoor Air Quality. Better filters will protect your HVAC equipment and improve its efficiency.
Ultra Violet (UV) lights will eliminate virus, airborne mold, bacteria, fungi and keep it clean and
running efficiently when installed above the A coil. PhotoCatalytic Oxidation (PCO) units do what
UV lights do and also eliminate the VOCs in your home, improving your air quality more than UV
lights alone. Sears also has HEPA filter units, the best filter available, which eliminates 99.97%
of all airborne particulates. It is available as a portable unit or Sears can install the filter
into the duct system of your home.
Q: What are the effects of indoor pollution?
A:
Immediate effects:
The EPA states “Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures.
These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Such immediate
effects are usually short-term and treatable. Sometimes the treatment is simply eliminating the person's
exposure to the source of the pollution, if it can be identified. Symptoms of some diseases, including
asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, may also show up soon after exposure to some
indoor air pollutants.
The likelihood of immediate reactions to indoor air pollutants depends on
several factors. Age and pre-existing medical conditions are two important influences. In other cases,
whether a person reacts to a pollutant depends on individual sensitivity, which varies tremendously
from person to person. Some people can become sensitive to biological pollutants after repeated exposures,
and it appears that some people can also become sensitive to chemical pollutants.
Certain immediate effects are similar to those from colds or other viral diseases, so it is often difficult
to determine if the symptoms are a result of exposure to indoor air pollution. For this reason, it is
essential to pay attention to the time and place symptoms occur. If the symptoms diminish or disappear when
a person is away from home, for example, an effort should be made to identify indoor air sources that may
be possible causes. Some effects may be made worse by an inadequate supply of outdoor air or from the
heating, cooling, or humidity conditions prevalent in the home.”
Long-term effects:
Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated
periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer,
can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is advisable to try to improve the indoor air quality in your
home even if symptoms are not noticeable.
While pollutants commonly found in indoor air are responsible for many harmful effects, there is considerable
uncertainty about what concentrations or periods of exposure are necessary to produce specific health problems.
People also react differently to exposure to indoor air pollutants. Further research is needed to better
understand which health effects occur after exposure to the average pollutant concentrations found in homes
and which occurs from the higher concentrations that occur for short periods of time.
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Thanks for visiting us! Our carpet cleaners and air duct cleaners are trained professionals ready
to provide you with excellent service. Give us a call or submit your request online today!
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