Carpet Cleaning FAQs We Get All the Time

Thinking about booking a cleaning for your home or office? Here’s what people ask us most, and what actually matters.

Is professional carpet cleaning worth it?

Yes, if you want what DIY can’t do: deep soil extraction, real rinsing, proper pH neutralization, and fast dry times. Pros remove embedded grit that wears fibres, reset the pile, and kill odours at the source instead of masking them.

How often should carpets be professionally cleaned?

• Homes: every 6–12 months (pets/kids/high traffic = closer to 6).
• Offices/retail: 3–6 months depending on foot traffic and coffee zones.
  Vacuum weekly (commercial: daily) and spot-treat promptly to stretch those intervals.

What cleaning method is best?

• Hot Water Extraction (HWE/“steam cleaning”) — our default for deep residential and most offices; rinses and extracts the most soil.
• Low-Moisture/Encapsulation — great for maintenance in offices: fast drying, keeps appearances between deeper HWE cycles.
  Right method = fibre type + soiling level + dry-time target.

How long will my carpets take to dry?

Typically 2–8 hours with good airflow and dehumidification. We set fans, balance water use, and leave you with a simple airflow plan. Heavier cleans or cool, damp weather can push dry times longer, crack windows or run HVAC/fans.

Will cleaning remove pet urine and odours?

Yes, if we treat the source. We locate spots (UV/moisture meters), flush the pad if needed, and apply oxidizers/enzymatics that break down urine crystals. Deodorizers alone won’t fix it; proper sub-surface treatment will.

Can carpet cleaning cause mold?

Not when done right. Problems come from over-wetting and poor ventilation. We control moisture, do multiple dry passes, and use air movers so the backing and pad aren’t left saturated.

What does it cost?

Pricing depends on area size, soil level, stairs, and pet work. Ballpark for a standard home clean is set by room/area; offices are usually by square foot (with volume rates).

How do I prep before you arrive?

• Pick up small items and fragile décor.
• Pre-vacuum if you can.
• Point out pet spots and problem areas.
• Clear as much floor space as possible; we can move light items and edge around heavy furniture.

DIY rental vs hiring a pro?

Rentals are fine for light touch-ups, but they leave detergent and pull less soil/water. That residue re-attracts dirt (the “comes back dirty fast” effect). For move-outs, pet odour, or office traffic lanes, pro equipment and chemistry win, full stop.

How long does a visit take?

Most homes: 1.5–3 hours. Mid-size offices after-hours: 2–4 hours per floor zone. Add time for stairs, heavy spotting, or urine treatments.

Quick care checklist (save this)

• Vacuum high-traffic areas 2–3×/week.
• Blot spills immediately (white towel, no scrubbing).
• Use entry mats at every door.
• Schedule pro cleaning 6–12 months (homes) / 3–6 months (offices).
• Ask us about a low-moisture maintenance plan for offices between deep cleans.

At Premier Carpet Cleaning, we handle everything from apartments and family homes to offices and retail spaces, fast drying, no residue, and straight talk about what’s realistic.

Questions or want a quote?
Duncan: 250-701-0377 Nanaimo: 250-758-5177
Email: yourcarpetologist@gmail.com
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Service areas: Nanaimo, Duncan & Parksville