FAQs

General Questions

Are Steamatic products safe for my kids and pets?

Products typically used in our cleaning processes are applied and rinsed or neutralized as the final step of the process leaving surfaces residue free.

Carpet Cleaning

Why do I need protectant on my carpets?

Factory applied soil resistant products wear off due to traffic. It is recommended to have these products reapplied after the cleaning process to retain the protection from water and oil based stains.

How do you remove pet urine odor from carpets?

Factory applied soil resistant products wear off due to traffic. It is recommended to have these products reapplied after the cleaning process to retain the protection from water and oil based stains.

Will my carpets re-soil quickly after the cleaning is finished?

No, are process includes using an extraction rinse to neutralize cleaning products.

How long will it take for my carpet to dry completely?

With our hot water extraction process carpets will only be left damp, complete drying is usually 4 to 6 hours.

How often should I have my carpets cleaned?

Depending on the amount of traffic and occupants, for example residential carpets with normal soil should be cleaned annually and heavily used traffic areas every 6 months.

Should I vacuum before you arrive?

Our carpet cleaning process includes pre vacuuming as the first step in dry soil removal before pre-treatment and hot water extraction.

What type of chemicals does Steamatic use?

Steamatic utilizes a number of our own patented products as well as state of the art industry products depending on the particular soil or stain.

Can other carpet cleaning methods actually hurt my carpets?

If the proper chemical or process is not used depending on the type of fiber some carpets can be damages, i.e. Wool.

Area and Oriental Rug Cleaning

Is Steamatic’s cleaning process safe for my rugs?

Yes, special products and cleaning techniques designed for the delicate natural fibers are used on area rugs.

Why should I have my area and oriental rugs cleaned

Soil acts like an abrasive if left in the carpet fiber will cause wear and soil can also create bacteria and odors.

Water Damage Restoration

How long will it take my property to dry?

There are several factors the will determine the length of time needed to dry your property, what materials are wet, how long have they been wet how much of the area is wet. Our professional’s will complete an assessment to locate any potentially affected areas and develop a precise drying plan to have your property dry as soon as possible.

How do I know when my property is completely dry?

A dry standard goal is established in an unaffected area of wet materials. Monitoring will be documented on a daily basis to determine when materials have reached drying goals.

My wood floors are wet and buckling. Will they have to be replaced?

Due to advanced technology and equipment solid wood flooring can be successfully dried in several cases.

What about my wet furniture?

Depending on the amount of time and type of fabrics, some furnishings can be successfully dried, your Steamatic professional can assess the damage and let you know what can be done.

What’s that smell?

Depending on the wet materials and normal soiling water will cause odors, this can usually be eliminated when dried and cleaned.

My ceilings are wet, what needs to be done?

Depending on the contamination level of the water intrusion, most ceilings can be dried as long as the material has not expanded or released from the structural supports. Your Steamatic professional will provide a close inspection and advise you what can be done.

Should I open the windows to help the drying process?

Not unless your Steamatic professional indicates the outside air is warm and dry enough to assist in drying.

Can my carpet be restored, or will it have to be replaced?

Depending on the contamination level of the water intrusion carpets can be dried a cleaned, your Steamatic professional will provide a close inspection and advise.

What will you do with my area rugs?

These rugs will need to be removed an taken to Steamatic facilities where they will be dried and inspected.

When are air movers and dehumidifiers used?

This equipment will evaporate the moisture bound in the building materials, and the dehumidification equipment will remove the excess moisture from the air.

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration

How long will the restoration process take?

This will vary depending on the amount of soot contamination and severity, your Steamatic professional can give you a better idea after their assessment.

Can I clean any of it myself?

You may want to clean some specific delicate personal items, however our special formulated cleaning products are designed to remove the soot and odor unlike over the counter products you could purchase.

Are there any safety concerns?

The residues from a fire, soot and smoke from burned materials could be hazardous.

Can I turn on my heating and air conditioning unit?

It is best not to turn on the HVAC, however if heating or cooling is needed, it is best to change your system filter before turning on the system.

Do I need to move out during this process?

This will depend on the amount and degree of damage, the structure may not be livable, you would need to discuss with your insurance carrier for additional living arrangements.

Will I need to find my own general contractors?

You can make that decision. However, your insurance carrier can usually recommend qualified contractors. We typically work with several insurance carriers and can provide you with a list of our references.

Do my belongings need to be moved away from the premises?

This will depend on the severity of the structural damage, in some instances we can move contents to other areas of your home.

Will I have access to my belongings if you store them for me?

Yes we would ask for enough time to schedule for one of our representatives to meet with you at our facilities.

What about special items? Artwork, China, Heirlooms, etc.

Our personnel are trained and certified to handle certain delicate items, however special artwork, etc. may need to be restored by a third party art conservator.

Mold

What is mold?

Mold is a natural occurring organism in our environment, however certain types an amounts growing inside our homes can be detrimental to our health.

How big of a problem is it?

It depends on the individual’s health can cause allergic reactions and worse, and if not remediated can cause damage to building materials especially wood and paper.

What does mold need in order to grow?

Due to advanced An organic food source, wood, paper and most importantly moisture. and equipment solid wood flooring can be successfully dried in several cases.

How can I tell if I have mold?

If not visible usually the musty or earthy smell, if this is the case a professional indoor air quality professional can be contacted to provide an assessment.

What can I do to prevent the growth of mold in my house?

Keep all areas dry, and if water intrusion happened dry quickly.

When does mold need to be handled by a professional?

Usually when substantial amounts are visible, the EPA has information for individuals available on their website, some states have special licensing requirements for remediation professionals.

How do you identify the mold by type?

This would need to be determined by an indoor environmental professional.

Do I need to move out while you are cleaning up the mold?

Depending on the amount in most cases the affected areas are contained off and may not be necessary to move out.

HVAC Air Duct Cleaning

Is air duct cleaning expensive?

We will typically need to know the size of your home and number of diffusers and HVAC units.

How long will it take to have my air ducts cleaned?

Depending on the size and number of HVAC units and diffusers, usually less than a day.

How often do I need to have my air ducts cleaned?

According to the National Air Duct Cleaning Association inspect every 2 years and clean if visible buildup of dirt and debris is evident and inspect and clean the coil every year.

Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving to prepapre?

Remove any fragile items from furnishing in areas the item must be moved to access the diffuser.

Can I be home while the cleaning is performed?

Yes.

Why should I invest in having this done?

Cleaning can provide a better indoor air environment as well as allowing your HVAC equipment to run more efficiently.

Content Cleaning

Will my insurance pay for this or is it out of pocket?

This will depend on if you have insurance coverage for your contents, contact your insurance carrier for this information.