FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

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Residential Cleaning Questions

Carpet


Is professional carpet cleaning expensive?
Professional carpet cleaning can be just pennies compared to the cost of replacing it. Call today to get an estimate from one of our professionals.

How long will it take to have my carpets cleaned at my home?
The amount of time will be contingent on the size of the area needing to be cleaned and processes used – either low moisture, portable extraction, or truck-mount extraction, in terms of efficiencies and time. A highly trained ServiceMaster technician can help you choose a program that best meets your needs and schedule.

Will carpet cleaning be disruptive to my family?
The team at ServiceMaster will work with you to schedule a time convenient for you. Our technician will inform you of estimated dry times needed.

Can I use household carpet cleaners for spot removal?
We recommend using only ServiceMaster Clean products. For more information, contact your local ServiceMaster Clean professional.

How often do I need to get my carpets professionally cleaned?
To keep your carpets in your home looking their best, we recommend having your carpets professionally cleaned every 6 - 12 months depending on traffic. Many carpet manufacturers require professional cleaning to maintain your warranty, so save your cleaning receipts.

When will I be able to walk on my floors after a carpet cleaning?
Allow drying time of 6 - 8 hours before you walk on your carpet. It is best to wait two days before placing heavy furniture back onto carpet if not using blocks

Will there be an odor?
Depending on the type of carpet we’re cleaning, you may notice a faint scent. This is especially prevalent when cleaning wool carpets. The amount of time it takes for the odor to dissipate is usually within an hour but varies based on air circulation, heat and humidity. A big difference in the way ServiceMaster cleans carpet compared to many of our competitors is that we do not put soap in our rinse water. We pre-spray the carpets, remove the spots, then use clean water extraction, ensuring we do not leave any soapy residue behind. This allows for fresh, clean carpets.

Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving for my scheduled service?
Yes. Remove breakables from the tops of furniture in the room we will be cleaning. Pick up items from the floor, such as rugs, plants, toys, pet beds, etc. Pre-vacuum all areas to be cleaned.

Do I have to move furniture?
To get the best results with professional carpet cleaning, we recommend removing furniture from the rooms we will be cleaning. However, we can place blocks under lighter items such as end tables, coffee tables, dining room chairs, loveseats, chairs and small sofas. Items we clean around instead of moving include beds, armoires, pieces containing china and electronics, exercise equipment and large or heavy sofas.

Are there instructions to follow after my carpets are cleaned?
Immediately after cleaning, it’s best to allow carpets to dry for at least 8 hours before walking on them. Walking on them may flatten the fibers. When walking on them for the next 8 hours, wear white cotton socks. Use air movers if needed to help air circulation as this will speed up the drying time. If a carpet protector such as Scotchgard was applied, foot traffic should be minimized for up to 24 hours to let the product cure. Don’t move any furniture back in place until carpet is completely dry or Scotchgard carpet protector has cured. Regular maintenance includes vacuuming often and cleaning up spills immediately.

How can I remove impressions on my carpets that heavy furniture left behind?
Our technical experts at ServiceMaster Clean recommend using a clothes steamer to remove the furniture dents. If you do not have a clothes steamer handy, you can use a kitchen towel and an iron. Place a damp towel over the carpet dent. Heat the iron to a medium heat setting then set the iron on the damp towel. You can use the steam button on the iron periodically. Remove the iron and towel to check the carpet. If it is to your liking, use your fingers to fluff the carpet. If the dent still needs work, place the warm iron on the damp towel and repeat. This process is not suitable for carpets made of olefin fiber.

Tile and Grout


Why should I get tile and grout professionally cleaned?
Regular mopping only removes surface soil and not the embedded dirt that causes the grout to be unattractive. Professional cleaning restores the look of your tile and grout and extends its life.

Is professional tile and grout cleaning expensive?
Professional tile and grout cleaning can be just pennies compared to the cost of replacing tile. Call today to get an estimate from one of our professionals.

How long does it take to get the tile and grout at my home professionally cleaned?
For a 300 square-foot area, cleaning generally takes 60 to 90 minutes. If you choose to have the grout sealed, we recommend waiting 24 hours after rinsing to apply sealer so the sealer will adhere properly. Grout sealing itself takes 2 - 3 hours. Time varies based on tile size, the amount of soil in the grout and room configuration.

Will a professional tile and grout cleaning be disruptive to my family?
The team at ServiceMaster Clean will work with you to schedule a time convenient for you. Our technician will let you know of the applicable dry times needed.

Can I use household cleaning products on my tile and grout surfaces?
Tile floors are easy to clean, and we recommend using a neutral cleaning agent. Please ask for information about specific ServiceMaster Clean products.

How often do I need to get my tile and grout professionally cleaned?
To keep the tile floors in your home looking their best, we recommend having them professionally cleaned every year, depending on traffic, pets, children and regular floor maintenance.

When will I be able to walk on my floors after a tile and grout cleaning?
Stay off of freshly cleaned tile floors for at least 30 minutes. Avoid getting any liquid on the floor for 24 hours until the sealant cures completely if grout cleaning is included as part of the service.

Will there be an odor?
After tile and grout is cleaned, you may notice a faint scent. The amount of time it takes for the odor to dissipate is usually within an hour but varies based on air circulation, heat and humidity.

Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving for my scheduled service?
Simply pick up items on the floor, such as rugs, plants and trash cans, as well as sweep or vacuum the area to be cleaned.

Are there instructions to follow after my tile and grout surfaces are cleaned?
Stay off freshly cleaned tile for at least 30 minutes, and avoid getting any liquid on the floor for 24 hours if sealant has been applied. Return furniture (with suggested use of felt pads) and rugs to floors after 24 hours.

Upholstery


Why should I get upholstered furniture cleaned?
Having upholstered furniture professionally cleaned eliminates odors, removes spots and helps extend the life of your furniture.

Is professional upholstery cleaning expensive?
Professional upholstery cleaning is just pennies compared to the cost of replacing worn furniture that hasn’t been maintained. Call today to get an estimate from one of our professionals.

How long does it take to get my upholstered furniture professionally cleaned?
Total cleaning time depends on the cleaning process used and the amount of time needed for the upholstery to dry. The technician will give you an estimated cleaning time prior to service.

Will a professional upholstery cleaning be disruptive to my family?
The team at ServiceMaster Clean will work with you to schedule a time convenient for you. Our technician will inform you of estimated drying times.

Can I use household cleaners for spot removal?
Because upholstered fabrics are often more delicate, we recommend using only ServiceMaster Clean products applied with specified cleaning methods. For more information, contact your local ServiceMaster Clean professional.

How often do I need to get my upholstered furniture professionally cleaned?
Furniture manufacturers typically recommend having upholstered pieces professionally cleaned every 12 - 24 months.

When will I be able to use my furniture after a professional cleaning?
Depending on the cleaning method we use, drying time differs. The average drying time is anywhere from 1 - 6 hours.

Will there be an odor?
Depending on the type of upholstery, you may notice a faint scent. The amount of time it takes for the odor to dissipate is usually within an hour but varies based on air circulation, heat and humidity.

Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving for my scheduled service?
Simply pick up items on top of all upholstery to be cleaned such as toys, reading material, blankets, etc.

Commercial Cleaning FAQ

Carpet


Is professional carpet cleaning expensive? How long will it take to have my carpets cleaned at my business?

The amount of time will be contingent on the size of the area needing to be cleaned and processes used, either low moisture, portable extraction, or truck-mount extraction, in terms of efficiencies and time. A highly trained ServiceMaster technician can help you choose a program that best meets your needs and schedule.

Will carpet cleaning be disruptive to my business?
The team at ServiceMaster will work with you to schedule a time after hours or we can develop a customized program to clean your carpets in sections. Our technician will inform you of estimated dry times needed.

Can I use household carpet cleaners for spot removal?
We recommend using only ServiceMaster Clean products. For more information, contact your local ServiceMaster Clean professional.

How often do I need to get my carpets professionally cleaned?
To keep the carpets in your business in good shape, we recommend setting up your business on a carpet care program to provide regular care and maintenance which can help extend the life of your carpets. It’s best to get your carpets cleaned quarterly using our low moisture method to remove soil before it gets ground-in your carpet fibers. By doing a quarterly carpet cleaning, you may only need a professional deep cleaning carpet service once a year.

When will I be able to walk on my floors after carpet cleaning?
It’s best to allow drying time of 6 - 8 hours before you can walk on your carpet. It is best to wait two days before placing heavy furniture back onto carpet if not using blocks.

Will there be an odor?
Depending on the type of carpet we’re cleaning, you may notice a faint scent. This is especially prevalent when cleaning wool carpets. The amount of time it takes for the odor to dissipate is usually within an hour but varies based on air circulation, heat and humidity. A big difference in the way ServiceMaster cleans carpet compared to many of our competitors is that we do not put soap in our rinse water. We pre-spray the carpets, remove the spots, then use clean water extraction, ensuring we do not leave any soapy residue behind. This allows for fresh, clean carpets.

Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving for my scheduled service?
Yes. Remove breakables from the tops of furniture in the room we will be cleaning. Pick up items from the floor in areas you want cleaned, such as rugs, plants, trash cans, etc. Pre-vacuum all areas to be cleaned.

Do I have to move furniture?
To get the best results with professional carpet cleaning, we recommend removing furniture from the rooms we will be cleaning. Items we clean around instead of moving include file cabinets, conference room tables, bookcases, lobby furniture and large pieces of furniture.

Are there instructions to follow after my carpets are cleaned?
Immediately after cleaning, it’s best to allow carpets to dry for 6 - 8 hours before walking on them. Walking on them may flatten the fibers. Use air movers if needed to help air circulation as this will speed up the drying time. If a carpet protector such as Scotchgard was applied, foot traffic should be minimized for up to 24 hours to let the product cure. Don’t move any furniture back in place until carpet is completely dry or Scotchgard carpet protector has cured.

Hard-Surface Floors (Acrylic)


Can I strip floors with acrylic finish?
Acrylic is strippable and does require periodic stripping.

How often do I buff?
If heel marks and scuff marks become prevalent, buffing is needed.

Is acrylic slippery when wet?
Any floor can be slippery when wet. Our acrylic products are considered to have acceptable slip resistance according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) B101.3-2012 test method for measuring wet dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of common hard-surface floor materials.

How long will acrylic floors last?
Wear of any finish depends greatly on traffic, use and cleaning practices. An average lifespan is about one year.

Does acrylic have an odor during application?
Acrylic does have an odor during application, but it is generally mild and usually dissipates within a short period of time.

Isn’t acrylic finish expensive?
Acrylic finish is generally less expensive than other finishes. However, multiple coats may be necessary to achieve the level of gloss and level of protection you desire.

Will applying acrylic void my manufacturer’s warranty on the floor?
It may. However, most factory warranties do not cover scratching, wear and abrasion. If your floor has reached this stage, your best option is to protect it. Many factory finishes, like acrylic, will eventually wear out. You can most closely achieve that factory type finish by applying a thin coat of acrylic. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty.

Isn’t it hard to fix an area that is damaged? What if I drag a large piece of furniture across it and leave a scratch?
Acrylic finishes that are scratched can often be spray buffed or burnished so that the scratch is either less noticeable or repaired altogether. In many cases, applying a thin coat over the scratch is helpful. Call your local ServiceMaster Clean professionals and let us repair the damaged area.

Will furniture scratch floors with acrylic finish?
Furniture that is broken, in ill repair or not fitted with the proper floor protectors may damage the finish. Inspect all furniture before acrylic installation and apply proper protectors.

How long will it take to have my floors coated with acrylic?
Preparation will depend upon the condition of the existing floor, current number of coats, repairs required, etc. When applying an acrylic finish, stripping of the old finish is usually necessary. When that’s the case, finish removal plus the application of 3 coats of finish requires 1 hour for every 150 square feet of flooring. If a floor does not require stripping, it can generally be shower scrubbed which is a procedure used for preparing a floor for receiving a new layer of finish. Once that has taken place, a floor can be recoated at anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000 square feet per hour.

Will the application of acrylic disrupt my business?
Unless your facility is open 24 hours, we can work after hours and the area worked on can be up and running the next business day. If your facility is open 24 hours every day, we can work with you to determine the hours that are least busy. During those hours we can come, cordon off traffic areas and work in such a manner so as to minimize disruption of your work environment.

Does acrylic finish yellow?
Our acrylic finishes are non-yellowing.

Can I use household cleaning products on my floors?
All acrylic floor finishes can be damaged by highly alkaline products and alcohols such as the kind that you might see in hand sanitizers. If you must clean your floor yourself, we recommend using a neutral cleaning agent specifically recommended for cleaning acrylic floor finishes. We can provide more information on a suitable product.

How often do I clean my floors?
Floors should definitely be cleaned when they appear to be dirty. It is good practice to clean floors before it gets to that level because the floor can accumulate many tiny abrasive particles which can scratch it and mar its appearance. It is generally best to dry mop a floor with a microfiber cloth and then damp mop the floor with an appropriate cleaning solution to get up the soil.

When will I be able to walk on my floors?
Hard-surface floors treated with an acrylic finish can be walked on within an hour after the last coat was applied. We recommend allowing the floor to dry for 24 hours before allowing heavy traffic on it.

Will the application process produce dust?
Our finish removal and floor preparation procedures are all done wet or damp to help minimize the generation of airborne dust.

I think my floor’s appearance should be improved, but I’m concerned about the price. What should I do?
Consider the cost of non-action. Any finish will enhance the appearance of your floor and provide protection as well. Acrylics provide shorter term yet less expensive protection.

How do I maintain this floor after the acrylic application?
Leave the daily cleaning to the professionals at ServiceMaster Clean. We offer daily, weekly or monthly cleaning services for your facility. If you should choose to do some of the cleaning yourself, pre-clean the floor in order to get all of the particulate soils off the floor such as dirt and sand, then mop the floor with a neutral cleansing agent and preferably a microfiber mop. Make sure to change the water and rinse the mop frequently to prevent the mop from leaving soil behind.

Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving for my scheduled service?
Yes, we ask that you remove breakables from the tops of furniture in the break room, lobby, conference room and other areas we will be cleaning. Pick up items from the floor such as rugs, plants, trash containers, recycle bins, file cabinets, chairs, etc. Vacuum or dust mop all debris found on your floors prior to your cleaning. If items are too large to move, consult with your technician.

Do I have to move furniture?
Yes. We do not remove heavy items such as file cabinets, conference room tables, book cases, lobby furniture, and large pieces of furniture. We recommend that you have any such items moved prior to your appointment date. If items are too large to move, consult with your technician.

Are there instructions to follow after my hard-surface floors are cleaned?
Before you walk on your floors, it’s best to allow drying time of at least 1 hour. We recommend allowing 24 hours before walking on it with heavy traffic. Be cautious and protect floors from getting wet for 24 hours after application of either finish as it is not thoroughly cured yet. You can return furniture to your floors (with suggested use of felt pads) after 12 hours and return rugs to floors after 12 hours.

Hard-Surface Floors (Urethane)


Can I strip floors with urethane finish?
Urethane is strippable if necessary. However, when the product reaches the end of its life cycle, it can be abraded and recoated without stripping. ServiceMaster Clean has products and procedures designed specifically for this purpose.

How often do I buff?
Urethane is NEVER buffed. Buffing may actually diminish the gloss of the finish.

Is urethane slippery when wet?
Any coated surface can be slippery when wet. Our urethane product is considered to have acceptable slip resistance according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) B101.3-2012 test method for measuring wet dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of common hard-surface floor materials. We offer optional additives to create high slip resistance (lower probability of slipping) for wet environments or areas of concern.

How long will urethane floors last?
Wear of any finish depends greatly on traffic, use and cleaning practices. An average lifespan is 2 years.

Does urethane have a span odor during application?
Urethane finish contains no VOCs or solvents, which are often the source of span and even harmful fumes. It has a very light, almost unnoticeable, clean scent.

Isn’t urethane more expensive than a traditional acrylic finish?
Yes and no. The cost of product per square foot for the application of urethane finish is more than an acrylic finish. However, customers will see a return on the initial investment in urethane because of the reduced need for ongoing regular maintenance. As a building owner, this will also result in fewer disruptions within the facility.

Will applying urethane void my manufacturer’s warranty on the floor?
It may. However, most factory warranties do not cover scratching, wear and abrasion. If your floor has reached this stage, your best option is to protect it. Many factory finishes, like urethane, will eventually wear out. You can most closely achieve that factory type finish by applying a thin coat of urethane. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty.

Isn’t it hard to fix an area that is damaged? What if I drag a large piece of furniture across it and leave a gouge?
Urethane finish is relatively easy to repair. Call your local ServiceMaster Clean professionals and let us repair the damaged area.

Will furniture scratch floors with urethane finish?
Furniture that is broken, in ill repair or not fitted with the proper floor protectors may damage the finish. Inspect all furniture before urethane installation and apply proper protectors.

How long will it take to have my floors coated with urethane?
Preparation will depend on the condition of the existing floor, current number of coats, repairs required, etc. The coating application can be accomplished at a rate of 750 square feet per hour with a two-person crew.

Will the application of urethane disrupt my business?
The initial application process will require stripping any existing coatings and applying urethane coating plus drying time. This process can be done after hours and will require only daily cleaning for the life of the finish, averaging two years. Because there is no buffing or recoating for that time period, there will be no other disruptions. The reapplication process will not require further stripping.

Does urethane finish yellow?
Our urethane finish is UV resistant and will not yellow.

Can I use household cleaning products on my floors?
Floors with urethane finish are easy to clean, and we recommend a neutral cleansing agent. We can provide more information on a suitable product.

How often do I clean my floors?
Urethane requires only damp mopping on a daily basis or the use of an auto scrubber with a white pad, red pad or a soft brush. Never dry buff or dry scrub your floor, as a loss of gloss may occur.

When will I be able to walk on my floors?
The most rapid dry time is four hours but we recommend allowing 8 hours before walking on the floor.

Will the application process produce dust?
Procedures that are required to prepare the floor can be done with a wet screening and / or wet conditioning pad, thereby reducing dust.

I think my floor’s appearance should be improved, but I’m concerned about the price. What should I do?
Consider the cost of non-action. Urethane not only makes your floors shiny, which gives the perception of cleanliness, but it protects your flooring investment. Floors are subject to traffic wear patterns, chemicals and stains as well as scratching. Applying a urethane finish will protect your floors and extend their life span. Compared to the cost of our recommended traditional acrylic floor maintenance program, urethane should represent a cost savings for you.

How do I maintain this floor after the urethane application?
Leave the daily cleaning to the professionals at ServiceMaster Clean. We offer daily, weekly or monthly cleaning services for your facility. Urethane finish requires only damp mopping on a daily basis or the use of an auto scrubber with a white or red pad or a soft brush. Mop with a properly diluted neutral cleansing agent and warm water. Overuse of cleaning chemicals can build up and leave a residual film on the floor. Never buff your floor, as a loss of gloss may occur.

Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving for my scheduled service?
Yes, we ask that you remove breakables from the tops of furniture in the break room, lobby, conference room and other areas we will be cleaning. Pick up items from the floor such as rugs, plants, trash containers, recycle bins, file cabinets, chairs, etc. Vacuum or dust mop all debris found on your floors prior to your cleaning. If items are too large to move, consult with your technician.

Do I have to move furniture?
Yes. We do not remove heavy items such as file cabinets, conference room tables, book cases, lobby furniture, and large pieces of furniture. We recommend that you have any such items moved prior to your appointment date. If items are too large to move, consult with your technician.

Are there instructions to follow after my hard-surface floors are cleaned?
Before you walk on your floors, it’s best to allow drying time of at least 4 hours but we recommend 8 hours. Be cautious and protect floors from getting wet for 24 hours after application of either finish as it is not yet thoroughly cured. You can return furniture to your floors (with suggested use of felt pads) after 24 hours and return rugs to floors after 24 hours.

Tile and Grout


Why should I get tile and grout professionally cleaned?
High traffic gradually dulls the floors and the grout becomes dark with dirt. Regular mopping only removes surface-level dirt.

Is professional tile and grout cleaning expensive?
Professional tile and grout cleaning can be just pennies compared to the cost of replacing tile. Call today to get an estimate from one of our professionals.

How long does it take to get the tile and grout at my business professionally cleaned?
For a 300 square foot area, cleaning generally takes 1 - 3 hours. If you choose to have the grout sealed by applying a urethane finish, we recommend waiting 24 hours after rinsing to apply sealer so the sealer will adhere properly. Grout sealing itself takes two to three hours. Time varies based on tile size, the amount of soil in the grout and room configuration.

Will a professional tile and grout cleaning be disruptive to my business?
The team at ServiceMaster will work with you to schedule a time after hours or we can develop a customized program to clean your tile in sections. Our technician will inform you of the applicable dry times needed.

Can I use household cleaning products on my tile and grout surfaces?
Tile floors are easy to clean, and we recommend using a neutral cleaning agent. Please ask for information about specific ServiceMaster Clean products.

How often do I need to get my tile and grout professionally cleaned?
To keep the tile floors in your property looking their best, we recommend having them professionally cleaned every year, depending on the amount of traffic, soil and regular floor maintenance.

When will I be able to walk on my floors after and tile & grout cleaning?
Stay off of freshly cleaned tile floors for at least 30 minutes. Avoid getting any liquid on the floor for 24 hours until the sealant cures completely if grout sealing is included as part of the service.

Will there be an odor?
After tile and grout is cleaned, you may notice a faint scent. The amount of time it takes for the odor to dissipate is usually within an hour but varies based on air circulation, heat and humidity.

Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving for my scheduled service?
Simply pick up items on the floor, such as rugs, plants and trash cans, as well as sweep or vacuum the area to be cleaned.

Are there instructions to follow after my tile and grout surfaces are cleaned?
Stay off freshly cleaned tile for at least 30 minutes, and avoid getting any liquid on the floor for 24 hours if sealant has been applied. Return furniture (with suggested use of felt pads) and rugs to floors after 24 hours.

Upholstery


Why should I get upholstered furniture cleaned?
Having upholstered furniture professionally cleaned eliminates odors, removes tough stains and extends the life of your furniture.

Is professional upholstery cleaning expensive?
Professional upholstery cleaning is just pennies compared to the cost of replacing worn furniture that hasn’t been maintained. Call today to get an estimate from one of our professionals.

How long does it take to get my upholstered furniture professionally cleaned?
Total cleaning time depends on the cleaning process used and the amount of time needed for the upholstery to dry. The technician will give you an estimated cleaning time prior to service.

Will a professional upholstery cleaning be disruptive to my business?
The team at ServiceMaster will work with you to schedule a time after hours or we can develop a customized program to clean your upholstery. Our technician will inform you of estimated drying times.

Can I use household cleaners for spot removal?
We recommend using only ServiceMaster Clean products. For more information, contact your local ServiceMaster Clean professional.

How often do I need to get my upholstered furniture professionally cleaned?
Furniture manufacturers recommend having upholstered pieces professionally cleaned every 12 - 24 months.

When will I be able to use my furniture after a professional cleaning?
Depending on the cleaning method we use, drying time differs. The average drying time is anywhere from 1 - 6 hours.

Will there be an odor?
Depending on the type of upholstery, you may notice a faint scent. The amount of time it takes for the odor to dissipate is usually within an hour but varies based on air circulation, heat and humidity.

Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving for my scheduled service?
Pick up items on upholstery to be cleaned such as reading material or office partition décor.

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