Frequently Asked Questions

How can we help?

Scheduling a Service

How Do I Schedule A Cleaning or Restoration Service?

Scheduling any of our Steamatic Services is easy! Simply contact us via phone, email, or our website to discuss your needs, receive a FREE customized quote, and arrange a convenient appointment time for our team to rejuvenate and refresh your soft furnishings.

CARPET AND SOFT FURNISHING CLEANING

What is Steam Cleaning?

Steam cleaning, often referred to as Hot Water Extraction (HWE), is a specialized method primarily used for cleaning carpets and soft furnishings. In this process, a mixture of hot water and cleaning solutions is applied to the carpet fibers under high pressure. Subsequently, the loosened dirt and grime are extracted using a robust vacuum system, leaving the carpet thoroughly cleaned and refreshed.

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.

Can stainresistant carpet be cleaned?

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 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.

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.

What are Soft Furnishings?

Soft furnishings refer to items in your home or office that are made of fabric and enhance the comfort and aesthetics of a space. These can include sofas, armchairs, ottomans, curtains, cushions, rugs, and more.

Can all types of soft furnishings be steam cleaned?

While steam cleaning is suitable for many soft furnishings, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s recommendations or care labels before proceeding. Some delicate fabrics or materials may require alternative cleaning methods to avoid damage.

Which types of sofas and chairs can be steam cleaned?

Most upholstered sofas, armchairs, recliners, and dining chairs can typically be steam cleaned. However, it’s crucial to identify the fabric type and any specific cleaning instructions to ensure the best results and prevent potential damage.

Is steam cleaning safe for curtains and drapes?

Yes, steam cleaning is an effective and safe method for cleaning curtains and drapes made from various fabrics. It helps remove dust, allergens, and stains without causing shrinkage or damage to the material.

How often should soft furnishings be steam cleaned?

The frequency of steam cleaning soft furnishings depends on usage, household occupants, and the environment. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to steam clean high-traffic areas and frequently used items every 6 to 12 months. However, lighter used items or decorative pieces may require less frequent cleaning.

Are there any benefits to steam cleaning soft furnishings?

Yes, steam cleaning offers several benefits:

  • Deep cleaning: Penetrates deep into fabrics to remove dirt, stains, and allergens.
  • Eco-friendly: Uses minimal chemicals, making it environmentally friendly.
  • Sanitization: High temperatures kill bacteria, germs, and dust mites.
  • Odor elimination: Helps eliminate unpleasant odors, leaving furnishings fresh and clean.

How long does it take for soft furnishings to dry after steam cleaning?

The drying time for steam-cleaned soft furnishings varies based on several factors, such as humidity, fabric type, and ventilation. Generally, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours for items to dry completely. Using fans or opening windows can help expedite the drying process.

Can stainresistant carpet be cleaned?

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.

Water Damage Restoration

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.

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.

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 professionals 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.

What’s That Smell?

Depending on the wet materials and normal soiling water will cause odours, 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 on 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 and 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.

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.

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.

Do My Belongings/items 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 premises.

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 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.

Can I Turn On My Heating And Air Conditioning Unit?

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

Are There Any Safety Concerns?

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

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 odour unlike over the counter products you could purchase.

Mould Remediation

What Is Mold?

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

Do I Need To Move Out While You Are Cleaning Up The Mould?

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

How Do You Identify The Mould By Type?

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

When Does Mould Need To Be Handled By A Professional?

Usually when substantial amounts are visible, the EPA has information for individuals available on their website.

What Can I Do To Prevent The Growth Of Mould In My House?

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

How Can I Tell If I Have Mould?

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 Does Mould Need In Order To Grow?

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

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.

HVAC Air Duct Cleaning

Is Air Duct Cleaning Expensive?

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

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.

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.

How Often Do I Need To Have My Air Ducts Cleaned?

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

How Long Will It Take To Have My Air Ducts Cleaned?

Depending on the size and number of HVAC units and diffusers.

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.

Feel free to reach out to us at 246-431-6218 or info@steamaticcaribbean.com.
Our friendly team is always here to assist you!