Frequently asked questions

 

Carpet cleaning

 
What method do you use for cleaning?
The method we use for cleaning is hot water extraction, commonly referred to as steam cleaning. Christoff and Son’s hot water extraction method removes the toughest, deepest dirt safely and gently. Hot, soft water and a specially formulated cleaning solution are injected deep within the carpet fibers. Then, a powerful suction extracts deep-down dirt, allergens, cleaning solution and 95% of the moisture. It’s the cleaning method most recommended by carpet manufacturers.

Do I need to vacuum before the crew arrives?
A light vacuuming in the traffic areas is recommended but not required. If needed, the crew can pre-vacuum the area to be cleaned. Also, the equipment is vacuuming the entire time we are cleaning.

What do you consider as an area?
Typically, an area is a room that is up to 300 square feet (that is 15 x 20 or approximately the size of a two-car garage). Living room/dining room combos are considered two areas. Any area over 300 square feet but less than 600 square feet is priced as two areas. Non-standard areas (baths, halls, landings, walk-in-closets, etc.) are priced separately from the standard areas, usually at a lesser price. Please know that these room sizes may vary by location.

How long will it take to clean my carpets?
On average, it will take approximately 20 minutes per room. This time can vary greatly depending on the amount of furniture to be moved, how soiled the carpet is, and any necessary spot removal treatments.

Do you move furniture?
Yes. There is no charge to move furniture. We are professionally trained to move your furniture. After the cleaning is completed, we will return it to its rightful place on protective padding as needed. We do suggest you remove items off of your furniture like electronics, plants, lamps and knick-knacks. We will move most furniture that can be safely moved. There are several items we will not move, including: pianos, electronics, china cabinets, beds, dressers with mirrors, pool tables, etc.

How long will it take for my carpet to dry?
Dry time is affected by humidity, temperature and air flow to the area. It can take anywhere between 8-24 hours for the carpet to completely dry, depending on the aforementioned variables. Using fans in any rooms cleaned and turning your air conditioning or heating system on, depending on the time of year, can help accelerate drying time. Be sure to leave the protective blocks under furniture legs and any paper used with upholstered items in place until the carpet and/or furniture is completely dry to avoid any color transfer. You may walk on your carpet immediately after cleaning, but avoid wearing street shoes, as they may re-soil your carpet. We suggest wearing clean rubber soled shoes. Be especially careful when walking from damp, carpeted areas on to non-carpeted areas to avoid slipping.

I have heard that cleaning my carpet makes it soil faster. Is this true?
The problem results from residues being left in the carpet which attract dirt. Usually this is caused by the use of soap in the cleaning process that hasn’t been rinsed out completely. Our specially formulated solution and hot water extraction cleaning process leaves little to no residue behind to attract dirt.

I have had my carpet cleaned, but the spots have reappeared. What should I do?
Although most spots that are removed from carpet do not reappear, some substances in carpet backing may wick to the surface after cleaning. If this happens, please contact Christoff and Sons at 1-517-782-1971 as soon as possible.

Do you guarantee removal of all spots or stains in the carpet?
We cannot guarantee that we will remove all spots or stains. There are substances that can permanently discolor the carpet fibers. The age of the carpet and the type of carpet fibers also plays a factor in this. The technician will try to determine if this is the case prior to cleaning but they are not always able to determine this before trying to remove the spots.

After my carpet was cleaned, it has bubbles or ripples in the carpet. What caused this?
As the carpet dries, these bubbles or ripples should start to lay flat again. Once it is dry they should be virtually unnoticeable. This is usually a sign that the carpet was in need of restretching prior to the cleaning. If these ripples do not go away after it is completely dry, please contact Christoff and Sons at 1517-782-1971.

Will carpet cleaning get rid of fleas in my carpet?
We cannot guarantee that the cleaning will get rid of all the fleas. We usually recommend that the customer kill the adult fleas first by whichever method they prefer, this is something that a professional exterminator might be able to help with. Please keep in mind that the carpet is not the only place fleas will lay eggs, you might consider having your upholstery treated and cleaned as well as any area rugs or pet beds.

Why do your prices vary from other carpet cleaners?
When comparing prices, make sure you ask a lot of questions and please keep a few things in mind. Our price includes treating for spots, moving furniture, and a 10-day satisfaction policy. There are no hidden fees or additional charges. Also, we never sub-contact, so our technicians are always background checked, drug tested and properly trained Christoff and Sons employees. This is what allows us to stand behind all of our work.

How do you guarantee customer satisfaction?
We are happy to work with you to correct any situation that may arise. In some cases this can mean spot cleaning specific areas of concern or even completely re-cleaning the area in question. In the end, we’re not satisfied until you are.
 

Carpet protection

 
Why should I have a protector applied to my cleaned carpets?
As the finishing touch to your thoroughly cleaned carpet and/or upholstery, specially formulated protector can be professionally applied. These products help carpet and upholstery resist soiling from dry dirt, water- and oil-based spills by wrapping each fiber in a protective coating. This extra layer gives you more time to clean up spots and spills before they soak into the fibers, helping you keep your carpet and upholstery looking its best between professional cleanings. Plus, it makes vacuuming and cleaning up spots easier.

Does carpet come with a protector?

A dry soil protector comes on most carpet from the manufacturers. This is a wear dated product and is removed over time with every day traffic. Carpet manufacturers recommend that you have this protector reapplied about once a year, and perhaps more often on heavy traffic areas.

How does your deodorizer work to remove odors?
Christoff and Sons uses a natural bacterial enzyme action to digest organic odor sources such as vomit, feces, urine, milk, blood, etc. This product removes organic odors that it contacts. It also uses a neutralizer to give immediate relief from any odors while the enzyme is working. The key to complete removal of an odor is that this product must reach all contaminated surfaces. If the odor causing source has penetrated the backing and possibly the padding we cannot guarantee complete removal of the odor.
 

Upholstery cleaning

 
How often do manufacturers recommend professional cleaning?
Manufacturers recommend having upholstered furniture professionally cleaned every 12-24 months depending on use.

How does Christoff and Sons clean upholstered furniture?
We use our powerful hot water extraction cleaning process whenever possible, because it provides the deepest cleaning of all the possible methods. Some fabrics may require a more delicate cleaning system. In this case, we will help you make a decision that best suits your needs and your furniture.

The tag on my furniture recommends a dry cleaning method. Can Christoff and Sons clean it?
Yes, we can. We’ll test your fabric to determine which cleaning method will be the safest and most effective. That tag, or “Manufacturer Liability Code,” is required to recommend “a” cleaning method even though it may not be the most effective method for removing soil.

What does professional cleaning do to the protective coating I purchased with my upholstered furniture?
While professional cleaning may impact the protective coating on your furniture, the dry soils that accumulate on it over time — along with the strain of daily living cause this coating to deteriorate. To keep your valuable upholstered furniture protected from the damage of dry soil, we can re-apply this coating following cleaning.

How long will it take my furniture to dry?
Your specific upholstery fabric will determine which cleaning method we use. While the cleaning method along with optional protector application determines the drying time, typical dry time ranges from 6-12 hours.
 

Leather cleaning

 
Why should I have my leather professionally cleaned?
Like any skin, leather needs regular care to retain its moisture and softness. Most store-bought leather cleaners and conditioners provide immediate relief but end up causing long-term damage. Professional products applied by professional technicians will keep your leather looking and feeling great for a long time.

What is the difference between my household leather cleaner and the Christoff and Sons system?
Household cleaners contain silicones and lubricants that provide an outer layer of protection but end up dehydrating and damaging your leather. Our professional leather cleaners, moisturizers, and protectants provide long-lasting rejuvenation without the harmful side effects.

Do manufacturers recommend professional leather cleaning? If so, how often?
Yes, manufacturers recommend cleaning every 6-12 months.

What types of leather does Christoff and Sons clean?
We can clean all types of leather, including pigmented, aniline, nubuck, and suede.

Can Christoff and Sons clean the leather upholstery in my vehicle?
Yes, in fact the leather in autos, boats, and RVs is exposed to more abrasive wear and more extreme weather conditions. These factors make additional care for your leather upholstery in these vehicles even more important.

How does Christoff and Sons clean my leather?
At Christoff and Sons, we use a special system to clean and moisturize your leather and we can also provide optional protector for your leather. We will begin by applying and removing a cleaner that removes damaging soils. Next, the leather is heated to open pores and accept the moisturizer that leaves your leather feeling as soft and supple as the day it was made. If you choose, we will then re-heat the leather and apply a protector that will actually fill in the cracks where soils typically settle, preventing future damage.

What can I expect from professional leather cleaning?

Our professional cleaning removes soil but it cannot correct the damage that soil has already caused. We can offer you a free demo that will help you understand the potential outcome of the cleaning, all at no cost to you. In extreme cases, some leather may need restoration in addition to cleaning.
 

Grout and tile cleaning

 
Why should I have my grout and tile cleaned?
Just like carpet, dirt builds up over time dulling your tile’s appearance and discoloring your grout. A thorough, professional tile & grout cleaning is the only way to remove the deep-down dirt.

How often should I have my floor cleaned?
As with carpet, many factors must be considered when determining the frequency of cleaning. Foot traffic, children, pets, and routine floor maintenance will affect how often you need to have your tile & grout cleaned.

How long will it take to have my tile floor cleaned?
For an average size room (up to 300 square feet), it typically takes 30–60 minutes to clean the tile & grout. This can vary based on a number of factors including the size of the tile, amount of soil in the grout lines, and room configuration. If you choose to have sealant added, it typically takes 2–3 hours to complete the entire process.

Why should I have my grout lines sealed?
Grout is a porous material that absorbs soil and spills, just like carpet. Having a sealant applied will help create a protective barrier, giving you more time to clean up dirt and liquid spills before they soak into the grout. The type of sealant you choose will determine the degree of stain resistance.

How long do I have to stay off the floor after sealant has been applied?
We recommend that you wait 30 minutes before walking on the floor to allow the sealant to dry. It will take 24 hours for the sealant to cure completely, so we suggest that you avoid any liquid coming in contact with the sealant during that time.

Do I have to use a special floor cleaner if I have the sealant applied?
To preserve the life of the sealant, we recommend that you use a neutral cleaner on your floor. Rinsing after mopping will also help keep your floors looking their best. You will want to avoid bleach and other harsh chemical cleaners as these can wear away at the sealant and cause it to break down prematurely.

What is clear seal?
Clear seal is an invisible layer of protection that penetrates into the pores of the grout. This gives you more time to clean up dirt and liquid spills before they soak into the grout, however, it is not waterproof.

What is color seal?
Restore your grout to its original appearance with our color seal restoration service. This service will transform your discolored grout back to its original splendor by providing a layer of uniform color to your grout lines, giving your floor a clean and refreshed look. Along with improving the cosmetic appearance of your floor, color seal provides a protective waterproof barrier that guards your grout from spills, dirt & debris.

 

Hardwood cleaning

 
How do you clean hardwood floors?
Regular mopping just doesn’t reach the stubborn dirt that lies deep in the pores of your hardwood, but our cleaning process does. This process includes an initial vacuuming of the areas to remove any loose dirt and debris, an auto scrubbing with an alkaline cleaner and then another auto scrubbing with a neutral cleaner to return the floor to its initial sheen. Edges are hand scrubbed, as are stairs.

Do you offer any kind of sealant to protect the floor after cleaning?
Yes, we offer several types of sealant to keep your floor protected and looking good longer. Christoff and Sons also specializes in refinishing hardwood floors.
 

Emergency water extraction services

 
How do I get in touch with Christoff and Sons if I have a water emergency?
We are available 24 hours a day to help you handle your water emergency. Just call our 24-hour call center at 517-782-1971 and we will have a certified restoration specialist get in touch with you right away.

What can I expect from the restoration experts?
You will speak with a certified restoration specialist very soon after your call. Then we’ll do the following to help you reclaim your home.
  • Advise you of what to do to minimize damage until our crew arrives.
  • Dispatch certified, trained, and experienced water damage crews to your home within three hours or less.
  • Pump out freestanding water quickly, and then extract water from carpet, padding, and upholstery.
  • Remove carpet and padding if deemed necessary. We will then clean, dry, and reinstall carpet and padding based on IICRC standards.
  • Provide professional grade equipment for a controlled drying process of your home and its contents—this minimizes the possibility of secondary damage and potential microbial growth.
  • Use specialized instruments to locate hidden pockets of water and to technically monitor the dehumidification/drying process.
  • Work directly with your insurance company to process claims and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
  • Make sure your home’s structure and contents are dry, to the recommended industry standards for your area of the country.