The state of your carpets says a lot about your business, so it's important to hire a carpet cleaning service to clean them professionally at least twice a year. If you have a high-traffic office, you may want to have your carpets cleaned every month or so to keep your floors looking their best at all times.

When looking for someone to clean your carpets, you want to make sure that you're working with a professional company that will give you a good deal on its services. Depending on your situation, you'll get a quote based on one of the following criteria:

1. Rate per room

2. Flat rate per job

3. Monthly or weekly rates for ongoing carpet cleaning service

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out what's typically included in standard carpet cleaning services

If you aren't used to hiring carpet cleaners, it's easy to get caught up in all the different techniques and methods. Many companies live on the uneducated buyer and try to talk you into paying for things that they should include at no extra charge. Your best defense is to research the industry and find out what services are typically included with carpet cleaning. Things like pre-treatments or workers wearing shoe covers should come standard with most packages.

I recommend: Compare the different carpet cleaning services out there. Begin by looking at the services offered by such carpet cleaning giants as Stanley Steemer, which has been in business for over 50 years. Then look at smaller local companies like Heaven's Best to see how their services and prices stack up.

Choose a carpet cleaning service that will spot treat and deal with problem areas

In an ideal world, you wouldn't have to worry about stains on your carpet. But in reality, your carpet will get lots of mystery stains that you have no idea where they came from. Align yourself with a carpet cleaning service that's prepared for just about anything. The cleaner should be able to remove a coffee stain just as easily as printer ink, so make sure to ask questions before hiring someone.

I recommend: Work with a company that can do it all. Coit can not only clean common carpet stains, but it also specializes in restorations from floods or other problems. Absolute Carpet Care can also deal with just about anything, and even has special cleaners designed for commercial offices and buildings.

Consider using a water-less or low-water carpet cleaning service

Some carpet cleaning services can leave you with wet or damp carpet for days after a cleaning, which isn't practical in a commercial environment. By working with a company that uses little or no water, you can be back in business within minutes instead of days. These cleaning methods are typically better for the carpet fibers and eliminate cleaning buildup that can actually make your carpet attract dirt over time.

I recommend: Hire an alternative carpet cleaner for better results. Chem-Dry uses a small amount of water to get your carpet clean and leaves you with less mess and residue to worry about at the end of the day. Dry Carpet uses an organic powder to absorb moisture and leave your carpet clean and dry immediately after cleaning.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that the carpet cleaning service provider is licensed and bonded, so you know that you and your valuables are protected.