Just a few modern carpets are prone to shrinkage. It’s strands of cotton that run through the backing that shrink, not the pile itself. Most carpets are hessian or foam backed, so even those that have wool pile will be fine. Also, when we clean, it’s the pile we concentrate on, so we minimise any moisture reaching the backing (let alone the underlay). The most notable exceptions are Belgium Twist, Sisal and Sea Grass natural carpets.

Your guarantee is that, as members of the National Carpet Cleaners Association, we are bound to carry out the work to the highest possible standards. There are carpets laid in every conceivable type of location and sometimes the condition of the carpet is very stained and worn, so we always carry out the work ‘subject to the possibility of some stains or discolourations remaining’. There are some grease based stains that can gradually reappear after some months after cleaning, so we have to be sensible about offering carte blanche guarantees. However, we guarantee you will get the very best possible results and will refund your money if not satisfied.

We are liable to put it right.

Yes. Third party, treatment risks, goods in transit (i.e. rugs) but not for rare unpredictable occurrences, such as suite manufacturers using non-colourfast materials in the filling.

No we give an exact time and – barring any unforeseen events – keep very close to it. Our normal start time is 8.30am.

Yes, but you will have to empty units that need to be removed. Suites, beds, dining tables and general items of furniture are moved and returned to their original position on completion.

Only of bits and pieces (small items of furniture), dining chairs and anything breakable including low mounted wall plates and pictures.

We have three methods available to us – dry cleaning, dry foam shampooing and, (generally the best of all) hot water extraction (‘steam’ cleaning). Each method has its advantages and disadvantages and we could discuss the best for you, given your furnishings and circumstances.

No, but we always need to inspect all curtains and report to you about their condition when carrying out your free estimate.

Yes, but it is not like covering your carpets and upholstery in plastic so it does matter what you do on them! They work by coating each individual fibre, making it microscopically smooth and water-proof. This makes your vacuum more efficient as dirt doesn’t stick to the carpet so easily and when you, say, knock over a glass of red wine, it sits on the surface giving you a change to mop it up. If you don’t notice the spill, then you will end up with a red wine mark that is very likely (but not guaranteed) to come out when the carpet is next cleaned. They help keep the appearance of your carpet or upholstery cleaner for longer.

No, compared to your original investment (and replacement costs) cleaning of soft furnishings often equals just a few percent of capital expenditure a year. We price generally on square metres and, in case of upholstery, the number of seating units. Our estimates and advice are free and without obligation.

The longest any item stays clean is from when it is new to the first clean – whether it’s clothes or carpets and upholstery. How long it stays clean subsequently depends on the method used.

Dry cleaning and shampooing – although much has happened since the days of the old ‘Bex Bissell’, carpet shampooers still have the advantage of drying quickly, but in our opinion the chemical residue tends to attract the dirt, so the cleaning interval gets shorter.

Hot water extraction (sometimes called ‘steam cleaning’, although no steam is involved) has the disadvantage of drying time – but because water, not chemicals – are a principal part of the process, the carpets stay cleaner for longer. So after the first clean the cleaning interval should remain much the same, assuming of course, that the degree and type of use remains the same.