Choosing a Professional Cleaner A common misconception is that all cleaning services are alike.   The truth is that a wide range of quality levels are available:-

Some cleaners specialise in commercial cleaning (where standards are far less exacting than residential cleaning), & only do residential work to fill schedules.  

Some specialise in water / fire damage restoration (of which the carpet & furniture cleaning is only part of the total damage) - again the standards are not as exacting as required for residential cleaning.  

Some offer carpet & upholstery cleaning to augment their pest control business.  

Some are "coupon" cleaners. where they mass mail potential customers in a specific geographic area offering ridiculously low prices.  They move through the target area working as quickly as possible to get to the next job.  

Some start up a business with heavily discounted prices, trying to get as many customers "on the books" as possible over a short period, then make money out of selling "the business" to an unsuspecting buyer. 

Some are part-time cleaners, working their cleaning business with another job after hours or at  the weekend.  

A few firms specialise in the responsible care of upholstery & carpet that is considered an investment.

When choosing a professional cleaner, it is important to feel confident about who is coming into your home. 

Is the person you speak to on the phone polite & knowledgeable?  Ask if they are familiar with your particular type or brand of upholstery or carpet?  If you have any particular concerns in relation to fibre type, stains, odours etc, ask how they would  resolve these issues for you? Who have they done work for in your area? What trade organisation do they belong?  Would they offer to come & inspect the job for you & give a quote? 

If yes, then you can ask yourself the following:

Were you greeted with respect at the door?  Is their vehicle clean?  Is the specialist dressed professionally?  Are you given a thorough evaluation & the most likely results to be expected from the cleaning? Are you given a written quote before starting the work?  Do they offer you any guarantee with the job?

If you consider your floor coverings & upholstery an investment, these are all important questions you need to ask when choosing the best service for your needs.