Not all carpet cleaning companies deliver the quality they promise. 

Some cut corners, use low-quality products, or surprise you with hidden fees. Before booking a service, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure you’re getting professional, reliable, and effective cleaning.

A trustworthy company will be upfront about their methods, pricing, and experience. 

To help you choose wisely, here are the essential questions to ask before hiring a carpet cleaning service Calgary.

1. Are You Properly Licensed and Insured to Work in Calgary?

Why You Should Ask This Question: Hiring a licensed and insured company protects you from problems. If they damage your carpet or a worker gets injured in your home, insurance covers the costs. Without it, you might be responsible for paying.

What Type of Answer to Expect: A reliable company will say yes and be able to show proof of their license and insurance. If they hesitate or avoid answering, it’s a red flag.

Tip: Always ask to see their insurance details before booking. A professional company will be happy to provide them.

2. What Cleaning Method Do You Use, and Will It Work for My Type of Carpet?

Why You Should Ask This Question: Different carpets need different cleaning methods. Some carpets handle steam cleaning well, while others can shrink or get damaged if they get too wet. The wrong method could ruin your carpet.

What Type of Answer to Expect: The company should ask about your carpet type before recommending a method. If they only offer one type of cleaning for every carpet, they may not have enough experience.

Tip: Check your carpet’s manufacturer recommendations before hiring. This helps you make sure the company is using the right method.

3. Do You Offer a Guarantee if the Stains Don’t Come Out or If I’m Not Satisfied?

Why You Should Ask This Question: Some stains are tough to remove, but a good company should stand behind their work. If the cleaning isn’t done right, they should fix it.

What Type of Answer to Expect: A trustworthy company that offers carpet cleaning service Calgary will offer a re-cleaning or partial refund if you’re not happy. If they say "no guarantees," it’s a sign they don’t care about quality.

Tip: Ask for guarantee details in writing before booking. Some stains, like bleach marks, are permanent, so be sure they explain what is possible.

4. Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Pets, Children, and Those with Allergies?

Why You Should Ask This Question: Some cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can affect kids, pets, or people with allergies. The wrong products can also leave behind harmful residues in your home.

What Type of Answer to Expect: A good company will use non-toxic, pet-safe, and eco-friendly products upon request. They should be open about what they use and offer safer options if needed.

Tip: If someone in your home has allergies or asthma, ask if they offer fragrance-free or hypoallergenic cleaning solutions.

5. Is the Price You’re Quoting Final, or Will There Be Additional Charges?

Why You Should Ask This Question: Some companies offer low initial quotes but add extra fees later for things like stain removal, high-traffic areas, or moving furniture. Asking upfront helps you avoid surprises on your bill.

What Type of Answer to Expect: A professional company will give you a clear price breakdown and explain any extra costs before booking. If they avoid the question or are vague, they may be hiding fees.

Tip: Get a written estimate before agreeing to service. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for.

6. How Long Will It Take for My Carpets to Fully Dry After Cleaning?

Why You Should Ask This Question: Wet carpets can trap dirt, grow mold, or cause bad odors if they take too long to dry. Knowing the drying time helps you plan ahead and prevent damage.

What Type of Answer to Expect: Dry times vary based on the cleaning method and airflow in your home. Steam cleaning usually takes 6 to 12 hours, while dry cleaning can take just 1 to 2 hours. A good company will explain how to speed up the process.

Tip: Ask if they use fans or quick-dry technology to help carpets dry faster, especially in Calgary’s humid summers or cold winters.

7. Do You Move Furniture, and Is There a Fee for That Service?

Why You Should Ask This Question: If your furniture isn’t moved, some areas of your carpet won’t get cleaned. But moving furniture yourself can be difficult, so it’s important to know if the company does it for you.

What Type of Answer to Expect: Some companies move light furniture for free but charge for heavier items. Others may expect you to clear the space beforehand. A reliable company will tell you upfront what they can and cannot move.

Tip: If they charge for moving furniture, ask if you can prepare the space yourself to save money.

8. Can You Remove Deep Stains Like Wine, Coffee, and Pet Accidents?

Why You Should Ask This Question: Not all carpet cleaners specialize in deep stain removal. Some stains need special treatments, and if the company doesn’t have the right tools, the stain may not come out completely.

What Type of Answer to Expect: A skilled cleaner will explain their stain removal process and let you know if they have special treatments for tough stains. If they guarantee stain removal without even seeing the carpet, they may not be honest.

Tip: Send photos of the stains before booking so they can give a realistic expectation of the results.

9. How Often Should I Get My Carpets Cleaned in Calgary’s Climate?

Why You Should Ask This Question: Calgary’s harsh winters, dry climate, and fluctuating weather mean carpets collect dirt, dust, and moisture more quickly than in other regions. Knowing how often to clean them helps extend their lifespan and maintain air quality.

What Type of Answer to Expect: Most companies will recommend professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months for homes and every 3 to 6 months for businesses or high-traffic areas. If they don’t ask about foot traffic, pets, or local climate conditions, they may not be offering the best advice for Calgary.

Tip: If you have pets, allergies, or heavy foot traffic, ask about more frequent cleaning options to keep carpets fresh year-round.

10. Do You Offer Discounts for Recurring or Commercial Cleaning Services?

Why You Should Ask This Question: Many companies offer discounts for regular clients or large spaces, but they won’t always advertise them. Asking can help save money, especially for offices, hotels, or property managers needing frequent cleaning.

What Type of Answer to Expect: A good company will have loyalty programs, bulk pricing, or maintenance plans for regular customers. If they don’t, they may not specialize in long-term service.

Tip: If you need ongoing cleaning, ask about package deals or contracts for better pricing instead of paying per visit.

11. What Type of Equipment Do You Use, and How Does It Impact the Cleaning?

Why You Should Ask This Question: The right equipment makes a big difference in how deep and effective the cleaning is. Cheap or outdated machines might not remove dirt and stains properly, leaving carpets wet or damaged.

What Type of Answer to Expect: A reliable company will use professional-grade steam cleaners, hot water extraction machines, or dry cleaning equipment. They should also explain why their method is best for your carpet type. If they don’t provide details, they may not use high-quality tools.

Tip: Avoid companies using rental-grade or portable machines, as they often lack the power to properly deep clean carpets.

12. How Do You Handle Complaints or Re-Cleans if the Job Isn’t Done Right?

Why You Should Ask This Question: Even professional cleaners can miss a spot or fail to remove a stain. A good company should have a clear re-cleaning or refund policy in case you’re not satisfied.

What Type of Answer to Expect: A reputable company will offer a satisfaction guarantee and be willing to redo the job if needed. If they refuse to discuss complaints or blame the customer, that’s a red flag.

Tip: Ask how long you have to report issues after the cleaning. Some companies only allow 24 hours, while others provide a longer window for re-cleans.

Taking the time to ask these questions before hiring a carpet cleaning company can save you from hidden fees, poor service, and disappointing results.

See Also: Why Regular Carpet Cleaning is Essential for Calgary Homes?