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Areas of Responsibility

By Michael Hilton

Carpet Cleaning Areas of Responsibility

The carpet manufacturer should:

Provide written materials for consumer use, pertaining to specific methods of carpet cleaning, minimum frequency of carpet cleaning, special care instructions, or other minimum carpet care requirements that exceed this standard.

Provide complete warranty information.

Assume responsibility for manufacturer's warranty.

Provide information on spot removal (carpet stain removal) and carpet cleaning.

Provide carpet-use information including general information about household products or classes of products that can cause permanent damage and is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.

The dealer/distributor should:

Distribute material published by the manufacturer pertaining to carpet care and spot removal (carpet stain removal).

Assume responsibility for warranties that exceed manufacturer's warranty.

The carpet cleaner should:

Obtain copies of fiber producer and/or carpet manufacturer warranties to verify whether any special carpet cleaning method or procedure should be used.

Perform services according to manufacturers recommendations. If services requested by the consumer differ from recommendations of the manufacturer, a written release should be obtained from the consumer.

Provide a written estimate for the services to be performed.

Inspect the carpeted area prior to carpet cleaning to establish:

Amount of carpet to be cleaned

Method and procedure to be used

Areas that may require special attention or a techniques

Discuss and agree upon any post carpet cleaning treatments

Agree upon total charges for the carpet cleaning and any other services

If the carpet condition, fiber or manufacturer, or consumer expectations, indicate that a problem may develop as a result of the carpet cleaning, the cleaner should either refuse to clean the carpet or obtain a written release from the consumer prior to carpet cleaning.

Inform the consumer of correct post carpet cleaning procedures, including what to do immediately after carpet cleaning when the carpet may still be wet.

Carpet cleaner should possess instruments to confirm environmental conditions of the indoor environment and moisture content of cleaned surfaces.

Follow up within 12 hours after completion of carpet cleaning to confirm complete drying. Follow up must include physical inspection when environmental conditions exceed 65% rH.

Guarantee the workmanship for all carpet cleaning procedures.

Respond to all carpet cleaning complaints within fifteen (15) days of notification.

The consumer should:

Follow fiber producer and/or manufacturer recommendations for vacuuming, spot removal (carpet stain removal), carpet cleaning method, and suggested carpet cleaning intervals to properly maintain carpet.

About the Author
Michael Hilton was the original creator of Carpet Buyers Handbook. Having owned and operated a carpet wholesale company, Hilton has a vast knowledge about all-things carpet related as well as other types of flooring.