FAQ

Most manufacturers recommend that carpets are professionally cleaned by a qualified technician every 12-18 months. Carpets should be cleaned on a regular basis and before they become heavily soiled. Allowing soil to build up will significantly reduce the life of a carpet.

It is highly recommended that a professional cleaner is used. There are many items available to the public that are advertised for carpet and upholstery cleaning. However, along with these come many risks and the potential of causing irreversible damage. NCCA members have the correct training and knowledge, along with access to professional products, to ensure that a correct and safe job is carried out and the best possible results are achieved.

Yes, please visit the NCCA's emergency tips page for guidance on removing many general spots and stains shortly after they occur.

Please see the following webpage: www.ncca.co.uk/whynccamembers.php

Pricing will vary depending on many factors; the amount and type of work to be carried out, the construction and situation of the items, location of the customer, required equipment, etc. Due to the amount of variables in any given job, NCCA members are often unable to provide a quote over the phone, or without carrying out an on-site survey. It is highly recommended that a technician carry out a detailed inspection before commencing any work, to fully understand what they are dealing with and inform the customer of any potential problems.

All cleaning methods are designed to produce good results and each has its place within the industry. Some methods use more water and others more mechanical action. More important however, is whether the employed technician has the required training to carry out the cleaning properly and safely. NCCA members have a recognised qualification in carpet and upholstery cleaning and have been trained on the use of all cleaning methods. They will be able to advise on the most appropriate method, or combination of methods, for your situation.

Today’s chemicals and detergents are manufactured to the highest specifications for quality and effectiveness. Professional cleaners will only use detergents designed for the removal of soil from carpets and upholstery and, when used correctly, these will not lead to any rapid re-soiling. Detergents that are not designed for use on carpets and upholstery may cause re-soiling problems.

In all forms, the best cleaning results are achieved by the use of chemicals. NCCA members may use solvents, powders, detergents and other solutions during the cleaning process. Manufacturers in the cleaning industry work to the highest specifications for quality and safety, designing products specifically for the cleaning of carpets and soft furnishings; and for safe use within the domestic environment. If you have asthma or are chemically sensitive, most members will be able to use specialist chemicals designed to avoid causing any discomfort. Many members also offer environmentally friendly services with specific ‘Green’ cleaning products.

Health and safety is of paramount importance in the cleaning industry. Professional cleaning solutions are tested for their effects on the environment and occupants of areas in which they will be used. NCCA members will also ensure that the relevant safety procedures are followed during the cleaning process. It is highly recommended that children and pets stay off of a damp carpet until it is completely dry, this will help prevent slip and fall hazards as well as tracking in fresh soil.

Drying time depends on many conditions, including how soiled the item was, how much water was used, weather conditions, indoor atmosphere, etc. However, in most normal cases, carpets and soft furnishings should be dry within 6-8 hours. If drying is a concern mention it to the NCCA member, they will be able to advise on drying times and, if required, use some specialist techniques to speed up the process. Please note that there is usually an extra charge for this service.

If a carpet is properly installed, it is very rare that the cleaning process will cause it to shrink. NCCA members are advised to carry out a full inspection prior to any cleaning and test for potential problems such as shrinkage.

No guarantee can be made that any particular stain will be removed. Some stains permanently damage the carpet fibres and no amount of specialist cleaning will reverse this. Many NCCA members have received advanced training for spot and stain removal and will be able to deal with most problems. If you have a stain you are concerned about, discuss it with a member beforehand and they will be happy to advise.

It is important to note that protector will wear off of any carpet that is in use. Walking, vacuuming, general wear and cleaning will all have an effect on this. Carpet protectors shield the fibres, they are designed to prevent spillages, dropped items and other general wear affecting the carpet directly. However, in doing so it will lose some of its effectiveness and should be re-applied on a regular basis to ensure continued protection.

In most cases NCCA members will be happy to move furniture, however there may be an additional charge for this service. It is important that any valuable items or furniture containing valuables are moved by the customer, or clearly brought to the attention of the member.

No, it is not mandatory for carpet cleaning companies to become members of the NCCA. However, if a company is registered with us it shows that they have taken the time and expense to ensure they are in a position to offer the best possible service to their customers.

If you have a problem or complaint against a member of the NCCA, the Association is able to act as an independent arbitration service, up to solicitor level. However, before proceeding with a formal complaint we do recommend that you contact the member in question and inform them of the problem and reason for your complaint. In most cases members will be able to resolve a complaint before we need to get involved.

The Association has no authority over companies outside of the membership. We obviously would not recommend employing anyone that is not an NCCA member, as we cannot confirm that they are professionally trained or fully insured.

If you have a complaint against a non-member company you can contact your local trading standards office or consumer direct.

www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

However, if the company is illegally promoting or advertising themselves as NCCA members, or displaying the NCCA logo, we would need this to be reported to our office.

Check the website listing or contact the NCCA office.