How to Prepare for a Professional Carpet Cleaning (Checklist)

A little preparation makes your carpet cleaning faster and the results better. Here's a simple checklist for the day before and the day of your appointment.

The day before

• Pick up the floor. Toys, shoes, clothes, bags and anything else on the carpet.
• Move small, light furniture — side tables, chairs, floor lamps, plants — out of the rooms being cleaned.
• Put breakables somewhere safe, including anything on low shelves near the work area.
• Clear under beds and couches if you want those areas cleaned.
• Vacuum high-traffic areas if you have time. (We remove dry soil as part of the cleaning, so this is a bonus, not a must.)
• Make a list of problem spots — stains, pet areas, anything that's come back after cleaning.

The day of

• Leave a parking spot close to your door. Our equipment runs from the truck, with hoses into the house, so a driveway spot near the entrance helps.
• Plan for pets. Keep them in a room that isn't being cleaned, crated, or out for the day.
• Kids: a fun outing or a room upstairs keeps everyone out of the work area.
• Walk through with your technician and point out every stain and concern.
• Tell us about delicate items — wool rugs, antique furniture, or anything you're unsure of.

After the cleaning

• You can walk on carpet right away with clean socks or bare feet, but keep traffic light for at least two hours.
• Run fans, the A/C or a dehumidifier — most carpets dry in 6–10 hours.
• Wait until the carpet is dry before putting furniture back. If you must replace it sooner, put foil or plastic tabs under the legs to prevent stains from wood or metal.
• Keep pets off until it's dry.

Good to know

We bring our own treated water in the truck, so you don't need to provide water or a hose. If you have questions before your visit, our FAQ covers drying times and more — or just call. Ready to schedule? Get an instant estimate and request a time.