Frequently Asked Questions
Your Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Questions Answered
What areas do you service? The Great Cleaning Co. proudly provides professional carpet steam cleaning, upholstery cleaning and commercial carpet cleaning throughout Sydney's North Shore and Northern Beaches. If you're unsure whether we service your suburb, simply get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
What is the difference between carpet steam cleaning and dry carpet cleaning? We primarily use hot water extraction (carpet steam cleaning), the most effective method for deep cleaning residential carpets by removing embedded dirt, allergens and bacteria. For many commercial carpets, we also offer encapsulation (Very Low Moisture or VLM) cleaning, which provides fast drying times and minimal disruption.
How long does carpet steam cleaning take to dry? Drying times typically range from 6 to 8 hours, depending on the carpet type, airflow, humidity and weather conditions. Good ventilation and air movement will help your carpets dry faster.
How often should I have my carpets professionally cleaned? Most homes benefit from professional carpet steam cleaning every 12 to 18 months. Homes with pets, children or allergy sufferers may benefit from cleaning every 6 to 12 months, while commercial premises often require more frequent maintenance.
Can you remove all carpet stains? Many stains can be significantly improved or completely removed. However, permanent stains, dye damage, bleach spots or stains that have chemically altered the carpet fibres cannot always be removed. We'll always provide honest advice and recommend the most suitable treatment.
Is upholstery cleaning safe for delicate fabrics? Yes. Every piece of upholstery is inspected before cleaning to determine the safest cleaning method. We use professional upholstery cleaning equipment and, where appropriate, gentle horsehair brushes and fabric-specific cleaning solutions to protect delicate materials while achieving outstanding results.
Can you remove pet urine and odours? Yes. Our pet stain and odour treatment is designed to target urine contamination, bacteria and odour-causing residues within carpets and upholstery. While many odours can be successfully treated, severe contamination that has reached the carpet backing or underlay may require additional restoration work.
What is encapsulation (VLM) carpet cleaning? Encapsulation, also known as Very Low Moisture (VLM) carpet cleaning, is a fast-drying cleaning method commonly used in commercial buildings. It uses specialised cleaning solutions that surround dirt particles, allowing them to be removed during routine vacuuming while keeping business disruption to a minimum.
Do you move furniture? We can move light furniture where practical, such as dining chairs and small tables. For safety reasons, we don't move heavy items such as beds, wardrobes, entertainment units or large cabinets. We recommend moving valuable or fragile items before our arrival.
Is carpet and fabric protection worth it? Absolutely. Professional fabric protection helps carpets and upholstery resist everyday spills and stains, making routine cleaning easier and helping your furnishings stay cleaner for longer. It's especially recommended after professional cleaning.
Are your cleaning products safe for children and pets? Yes. We use professional cleaning products that are safe when used correctly. Once the treated areas are dry, they are safe for children and pets to use.
Do you provide commercial carpet cleaning? Yes. We provide professional commercial carpet cleaning for offices, retail stores, medical practices, schools, childcare centres, strata buildings, hospitality venues and other commercial properties throughout Sydney's North Shore and Northern Beaches.
How much does carpet or upholstery cleaning cost? Pricing depends on the size of the area, the type of carpet or upholstery, the level of soiling and any specialised treatments required. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your cleaning needs.
Why choose The Great Cleaning Co.? We combine professional equipment, premium cleaning solutions and attention to detail to deliver exceptional results. Whether you need carpet steam cleaning, upholstery cleaning, commercial carpet cleaning or pet stain treatment, we're committed to providing reliable service, honest advice and outstanding customer care across Sydney's North Shore and Northern Beaches.