Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Does Chem-Dry of Lake Tahoe offer coupons, specials or promo codes for carpet cleaning?
Is Chem-Dry of Lake Tahoe a steam cleaning service?
No, Chem-Dry of Lake Tahoe is not a steam cleaner. We use carbonation to lift up dirt and grime from your carpets, so we do not need to use the gallons of water that typical steam cleaners use. Continue on to the next question below to see how Chem-Dry compares to steam cleaning.
Carpet Cleaning
How does Chem-Dry compare to steam cleaning?
Traditional steam cleaning often soaks carpets with an excessive amount of water filled with soaps and detergents. Carpets are then left wet for 1-2 days, leading to mold and mildew growth.
On the other hand, Chem-Dry of Lake Tahoe’s process is very different. We need only a fraction of the water that typical steam cleaners use and instead rely on millions of microscopic bubbles to explode dirt from deep in your carpet fibers. We can then quite easily extract the dirt and moisture from the carpet.
Why do I need protectant on my carpets?
Most new carpets come with a factory-applied protectant, but this wears off over time. Reapplying a protectant on your carpets can help resist stains and soiling, so your carpets will stay cleaner longer. Another reason protectant is a smart investment is that it slows the aging and wearing process and can extend the life of your carpets.
How do you remove pet urine odor from carpets?
Pet odors* can linger for months if not treated properly. As urine dries in the carpet and padding, what’s left are millions of concentrated urine crystals that become even more pungent. Many companies mask this odor. Chem-Dry uses a patented system, P.U.R.T.® (Pet Urine Removal Treatment), to break down enzymes and remove pet urine odor forever.
How long will it take for my carpet to dry completely?
Drying time depends on humidity levels, airflow to the room(s) cleaned, and the type of carpet. In general, turning on your air conditioning or fans will help speed up drying times. After a professional cleaning, it typically takes 1-2 hours for the carpet to dry. Sometimes carpets can take longer to dry for various reasons.
How often should I have my carpets cleaned?
Chem-Dry recommends a professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months for most carpets. Regular cleaning will prevent staining, preserve your carpet’s appearance, and remove destructive dirt and grime.
Should I vacuum before you arrive?
This is not necessary. Our professionally trained technicians will vacuum your carpets with our commercial, HEPA-filtered vacuum when they arrive as a standard part of our service.
What type of chemicals does Chem-Dry use?
Instead of soapy chemicals or detergents, Chem-Dry of Lake Tahoe uses a solution called The Natural®. This water-based cleaner is based on ingredients copied from Mother Nature and is designed to lift dirt and grime from carpet fibers to the surface. The Natura® core ingredients are Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Adipic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, and Gum Arabic. This makes The Natural® a perfect choice for healthier carpet cleaning in North Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas.
Rug Cleaning
Where do you clean the rugs?
We’ll pick up your rug, clean it at our shop, and deliver it back to you once it’s ready!
Does Chem-Dry of Lake Tahoe clean all types of area rugs?
Yes! We clean a wide range of area rugs, including synthetic rugs, wool rugs, oriental rugs, and other specialty pieces. Each rug is evaluated to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method for its specific fibers and construction.
How does professional rug cleaning from Chem-Dry of Lake Tahoe help protect my rug?
Over time, soils and debris can settle deep within rug fibers, leading to a dull appearance and premature wear. Professional rug cleaning from Chem-Dry of Lake Tahoe removes this buildup, helping preserve your rug’s color, texture, and overall longevity.
Can you remove spots or heavy traffic patterns from area rugs?
Many common spots and heavily used areas respond well to our rug cleaning process. Chem-Dry of Lake Tahoe technicians assess the rug’s material and condition before treatment to determine the best approach for restoring its appearance.
Upholstery Cleaning
How long does it take for furniture to dry?
In most cases, the furniture dries within just a couple of hours, but in some cases it may take overnight to fully dry depending on the upholstery’s fabric and how deeply it was cleaned – i.e. heavily stained areas will take longer to dry.
Do you offer protectant or stain guard for upholstery?
Yes, after the upholstery cleaning, you can have the furniture stain guarded with Chem-Dry’s Protectant.
How does Chem-Dry clean upholstery?
At Chem-Dry of Lake Tahoe, we don’t need gallons of soapy water or harsh chemicals to deep clean upholstery. Instead, we harness the natural cleaning power of carbonation!
Our Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) process uses a cleaning product called The Natural®. This water-based product releases millions of tiny bubbles into upholstery, which lift stubborn dirt and grime to the surface. We then use our exclusive PowerHead® technology to whisk away dirt and grime, leaving your furniture fresher, cleaner, and healthier.
How often should I clean upholstery?
Chem-Dry recommends cleaning upholstered furniture once every 24 to 48 months. This will prevent staining, reduce non-living allergens*, and help maintain the fabric.
Tile & Grout Cleaning
Why should I have my tile, stone and grout cleaned?
Just like carpet, dirt builds up over time that dulls your tile or stone’s appearance and discolors your grout. A thorough, professional tile, stone & grout cleaning is the only way to remove the deep-down dirt, make this area of your home look nicer, and ensure that all areas of your home are clean and healthy. Scrubbing tile & grout on your hands and knees isn’t a fun job – with our professional equipment, we can save your backache and make your tile surfaces look better than ever.
How often should I clean my tile, stone and/or grout?
Many factors need to be considered when determining the frequency of cleaning. Foot traffic, children, pets, and routine floor maintenance will affect how often you need to have your tile, stone & grout cleaned. If stains and discoloration are present, then your tile and grout are ready for a cleaning.
Why should I have my grout lines sealed?
Grout is a porous material that absorbs soil and spills. Having a sealant applied will help create a protective barrier, giving you more time to clean up dirt and liquid spills before they soak into the grout. The type of sealant you choose will determine the degree of stain resistance that the grout will have.