Q. Steam cleaning a carpet with a Rug Doctor? I just cleaned my carpet with a Rug Doctor. How soon am I supposed to see a difference? The people that lived here before us left the carpet a big mess, so I don't know if the carpet is just too bad, or if I did something wrong. Thanks!

A. There is the sponge backing underneath the carpet itself to consider. If it is dirty, no amount of carpet cleaning is going to really be helpful. Also consider the smell. If the carpet still smells bad after cleaning it, it's because the dirt infiltrated the bottom layers and the backing. Some stains do have a way of coming back and you'll just have to live with it or get a new carpet or buy a rug to cover it up.

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Q. I'm not talking about the Rug Doctor rentals, I mean the companies that have large trucks and use hot water extraction. If you have used these services before, what amount of carpet did they clean, how much did it cost, and were you satisfied? Any personal experience with furnace and duct cleaners would also be appreciated. Thank you!

A. When my mom moved into a 2 bedroom condo I had Sears come in to clean the carpets. I am unsure of the room sizes but they are average for a condo (livingroom-dining room combo, small hallway and 1 bedroom) I believe the cost was around $250-300. In all honesty, I was very unimpressed with both the quality and stain removal. I used to have an inexpensive carpet cleaning machine (add cleaner and empty water) and I was much happy with the results of that.

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Q. I have an invalid living in my house. He sometimes cannot control his bowels and makes a mess in the floor. I currently have carpet over hardwood floor. I need the carpet to be taken out and want to find some sort of flooring that can be mopped with Clorox or Lysol in water to destroy odor. I would like to avoid any type of flooring that would have to be glued to the hardwood. It appears that all vinyl flooring has to glued down. Does anyone have any idea what I can put over the hardwood that will stand up to some serious cleaning?

A. Try laminate flooring, it is easy to install by locking the pieces together like a puzzle and it floats(needs no glue). It also cleans like a dream, we just got it and love it. You can get the kind that looks like wood or tile. We have the ceramic tile type and it really looks like tile. GL!

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Q. It was a water based paint and unfortunately we left it thinking we would cover with carpet but now we have to sell up and we desperately need someone to come in to clean it off. Do floor cleaning companies do this kind of work? the hardwood floors have a seal, but they are quite old... any answers loved, we are desperate! (also does anyone knows how much they charge?) thanks!

A. Why pay someone? You can get it off with a $4.00 bottle of "latex paint remover".

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Q. My grandparents have both been moved (grandfather had surgery and is in hospital and grandmother is stroke patient and in nursing home). From what I understand from neighbors and my aunt (who have been in the house since my grandparents were moved to their respective locations), the house is just filthy--bodily fluids of all types, some human waste (from my sick uncle who lived there until recently), etc. They've been reclusive the last several months and I guess it's gotten pretty bad. Can anyone tell me how I could go about finding a company who would be willing to go to their house and clean it thoroughly (throwing away all upholstered furniture, ripping up carpet, deep cleaning floors/windows, etc.)? My aunt claims she can't find anyone in their area (Columbus, Ohio) who is able or willing to clean up a mess like this. Where could I start looking? I live in Georgia and they live in Ohio, so it would have to be somewhere I could get an online estimate, or at least a list of phone numbers for local Ohio businesses that handle things like this, since my aunt is pretty much a useless *****. (Sorry, I'm just very bitter about this. It's a deplorable situation.) I've tried ServiceMagic, but am not having any luck. Where can I start looking??

A. I would ask a police officer in that area there are companies that deal with clean up after homicides and they will do it but it will be expensive, and yes I understand they didn't die in their home violently but from what you have described something like that would be your only option, cause MollyMaid isn't gonna help you out at all! I just googled Ohio Homicide clean-up and several popped up. Good-luck

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Q. This is for a large bed room, about 270 sq ft. (26*11). Where is the best carpet installation place in Westchester, New York? I got a quote from a local carpet place in Mt. Kisco, NY. The name is Suburban Floor. Does any one know this store's reputation? They gave me a quote for $1,270, which includes removal the existing carpet and install new carpet, Mohawk brand, Sensational styple, 40 oz synthetic hair and jute padding. Is this a good price? Can I use the existing padding? If I do, the price would reduce by $100. Should I look into other companies such as Empire today, Home Depot and Lows? Any other suggestions? Also, the carpet is about 6 years old. What is the average year that bed room carpet should be replaced?

A. Hi. You can try Kanters Carpet Services in White Plains. Their phone number is 914-949-6517. I know they do installation and cleaning of any existing carpets.

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Q. In a bed room. what are some positives and negatives to each one?

A. Carpet is the norm for bed rooms. Yes it's soft and warm to walk on, but cleaning is a pain if you get spills and can look dingy early on. My recamendation to people is free floating wood floors. There not glued down and are comfy to walk on. Spills are easy to clean, wood is easy to shine to keep a new look and an area rug is always a good touch, which can be replaced when needed and diffirant rugs can give the room new feels every time pnygirls husband

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Q. Also have a husband, Saint Bernard and 2 pomeranians. I have a carpet shampooer, mop broom vacuum dust pan. Just looking for the top cleaning solutions and other good to have stuff! Yeah, I got the swiffer too

A. 1. Mrs. Meyers Cleaning products (all natural & really help with pet odors- I know from experience- it doesn't mask the odor but gets rid of it!) 2. Microfiber Towels 3. Paper Towels 4. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (perfect for walls-even removes dog slobber that flies on the walls when they shake- I used to have a Mastiff) 5. Mop 6. Bucket 7. Vacuum w/ attachments to get all that pesky dog hair that hides around the baseboards 8. Good Music - to keep you motivated! 9. Comfy clothes that you can move around in 10. A nice cold Beer for when you're all done! That's how I like to end my day of cleaning anyway!

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