Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning Service Questions
1. I've Heard it's best to put off having your carpet cleaned as long as possible is that true?
No. In fact, many of the major carpet mills today recommend professional cleaning at least once per year. The build up of soil in your carpet in combination with foot traffic creates abrasion that breaks down your carpet's fibers. The higher the traffic in a given area, the more often the carpet will need cleaning. Professional cleaning does not replace the weekly maintenance that you, the householder has to undertake, but it is essential for the weekly maintenance to remain effective.
2. How safe are your cleaning and protection methods?
We use only the safest, most effective technology to assure not only your satisfaction, but your safety as well. We do not use any harsh chemicals nor will we leave any irritant
3. Is there anything I should do before Givens shows up?
It’s a good idea to vacuum before we arrive and we appreciate if small objects could be picked up off the floor. We also ask that you remove breakables such as lamps, knick-knacks, family treasures, photo-frames and ashtrays. We will carefully move your furniture and put it back in place after the cleaning. Technicians will carefully clean around delicate or large furniture
4. Can you get the pet stains out of my carpet
Pet odor is a very common problem that could be much more complex than on first impression. Pet urine can easily soak through the backing of the carpet into the padding underneath. In more severe cases the urine can penetrate into the sub-floor beneath the padding. This creates a problem that is multi-layered.
The urine also provides for the growth of bacteria. This in turn contributes to a worsening of the odor problem and can contribute to permanent color loss of the carpet fiber. To eliminate this problem, the urine must be removed or neutralized from each of the layers affected. If the contamination is limited to only the face yarn of the carpet then the cleaning itself may effectively remove the odor. In more severe cases a urine neutralizer may be applied.
In the most severe cases, replacement of the carpet padding, treatment of the under-side of the carpet and the sub-floor may be required. Even replacement of the carpet, however, can not guarantee complete removal of the odor.
5. Do you use my water?
Most of our vans are equipped with water on board capabilities, however at times we replenish our supply at the customer’s home. If you need us to use only our water, please let us know and we will come prepared.
6. How soon can I walk on my carpet again?
Keep pets, children and regular traffic off the carpet for a period of six hours. Adults may use the carpet lightly immediately after cleaning by wearing socks or house slippers... Some carpets may still feel slightly damp for up to 18 hours depending on the carpet fiber type and soiling condition. This is normal and will not cause any problems.
7. Do you put anything under my furniture to protect my and upholstery after the carpet is cleaned?
Yes, we use protective Styrofoam blocks and plastic tabs to protect your carpet from rust or furniture stains. You should wait until your carpet is completely dry before removing them.
8. How long do I have to leave my cushions propped after I have mu upholstery cleaned?
You should leave everything in place – including the Styrofoam blocks and plastic tabs in between contacting surfaces – until the upholstery is dry. This will prevent color transfer. Twelve hours should be more than enough time
9. Do you clean cars, SUV's, and vans on site?
Yes, this service can be arranged. Please call Givens and speak to a Customer Care Representative, who will be happy to assist you.
10. What is your policy if I am not happy?
If you are not happy, Givens is not happy! We give our customers a seven-day guarantee. This means if you are not satisfied for any reason, we will come back and re-service the area at no charge..
Disaster Service Questions
Water Damage
1. How can I know if I have water damage in the kitchen?
The following are typical signs of water damage in the kitchen:
Leaks under the sink, slow draining pipes, cracked tile or missing grout, soft or stained walls and floors, leaks under and arond the base of the dishwasher, and moisture behind the refigerator
2. Where do I need to look for water damage in the bathroom while inspecting?
Start with the toliet; check the water lines, the floor around the toliet; the tank and the toliet rim. Make sure no leaks are visible. then inspect the shower and bathtub. Inspect the tiles, the grout, drain and visible plumbing. Confirm that all seals are tighten and dry. Be attentive to discolorations or soft areas around the bathtub walls
3. I can see discoloration on the wall near my utility sink and the wall is getting softer. Does that mean there is a problem?
Stained or discolored walls around the utility sink probably means there is an internal leak in the pipes behind the stained wall. Fixing these pipes usually requires professional help.
Mold
1. What is so dangerous about mold?
Mold is mainly dangerous to your health as it may cause light allergic reactions to serious illness. It is more dangerous to infants, children, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with respiratory diseases, a weakend immune system, and those who suffer from allergies.
2. Will cleaning moldy areas stop growth?
Cleaning is an important step when attempting to eliminate mold but it is not enough and will not stop mold growth. To stop mold you mustremove the moissture source that prootes the growth. it is most recommended to keep the affected area dry and moisture free.
3. Where does mold grow?
Mold can be found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Usually, mold is found in damp areas, such as basement or bathroom, as well as in the outdoor environment in grass, leaf piles, hay and mulch.
Sewage Back-Up
1. What are the health risks related to exposure to sewage?
Exposure to sewage or its products may result in diseases such as: Gastroenteritis, Hepatitis, Occupational asthma, Weil's Disease, Allergic Alveolitis, in extreme cases exposure to sewage can cause fatal damage to the liver, kidneys and blood, and infection of the skin or eyes.
