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Frequently Asked Questions

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

How long will it take to clean my carpet?



The carpet may be walked on with clean feet or shoes immediately after cleaning; however, we recommend limiting activity on the carpet to this foot traffic until it is completely dry.

How long will it take for my carpet to dry?

Drying time depends on humidity levels, air flow to the room(s) cleaned and the type of carpet. In general, turning on your air conditioning or heating system (depending on the time of year and your location) will help speed the process. While it typically takes between 1 to 3 hours for the carpet to dry, you can walk on it as soon as we are finished (just remember to remove street shoes first to avoid re-soiling).

I’ve heard that cleaning my carpet makes it soil faster. Is this true?

The modern cleaning methods Stain Away uses rinse virtually all cleaning agents out of the carpet so it will not attract dirt. This problem results from soap or oily powder particles being left in the carpet, which attract dirt. Companies that use soap to clean your carpet without completely rinsing it and companies which employ dry-cleaning methods are the most likely to cause this problem.

Will the cleaning agents used harm my children or pets?

Our basic cleaning solution is very similar to laundry detergent. While it is both family- and environmentally-friendly, it is always a good idea to limit contact between the recently cleaned carpet and your children or pets.

Do I need to move my furniture before the crew arrives?

Our crews are professionally trained to move your furniture, and return it to its rightful place when cleaning is completed. We will move most furniture that can be safely moved by a two man crew. However, there are several items we will not move, such as: pianos, electronics, china cabinets, waterbeds, large beds, dressers with mirrors, pool tables, etc. We do suggest you remove items off of your furniture like plants, lamps and knickknacks.


It is not necessary that you be home while your carpet is cleaned because our technicians are thoroughly trained professionals you can trust. In order to provide the best possible service, we do recommend that someone is home before we begin cleaning to discuss any specific needs or areas of concern regarding the care of your carpet.

Can I have both my area rug and the carpet that it sits on cleaned at the same time?

Yes. However, the area rug cannot dry over the wet carpet. The area rug must be taken to another area (such as dry carpet or clean concrete) to dry.

What should I do if the stains that were cleaned reappear?

Although most stains that are removed from carpet do not reappear, deep stains in carpet backing may wick to the surface after cleaning. If this happens, contact Stain Away at 1-847-543-4481 as soon as possible. They will be able to help you resolve this problem.

How do you guarantee customer satisfaction?

We are happy to work with you to correct any situation that may arise. In some cases this can mean spot cleaning specific areas of concern or even completely re-cleaning the areas in question. In the end, we’re not satisfied until you are.

Water Damage Restoration

Can my carpet be salvaged after flooding?

There are many factors that must be considered when determining if your carpet and pad can be safely salvaged after flooding. Your Stanley Steemer Water Restoration Manager will be able to assess the level of damage and will inform you of your options.

My hardwood floor has buckled. Can it be salvaged?

If the floor is dried quickly and thoroughly, it may be able to be fastened into place. There are no guarantees, however, that it can be salvaged.

How can I minimize the chance of molds or bacteria growing in my walls?

After flooding, the best way to prevent this occurance is to thoroughly dry the walls and the space between them as quickly as possible.

Does everything need to be removed from my home or business during restoration?

Not normally. Most of the time, it is best to create a large “drying chamber” out of the building itself.

Tile & Grout Cleaning

Why should I have my tile and grout cleaned?

Just like carpet, dirt builds up over time dulling your tile’s appearance and discoloring your grout. A thorough, professional tile and grout cleaning is the only way to remove the deep-down dirt.

How often should I have my floor cleaned?

As with carpet, many factors must be considered when determining the frequency of cleaning. Foot traffic, children, pets and routine floor maintenance will affect how often you have to have your tile and grout cleaned. Having a sealant applied to the grout lines following a professional cleaning will help extend the time between cleanings.

Why should I have my grout lines sealed?

Grout is a porous material that absorbs soil and spills, just like carpet. Having a sealant applied will help create a protective barrier, giving you more time to clean up dry and liquid dirt before it soaks into the grout. The type of sealant you choose will determine the degree of stain resistance.



