I haven't used them, but the people on MONA rave about Chem Dry and I was planning on using them some day when I have time to call.

Not OP. We've made an appointment with Stanley Steemer. Will let you know how it goes!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Who do you use for the steam cleaning?

Another question: do you have to move all the furniture out of your rooms?

Obviously, you should pick up everything you can but the big furniture items don't have to be moved. They will clean around things that can't be moved and put little pieces of plastic under the sofa and table legs to keep them from getting wet while the carpet is drying.

I've used Stanley Steemer twice. The first time, the results were miraculous and the house looked great. The second time I used them (about 3 years later), they didn't work as hard to get out every stain. I don't know if the difference was the person doing the work or if they carpets were just starting to show their age.

After we got a dog, I purchased a Hoover rug shampoo machine and although it's obviously more work for me, I have liked the results I get and I can put more effort into the high-traffic areas.

Anonymous wrote:Who do you use for the steam cleaning?

Another question: do you have to move all the furniture out of your rooms?

Who do you use for the steam cleaning?

I've used chem dry and prefer the steam extraction method because it seemed more thorough. If you google carpet cleaning methods you can read up on the two techniques for carpet cleaning and decide which you think is better.

Why not just get wood floors and an indoor/outdoor carpet? Spills will just wipe up from both.

I hated Chem-Dry. They come in with these "polishing" machines that do an adequate job of cleaning the top surface of the carpet. However, they do not deep clean so any dirt or spill that is lurking below the surface of the carpet or in the padding is not touched. Basically, my house looked like it had a good vacuum. I recommend a steam cleaning company instead.

Anonymous wrote:How are spills a daily occurrence? Have them eat at the table and only allow covered drinks.

Aren't you a peach.

We used them for move-in cleaning. Worked fine.

I understand where you are coming from, however my post was not intended for some PITA to critique my parenting skills. Do you, dear PP, have any experience with Chem-Dry?

How are spills a daily occurrence? Have them eat at the table and only allow covered drinks.

We are having our family room renovated. We will be keeping the carpets until the kids are passed the age where spills are a daily occurrence. I know, I know, we will be waiting a long time. In the meantime, has anyone had a good or bad experience with Chem-Dry? Thanks for your help!