When was the last time you cleaned your carpet, area rugs, or furniture? Last year? Two or more years ago? You can’t remember?

Carpet, rugs, and most fabric covered furniture are made out of fibers, like our clothes. We wouldn't dream of not washing our clothes for a year or more. Yet, it's the rare homeowner who cleans their interior home furnishings on an annual basis.

Most homeowners wait until the weather warms up, the sun shines, and the flowers start to bloom before they call to have their items cleaned. Or they wait until they can see spots and soils showing.

There is nothing wrong with this, but you may be missing out on some amazing opportunities.

Cleaning your furnishings during winter months offer some excellent advantages you may, or cannot get, during warm weather months.

Let's start with heat. Cleaning during cold weather months when the heat is on, helps your items dry faster.

Many people ask me: "How long will it take to dry?" Often, I ask in return, "How long does it take your towels to dry?" Then I listen to their response and address the factors that affect drying: temperature, humidity, and air movement.

With your heat on (temperature) and if you or the cleaner uses an air mover or fan (air movement), both of these used together rapidly speed the drying process. If a dehumidifier (humidity) is added, the drying time is shortened even more. Rapid dry times makes the homeowner and cleaner feel good.

Scheduling
Cold weather months are normally slower for many cleaners. This is an excellent time to schedule a cleaning since there are usually more appointment times available.

Some homeowners like to take winter vacations. Coordinating to have your items cleaned in your absence is quick, convenient and the homeowner has no inconveniences to deal with.

Carpets Stay Cleaner Longer
Yes, I really did write that. Based on my experiences, most homeowners and their guests remove their shoes and boots before entering the home or carpeted areas. Without tracking in snow, mud, dirt, soils, etc., your carpets actually remain cleaner longer.

Indoor Air Quality
With your home buttoned up, having dirty carpet is like having a clogged filter. All the pollen, dust, soils, pollutants that enter your home have settled into your carpet.

You clean and change the filters in your vacuum, automobiles, and heating systems. Don't forget your carpet. Cleaning it now removes those pollutants, helps your breathing, and improves your IAQ.

Price
Because it's our slow season, cleaning in the winter months usually offers many deep discounts. This can save the homeowner significant dollars and helps everyone: cleaning companies stay busy and earn income; homeowners save money and get their items cleaned with fast appointment times; and finally, the earned money is spent back in the community.

There may be other advantages too, but these will vary from company to company.

Don't wait any longer. Call to have your furnishings cleaned this winter and save money now.
 
Chuck Roberts is owner of Roberts Carpet & Upholstery Care, an authorized Von Schrader Associate specializing in low-moisture cleaning. For more information, contact him at 413-458-9399 or robertscf@aol.com.