Questions & Answers

Extending Carpet & Upholstery Life (3)

Will water ruin my carpet?

Water can damage carpet if it is not properly removed or if it’s overused. However, Chem-Dry Carpet Tech only uses 1/10 the amount of water/moisture that steam cleaning companies and shampooers use. Also, Hot Water Extraction is the method of carpet cleaning that most manufacturers recommend.

How often do upholstery manufacturers recommend to clean furniture items?

Manufacturers recommend professional upholstery cleanings every 24-48 months. Sometimes professional cleanings are required more frequently depending on the amount of use.

Do you offer protection or stain guard?

Yes, after the upholstery cleaning you can have the furniture stain guarded with Chem-Dry’s Protectant.

Carpet Cleaning (14)

How long will it take to clean my carpet?

On average, it will take approximately 20 minutes per room. This amount of time can vary greatly depending on the amount of furniture to be moved, how soiled the carpet is, and any necessary spot removal treatments.

Will water ruin my carpet?


How long will it take for my carpet to dry completely?

Drying time depends on humidity levels, airflow to the room(s) cleaned, and the type of carpet. In general, turning on your air conditioning or fans will help accelerate dry times. While it typically takes 1-2 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). Sometimes carpets can take longer to dry for various reasons.


We use an all natural, biodegradable carpet and upholstery cleaning solution so that no sticky or filmy residues are left behind. The problem results from residues being left in the carpet which attract dirt.

How long do I have to wait to use the carpets?

Carpets can be walked on with clean bare feet or clean socks immediately after the cleaning. We do recommend as little activity on the carpet as possible to avoid re-soiling or mishaps. Also, be careful walking from carpet to hard surfaces as it can be very slippery when carpets are wet or damp.

Will your chemicals harm my pets or kids?

No. Chem-Dry Carpet Tech uses an all natural, Green Certified cleaning product as a core cleaner. This upholstery & carpet cleaner is called The Natural and is on the F.D.A.’s G.R.A.S. list.

Why do your prices vary from other carpet cleaners?

When comparing prices, asking lots of questions is a great way to start. Our prices include treating spots and moving furniture. Also, we never sub-contract, so our technicians are always background checked, drug tested and properly trained Chem-Dry Carpet Tech employees. We always stand behind our work.

Do you move furniture?

Our professional technicians will move sofas, love seats, chairs and tables.

Do I have to be home while the carpets are being cleaned?


Do you charge per room?

No, since rooms vary in size, we find that it is more fair to charge by size (i.e. square footage).

Do you measure open areas only?

No, our prices are based on wall to wall cleaning. We expect 70% of the carpet area to be cleaned. We do, however, move most furniture at no additional cost. This allows us to clean as much carpet as possible.

Will the price change upon arrival?

Our estimates over the phone are just our way of giving our clients an approximate cost based on the information the client provides us. Therefore, we like to provide our customers with free in-home estimates since an accurate and firm quote can only be given once our technicians have had the opportunity to assess the condition of the carpets and measure the areas to be cleaned.

How frequently should I get my carpets cleaned?

Carpets should be cleaned when they are dirty. Homes with pets or kids should be cleaned every six months and homes with adults only should be cleaned at least once a year. In addition, carpets should be vacuumed at least once a week.

Why do I need protectant on my carpets?


Upholstery Cleaning (6)

Why should I have my upholstered items professionally cleaned?

In homes that have carpet, up to 80% of the dust and dirt brought into the home can end up in your carpeting, furniture and other upholstered fabrics. It is highly recommended that upholstery be cleaned regularly. Two reasons why it’s important to clean upholstery are to prevent damage and to ensure longevity.

How often do upholstery manufacturers recommend to clean furniture items?


How does Chem-Dry Carpet Tech clean upholstery?

Our core cleaner, The Natural, is applied with low pressure. The carbonated cleaning bubbles lift dirt, soil, airborne allergens and spots. Then, we use hot carbonated extraction to remove the cleaning solution, dirt, soil and airborne contaminants.

Do you clean microfiber upholstery?

Yes, we do fantastic work on microfiber upholstery. It is one of our favorite types of fabric because Chem-Dry Carpet Tech’s patented solution is able to get out soil other cleaning processes leave behind.

Do you offer protection or stain guard?


How long does it take for furniture to dry?

Most cases within just a couple of hours. Sometimes, not often, drying may take a night, depending on the fabric and soil condition.

Tile & Grout (4)

Why should I have my tile and grout cleaned?


Why should I have my grout lines sealed?


How often should I clean my tile and grout?


Does your tile special include clean and seal?


Leather Cleaning (3)

Why should I have my leather cleaned?


Do manufacturers recommend professional leather cleanings? And if so, how often?

Yes, manufacturers recommend cleaning every 6–12 months.

What can I expect from a professional leather cleaning by Chem-Dry Carpet Tech?

Our professional cleaning removes soil but it cannot correct the damage that soil has already caused. We can offer you a free demo that will help you understand the potential outcome of the cleaning, all at no cost to you. In extreme cases, some leather may need restoration in addition to cleaning.

Area Rug (8)

How often should I clean my area rugs?

The time frame for cleaning a rug depends on how much traffic it gets. We recommend professional rug cleaning be performed every 1-2 years. If there are pets, smokers, or people with respiratory illnesses in your home, area rug cleaning should be performed more often.

How do I determine when it is time to clean my Oriental rug?

Kneel down on the rug and smells it. If you detect foul odor, it is time to have it cleaned.

Do you guarantee pet odor removal?


The tag on my Oriental rug says dry clean only. Is your method safe?


What process do you use to clean my area rug?


Do you bleach my fringe?

We do not bleach the fringe because chlorine based bleaches damage the fiber by weakening it.
However, we do have specialty non chlorine products that we can use to make fringes whiter.

Do you have to remove my rugs?

Yes, we always recommend removing the rugs from the home so we may clean it properly.

How long does it take to get my rug back?

It usually takes 7 days from pick up to delivery. This allows enough time for cleaning, drying, grooming, packing and re-delivery.

Commercial Cleaning (3)

What types of buildings do you service?

We service all types of commercial and professional properties. Give us a call and let us show you can maintain a cleaner, drier and healthier work environment for your customers and employees.

How many employees does your cleaning service have?

We have many technicians on staff to handle most commercial jobs. On that rare occasion when you need something done in a hurry, we can always count on our fellow ChemDry to lend a hand. No matter how large your project is. Give us a call for more details.

Water Damage Restoration (7)

What should I do after a flood, sewage or water leak?

The first thing you should do is contact a water damage remediation company. You do not want to delay, since mold begins to form after twelve hours. The longer water sits, the more opportunity it has to wreak havoc on wood, walls and carpet. You will also want to contact your insurance company to begin the claim process, avoid the affected area whenever possible. If there is standing water in an area with electrical appliances, do not enter the room under any circumstances.

My crawl space is flooded. What is a crawl space and how do I fix it?

Your crawl space is the area below your home that workers have access to so they can put in plumbing and the electrical wiring. When this area becomes flooded, a water damage restoration company will make different recommendations according to the cause of the problem.
If raw sewage leaks into the area, they might use a sewer gas evacuator to help remedy the issue. If mold grows in the area, they will take the necessary steps to remove it and clear the air of harmful spores. The Water Damage Experts specialize in crawl space water damage remediation and restoration.

What are some common effects of water damage?

Excess water in your home has the potential to create a variety of unwanted secondary effects. Property can be ruined or its value decreased, the structure of the home compromised, and water damage remediation services can cost thousands of dollars. Paint and wallpaper can chip, carpets can be destroyed and wood floors can rot. Mold can grow from untreated excess water and pose a serious threat to your health and the health of your family.

What are some side effects of mold?

Mold and mildew can cause many problems, both to your family’s health and to your home. It can destroy furniture, drywall and wood. It can offer a place where unwanted bacteria, mites, rodents and roaches can live. Health-wise, mold has been known to be carcinogenic, and can cause flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea and infections, and stuffy noses.

What does the water damage restoration process involve?

The Water Damage Experts will first inspect the area and attempt to stop the water source from creating additional damage. We will then use our water extraction machinery to remove any standing or access water from the site. Once the water is gone, we start the drying process with dehumidifiers and heavy fans. When the area is dry to our satisfaction, we test the air to make sure the problem is resolved and the moisture and any mold spores have been removed.

Will insurance cover the water damage to my property?

Whether or not the insurance company will cover the damage depends on the source of the damage, (i.e. whether it was a natural disaster like a flood, or if it was caused by a burst pipe.) The insurance company will also want to make sure that you took the necessary precautions to try and prevent the situation.
Water Damage Experts are experienced with the insurance claim process. We deal with insurance companies on a daily basis, and can help you submit your claim properly and effectively the first time around. We are here to help you, and our water damage remediation services are accepted by all the big homeowners insurance companies.

Drapery, Curtain & Blind Cleaning (5)

The lining on my drapes is falling apart. Can you help?

NO, we do not make new lining for drapes.

Do you clean sheers?

Yes. But they must be strong enough; sometimes the old ones are too weak for cleaning. The Technician can determine on site. Typically, sheers can be washed. And in fact, you can, at least in theory, do it yourself. But make sure to fold them in such a way that hooks don’t rip the fabric apart.

Can waterstains be removed?


How much does it cost?

We can tell you what the cost will be at the time of the estimate. Estimate is required, but it is free. We must examine your window treatments and take notes of the existing condition before embarking on the cleaning. Minimum charge for any job is $175.00. There are no hidden charges ever.

How long does it take?


Mattress (2)

Do you clean mattresses?


How can you clean a feather pillow?

Feather and down pillows can be cleaned in your machine, but make sure there are no slits or tears in the covers and that the ticking is secure. For balance, load two pillows at a time and use only a small amount of detergent. Set the machine on the delicate cycle and give the pillows a second rinse. For drying, place them in the dryer with several clean tennis shoes, which will aid in the fluffing process. It’s also a good idea to take them out periodically and fluff by hand; use your fingers to break up any clumps. Pillows will take longer to dry than a normal load of clothes. If they have a musty smell, set them in the sun for a couple of hours.

Pet Urine & Odor Removal (2)

Do you take care of pet accidents?


How do you remove pet urine odor from carpets?


Specialty Stain Removal (2)

Can you remove certain stains?

Yes, in addition to our signature carpet cleaning process, Chem-Dry Carpet Tech uses Specialty Stain Removal services so that even the toughest stains do not stand a chance. No matter what type of stain you may have, we can most likely are able to remove it.

Do you offer protection or stain guard?


South Coast Chem-Dry (7)

What type of payment do you take?

We take cash, check, and all major credit cards.

Are your cleaning products safe for the environment?

The Chem-Dry Carpet Tech process is a green certified deep cleaning and patented carbonated cleaning solution that is mostly all natural in content. It is 100% hypoallergenic and non-toxic.

Is there a soapy residue left after the cleaning?

The Chem-Dry Carpet Tech process contains no soap, shampoo or sticky residue that can cause quick re-soiling.

What kind of chemicals do you use?

Chem-Dry Carpet Tech uses an advanced Green carbonation solution, The Natural®, which the FDA has placed on the Generally Recognized as Safe (G.R.A.S.) list.


South Coast Chem-Dry does occasionally offer coupons, specials and promo codes. You can find our current coupons on the Coupon page. As well, you can keep updated on our latest carpet cleaning coupons and promotions by following us on facebook

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Serving Orange County, California