Choosing a carpet cleaner isn’t easy! Why?

Because you are bombarded with misleading advertising, confusing claims and simply bad information. From ridiculously low prices and high pressure sales to unqualified technicians and near worthless methods or poor results.

How do you ever find a qualified competent professional carpet cleaner you can trust in your home? You can start by reading this Consumer’s Guide.

We wrote this guide to help you better understand carpet cleaning and the benefits of selecting our company. Now, with this information you can make an informed, intelligent decision before you waste your time, money and frustration.
In 1992, Randy started cleaning carpets at apartment communities out of the back of his pick-up truck..

Since then, we have become an IICRC certified professional cleaning firm and recognized as Maryland’s and New York’s top personalized cleaner.

We’ve invested in state of the art truck-powered cleaning equipment, which results in a cleaner and dryer carpet.

Our company has grown through referrals and repeat clients because of our
honest reputation and self-imposed high quality standards.

We have helped thousands of particular homeowners in the Howard Co. and
surrounding area keep their carpet, oriental rugs, tile/grout, and upholstery in
beautiful condition and at the same time create an indoor environment that’s clean and healthy. We have dedicated our business to educating consumers on how to care for their carpet so it will look beautiful for years to come.

Mistake #1: Choosing a company you don’t feel safe or comfortable with in the privacy of your home.
Does having some stranger come into your home concern you? Be careful, let’s face it, you have to be cautious who you trust nowadays. There are reports where unscrupulous technicians steal right under your nose or have cased your home for future robbery. Also, often only the lady of the house is home alone. It’s critical she feels safe. Superior Steam Cleaners is a family owned and operated company that you can trust in your home. Superior’s appearance is clean cut, uniformed and neatly groomed. We are well mannered, polite, friendly, honest, trustworthy and are non-smokers. Life is busy. Both spouses often work or are busy running errands. We regularly clean for our clients when no one is at home. We take that trust very seriously. Our clients are considered to be our friends. You’re going to love us.
Mrs. Probst - I appreciate being able to trust you in my home when I am not home and being able to leave a blank check for you to fill out when finished. Mary Ann Oberholtzer - I was 'referred' to Superior Steam Cleaners by my next door neighbor. After 14 years we both still use your company. In that time, I've only seen your operators a few times as I trust them enough to leave a key and blank check while I'm at work. Now that says something!

Mistake #2: Choosing a company that just treats you like another job.
Are you still searching for a better carpet cleaning company because you felt that the job you received was inferior to your standards and that you didn’t receive any specialized attention? Superior offers personal friendly service. As a small family business we value each one of our clients and work hard to build a lasting relationship with every client. We have a vested interest in our company and that means we satisfy your specific needs so you will be a client for life.Mrs. Eley - You made us feel very comfortable. Superior Steam Cleaners made us feel like we were more than just a customer, they treated us like we were their friends.

Mistake #3: Choosing a company that does not have a professional image.

This may not cross your mind until an inferior company shows up to clean in your home. Are their trucks taken care of, professionally lettered? Are the technicians uniformed, clean cut and well groomed? You will have no disappointment when you have us. Our professional appearance will let you feel at ease.
Mr. & Mrs. Cornwell - Both men were so well dressed and clean! How they look should not have mattered, however their clean cut appearance made it very comfortable to have them in my home. I love family owned businesses.
Mr. & Mrs. Bruick - I have already told people you define the word “professional.” Your company saved our carpet and gave us a peace of mind. You took your time and produced a flawless carpet!

Mistake #4: Choosing a company that does not treat your home as their own and perform a detailed cleaning.
It’s very uncomfortable to confront some careless worker in your home that you would rather just ask them to leave. Superior caters to even fussy clients, who are very particular, with higher expectations. We are meticulous. We use our small hand tool to reach in tight areas and along walls with dark edges. We exercise care while working with your furnishings, woodwork, walls or anything in your home.
Lynn & Jan Lipp - I am a neat freak, that’s what my husband calls me. Shaun cared for my home the way I do. They protected my walls and woodwork while cleaning our carpet to perfection. They actually got down on their hands and knees in the tight areas and along the woodwork. WOW!

Mistake #5: Choosing a company that is not experienced.
You’d be shocked how quickly most companies let a new employee be in charge of their own truck. Training is sometimes the blind leading the blind. Superior Steam Cleaners has been in business since 1992, we’re not rookies anymore. We have cleaned multiple thousands of homes. The difference between a rookie and a professional is often in the details. Over two-thirds of our business every year are repeat clients who love our detailed service experience.
Mr. & Mrs. Kline - We love Superior and have been customers since 1992.

Mistake #6: Choosing a company who can not schedule an appointment to fit your needs.
Does the telephone representative listen to your needs? Superior schedules you as quickly as possible and at a time that’s convenient. We go out of our way to accommodate same day, short notices or emergencies for our clients. We always call you when we are headed to your home.
Mrs. Probst -You always try to work me into your schedule as soon as possible.

Mistake #7: Choosing a company that doesn’t use hot-water extraction, or doesn’t use truck-mounted equipment.
You’re getting short changed if anything other than truck-mounted equipment is used. Superior has invested in the best of the best, top of the line van powered truck-mount. Our mobile power plant generates high pressure, hot water, and strong vacuum- all key elements in quality carpet cleaning.


Mistake #8: Choosing a company who uses unsafe chemicals.
Unsafe chemicals being used is something most people don’t even think about. But you should. We use cleaning agents that are safe for kids, pets, allergy sufferers and the environment. We also bring our own pre-softened water. Soft water cleans better, requiring 50% less cleaning agent.
Mrs. Kildaski - Their special attention to allergy and health concerns is greatly appreciated.

Mistake #9: Choosing a company that leaves your carpet soaking wet.
Most steam cleaning carpet cleaners have a ‘not so good reputation’ of leaving the carpets unusually wet, in fact, in some cases soaked for days. Superior does not even wet the carpet backing, or the pad. Our clients love how fast their carpet dries. We maintain our equipment properly, adjust our water pressure lower than other companies, take extra effort in additional vacuum passes and we can utilize fans to speed dry areas while on site. We usually have rooms dry before we depart many jobs. Your carpet and upholstery is safe with us from over wetting.
Mrs. Tyler -There is no worry about wetness. Previously we used a dry cleaner because we were worried about over wetting carpets and padding. Superior Steam Cleaners left our carpets looking beautiful and almost dry upon completion.
Mrs. Romary - The carpet doesn't feel saturated after cleaning. The carpets are thoroughly clean and dry in a few hours.

Mistake #10: Unknowingly choosing a company who has a reputation of rushing their work .
Ask, ‘How long will it take for your cleaning job?’ If you feel you are a victim of a quick job, don’t hesitate to watch the crew the entire time. Request for them to slow down, clean more passes in the traffic areas and to take additional dry vacuum strokes. Or next time just hire Superior because we Never Rush Our Work, even in the event of running behind schedule. Every job receives our high quality workmanship. It’s evident in the time we take to thoroughly perform our services. Even with the proper equipment and cleaning agents, your carpet may still not be as clean if the technician has a poor cleaning technique. Superior's cleaning technique separates us. We take as many cleaning strokes as needed to remove as much dirt as possible. We do not "scrub" your carpet, by cleaning with the pressure spraying in both directions, which can be faster, but it can result in over wetting.
Mrs. Schweizer - Superior Steam Cleaners does a great job. They are never in a hurry to get the job done. They are there taking their time being particular and getting the job done the right way.
Mrs. Keplinger - Superior Steam Cleaners is different from other carpet cleaners because of the time they put into cleaning the carpet. They spend over 75% longer than any other carpet cleaner and the carpet is not soaking wet when they are done.

Mistake #11: Choosing a company who does not provide follow up advice on how to care for your carpet.
It would be appreciated to receive some follow-up information after the job is complete. Superior sends helpful advice on how to keep your carpets clean at no extra charge. We will also give you a complimentary bottle of a safe and effective spot cleaner, along with 24 hour access to a spotting guide on our web site. Just another added value of Superior’s service.
Mr. & Mrs. Fruchey - They answered all my questions and gave me some great tips for future carpet problems. Mr. & Mrs. Steele - Alan told me the proper way to spot clean and which products to use.
Mrs. Rorick - The follow-up information was a first for me. No other cleaner wanted any feedback. I appreciated the thank you letter, tips on drying the carpet and the paper on 12 ways to keep the carpet clean.

Mistake #12: Choosing a company that is not certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. (IICRC) The better cleaning companies are those that have been certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, known as the IICRC. You cannot buy this certification. It must be earned through classroom study, experience and successfully completing a formal written exam. However, often in larger companies, the owner gets their certification but does not invest in every technician to do so. The travel cost of sending technicians, often out of town to 2-5 day classes, along with paid lost work time, can be several hundred dollars per technician per course. Before you choose a carpet cleaner, ask to see written proof of the companies IICRC certification. The technician should have his own personal plastic card (credit card size) stating every course the technician has completed. For more information visit their website at www.IICRC.org The IICRC gives out names of certified firms on a rotational bases. Because of our dedication to education, our company and technicians are certified by the IICRC. This training allows us to be true experts. As of January 1, 2008, most carpet mills are requiring proof of hiring an IICRC Cleaning Firm every 12-18 months to keep your carpet warranty in effect.
Mrs. Keller - I was impressed with the knowledge that Randy and Shaun had. They did not belittle me because I did not know much about carpet. They are truly experts. Mr. Kidd - You are knowledgeable and you seem to really know carpet. The technicians seem better trained to identify, treat, and instruct how to care for carpet.

Mistake # 13: Choosing a company who pays its employees oncommission.
You will resent it if a tech is not paid enough per hour. The tech must rely on commissions to up-sell to make a decent living. Superior Steam Cleaners refuses to use high pressure tactics. Our technicians are paid hourly, not commission. This takes the pressure off the tech. He can now concentrate on providing the proper amount of time and effort to each and every clients cleaning job. We are friendly professional consultants, helping you make educated decisions in your flooring investment to keep your home clean and healthy.
Mrs. Worrell - The technician was not a salesman and did not try to push any products or extra services.
Mrs. Dougan - I especially appreciated not having to deal with a high pressure salesman. Thank you so much!

Mistake #14: Choosing a company that is not been checked by the Better Business Bureau.
Superior has an excellent record since 1992. BEWARE! Unfortunately, even bad cleaning companies can remain a B.B.B. member in good standing if they handle their complaints. In fact, their past history is cleared every 3 years. Instead, why not choose a company that does not have a record of producing complaints.

Mistake #15: Choosing a company that is unqualified in stain removal or re-occurring spots.
Not all companies are successful at removing spots. Spots that re-occur often are caused from 1) quickly cleaning over the surface, 2) not performing enough cleaning passes to ensure deep down cleaning, 3) the spot was not pre-treated with a neutralizer. The result is spots wick back in a day or two. Referral Carpet Cleaning has the training, equipment, cleaning solutions and experience to remove your stains forever!
Mrs. Phillips - I had spots on my carpet that were VERY bad and I thought I was going to have to replace the carpet. I had two other companies come and clean and they were never able to get them out (they came back both times) I called Superior and they came out and cleaned. The spots have never come back. My carpet looks like new again.
Mrs. Cole - After Superior Steam Cleaners cleaned it we had no returning spots and the new spots clean up and stay gone.

Mistake #16: Choosing a company that doesn’t use the hot water extraction/steam cleaning method.
Dry cleaning and bonnet cleaning simply are inferior to hot water extraction and will only produce mediocre results. Superior uses the hot water extraction method from a truck-mounted unit, which is the recommendation of carpet manufactures. Shaw Industries, (the largest carpet manufacturer) recommends the hot water extraction system utilizing truck-mounted equipment. Shaw’s research indicates truck-mounted equipment provides the best capability for cleaning compared to a portable cleaning system.

Mistake #17: Choosing a company that doesn’t Guarantee their work. Beware, many companies advertise they guarantee their work, which may lure a customer into thinking that they do good work. However, many clients have stated they were so dissatisfied with the company and cleaning, they would not allow the company back in their home to correct the problem. “A guarantee is only as good as the company that stands behind it." If your cleaning company doesn't have a track record stating they'll be available today, tomorrow and more importantly, next year, you’re being short-changed. Superior has been in business since 1992. Superior Steam Cleaners offers an Iron-Clad Satisfaction Guarantee. Superior backs up their work 100%. Superior wants complete satisfaction and our job is not completed unless you are satisfied. We will let you know up front what we can, and in specific unusual situations, what we cannot promise. If for any reason we need to correct anything that was promised or even expected, we will promptly return with no hassles to make it right. What could be more fair? It’s the right way to do business. Superior honors such a guarantee because we take pride in our reputation and have a self-imposed, high standard of quality.
Mrs. Thompson - I’ve used several carpet cleaners over the years and Superior Steam Cleaners is by far the most superior and professional. I give them a 10 out of 10. I can’t think of anything you could do to provide better service.
Mrs. Needham - I appreciated the call after cleaning to assure that I was satisfied.

Mistake #18: Choosing a company that doesn’t Stand Out as the BEST. From the initial call, you should expect a courteous and helpful office staff. Their vans should be clean and professionally lettered. Uniformed technicians should be well groomed, polite, friendly, honest and trustworthy. Technicians should respect your home and furnishings, provide meticulous workmanship, never rush, and take pride in their work. Technicians should never high pressure sell, but instead offer suggestions and solutions to choose from. We are proud to state that our clients feel Superior Steam Cleaners stands head and shoulders above our competition in these areas.
Mrs. Beck - Oh my gosh! You won’t believe them until you see them! Words almost can’t explain it. There is no comparison between Superior and other cleaning companies.
Mrs. Palmer - Superior is the Best carpet cleaning company in River Hill.
Mrs. Keplinger - When I want it done right, Superior is the only place I will use.
Mrs. Knuckles - I have had other carpet cleaners in my house and now realize after I had Superior Steam Cleaners, that I never really had clean carpets. They actually clean 10 times more than “other” carpet cleaners. You cannot even compare them to other carpet services. Referral is so far superior.
Mistake #19: Choosing a company that leaves a cleaning residue, which attracts dirt.
You’re at the mercy of your carpet cleaner as to what type of cleaning agent is being put into your carpet. Many companies use a pre-spray and follow with a
water only rinse or an acid rinse. Water only rinses will not rinse cleaning agents completely from the carpet, and the cleaning outcome is inferior with this type of process. Acid rinses are reported to actually leave a dirt attracting residue. Superior uses effective, professional-grade cleaning agents designed specifically for hot water extraction/steam cleaning. Superior does not leave a dirt attracting residue which results in a long-lasting clean. Superior also cleans with softened water which requires 50% less cleaning agent.
Mrs. McCulloch Superior does excellent work and they get all the stains out. The cleaning process doesn’t attract dirt later.
Mrs. Phillips - My carpets look beautiful and most important to me, continue to look beautiful!
Mistake #20: Choosing a company that you do not feel comfortable referring to your family and friends.
You can be confident when you refer family and friends to Superior. We will do more than thank you, we feel it’s only right to “reward” you for believing in us and recommending us.
Mr. and Mrs. Hogan - I'm now a regular Superiorcustomer. The best thing in the entire city. I've already told 10 people! Thank you.
Mrs. Odem - Anytime someone talks about carpet cleaning, I always recommend you. Thank you again.
Mrs. Waterhouse - I am telling all my friends to use Superior

Mistake #21: Choosing a company that does Not Deliver VALUE.
Get the most value for your money. Some people know the price of everything— but the value of nothing. Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. In the carpet cleaning industry, prices are across the board and so is the quality of work. Companies know what value or price they are worth. How can you receive value if an inexperienced, commission incentived operator zooms through your job, leaving your carpet soaked, with most spots reappearing the next day? This is a common complaint. You’ll be frustrated, see your hard earned money wasted, your time lost, and the life span of your carpet shortened.
Mr. and Mrs. Art - People said I could have paid less elsewhere, but I was too impressed with your overall quality!
Mr. & Mrs. Mauk - Although your price may be a bit higher...this is one of those cases where you really feel like you have received a bargain. Mrs. Richmond - I was really happy with how my carpets looked afterwards! You cost more than others but you get what you pay for. My carpets looked new