Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about carpet cleaning, water restoration, mold, air ducts, pet odor, and rugs from Terry’s Cleaning & Restoration in Goshen. For the six most common questions, see the homepage. Call (574) 533-5626.
Will professional carpet cleaning remove pet odors?
Yes — when it’s done with the right method. Our truck-mounted hot-water extraction (steam) cleaning lifts pet dander and odor from the fiber, and we treat pet urine at the carpet pad, where the smell actually lives, then deodorize. Pet deodorization and Stainguard protection are available.
What is mold remediation?
Mold remediation is the process of safely removing mold growth and restoring the air and materials it has affected. As an IICRC-certified firm we contain the area, remove the growth, and dry the space so it cannot return. We also work with an independent environmental hygienist when testing is needed, so the tester is not the same company doing the removal.
When to hire a restoration company?
Call a restoration company as soon as water or fire damage happens — ideally within 24 hours. The sooner we are on site, the more structure and contents we can save. Mold can begin within 24–48 hours, so speed matters.
Do you provide upholstery services?
Yes — we provide professional upholstery cleaning for homes and businesses. Our specialized tool cleans natural and synthetic fibers safely, truck-powered at 220–230°F, with a neutral rinse so dirt does not re-attach.
What happens if water damage isn't treated properly?
Untreated water damage can lead to mold in 24–48 hours, structural rot, and ruined carpet padding and drywall. Professional water restoration uses proper extraction and drying equipment to put your home back to pre-loss condition.
What should I do if I experienced water damage?
Stop the water source, then call us at (574) 533-5626 24/7. We extract the water, set professional drying equipment, and work with your insurance company on the mitigation file. Don’t wait — the first 24 hours decide how much we can save.
What is the best way to remove pet stains and odors?
Professional deep cleaning is the most reliable way. We extract at the pad where odor lives, then deodorize. If the odor is stubborn, we can add a targeted pet-odor treatment.
How often should grout be cleaned?
We recommend professional grout cleaning at least once a year. It removes the soil that collects in the porous surface and keeps the bond between tiles strong. More frequent cleaning works well for high-use kitchens and baths.
When should carpets be professionally cleaned?
For most Goshen, Elkhart, and South Bend homes we recommend every 12–18 months. High-traffic areas, family rooms, homes with pets or allergy sufferers, and rental or commercial spaces benefit from more frequent cleaning — often every 6–12 months.
Will pet stains ruin carpet if they sit too long?
Yes — pet urine can permanently stain carpet if it sits too long, because the acid breaks down the fiber and the odor bonds to the pad. Treating it at the pad early is what protects the carpet.
Should I hire professionals to clean my wood floors?
Yes. Wood is not tile — the wrong product or too much water dulls the finish and can warp the floor. Our hardwood floor cleaning uses the right method for the finish.
What is the difference between mold and mildew?
Mold and mildew are both fungi. Mildew is surface-level and powdery, while mold grows deeper into materials and is harder to remove. Both are best addressed quickly, and both are part of our mold remediation service.
How often should upholstery be cleaned?
We recommend professional upholstery cleaning at least once a year. Between visits, vacuum the fabric weekly and blot spills quickly — furniture is rarely vacuumed and traps body oils, allergens, and soil.
Why should I get my air ducts cleaned by professionals?
Air duct cleaning is about the air you breathe and the HVAC system you paid for. Dust, pet dander, and debris settle in the trunk lines and recirculate. We clean ducts and dryer vents with truck-powered equipment.
When should I get my carpet replaced?
Carpet generally lasts 10–15 years, but it depends on the fiber and how well it was maintained. If you have deep stains, persistent odor, or matting that cleaning cannot reverse, replacement may be the better choice.
How to clean dog pee out of carpet?
Blot up as much as you can, then treat the area with an enzymatic cleaner and clean the pad, not just the surface. For a full, reliable removal — especially on urine — professional extraction is the fix.
How to dry carpet?
The quickest way to dry carpet is to remove the water with extraction, then set up airflow and a dehumidifier. Our 24-hour water restoration does this with professional equipment.
What is green carpet cleaning, and how does it differ from traditional methods?
Green carpet cleaning uses eco-friendly, plant-based, biodegradable products. We carry citrus-based, pet- and child-safe options and can use fully green products when you mention sensitivities when booking.
Can cat pee cleaners be used on all types of surfaces, including carpets and upholstery?
Cat pee cleaners work best on washable, hard, and non-porous surfaces. On carpet and fabric, the product must reach the pad where the odor lives — that’s where professional treatment matters.
How do I choose the best carpet cleaner for my specific needs?
Start with the essentials: confirm the company is IICRC-certified, bonded and insured, ask what method they use (truck-mount vs. portable), and get a clear written quote. That covers quality, safety, and price.
How long does it take for a professional carpet cleaner to complete a job?
Most residential jobs take one to a few hours, depending on room count, fiber, and soil level. Truck-mounted extraction removes more water than portable machines, so rooms usually dry within a few hours with airflow.
What are some natural home remedies for getting rid of cat urine smell?
Natural remedies like vinegar and baking soda can mask the smell short-term, but they rarely remove the odor at the pad. For a lasting fix, professional enzyme treatment and extraction are more reliable.
Are there any natural remedies for removing mold and mildew?
Vinegar, baking soda, and good ventilation can slow mildew, but they do not remove mold that is growing in materials. For mold, professional containment, removal, and drying are the safe path.
How do I find the best carpet cleaners near me?
Look for an IICRC-certified, bonded and insured company, check reviews, and ask what method they use. A local, family-owned firm that answers the phone — like ours — is a strong sign.
What is the best method for cleaning area rugs?
The best method depends on the rug’s fiber and how soiled it is. Silk and delicate weaves need gentle, hand-care methods, while cotton and synthetic can handle more. That’s why we clean rugs in-house at our rug spa.
Will dry carpet cleaning remove all stains and odors?
Dry carpet cleaning is good for maintenance and quick refreshes, but it may not remove deep-set stains and odors. For a deep clean, truck-mounted extraction reaches the pad where odor lives.
How effective is a cat pee smell remover?
Enzymatic cleaners are effective at breaking down urine, but the result depends on reaching the pad and using enough dwell time. For a thorough, reliable removal on carpet, professional treatment is best.
How do I choose the right commercial carpet cleaner for my business?
Ask about commercial experience, IICRC certification, insurance, and their schedule. Many businesses prefer after-hours cleaning so crews are not walking on wet carpet during operating hours — we offer evenings and weekends.
Is there a natural way to kill mold without using chemicals?
Some natural agents like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can help on small surface spots, but they do not kill the mold at the root or dry the material. Professional remediation is the reliable fix.
Can mold in carpets be harmful to my health?
Yes. Mold in carpet can release spores and irritants that affect indoor air quality and can be harmful to sensitive occupants. Removing and drying it properly is important.
What are the benefits of using a carpet dry cleaner?
Dry cleaning is low-moisture, so it dries quickly and is great for maintenance. But for deep soil and pet odor in the pad, truck-mounted extraction gives the most thorough result.
How do I find the best professional carpet cleaning near me?
Trust an IICRC-certified firm, read recent reviews, ask what method they use, and confirm there are no hidden fees. A local family business you can reach is a strong advantage.
Why should we hire carpet cleaning companies instead of renting a machine?
Renting a machine mostly moves surface soil around and may re-soil it. Professional truck-mount extraction uses 220–230°F water, a rotary extraction tool, and our own soft water to actually lift and remove the soil.
How often should I clean my area rugs?
We recommend having area rugs professionally cleaned once a year — or more often with pets or heavy traffic. Because some rugs shouldn’t be truck-cleaned, we handle them by hand at our rug spa.
What is the process for cleaning air ducts?
We follow a systematic approach: cover supply and return registers, run 12,500+ CFM of truck-mounted vacuum to capture debris, use whips, brushes, and 200-psi air tools to dislodge it, and hand-clean the register openings.
How can we safely remove carpet mold from a small affected area?
For a small patch, isolate the area, use a HEPA vacuum, and dry it quickly. But if the mold has spread or is in the pad, professional removal is the safe call.
Does same day carpet cleaning cost more than booking a standard appointment in advance?
Same-day service may carry a small priority fee because we work you into the schedule. Call (574) 533-5626 and we will give you an honest quote up front.
What is the best carpet cleaner for removing tough pet stains?
The most effective approach for tough pet stains is an enzyme treatment plus truck-mounted extraction that reaches the pad. That combination removes the stain and the source of the odor.
What is the best cat urine removal product?
Enzymatic cleaners are the best choice for pet urine because they break down the proteins that cause odor. For a lasting result on carpet, we combine them with extraction that cleans the pad.
Should I get my rugs professionally cleaned?
Yes — professional rug cleaning is one of the best ways to keep rugs in peak condition and extend their life. Handling them in-house at our rug spa lets us match the method to the fiber.
