FAQ's: Frequently Asked Questions

What is “healthy” and “organic” about Organic Choice's cleaning?

Organic Choice's owner-operator David Skuse uses hot water extraction with all-natural (mainly citrus and soy) products like those from Bi-O-Kleen Industries, like Fiber Glow (carpet cleaning) and Bac-Out (enzyme treatment for cleaning/deodorizing bodily fluids). No products are used that contain detergents, butyls, or phosphates, even though some products containing them are classified as "GS-37 compliant".

What tools does Organic Choice Carpet Cleaning use?

David keeps current with technology by using the best tools and approaches available. (Be aware, however, that different carpet cleaners may strongly disagree on what is the "best" way to clean carpet.) We dry-vacuum/extract carpet to remove particulate soils, choosing tools depending on the height of the pile. We do two wet carpet passes - first using a scrub wand for a prespray/extraction, then a follow-up pass to remove soils loosened during the prespray. For extra-soiled carpets, we may use our Rotovac 360 rotary extractor for the follow-up.

Is Organic Choice’s service expensive? What are the current rates for carpet, stairs, upholstery, and area rugs?

There are many "budget" cleaners who are cheaper than Organic Choice, but the majority are fly-by-night bait and switchers who often have sketchily trained technicians, use harsh chemicals, and provide poor customer service. We charge 30 cents per square foot for carpet and hard surface floors (clean and polish). Charges are by the linear foot for stairs ($3.50 per sq. ft., standard size) and upholstery. A typical 5-6 foot couch with cushions costs $90. A 12-step staircase would be $42. The minumum charge for an on-site cleaning is $100. When taken off-site, area and oriental carpets are cleaned at the rate of $1.25 per sq ft for one side and $1.75 per sq ft for two sides; when cleaned in place they range from $5 to $40 for one-sided cleaning.

Do you offer discounts?

David offers a 10% discount on jobs over $150 for repeat customers, or for new referrals. He takes 20% off for empty houses and apartments, which are usually during move-outs and move-ins.

Will the moisture used in cleaning damage my wood floors?

No, there will be no moisture under the carpets cleaned, and any overspray that may occur will be wiped up and cause no damage to any kind of hard surface, including laminates.

What do you charge to take away area and oriental carpets? How long before they are returned? How does your method differ from cleaning plants and hand washing? Can I bring my rugs to you?

Including pick up and delivery, $1.25 / sq ft to clean one side, $1.75 to clean both sides (for reversible carpets). Companies that use industrial machines and "hand washing" typically charge much more per sq. ft. They are sometimes worth the extra money for expensive carpets, but check with them on chemicals used. Organic Choice cleans using hot water extraction. Generally, these carpets are cleaned on Sundays and you would get a call Tuesday to schedule a return time. The minimum charge for carpets taken away is $50. I don't have a store, so you can't bring your rugs to me.

How far in advance do I need to book an appointment?

Our schedule is different every day, so your job may fit into tomorrow's schedule, or you may have to wait a while. Small jobs (under $200) can generally be fit in on shorter notice.

Where will you be coming from to clean my carpet?

That all depends on where I am before going to your job. It could be from across the street or from miles away.

Do you move furniture to clean under it?

We will move some furniture (sofas, chairs, tables, etc.) and often place styrofoam pads under legs that might stain the carpet. We will not move some musical instruments, grandfather clocks, most beds, full china hutches, full bookshelves, entertainment centers, pool tables, etc. We reserve the right not to move any piece of furniture or household object that we do not feel comfortable with.

Will spots come back? If so, do you charge to come back?

Sometimes residue and even smells from deep spills will wick back to the surface as a result of moisture getting to them during a deep cleaning. Usually, a quick wipe with a damp cotton towel will remove the residue. If that doesn't work, I will come back free of charge to bonnet clean them and "cap" the residue. This dry approach keeps from reactivating the residue.

How long will it take the carpets to dry?

In sunny, warm weather, it takes about 8-12 hours, with windows and drapes open, but on foggy, rainy, cold, or overcast days, turning on the heat and using fans speed drying. Staircases can take longer to dry.

What can I do to prepare?

You should remove small objects and breakables from the areas to be cleaned. If you want objects like bookshelves moved, you should remove all contents first.

How long before I can walk on my carpet?

You can walk on your carpet immediately, but be careful walking off the carpet to a hard surface, because you could slip. You should wear slippers or other waterproof footware (not just socks) that will keep your feet from getting wet.

What areas do you serve?

We serve the East Bay from Crockett in the north to San Leandro in the south, from Oakland in the west to Lafayette in the east.

Should I vacuum before the cleaning?

It's not necessary since I do a dry vacuuming before spraying, but removing dry soil is always a good idea. Fabric is damaged by leaving soils unremoved, especially abrasives like sand.

How does your methods differ from those of ChemDry?

We can't comment on specific franchises that use a "dry" approach, but in general they do a "bonnet cleaning" that consists of vacuuming, spraying a cleaning solution and buffing with a cotton pad. Those who don't like this method say it just "pushes the dirt around", but with some industrial fabrics, like olefin, that tend to "wick back", it may be a good way to go. David sometimes returns at no charge to do bonnet cleaning if stains appear after his usual wet approach.

What can I do to keep my carpets clean?

- If wearing street shoes, use entry mats to remove most of the dirt upon entering the house
- better, remove shoes upon entering
- Get a good vacuum and use it at least once a week
- Treat spills and accidents (from pets or people) immediately, following advice on the Tips page.

How often should I get my carpets and upholstery cleaned?

Have carpet and upholstery steam cleaned 1-3 times a year, depending on soiling rate and health of residents.

Will your services help my allergies?

Yes, having your carpet and furniture cleaned removes pollutants and improves indoor air quality (IAQ).

Will you remove my stains?

We use a lot of the techniques, like those described on the Tips page. However, some spots will not come out completely, like pet stains that were not treated quickly with an enzyme cleaner and long-standing rust and dye stains.

Does cleaning my carpet make it wear out faster?

No, actually dirt is full of sand which acts as an abrasive when trapped in your carpet or fabrics - it should be removed to reduce wear.

Does your process restore the original feel of my carpet?

Our process leaves your carpet fresh, clean, residue free and soft to the touch, but once fabric is gone, it will never come back, so that fluffy, new carpet feel tends to disappear in high traffic areas.

How does Organic Choice fit into the green cleaning movement?

To do green cleaning, Organic Choice uses products that: meet Unified Green Cleaning Alliance Standards, have MSDS Sheets prepared by third-party CHMM's, contain no Sara Title III, CA65, or EPA priority pollutants, cationic softeners, optical brighteners, harsh fumes, chlorine, ammonia, petroleum solvents, alcohol, butyl, glycol ether, SLS, SLES, DEA MEA, known carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, or materials listed by the ACGIH as hazardous.

How are bodily fluids, like pet urine, treated for appearance and odor?

Enzyme cleaners are most effective in neutralized pet odors arising from urine, feces, vomit, etc. Approaches used include disinfecting baths and injections.

Is there an extra charge for spot and stain removal?

Spot and stain removal is never an add-on, as with other companies, but done as part of the basic cleaning. Generally, Organic Choice is able to remove all spots; however, stains caused by some paints, water damage, rust, and some pet accidents on white or off-white fabrics can be reduced but not completely removed.

Are there any guarantees that the work will be done well? Do disasters ever happen?

Organic Choice offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee or money is returned. If problems arise, David exhausts all remedies until his customers are completely satisfied. The only "disaster" that has ever happened was with customers who did not say their furniture's fabric was high in cotton content. Without using a product called "browning treatment", that fabric turns dark and ugly. If that happens, we come back at no charge, insert browning treatment, and the fabric goes back to its original color.

Being on-time and reliable is important to customers. How does Organic Choice measure up?

David believes that ongoing carpet maintenance is foremost about building relationships. He is almost always available to answer his phone personally, but usually only after business hours (5-7 pm). He truly cares about helping people enjoy living and working in a healthy indoor environment. His customers have learned that in him they have a long-term home care consultant who provides good advice and quality service.

What are the pros and cons of using carpet protectant (like "Scotchgard")?

Cons
  • Not an organic, natural product


    • Pros
  • Forms an invisible shield, like a sealant, around each fiber
  • Repels liquid spills
  • Helps carpets last longer
  • Protects your carpet investment
  • Helps make carpets easier to care for
  • Dries quickly and leaves no odor
  • Is non-toxic, CFC- and solvent-free and is safe for family and pets