FAQ’s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I select D. A. Burns?
Since 1935, residential and business clients have trusted D. A. Burns & Sons with the care and cleaning of their valued furnishings. We carefully handle your carpet, Oriental and specialty rugs, upholstered furniture and window treatments as if they were our own. We take great pride in the quality of our service and the experienced professionals who perform them.
D. A. Burns & Sons is recognized as a leader in our industry and is highly recommended by design professionals who rely on our expertise for the cleaning of care-sensitive textile furnishings and our carpet craftsmanship in the fabrication of custom designs, edge treatments and rug repair. Our cleaning plant and carpet workroom resources and capabilities are unmatched in our service area.
We are pleased that most of our work comes through repeat business and referrals from decades of satisfied customers. They value our experienced service team, convenient scheduling, friendly service and kept promises. We keep our promises, with no surprises!
When selecting a professional service firm, consider the following factors:
- Years of experience.
- Continued education, training and certification of the technicians performing the service.
- Scope, or diversification of their services.
- Ability to respond to your questions and concerns and stand behind their work.
- Willingness to provide you with a free, written service proposal.
- References from satisfied clients.
- Involvement in their industry and community.
Are your cleaning technicians your employees?
Yes. All members of our service team are company employees – experienced and well-trained. In fact, 35% of our co-workers have been with D. A. Burns & Sons for over 10 years.
We value longevity of service and continued education. To that end, we provide a number of on-going educational programs to assure you the best in service and cleaning results.
Our firm, and our cleaning technicians, have achieved industry certification by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification and the Carpet & Rug Institute. We also have two Certified Rug Specialists on staff, as designated by the Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration International.
Do you offer special price promotions or discounts on your services?
Yes, we have a number of year-round discount programs.
Our 20% “cash & carry” cleaning discount rewards you for bringing your specialty rugs, upholstery or window treatments to us for in-plant cleaning, rather than requesting our pickup and delivery service.
We also offer a discount program for our on-location cleaning services. Our wall-to-wall carpet cleaning service is discounted 25%, when we are not requested to move any furnishings. For carpet cleaning jobs greater than 1000 square feet, we discount our price (20% – 30%) as the size of the job grows.
Our on-location upholstery cleaning service is discounted 20%, passing on the savings from not incurring pickup and delivery expenses.
To best match our professional service to your needs and expectations, we are happy to come out and provide you with a no cost, no obligation, written service proposal. It helps us tailor our service to your needs, assuring you of the best service value … and no surprises!
How should I care for my carpet?
Carpet represents a substantial investment in the scheme of interior furnishings. With proper and regular care, you can add years of life to your carpet and help retain its original beauty. The best advice for retaining that like-new appearance is not to allow the carpet to become too badly soiled. Once that happens, stronger cleaning agents and harsher mechanical action are required to recapture an acceptable appearance level.
The key to keeping your carpet looking great centers around four basic steps:
- Controlling soil.
- Vacuum thoroughly and frequently.
- Prompt, correct removal of spots and spills.
- Periodic overall cleaning.
CONTROLLING SOIL
Most abrasive particulate soil accumulates initially within the first few feet of the entries to homes and commercial buildings. Once inside, this soil takes its toll on your carpet and contributes airborne particles that affect overall indoor air quality. Properly selected entry mats, designed to collect or absorb soil and moisture, will keep this soil accumulation outside. These entry mats must be maintained by periodic vacuuming, shaking and cleaning.
VACUUMING
Your vacuum cleaner is probably your best weapon in keeping your carpet free from soil. Vacuum regularly to keep soil from becoming embedded in the carpet’s pile, where it is more difficult to remove and where it can even cause fiber damage, and dull the carpet’s beauty. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar and good suction for dry soil removal, and equipped with an effective high filtration bag.
Thoroughly vacuum the light traffic areas at least weekly, and even daily in the heavily used areas. Vacuum slowly, with a number of passes, to allow the beating and extraction action to remove embedded particulate soil. Consider the use of walk-off mats at entry areas to reduce the amount of soil entering the interior spaces.
SPOT REMOVAL
Accidents will occur, but prompt first-aid is vital to preventing permanent damage. A wet/dry vacuum will help greatly in removing spots and stains. Use cleaning solutions sparingly and blot … don’t rub. A weighted pad of color-fast towels or tissue, placed over the wet area, will absorb additional moisture and the staining substance.
Be mindful not to leave residual detergent in the carpet, as it will attract soil causing the spot to “reappear”. Unfortunately, not all spots and stains can be completely and safely removed.
OVERALL CLEANING
How often your carpet will need an overall cleaning depends on foot traffic, soiling conditions, type and color of the carpet.
Installed residential carpet, exposed to routine use, should be programmed for cleaning at least annually. Carpet that is subjected to extreme soiling or heavy use, particularly high traffic areas, or carpet installed in homes occupied by persons with allergy or respiratory problems requires greater cleaning frequency. Carpet receiving limited traffic needs less frequent cleaning.
Consumers should not wait until their carpet appears soiled before cleaning. Significant soil accumulation at the base of the carpet fibers occurs long before it is visible at the fiber tips. Experts agree that clean carpet contributes not only to the overall aesthetics of your interior surroundings, but it plays a vital role in the healthful state of the overall environment in which people work, live and spend the majority of their time. Regular vacuuming and immediate attention to spots and spills will keep your carpet cleaner longer.
Should you choose to do-it-yourself, select the cleaning method and equipment carefully. Follow the instructions and avoid high pH cleaning solutions and excessive abrasive action. If cleaning a stain resistant yarn system, first do a general cleaning and then, if necessary, spot clean with approved cleaning agents. Do not apply any cationic (anti-static/anti-microbial) chemical treatments to stain resistant yarn systems.
A professional carpet cleaner will select the best method of cleaning to keep your carpet newer looking longer, and in less frequent need of overall cleaning. Always insist that he/she be experienced, well equipped and properly trained. Having the best in equipment is not enough … it’s the cleaning technician behind the equipment that really makes the difference.
So remember …regular vacuuming and prompt spot removal will postpone the need for more expensive, overall cleaning to restore your carpet’s color and texture.
