Stanley Steemer Extras -- worth it?

[WendyisDarling]

Time to break over and have my carpets professional cleaned. I'm trying Stanley Steemer this time. I am setting it up online and of course there are extras you can get for additional cost. Anyone use them and think the extras are worth the $?

I've pretty much ruled out the deodorizing spray. I have two dogs, but the house doesn't have that dog smell, ykwim? But, is there something to this that I am not considering? The only areas I would use it for are the "high traffic" rooms: 4 and the extra cost is $48 (before online 10% discount).

What I am really considering is the protective spray. Has anyone used this before and have opinion about its value? Again, I would pick the high traffic rooms and the stairs. The cost is $90 extra (before 10% off). Is the protective spray effective or is it basically a scam? BTW, I frequently clean my carpets with my own machine, would this "wash away"--for lack of a better term-- the protective spray?

OT--do you tip your carpet cleaners and if so how much? They will clean 10 areas.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

I use Stanley Steemer all the time - they do a really great job. That being said, I always decline the extras (they will ask you again when they come to your house as well). Got the protective (scotchguarding) spray once. It added so much to the large amount I was already paying and I didn't notice a difference in how quickly my stuff got dirty again. I never accept that one again. I go for the cleaning and that's it (now I have hardwood so they only do my couch and chairs).

Typically I tip $10 and they are at my home for up to 2 hours. I've never known if that was too much or too little.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

Oh, and yes, washing with your own machine will wash away the protective spray.

 

[WendyisDarling]

Thank you so much for the reply RichNKatHolly
You just saved me $90!

 

[mamacatnv]

I too use Stanley Steemer and decline all the extras - they will try and push it on you again when they arrive. The technician that does my house (same guy for the past 10 years) knows better than to start in with me

The one thing I do purchase is the annual contract - I get the carpets done in April, August and November all for 1 package price. In May, I usually do the entire house where as in Aug & Nov I only do the high traffic and living areas.

 

[WendyisDarling]

I too use Stanley Steemer and decline all the extras - they will try and push it on you again when they arrive. The technician that does my house (same guy for the past 10 years) knows better than to start in with me

The one thing I do purchase is the annual contract - I get the carpets done in April, August and November all for 1 package price. In May, I usually do the entire house where as in Aug & Nov I only do the high traffic and living areas.

I have never heard of the contract. Will they mention it when they are here? If it is a good money saver and they do a good job, I would be interested. I haven't been thrilled with the company (local) I've used in the past and have put off getting the carpets professionally cleaned for a while. I've read a lot of good things about SS and hope to see good results. They aren't more expensive than the local guy and I can't believe they move the furniture! The local guy requires it be out of the way totally or he will just clean around it

Scheduling online was really easy. Nice feature.

As odd as it seems, I am excited to have my carptets cleaned. I'm a little obsessive about the spring cleaning thing, though.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

Thank you so much for the reply RichNKatHolly
You just saved me $90!

You're welcome! Enjoy your clean carpets - I too love when they come. Can't wait to have my grimy couch done again!

P.S. I have never been offered a contract either - that may vary by region.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

Although we currently use a local, non-franchised carpet cleaning company, we have used Stanley Steamer in the past.

I don't like the deoderizers--I think they're kind of gross-smelling.

Re: the protective spray, not necessary. Your carpet already has some kind of protectant in it--our carpet is light beige and has had two dogs romping on it for 14 years , and it still cleans up GREAT.

We have our carpets steam-cleaned professionally 3-4 times per year, and the professional cleaning makes a HUGE difference. I love having my carpet cleaned.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

Oh, and I don't usually tip my carpet cleaners (especially not last time, since the guy spent an extra half hour in my house blathering on and on about his political beliefs ), but I would be interested to hear how many people do.

 

[mamacatnv]

Oh, and I don't usually tip my carpet cleaners (especially not last time, since the guy spent an extra half hour in my house blathering on and on about his political beliefs ), but I would be interested to hear how many people do.

I do, I give my guy "Sam" $20 - there is a little history tho.....

We have a tight looped white berber carpet. It is very difficult to clean. The first couple of times Stanley Steemer came out, they streaked it and had to come re-do it.

Along comes a new, very young Manager, "Jeremy" (I know he is squirming right now ) I had the carpets done, the next day they looked horrible - I called. The young pup new manager gets on the phone and says the following: "Well, obviously Mrs. .... we cannot make you happy and I want you to take your business elsewhere!" After I picked my jaw up off the floor I replied, "That is fine, but you needed to come out and see my carpets before you make the assumption that I am being unreasonable and difficult." I was furious!

He showed up the next morning with an assistant manager, 15 minutes early of the appointed time. It was snowing and blowing something fierce. I went and answered the door, told them they were early and that I would let them in at the appointed time and then closed the door. The idiots stood on my porch for that 15 minutes shivering. My neighbor even called to make sure I knew there was some shivering guys on my porch.

At the appointed time, I let them in. They took one look and could not apologize fast enough! They sent out "Sam" that afternoon.

From that day forward and it has been 7 or 8 years, only "Sam" is allowed to clean my carpets. He is their Sr. Tech who came out and fixed the mess and has kept my carpets looking great since then. So, I always give "Sam" a $20 and tell him lunch is on me.

BTW, Jeremy is still around and still regrets that day. He always calls and does the follow up and I can just see him squirming on the other end of the line. Mr. Jeremy learned a very valuable customer service lesson that day and I think is grateful that I didn't call a superior.

 

[WendyisDarling]

Whoa! mamacatnv, I wouldn't want to mess with you! That is too funny that you made them wait for the appointment (justice for all of us who have waited endlessly for service professionals to show up).
I'm glad you have "Sam" and I would tip him, too.