FAQ Page

Here are some answers to some common questions. You are invited to call our office or email us if you have other questions or need professional advise on any of the services we offer.

Carpet cleaning

Q: What is the recommended frequency of carpet cleaning?

A: Each household is unique and the amount of people living in your home changes the recommendation. If you have smokers in your home it is recommended that you get your carpets cleaned more often. The general guideline is once a year but you can refer to the E.P.A.'s recommendations which we have on this website for other variables.

Q: Which method of carpet cleaning is the best?

A: There are a few methods to consider. Dry-cleaning dries quicker than steam cleaning but dry cleaning does not have the full extraction and deep penetration that steam cleaning does. Within steam cleaning there are portable cleaning units and truck-mounted equipment. Ultima offers both but we try to fully utilize the power of truck mounted equipment. Most carpeting manufactures recommend steam cleaning as the proper method of carpet cleaning.

Q: Can Ultima get all the stain out of my carpeting?

A: With our truck mounted steam cleaning equipment most stains will come out during a routine carpet cleaning. For cases of severely stained carpets or rugs we may apply some special treatments. The success of removing these difficult stains is very high but it depends on how long the stain has gone untreated and what home remedies you used to treat the stain. Our technicians know the proper chemicals to use on each different kind of stain. For specialty stain removal services Ultima provides a 100% stain removal guarantee. If your stain cannot be removed your money will be returned for this optional service.

Q: Does Ultima use chemicals when cleaning carpets?

A: All methods of carpet cleaning uses some chemical based cleaning solution. The majority of the cleaning solution is water and we can use either conventional cleaning solutions or "green cleaning solutions. Both products are safe and our truck mounted steam cleaning equipment provides full extraction so no residue will remain in the carpeting. This is another reason why we prefer steam over dry cleaning - full extraction.

Q: Are the cleaning solvents a problem for people with allergies?

A: Make your technician aware of any allergy or concern you have, additional steps will be made to keep you out of contact with these solvents of we can provide you with other "green cleaning solutions".

Q: Will my carpets shrink after being cleaned?

A: In a word, no. Years ago this was a very real concern but with new materials and better manufacturing this is not a problem anymore. At Ultima we inspect the carpeting before starting and check to make sure the carpeting is properly secured to the tacking strip. This is important because when your carpets were installed they where stretched into place and if they are not secure it can create the illusion of shrinking when it is actually relaxing back to its pre-stretched size.

Q: My carpets has a dark line all around the sides at the walls - can this be removed?

A: In most cases yes but it really depends on how bad it is. This common problem is called "filtration dirt" and even the darkest of edges will see a noticeable improvement. If you have this problem ask your technician about measures to reduce filtration dirt buildup.

Q. Does Ultima offer fine rug cleaning?

Yes, our Mesa carpet cleaning technicians are certified to working on hand made rugs and other delicate fabrics Ultima has the knowledge and equipment to deliver the best rug cleaning with the safety required to clean delicate items.

.Q: Can Ultima get all the stain out of my carpeting?

With our truck mounted steam cleaning equipment most stains will come out during a routine carpet cleaning. For cases of severely stained carpets or rugs we may apply some special treatments. The success of removing these difficult stains is very high but it depends on how long the stain has gone untreated and what home remedies you used to treat the stain. Our technicians know the proper chemicals to use on each different kind of stain. For specialty stain removal services Ultima provides a 100% stain removal guarantee. If your stain cannot be removed your money will be returned for this optional service.

Q: Does Ultima use chemicals when cleaning carpets?

All methods of carpet cleaning uses some chemical based cleaning solution. The majority of the cleaning solution is water and we can use either conventional cleaning solutions or "green cleaning solutions. Both products are safe and our truck mounted steam cleaning equipment provides full extraction so no residue will remain in the carpeting. This is another reason why we prefer steam over dry cleaning - full extraction.

Q: Are the cleaning solvents a problem for people with allergies?

Make your technician aware of any allergy or concern you have, additional steps will be made to keep you out of contact with these solvents of we can provide you with other "green cleaning solutions".

Q. Will my carpets shrink after being cleaned?

In a word, no. Years ago this was a very real concern but with new materials and better manufacturing this is not a problem anymore. At Ultima we inspect the carpeting before starting and check to make sure the carpeting is properly secured to the tacking strip. This is important because when your carpets were installed they where stretched into place and if they are not secure it can create the illusion of shrinking when it is actually relaxing back to its pre-stretched size.

Q. My carpets has a dark line all around the sides at the walls - can this be removed?

In most cases yes but it really depends on how bad it is. This common problem is called "filtration dirt" and even the darkest of edges will see a noticeable improvement. If you have this problem ask your technician about measures to reduce filtration dirt buildup.

Q. Does Ultima offer fine rug cleaning?

Yes, our Mesa carpet cleaning technicians are certified to working on hand made rugs and other delicate fabrics Ultima has the knowledge and equipment to deliver the best rug cleaning with the safety required to clean delicate items.

Mold Removal

Q. Why does mold grow in some homes and not others?

All home in a particular area are exposed to about the same levels of mold spores. The difference is the amount of moisture in your home compared to your neighbors. Excessive moisture is what triggers the mold growth. If you have a mold problem you need to address the excessive moisture to eliminate the mold prior to removal or it will come back again.


Q. If I have mold in my home can it cause health complications?

Yes, mold produces all kind of different allergens and irritants. Toxic mold produces mycotoxins that can cause serious health complications if inhaled or touched. Mold remediation will eliminate these health risks

Q. What can I do to keep mold out of my home?

Controlling the moisture inside your home is the key - mold cannot grow without moisture. If you have a mold problem it should be cleaned up as soon as possible but if you remove the mold and don't address the moisture the mold growth will return.

Q. Can I clean up the mold myself or do I need a professional?

Areas smaller than 3 feet by 3 feet can be cleaned up with soap and water. Use protective eyewear, rubber gloves and a dust mask when doing mold removal yourself. Thoroughly clean and dry the area and make sure the future moisture level is reduced. Areas larges than 3 feet by 3 feet or multiple patches should be removed by a mold remediation professional according to the E.P.A.

Tile / Grout Cleaning

Q. How often do I need professional tile cleaning? What is tile cleaning anyway?

Hard surface flooring has become very popular in the past few years with ceramic tile leading the way. Tile floors are often thought of as maintenance free aside from typical mopping - this is not the case. As you floor ages the grout collects dirt and eventually changes color, darkening and becoming inconsistent. The tile is still perfect but the porous grout requires attention. Depending on the amount of traffic and appearance of you floor tile cleaning may be required anywhere from every 1 to 5 years.

Q. I try and try but my grout still looks dirty – why is grout cleaning harder than cleaning other things?

Grout is the material in the joints between the tiles. It's a "cement like" mixture so it's porous and can get stained much like oil stains a driveway. Dirt and other microorganisms can also get embedded in these pores over time leaving you grout looking dirty and unhealthy. Ultima uses a multi-step grout cleaning process the uses scrubbing and high pressure steam. See our tile cleaning page for useful tips and information

Q. Do I need to apply a sealer after the grout cleaning is finished?

No, but we highly recommend it. Sealing the grouts pores will help you keep the floor looking beautiful, make cleanup easier and greatly reduce the amount of time between professional cleaning again. Ask your tile cleaning technician about this optional service.

Q. Will more than one coat of sealant help?

No, the second coat will not penetrate into the grout past the first coat of sealer.

Q. How quickly does the sealer dry?

You can walk on you floor after a few hours but the grout needs to remain dry for 1 week complete curing of the sealant. Also, no scrubbing for the first 3 weeks.

Q. Can Ultima change the color of my grout?

We do not provide enhancer sealers or color changing services. We are experts at grout cleaning and restoring the original beauty.

Upholstery Cleaning

Q. I just need upholstery cleaning, does Ultima provide this service?

Yes, we can clean just your upholstery or do it with other services. Consider getting your mattresses cleaned too. See our upholstery cleaning page for more information. Ultima has been voted Mesa's best upholstery cleaning company.

Q. Will getting my upholstery cleaned change the fabric's color?

No, the color will remain the same except the dirt will be removed. As a safety measure we pretest on unseen parts of the furniture and use neutral Ph balanced cleaning solutions.

Q. Does Ultima recommend fabric protection like Scotch Guard or DuPont?

Yes, very much. It's a smart decision because your upholstery probably gets more abuse than your carpeting. Ask your upholstery cleaning technician about this optional service

Q. Can Ultima remove all the stains from my upholstery?

More often than not but it depends on the stain and fabric type. With the specialty cleaning solvents we carry for every type of stain the chances are very good. If your upholstery gets stained do not use common household cleaners to try removing it, you could make it worse. Blot it with water and a clean white cloth.

Q. How soon will my upholstery be dry after cleaning?

It depends on what upholstery cleaning method we use and that is determined by your fabric type. Dry cleaning or steam cleaning your furniture will be dry in 1 to 3 hours.

Q. Can I the washing machine for my cushion covers?

In some cases your covers may be removable but we do not recommend putting them in your washing machine. The zippers are on your cushions because that's how the foam padding was installed. Using the washing machine could result in broken or damaged zippers, shrinkage - to the point you can't get the foam back inside and discoloration of the covers.

Q. Can Ultima clean my mattress?

Yes, we would recommend you see our upholstery cleaning page for some surprising information on mattress cleaning. Getting your mattress cleaned can improve the quality of your sleep, decrease allergy flare-ups and breathing troubles.

Q. Does Ultima clean leather?

We do not offer this service - In most cases wiping the leather down with a damp cloth will make a big difference.

Water Removal

Q. I realize my home is flooding, what should I do first?

Shut off the main water supply valve. Next, to avoid electrocution, only use electricity protected by GFCI devices. These are commonly found in bathrooms and near the kitchen sink. Lift your most valuable items off the floor. Remember to look under the bed and also lift the curtains up. Our water removal experts will take over upon arrival.

Q. Will my carpet and pad need to be replaced after a flood?

It depends on how long they have been wet; the quicker the flood cleanup process begins the greater the chances of saving the carpet and padding. If the flood water was clean (non sewage) the odds of rescue also increase but if your home has flooded with sewage both will have to be disposed of for health and sanitary reasons. The water extraction experts at Ultima have an extremely high recovery rate because we have the industries best and most powerful equipment. Our water cleanup technicians have an extremely quick response time, 24 / 7 we are a call away, which also greatly improves our success rate.