Here's my experience. I recently moved to a rental in Stone Ridge, and admittedly, the carpet was really dirty. I rented a machine, and cleaned it once myself, but it still smelled. Alas, I hired Classic Carpet Cleaners to clean this 9.5 X 11.5 carpeted area. The size of a small bedroom.
I should mention this is a very nice cabin, so woody smells are expected. What I was looking to get rid of was the smell of animals that had urinated at some point.
To be fair, I was desperate, and the carpet is cleaner. But I don't think you're getting better service from Classic than another carpet cleaner for which you could pay less. Ask what machine they use, and about their chemicals. That's the best way to assess their professionalism.
So here's my experience:
1) While even on this page, the owner says they are the best carpet cleaners in the Hudson Valley, when I called, he complained numerous times about having to drive to Stone Ridge, which is 35 miles (Newburgh) from location of the company. He said he had to charge me for the hour drive there and the hour drive back. He basically said it was a big hassle for him to come, but that he'd do it.
If you market yourself as a Hudson Valley company, the drive should not be a factor. Many people commute an hour to work, and I can't imagine them asking their jobs to pay them more because of their commute.
2) Once he explained his driving woes (honestly, Newburgh is 40 minutes and a typical drive in the area), I was okay, because he said he would stay as long as needed to take care of the rug. He also said he would go over it numerous times. When I asked "wouldn't that cause damage to the rug?" He said, "no, not at all. I do this all the time." So, I felt better knowing that although I was paying for the extra time, he would be thorough.
Well, on the day, he was at my home for an hour at the most. His only metric was "the water looked clean." Frankly, I looked in the machine, and I couldn't really see inside to even see the water. He did pour it out outside, and yes the water was dirty. I never saw clean water. What I was alarmed about was how quickly he was going over the rug, not doing the deep clean he promised, as well as leaving as if he had an emergency waiting, and not lingering to see if he actually did remove the smell as WELL AS POSSIBLE. He will say "well some smells you can't get out." And that I understand. What I don't understand, is he did not stay at least for a little bit to see if it worked, and then SHOCKINGLY contradicted himself saying "I can't saturate it because it will mold." Which he originally said to me on the phone, "oh no, you can do it all day and that won't happen. The materials I use get it really clean." In other words, he was assuring in the beginning, and then when I told him the carpet still needed some work, he had all the excuses. "oh, it will mold." or "Oh, if you're trying hard to smell it, you will."
3) At first, he didn't even move the furniture. He went under it with a hand machine that release water and soap but no scrubbing. I asked him why he wasn't and then he did. I can't believe I had to ask!!!
(Imagine using a broom under a couch instead of a vacuum).
4) He said he was bringing another person on the phone, but only he showed up. Which is not a big deal, things happen, but it speaks to a pattern of exaggerating, and misrepresentation.
5) The carpet IS in fact cleaner, but he rushed out, and left after less than an hour.
Post cleaning, I called to discuss the particulars (I needed a receipt and wanted to tell him the carpet still smelled), and he said he has a customer in Woodstock in the next week or two and he'd come by again then. I explained that Woodstock is an hour further than me ... but again, he said he'll come when he goes to Woodstock.
What my problem is that he cares more about the drive than actually listening to what I have to say.
Don't hire him unless:
1) Your carpets just need a routine cleaning.
2) You live nearby (he expects you to feel bad for him that he has to drive, and pay him. But he won't give YOU the two hours to get your money's worth once he's there).
Another reviewer said this guy can't take criticism, and I'm finding this to be true. Ultimately, he's friendly, and eager, and has the equipment. But I'd shop around for someone who is up for the drive and is less expensive. I paid $300 cash for a job anyone could have done with the machine. read more
