Get matched with top carpet cleaners in Lansing, MI

The first thing you should do when cleaning smoke damage is open all your windows to ventilate the affected area and run an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Cover your furniture and belongings to prevent soot accumulation, and vacuum any soot that’s on the floor and other surfaces. Be sure to wear a mask, gloves, and eye protection when cleaning the affected area.

Yes, you can rent or buy a steam cleaner. A heavy-duty steam cleaner costs between $175 and $250 at most retail outlets and online. You can also usually rent one for around $40 per day.

Most of the larger machines you can rent from a hardware or grocery store have a larger water reserve and a heating element. Both operate by moving slowly and methodically over the carpet. Whether you rent or buy a unit, you will want to stay off your carpet for at least 12 to 24 hours while they dry.

Cleaning a leather sofa is typically easier than cleaning fabric sofas, although they do need annual conditioning to keep them in top condition. Where you can often quickly wipe down moisture-repellent leather with a damp cloth to remove dirt and spills, you might have to scrub fabrics and use specialist cleaning products to get rid of ingrained grime or soaked-in stains.

No, there’s no limit on how much you can tip your carpet cleaning pro. If you couldn’t prepare for your carpet cleaner beforehand, you might feel inclined to give them a large tip for their troubles. However, there's no pressure to tip that much, and most homeowners typically tip 10% to 20% of the total bill.