Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Does Gary's Chem-Dry offer coupons, specials or promo codes for carpet cleaning?
We’ve got some great deals and awesome promos every now and then. To catch our latest offers, just head over to our Coupons page. And if you don’t want to miss a thing, give us a follow on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter. That way, you’ll be the first to know about all our carpet cleaning specials and promotions as soon as they’re live.
Is Gary's Chem-Dry a steam cleaning service?
At Gary’s Chem-Dry, we’re all about doing things differently from your typical steam cleaning. Our secret weapon? Carbonation! This lets us lift dirt and grime out of your carpets without soaking them in gallons of water like those steam cleaners out there. Curious about how we compare? Keep on reading to see how Chem-Dry really measures up against the usual steam cleaning methods.
Carpet Cleaning
What is considered a room?
Our room sizes are based on 200 sq ft. If any of your rooms are over 200 sq ft, there may be an additional area charge.
Can other carpet cleaning methods actually hurt my carpets?
When you use traditional steam cleaning for your carpets, it usually means soaking them with a lot of soapy water. The challenge with this approach is that it takes quite a while for the carpets to dry—sometimes up to a couple of days. This extended drying period isn’t ideal, as it could end up causing the carpet to deteriorate or even allow mold to start growing.
Why does Chem-Dry not use as much as water to clean my carpets as steam cleaning does?
At Chem-Dry, we’ve got a unique way of freshening up your carpets that’s both effective and kind to the planet. By using a special carbonated cleaning method called The Natural, we use a whole lot less water than typical steam cleaners. Tiny bubbles work hard to lift out dirt and grime, bringing it to the surface so it can be whisked away with ease. This means not only are your carpets treated gently, but they also dry faster—typically in just one to two hours. It’s a smarter, greener way to keep your home looking fabulous.
What type of chemicals does Chem-Dry use?
At Chem-Dry, we like to keep things pure and simple with our cleaning. Our go-to is a product called The Natural. It’s clean and straightforward, without any soaps or phosphates involved, and it’s gentle enough for everyone. Unlike most steam cleaners that go heavy on the soaps and detergents, we prefer a gentler touch that still gets the job done.
Should I vacuum before you arrive?
This is not necessary. Chem-Dry’s professionally trained carpet and upholstery cleaners will vacuum your carpets with our commercial, HEPA-filtered vacuum when they arrive as a standard part of our service.
How often should I have my carpets cleaned?
Industry experts recommend tidying up your carpets every 3-6 months, particularly if you have kids, pets, or family members dealing with asthma or allergies. Keeping up with regular maintenance not only keeps your home looking sharp but also helps clear out pesky allergens, boosts the quality of the air you breathe indoors, and makes your carpets last longer.
How long will it take for my carpet to dry completely?
Drying your carpet after a Chem-Dry clean is a breeze! Typically, it takes just 1-2 hours for everything to be dry to the touch. Of course, factors like humidity, airflow, and carpet type can affect this. But no worries—turning on your air conditioner or fans can speed things up. Sometimes it might take a bit longer, but you’ll have fresh, clean carpets in no time!
Will my carpets re-soil quickly after the cleaning is finished?
Most carpet cleaners, like steam cleaners, rely on soaps and detergents that can leave a sticky mess on your carpets. This means your carpets get dirty faster and you end up calling in the pros more often. That’s where Chem-Dry comes in. We use a totally natural and biodegradable cleaner for your carpets and upholstery. Our solution skips the soaps, detergents, and harsh chemicals, so it keeps your carpets fresh without leaving behind any gunk to attract dirt. Enjoy cleaner carpets for longer with Chem-Dry!
How do you remove pet urine odor from carpets?
Pet odors can be stubborn guests, sticking around for what feels like forever if they aren’t tackled the right way. When your pet has an accident, their urine can soak deep into your carpet and the padding underneath, leaving behind a whole bunch of concentrated urine crystals. These little guys only get smellier over time. Some companies just cover up the smell, but at Gary’s Chem-Dry, we’ve got a unique approach. Our P.U.R.T.® (Pet Urine Removal Treatment) goes to work on those crystals, breaking them down completely, so the pet urine odor is gone for good.*
Why do I need protectant on my carpets?
You know how new carpets come with a special layer to keep them looking fresh? Well, over time, that magic wears off. That’s where a little re-application comes in handy. Giving your carpets a protective boost helps them fend off spills and dirt, keeping them looking cleaner for much longer. Plus, it’s a savvy move to slow down those inevitable signs of age and wear, helping your carpets last and last. Investing in a protectant is like giving your carpets the care they deserve.
What is the best carpet cleaning method?
Chem-Dry’s cleaning process is the top choice for making your carpets and upholstery look amazing and stay fresh. Our special hot carbonating extraction method uses the magic of carbonation to pull out more dirt and grime from your carpets, giving them a deep clean that really lasts. Plus, because our carbonated solution needs way less water than steam cleaning, your carpets dry super fast—usually in just 1-2 hours instead of days! This quick drying time also helps keep your home healthier by reducing the chance of mold and mildew. Our go-to cleaning solution, The Natural®, uses carbonation to lift dirt to the surface so it can be easily swept away. It’s perfect for families with kids and pets, giving you peace of mind about the cleanliness of your environment.
Compare Chem-Dry vs Steam Cleaning
Traditional steam cleaning can soak your carpets in a ton of water mixed with soaps and detergents, leaving them damp for days. This wet environment is perfect for mold and mildew to thrive. Plus, any soapy stuff left can make your carpets dirty again, and fast!
Chem-Dry does things differently. We use tiny bubbles that burst dirt away from deep within your carpet fibers, so we only need to use a little bit of water compared to regular steam cleaning. Once the bubbles lift out the dirt, our powerful equipment makes sure to take away the moisture and grime.
Is Chem-Dry a Steam Cleaner?
No, Chem-Dry is not a steam cleaner. Chem-Dry uses carbonation to lift up dirt and grime from your carpets so we do not need to use the gallons of water that typical steam cleaners use.
How do you get old dog urine out of carpet?
Many products out there might seem like they’re cleaning up pet messes, but they often just cover up the smell. Our special Chem-Dry method goes beyond the surface, getting rid of those old dog urine stains by tackling the root of the problem—even those parts you can’t see.
Upholstery Cleaning
How often do upholstery manufacturers recommend that you clean your furniture?
Did you know that experts say it’s a good idea to have your upholstery professionally cleaned every two to four years? If your home is full of kids, pets, or if you have allergies or asthma, you might want to do it even more often. Regular cleaning helps keep the air fresh and your home a healthier place for everyone.
Why should I have my upholstered furniture professionally cleaned?
When you have carpeted floors, a surprising amount of the dust and dirt that gets tracked inside—up to 80%—can find its way into your furniture and upholstery.
How does Chem-Dry clean upholstery?
When we’re sprucing up your upholstery, we bring out the big guns with our unique cleaning technique known as hot carbonating extraction. We rely on our star player, The Natural, to do the heavy lifting here. Tiny bubbles work hard, lifting away grime and non-living allergens* from your furniture’s fibers. Then, we swoop in with our extraction gear to whisk away the loosened dirt and cleaning solution. The result? Your furniture gets a revamp that’s a cut above the rest, leaving you with a refreshingly clean and healthier home environment.
Do you offer protectant or stain guard for upholstery?
Yes, after the upholstery cleaning, you can have the furniture stain guarded with Chem-Dry’s Protectant.
How long does it take for furniture to dry?
In most cases, the furniture dries within just a couple of hours, but in some cases it may take overnight to fully dry depending on the fabric and soil condition.
Tile & Grout Cleaning
How often should I clean my tile, stone and/or grout?
As with carpet, many factors need to be considered when determining the frequency of tile and grout cleaning. Foot traffic, children, pets, and routine floor maintenance will affect how often you need to have your tile, stone & grout cleaned.
Why should I have my tile, stone and grout cleaned?
Just like carpet, dirt builds up over time that dulls your tile or stone’s appearance and discolors your grout. A thorough, professional stone, tile and grout cleaning is the only way to remove the deep-down dirt, make this area of your home look nicer and ensure that all areas of your home are clean and healthy.
Why should I have my grout lines sealed?
Grout is a porous material that absorbs soil and spills, just like carpet. Having a sealant applied will help create a protective barrier, giving you more time to clean up dirt and liquid spills before they soak into the grout. The type of sealant you choose will determine the degree of stain resistance.
Area Rug Cleaning
Why should I have my area and oriental rugs cleaned?
Rugs and carpets see a lot of action, especially those beautiful area and oriental rugs. They’re like the air filters of your home, catching all the dirt and non-living allergens*. To really get them clean and looking their best, a professional cleaning is the way to go. It helps make your home look great and keeps it clean and fresh.


