BETTER, GREENER CARPET CLEANING
• Ask cleaners what steps they've taken to be greener. Focus on the trucks, the soap and water disposal.
• Request that cleaners bring their own high-powered fans to run while they're there (usually no extra cost).
• Schedule during the winter when humidity is low and specials are common.
• Show the carpet cleaners all spots and problem areas. Identify stains when possible.
• Ask about carpet pad replacement for selected areas if pet urine odors linger.
• Tell the cleaner if you're fragrance-sensitive. They might be able to use less soap, avoid any fragranced stain removers, and rinse more thoroughly.
• Confirm prior to cleaning whether there is a charge to come back and retreat any areas not cleaned to your satisfaction. Better cleaners offer a 30-day guarantee with no extra cost to return.
• Use a drop of clear liquid dish-washing detergent in a cup of cool water as an all-purpose, cheap stain remover. Blot the stain with suds and then press firmly with a clean white towel to remove the stain. Repeat with a clean section of towel. Rinse out the soap with clean water and blot with weight on towel until dry.
![Attendees of Frostbike made their way through the convention Saturday at the Quality Bike Products campus in Minneapolis. ] (AARON LAVINSKY/STAR TRIBUNE) aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com Frostbike 2016 was held at the Quality Bike Products Campus on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 in Bloomington, Minn.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/NH2BSHB74ND2V6GF2G2HI5X4MM.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
