CBS Atlanta 46Consumer guide to choosing the right professional carpet cleaner

If your holiday guests will arrive any day, and you just can't seem to get your house clean enough, you may be considering hiring a professional carpet cleaner.

But with all the options out there (hot water extraction, bonnet, or "dry" carbonation) it's hard to know whether you're choosing the right technique for your home, or even if you're paying a fair price.

Consumer expert Angie Hicks of Angie's List advises, "The best bet is to follow your carpet manufacturer's recommendation because you don't want to risk voiding your warranty."

Cost is determined by the square footage of the area being cleaned or the number of stairs. To be sure you know what you're getting yourself into, insist on an in-home estimate.

"Always be careful when you hear promotions for carpet cleaning. Never go with an estimate that sounds too good to be true. You always want to be sure that you're going to get the right estimate so you don't end up with extra charges after you hire someone," Hicks said.

Whichever company you hire to clean your carpets, make sure to get the total price and guarantees in writing before any work is done. Most reputable companies will return if carpet stains show back up after they leave.

If you still don't like how your carpet looks, what then? Carpet cleaning technician Jason Hanna advises "When you get it professionally cleaned and you just don't like the results...you can't get it as clean as you'd like to have it, it's time to replace it. And that's really up to the individual consumer."

Taking care of your carpet will help extend its life. Hanna recommends, "Don't eat or drink in the rooms where there is carpet, vacuum at least a couple times a week and take off your shoes."

Well-maintained carpet can last 10-15 years.

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