Housekeeping Channel - For the Home You Keep.  The Resource for Better, Faster, Healthier Housekeeping.
Forgot your password?
My House USER NAME
PASSWORD
REMEMBER ME

Follow us on Twitter

 

Article

Home-Selling Tips

When it comes to selling your home in a tough market, Realtors say a few simple, cost-effective improvements can make a big difference. [Note: Ad or content links featured on this page are not necessarily affiliated with IICRC (The cleantrust) and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by IICRC (The cleantrust)].

 

article continues below ↓


 

For instance, the first thing many prospective buyers notice in a home is its floors. Restoring - rather than replacing - carpets and tired or worn floors could make a better first impression and save you the cost of installing new ones.

 

Choose Reliable and Trusted Cleaning Professionals for Peace of Mind

Finding a reputable, professional carpet and upholstery cleaning company to work for you is important. The right choice will provide peace of mind and confidence about the quality of service they perform.

How do you find certified, trained professionals? Consult the “Industry Guardians” at the IICRC.

The IICRC is a nationally accredited, non-profit certification body that works to protect consumers from deceptive and unreliable companies in the cleaning, restoration and inspection industry. cleantrust-Certified Firms and Technicians must meet the highest industry standards to maintain their good standing.

The IICRC provides access to local service providers ranging from carpet cleaning and water damage restoration to mold and microbial remediation.

 

The following tips could help get floors and your home in sellable condition:

  • Remove noticeable carpet stains. While it's recommended that you use a professional, if you do the cleaning yourself, use products made for carpet and carefully follow manufacturers' instructions. See also the Stain Removal Wizard produced jointly by the IICRC and The Housekeeping Channel.
  • Remove worn-out carpet over existing wood floors. Fill any staple holes with putty. Then sweep, vacuum and carefully clean. Refinish as needed.
  • Keep dirt out by using entry mats at all doors. Eighty to 90 percent of the soil found on floors is tracked in from outside.
To locate a cleantrust-Certified Firm in the area, call (800) 835-4624 or visit www.CertifiedCleaners.org.
Home-Selling Tips:  Created on March 3rd, 2010.  Last Modified on January 21st, 2014

 

About IICRC

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a certification and standard-setting nonprofit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. The IICRC serves the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan, in partnership with regional and international trade associations.

The mission of IICRC is to identify and promote an international standard of care that establishes and maintains the health, safety and welfare of the built environment.

The IICRC, with industry-wide participation, certifies - and develops certifications and standards for - inspection, cleaning and restoration. The IICRC also serves as a valuable consumer referral source for IICRC-Certified technicians and firms. There are currently more than 53,000 active IICRC-Certified technicians, many with multiple certifications, and more than 6,000 IICRC-Certified Firms around the world.