TONY'S BEST WAY FAQ
Carpet FAQ
1. Is Tonys Best Way carpet cleaning safe for children
and pets?
Yes. We do not use any harsh chemicals in our cleaning products.
We use a mild cleaning solution mixed with a non-toxic cleaner
and sanitizer and it is very effective. If you like, we have
green products available that have absolutely no chemicals in
them whatsoever.
2. Do you offer green/environmental carpet
cleaning?
If you have chemical sensitivities or just do not want any
chemicals used in your cleaning, we have green non-toxic cleaning
solutions available that contain absolutely no chemicals.
Youll still get our great technicians, hard work ethic, stain
composition knowledge and our outstanding foam. Please let us
know that this is your preference when you arrange your
appointment versus when your technicians arrive, so that we can
bring the appropriate supplies.
3. Can you clean carpets in high rises, boats, yachts,
cars, planes, RVs, motor homes?
Yes, and we clean them well. Our machines do not require hook-up
to a continuous water supply as most others, so we can use them
anywhere we have access to electricity.
4. How long will it take for the carpet to
dry?
We use up to 100x less water as steam cleaners so the carpets we
clean naturally dry faster. The average drying time is anywhere
from 4-6 hours (some less soiled areas dry within an hour),
however this may be longer based on the type of carpet you have
and how soiled your carpet is. The more soiled your carpet is,
the more we have to clean it. The more we have to clean it, the
more moisture we need to use, hence the longer it will take to
dry. To speed up drying time, we suggest that you leave doors and
windows open so that you get good air circulation.
5. How can I be sure that a stain or odor is going to
come out of my carpet?
No company guarantees every stain or odor will be completely
removed after cleaning. Likewise, we make no such claim. However,
if anyone is going to be able to do it for you, it would be us at
Tonys Best Way. Our technicians are very well trained and
highly knowledgeable about the composition of stains and odors
and what needs to be done to treat them. You can only imagine how
many stain and odor jobs weve seen, smelled and treated.
Weve "seen it all" and have had great success -even in the
most difficult cases. And even the times we are not able to
remove the stain completely, we can greatly improve the problem.
In case of irremovable stains such as bleach spots, we have a
talented carpet repair technician who can determine if carpet
patching is a viable option.
In regard to odors, we have very effective sanitizers and
deodorizers that we can inject directly into carpet and this
usually removes the odor entirely. For those rare cases that it
doesnt, as with stains, our treatment usually greatly improves
the smell. Below are the steps we normally take for odor
problems:
Tonys Best Way 1-2-3 Punch:
1. Thorough cleaning and sanitizing for minor odors.
2. Professional enzymes and malodor counter-attacks for moderate
odor.
3. Pull pad, treat back of carpet and slab and oxidize for bad
odors.
For more information on odor problems please see our in-depth
odor [Odor Problems: Deodorization and Sanitation of Carpeting,
Area Rugs, Drapes and Upholstered Furniture] page.
6. Can you tell me in short form how Tonys Best Way
method works better than steam cleaning?
There are several reasons why Tonys Best Way is better than
steam cleaning. Number one, we are not hooked up to a truck
mounted unit or continuous water supply, so we dont use tons
of water. This is much better for your carpets and there is no
risk of water getting behind the backing of the carpet where it
could get trapped and cause molding. Also, using a lot of water
and soapy chemicals can leave your carpet feeling "hard" once it
finally dries. Number three, we have a self-contained machine
that utilizes a soft brush. It takes our cleaning foam down to
the base of your carpet, and then as it rotates in a forward
motion, it lifts the dirt up and out. This is cleaning your
carpet from the bottom up, not forcing surface dirt down like
steam cleaning does. Finally, the forward-moving brush action is
important because it gently, yet thoroughly agitates your carpet
fibers as it cleans, breaking up all of the elements in your
carpet to which dirt is attracted.
7. How often should I have my carpet
cleaned?
The answer varies based on how much traffic your carpet gets, and
whether or not you have pets or small children. The great
benefits of a Tonys Best Way cleaning is that our low-moisture
method gets your carpets cleaner and keeps them that way for much
longer time period than Steam or Chemdry. Under the right
conditions, you wont have to deal with the hassle with having
your carpets cleaned 3 or 4 times a year (as most cleaners
recommend.) For the majority of our clients we recommend they
clean their carpeting once a year, if they want to keep it
looking like new. For carpet that is used a good deal, we
recommend a through Best Way cleaning once or twice a year. A
carpet that needs to be well-maintained and yet is seldom used,
we recommend a thorough Best Way cleaning every 2-3 years along
with a lighter maintenance cleaning once a year.
8. What are the other types of services Best Way
provides?
We offer leather and cloth furniture cleaning, as well six
additional cleaning services (drapery/window treatments
as-they-hang, hardwood floor, tile and grout, and floor stone
floor cleaning/sealing/sanding/honing, and indoor air cleaning).
Tonys Best Way also started two spin-off services (leather
furniture re-dying and indoor air mold testing) through the
years. All of these services were based on the success of our
above-par carpet/rug and furniture cleaning. Through the years
we've only improved our success rate with stubborn stains and
have seen and "cleaned it all"-which you can only benefit from
when you hire us to clean your carpet today!
9. Do you guarantee your work?
Yes, we do. We have been in the business in San Diego for nearly
four decades, and have exceeded so many expectations that we
dont need to worry about dirt resurfacing in your carpeting
from incomplete cleanings as other cleaners might. We know we do
not surface clean or clean just the top inch or so of soil
from carpeting.
However if on a rare occasion, a stain or spot we cleaned
reappears, our promise to your is we too will come back and do
everything in our power to remove it. No holds barred!
If it is humanly possible to remove a stain or spot -we guarantee
that we at Tonys Best Way can remove it and we will. Our #1
goal is to make you happy.
That said, we are forced to acknowledge some stains are
permanent. Whenever possible we will tell you if this is the case
when we come out the first time. If you choose to have us try
anyway, we will do our best for you but obviously cannot be held
responsible for removing it. We do have other options for you in
such a case, such as carpet patching or heat transferring. One of
our highly qualified technicians would be happy to explain more
after he has seen what your particular stain requires.
10. What should I do after my Health+Clean
cleaning?
We have a full-page article on our after-cleaning guidelines for
you here.
11. Do you have any pointers on how to maintain my
carpets after cleaning?
Click here to read the 11 Tips to Keep Your Newly Cleaned
Carpet in Top Shape
12. Can you please tell me about carpet
protectors?
We have a full-page article about our carpet protector of choice,
Scotchgard, for you here that will thoroughly answer this
question.
13. How can I find out the answer to a question not
listed here?
Just call or email us with any questions. If you have a
complicated cleaning question, ask for Tony himself. If he's not
in the office, just ask Nikki or one of our other office staff to
have him give you a call. Our phone numbers and email address are
listed here.
Rug FAQ
1. I heard that rugs should be washed with lots of water;
why?
This actually was valid rug-cleaning advice 1-2 generations ago.
Back then, rug cleaners obviously didnt have the benefit of
modern technological advances, and water was readily available.
In addition, the soil they cleaned out of rugs was what we call
today clean dirt. That is, it was soil that did not have
the oily, commercial atmospheric pollutants (that oxidize fabric)
that we see in rugs today. These pollutants are very hard to
remove. See here for more on why we at Tonys Best Way do not
use much water in our cleaning method today.
2. When is the best time to get Scotchgard protection
applied to my rug?
The best time to apply Scotchgard Protector is immediately
after your Tonys Best Way cleaning. That way, there will be no
trapped in soil in your rugs.
3. Can you clean my rugs at my home?
We actually prefer to clean your rugs at home if possible, even
if you have hardwood or stone floors! Because we don't use a ton
of water like steam cleaners do, there is virtually no risk of
damaging carpet or flooring underneath the rug.
4. Do you pick up rugs?
If you prefer, you can bring the rugs to us to clean or we can
pick them up/deliver them for a small fee. We usually will get
them back to you within the same week, however you should check
with our office first and let us know of any time constraints you
may have.
5. What does it cost to clean oriental rugs?
The price of cleaning depends on the fabric and size of your rug.
Our prices are very reasonable, and out technicians have had many
years of expeience cleaning fine and oriental rugs. please
contact one of our friendly office staff to answer any more of
your questions.
6. What is the procedure Tony's Best Way uses to clean my oriental and area rugs?
Most area rugs can be cleaned using our outstanding same dry foam extraction procedure Health+Clean. However we also hand clean or dry clean certain delicate oriental and fine area rugs. Your cleaning will be customized to your specific rug to ensure the safest cleaning method possible is used and the best cleaning results.
Back To TopFurniture FAQ
1. Can you tell me more about how you clean leather
furniture?
Please see here for
more about how we clean leather.
2. How is the procedure Tonys Best Way uses to clean
furniture better than another method?
We use the same unique and excellent dry foam extraction
procedure to clean furniture as we do with our low-moisture
carpet cleaning. Carpet/rug and furniture cleaning are our
specialty services. Virtually the only difference in the way we
clean furniture is the equipment we use. It is tailored for
cleaning furniture. Health+Clean is a low-moisture method. What
that means is that because we hand pour just a small amount of
liquid into our machines, we dont use tons of water like
another furniture cleaner might use. This type of cleaning is
much easier on your furniture-protecting your investments.
3. Do you give free estimates?
Yes. Please contact us via phone, email or live chat with your
specific cleaning needs to learn more about estimates and
pricing. Just so you know, we are not the cheapest cleaner in
town but we do deliver the best and longest lasting results.
Imagine the money and time you will save when your furniture
stays clean for many times longer than cheaper cleanings!
Inferior rough cleanings also cost you in the long run as they
can damage your prized investments with cheap products and
one-type-fits-all methods. Time is money, and we are happy to
save you both by giving you a real cleaning. Furthermore, we will
do our best to work within all budgets. We want all San Diegans
who desire a good cleaning to be able to receive one.
4. What should I do for my spots and stains until
Tonys Best Way arrives?
Definitely check with someone in our office for professional
advice in regards to your particular stain and what you should to
do until we arrive. For staining that needs professional help
most of the time soaking, not rubbing, up wet stains (not
rubbing) the stain with a towel is the only step we recommend you
take until we arrive. Why? If you work on the stain beforehand
you will add the ingredients of whatever products you use to the
stains contents. Changing the stains chemical composition
increases the chances that a temporary stain will become a
permanent ones. Most over the counter products include some sort
of bleach, and that can ruin rather than restore your furniture.
We do not recommend rubbing because doing so can damage delicate
furniture fabric.
5. How can I be sure that a stain or odor is going to
come out of my furniture?
There isnt a company today that guarantees every stain or odor
will be completely removed after cleaning. We likewise make no
such claim. However, one of our mottos is if anyone is going
to be able to do it for you, it would be us at Tonys Best
Way. Our technicians are very well trained and highly
knowledgeable about the composition of stains and odors and what
needs to be done in order to treat them. You can only imagine how
many stain and odor jobs weve seen, smelled and treated.
Weve "seen it all and have had great success. And most of
the time even if we are not able to remove the stain or odor
completely, we can greatly improve the problem.
As far as odors are concerned, we have very effective sanitizers
and deodorizers that we can inject directly into furniture. This
treatment usually greatly improves the situation, if it doesnt
remove the odor entirely.
6. How long will it take my furniture to dry after
cleaning it?
The good thing is our cleaning is classified as low moisture
which means faster drying times than liquid soaking cleaning
procedures. A guess, not knowing your specific furniture, would
be to expect somewhere between 1-6 hours of drying time. If you
can leave windows and doors open so that there is a good air
circulation in the room that will help speed up the amount of
drying time.
Drying time will depend primarily on two factors. The less soiled
the furniture was before cleaning, the less moisture we will need
to use-and that leads to a faster drying time. The type of
covering your furniture has will also affect drying times. For
example, natural fibers will dry slower than synthetic
fibers.
We always aim to use as little moisture as possible. But that
doesnt stop us from working longer with heavily soiled pieces,
believing that our customers primary objective in hiring us is
having their furniture cleaned well -not that they dry faster at
the expense of good results.
7. Does Tonys Best Way clean commercial
furniture?
Yes, we do. Our high-quality business furniture cleaning reduces
the need for too-frequent cleanings that can disrupt office
operations and take up valuable time. Please contact someone in
our office for more information.
8. What are the other types of services Best Way
provides?
Our 7 additional services provide you the opportunity to save the
work of finding and scheduling many different cleaning companies
for your homes cleaning needs. In addition to carpet/rug
cleaning, we professionally clean:
Hardwood floors
Stone flooring and counters
Tile/grout floors
Drapery and other window treatments as they hang
Through the years weve also started two spin-off services
(leather furniture re-dying and indoor air mold testing).
Leather FAQ
1. How often do I need to have my leather furniture
cleaned and conditioned?
This can vary depending on where the furniture is located in your
home and how much use it gets. For leather furniture that gets
regular use but does not sit in direct sunlight, the answer is
about once a year. If your leather furniture is daily in direct
sunlight, it may need cleaning and conditioning every 3-6 months
to keep it in great condition. Leather is prone to cracking and
fading so its best to keep it out of the sun.
2. What about water-intolerant leather
furniture?
For unfinished leather furniture we at Best Way take special
precaution so that it is not damaged. Moisture can devastate some
types of suede and nu buck leather furniture. So, in those cases,
we use 100% dry method. You should be hesitant to trust delicate
furniture to just anyone. With our three plus decades of
experience you can rest assured "if anyone can clean it; Best Way
can!"
3. Can you dye or re-dye leather
furniture?
Tony's Best Way did offer leather re-dyeing for a number of
years. We actually came up the method we used. We re-dyed
everything from a huge sectional (from walrus-pink to brown) to a
cracked blue Rolls Royce seat back cushion. This facet of Tony's
Best Way was passed onto Tony's daughter Bethany and son-in-law
Alex Horvath in 2004. They may be reached at (858) 401-2661.
Their website is: www.sdredye.com
Drapery FAQ
1. How long do I need to vacate my home after cleaning my
window furnishings in my home?
Your rooms will be ready for use the very same day we clean
them.
2. What is the procedure Tony's Best Way uses to clean draperies and window treatments?
We have a special machine that cleans your draperies where they
hang. The machine shoots a mild cleaning solution into the
draperies, and pulls it and the dirt back out at the same
time.
3. Why is this method better than dry cleaning?
Tony's Best Way drapery cleaning is better and safer than dry
cleaning for several reasons. Number one, you don't have to
hassle with taking down your drapes and hanging them back up,
because we do them right on the window! Number two, our process
is much safer than dry cleaning because there is no risk of
damage or shrinkage. When you take your draperies to a dry
cleaner, they make you sign all kinds of forms and waivers in
case something should happen to your drapes because all they do
is throw them in a big dry cleaning machine. With our method,
there are no forms or waivers to sign because we guarantee there
will be no damage or shrinkage.
4. Is Tony's Best Way drapery cleaning more expensive than dry cleaning?
Our prices are very comparable to dry cleaning, and without the
hassle or the risk. The specific cost of cleaning your drapes
depends on the job. Please contact one of our friendly office
staff for more information.
5. Can you clean my blinds?
Yes, we can clean any type of fabric blinds and most vertical blinds and wood shutters. We also clean valances, outdoor draperies, lampshades and even upholstered walls and ceilings.
Scotchgard FAQ
1. How does Scotchgard protector work?
Scotchgard products are fluorochemical treatments developed by
3M. Applied to the carpet, they provide an effective protective
treatment by surrounding each individual carpet fiber with an
invisible shield. Scotchgard protector improves the fibers
resistance to oil and water based stains, as well as soiling from
everyday use.
2. How long does the protection from Scotchgard products
last?
Under normal conditions and with reasonable care,
Scotchgard protector will provide long lasting benefits. 3M
research has shown that Scotchgard protector is very durable to
foot traffic. However, performance will diminish somewhat over
time and with each cleaning. Scotchgard protector should be
reapplied by a professional carpet cleaner after each cleaning.
Reapplying after every cleaning can enhance the protective
properties of the treatment.
3. Why doesnt water bead up on carpet treated
with Scotchgard protector?
Some carpet fibers may not exhibit the beading characteristic
typically linked to Scotchgard protector. This can be caused by
spaces between loosely woven carpet pile. This does not affect
the stain and soil resistance of the Scotchgard protector
application. The liquid can be easily blotted up even if it does
not bead up.
4. Does Scotchgard protector waterproof
carpet?
Scotchgard protector is not intended to be used as a
waterproofing agent for carpet. However, it will provide improved
resistance to water-based substances.
5. Does Scotchgard protector contain
formaldehyde?
No. There is no formaldehyde in any Scotchgard product.
6. Is Scotchgard protector safe for children and
pets?
Yes. All Scotchgard carpet protector products go through
extensive testing and have been safely used in homes for more
than 20 years.
7. Does Scotchgard protector have an odor?
Scotchgard protector is odorless. Once applied to carpet, it does
not release any chemicals into the air. However other components
in newly manufactured and installed carpet may cause an odor for
a short time. Proper ventilation will minimize this.
8. How should carpet treated with Scotchgard protector be
cleaned?
Regular vacuuming is essential. Scotchgard protector helps keep
dry soil and oily residues from sticking to the carpet fibers.
This makes routine vacuuming more efficient and delays the need
for cleaning. For specific stain-related problems, the Scotchgard
Service Center offers phone assistance to consumers owning carpet
and furniture treated with Scotchgard protector. The service
center staff may be reached at 1-800-433-3296 from 8am 6pm
CST, Monday through Friday.
9. Doesnt Scotchgard cause furnishings to re-soil
faster?
Some our clients have heard that Scotchgard is not only
ineffective but that it actually causes furnishings to soil
faster than their untreated counterparts! That is ironic to us
because the main reason we recommend Scotchgard protection is
because we have found it is very effective at impeding
re-soiling! Applied properly, Scotchgard coats each little fiber
with a clear seal that wraps around its nooks and crannies.
This seal will resist soil from penetrating each tiny individual
fiber! The soil will not be as likely to bond and thus can more
easily be picked up with an ordinary vacuum. Your carpets and
furniture will stay cleaner longer with Scotchgard protection. In
addition, the protectant will help resist stains, spills and
spots-sometimes in dramatic beading fashion! It is
important however to clean up all spills immediately and to
maintain regular vacuuming even after Scotchgarding. Soil is
abrasive and if not removed will eventually break even
Scotchgards invisible barrier.
10. Cant I apply Scotchgard to my furniture
myself?
Yes, Scotchgards manufacturer 3M does sell do-it-yourself
protectant products. However there is no reason to do the work
yourself. If you follow 3Ms quantity guidelines, your doing so
will actually cost the equivalent (if not more) than having us do
it for you professionally! Additionally, it may interest you that
3M told us carpet cleaners a while back that their do-it-yourself
products are not as effective as the Scotchgard product we use.
We are specially licensed to provide this product. If you wish to
have Scotchgard-protected carpets and furniture, why not let us
do it for you?
10. Can't I apply Scotchgard to my furniture
myself?
Yes, Scotchgard's manufacturer 3M does sell do-it-yourself
protectant products. However there is no reason to do the work
yourself. If you follow 3M's quantity guidelines, your doing so
will actually cost the equivalent (if not more) than having us do
it for you professionally! Additionally, it may interest you that
3M told us carpet cleaners a while back that their do-it-yourself
products are not as effective as the Scotchgard product we use.
We are specially licensed to provide this product. If you wish to
have Scotchgard-protected carpets and furniture, why not let us
do it for you?
Commercial Cleaning FAQ
1. Does Tony's Best Way use the same procedure for commercial cleaning as for residential cleaning?
Yes, we use our same excellent Health+Clean cleaning procedure
for both commercial and residential cleaning.
2. Can you give me a bid for commercial carpet, stone, tile and grout, hardwood concrete and furniture cleaning?
We would be happy to come out and give you a bid, however we always like to send our best technicians prepared to do the job immediately should our bid be accepted. We suggest your company get all other bids completed before ours, so that we come out last. This way we will be able to commence work immediately.
If this does not work for your business situation, we would ask
for a very detailed description over the phone or through email,
with pictures preferably. This will help us give you the most
accurate estimate we can give without seeing the work to be
done.
3. Is your company insured?
Yes. We can provide you with a copy of our liability insurance
and even have you added to our policy as additionally
insured if need be.
4. Is Tony's Best Way able to clean high-rise apartments or offices?
Yes. Our superior low-moisture cleaning method Health+Clean does
not require a hook-up to a continuous water supply as is required
for steam cleaning. Our method allows us free to access all
floors of your office building.
Back To Top
Hardwood Floor Cleaning FAQ
1. Can I choose what type of finish I'd like?
Yes. Our fine finish comes in two versions; Semi-gloss (if a
shiny finish is desired) and Matte (if you would like a more
subdued look). We recommend using the semi-gloss finish for the
first coat. This is the most popular finish. If you judge the
first coat to be too shiny for your taste, we can then apply the
matte finish as a second coat. This will dry the finish to a
duller sheen. Both types of finish have the same strength and
durability. They are highly resistant to foot traffic, wear and
scuffing. They are also water-resistant and household
chemical-resistant. They are the ideal maintenance finish for all
hardwoods in both residential and commercial settings.
2. My wood floor is not heavily damaged. However it does have some scratches, gouges, cracks and some of the boards have separated a bit. Is my floor still a candidate for your alternative to sanding and sealing?
Almost every one of the hardwood refinishing jobs we see require
some repairs. We are equipped to repair shallow scratches,
gouges, cracks and separations between boards. We use a wood
patching product that comes in eight wood colors for these
problem areas. We apply our wood patch by hand on an individual
basis. The deeper the area to be patched the more layers of wood
patch are required. Sanding is usually not required afterward
with the exception of an exceptionally large problem area.
3. Do you wax hardwood floors?
We do not recommended our applying a wood finish over a existing
wax finish. You can only go over wax with wax itself. If you are
unsure if your floor has a wax finish on it, your Tony's Best Way
wood technician can perform a simple test to determine if wax is
required or not.
4. What type of wood cleaner do you use?
Our processional-grade wood cleaner is a unique acid-side
cleaner. Used in combination with our excellent tool, it leaves
the floor very clean and ready to accept a new finish. Our no-wax
hardwood floor cleaner is superior than others in that it removes
soil build up without leaving a film. It has a fresh scent and it
is safe and effective. It contains no phosphates and is
biodegradable.
5. Can you clean veneer hardwood floors?
Yes. Hardwood floors can either be solid or veneer. Veneer floors
are backing boards coated with a layer of hardwood. Because of
the serious nature of the abrasive sanding procedure, veneer
hardwoods generally cannot accept sanding at all. Therefore, our
alternative cleaning and refinishing procedure is perfect for
hardwood veneer floors.
6. How long before I can place furniture and rugs back on my wood floor?
Furniture may be placed on your newly cleaned and refinished
floor after only 24 hours. Rugs may be laid on it after three
days to give the two coats of finish time to dry
sufficiently.
7. How often should I have my wood refinished?
Our manufacturer recommends that a wood floor that faces normal
residential conditions should be cleaned and refinished with two
coats of finish at least once every two years. For households
that see more than average foot traffic, they recommend the same
procedures be preformed once a year.
Back To Top
Stone Surface & Floor Cleaning FAQ
1. How does Tony's Best Way clean stone surfaces and floors?
We have a machine that is specifically designed for cleaning
stone surfaces and floors, unlike most steam cleaners who use the
same machine they use to clean carpet on your stone. The main
basis for our technique is steam, however our method utilizes a
state of the art machine that is high pressure and can
effectively clean cracks and crevasses where others don't
reach.
2. I have some scratches on my stone floors. Will cleaning get rid of them?
Sometimes just cleaning can remove surface scratches, most stone
needs to be honed down and polished. We can do cleaning, or
polishing, or both.
3. What will it cost to have my stone cleaned or polished?
The price of cleaning or polishing stone varies depending on the
job. Please contact one of our friendly office staff for more
information.
4. How often do I need to have my stone cleaned or polished?
Most customers do not have their stone cleaned or polished professionally more than once every 2-3 years. After a professional cleaning, basic cleaning of your stone will keep it nice for quite some time.
High-rise Cleaning FAQ
1. Is Tony's best Way able to clean high rise apartments or offices?
Yes. Because we do have a truck mounted unit, it is no problem for us to clean something the 2nd or the 22nd floor.
