FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Every question we're asked, in one place. Start with the general answers, then jump to the service you're booking, from carpets and rugs to upholstery, mattresses, curtains and hard floors.

General questions

How much does carpet cleaning cost?

Every space is different, so we give you a free, no-obligation quote based on the area and the type of cleaning you need. Call, WhatsApp or send the form and we'll come back to you the same day.

How long do carpets take to dry?

Our high-powered extraction pulls out most of the moisture, so carpets are usually touch-dry within a few hours and you can walk on them as soon as we finish.

Do you offer same-day or emergency service?

Yes. We're available 24/7, 365 days a year for urgent cleaning and water-damage restoration anywhere in Singapore.

Which areas of Singapore do you cover?

We clean for hotels, offices and homes island-wide, working out of our base at Eastlink Building in Bedok.

Are your technicians trained and certified?

We are all IICRC and CRI certified and trained to the same standards trusted by Singapore's leading hotels and offices.

What if I'm not happy with the result?

Every clean is backed by our 30-day delight guarantee. If anything isn't right, tell us and we'll put it right.

Carpet cleaning

Carpet cleaning

What makes Big Red different from other carpet cleaning companies in Singapore?

Big Red is internationally certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) and the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Big Red’s carpet cleaners are highly trained and have a passion to deliver the best carpet cleaning service in Singapore.

We also have access to sophisticated and state-of-the-art equipment as well as environmentally friendly cleaning solutions to get the dirt and grit out from deep within your carpet. With Big Red, you can rest assured that your carpets will be cleaner and healthier.

Big Red provides professional carpet cleaning service and as your carpet cleaning partner, you get customised cleaning plans and have 24/7 access to our expert advice for any carpet cleaning concerns you may have.

What method of cleaning does Big Red use to clean carpets?

Big Red always ensures that the method of cleaning used is best suited to your carpet fibers, the unique conditions of your residential, commercial or industrial premises and the health of its occupants.

We offer 3 kinds of carpet cleaning:

  • Corrective Cleaning – where we extract contaminants and dirt from your carpet as required
  • Preventive Cleaning – where we extract all contaminants, sanitize and apply our Big Red Shield Protector to your carpet
  • Restorative Cleaning – where we clean carpets which have not been cleaned for a long time or have recently been flooded or contaminated with hard-to-remove substances

The method Big Red commonly utilizes and recommends is our proprietary hot-water extraction carpet cleaning system. Our hot-water extraction method removes most of the stubborn spots and spills, gently and effectively. This is how it is implemented:

  • We first use a Pile Lifter which helps to groom the nap of the carpet to allow the cleaning solution to reach deep into the roots of the carpet fibers for a thorough wash.
  • We then pre-treat and sanitize the carpet fibers using the best cleaning solutions and agents.
  • We agitate the carpet fibers and dirt with a rotary scrubber.
  • We use a hot-water extraction system to flush water into your fibers. Its powerful suction extracts all the residual cleaning solutions, contaminants and other dirt from deep within to leave your carpet clean, chemical-free and looking and smelling great.
  • We then use our quick drying techniques to ensure that you wait for only a short time before enjoying the feel of your carpet under your feet once again.
How long does it take for my carpet to dry after a professional carpet cleaning?

The time it takes for your carpet to dry is dependent on various factors.

  • Carpet Fibre Type
  • Carpet Pile & Density
  • Temperature in the Room
  • Humidity Level
  • Air Flow

The use of air movers and keeping the air-conditioning switched on can accelerate the drying time.

Big Red ensures that up to 95% of all moisture is removed from your carpets once we are done cleaning your carpets. Our carpet cleaners always leave the carpet as dry as possible using modern and efficient machines. Your carpets should be completely dry within 1 to 3 hours (for some thicker weave carpets and thicker designs, drying may take longer).

Can professional carpet cleaning remove all stains in the carpet?

While we can guarantee the removal of spots and recent spills on the carpet, some spots can become permanent stains if not dealt with immediately. In such cases, we cannot guarantee the complete removal of such stains.

The content of the spill, the type of carpet fiber, the age of the stain and carpet; are all factors that contribute to the success of the stain removal. Additionally, any prior attempt to remove the stain with over-the-counter chemicals can in fact worsen the stain if not done by a professional and adversely affect the chances of a complete removal.

We do have other stain eraser treatments that can help with the more stubborn and permanent stains. Speak to our carpet cleaning experts to find out more.

Will vacuuming my carpets regularly be sufficient to keep them clean?

Vacuuming is sufficient for day-to-day care only on a short-term basis and only for the surface of your carpets. Dirt, dust, soil and other particles still remain embedded within your carpet.

There are some pollutants that are left behind even after you vacuum; flea eggs, bed bugs and pet dander, which may aggravate allergies and asthma if not removed regularly. These can only be successfully removed by professional carpet cleaners who have the proper equipment and expertise to restore your carpets.

Are your carpet cleaning products safe?

Yes! We use only non-toxic carpet cleaning products that are 100% safe for your carpet fibers and for you (and your pets, too).

Do you clean office carpets? Do you offer commercial and industrial carpet cleaning?

Big Red is highly experienced in cleaning industrial and commercial premises. We have over 40 years’ experience cleaning carpets in offices, hotels, hospitals, schools, boats, airplanes and factories. Having a clientele panel that extends across multiple industries, Big Red can advise you on which carpet cleaning method and frequency of cleaning would be most suitable for your premise.

Do you provide carpet protectors?

Yes, we do. Our special Red Shield Carpet Protector is designed to ensure protection from liquid spills. Carpet fibers normally absorb liquid spills almost immediately. The liquid seeps into the carpet and goes deep into the fibers, making it difficult to remove such liquid materials. Acting as a repellent, the Red Shield Carpet Protector will allow liquid spills to momentarily float on the surface of the fibers, giving you enough time to get an absorbent cloth to wipe up the spill before it seeps through and damages the carpet. This protector should be re-applied after each professional carpet cleaning or at the very minimum, once a year for the best results.

What to do before my carpet cleaners come?

If cleaning for an office, a memo should be sent out to all employees to inform them to remove all breakables from the cleaning areas. All personal items on the carpet should be transferred onto tables or kept away.

We only clean all observable carpet, so if you are looking to clean carpets under furniture or large boxes, it is advisable to shift these prior to the carpet cleaning. Any furniture that is movable i.e. on wheels, such as office chairs, does not need to be shifted. Our carpet cleaning team will move them around to reach under the work stations and return the chairs to their original places post cleaning.

How often should my carpet be cleaned by professionals?

For homes, carpet manufacturers recommend getting a professional cleaning at least every 6 to 12 months. If you have bad allergies, you should call us three to four times a year. We remove the irritants, allergens and contaminants embedded in your carpet, making the air cleaner and fresher.

For offices, retail and commercial premises, we would recommend professional carpet cleaning once every 3 to 12 months.

For restaurants, we recommend a monthly or quarterly cleaning.

For industrial premises, we would recommend a quarterly cleaning.

In all cases, the frequency of cleaning will be highly dependent upon how much foot traffic there is, and whether the traffic is heavy and transfers soil onto the carpet frequently.

Does cleaning my carpets regularly make them dirtier?

This is true only if the carpet cleaning is done incorrectly. It is very important during the carpet cleaning process that the chemicals used to clean are rinsed and extracted thoroughly during the cleaning process. If done incorrectly, the chemical residue will act as a magnet and attract dirt rapidly.

When you choose Big Red Carpet Cleaners, you can rest assured that this will not be the case. Our specially formulated carpet cleaning solutions and professional steam extraction processes ensure that all of the chemicals and the dirt are extracted from the deepest part of your carpet fibres, leaving your carpets chemical and dirt free.

Why are there ripples in my carpet after a cleaning?

This is common especially if the carpet installation is not done correctly. Introduction of moisture into the carpet during the cleaning can cause the ripple or bubble effect. However, as the carpet dries up, this effect will subside and be completely gone once the carpet is dry. If the carpet does not flatten out, please contact one of our Big Red specialists as soon as possible. The carpet may require some stretching to correct the installation.

Some spots have reappeared after a carpet cleaning. What should I do?

Although a professional carpet cleaning by Big Red will remove most spots and they do not reappear after the cleaning, some areas in the carpet may experience re-soiling. This is where some dirt in the carpet backing may wick to the carpet surface after a cleaning. This is common in carpets which have not been professionally cleaned for a long time.

Do you provide any guarantee with the carpet cleaning?

While we do not provide guarantees on complete removal of stains in the carpet, Big Red is happy to work with the client to remedy any situation that may arise as a result of the carpet cleaning. This can come in the form of a touch-up of a specific problem carpeted area or the re-cleaning of an entire area if you are not satisfied with the results. Please contact Big Red if you are having any issues with your carpets.

Why is your price different from other carpet cleaning companies in Singapore?

When searching for a carpet cleaning company in Singapore, it is important to ask the right questions. Are they certified? Do they outsource the work?

You have to keep in mind that all Big Red technicians are in-house and we never sub-contract the cleaning. They are properly trained in the CRI & IICRC cleaning techniques and equipment, which allows them to deliver superior results for our clients.

Will carpet cleaning remove mold from my carpet?

Mold growth in carpets is only possible in the presence of excess moisture and high humidity. This can lead to odor and staining caused by the mold. Sometimes, the mold can damage not only the carpet fibers, but the carpet backing as well.

Big Red can help restore such affected rugs, including a provision of an anti-microbial on the carpet to prevent a mold re-occurrence. However, you may want to consider doing an IAQ Testing of your working or living environment if there is mold. It is important to rectify the underlying root cause for the mold growth as well.

What is the difference between Carpet ‘Cleaning’ versus Carpet ‘Restoration?’

Knowing the difference between the two can improve your carpet care process.

The term carpet cleaning is commonly known as standard carpet cleaning, where the works involve using a carpet extraction machine to do steam cleaning extraction. This form of carpet cleaning is a traditional method done for a carpet, which is regularly maintained periodically and best for carpet condition that is not heavily soiled at the time of cleaning.

The term carpet restorative cleaning involves a few additional processes such as vacuuming using a pile lifter, respraying of chemicals, mechanical agitation to break down the embedded soil, grease, and dirt, followed by hot water extraction or commonly known as steam cleaning. This method of cleaning usually is beneficial for the carpet, which has not been maintained for a long time or has heavy human footfall traffic.

Carpet stain removal

What kinds of stains can you remove?

Our proprietary Big Red Stain Eraser treatment removes even stubborn, deeply absorbed stains, including dye stains, and outperforms typical over-the-counter products.

Can old, set-in stains still be removed?

The honest answer: the sooner a stain is treated, the better the result. Stains left untreated can become permanent discoloration, so treat early where possible. That said, we routinely recover stains other treatments have failed on, and we will assess yours honestly.

Is the treatment safe for my carpet?

Yes. It was developed by our own carpet cleaning specialists and is applied by IICRC-certified technicians who match the treatment to your carpet’s fibre.

Do you treat just the stain or clean the whole carpet?

Both are available. Spot treatment handles a single accident; if the carpet needs an overall refresh we combine stain removal with a full deep clean. See our carpet cleaning service

Carpet supply & installation

Can you help us choose the right carpet?

Yes, that is where we start. Our carpet technicians inspect your home or office first and give you professional advice on suitable options before you commit to anything.

What types of carpet do you supply?

A wide range of broadloom carpets for residential and commercial use, from expressive contemporary designs to rich traditional colours and patterns.

Do you install the carpet as well as supply it?

Yes, supply and installation come as one service, and the quotation for both is free.

Can you maintain the carpet after installation?

Absolutely. Carpet cleaning has been our core business since 1986, so the team that fits your carpet can also keep it clean for its whole life. See our carpet cleaning service

Rug cleaning & care

Rug cleaning

How do you clean rugs?

Before cleaning any rug, we always inspect the type of fiber and the construction of the rug. We also test for colour-fastness prior to the rug cleaning. For most rugs, including hand-made and oriental rugs, we clean them the old-fashioned way:

  • Pre-inspection and dye test
  • Deep vacuum using a special vibrating vacuum machine to agitate the dirt
  • Dry soil removal from deep inside the rug fibers and foundation
  • Immerse rug in a special pit designed for oriental rugs with a shampoo with a neutral PH level
  • Rinse rug manually several times until shampoo is completely removed
  • Dry the rug with a delicate air remover
  • Wash the fringes by hand using a biodegradable shampoo (No bleach or strong chemicals)
  • Re-inspection & vacuum before preparation for delivery
Do you guarantee removal of all spots and stains in the rug?

While we can guarantee the removal of all spots, we however cannot guarantee removal of some stains which are permanent or have discolored the carpet or rug fibers. It is of utmost importance to take immediate steps in the event a spill, such as red wine or coffee, occurs on your rug. Absorbing most of the spill quickly can help prevent further damage; otherwise there is a high possibility of the spill becoming a permanent stain.

How a DIY attempt to remove the stain is carried out also determines the success of the stain removal. If harsh or reactive chemicals were used prior to calling Big Red, the stain removal process can be compromised and adversely affect the Big Red Stain Removal Process.

What we can guarantee is our expertise and the very best available technology to get the best possible results.

Will your rug cleaning cause the natural dye in my Oriental Rug to run?

In handmade rugs such as Oriental Rugs, if an unstable dye is used, there is a high tendency for it to run, especially if the cleaning is carried out by unprofessional rug cleaners. However, at Big Red, we always conduct a color-fastness dye test prior to cleaning.

During our inspection, if any instability in the dye is identified, the client is immediately notified before we proceed with the cleaning. If you have experienced any color run in your rugs, you can contact one of our rug cleaning specialists.

How long does a rug cleaning take in Singapore?

Typically, Big Red takes between 7 to 14 working days to return the rug to you upon collection. In addition to using air movers, we also rely on natural drying under the sun for some rugs. As such, the duration of the rug cleaning depends on the weather in Singapore as well. Our clients are informed if their rugs require more treatment and a longer time as a result.

Will you be able to remove smell and stain caused by my pet’s urine?

This is a common question among clients with pets at home. Urine smell and stains caused by your pet’s urine on your rugs can certainly be cleaned but the treatment involved may require a longer time. The longer you wait before engaging Big Red, the more difficult it is to remove the smell and stains completely. During our cleaning process, we help to neutralize the smell as well as disinfect the rug.

How do I check the size and fiber type of my rug for cleaning?

The best way to establish these details is to refer to the manufacturer’s label on the rug backing. Rugs do come in some standard sizes, such as 4ft by 6ft, 5ft by 7ft, 6ft by 9ft, 7ft by 10ft etc., but the material of the fiber can vary.

Providing this information to your rug cleaner is important to determine the cleaning method and eventual cost of cleaning.

How does baking soda help to remove stains on my rug?

When you have a stain on your rug, it is very natural to look for remedy suggestions on the internet. While the use of baking soda and vinegar is commonly recommended, improper application on the stain can cause further damage to your rug. It is advisable to only absorb the access spill using a clean cloth and contact Big Red to get the stain professionally removed.

Do you clean viscose rugs?

Viscose, also known as rayon or bamboo silk, has become an increasingly popular fiber to replace 100% pure silk in rugs. However, viscose rugs tend to deteriorate in appearance after a professional rug cleaning if the cleaners are not aware of its characteristics. Any contact with moisture can cause these viscose fibers to shed, yellow and/or stiffen.

Big Red has a specially formulated cleaning technique that allows us to properly clean such rugs without causing damage. Contact us today should you need your viscose rugs cleaned.

Does Big Red provide same day pick up service?

Yes, we do provide same day pick up service, subject to availability. If the order is received late in the day, the pick-up will be arranged for the following day.

Rug repair & restoration

What kinds of rug damage can you repair?

Discoloration, tears and fringe damage are the most common. Our expert weavers and technicians repair and restore rugs by hand, matching the approach to each rug’s construction.

Can you repair or replace rug fringes?

Yes. Fringes protect an Oriental rug’s body from sliding off the warps, so we repair and rebuild them, preserving both the rug’s structure and its classic look.

Is my antique or Oriental rug safe in your hands?

We treat rugs as woven works of art. Our restorers take the time to understand each rug’s origin, materials and specific needs before any work is done by hand.

Is restoring a rug worth it compared to replacing it?

For quality rugs, almost always. Restoration brings the beauty back and lets a rug last through generations, at a fraction of what a comparable replacement would cost.

Rug pads & carpet underlay

Do you cut rug pads to custom sizes?

Yes. Our In-Step underlay is supplied for rugs of all shapes and sizes, including custom-cut fits for unusual dimensions.

What does a rug pad actually do?

It extends your rug’s life by absorbing wear, protects the floor underneath, stops the rug slipping, adds cushioning underfoot and even helps with sound absorption.

Will a rug pad stop my rug from slipping?

Yes. Anti-slip grip is one of the main reasons to fit one, especially on smooth marble, tile or timber floors.

What is the In-Step underlay made of?

A synthetic foam with an open-weave pattern, so the rug can breathe and fine soil filters through instead of grinding between rug and floor.

Upholstery, mattresses & curtains

Upholstery cleaning

My sofa’s manufacturer label recommends a dry cleaning method. Can Big Red clean the sofa?

Yes, we can certainly clean your sofa. We always conduct a fabric test before determining the safest and most effective cleaning method. A furniture tag is required to suggest at least one cleaning process, even if it is not the most effective method to remove to dirt, soil and other contaminants from your furniture.

How will Big Red clean my upholstery?

Whether the cleaning is for your house sofa or office chair, the most common method Big Red uses is the hot water extraction method. We have found this approach to be the most effective way to rid your furniture of embedded soil and dirt.

That said, before commencing the cleaning, we would still refer to the furniture tag to look for any pertinent information on the fabric. Typically, the label consists of one of four different letters on it:

  • W – Water Based Cleaning is permitted.
  • S – Water-Free Solvents need to be used.
  • W/S – Both Water-Free Solvents & Water based cleaning is allowed.
  • X – Fabric is not cleanable and only vacuuming is recommended.
How long will it take for my upholstery to dry?

The drying time depends on the type of furniture and fabric cleaned. If a fabric protector is applied to the furniture, the drying time increases accordingly. While the drying time ranges, you would be looking at an estimated range of 2 to 6 hours. At Big Red, we also offer to deploy air movers on site to expedite this drying time if required.

How often should I clean my sofa?

It is recommended to professionally clean your sofa at least once in 12-18 months. However, you should clean it more often if you have children and/or pets at home. With increased daily use, the sofa experiences more wear & tear and a more frequent cleaning can help retain the sofa’s fabric softness and prolong its longevity.

Should I Scotchgard my sofa at home?

A fabric protector like Scotchgard, helps to repel food & drink spills on the sofa and gives your time to clear the mess before it becomes a permanent stain. Yes, it is recommended especially if you host people over all the time or have kids at home. Please be advised that after each professional upholstery cleaning, the protector needs to be reapplied.

How do I clean upholstery myself?

We recommend that you vacuum your fabric furniture at home at least once a week to prevent soil built-up. In the event of spills, beyond absorbing the spill with a clean cloth, we do not recommend any DIY cleaning because any incorrect method can worsen the stain. Leave the thorough upholstery cleaning to experts like Big Red. Contact us for your cleaning needs!

Mattress cleaning

Why does a mattress need professional cleaning?

You spend eight-plus hours a night on it, and like a carpet it is an ideal breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. A clean bedsheet only hides what has built up inside.

How often should I have my mattress professionally cleaned?

There is no fixed schedule, as it comes down to who sleeps on it and whether anyone suffers from allergies. Sweat, dead skin cells and dust mites keep building up inside the mattress between cleans, so it is worth booking a deep clean regularly rather than waiting for a stain or an odour.

How effective is mattress cleaning at removing dust mites?

Our deep-extraction clean removes about 90% of the dust mites and germs in the mattress. It reaches down into the layers where they breed, not just the surface, and it sanitises and deodorises in the same visit.

Can mattress cleaning help with allergies?

It removes the dust mites, bacteria and allergen build-up that are common triggers for sinus and respiratory complaints, which makes a real difference for sensitive sleepers.

Can you remove stains and odours from a mattress?

Yes. Our mattress service sanitises and deodorises, treating visible stains and the contaminants you cannot see in the same visit.

Do you clean the mattress in my home, or take it away?

We come to you. The clean is carried out on-site at your home, island-wide across Singapore from our Bedok base, so nothing needs to leave the house.

Do I need to prepare anything before you arrive?

Very little. Just clear the sheets, pillows and any covers so we can reach the whole surface, and we handle the deep-extraction clean from there. If you have not booked yet, we can give you a free, no-obligation quote first.

Can mattress cleaning get rid of bed bugs?

We are a cleaning service, not a licensed pest control company, so an active bed bug problem needs a licensed pest controller. Our deep-extraction clean does sanitise and deodorise the mattress and removes about 90% of the dust mites and germs, but it is not a bed bug treatment.

When can I sleep on the mattress again?

Our extraction equipment pulls out most of the moisture, so the mattress is typically ready to make up again the same day.

Curtain cleaning

Do my curtains need to come down for cleaning?

No. This is our speciality. We dry-clean curtains on-site, right where they hang, so you skip the whole cycle of taking down, sending away and re-hanging.

Will cleaning damage or shrink the fabric?

No. Our dry-cleaning method removes stains and particulates while protecting the textile. It is specifically designed to prevent damage and shrinkage.

How do I know my curtains need cleaning?

The nose knows: a musty or stale smell means the fabric has been quietly filtering dust, soil and odours from the air, which is exactly what curtains do all day in urban Singapore.

Does regular curtain cleaning make them last longer?

Yes. Removing the grit and contaminants that abrade fibres extends the lifespan of your curtains. Professional cleaning is cheaper than premature replacement.

Hard floors & facade

Marble polishing

Can you remove etching, scratches and chips from marble?

Yes. Our honing service grinds away scratches, chips, etch marks and worn foot-traffic patterns to reveal a fresh, damage-free surface, which we then polish back to an even finish.

Can I choose between a matte and a gloss finish?

Yes. Refinishing works in both directions: we can bring a matt surface up to a shine or take a glossy one down to a honed, matte look, and even out patches that have gone dull.

Do you only polish floors, or other marble surfaces too?

We restore marble well beyond floors: kitchen countertops, backsplashes, vanity tops and walls all respond to the same refinishing, honing and polishing processes.

My marble looks beyond saving. Should I just replace it?

Usually not. Restoration is almost always cheaper than replacement, and dull, stained or chipped marble typically polishes back to its original lustre. We will tell you honestly if a surface is past restoring.

Parquet polishing

Why is mopping not enough for parquet floors?

Household cleaning mostly pushes fine grit around, redistributing it into the crevices of the wood where it grinds away the finish. Professional deep cleaning lifts that soil out instead of moving it.

Can tired, scratched parquet be restored without replacing it?

In most cases, yes. Specialised equipment and polishing restore the gloss of worn wood and remove the traffic patterns that make parquet look old before its time.

How often should parquet be professionally maintained?

It depends on traffic and sun exposure. A home reads differently from an office corridor. We assess your floor and recommend a tailored maintenance programme rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule.

Is professional parquet polishing safe for the wood?

Yes. Wood is exactly why we use dedicated equipment and techniques. The point of a professional programme is deep cleaning and polish without damaging the timber or its finish.

Facade cleaning

Do you need scaffolding or a gondola to clean our building?

Usually not. That is the point of rope access. Our technicians reach high and awkward elevations with ropes and climbing techniques, so most jobs need no scaffolding or heavy equipment and cost less because of it.

Is rope access safe?

Yes. Rope access is an established industrial technique, and our experienced technicians are trained to carry out work at height safely, effectively and on schedule.

What kinds of buildings do you clean?

High-rise offices, hotels, condominiums and commercial buildings across Singapore. Wherever a facade is hard to reach, rope access gets our team to it.

How disruptive is facade cleaning to tenants?

Minimal. Because rope access needs no scaffolding build-up, there is far less noise, setup time and obstruction around the building than with conventional access methods.

30-Day Guarantee

Experience the Big Red Difference

We’re so confident in our cleaning services that we offer an unbeatable 30-Day Delight Guarantee. Should any spot not meet your highest standards, simply let us know within 30 days, and we’ll joyfully re-clean it at no extra cost to you. Call Big Red now at 6241 9443.

Big Red technician deep-cleaning the carpet of a hotel lobby