Honest Answers to Your Most Common Questions.

We'd rather answer your questions up front than have you wonder after the fact. If you don't see yours here, call us at (408) 270-7000. We're happy to help.

  • Serving South Bay Since 2002
  • 4.9 Stars on Yelp
  • 10,000+ Jobs Completed
  • 300+ Verified Reviews
  • Licensed, Insured & Owner-Operated

Getting Started & the Estimate

Is the in-home estimate really free?

Yes. It's completely free, with no obligation. Ron will come to your home, walk through the spaces you're concerned about, evaluate your surfaces, and give you honest recommendations and accurate pricing. You decide from there. If you'd like to move forward, we'll schedule your service. If not, there's no charge and no pressure.

What happens during the in-home estimate?

Ron evaluates your surfaces in person, looking at the material type, condition, finish, and what's realistic to improve. He'll explain what he sees, what the right process would be, and what you can expect from the results. You'll receive a clear, accurate estimate before anything is scheduled. The estimate usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on the number of surfaces and the size of the home.

Do I have to decide right away after the estimate?

Not at all. Take as much time as you need. Many clients call back days later to schedule, and that's completely fine. We never pressure anyone into booking on the spot. The estimate is informational, not a sales pitch.

How do I know if I need a stone specialist versus a general cleaner?

If you have natural stone (marble, travertine, granite, limestone, slate, or terrazzo), you need a specialist. General cleaning products and methods are often too harsh or too acidic for natural stone and can cause permanent etching, dulling, or surface damage. A specialist uses pH-neutral chemistry and surface-specific techniques that clean and protect without causing harm. If you're not sure what you have or what it needs, the free in-home estimate is the right first step.

Do you offer same-day or emergency service?

We do our best to accommodate urgent requests, particularly for long-term clients and realtors working under listing timelines. Availability varies. The best way to find out is to call us at (408) 270-7000 and let us know your situation.

What areas do you serve?

We serve San Jose, CA, including Evergreen and Silver Creek, and nearby cities: Campbell, Cupertino, East Foothills, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Loyola, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Sunnyvale. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call and we'll confirm.

Natural Stone Restoration & Care

What types of natural stone do you work with?

We work with marble, granite, travertine, limestone, slate, and terrazzo, across floors, countertops, showers, bathroom surfaces, entryways, and more. Each stone type has different characteristics and responds to different processes. We assess every surface before recommending a treatment.

My marble looks dull and has white hazy marks. Can that be fixed?

In most cases, yes. Dull marble and white hazy marks are usually caused by etching, a chemical reaction that occurs when acidic substances (citrus, wine, vinegar, certain cleaners) contact the stone surface. Etching removes the polished finish and leaves a dull spot. Professional honing and polishing can restore the surface in most cases. The extent of restoration depends on how deep the etching is, which we assess during the in-home estimate.

My travertine has scratches. Can you repair them?

Often, yes. Surface-level scratches on travertine can typically be addressed through professional honing and polishing. Deep gouges may be partially improved but not fully eliminated. Ron will assess the scratch depth during the estimate and give you an honest answer about what's achievable.

Can you clean and restore stone showers?

Yes. Stone showers, including marble, travertine, and other natural stone, are one of our most common restoration jobs. Showers are particularly prone to soap scum buildup, water staining, and etching from cleaning products. We use surface-appropriate chemistry to clean and restore stone shower surfaces without damaging the finish, and we can seal the stone to slow future buildup.

Will sealing my stone make it look different?

A properly applied penetrating sealer should not change the appearance of your stone. It absorbs below the surface and doesn't leave a film or coating. Some sealers can slightly enhance the natural color of the stone (a "wet look"), but we discuss this with you beforehand so there are no surprises.

How often should natural stone be professionally cleaned and sealed?

It depends on the stone type, its location, and how much traffic or use it receives. High-traffic stone floors or frequently used stone countertops typically benefit from professional cleaning and resealing every one to three years. Shower stone may need more frequent attention. Ron will give you a realistic maintenance recommendation after assessing your specific surfaces.

Can you clean granite countertops?

Yes. We clean and seal granite countertops using pH-neutral products appropriate for granite's specific properties. Granite is more resistant to etching than marble, but it still benefits from professional cleaning and sealing to protect against staining and maintain its appearance.

Tile & Grout Cleaning

Why does my tile still look dirty even after I mop?

Because mopping doesn't reach embedded grout soil. Grout is porous. It absorbs soil, bacteria, cleaning product residue, and everyday buildup over time. Mopping moves surface debris around but doesn't extract what's embedded deep in the grout line. Professional hot water extraction with truck-mounted equipment is the method that actually removes it.

What is the Rightway Signature Tile & Grout Renewal process?

It's our 10-step professional cleaning process, covering everything from pre-inspection and surface-appropriate pre-treatment to professional extraction, edge and corner detailing, fan drying, optional sealing, and a final walkthrough with you. It's designed to produce real, lasting results, not just a surface-level clean. You can read the full process on our Tile & Grout Cleaning page.

Do you clean tile and grout in showers?

Yes. Shower tile and grout is one of our most requested services. Showers accumulate soap scum, hard water deposits, mold, and mildew in grout lines that standard cleaning products can't fully remove. We use surface-specific chemistry and professional extraction to deep-clean shower tile and grout, and we can seal the grout afterward to slow future buildup.

How long does tile and grout cleaning take?

Most residential tile and grout jobs take two to four hours, depending on the area size, the number of rooms or surfaces, and the condition of the grout. Ron will give you a time estimate during the in-home assessment.

Should I seal my grout after cleaning?

We recommend it in most cases, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Grout sealing slows future soil absorption, makes day-to-day cleaning easier, and extends the time between professional cleanings. We can apply a penetrating grout sealer as part of the service, and we'll discuss whether it makes sense for your specific floors during the estimate.

I've tried other cleaning companies before and wasn't impressed. How is Rightway different?

Most general cleaning services aren't equipped for professional tile and grout work. They use consumer-grade products and surface-level methods that don't reach embedded soil. Rightway uses truck-mounted extraction equipment, surface-specific chemistry, and a 10-step professional process. The results are different because the process is fundamentally different. We also give you an honest assessment of what's achievable up front, so you know exactly what to expect.

Can you clean exterior tile and pavers?

Yes. Exterior stone tile and pavers are covered under our pressure washing service. We calibrate pressure settings for the specific surface type to ensure thorough cleaning without surface damage.

Carpet Cleaning

What carpet cleaning method do you use?

We use hot water extraction, also called steam cleaning, which is widely recognized as the most effective method for removing embedded soil, allergens, pet dander, and odors from carpet fibers. We also use eco-friendly, green cleaning solutions that are safe for children, families, and pets.

Are your cleaning solutions safe for kids and pets?

Yes. We use eco-friendly, green cleaning solutions across all of our carpet and upholstery services. No harsh chemical residues are left behind that could be harmful to children, pets, or anyone with sensitivities.

Can you remove pet stains and odors?

In most cases, yes, significantly. Pet odor and urine treatment is available as part of our carpet cleaning service. The extent of odor removal depends on how deeply the urine has penetrated the carpet and the padding beneath it. Ron will assess this during the estimate and give you a realistic expectation of what's achievable.

How long does carpet take to dry?

Carpet cleaned with our hot water extraction method is typically dry within two to six hours, depending on the carpet type, pile density, air circulation, and humidity. We use a fast-dry finish and fans where appropriate to speed the drying process. Carpet is lightly damp after cleaning, not wet.

Can I get a carpet cleaning estimate over the phone?

Yes, a preliminary one. Call us at (408) 270-7000 and Ron will ask a few questions about your rooms, your carpet, and any stains, pets, or odors, which gets you the closest ballpark. You can also get a starting range from our online estimator. Either way, your final estimate is confirmed in person before any work begins.

Do you clean carpet on stairs?

Yes. Stair carpet cleaning is included in our carpet cleaning service. Stairs are one of the highest-traffic areas in a home and often show the most wear. We pay particular attention to the leading edge of each step, where soil accumulates most heavily.

My carpet has ripples and buckles. Can that be fixed without replacing it?

In most cases, yes. Carpet rippling and buckling is usually caused by improper installation, age, or heavy use, and it can typically be corrected with professional carpet stretching. We re-stretch and re-attach the carpet to remove the buckles and restore a flat, safe surface. It's significantly less expensive than replacement in most situations.

Upholstery & Rug Cleaning

What types of upholstery do you clean?

We clean sofas, sectionals, chairs, ottomans, and other upholstered furniture using fabric-appropriate chemistry and extraction methods. We assess the fabric type before cleaning to make sure we're using the right process for your specific piece.

Do you clean Oriental rugs and wool rugs?

Yes. We specialize in Oriental rugs, wool rugs, and other delicate specialty materials that require careful handling and fabric-appropriate chemistry. These rugs need a different approach than synthetic area rugs, and we treat them accordingly. All rug cleaning is performed on-site at your home.

Do you offer rug pickup and drop-off?

No. We clean all rugs on-site at your home. This lets us assess and treat the rug in its actual environment and make sure it's properly dried and returned to its place before we leave.

Pricing & Booking

How much does your service cost?

Every home and every surface is different, so we don't publish a price list. Pricing depends on the specific surface, its condition, area size, and scope of work. For a quick ballpark, try our online price estimator. No surprises: every price is reviewed and agreed on before work begins.

Are there any hidden fees or charges added on-site?

No. Your price is confirmed up front. If anything changes in scope once we're on-site, we discuss it with you before proceeding. We don't add charges after the fact.

How do I book a service?

The easiest way is to book your free in-home estimate online. You can pick a time that works for you in under a minute. You can also call us at (408) 270-7000, or send us a message through our contact page. We respond within one business day.

What are your business hours?

We're available Monday through Saturday, 8am to 5pm. You can leave a voicemail outside of business hours and we'll get back to you the next business day.

Do you work with realtors and property managers?

Yes. We work with realtors and property managers throughout the South Bay to prepare homes for listing, showing, and tenant turnover. We understand the timelines involved and communicate clearly and reliably throughout the process. Carpet cleaning and tile and grout cleaning are our most common services for listing prep.

Trust & What to Expect

Is there any pressure during the estimate or the service?

None. Ron comes to your home, walks the space with you, explains what he sees, and gives you a clear estimate. If you'd like to move forward, great. If not, the estimate is free and there's no follow-up pressure. Many clients take time to think it over and call back when they're ready, and that's always welcome.

What if I'm not satisfied with the results?

We stand behind our work with the Honest Outcome Guarantee. We tell you clearly what professional cleaning and restoration can realistically improve, and what it cannot. If we fail to deliver the level of improvement we agreed was achievable, we will return and make it right. No argument, no runaround.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. Rightway Stone and Carpet Care is fully licensed and insured. You can have complete confidence inviting us into your home.

How long has Rightway been in business?

We were founded in 2002 by Dawn and Ron Murray. We've been serving South Bay homeowners for over 24 years and have completed more than 10,000 jobs across the greater San Jose and Silicon Valley area.

Why should I choose Rightway over a larger cleaning company?

Because when you hire Rightway, Ron is the one who shows up, not a rotating crew of technicians you've never met. We're owner-operated, which means the person with 24 years of experience and a personal stake in the quality of the work is the same person in your home. We also take the time to evaluate your specific surfaces rather than running through a standard checklist. That combination of personal accountability and surface-specific expertise is what produces results that hold up.

Don't See Your Question Here?

Call us. We're happy to answer whatever's on your mind before you commit to anything. There's no script, no pressure, and no obligation. Just an honest conversation about what your surfaces need.

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Mon–Sat, 8am–5pm · [email protected] · Serving South Bay since 2002