Carpet cleaning, and beyond.
Russ and Mel Terhaar have cleaned carpets across central Iowa since 2008, from Main Street in Slater. The latest cleaning technology, with a level of service that takes you back to a different time.
Scroll to watch a service call, step by step.
Step 1, Walk-through: We walk the rooms with you first
Russ walks through the areas with you, points out any problems he sees and explains how he can help. Then he measures the carpet and gives you an estimate before anything starts, so there are no surprises.
Step 2, Pretreat: Hot pretreatment, scrubbed to the base
Water-based detergents that are safe for your family and pets go down at 200 degrees and start loosening soil straight away. In heavily traveled areas the CRB, a counter rotating brush machine, scrubs the solution to the base of the fibers.
Step 3, Rinse and extract: Copious hot water, and humongous suction
The van-powered Butler System makes plenty of hot water and suction to pull out everything the pretreatment and scrubbing loosened. A special rinse runs through the hot water line to flush out the first detergent, so your carpet is left soft and free of soapy residue.
Step 4, Post-spotting: Then the stubborn spots
The pretreatment takes out most spots and spills, and some need a little more. We specialize in stain removal, from coffee spills to Kool-Aid dribbles, and we'll ask about them during the walk-through.
Step 5, Speed drying: Fans in every room, so life gets back to normal
Speed drying is part of the process. As we finish each room we set drying fans in it, so you can get back to normal life as quickly as possible. The average dry time is 6 to 12 hours.
Step 6, Groom and protect: Groomed, and protected if you like
Protector is optional. For homes with children, pets or a lot of traffic we recommend it: it helps the carpet last, makes vacuuming more efficient and makes spots and spills easier to clean up. We can apply it everywhere we clean, or just the high-traffic areas.
What we clean
Carpet is where it started. Beyond it: the rugs, the furniture and the hard floors, for homes and for businesses.
Floors
Residential carpetHot water extraction from the truck-mounted Butler System, at 200 degrees.
Commercial carpetOffices and churches, from a small office to a sprawling headquarters.
Tile and groutScrubbed, rinsed with the Turbo Spinner, then sealed if you like.
HardwoodThe gunk in the grain and joints, rinsed out. A deep clean, not a refinish.
LVP and LVTA hot pretreatment and hot extraction for luxury vinyl and its texture.
VCT stripping and waxingOld finish stripped, tired tile brought back to a wet-looking shine.
Fabrics
Area rugsCleaned in your own home, with Maxim Protector built into the price.
UpholsteryNatural and synthetic fibers, each given the care it needs.
Also on the van: a pet enzyme treatment for urine odors, a professional spot and stain remover you can buy, and carpet protector. See every service
★★★★★Russ was here exactly when he said he would be, which is huge. We had lots of set stains from kids and pets and he did a phenomenal job getting them out. I wish we would have had him come sooner. The house feels refreshed. Very pleased with the work, and as a bonus, Russ is a super great guy!
★★★★★Great customer service and the cleaning results are AMAZING!!! We have 2 kids and a dog so our cream colored carpet takes a beating!!! Russ has done our carpets several times now and every time we are blown away by how new the carpet looks and feels!! Stains never reappear and the carpet is never stiff like we've experienced in the past with other carpet cleaning companies!! Russ and Melodie never disappoint!!!!
★★★★★Russ and Mel did an excellent job cleaning the carpet in our recently purchased home. There were a few dark spots in the carpet and they were able to remove them all and the high traffic areas look so much better. The carpets look amazing and we couldn't be happier. Russ and Mel were extremely friendly, professional, and helpful in going through the different options they provide during a cleaning. They were very efficient and careful with their work. I felt that they were honest in what I would find value in and weren't trying to give me a sales pitch on something I didn't really need. Thank you Russ and Mel for the great work!
Russ, Mel and Summer
The Clean Machine, LLC was formed in the spring of 2008 by Russ and Mel Terhaar. Russ started cleaning carpet in 1999 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and kept at it in New York, Colorado and Montana before the adventure in Iowa began. Of everywhere he has cleaned, he'd say central Iowa is his favorite.
Russ Terhaar
The owner, and the resident floor and fabric care specialist. Pretty far out to know the boss-man is also the technician at your door. He's also really, REALLY into his carpet cleaning van.
Mel Terhaar
Probably the first person you'll talk to. Mel is passionate about an upbeat customer service experience by phone, email or social media, and you'll sometimes spot her out on a job with Russ.
Summer
The mascot of the business and chief exe-CUTE-ive shop dog. We love her more than carpet cleaning, and that's A LOT.
On Main Street, between Ames and Ankeny
At the close of 2019 The Clean Machine moved to Main Street in Slater. From there Russ and Mel serve the Ballard community, the larger communities of Ames and Ankeny, and customers as far out as Clive and Waukee.
- Monday to Friday9am to 5pm
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Far out service at a down to earth price.
Tell our assistant what needs cleaning and it will pass the details to Russ and Mel, or call the shop.