New carpets bring comfort and style to many homes. They are an investment that you want to make sure you look after to prolong their life, whilst still maintaining that comfort and style. However, you may have heard of many carpet cleaning myths, and wonder if they are true. Below are 12 carpet cleaning myths that we have exposed.
1. VACUUMING TOO MUCH CAN DAMAGE YOUR CARPET
As with many of the myths you will read, there is a small element of truth behind this one, however with other contributing factors. If a carpet is installed correctly, it is built to undergo normal vacuuming using modern day vacuum cleaners. There may be some vacuums which would be deemed as too powerful, however, due to changes in regulations, these are not so readily available. Most households will find it enough to vacuum their carpets weekly, unless you have high traffic areas which could require vacuuming more frequently.
2. CARPET CLEANING MAKES THE CARPET GET DIRTY MORE QUICKLY
This myth stems from the results of incorrect cleaning methods being used to clean a carpet. Some cleaning methods can leave dirt and a sticky residue behind, however this is because the incorrect method was used. A reputable carpet cleaning company will ensure that the correct method is used to thoroughly rinse your carpet ensuring no residue or dirt is left behind.
3. STEAM CLEANING CAN CAUSE MOULD
Again, another myth stemming from incorrect cleaning methods. When the correct method is followed, your carpet should be wet for only a short amount of time, they shouldn’t be left soaking from the job, as most of the excess moisture will be removed from the carpet during the process.
4. BAKING SODA IS AN EFFECTIVE CARPET CLEANING METHOD
This myth comes from a common practice used in many households, sprinkling baking soda to remove odours and clean the carpet. Whist baking soda does absorb some odours it does little else, and eventually the odours will return unless properly cleaned. The only way to truly eliminate those odours is to get the carpet deep cleaned by a professional company.
5. STORE BRAND CARPET CLEANERS ARE FINE TO USE ON CARPET STAINS
This myth comes from people not understanding what material their carpet is made from. A lot of carpet manufacturers don’t recommend using a store brand carpet cleaner as it may cause irreversible damage in the form of discolouration, causing the stain to stand out even more. This is because some chemicals can have an adverse effect on the carpet fibres. It is very important to know what type of carpet you have in your house, as this will allow the professional carpet cleaners provide the right care for your carpet.
6. BLEACH IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR CARPET CLEANING
If you follow this myth, you could result in some serious damage to your carpet. We have all considered reaching for the bleach when a nasty stain occurs, but bleach could seriously damage the fibres of the carpet, even if your carpet is white. Bleach isn’t a cleaner, its technically a disinfectant meaning it’s incapable of removing dirt or oil from your carpet. Therefore, when you have a stain on your carpet, it is recommended that you contact a professional carpet cleaner, to maintain the quality of your carpet.
7. WOOLLED CARPETS SHRINK WHEN CLEANED
This myth is far from the truth. You may be concerned that your carpet will shrink when cleaned, however the exact opposite will happen, during the cleaning process, the carpet is going to expand whilst wet. As a matter of fact, some synthetic carpets will shrink during cleaning (but will return to normal once dried). A professional carpet cleaner will be able to clean your woollen carpet without any change to the size.
8. IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO HIRE A CLEANER BASED ON PRICE ALONE
Price isn’t everything. In fact, if you are to follow this myth, it could cost you more in the long run. As tempting as it is to go for the cheapest option available to you, it is worth considering why they may be the cheapest. Instead, do some research into the carpet cleaning options available. A professional carpet cleaning company would always be the best choice, as they have the correct equipment and knowledge available to provide the best service for you and your carpets.
9. YOU ONLY NEED TO CLEAN YOUR CARPET WHEN YOU SEE IT IS DIRTY
With this myth, when you start to see the dirt on your carpet, you are essentially seeing the ‘tip of the iceberg’ of the dirt, meaning there is a whole other of heavy dirt sat within the carpet. It is recommended that you get your carpets professionally cleaned every 6-12 months to help maintain them looking healthy and fresh.
10. A HIRED MACHINE WILL WORK AS GOOD AS A PROFESSIONAL
Yes, you can hire a piece of machinery in your local supermarket, or in the hardware store, however, if these where as good as professional cleaners, why are the professional cleaners still in business? These cleaners you hire yourself will only clean the surface of the carpet, however they do not reach that layer of heavy dirt which isn’t as visible, meaning, your carpet will end up dirty again. A better solution is to hire a professional who will clean all the carpet, therefore needing to be cleaned less often.
11. TRYING TO CLEAN A BAD STAIN ON YOUR OWN IS A GOOD IDEA
When you’ve dropped a glass of red wine, cup of coffee or a bowl of spaghetti bolognaise on the floor, the first thought is to tackle the stain yourself. However, like many of these myths, you could end up causing more damage to the carpet than before, as using too much soap and water can make the stain worse, allowing it to settle into the carpet. If you are unable to remove the stain with basic cleaning, instead of testing all sorts of different chemicals on it, your best solution is to contact a professional cleaner who has the knowledge of how to remove the stains professionally.
12. CARPETS TAKE DAYS TO DRY
This is another myth which has a foundation of poor carpet cleaners. A carpet will only take days to dry, if it has been cleaned incorrectly. Meaning the cleaner you hired is applying too much moisture. The more stained your carpet is, the more moisture it will require, however when you’ve used a professional carpet cleaner with the right knowledge, your carpet should be dry in less that 24 hours.
One thing that isn’t a myth when it comes to carpet cleaning is that it should be done regularly, and as it has been highlighted throughout these myths is that you are always better off choosing a professional carpet cleaner. Why not book with us today to arrange a free quote, and get your carpets looking fresh again.
