These Carpet Cleaning Myths Will Blow your Mind
Carpet cleaning is a vital part of being a responsible carpet owner. Carpets are expensive and lucrative investments. Thus, it is vital you know the facts and the myths about effective carpet care and maintenance. Take note that a lot of misconceptions and false notions about carpet cleaning are spread out there. Learn the truth about the right cleaning methods and techniques and avoid any faulty information that could jeopardize your carpet.
Carpets Add Value to your Home
Carpeting boosts the aesthetics and looks of any establishments, whether in residential or commercial settings. Carpets have functional purpose that also boosts the usability and livability of the property. Moreover, with proper carpet care and maintenance, your carpet stays in top shape and condition, thus contributing to the property’s higher market value.
Carpets make homes and workplaces more comfortable as plush foot cushions. Area rugs and carpets also enhance the design and style of any rooms. Carpets last for a long period of time, depending on how you take care of them. However, they can also easily get damaged as they are vulnerable to wear and tear. Avoid some of the most common carpet cleaning myths that bring more harm than good to your carpet.
Carpet Cleaning Myth #1: Carpet Cleaning Replaces Regular Vacuuming
Carpet cleaning and vacuuming are two of the most vital things to consider keeping carpets in great shape and condition. Vacuuming is a cleaning method that should be used on a regular or even daily basis. Vacuum your carpet in order to get rid of crumbs, pet hair, dirt, dust, and other particles or debris. Vacuuming basically keeps the carpet free from any buildup of pollutants or allergens. It is your first line of defense against dirt accumulation.
TRUTH: The truth is that you need to vacuum your carpet before the deep cleaning method takes place. It is a regular cleaning method used in between more extensive cleaning. The usual carpet cleaning, though deeply cleans the carpet, are usually scheduled in weekly, monthly, quarterly, or even yearly basis. Vacuum the area to get rid of loose debris and as a primer for professional carpet cleaning.
Vacuum Types and Features
There are 2 main types of vacuum for carpet cleaning. First, there are carpet vacuum cleaners that are for lightweight domestic chores. Second, you can find heavy powered and industry grade vacuum cleaners that most professional carpet cleaning companies use. Take a look at the different vacuum models for carpet care and their features:
- Shark Rotator. This model is a portable and upright pod complete with roll-over canister. The swivel head operates for easy maneuver and could move around all types of obstacles. The innovative suction technology highlights the advanced cyclone filtration system that separates dirt from air. It sucks the dirt up into the bin without any clogging issues.
- Hoover Platinum. The carpet vacuum cleaner boasts of its features such as the HEPA self-closing bag. It has Direct Air and cyclonic filtration technology with 3 air channels for superior suction power. The portable and lightweight vacuum is ideal for regular domestic use.
- Miele Jazz. This model uses the patented Swivel Neck technology for remarkable maneuverability. It is convenient and practical to move around furniture and other obstacles. The intuitive controls showcase the on/off features for the brush roll and the suction control dial.
Which vacuum works best?
Carpet vacuums come in various size and shape. There are several factors you need to consider for a vacuum cleaner:
- Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagged vacuums work best at cleaning your carpet and securely retaining dust particles inside the bag. It is however more expensive since you need extra bags. Bagless vacuums on the other hand portray the same cleaning power. Nevertheless, you also need to spend extra on the replacement filters. Moreover, bagless vacuums may get messier when emptying the filter thus it is not advisable for allergy sufferers.
- Corded vs. Cordless
Corded vacuums are more powered and heavy-duty compared to their cordless counterparts. However, cordless vacuums are preferred if you want something handy and more portable with convenient maneuverability.
- Upright vs. Canister
The best choice depends on your personal taste and preference. Both models do equally perform well on different types of carpet. Canister vacuums are more convenient to use while upright vacuums tend to be heavier which limits motion and reach. Canisters however are difficult to stash away while upright vacuums fit even in smaller spaces.
Carpet Cleaning Myth #2: Cleaning your Carpet Destroys its Original Look
Most carpet cleaners make the mistake of not cleaning their carpet because they are too afraid that it will be ruined. The truth is that cleaning chemicals and machines are completely safe for your carpet. This is exactly why you also need to hire professional carpet cleaners if you are not sure about DIY carpet cleaning.
TRUTH: Not cleaning your carpet damages the rug in more ways than you could ever imagine. Cleaning your carpet revives it to its pristine condition, giving it the best shape and looks. Carpet fibers are safe with cleaning chemicals that have powerful formulations against stains and dirt but gentle to your health. Vacuuming is important to keep the carpet free from invisible dirt and other particles that tend to build up in the carpet pile.
Cleaning Chemical Pointers
Using cleaning chemical is a tricky challenge especially if you choose to do the cleaning on your own. Test the carpet cleaner on a particular spot and see if there are any adverse effects on the carpet fiber. This is a safe practice in order to avoid any damages in the future.
Cleaning with High Powered Cleaners
Industry grade and powerful cleaners are essential for immaculate results. Take note that according to experts, regularly cleaning the carpet does not put your rug at risk. In fact, it would not wear out or damage the carpets. The best way is to hire professional carpet cleaners and let them do the job instead. Commercial carpet cleaning machines could also be rented. However, for safety and efficiency, entrust the cleaning in the hands of the experts. Deep cleaning with powered cleaning machines make your carpet look clean, fresh, healthy, and new once more.
Carpet Cleaning Myth #3: You Need Not Remove Stains Right Away
One of the biggest mistakes among carpet owners is that they become complacent especially in addressing stains and spills. Time is of the essence if you want to remove the stains and prevent it from damaging your carpet. The longer the stain and spill stayed in the carpet fiber, the more difficult it would be to remove them.
2-Step Spot Cleaning Solutions
Nowadays, stain-resistant carpets are popular among carpet owners and enthusiasts. However, spills and stains are quite inevitable. No matter how careful you are, accidents do happen. Take note that no carpet is really and completely stain proof. On top of acting quickly on the stain, there are other helpful and practical steps for spot cleaning:
- Absorb the Spill
Use white clean absorbent cloth to blot liquids. Colored or printed materials are dangerous to remove stains as the ink or color dye from the cloth could possibly transfer on the carpet fiber. Continue blotting until the area is barely damp. Scoop up any semi solid particles such as food spills. Dried bits and solid particles on the other hand are easily vacuumed up.
- Spot or Stain Treatment
There are different types of cleaning chemicals available for carpet care and maintenance. However, make sure the product you use for spot cleaning is certified safe and does not have adverse effects on your health. Safe chemicals are laboratory tested. Pre-test the chemical on a small portion of the carpet if you want to be doubly sure about it.
More Spot Cleaning Techniques
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions at all times. This will help protect your carpet and the warranty that comes with it as well.
- Treat the spot or stain through applying a small amount of chemical cleaner to an absorbent white clean cloth. Start blotting from the edges of the stain towards the center. Blot the stain and avoid scrubbing no matter what.
- After removing the stain, get rid of the chemical residue through blotting the area with cloth that is dampened with clear water.
- For urine spots, do not use any steam cleaners to get rid of the stain. Heat sets the smell and stain. Extract the spill using a wet-vacuum. Rinse the area with cool water in order to reduce the odor. You can also use a certified deodorizer to permanently remove the odor. Hire a professional carpet cleaning company for better and more effective results.
Carpet Cleaning Myth #4: Carpet Cleaning Methods are All the Same
Carpet cleaning methods are not created equal. One technique may work on one but fail with another. Therefore, you need to use the right carpet cleaning method before you touch anything on your dirty or stained carpet. It is best to know some of the basic carpet cleaning methods along with their pros and cons in order to make an informed decision.
TRUTH: Carpet cleaning methods are categorized under 2 groups, the wet and dry cleaning methods. Wet cleaning includes steam or hot water extraction with absorbent pad. Dry cleaning on the other hand involves foams or chemical powders and is administered through powerful machines with pads, cylinders, and rotating brushes. Carpet cleaning techniques are unique and special on their own. Knowing each method helps you choose the best technique for your carpet.
Types of Carpet Cleaning Methods
- Wet Cleaning
The process is also known as steam cleaning or hot water extraction. Carpets undergo treatment with pre-conditioners that liquefy oil-based substances and dislodge soil in the carpet pile. The heated water is almost at its boiling point and injected with high pressure. The solution is then extracted through a powered vacuum cleaner.
PROS
Steam cleaning powerfully gets rid of the soiling, even those embedded and deeply seated in the carpet fiber. It also allows the effective use and combination of pressures, temperatures, and chemical concentrates. Wet cleaning allows the absorption and reaction of cleaning solvents in the carpet fiber. It is a widely used method and is highly recommended among carpet manufacturers and industry leaders.
CONS
The downside of steam cleaning or hot water extraction is that it takes relatively much longer drying time compared to dry cleaning. Nevertheless, modern powerful equipment for steam cleaning can now reduce drying time. It is relatively more expensive and the costlier the equipment, the more efficient the results will be.
- Dry Cleaning
The method uses powder solution with mixture of special solvents and agents. The solution is spread over the damaged or dirty carpet. Machines with counter-rotating brushes are use in order to spread the solution to the carpet fibers. The powder solution is made with powerful absorbent features that attract soils embedded in the carpet pile. The chemical residue is then vacuumed up after 10 to 15 minutes.
PROS
The carpet cleaning technique is a simple system that even those without technical training can do it. Most importantly, it promotes faster drying time with typically about 20-minutes timeframe. This is a popular method in commercial establishments as carpet cleaning does not disrupt the regular operations and productivity of the occupants. In just minutes, your carpet is back in service.
CONS
The chemical powder may be trapped in the carpet pile. Chemical residues need to be suctioned out of the carpet fiber minutes after application. If not, these fibers could essentially attract dirt and absorbent bonds of stains in the future. Without proper vacuum, the residues cause excessive dirt buildup. Dry cleaning is also not a recommended method for deep cleaning as it potentially cleans just the carpet surfaces.
- Carpet Shampooing
This method is also referred to as dry foam or rotary shampoo technique. The carpet is applied with chemical cleaning agent. The agent suspends the dirt and dislodges the debris in the carpet. The dirt is collected into the dry foam which is applied all over the carpet pile through using rotating brushes. Special machines have this specialized brush. The foam is allowed to dwell in the rug for a short time then extracted using a carpet vacuum.
PROS
The upside of using this method is that it is inexpensive and simple to apply. The rotating brushes offer powerful and excellent agitation. Due to the minimal amount of moisture applied, fast drying time is guaranteed.
CONS
Most carpet manufacturers do not recommend this method since there are instances that it could not achieve thorough soil extraction. The dry foam technique only cleans the surface but not the embedded part of the carpet pile. High temperatures are also not achieved and when done incorrectly, excessive wetting may occur due to equipment malfunction.
Carpet Cleaning Myth #5: You Don’t Need to Hire a Carpet Cleaning Company
This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions that carpet owners fall into. Carpet cleaning is first and foremost not a DIY task. Cleaning your carpet takes more than simple vacuuming or air drying. It takes more than spot cleaning to get rid of all the dirt and stains in the carpet pile. Clean carpets are free from allergens and pollutants that are oftentimes intangible to the human eye. Clean carpets are not just good to look at. They also make sure that your indoor air is healthy and free from air-borne diseases.
TRUTH: Carpet cleaning companies have their own strengths and weaknesses. Thus, before hiring carpet cleaning specialist, you need to research, inquire, and compare the service providers. Get recommendation from trusted people or search online for information.
Qualities of Professional Carpet Cleaning Experts
Check out the following criteria that ensure the carpet cleaning company is the real deal:
- Professional carpet cleaners are licensed and certified. Choose a carpet cleaner with industry approved credentials and proof of undergoing and completing required training courses.
- Professional carpet cleaners are insured. Carpet cleaning companies are required to have their insurance policy coverage to protect their employees during work. Ask for the proof of insurance with the required standard coverage to protect you from unforeseen expenses and financial losses.
- Professional carpet cleaners are well-affiliated. One of the best ways to know that the carpet cleaner is a certified one is through looking at their industry affiliations. It is safer to choose a company that is a member of a renowned industry organization. Members are required to maintain a cleaning quality standard in order to remain a member of the association.
- Professional carpet cleaners are fully equipped. Look at the carpet cleaning machines, safety gears, tools, and cleaning solutions that the company uses for their projects. They should be updated and with a Seal of Approval.
Carpet cleaning myths will certainly jeopardize the quality and aesthetic of your precious investment. Know the facts to avoid any damages and problems in the future. Consult a carpet cleaning specialist today!
