Six DIY Carpet Cleaning Myths Debunked

There are many carpet cleaning myths based on DIY techniques, misinformation, and the desire to replace carpets as often as possible with new products. Unfortunately, common hacks and shortcuts seldom produce the quality of a professional carpet cleaning, and you can take that advice to the bank. Your carpet will last longer and look better with professional care.

Debunking Carpet Cleaning Myths

Professional carpet cleaning extends carpet life and protects your carpet’s warranty. The chore should not be put off, but that’s up to you. You’ll understand more after reading how the following myths provide misinformation and a disservice to carpet owners everywhere – especially in Florida, where active outdoor activities tend to wear out carpet faster than other locations. If you want to clean your carpet in Jacksonville, FL., to maintain it as long as possible, look at the myths below, take the advice to heart, and then shop for a pro carpet cleaning service in your area.

1. Myth: Your carpet only needs cleaning when it looks dirty.

This may be the most dangerous myth of all. According to a post at carpettech.com, your carpet can look clean, but dust particles and dust mites remain hidden deep in the fibers. Vacuuming doesn’t get all the debris. Moreover, dirt and dust can damage your carpet fibers when it’s ground-in by foot traffic. Carpet pests can discolor your carpet over time and generate offensive odors. Professional cleanings use high-temperature water at high pressure that kills dust mites, bacteria, and viruses, as all we want and need these days is to maintain a clean home and protect our health.

2. Myth: I save money by cleaning my carpets DIY less often.

Regular professional carpet cleaning might seem expensive, but no amount of cleaning can repair damaged or neglected carpets. You’ll end up replacing the carpet or spending lots of money on DIY “cures” that are wasted money. On the other hand, professional carpet maintenance pays off in better-looking and longer-lasting carpets. You can find affordable carpet cleaning services because the industry is very competitive. Professionals also offer perks like free estimates and maintenance tips that often help to defray the cost of regular cleaning.

3. Myth: Wait as long as possible before cleaning a new carpet because it will never look as good again.

A smelly, discolored carpet will probably take several professional cleanings before it looks new again. Regular cleaning is the best way to keep your carpet attractive and well-maintained. Your carpet will look better after each cleaning despite the skewed perception that carpets never look as good after the first cleaning. Waiting to clean a carpet only intensifies potential health hazards, makes cleaning the carpet more difficult and runs the risk of damaging the fibers with dirt and debris.

4. Myth: Carpets get dirtier quicker after the first cleaning.

Carpets get dirty based on use. At one time, this myth held an element of truth. Carpet cleaner residue could attract dirt. However, a professional cleaning using deionized water and residue-free cleaners will never attract more dirt than normal.

5. Myth: My family is too rough on carpets to make them a useful option.

Well, there might be kernel or truth in the myth for low-quality carpet. However, a stain-resistant carpet is a wise investment because it stands up well to heavy family use. Just to put things in perspective, nylon fibers resist pet odors, stains, and damage from everyday dirt and spills. As a result, the carpet remains easy to clean and looks and feels like new for many months and years after installation.

6. Myth: Household cleaners work just as well as professional carpet cleaners.

Over-the-counter cleaning products often seem effective, but they just don’t work as well over the long-term outlook as professional cleaners. Consider the following common DIY carpet cleaning products to remove from your DIY list:

• Bleach: Bleach can damage your carpet and should never be used to remove carpet stains. You could discolor a big section of your carpet, and the bleach can harm pets and people who come into contact with it.
• Vinegar: Vinegar might remove a carpet stain caused by pets, but it won’t remove the odor (on the contrary, it may intensify it). The lingering smell might trigger repeat performances from your pets who smell odors more strongly.
• Paint Thinner: Paint thinner is more likely to damage your carpet than remove spilled paint. The products carry a strong odor and generate equal risks of harm to pets, children, and people.
• Club Soda: While club soda can certainly reduce the visible stain of some substances, it can’t remove the soiling or disinfect the spill.

It often seems cheaper or more convenient to try household cleaners, but they invariably cause worse damage down the line. Getting a professional cleaning or stain treatment is always the best option.

Hiring a Professional to Clean Your Carpet

The myths surrounding the carpet business compare to the secrets of Harry Potter, but sadly, there’s no nine and three-quarters platform at King’s Cross station in London. Most carpet myths were designed to serve purposes other than good carpet maintenance. While some solutions seem easy to implement using only “items you have in the pantry,” when it comes to high-quality carpets, it is best to forget myths and tricks and take the carpet to professional maintenance.

ABOUT AUTHOR

Josue P. Ford
Professional home cleaning might not seem the most glamorous job at a first glance, but the science, the skills, and the engineering behind it is truly fascinating. Many homeowners think that gutter cleaning is a walk in the park – when they remember to do it –, while others experiment with all the cleaning myths they find on the Internet to no avail. For this reason, when you don’t find me at clients’ homes offering professional services together with my team, you can find me writing guides and busting myths about everything from window cleaning to carpet washing and more. Educating people on how to maintain their home assets has been a long passion for me. I firmly believe we can achieve sustainability and prolong the life of all our home items by the simple acts of pro cleaning and maintenance.