Carpet Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid

The carpet in your home, office or workplace represents a significant investment, and failure to properly care for your carpet can lead to reduced lifespan and costly replacement. On the other hand, if you take good care of your carpet it can last for years. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when it comes to carpet cleaning and maintenance.

Dirty carpets are not only unsightly, but they harbor a lot of dirt, dust, and pollutants which can break down carpet fibers. A recent study by Dr. Philip Tierno of NYU Langone Medical Center found that a single square inch of carpet can contain as many as 200,000 bacteria. The pollutants and bacteria in your carpets can wreak havoc on allergy sufferers and those with respiratory illnesses.

Obviously, it is important to clean and maintain your carpets both at home and in the workplace. The key is to do it properly and avoid these common carpet cleaning mistakes:

FIVE COMMON CARPET CLEANING MISTAKES

Neglecting Regular Vacuuming

Aside from periodic professional cleanings, the best way to maintain your carpets is with regular vacuuming. A high-quality vacuum can remove more than 80% of dry soil and pollutants from your carpet. Vacuuming should be done at least twice a week and more often in high-traffic areas. Vacuuming lifts out dirt and dust that breaks down carpet fibers and also lifts the carpet fibers to provide a much fuller look and feel.

Many people fail to vacuum regularly or vacuum their carpets too quickly. Vacuuming should be done slowly with a smooth back and forth motion to allow for deeper, fuller cleaning.

Using Rented Carpet Cleaning Machines

While it may seem like a cost-effective option when your carpets are due for a deep cleaning, rental carpet cleaning machines are nowhere near as effective as the high-pressure cleaning provided by professional carpet cleaners.

In some cases, a rented carpet cleaning machine will actually do more harm than good. These machines are often ineffective at extracting the water and shampoo used to clean your carpets. This leaves the carpet wet for an extended period of time which can encourage the growth of mold and mildew.

Using The Wrong Stain Removal Product

Carpet fibers are made from a variety of different materials and stain removers will react differently to different carpets. Just read the label on any carpet stain removal product. You are bound to see a disclaimer instructing you to test the product on a small inconspicuous area before using it.

It is important that you follow this recommendation as some chemicals will react poorly with some carpets and can lighten or darken your carpet. It may even cause the stain to bleed making it even more unsightly.

Using Cheap Carpet Deodorizers

Powder carpet deodorizers can result in the buildup of gunk in your carpets. These powders are difficult to remove even with a quality vacuum and can even make a mess of your vacuum. Over time the leftover powder gets ground into your Capet fiber and causes the fibers to break down.

We should note that powder deodorizers do not remove odors from your carpets, they simply mask them. This can lead to a false sense of cleanliness that may delay a needed professional cleaning.

Not Using A Professional Carpet Cleaning Service

The best way to maintain your carpets and extend their useful life is by having them regularly cleaned by a professional. Most carpet manufacturers recommend regular steam cleaning and some carpet warranties are contingent upon regular professional cleanings.

At Complete Care Maintenance, we utilize a high PSI steam injection process that deep cleans your carpets. This is followed up with a high PSI extraction that removes almost every ounce of dirt, grime, bacteria, and moisture leaving your carpets looking and feeling like new.