There are common myths out there that many believe are true concerning their needs in carpet cleaning. As a professional carpet cleaner, I feel it is my job to properly educate people on the matter. Below I have listed three very common myths that I hope to address to help you understand your need for professional carpet cleaning as well as some things to consider. Once you are done reading through the material listed below I totally believe it will cause you to do the happy dance and sing your favorite song in the key of G minor!
Myth number 1: My carpets don’t look dirty, so I don’t need a professional cleaning.
If you don’t want to take a professional carpet cleaners advice on getting your carpets cleaned before they appear dirty than simply consult your carpet manufacturer and ask what the proper schedule is to regularly vacuum and professionally clean your carpet. Do not wait until the carpeting looks obviously dirty before beginning any cleaning efforts. That can actually damage the carpet because the longer the dirt and dust remains in the carpet the more likely it is to literally cut away at the carpet fibers like sandpaper. Dirt under a microscope looks like broken glass with very sharp edges. When your foot walk on top it cuts at the fiber of your carpet. Making your high traffic areas look grey and dingy. I also like to use the analogy of a car with an oil change. If you wait till the oil is too dark then the damage has already taken place. Clean your carpets like you change your oil. Most professional carpet cleaning company’s book 6months to 12months in advanced to get your carpets cleaned. Most carpet mills recommend having your carpets professionally cleaned every year. Some will void your warranty for not having them professionally clean every year. Waiting to clean the carpeting also can affect the health of your family members and visitors to your home. Experts say a square foot of the average nylon wall-to-wall carpeting can hold more than a pound of dirt, dust, and allergens and this growing pile of dirt can be particularly difficult to see with tan and brown carpeting.
Myth: I can just do my own carpet cleaning at home.
For the most part, carpets and excessive moisture do not get along. That’s why carpet manufacturers do not recommend carpet shampoo machines. These machines allow the carpeting to become soaked, and if not dried properly, that moisture can lead to molds and fungus that can potentially spread throughout the home. Not to mention this is bad for your health. Instead, carpet manufacturers recommend a regular professional cleaning treatment – usually once a year – that involves a water-extraction machine. Another reason they suggest having them professionally cleaned is because when they clean it often pre-sprayed product before extracting it out. This allows better rinsing of the product they put down. Plus they use the proper acidic rinse designed to bring your carpet back to a neutral ph. With soap being left in the carpet it leaves a residue that retracts soil. This will cause your carpets to become dirtier quicker.
Myth: I have a carpet protectant, I don’t need to worry about or address spills and stains.
Carpet protectant is made to protect the fibers from staining. However if a product spilled sits to long on the protected fibers they can eat away to the protectant and create a stain. It’s a good idea to blot and wipe to clear away the spilled product. After cleaning the mess you should notice the protectant has done its job. No stain! It’s a miracle. It gave you a chance to defeat the spill before it soaked in and created a permanent stain! Praise the Lord! Now you can do the happy dance and sing your favorite song backwards!
