Did you know there’s a right way to clean carpet? Most people don’t. Most people employ ineffective cleaning techniques built off common misconceptions. It’s easy to do; after all, there are millions of DIY advice blogs and columns out there giving out “easy” instructions to clean carpets. The trouble with DIY carpet cleaning is that it can often do more harm than good. Don’t put your expensive carpet at risk! Here are some of the Dos and Don’ts of all carpet cleaning, straight from the expert cleaners at California Steam Clean.
DO Vacuum Daily
Raise your hand if you vacuum your carpet every day! Not many hands go up at this one, but good for you if yours did! The average American household vacuums only once every week, if not less. However, keeping carpets in good condition and keeping the indoor air quality at good levels requires daily vacuuming. Vacuuming with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner removes dirt, dust mites, and allergens from carpeting, improving air quality and lengthening the lifespan of the carpet itself.
DON’T Vacuum A Wet Carpet
Most vacuums do not work on a wet carpet. Vacuuming up anything wet damages the vacuum and the carpet, leading to an expensive headache and a broken vacuum. Only vacuum wet carpeting with a certified wet/dry shop vac, or not at all. Instead, use towels to sponge up moisture and let the carpet air dry before vacuuming.
DO Treat Stains Immediately
Stains happen. Pets, children, and errant wine glasses are common causes of unsightly staining on carpeting. Carpet cleaning is a lot easier if you treat stains immediately after they occur. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia on your carpet! Instead, use a carpet-specific shampoo or baking soda and water to remove stains.
DON’T Over-Shampoo
It’s easy to go overboard on the carpet shampooing. It is better to go over stains and dirty areas twice than over-shampoo the carpet. Too much shampoo does not rinse out of the carpet, leaving chemicals in the fibers that attract dirt and create a stain-friendly surface. Try to clean the carpet once, and go over any additional areas a second time once you’ve seen how it looks after drying the first round.
DO Have Professional Carpet Cleaning Done Annually
Yes, at-home carpet cleaners do exist. No, they do not do as good a job as professional carpet cleaners. A home’s carpets need a professional cleaning every 18-24 months. DIY cleaners do not reach down into the carpet to pull out stains at the base, nor do they effectively kill mold, dust mites, or other pests. Additionally, professional carpet cleaning keeps most carpet warranties active throughout their lifetime. Plus, professional carpet cleaning brings carpet back to its full potential, removing even the most stubborn stains and improving carpet texture.
DON’T Try To DIY Deep Cleaning
The risks with DIY carpet deep cleaning are numerous. Over-shampooing, as previously explained, leads to excessive chemicals staying in the carpet. Additionally, over-saturating carpet leads to mold growth and damage to the fibers. Many carpet cleaners use deodorizers and chemicals that become irritating to humans if they are left to sit on the carpet – professional cleaning removes the cleaners as they go, preventing the build-up of irritants in the home.
If your home’s carpets need some TLC, let California Steam Clean take care of it! Our top-of-the-line cleaning techniques include allergy treatments, deep stain removal, and protection services to suit every home’s needs. Our experts are ready to help give your carpets a new breath of life! Give us a call at (707) 755-6961 to schedule your consultation today!
