Carpet cleaning can be an intimidating task for homeowners, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many misconceptions about carpet cleaning that can make the process feel overwhelming. Below we debunk some of the most common myths so you can be confident in tackling the job.
Myth 1: You should wait until your carpets look dirty before you clean them.
This is one of the biggest myths when it comes to carpet cleaning. Waiting until your carpets look visibly dirt is a recipe for disaster because this means that dirt has already been ground into your carpets. Regular maintenance—usually about once a year—is key in order to keep your carpets looking like new and prevent dirt from becoming ingrained in the fibers.
Myth 2: DIY carpet cleaning machines are just as effective as professional services.
DIY carpet cleaners may seem tempting, especially if you’re on a budget, but they cannot provide the same level of clean as professional services do. Professional-grade equipment has more powerful suction and better brushes which will deep-clean your carpets more effectively than store-bought models. On top of that, professional cleaners also know how to properly use their equipment and use treatments to ensure that your carpets get the best possible clean without damage or discoloration.
Myth 3: All stains need to be pre-treated before they can be cleaned up. While certain stains may require pre-treatment, this is not always necessary depending on the type of stain and how long it’s been sitting there for. Professionals know how to assess different types of stains and will know exactly what kind of treatment it needs in order to get rid of it effectively without causing damage or discolouration.
Myth 4 – bicarbonate soda is a good stain remover for carpet and upholstery.
Baking soda is an effective cleaning agent for many surfaces, but it can actually do more harm than good when used on wool carpeting and natural fabrics. The problem lies in the fact that baking soda has an alkaline pH level, which can be detrimental to the delicate wool fibers in carpeting. Over time, exposure to baking soda will cause the fibers of your carpet to weaken and break down, resulting in permanent damage and discoloration.
In addition, because baking soda is abrasive, it can scratch and dull the surface of your carpet if used with any kind of brush or scrubber. This will not only make your carpets look worse than before you started cleaning them, but it will also reduce the lifespan of your rug by causing premature wear and tear.
Alternatives to Baking Soda When it comes time to clean your wool carpet stains, there are alternatives that are much safer than using baking soda. For starters, visiting the Wool Safe Organisation website and selecting a certified carpet stain removal product.
Another option is steam cleaning; this method uses hot water and a neutral ph detergent carefully applied to the surface of the rug so that dirt particles are broken up without damaging or discoloring the fabric. Lastly, consider hiring a professional cleaner who specializes in working with delicate fabrics such as wool carpets; they can ensure that your rugs are cleaned without any risk of damage or blemishes.
Myth 5 – Using dish washing detergent as carpet stain spotter
While dishwashing liquid may appear harmless, it is actually far from suitable for spot cleaning. Not only does it leave sticky residues that attract dirt and debris to carpets, but the large amounts of water necessary could potentially damage your carpet’s backing. When tackling spots or stains on your floors and fabric surfaces opt instead for a specialised cleaner – better safe than sorry!
Myth 6 – laundry detergent as stain spotter
While Sodium Perborate and Percarbonate offer an effective solution for tackling white cotton stains, these chemical-based treatments should definitely be avoided when dealing with coloured fabrics or wool. Not only could they cause staining on carpets and furniture, but the use of Optical Brighteners can also mean a dull discolouration occurring over time – this ultraviolet light absorption process looks great during nighttime hours, however sunlight may result in unsightly lighter spots being left behind!
Home remedies can be a gamble when it comes to stain removal, and replacing damaged carpets or upholstery is much more costly than calling in the pros. Green Sream Carpet Clean offers specialist stain removals that are fast and effective – saving you from having to part with your hard-earned money for replacements. 1300 037 963 has never sounded so sweet!
