Getting your carpet cleaned is essential, especially when winters arrive.
As the surroundings get drier and dustier, your carpet will begin to collect more dust and debris. If not cleaned well, it’s going to get damaged much faster and lose its beauty and appeal.
But before you clean your carpet, there are some crucial mistakes you should be wary of. Tons of carpet-owners make these mistakes during their cleanings and wind up with damaged carpets, poor cleans, or an empty pocket.
We’ve created a list of some of the most common mistakes that people make. Keep reading to know what you should never do when you give your carpet a clean.
- Not Taking Professional Help
Yes, you read that right. The primary mistake that tons of people make is not taking their carpet to professionals and getting it cleaned. While it’s okay to clean your carpet on your own, you have to take it to the professionals once in a while. Carpet fur tends to catch a lot of dust and dirt which normal vacuums and generic washing soaps and liquids cannot get out. If this is your first time and you’re not sure how to book an appointment, all you have to do is search for “Carpet cleaners near me” on the internet and you’ll get tons of options.
- Scrubbing Too Hard
Another common and frequent mistake that tons of people make is scrubbing too hard. Although carpets tend to be more durable than other soft furnishings, like curtains and sheets, they are still prone to damage. Scrubbing hard can not only tear the fibers but also loosen the stitches and knots that keep the carpet in one shape. It even ruins the layout of the fur and makes it look disheveled and shabby. Scrubbing hard doesn’t accomplish much either. Using a strong and suitable cleaner and cleaning with gentle yet firm strokes is much more effective.
- Over-Shampooing
Here’s a question for you: Has your hair ever become rough and frizzy because you washed it too much? Guess what? That’s called over-shampooing, and it can happen to your carpet as well. Over shampooing refers to the usage of too-much shampoo or inadequate rinsing of the soap. This can cause soap residue to remain trapped in the carpet fibers and lead to the collection of more dust. The best way to prevent this from happening is to use just the right amount of shampoo, as directed by the instructions on the bottle, and rinsing the carpet properly after you have applied the detergent.
- Over Wetting
Similar to over-shampooing, which we mentioned above, over wetting is another common mistake that tons of people make and don’t even realize it! Over-wetting refers to when the carpet is soaked way too much and/or not dried adequately. As a result, water droplets and moisture tend to remain in the carpet and this fosters the growth of bacteria and fungi. Eventually, the carpet starts to grow mold and blacken. This can also occur in damp areas, or climates with heavy monsoons. Prevent this from happening by drying your carpet well before you bring it back into the house. Also, make sure to put it out in the sun from time-to-time, so that any existing moisture that may have remained is dried up and bacteria or fungi can no longer grow.
- Not Testing Out A New Product
So, you’ve just seen a new carpet cleaner on the shelves of your local store. Do you bring it home and put it on immediately? The answer is – no! However, people tend to do this a lot and end up ruining their carpets entirely. If you have a new cleaner on your hands, it is crucial to do a patch test on your carpet first. Apply a small amount of the product, as directed on the bottle, over a hidden patch of the carpet that’s away from the center. If everything looks okay after 24 hours, you’re good to go. We also suggest that you carefully read the details of a cleaner before you purchase it, since not every cleaner or detergent suits every kind of carpet.
- Using Carpet Deodorizers
Spritzing these cans of scented spray might seem like a great idea but it’s not. Carpet deodorizers tend to be extremely corrosive and they can significantly damage your carpet. They tend to cause the color to fade, and even bleach the carpet sometimes. Excessive amounts of this substance can even cause the carpet hair to get matted. Instead of using a deodorizer, opt for steamers. Steamers are either hand-held or electricity powered, and they are incredibly efficient. It can take out stains and odors within seconds, and leave your carpet looking fresh. While it’s still not a permanent solution and a good soap-and-water clean is a must, it’s a much better option than deodorizers.
