Carpet Cleaning Myths That May Still Be Believed
There are quite some myths surrounding cleaning carpets which people still believe in. The truth is, there’s nothing to fear as the process can really be made to be easy and quite simple. If you are looking for more information on what these myths are, then keep reading!
Dry Cleaning is Better than Steam Cleaning
This is a common myth which people still believe. But the truth is, there’s no such thing as «dry» cleaning when it comes to carpets since usually this process involves applying water and other liquids. Steam cleaning works by the hot steam penetrating deeply into the fibers of the fabric, where soil has built up over time or in areas of heavy traffic, leaving the carpet and upholstery cleaner than ever.
I Can Use Any Grocery Store Cleaner to Remove a Stain!
Again, it is a myth that many people still believe. The fact is there is a world of difference between what you get in the grocery store and industrial level cleaning products for carpets. For example, have you ever come across the word «tenside?» Tensides are surfactants that dissolve dirt into masses of water-soluble bubbles that will carry the dirt off. Most supermarket cleaners are lower in their tenside concentration, and they, therefore, are less effective when used to get rid of deep-seated stains or in extremely dirty areas where the dirt has accumulated over a long period.
Steam Cleaning will Shrink my Carpet and Upholstery!
The other misconception is that a steam cleaning process shrinks your carpet and upholstery. Truth be told, if you have a small area rug or any other type of textile where shrinking could be an issue, you best avoid any kind of hot water cleaning method that will trash the fabric. Steam cleaners do not shrink carpets; rather, they heat the water to develop steam. The heat of the steam then loosens and lifts dirt from your carpet’s or upholstery’s surface so it can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner. A steam cleaner is also able to clean just about any kind of fabric without shrinking anything – even wool!
Carpet Causes Allergies!
One of the most common myths is that cleaning carpets will cause allergies. This simply isn’t true! What does cause allergies? Dander, pet hair, and dust mites—not the carpet. The truth is, carpeting captures these allergens in order to prevent them from circulating around your home or office building via foot traffic! If you stir these allergens up by cleaning, and cause them to become airborne, then you can potentially exacerbate or cause asthma and other breathing problems in individuals who may react to them.
What is your best course of action? Deep cleaning with methods such as steam cleaning. Steam cleaners loosen the dirt in your carpet using hot water without leaving extra moisture in the fibers. This works to not only further allergens for homes where people have an allergy or asthma but also works toward greater longevity in the material, including color and texture.
My Carpet isn’t that Old, it Doesn’t Need to be Cleaned
This is one of the biggest myths people have when it comes to carpeting. All carpets are eventually going to get dirty even though they are brand new. And, with pets, it’s worse! Clean your rugs every 6-12 months to eliminate allergens and reduce new soil buildup.
Baking soda or other powder deodorizers will erase the odor from my carpet!
While baking soda and other powders can help dissipate the odor, they cannot remove it. A hot water extraction system provided by a professional carpet cleaning service will extract the soil while using an all-natural enzyme with an environmentally friendly deodorizer that will neutralize any odors in your carpets. Once this is done, you’ll have a fresh, sweet-smelling house.
If you Vacuum too Often, you’ll Wear Out the Carpet Faster
Not true. Vacuuming too often doesn’t wear out the carpet. In fact, if you don’t vacuum enough, it can cause greater wear because dirt is grinding into the carpet constantly! The rule of thumb is to clean carpets at least once a week with suitable equipment, such as an upright or large-capacity bagless. You may use a setting on low pile to avoid carpet wear.
This may include a hot water extraction system from time to time that will help take out dirt and grime from your carpets. If you have time, consider taking your vacuum cleaner outside before you start cleaning up any spills or messes in order to prevent carrying them inside with you!
Steam Cleaning Carpets Leads to Mildew Growth
This is not true. Steam cleaning carpets helps remove the dirt and grime, but it does not cause mildew growth. Mildew grows in moist, hot or cold conditions year-round; therefore, the steam will not apply to that! In order for steam cleaners to help avoid developing mold inside them which can cause allergies they do need cleaning. It is important to remember that they must be properly ventilated when in use. Steam cleaners can even dry out carpets, making them fray. Thus, make sure to vacuum the carpets after steam cleaning so as not to allow the fibers in carpets to break and leave pieces behind.
Conclusion
It is the right decision with good information at hand on what to be done to keep the carpets healthy. Carpet-cleaning myths abound, and some of them just may be the myths that stand in your way for cleaning your carpets in the best possible way.