Many people think that cleaning their carpets themselves will help them save money. But if they make a few of the carpet cleaning mistakes we’ve seen, they might actually end up spending more in the long run.
Today, we’ll walk you through why some DIY carpet cleaning could be useful. Then, we’ll show you what mistakes to avoid so you can actually do your carpets some good. Lastly, we’ll explain how professional carpet cleaning works and where you can find a professional carpet cleaner in the Chandler, AZ area.
Is DIY Carpet Cleaning a Good Idea?
The truth is, professional carpet cleaning is absolutely essential for maintaining fresh, clean carpets that will last a long time. But you’re not likely to want to schedule professional cleaning every single time you get dirt, debris, or a stain on your carpet.
That means some routine carpet maintenance by you IS required. How much you do and how well you do it can even impact the effectiveness of a professional clean. Before you get out the cleaning supplies, though, it’s important to be aware of some carpet cleaning mistakes that could actually cause more harm to your carpets than good.
Avoid These 10 Carpet Cleaning Mistakes to Prolong Your Carpet’s Life
Protect your investment in nice, clean carpets AND help them last longer by avoiding these common carpet cleaning mistakes:
1. Using too much water when cleaning your carpets
Over-wetting the carpet can lead to mold, mildew, and damage to the carpet padding. Ensure you’re using the right amount of water according to the carpet type and following manufacturer guidelines. And, when you hire a professional carpet cleaner to do a more thorough job later, make sure they offer a rapid dry process.
2. Not testing cleaning products before you use them
Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage. The last thing you want to do is ADD to the mess your carpets already have on them!
3. Delaying stain removal and thinking it can ‘wait until later’
Allowing stains to set can make them more difficult to remove. Attend to spills and stains promptly to prevent them from becoming permanent. This type of routine carpet maintenance can make professional carpet cleaning even more effective when you do have it done.
4. Using the incorrect cleaning products on your carpet
Using harsh chemicals or products not suitable for your carpet type can damage fibers and colors. Always use carpet-specific cleaners or ones recommended by professionals.
5. Skipping regular vacuuming
Regular vacuuming helps prevent dirt and debris from settling deep into the carpet fibers. This is an especially important cleaning tip for pet owners since it doesn’t take long for pet hair and dander to build up.
Don’t underestimate the importance of routine vacuuming as a part of carpet maintenance. It’s easy to do and can make a huge difference in how well your carpet lasts.
6. Rubbing or scrubbing carpet stains vigorously
Scrubbing too hard can damage the carpet fibers and spread the stain further. Blotting or gently rubbing with a cleaning solution is often more effective.
7. Not rinsing thoroughly
Failing to rinse out cleaning solutions properly can leave residues that attract dirt more easily, making the carpet look dirty sooner. You want clean, fresh carpets … not dirty, dingy ones!
8. Forgetting to schedule professional carpet cleaning or thinking it’s not important
Even if you diligently maintain your carpets, professional cleaning is essential to remove deeply embedded dirt and allergens. Skipping this step could shorten the lifespan of your carpet. You may also void your warranty as some carpet manufacturers require regular professional cleaning in order for their warranty to remain intact.
9. Not protecting wet carpets
After cleaning, avoid walking on the damp carpet with dirty shoes or placing furniture on it until it’s completely dry. Doing so could transfer dirt or leave impressions.
10. Using improper equipment to clean your carpets
Using the wrong type of carpet cleaning equipment or improper carpet cleaning method can lead to ineffective cleaning or even damage. Ensure you’re using appropriate tools and methods for your specific carpet.
Say ‘NO’ to Carpet Cleaning Mistakes With Professional Carpet Cleaning in Chandler, AZ
As we mentioned earlier, a little bit of DIY carpet cleaning can actually help maintain your carpets between professional cleans. You do have to be aware of common carpet cleaning mistakes, however, so you don’t inadvertently cause damage to the areas you’re trying to protect.
At Miramar Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, we follow a 5 step process that gives you the best chance for clean, fresh carpets you can get back to using very quickly. First, we vacuum the carpet to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, we treat the carpet with a specialized spray that dissolves and emulsifies contaminants and soil. We then use a low-moisture scrubbing machine to effectively lift debris so we can follow behind with a steam cleaner that further removes impurities. Lastly, we use state-of-the-art fans to quickly and effectively dry your carpet so you can get back to using them as quickly as possible.
If you’re looking for the best professional carpet cleaner in Chandler, AZ, look no further! Although we are based in Chandler, we serve residential and commercial clients throughout the East Valley, including Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, and surrounding areas. Simply give us a call today to request a FREE carpet cleaning estimate!
