Common Carpet Cleaning Mistakes

You know deep carpet cleaning is a must if you want your carpets to feel clean, look fresh, and last as long as possible. However, if you’re like most homeowners, you could be making some crucial mistakes when attempting to deep clean your carpets. 

We have compiled a list of carpet cleaning mistakes to avoid if you want to increase the lifespan of your carpeting and enjoy it to the fullest. 

Mistake #1: Scrubbing at stains.

It is tempting to think that you can scrub away spots and spills, but this action is actually counterproductive. By scrubbing at pesky stains, you are unintentionally rubbing the unwanted color even further into the fibers of your carpet. This can make the stain even harder to remove and can also weaken carpet fibers to the point of breakage. 

Rather than hoping a bit of elbow grease will solve the problem, call on your local professional carpet cleaner.  Professional carpet cleaners are experts at removing stains from all kinds of accidents and can lift away that annoying spot without added risk to your carpet.

Mistake #2: Not vacuuming frequently.

Your normal vacuuming routine actually plays a very important role in the process of deep carpet cleaning. Vacuuming regularly helps keep dust, dirt, and grime from accumulating within your carpet. This makes deep cleaning easier when the time comes. Furthermore, this step helps limit friction caused by dirt particles, lessening the normal wear and tear your carpet undergoes between deep cleanings.

Mistake #3: Not absorbing spills fast enough. 

Don’t put off dealing with a spill until your next deep cleaning session. To prevent staining, it’s best to absorb any excess liquid right away when you have a spill. We recommend using a white paper towel or white cotton cloth to do so. 

You can also lengthen the window of time in which you can safely absorb spills by opting for a stain protectant at your next deep cleaning.  This specialty option includes a deep clean as well as the application of a stain protectant, which shields carpet fibers from stains and temporarily prevents the absorption of liquids by the carpet.

Mistake #4: Using large volumes of water.

Too much water during the deep cleaning process can leave your carpets soaking wet and vulnerable to mold growth. If you have ever noticed a mildew-like smell after cleaning your carpets, this is likely the reason. 

Opting for a carpet cleaning method that makes a point of using less water than conventional cleaning is your best bet for a deep clean that doesn’t leave your carpets wet for hours on end.

Mistake #5: Renting a steam cleaning machine.

You may assume that renting a steam cleaning machine from a local dealer or supermarket is the best way to really deep clean your carpets, but this is far from the truth. Oftentimes, these machines are poorly maintained and difficult to use. Plus, they require the application of a carpet shampoo or detergent, which can be tough, if not impossible, to fully remove from your carpet.  Shampoo and detergent actually leave a dirt attracting residue when not completely extracted from the carpet.  This will lead to your carpets getting dirtier faster.

Mistake #6: Failure to eliminate pet accidents.

Not only is it difficult to deal with a pet urine accident once one has occurred, but it’s also tough to know where past accidents may have taken place, including accidents you may not have even known about. If not treated properly, the odor from pet accidents can travel through the entire home and impact your health and your happiness. The smell emitted from an accident area also often leads to repeat incidents in the same area until it is properly eliminated. In addition, because pet urine is acidic, it will permanently discolor your carpet if it is allowed to remain over an extended period of time.

Mistake #7: Not calling on professionals for deep carpet cleaning.

The best way to ensure your carpets have been comprehensively cleaned and that nothing is left behind is to partner with a carpet cleaning professional that uses a proven process. At Chem-Dry, we’ve developed the proprietary HCE process that allows us to conduct deep carpet cleaning without the use of detergents, excessive liquid, or intensive scrubbing. HCE is performed using the power of carbonation to lift away dirt and stains and leave carpets clean and dry in just a few hours.