Carpet Cleaning Myths

Posted by cjgrego on Feb 8, 2012 in Carpet Cleaning | 6 comments

Myth #1: Wait as long as you can before you have your carpets cleaned

This is an old myth but we still hear it today.  This myth was prevalent when the majority of people cleaned their carpets themselves.  The portable, store rented equipment along with operator error resulted in too much soapy residue being left behind in the carpet.  After a while this residue would attract more dirt and the carpet would look worse than before it was cleaned.

Today professional carpet cleaners have more powerful equipment and better products to eliminate residual soapy residue.  If you wait too long before having your carpets professionally cleaned you may actually wear out your carpet faster as the dirt and grit will damage the fibers as traffic occurs.

Myth #2: Carpet cleaning can damage my carpet.

This is another common misconception in regards to carpet cleaning.  This myth originates from bargain basement carpet cleaners that don’t take the time to properly extract your carpet after cleaning.  Leaving too much water behind can allow for mold and mildew to set in.   This is not a concern with a professional carpet cleaning service.  All good carpet cleaners will have an extraction process to remove any excess water.

Many times home owners call a carpet cleaner as a result of a really low price such as $9.99 per room.  In these cases, unless you purchase their “deluxe” cleaning package costing hundreds of dollar more, chances are you are only getting a water clean without extraction which can do more harm than good.

In fact the worlds leading carpet manufacturer Shaw Carpet recommends Steam Cleaning as their preferred method.  Here is what Shaw Carpet has to say:

Shaws choice: Hot water extraction

Research indicates that the hot water extraction system provides the best capability for cleaning. This system is commonly referred to as “steam cleaning,” although no steam is actually generated. The process consists of applying a cleaning agent into the carpet pile and using water in the extractor to recover the used solution and soil.  This can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and wand brought inside or by a portable system brought into the home.

Shaw warranties require that the homeowner be able to show proof of periodic cleaning by hot water extraction (commonly called “steam” cleaning) by a professional cleaning service.

Myth #3: Steam can damage the color of my carpet.

Another myth as a result of the word “Steam” being commonly used instead of Hot Water Extraction.  Most systems today and especially truck mounted systems will heat the water to a safe temperature for your carpets.  The water exits the wand as a fine mist to carefully apply just enough hot water to clean the carpet.  This can look like steam but is rather a mist.

If you have heard of other carpet cleaning myths please leave a comment below.  We will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Related posts:

1. Carpet Cleaning Methods
2. Water Damage Restoration