Four Carpet Cleaning Mistakes
It happens to all of us. A spill on the carpet. And, not just any spill. If something like a glass of wine, ketchup, grape juice, soda or worse. Or, if you have pets, you know that when fluffy has a fur ball, it is your carpet that pays the price. Other than covering your carpet with plastic sheets (not recommended, by the way), there is no way to one hundred percent prevent spills and stains. When it comes to carpet cleaning, we have seen plenty of mistakes. Here are some common carpet cleaning mistakes that should be avoided.
Failure to Take Immediate Action – Not responding quickly is the number one carpet cleaning mistake. Spills sink into carpets very quickly. So, unless you want to add an “artsy” color splash to your carpet, get to it fast. The longer it sits and is allowed to dry into the carpet fibers, the more difficult it will be to remove. And, if the stain gets soaked into the carpet padding, it may require replacing that entire section of carpet.
Neglecting to Test Any New Cleaner – The truth of the matter is that there are some highly dangerous cleaners on the market that may even have bleach in them. These chemicals, while they may remove the stain, can destroy your carpet. So, read the label carefully to see what is in it. And, before you apply the cleaner to a stain in the middle of your room, find a hidden test area to just make sure the cleaner is safe. This will only take a quick moment. Or, better yet, test a remnant of carpet that was not used when your carpet was installed.
Improper Cleaning – Another common carpet cleaning mistake is using a wet vacuum cleaner or a steam machine to pull the stain out of the carpet. However, this will only make things worse. The heat from steam machines or a wet vacuum will cause the stain to permanently set in the carpet. Another common issue is rubbing the stain too vigorously with a cloth or brush. Again, all this does is push the spill down into the fibers where it takes up permanent residence. Instead, soak up the spill with a clean cloth, paper towel or newspaper by standing on top of it. Then, use a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar and brush lightly to remove the stain.
Not Professionally Cleaning You Carpet – Most carpet manufacturers recommend annual professional cleaning. This is the best way to removed deep down dirt and debris. The expert cleanings help get stains that have been caught in the fibers over the year. Plus, professional cleaning helps restore your carpet’s luster, especially in your high-traffic areas.
How to Use This Information
We hope this helps you when the unfortunate spill takes place. And, should you find yourself in need of new carpet, look to Sloane’s Carpet Secret. We have brand name, high-quality carpet at amazing prices. Schedule an appointment and see our warehouse of selections. Call 303-300-9555 or contact us online.