5 Common Carpet Cleaning Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Being in the carpet cleaning business for several years, I’ve heard quite a number of stories and misconceptions about carpet cleaning, including some common carpet cleaning myths that just aren’t true.

Even in 2019, these misconceptions and common carpet cleaning myths still take root in people’s beliefs. That’s because, when we were all kids, an authority figure told us these myths, which they themselves believed to be true.

They also were told these things when they were kids, and that’s how these misconceptions have been passed from mouth to mouth, from generation to generation. Many of these beliefs fall under common carpet cleaning myths, leading people to follow ineffective or even harmful cleaning practices.

I’m, however, going to shed some light on some of these carpet cleaning misconceptions.

1. Wait a few years before cleaning a new carpet

Honestly, I have no idea where this started or how it came to be, but the truth is it is false. Waiting a few years before thinking of cleaning your new carpet only does more harm than good. I suppose people intend to preserve the life of the carpet, but while they intend to do that, they only put the health of your family at risk.

One of the common carpet cleaning myths is that delaying professional cleaning helps maintain the carpet’s quality. In reality, the dust that settles on the carpet, stains from liquids that spill into the fabrics, and other contaminants make it unhealthy—a perfect breeding ground for germs and allergens. This causes the air in your home to be contaminated by these pollutants, which constitutes a health hazard for you and your family.

Carpet cleaning and washing don’t cause the fabrics and patterns to fade, with the right cleaning materials your carpets will survive its entire lifespan and look as good as the day you bought it.

2. Only clean your carpet if it is stained

Over time, carpets accumulate dead skin cells, dust, and food fragments. Some carpets hide this better than others, but because they are hard to spot does not mean they are absent.

One of the common carpet cleaning myths is that you should only clean your carpet when it looks dirty or stained. Waiting for visible stains is not a good standard to determine when to clean your carpet.

Delaying cleaning will only give your carpet the chance to further accumulate these filths that not only contaminate the air but also cause skin diseases and irritations should your bare skin touch the carpet.

3. Cleaning shrinks the carpet

While this may be true, it depends on the carpet cleaning company you hire for the job. Your carpet will only shrink if the water used is too hot, if it is soaked for too long, or if the wrong cleaning materials and techniques are used. This misconception is just one of the common carpet cleaning myths that often mislead homeowners.

This is one of the reasons it’s advisable to hire a carpet cleaner who’s an expert in the field. An excellent cleaning company knows the appropriate materials for your carpet type and every other relevant detail to prevent your carpet from shrinking.

4. If you have your own machine, you don’t need a professional

Unless you are a professional in the field, you need experts. Having your own machine is great and convenient if removing small stains is what you intend to do. However, one of the common carpet cleaning myths is that household machines can deep clean just as effectively as professional equipment.

For heavy-duty carpet cleaning, you will need professionals to do the cleaning. Their machines have the power needed to remove tough stains and, of course, won’t shrink your carpet.

5. Carpet cleaners are all the same, go for the cheapest ones

There are carpet cleaners, and there are also carpet cleaners. That you will be able to tell when you actually go for the cheap carpet ones. The quality of service the cheapest ones offer will definitely not be the kind of service you’ll get if you went for the real pro.

Already explained in 3 above, expert carpet cleaners know what to do to prevent your carpet from shrinking. The same can’t be said and guaranteed for the cheapest carpet cleaners. One of the common carpet cleaning myths is that all carpet cleaning services provide the same level of expertise and care, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.