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Common Misconceptions About Carpet Cleaning: Why Hiring a Professional Cleaner Is Essential
Written by Dimo. Posted in Carpet Cleaning Services
Being in the carpet cleaning business for several years I’ve heard quite a number of stories and misconceptions about carpet cleaning.
It may be 2020, but these misconceptions and myths still take root in people’s beliefs. That’s so 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 about carpet cleaning have been passed from mouth to mouth, from generation to generation.
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 biggest misconceptions about carpet cleaning is that delaying professional cleaning helps maintain its 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. Many people fall for misconceptions about carpet cleaning, thinking that carpets only need cleaning when visible stains appear.
Waiting for your carpet to be stained is not a good threshold/standard by which you should depend on to make the decision.
Waiting will only give your carpet the chance to further accumulate these filths that not only contaminates the air but also causes 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 a long time, and if you use the wrong cleaning materials and techniques for your carpets.
Misconceptions about carpet cleaning often lead people to believe that all cleaning methods cause shrinkage, but this isn’t the case. This is one of the reasons it’s advisable to hire a carpet cleaner that’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 biggest misconceptions about carpet cleaning is that a household machine can handle deep cleaning effectively. 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.
There are many misconceptions about carpet cleaning, especially when it comes to choosing between professional services and budget options. 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.
Why Hire a Pro Carpet Cleaner Today
There’s a professional cleaner for your windows, a professional painter for your walls. Your carpet surely needs one. There are lots of DIY methods out there that actually ruin your carpet in the long run. Moreover, there are several stains that are best left to professionals to remove. Stains like ink stains, bleach stains, and red wine stains. This is because your conventional carpet cleaners cannot do the trick.
Misconceptions about carpet cleaning often lead people to believe that regular household cleaners or DIY methods are enough, but some chemicals are specifically used by professionals to ensure the proper removal of these stains. So yes, it is important you hire a professional cleaner for your carpet. Various situations may cause you to really require a professional cleaner. Let’s look at them.
1. Regular Vacuuming Doesn’t Cut it
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True, you vacuum your carpets every other day. You get rid of surface dirt and dust. However, one of the biggest misconceptions about carpet cleaning is that regular vacuuming is enough. If you really want to deeply clean your carpets, really get into your carpet pile, and draw out dirt, then you need a professional. It’s simply because they have high-power equipment that cleans beyond the surface. Not only dirt, but there could also be mites in your carpet. But these high-power equipment also help you get them out of your carpet.
2. You Have Pets
Pets are cute. They just brighten up your life. I’m a dog person, I absolutely love my dog, Snow. She’s a cute girl, she’s a chihuahua by the way. But she goes just about anywhere and I have to clean up after her. If you have a pet, especially a dog, I understand what you go through.
They have a fun time running around in the garden, digging up heavens know what, and when they get tired, make a beeline for your living room. You know where they are about to go lie, on your precious carpet. Many people believe pets and carpets don’t mix well, but that’s just one of the many misconceptions about carpet cleaning.
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Pet stains are inevitable if you have pets. Then you have to deal with their hair being everywhere. To ice the cake, they pee on your carpet. Just perfect! Getting the dirt and hair out is a chore, but the main issue lies with the urine smell. One of the biggest misconceptions about carpet cleaning is that regular vacuuming or DIY solutions are enough. You need a professional cleaner to at least come in once every 3 months to thoroughly clean your carpet, especially to get rid of the odor.
3. You have kids
Kids are a delight, especially when they’re asleep. When awake, they love running around almost like our pets. They get food and drinks spilled on the carpet, or worse, ink stains. Don’t even attempt to remove ink stains yourself—you’ll just end up damaging your carpet. Instead, get a professional carpet cleaner.
There are many misconceptions about carpet cleaning, like thinking vacuuming alone is enough to keep your carpets clean. In reality, vacuuming only removes surface dirt. Three times a year, call in a professional carpet cleaner to clean your carpets thoroughly and help get rid of stubborn stains and odor. Don’t leave stains in for too long.
Not all DIY methods work. Some damage your carpets. If you want to increase the longevity of your carpets, from time to time get a professional cleaner.
Accents in Cleaning will be happy to clean your carpets for you. Contact us. We’re available in cities like Concord CA, Lafayette CA, Benicia CA, Martinez CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Walnut Creek CA, Hercules CA, and nearby cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest misconceptions about carpet cleaning?
There are many misconceptions about carpet cleaning, including the idea that new carpets should not be cleaned for several years, that only visibly stained carpets need cleaning, and that DIY cleaning is as effective as professional services. These myths often lead to poor carpet maintenance and shorter carpet lifespans.
Is it true that cleaning a new carpet too soon can damage it?
No, this is one of the common misconceptions about carpet cleaning. Waiting years before cleaning a new carpet actually allows dirt, dust, and allergens to accumulate, which can lead to indoor air pollution and health issues. Regular professional cleaning helps maintain the carpet’s quality and extends its lifespan.
Do carpets only need cleaning when they look dirty?
One of the most widespread misconceptions about carpet cleaning is that carpets should only be cleaned when stains appear. In reality, dust, dead skin cells, and allergens accumulate deep within carpet fibers, even if they aren’t visible. Regular professional cleaning removes these hidden contaminants and improves indoor air quality.
Will carpet cleaning cause shrinkage?
Shrinkage is possible but only if improper cleaning techniques are used. This is one of the misconceptions about carpet cleaning that prevents homeowners from hiring professionals. A reputable carpet cleaning service will use the right methods, temperature, and cleaning agents to prevent shrinking and preserve the carpet’s integrity.
If I own a carpet cleaning machine, do I still need professional cleaning?
Yes. One of the biggest misconceptions about carpet cleaning is that a home machine can deliver the same results as professional equipment. While home machines are great for minor spills, they lack the deep-cleaning power of professional-grade equipment, which removes embedded dirt, bacteria, and allergens more effectively.