Carpet cleaning myths dispelled – reasons why cleaning is better for your carpets

There are some false carpet cleaning myths that have persisted over the years despite the development of modern technology. Below are some of the popular myths along with the reasons why they are no longer true today.

Myth 1 “The longer you clean a carpet, the faster it gets dirty”.

This is not true because dirt is abrasive. Every time you step on the carpet, the dirt rubs into the carpet fibers and damages them. A dirty carpet needs to be replaced sooner than a clean one. Vacuuming alone is not enough to remove the grease and fine dust that contribute to carpet wear.

Myth 2: You should only clean a carpet when it looks dirty.

Not really – you wash clothes when they are worn out, even if they look clean. The same goes for carpets – the air contains pollen, fungus, bacteria, and air pollutants like cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and hundreds of other chemicals. Your hair, skin, clothing, and shoes can carry them from the street to your carpet.

Allergies and respiratory problems can be aggravated by pollen, fungus, and chemicals in the carpet.

Myth 3: “All cleaning methods achieve the same result.

There are two basic methods: dry cleaning or hot water extraction.

(a) Dry cleaning (this is not the same as dry cleaning of clothing because all carpet cleaning methods use water in some form, whether dry foam, dry chemical, or dry mix methods are used).

In dry foam cleaning, the carpet is shampooed and dried, then vacuumed to remove the foam and adhering dirt. This old-fashioned method is the least effective and can leave residue on the carpet that attracts dirt.

The dry chemical method is similar to the dry foam method, but the rotary machine is equipped with a cloth that wipes the carpet and picks up the dirt. This is equivalent to using a stain remover and a towel, only on a larger scale. This method also does not achieve deep cleaning and can damage the fibers of the carpet. Visit also: Carpet cleaning in Double Bay

These dry cleaning methods may be sufficient for maintaining lightly soiled carpets.

The dry cleaning method involves applying an absorbent compound to the carpet, which is then rubbed into the carpet fibers with a machine to allow the dirt to be absorbed into the compound. Once dry, the compound is removed with a vacuum cleaner, just like the dry foam method, but much more effective at removing dirt and debris. This method is known as the HOST dry cleaning system, is recommended by over 70 carpet factories, and is the most popular dry carpet cleaning method in Europe.

(b) Hot water extraction (or “steam cleaning,” although this term is inaccurate).

A hot water cleaning solution is applied at high pressure and then extracted from the fibers of the carpet by a powerful machine. The deep cleaning process penetrates each fiber and draws out nearly all of the moisture that has been pumped into the carpet, along with dirt and debris, to ensure the most effective cleaning.

The world’s largest carpet manufacturer recommends hot water extraction. Hot water cannot damage carpet – that’s another myth! Washing and rinsing carpets with hot water is the most effective way to clean them – just like washing a bath, laundry, or dishes.

Myth 4 “Anyone with the right equipment can get the job done.”

Of course, this is not true. Training and experience are also important. Many cleaning companies have hot water cleaning machines, but some employees have little training, and some owners don’t know how to use them properly. For this reason, it is important to choose a carpet cleaning service wisely.

Make sure the company and on-site staff are fully trained and certified by Prochem Training School or the National Carpet Cleaners Association. The NCCA provides written verification to companies it certifies.

Myth 5 “The lowest price must be the best price.”

There are two things to keep in mind: The quotes must be for exactly the same services, and the price quoted must be the actual price you will be charged.

(a) Comparative quotes are for identical services.

As you read this article, do your research, obviously. Before you ask a company for a quote, decide what you need and what you don’t.

For example, if you need a quick surface cleaning, there are many companies that offer shampoo or similar cleaning methods – or you can rent a machine to do the work yourself.

However, if you want a thorough cleaning of your carpet to remove dirt, bacteria, pollen, chemicals, and other residues, the cleaning company should ideally provide an estimate for the use of a professional hot water extraction system – the best method to rid the carpet of dirt and abrasive chemicals.

(b) Make sure the price you see in the ad is reasonable for the service you want.

Homeowners sometimes fall victim to misleading advertising when the amount they are charged is higher than the price stated in the ad or brochure. Some carpet cleaning companies offer a low price, such as $9.99 per room, to entice potential customers to pay more when they are in your home.

Myth 6 “An honest company can quote a price over the phone”.

As with most services, a quote can be given “without a site visit”. But each job is likely to have different requirements. So should you pressure an honest company to give the shortest estimate? Or should you cover yourself in case of unforeseen difficulties?

Reputable carpet cleaning companies often price a job based on carpet area. This determines the amount of supplies and time required. If a potential client can provide the exact number of square feet to be cleaned. It may be possible to agree on a price over the phone, with the condition that it is confirmed when a professional cleaner arrives on site.

Other factors to consider are:

(a) Type of carpet. Some types of carpet require more time to clean than others.

(b) The degree of soiling. Carpets that have accumulated dirt over the years will require more time to clean than carpets. That are cleaned only every few months. Also, look for stains that may require special attention.

(c) The amount of furniture to be moved.

Unfortunately, there are a number of cleaners who are inexperienced or do not take pride in their work. Remember to use the services of a licensed cleaning company.

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