There are plenty of misconceptions about carpet cleaning. People often wonder if it is bad for their carpets, if it ruins carpets, and how often they should have them professionally cleaned.
In this post, I’ll answer all of those questions and more! I’ll discuss the safest and best methods for carpet cleaning, as well as how often you should have your carpets cleaned.
Carpet Cleaners Are Fine!
One of the most common questions I get is whether carpet cleaners are bad for carpets. The answer is no – carpet cleaners are not bad for carpets! In fact, they are actually good for your carpets if done correctly.
Carpet cleaners remove all the dirt, dust, and stains from your carpets, leaving them looking and smelling fresh and new. Carpet cleaning also extends the life of your carpets by preventing them from becoming matted and worn down.
Using a carpet cleaner should be a part of your quarterly or yearly cleaning cycle of your home. You’ll be amazed by how much dirt a carpet cleaner will remove from your floors! I personally use Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max Clean (Amazon Link Ad) for my carpet cleaner and found it to be a must!
Check out this video for a great break down on the best carpet cleaner:
Shampooing Carpets
Another common question I get is whether or not shampooing your carpets is bad for them. The answer to this question is a bit more complicated.
While shampooing your carpets is not necessarily bad for them, it can cause some damage if it is not done correctly. If you use too much shampoo or scrub too hard, you can damage the fibers of your carpet and cause them to become matted and worn down.
It is important to use the right carpet cleaner and the correct amount of soap when shampooing carpets. I see guys get a little too carried away and get buffers out and other gear that can be too harsh on the carpet fibers. Only use the proper carpet cleaning gear, soaps, and clean water.
Steam Cleaning Is Fine
Steam cleaning carpets will not ruin them if done correctly.
Steam cleaning is actually a very effective way to clean carpets and extend their life. Steam cleaning uses hot water to remove dirt, dust, and stains from your carpets, leaving them looking and smelling fresh and new.
It’s best to leave the steam cleaning of carpets to the professionals, as their machines run hotter and far more effective than what you can get your hands on.
Why Does My Carpet Look Worse After Cleaning?
If your carpet looks worse after cleaning, it is likely because it was not cleaned properly.
When carpets are not cleaned correctly, the dirt and stains can become trapped in the fibers of the carpet and cause them to look matted and dirty. You also may not be emptying the water enough or the brushes themselves are very dirty.
If you are not happy with the results of your carpet cleaning, it is best to hire a professional carpet cleaner.
Sometimes carpet is too far gone or too old to save, and cleaning it won’t help. If your carpet is over 7 years old, it’s time to consider getting new carpet if the stains are not coming out.
If it’s only one spot that is stained badly, you can often pay someone to remove the bad spot and put in fresh carpet patch. They may have to pull carpet from another spot in your home, like the closet, but if it’s a one-off stain it might be worth it.
The Safest Carpet Cleaning Method
The safest carpet cleaning method is to hire a professional carpet cleaners.
Not only do the professionals have the best tools, but they do this job day in and day out, so they know all the tricks.
If you’re worried about damaging your carpet, then you need to hire someone to clean your carpets for you. You can rent carpet cleaners if you need to or buy one, but if you’re in doubt, hire someone.
Some carpet manufacturers even require a professional carpet cleaner to come to your home once or twice a year to maintain your warranty. They’ll want proof, so keep the receipts, as it may be helpful if you need to file a warranty claim on your carpet.
How Often To Professionally Clean Carpets
You should have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year to extend their life and keep them clean as possible. Some carpet manufacturers may even require quarterly or twice a year professional cleaning to maintain your warranty.
You may be able to get away with cleaning your carpets less often if you are careful about tracking in dirt and mud and if you vacuum regularly. Avoid wearing shoes in the home and don’t eat over the carpet will greatly help keep them clean.
But, if you have kids or pets, then it’s probably best to err on the side of caution and have your carpets cleaned more often.
Walking On Shampooed Carpets
Yes, you can walk on shampooed carpets as long as they are dry.
If your carpet is still wet, then you should avoid walking on it, as this could make the carpet dirty again and stains will show back up.
Allow your carpet to dry completely before walking on it or using it again.
It can take 6-24 hours for carpet to fully dry, so please don’t rush it. If you must walk on the carpet, make sure to take your shoes and socks off and only walk barefoot over the carpet. Putting down clean towels to walk on is also an option, but the towels must be removed once you’re done walking, so the carpet can fully dry.