For optimal cleaning and extended carpet life, it’s essential to clean your carpets correctly. But, many people make some common carpet cleaning mistakes during DIY cleaning.
The mistakes include but are not limited to the following ones.
- Overwetting the carpet
- Not vacuuming before cleaning
- Using the wrong cleaning solutions
- Scrubbing instead of blotting
- Not reacting fast for stain treatment
- Overusing deodorisers and chemicals
- Renting faulty cleaning equipment
- Not getting professional cleaning services
Here, we will discuss the mistakes and their consequences, as well as expert advice on how to avoid them.
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9 Common Carpet Cleaning Mistakes You Should Avoid
Regular carpet cleaning is a must. Because studies show that carpets draw dust and allergens frequently.
But, you must be aware while cleaning your carpets since carpet cleaning mistakes can create adverse health effects, too. Here, we have described 9 common mistakes people randomly make when they clean their carpets themselves.
Over-wetting Carpet
Overwetting means soaking your carpet in too much water for a long time. As a result, the carpet takes a longer time to dry. It is one of the most common carpet cleaning mistakes people do.
This initiates mould and mildew growth that will damage your carpet and floor. It also creates odour and water stains. According to NSW Health, mould can cause multiple health issues, from irritation to severe mould infection to your body.
How to Avoid It
- Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount of water you should use for deep cleaning your carpet.
- For small areas of stains, use a small amount of water and a cleaning solution mixture for mould prevention. You can repeat the process if required.
- Use a dry cloth to soak excess water, and you can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.
Avoiding Regular Vacuuming Or Not Vacuuming Before Cleaning
Like other components of your house, regular carpet maintenance is a must for its longevity. You should regularly vacuum your carpet to avoid strong buildup and foreign objects on it.
Aside from regular vacuuming, vacuuming your carpet before cleaning is another crucial aspect. Otherwise, foreign objects and build-up can damage the carpet while washing it.
Tips to Avoid the Mistakes
- Set a schedule to vacuum your carpet regularly. The vacuum frequency can be once a week for normal traffic to your carpet.
- For excessive traffic, pay special attention to vacuuming every other day for pet hair removal and dander avoidance. This helps to avoid excess dirt and debris accumulation.
- Don’t forget to vacuum your carpet thoroughly before using any cleaning solutions or equipment.
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to improve indoor air quality by trapping dust and allergens.
Using Wrong Cleaning Solutions
Carpets are made of different materials, and each requires particular cleaning solutions. Using the wrong cleaning solutions can cause carpet discolouration and damage to the fibre.
How to Avoid It
- Identify your carpet’s material (e.g., synthetic, wool, jute, polyester, shag, etc.). See the manufacturer’s instructions for the right cleaning solution. Also, do your own research for the right solution.
- Always opt for soft and eco-friendly cleaners. Avoid any type of harsh chemicals.
- Finally, test the cleaning solution on a small portion of your carpet to see if it causes any damage to your carpet.
Scrubbing Instead of Blotting
Scrubbing any surface for stain removal is the most common and popular technique. Most people think scrubbing would work for carpets as well, which is one of the common carpet cleaning mistakes.
Scrubbing may work fine for our floor stain or toilet, but carpet fibres are thin and can’t withstand excessive scrubbing.
So, in most cases, people who try DIY carpet cleaning misuse the scrubbing techniques and risk damaging their carpets. As a result, your carpet fibre may become frayed or matted.
Scrubbing may spread the stains, which is more challenging to remove. We have seen such cases where people damaged their carpet with extensive scrubbing.
How to Avoid It
- Avoid scrubbing. Instead, gently blot on the strain for better stain treatment.
- Check for the manufacturer’s instructions, and do your own research to learn proper stain removal products.
- For stubborn stains, consult professional cleaning services.
Not Reacting Fast for Spills and Stains
Spills and stains are normal. But many people just keep them to clean later. What happens then is that the spills penetrate the carpet deep and make the stains stronger.
The longer you let the stain stay, the harder it is to clean and remove it. At a time, it could be permanently sitting and impossible to remove.
How to Avoid It
- The rule of thumb in this case is to react fast. Clean the spills and remove the stains immediately. By addressing the stains immediately, you are just saving your carpet from permanent stains and unwanted musty smells.
Overusing Deodorizers and Chemicals
Deodorisers could be a solution for your carpet for the time being, but it is never a substitute for cleaning. When you skip cleaning your carpet and overuse deodorisers to remove odour, the smell can even worsen. It also leads to gunky build-up, which is stronger, and a normal vacuum cleaner can’t remove this.
On the other hand, many people overuse cleaning chemicals and think that more cleaning solution means more cleaning. But, the truth is, more chemicals never clean your carpet more. Rather, overusing chemicals can build up residues, which can damage your carpet instead.
How to Avoid It
- Don’t lengthen the wait for cleaning, and don’t keep overusing deodorisers. Rather, clean your carpet properly when it is dirty.
- Also, never overuse cleaning solutions. The proper amount of cleaning solution should be determined by the manufacturer’s instructions.
Renting Faulty Cleaning Equipment
Renting equipment is used too frequently by different people and is improperly maintained. When you rent such equipment for DIY carpet cleaning, it may cause more harm to your carpet instead of doing any good.
How to Avoid It
- Our honest suggestion is to avoid renting a machine to clean your carpet. Instead, getting a professional carpet cleaning is suggested.
Improper Rinsing and Drying
Not rinsing and drying your carpet properly is among the biggest carpet cleaning mistakes. Improper rinsing leaves cleaning solution residues. This attracts more dirt and debris.
On the other hand, improper drying is the source of mould and mildew growth, and obsessive odour.
How to Avoid It
- Make sure you properly rinse your carpet after washing it with clean water.
- After proper rinsing,
Not Getting Professional Cleaning Services
Many people think DIY carpet cleaning is enough throughout their lifetime. But you know what? A deep cleaning for carpet care is essential at a certain time for the lifespan and beholding structure of your carpet.
Avoiding professional cleaning services can help dirt and allergens to be deeply penetrate on your carpet. It can create health issues.
How to Avoid It
- We suggest you hire a professional carpet cleaning service provider. This will ensure proper carpet care and mould and mildew prevention.
Expert Tips to Keep in Mind Before Cleaning Your Carpets
Aside from carpet cleaning mistakes, you should keep the following suggestions in mind. These will help you to protect your health and stuffs from any potential dangers.
Ventilation and Air Quality: Protect Your Health
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Open windows or use fans/exhaust fans to ventilate the area. Ensure this especially while you are using strong cleaning solutions.
- Protect Against Fumes and Gas: Wear a mask if using chemicals that emit strong fumes. Inhaling such fumes can cause serious health issues.
- Wear Gloves: Protect your hands and mouth from harsh chemicals and potential allergens.
- Avoid Mixing Chemicals: Some chemicals can react dangerously when mixed, producing harmful gases. Check the chemicals and the result of the mixture before mixing them.
Ensure Furniture Protection
- Remove or Protect Furniture: Move furniture out of the way or use protective pads to prevent furniture legs from staining wet carpets.
- Avoid Replacing Furniture Too Soon: Ensure the carpet is completely dry before replacing furniture to avoid indentations or damage.
Safety for Pets and Children
- Keep Pets and Children Away: Keep pets and children out of the area during and immediately after cleaning, especially when using chemicals.
Final Words
You can rely on Affordable Cleaning and Gardening Service for proper carpet cleaning. We never make mistakes, as we employ highly professional staff.
If you reside in Sydney, you can contact us for more details. We have been at your cleaning services for the last 20 years, making us incomparable in Sydney.
