Most people when they try to clean their carpets themselves often make the same mistakes. Carpets need their own special care, and must be done using proper cleaning methods. Leading Carpet Cleaning will talk about those common mistakes people do when cleaning carpets. First you need the right equipment and proper cleaning materials. For cleaning carpets you will need a vacuum cleaner, steamer, and proper cleaning chemicals.
Should You Vacuum Before Steam Carpet Cleaning?
First mistake many people make is that they believe you just need to start steam cleaning your carpets. This is not so, you must thoroughly vacuum your carpets first. You must also use the proper vacuuming techniques; this doesn’t mean vacuuming in straight line. It may look nice but it doesn’t clean your carpets correctly. You should vacuum in many directions to suck up all the dirt and junk off your carpets.
Don’t Use Laundry Detergent that Will Leave Soap Residue on Your Carpets
Don’t use laundry detergent to clean your carpets. Carpets and clothing are very different. Use commercial carpet cleaners that are clearly labeled for carpets. There are number of natural cleaners that work great for carpets like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. Each will assist in cleaning different stains and messes.
Follow Proper Patch Test Procedures
Never skip a patch test. A patch test is when you take your carpet cleaner and use it on a small area not easily seen. This will make sure the cleaner doesn’t lighten the carpet, or even damage the more sensitive carpet fibers. Never skip the carpet patch test before steaming cleaning your carpets or you can lighten and damage your entire carpet.
Don’t Over Wet Carpet When Cleaning
When you begin to steam clean your carpets never over soak them. Over wetting your carpet can discolor or lighten up the color as well. It is also known to shrink your carpet and tear itself away from the edge and floor. You will find it is difficult to suck up too much water and later cause mold and mildew underneath your carpet and the padding.
Don’t Scrub at Carpet Stains with a Colored Cloth
When trying to clean a stain or small area many people will get a stain remover along with a wet rag and scrub at the stain. Two major problems. One should never scrub at a stain. You should blot or pat a stain. Scrubbing pushes the stain deeper into the carpet fibers and spreads around and out. Two; a damp rag or cloth is fine but do not use hot or cold water. Use warm water instead. Never use a rag or cloth with color. Use a solid white cloth or rag. This way the dye from the rag doesn’t seep into your carpet creating another type of stain.
How Long After Carpet Cleaning to Put Furniture Back?
Most people are in a hurry to put the furniture back in place after you spent the time steam cleaning your carpets. Wet carpet can get damaged very easily. Dragging furniture and other heavy items rips and damages carpets. Even walking too much on wet carpets can cause the fibers to untwist and fray.
Professional Carpet Cleaning in Orange, Santa Ana, Rancho Cucamonga, Anaheim, Whittier, Riverside, Chino & Fullerton, California
Carpet cleaning isn’t as easy a task as many people believe it to be. There are many mistakes by those who have never learned how to properly clean carpets. We hope we have given you a few tips that will make the job easier and at the same time, preserve your carpet. We here at Leading Carpet Cleaning hope that we were able to aid you in your house cleaning duties. Contact us for all your floor and furniture cleaning needs.