While it’s usually advisable to call professional carpet cleaners when a carpet has become really dirty or you’ve got a new stain from a recent spill, often home or business owners want to try to clean their carpet themselves to save time and money. You should always invest in some routine professional carpet cleaning, but if it is important to keep your carpets as clean as possible on a budget, here are some things not to do when it comes to do-it-yourself carpet cleaning. These tips can also make the job a bit easier (and less expensive) when you call us for a professional carpet clean.
If a stain happens, clean it immediately:
One of the biggest mistakes carpet owners make is taking too long to clean any dirt, grime, or spots that appear on the carpeting whether it is from shoes tracking dirt inside or spilling some type of food or beverage. Leaving a stain on a carpet too long can make the stain harder to remove, and it may even become permanent. Additionally, some stains can eat away at the fibres of the carpet which will shorten its useful life and make the odds of replacing it much higher.
Using a rental machine:
Rental machines are very convenient – and can be easier on the wallet if your carpet isn’t very dirty. If you haven’t used a carpet cleaning machine before, make sure you ask in detail how to use it properly as there is always a chance of making a mistake, such as over-saturating the carpet. You also need to be aware that vendors who rent out carpet cleaning machines may not properly service or clean a machine between renters and as a result, a rental customer may be bringing other renters (ie bugs)‚ dirt, and grime into their home or business. The machine also might not be in perfect working order, making it less effective in getting the job done. The extra time involved in organising a rental is an additional consideration for many people.
Using inappropriate cleaning solutions:
Although one of the keys to ensuring any cleaning agent works is timing, some cleaning solutions on the market just do not work. Before using a cleaning solution on a carpet stain, make sure it is designed for use on a carpet. Laundry and other fabric detergents may not be suitable for carpet material. Discolouring can happen, and it can also break down carpet fibres, which will further damage your carpets.
While professional equipment is obviously going to give your carpets a deeper clean, it is understandable that most of the time a a quick do-it-yourself spot carpet cleaning and vacuum is all that’s required. However, it’s important to make room in the budget and schedule to invest in home or office cleaning for the floors at least a few times a year. Our Adelaide carpet cleaning professionals are always happy to lend their expertise to ensure your home or office stays bright and clean.