For C we enter the murky world of carpet care and bust some of those common carpet cleaning myths.
We spoke to a retired carpet cleaning professional with 22 years experience, who was also a member of the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), for his comments.
Too much/aggressive vacuuming will damage my carpet.
There is a little truth in this however a good vacuum will really benefit your carpet and prolong its life. Vacuuming removes the general dirt and debris that gets into the fibres of a carpet which can cause premature wear and tear.
This rumour, in part, dates back to the days of woven carpets and early vacuum cleaners. The newly fitted carpet would need time to settle down before it could be vacuumed or it could become damaged. Today, carpets are made to be vacuumed immediately and most manufacturers recommend daily vacuuming which can also help to reduce dust mites and thereby reducing the risk of allergies.
Our expert says:
“Regular vacuuming is essential for daily maintenance – a good upright vacuum with a brushing action can help lift the pile and remove the dirt from deep in the pile.”
Salt, Milk, or White Wine will remove Red Wine.
Not only is this a myth, it can permanently damage your carpet. Salt is often used in the dying process of carpet manufacturing to help move the colour from the dye to the yarn and lock it in. By using salt on a stain you could end up permanently changing the colour of your carpet.
Milk and white wine can both stain your carpet and leave it with a nasty odour requiring expert cleaning to remove.
Our expert says:
“Spills are best treated quickly as this increases the chance of removing the stain completely. Gently blot the stain, never rub, and always work on the stain from the outside to the centre using a clean absorbent cloth or plain kitchen towel. Use a little cold water and keep blotting, then call in a professional carpet cleaner as soon as possible.”
Having my carpet cleaned will just make it dirtier quicker.
There is some truth to this one, but only if the carpet isn’t cleaned properly. When a carpet is cleaned, solutions are used to help treat the stains and freshen up the fibres. If these solutions aren’t removed fully they can become sticky, thereby attracting dirt and causing further soiling.
Many shop bought carpet cleaners use detergents, or worse bleach, (see our tip below) that are hard to remove at home. Likewise using normal soaps and cleaners is a big mistake.
Our expert says:
“A professional will only ever use the correct quantity of solutions and ensure they are fully removed from your carpet ensuring it will stay clean for longer.”
My carpet says it is bleach cleanable, does that mean I can pour bleach on it?
Most carpets will react badly when you add bleach, changing colour permanently almost straight away, however some carpets (especially polypropylene) can cope with a weak bleach solution to clean the carpet.
Always check with the manufacturer of your carpet first – read your care leaflet or visit the manufacturer’s website for care advice.
**BONUS TIP**
At Grimley Flooring we always recommend keeping a small offcut of waste to test out common spills on. Not only does this help you identify the best methods for cleaning your new carpet, but it reduces the panic factor when someone does drop something.
Looking after your carpet correctly will keep it in top condition for many years to come. Regular vacuuming should not be underestimated. Professional cleaning should be carried out every 18-24 months and more frequently with pets and small children, or in homes more susceptible to dirt and dust. If you need a carpet cleaner, then we recommend searching for one via the NCCA.