The internet is full of information, people are always searching for tips on everything, you also hear tips from friends and family, everyone has that one thing that they say is the “best” way to clean your carpet. We are here to tell you that not every tip is a good one, some of them can be more harmful to your carpets than you realize.
Myth – You Should Not Vacuum Your Carpet Too Often
No, no, no… People may have been telling you for years that vacuuming your carpet too often is bad for it. Carpets are made to withstand vacuuming, in fact, vacuuming your carpet is one of the best things that you can do to keep it clean. You can remove up to 80 percent of the dirt from your carpet by vacuuming it. You should vacuum your carpet at least once a week, in higher traffic areas, well you may need to vacuum those daily. Vacuuming your carpets can extend their life.
Myth – New Carpet Does Not Need to be Cleaned
Even if the carpet looks clean, it may still be dirty. New carpet is designed to hide stains well. You should have your carpet professionally-cleaned every six to 12 months.
Myth – Water is the Best Method for Cleaning Carpets
Damping a stain can make it easier to remove. However, you should use seltzer water or club soda instead of regular water. If you use water on something like ink, then there is a possibility that the stain will become a permanent part of your carpet. Water can cause an acidic stain to spread.
Myth – Dish Soap can be Used to Clean Carpets
Dish soap is supposed to remove grime, grease, and food from dishes, however, you should not use it to clean your carpets. Many people mix dish soap with water and find that the stain is worse than before. The soap gets rinsed off after the dishes have been washed. Carpet does not have a rinse function.
Myth – You can Use Vinegar to Clean Carpets
Vinegar is often recommended as a natural method for cleaning carpet. Although it is a disinfectant, it cannot remove stains. The Journal of Environmental Health tested vinegar along with other natural cleaning products. They found that vinegar was the least effective solution. Many people recommend using vinegar along with baking soda. However, this will probably not remove stains either. You will just end up with a paste that you will have a hard time removing. However, this is also dangerous. This can create peracetic acid. It can irritate the skin and cause breathing problems.
Many of the home remedies and tips that are recommended for carpet cleaning can be toxic, it is best to hire a professional. You will get better results and don’t run the risk of harming yourself and your family (or your carpet either!).