If your carpets are dirty, you're not alone. Winter weather can wreak havoc on carpets, especially where mud is concerned. Not to mention all the guests you might have had in your home during the holidays. If you finally have time to clean your carpets, don't make mistakes that could damage the fibres. Before you clean your carpets, read the list provided below. Here are some common mistakes you need to avoid.
Using Bleach on a Stain
If you have some stubborn stains on your carpets, you think of grabbing the bleach. After all, bleach is a great spot lifter for other surfaces. But using bleach on your carpet is one of the worst things you can do. First, you can't rinse enough of the residue away. Second, bleach can destroy your carpet. This is especially true if you have synthetic carpets. Bleach can deteriorate the fibres, leaving you with an empty patch where the carpet once was. To avoid the damage, don't use any type of bleach on your carpets.
Saturating the Fibers
If your carpets are dirty down to the padding, you might think you need to use more water when cleaning it. That's not actually the case. Too much water can actually saturate the fibres and the padding. If the water doesn't dry fast enough, you could end up with a mouldy carpet. To prevent mould, never over-saturate the carpet fibres. It's also a good idea to open the doors and windows to allow it to dry faster.
Scrubbing the Spot
If someone spilled coloured liquid on your carpet, and it's dried to a stain, resist the urge to scrub. If you're like many people, you might think that vigorous scrubbing will get rid of the stain. In most cases, vigorous scrubbing will only damage the carpet fibres. Vigorous scrubbing might also spread the stain, creating a bigger mess for you. Once you've scrubbed, the stain might still be there. Avoid the damage and the spread. Blot the stained area with a soft cloth instead.
Doing It Yourself
Finally, if your carpet needs a deep cleaning, don't take the do-it-yourself approach. As described above, the DIY approach can do more harm than good. This is especially true where deep cleaning is concerned. To get your carpet clean down to the padding, and to prevent damage, hire a carpet cleaning service instead.
If your carpets haven't been cleaned in a while, don't take chances. Have your carpets professionally cleaned. For questions or concerns about carpet cleaning, contact a cleaning service near you.
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