There is a lot of great information about carpet cleaning today. However, some of the tips that people often give cause more harm than good.
You can cause serious harm to your carpet by falling victim to any of these 7 carpet cleaning myths:
Carpet Cleaning Myth #1:
Vinegar Cleans the Carpet
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.
Some internet websites recommend using vinegar along with baking soda. However, this is dangerous. This can create peracetic acid. It can irritate the skin and cause breathing problems.
Carpet Cleaning Myth #2:
You Should Not Vacuum Your Carpet often
Several people have been told that vacuuming the carpet is bad for it. However, modern carpet has been built to withstand a lot of 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.
Most people need to vacuum their carpet at least once a week. However, high-traffic areas may need to be vacuumed daily.
Carpet Cleaning Myth #3:
Hair Spray can be Used to Clean Carpet
Hair spray is designed to be used on your hair. It is not designed to be used on carpet. Hair spray will leave a residue that you do not want to have on your carpet. If this residue is not removed, then it will attract contaminants and dirt. Additionally, hair spray can cause permanent damage to your carpet.
Carpet Cleaning Myth #4:
New Carpet Does not Need to be Cleaned
It is purely myth that if your carpet is new, then it does not require cleaning. Even if 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.
Carpet Cleaning Myth #5:
Water is the Best Method for Cleaning Carpet
Using water to clean your carpet may seem harmless. However, it can sometimes do more harm than good. 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.
Damping a stain can make it easier to remove. However, you should use seltzer water or club soda instead of regular water.
Carpet Cleaning Myth #6:
Dish Soap can be Used to Clean Carpet
You should not use dish soap on carpet. Dish soap is supposed to remove grime, grease and food from dishes. The soap is rinsed off after the dishes have been washed. Carpet does not have a rinse function. Many people mix dish soap with water and find that the stain is worse than before.
Carpet Cleaning Myth #7:
Ammonia can be Used to Clean Carpet
Ammonia is a high-alkaline solution. Any high-alkaline solution will cause serious damage to your carpet. Not only is ammonia damaging to your carpet, but it is also toxic. It can create a fume that can cause respiratory problems if it is inhaled.
Because many of the home remedies and tips that are recommended for carpet cleaning can be toxic, it is best to hire a professional.
