Soiled carpet not only looks unsightly, but it can also harbor unhealthy dirt, bacteria, or mold. The level of carpet cleaning needed depends largely on the extent and cause of the issue. Many products and cleaning companies might promise the ability to clean, sanitize, and disinfect your rug, but it’s important to understand the difference between these methods. Superior Carpet Care in Texarkana, TX, has more than 20 years of experience providing carpet cleaning service to both residential and commercial customers, and they’re experts in determining the best cleaning method for your dirty carpet.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, & Disinfecting: What’s the Difference? 

Carpet Cleaning

Standard carpet cleaning simply tackles the surface of the fibers, removing visible dirt and debris by vacuuming or shampooing. This level of cleaning will improve the appearance of your rug and remove stains, grime, and allergens, especially pet hair and dust.

Sanitizing

With sanitization, most pathogens on a surface are destroyed, but this won’t eliminate viruses. The process is used mostly when food has came in contact with a surface. Technically, it’s not possible to sanitize a carpet, although there are products on the market that claim to be able to do so. Be wary of using these types of products on your rug, as they can actually leave a residue that, ironically, attracts dirt.

Disinfecting

Just as with sanitizing, it’s impossible to disinfect a carpet. Disinfection means killing bacteria and other microscopic organisms. Only hard surfaces can truly be disinfected; carpet fibers are just too porous and irregular.

Just because your carpet can’t technically be sanitized or disinfected doesn’t mean you should worry about a germ infestation. A professional carpet cleaning company has the right tools and expertise to get even the dirtiest carpet clean and looking new once again. Whether you need water damage restoration or pet stain and odor removal, the expert team at Superior Carpet Care has you covered. For a free estimate, call (903) 319-7854. You can also visit their website to learn more about their comprehensive range of services.