Whether you’ve just spilled something or your carpet is dull and dingy, carpet cleaning will revitalize its appearance and extend its lifetime. Using the wrong products, however, will lead to irreversible damage, ruining it for good. Here are a few common items you shouldn’t be using on your carpet.

What Products Should You Avoid When Cleaning Your Carpets?

1. Bleach

Bleach, while a common compound in some cleaners, is not a suitable carpet cleaning agent on its own. Even if you attempt to dilute it, bleach will drain the color from your carpet, causing a blotchy appearance. It will ruin the carpet and flooring under it, too, corroding the fibers and seeping into the subfloor. Bleaching carpet also poses a health hazard, as the bleach remains active after the cleaning is finished. This can cause irritation if it comes into contact with skin or is inhaled.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a similar chemical to bleach, and as such, it will leech the color from the carpet. While diluting it will lessen its harshness, you’re still risking stains and discoloration. Beyond this, peroxide can damage the flooring underneath, as well as the fibers themselves. It may also react with chemicals present in any cleaners you use after the peroxide, creating hazardous situations. 

3. Laundry Detergent

Clothes detergent isn’t ideal for carpets, either, due to its soapiness. It can saturate the fibers and become sudsy, making it difficult to remove. The detergent will collect at the bottom of the carpet and on the fibers, causing them to stiffen, lay flat, and potentially mold.

4. White Wine

While a glass of white wine can help neutralize spilled red wine, you still shouldn’t use it on your carpet. Pouring white wine on top of the spill will just add to the stain, and you’ll be left with an odor of wine in the room. Cleaners specifically designed for carpet use will be much more effective than white wine and make the process faster and simpler.

Jerry’s Carpet Cleaning Service in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, will provide meticulous carpet cleaning to restore your flooring to like-new comfort and appearance. Whether you are battling set-in dirt or need professional carpet stain protection, these family-owned and insured carpet cleaners will exceed your expectations, backed by their 43 years of experience. Learn more about their services online, and call (715) 423-8273 to schedule service today.