Carpet should be professionally cleaned annually, but spills, muddy shoes, and pet accidents can make additional cleanings necessary. Do-it-yourself cleanings might save money in the short-term, but owners risk damaging their carpet beyond repair. Consider these common carpet cleaning mistakes people accidentally make.

5 Mistakes You Can Make Cleaning Your Carpet

1. Not Responding Quickly Enough

When spills happen, they can easily become stains if you don’t react fast enough. Allowing the spill to dry can cause the liquid to infiltrate the carpet’s fibers and padding, leading to stains, odors, and bacteria growth. You should try to soak up the spill as soon as possible.

2. Scrubbing Too Hard

It might seem intuitive to scrub vigorously to remove a spill or stain, but scrubbing too hard can damage carpet fibers. The friction caused by excessively rubbing carpet can make threads come loose and fray. Instead, blot spills and stains gently.

3. Using Too Much Shampoo

Putting too much soap in a carpet cleaner requires extra rinsing, and most people fail to rinse their carpet adequately. This leaves behind soap residue that attracts dirt, making your carpet filthier than it was.

4. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Chemical cleaners should be tested on a small section of your carpet to make sure discolorization doesn’t occur, but most people skip that step and use the cleaner on the entire space. Others use harsh chemical cleaners that breakdown carpet fibers.

5. Failure to Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaning Company

While it’s generally recommended to hire a service for carpet cleaning at least once a year, most carpet owners attempt to save money by doing it themselves. Professional cleaning companies know which cleaners are safe and achieve the best results, use state-of-the-art equipment, and have your carpet’s overall durability in mind.

Residents of Anchorage, AK, will find professional carpet cleaning services through A Affordable Cleaning By Diane’s Service. For 25 years, this cleaning company has specialized in affordable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly carpet cleaning techniques. Call (907) 248-3909 or visit them online to schedule an appointment today.