Whether you've spilled something on the floor or are dealing with everyday dirt and grime, you need an effective carpet cleaning strategy to keep your home looking clean and beautiful. The right cleaning products can get rid of stains in a hurry, while the wrong choices might leave you with permanent carpet damage. Here are a few of the most important ones to avoid.

What Products Should You Avoid When Cleaning Your Carpet?

1. Bleach

If you have a major stain, you might hope bleach can take it out. However, it can destroy the dye of the carpet itself, leaving a discolored mark that can't be washed out. Unless you have pure white carpet, bleach is never the answer.

2. Abrasive Cleaners

On a hard surface, a good hard scrub may be what you need to get a stain out. However, soft carpet fibers can be damaged by scrubbing them, especially with harsh cleaners that are designed for scouring more resilient materials. You should always blot carpet stains instead of scrubbing.

3. Laundry Detergent

When washing clothes, the suds from laundry detergent are useful in lifting dirt out of the fabric. In the carpet, however, there's no effective way to rinse the suds away, so you'll only make a bigger mess.

4. Untested Chemicals

There are many different types of carpet fibers, textures, and colors, and a chemical cleaner which works for one may damage another. Once you choose a cleaner, don't just pour it onto the stain; instead, test it somewhere inconspicuous to see how it reacts with your carpet type.

5. Deodorizing Powders

You don't need to avoid deodorizing powder entirely, as it can be a good solution for carpet smells. However, it also doesn't actually clean the substances out of your carpet, so don't rely solely on it for carpet cleaning.

For effective carpet cleaning in La Crosse, WI, choose America’s Best Cleaning & Restoration Services. With three decades of experience and five convenient locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, they provide fast, effective cleaning, even if you are plagued with carpet stains and mold. To schedule a free estimate, call (608) 782-6995, or visit them online to learn more about their services.