Many over the counter carpet cleaning products are safe to use, but when it comes to tough stains, they don’t make the cut. You may jump on the Internet and get help from unknown experts, but most suggestions are recycled information, and the website has not performed tests. Times change, and where one cleaning solution worked for a specific person, it doesn’t mean it will work on your material or stain. Here are a few commonly used products you should never place on your carpeting.

4 Carpet Cleaning Faux Pas

1. Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is excellent on clothes, but it’s not a general cleaner. Detergent creates suds, and you must remove all of them. This requirement means rinsing the area several times with water. Then, you must dry the floor properly, or it’ll mold and attract more debris. Detergents have chemicals that may remove part of the coloring of the carpet, so you should avoid detergents altogether.

2. Abrasive Cleaners

They’re abrasive so they can dig into hard surfaces. These cleaners risk tearing or fraying the carpet fibers. Furthermore, vacuuming over damaged fibers reduces the longevity of the floor every time you clean.

3. Bleach or Peroxide

Both of these cleaners remove the color from items, whether that object is hair, clothing, or bathtubs. Subjecting carpet to these chemicals—or other products containing them—will permanently remove the coloring from the treated area. Do not bleach white carpeting. What looks white is usually a white coloring, and once removed, it will look blotchy.

4. White Wine

It’s a common belief that white wine will get rid of red wine stains. It does dilute, but it won’t remove the stain. White wine stains as well, and stains have a habit of returning at a later date. Even if you remove the stain, the wine will ferment and turn to sugars, creating crusted areas in the fibers.

If you’re looking to replace the carpeting in your home, contact the professionals at John’s Flooring. Based in Union, MO, they serve residential and commercial clients throughout Franklin, Warren, Jefferson, and St. Louis counties. For over 25 years, they’ve provided new laminate, vinyl, and tile floor installations, and carpet stretching and repairs. Call (636) 583-1605 to speak to a representative today, or visit their website to learn more about their services.