Carpet Cleaning Myths You Should Be Aware Of - Part 1

When it comes to carpet cleaning and home carpet cleaners, there's no shortage of various myths and misunderstandings. Here's a look at some of the most common ones you should be aware of.

Myth #1 - The Only Way To Have Clean Carpets Is To Use A Professional Carpet Cleaning Service

There's no arguing that spending hundreds of dollars every year to have your carpets professionally cleaned is going to keep them looking clean and fresh. But a good home carpet cleaning machine can do the same thing... without continuing to pay out hundreds each time your carpets need cleaned. Note that I said good because a cheap carpet cleaner with a poor design will do you no good.

The key is to find your best machine that fits your specific needs. (Use the carpet cleaner reviews on our site to help) You can find a nice machine for less than $300, or in the case of the Hoover Steam Vac F5914, less than $150.

Myth #2 - Since My Carpet Is Only 2 Years Old It Doesn't Need To Be Cleaned

Many people mistakenly believe that since their carpet is only a year or two old they do not need to be concerned with cleaning it. In most cases this is because they feel it doesn't look dirty, so why clean it? The truth is, much of the dirt, soil and contaminants are sitting deep down in the carpet fibers.

What you don't see can hurt your carpets. Dirt and debris damage the protective coating that covers the fibers of your carpet. Once damaged, it can break down the fiber and turn into fuzz. This is why when you vacuum you'll often see the canister become full of fuzz and fibers.

Myth #3 - Dry Carpet Cleaning Is Better Than Using A Carpet Steam Cleaner 

This is a common statement I hear from many people. They will hear it from the store they bought their carpets from, or from a friend or co-worker, etc., that dry carpet cleaning is the only way to go because machines leave you with wet carpets. But the truth is just the opposite.

You will find that the Institute of Inspection, Restoration, and Cleaning Certification (IICRC), major carpet manufacturers like Shaw and others, and even the EPA, all recommend cleaning carpets with a carpet steam cleaning machine, truck mount if possible. Why is this true? Why wouldn't you want to dry clean carpets?

A dry carpet cleaning machine can fool you. Yes, it gives your carpet the appearance of looking fantastic. It appears clean and fresh... on the top surface that is. Unfortunately, below the surface sits quite a bit of dirt, soil and other contaminants that will not come up through dry cleaning. The dirt will simply rise to the top and cause you to have to quickly clean the carpet again.