Shampooing carpets is an important step of carpet maintenance that keeps your home clean and healthy as it removes dirt and dust. However, many homeowners use carpet shampoo incorrectly or do not respect some rules before and after shampooing, leading to carpet damage, mold growth, and ineffective cleaning results. In this article, some important notes about carpet shampooing are listed to help you achieve the best cleaning result.
1. Using too much carpet shampoo
One of the biggest and most common mistakes in shampooing carpets is the excessive use of shampoo. Many people make this mistake as they may think the more soap, the cleaner the carpet. However, it is wrong and it makes the carpet have a sticky surface that attracts dirt and it will make the carpet get dirty faster than it is expected. To avoid this issue, only follow the manufacturer’s instructions about the right amount of shampoo that is mentioned on the carpet cleaning product.
2. Not rinsing the carpet properly
The leftover shampoo on the carpet can lead to detergent buildup and it can easily absorb dust and dirt, also cause discoloration over time. So, rinse the carpet off completely after shampooing and if the shampoo has a rinse setting, use it to remove any remaining shampoo after cleaning.
3. Over-wetting the carpet
Another common mistake in shampooing carpets is using too much water in the cleaning process and over-wetting the carpet. This will cause a longer drying time and increase the risk of mold and mildew growth due to the humidity of the carpet. To avoid this problem, only follow the shampooing product instructions and use the necessary amount of water for the mixture. In addition, use fans or open windows to help carpets get dried quickly.
4. Walking on the carpet too soon after shampooing
The next problem is using the carpet too soon after shampooing it. When the carpet is still wet and not dried well, walking on it can make it look matted, flatten the fibers, and easily attract dirt. So, to prevent this problem, just let it dry completely for about 5 to 24 hours based on the weather conditions, airflow, and humidity level of the place where you live.
5. Ignoring spot treatments before shampooing
Another important issue that is often ignored is not treating stains before shampooing. The shampooing machines are not always able to remove stains, especially the old ones. So, it is important to remove carpet stains as much as possible using stain removers before shampooing it. To find stains easily, focus mostly on the high-traffic areas on the carpet and look for the more visible stains.
6. Not vacuuming the carpet before shampooing
One of the important steps in cleaning carpets is to first vacuum the surface. If you ignore proper vacuuming, the dirt, hair, and debris will remain between carpet fibers and when you shampoo the carpet, all that dirt will be combined with the shampoo mixture. This will make the cleaning procedure harder and also you will need to refresh the shampoo and water mixture too soon.
7. Using the wrong carpet shampoo
Wrong carpet shampoo is another important mistake that happens due to the lack of attention to the shampoo materials. Not all carpet shampoos are suitable for all carpet types and materials, so it is important to note all the ingredients when purchasing a carpet cleaning product. In addition, have enough information about your carpet and its type. Therefore, by buying cleaning carpet shampoo, opt for the carpet that is produced specifically for your carpet material type.
8. Not testing the carpet cleaning shampoo first
Although you select the right carpet shampoo for your carpet based on its materials, there is always the possibility of unexpected carpet reactions to the cleaning materials. So, it is essential to test the shampoo before widely using it. Just apply the shampoo on a small and less visible part of your carpet and check if it works without causing any problems in the carpet. This carpet shampoo test helps prevent potential discoloration or fiber damage.
9. Scrubbing carpet too harshly
Many believe that scrubbing the carpet while shampooing it can help remove stains. However, this harsh scrubbing can damage carpet fibers, making them worn out and weakened. To prevent it, clean the carpet surface with a gentle motion when targeting stains and let the cleaning product do the most of the work.
10. Shampooing carpet too often
While regular carpet maintenance including cleaning it with shampoo is important, you should be aware of not over shampooing it. Too much cleaning carpets especially using chemical products can cause excessive wear and tear. Every carpet only needs to be cleaned using shampoo every 6 to 12 months. Based on the foot traffic and the place where the carpet is used, the carpet cleaning period can be changed. However, only twice a year would be enough for carpets to be deeply cleaned. Cleaning too frequently can weaken carpet fibers and reduce their lifespan.
Conclusion
Proper carpet shampooing techniques play an important role in maintaining a fresh, clean, and long-lasting carpet. By avoiding these common mistakes such as using too much shampoo, over-wetting, and not allowing enough drying time, you can ensure great cleaning results and a long lifespan carpet. Always follow carpet and cleaning product manufacturer guidelines, use the right cleaning products, and keep a regular maintenance routine for the best results.
In addition, if you need any consultation in purchasing carpets, flooring, and carpet maintenance tips, you can contact MA Flooring, a flooring service provider in Melbourne, for a detailed and free consultation.