Carpets add style and comfort to our home, but keeping them clean can be a challenge. With the rise of DIY cleaning methods and products, many homeowners often tend to take matters into their own hands to save time and money.
While DIY carpet cleaning might seem like a simple and cost-effective solution, it can lead to more harm than good. In this blog post, we will explore the hidden dangers of DIY carpet cleaning and why professional help might be your best bet.
The 5 Hidden Dangers Of DIY Carpet Cleaning
1. Ineffectual Stain Removal
Stains are an inevitable part of your carpet’s life. While it may be tempting to clean common carpet stains like pet urine, wine, and coffee (that you usually come across every day), sometimes, it can lead to more damage than good to your carpet. Here’s why.
Different stains require different cleaning approaches. Using the wrong cleaning solution can cause stains to set further deep into the carpet fibers or even create new ones.
Moreover, many stains require pre-treatment before cleaning to break down the stain and make it easier to remove. Several homeowners, when indulging in DIY methods, often overlook this important step, leading to incomplete stain removal.
2. Risk Of Carpet Shrinkage
Water is an essential aspect of carpet cleaning, but too much water is just not recommended. Too much water can over-dampen the carpet. When carpets are too wet, the fibers can become saturated and shrink. This is especially true for certain types of carpet fibers, like wool and nylon.
Similar mishaps can also happen when cleaning the carpet using the hot water extraction method. While hot water extraction is effective for cleaning, it can also cause shrinkage if not done correctly. If the water temperature is too high or if the extraction process is not done properly, it can damage and shrink the carpet fibers.
3. Health Risks
Many DIY carpet cleaning solutions contain chemicals that can be hazardous to your health. Take, for example, bleach. While bleach is known for its disinfectant properties, it also emits certain fumes that, if inhaled, can severely affect your health.
Besides, as discussed earlier, DIY carpet cleaning often leads to over-wetting of the carpet. If the carpet is not dried thoroughly, moisture can remain trapped within the surface. This can create an ideal environment for mold growth, which can cause respiratory issues and conditions like asthma.
4. Rental Machine Limitations
Rental machine limitations are one of the most significant hidden dangers of DIY carpet cleaning that often go overlooked. Let’s put it simply. Rental machines are often used by multiple people, and improper maintenance or cleaning between uses is common.
This could mean that the machine you rent may possibly turn out dirty or poorly functioned, which can lead to ineffective cleaning or the spreading of dirt and contaminants.
Certain rental machines typically have lower suction power compared to professional-grade equipment. This means that they often can’t extract as much water, dirt, or cleaning solution from the carpet, leaving it damp or inadequately cleaned.
5. Over-Deodorization
While commercial or even household deodorizers (like baking soda) cover up unpleasant smells, they don’t address the root cause, such as mold, bacteria, or deeply embedded dirt. This results in a temporary fix, leaving the underlying issue to persist and potentially worsen.
Most importantly, excessive use of deodorizing sprays and powders can lead to chemical buildup in the carpet fibers. This buildup can irritate skin, cause respiratory problems, or trigger allergies, especially in sensitive individuals like children or pets.
The Bottom Line!
Attempting DIY carpet cleaning may seem like a good idea. But if you are not sure about the correct way to do it or are concerned about potential long-term damage, then you must avoid the DIY approach and instead, call professionals.
Because doing so can only trap you under the hidden dangers of DIY carpet cleaning, leading to more damage than good to your carpets.
If you are considering professional help, Magic Steam Carpet Cleaning can be the best option to choose from. They have highly trained individuals who are familiar with various carpet cleaning techniques and strategies.
Having been in this business since 2016, they use advanced cleaning tools and eco-friendly solutions to clean and leave your carpets looking and feeling like new. So don’t hesitate to schedule your booking and enjoy the benefits of clean, healthy carpets.
