Refresh Or Replace? Why The State Of Your Carpet Matters
Has your carpet started looking like it has seen better days? Wondering if it’s time to toss it out and get a new one? Hold that thought.
Should you buy a new one, or have the old carpet cleaned? This depends on the state of the unit. The general rule of the thumb is that a replacement will be required when the carpet becomes a health risk that can’t be resolved – like when it gets overrun by mould. However, if it’s just a case of staining and dulling because of dirt that has been accumulating in it, these will come off with a thorough professional cleaning. Carpet cleaning companies have the resources needed to take out tough stains, including the likes of wine, pet urine, and permanent markers. Simply call up the company and enquire about the situation that they can handle, before you decide to haul out your carpet and incur more costs by buying a different one. There are cases when replacement is recommended, like when the carpet has become excessively water damaged by flooding, or it has been stained by biohazard waste.
Skip the hassle of DIY Carpet Cleaning
This is one of those chores that you don’t really look forward to. Spending hours hunched over those heavy dirt builds up and scrubbing the stubborn stains can take a toll on a person. What’s worse is that the machinery that is accessible to DIYers from the local dealership stores has a lower capacity compared to the units that the professional carpet cleaning companies use, warning that, right from the word go, you will be operating at a disadvantage. This causes the task to end up taking for much longer, inconveniencing you and your household members. It’s not just the duration that is an issue. There is increased risk of things going wrong- which is why carpet cleaning manufacturers insist on the buyers of their units getting the task handled by a professional. Cases of the wrong cleaning chemical a being used are rampant. Just because a particular formulation was effective in removing that coffee stain on the countertops doesn’t mean that it can be used to remove the coffee stain on the carpet. The material of the carpet has a key role in determining the type of products that can be used on it, where the natural and synthetic carpet fibres need products that will be tough on the stains, but gentle on their structure. Overwetting is another common occurrence witnessed during the DIY jobs. Here, the excess water that is used can lead to issues like delamination where the secondary backing separates from the primary backing, or shrinkage of the material- both of which are outcomes that you certainly do not want taking place. This can all be avoided by calling in the experts.
Eco-friendly carpet cleaning
Homeowners and business owners are increasingly being keen on the environmental impact of the products and systems that are used for the day-to-day maintenance of their establishments. The same case applies to carpet cleaning. Here, the focus is on getting rid of the grime and stains without posing a threat to the persons on the premises, and the environment as a whole. Issues of noxious fumes being released into the interior space, chemical mixes that trigger allergic reactions, with the kids and pets being the most affected, runoff that goes polluting the surrounding water bodies – these get to be avoided when green carpet cleaning products are used. After all, you wouldn’t want a case of indoor pollution, which would last for days, causing reactions like nausea, headaches, congestion, fatigue, and effects to the respiratory system.
Organic carpet cleaning products are increasingly becoming popular for their non-toxic formulation and biodegradability. They even come in recyclable packaging, taking a step further in reducing the carbon footprint of the whole process. This is without compromising on the expected quality of the results- as they still pack a punch, breaking down those dirt spots and dissolving the grime that is on the unit.
Keeping Your Carpet Clean After It Has Been Worked On
After the professional carpet cleaning crew has done their bit, next comes maintaining it, as you want to ensure that it retains its optimal condition for as long as possible. Here are a couple of measures that you can take:
– Let it fully dry first
While the extraction processes used by the cleaners remove the bulk of the moisture, it will need some time for the residue moisture to completely evaporate – which can take as little as 3 hours. Whichever the case, ensure that it has dried completely before walking across it. The same case applies for the spot cleaning that is usually done when accosted by the occasional small spills.
– Avoid going barefoot
No, this does not mean coming onto your carpet with your shoes, as this would be counterproductive. On the other hand, walking barefoot across these those cosy fibres is not really a good idea – given that the natural oils from the skin get rubbed onto the carpet. The sweat and oily residue left on the carpet is a dirt magnet, which causes it to get soiled faster. Instead, you can walk on your carpet while wearing indoor slippers, or simply having socks on.
– Deal with spills immediately
These should be blotted up as fast as possible. Do not rub the spot, as it would cause the stain to soak deeper into the fibres. Use clean absorbent clothes, or even paper towels, to blot up the spill. Spot cleaners can also come in handy, but they need to be safe for your particular type of carpet. Avoid using harsh chemicals simply because they were effective on other surfaces around the household. These can wreak havoc on your carpet.
– Follow a strict vacuuming schedule
Don’t wait until the carpet gets all dusty before you decide to vacuum it. Even when it looks clean, there will already be particles piling up on that lush pile. Vacuuming regularly removes the loose dirt and debris, and help in keeping allergen and pollutant levels low.
