A guide to professional carpet cleaning
April 15, 2024Carpet is a popular choice of flooring around the home; it’s an aesthetically pleasing option that feels nice underfoot and has good sound-dampening qualities. However, carpet fibers can trap dirt and debris, and are vulnerable to stains. Regular vacuuming keeps the carpet to a reasonable standard of cleanliness, but there’s always room for a deeper clean, especially if shoes are worn inside the home, or your household has young children or pets.
What are the benefits of professional carpet cleaning?
Hiring a carpet cleaning service may seem like an unnecessary expense, but there’s no substitute for a high quality professional clean. A trained technician who’s experienced in carpet cleaning will know the correct products and processes for your carpet’s specific composition that will get your floors looking their best again.
Carpet in high-traffic areas such as hallways or stairs often show signs of wear and tear, but a professional clean helps to protect these areas, restoring fibers and removing dark spots. Intensive cleaning processes work to eliminate dirt from deep within the fibers, meaning your carpet will look newer and last longer.
Although spillages onto a carpet can be cleaned up, liquid can work its way deep into the flooring and begin to smell unpleasant over time. Professional carpet cleaners use specialized sanitization products to eliminate these tough odors. Untreated spillages can also present mold concerns, but not only will a professional clean remove any remnants of old liquids from the fibers, it will likely also use drying elements to remove excess moisture after the clean is completed.
Another benefit of professional carpet cleaning is the level of sanitization that results from the process. Carpet fibers can trap allergens, especially if the household includes pets or smokers. Anyone with allergies or asthma may be irritated by these, but a professional clean can remove any pollutants trapped deep in the fibers.
How to prepare for a professional carpet cleaning
There are a few considerations to take before your cleaning crew arrives to ensure you’re prepared for the process. The smoother it can run, the better the results will be.
Highlight the main problem areas – some areas of your home may require more attention than others during the clean, such as high traffic areas or rooms with a lighter carpet color. If you’ve had any spillages on the carpet, make sure you let the cleaners know so they can treat these areas accordingly.
Clear the areas that will be cleaned – check with your company whether they would like large furniture moved ahead of time, such as couches, tables, and beds. Some companies will move these for you, but if they won’t be moving furniture on their own accord, you risk large areas of carpet being missed. The carpets under large furniture items will have received the least amount of attention during regular cleans, so it’s important to make the most of a professional clean in these areas.
Move valuable items – be mindful of any valuable belongings positioned around the home, such as items made from glass, china or porcelain. Although the cleaning company will be careful around your home, accidents can still happen, so consider moving any valuables away from carpeted areas.
Vacuum – an initial vacuum helps to remove top-level dirt and debris from your carpet fibers ahead of the cleaning. Again, check with your cleaning company on this one, as each company will have different preferences. Also check for any loose items on the floor, like jewelry, hair clips or coins and pick these up ahead of time.
Plan for any pets and children – the carpet cleaners will need space to work, and the carpets need time to dry after the cleaning. Not only this, but the substances used in professional carpet cleaning may be harmful to pets or children if ingested. Therefore, pre-plan for your children and/or pets to remain in other areas of the home throughout the cleaning process.
What happens after a professional carpet clean?
Many cleaning companies will dry the carpets at the end of the treatment, but even then, the carpet may need some additional time before it is completely dry. Try and refrain from walking on freshly cleaned carpets before they have finished drying, as this can potentially transfer dirt or cause deeply embedded stains.
Different cleaning methods and carpet types will result in varying drying times, so always ask your cleaning company what their recommended time frame is for staying off the freshly cleaned carpets. External factors can also impact the drying time of carpet, such as humidity levels and the airflow and ventilation within the home.
How often should you have your carpets professionally cleaned?
When carried out regularly, vacuuming your carpets is a more than substantial cleaning method to keep your floors clean and fresh. As a general rule, it’s recommended to have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year, but this depends on your circumstances.
Some factors that may impact how often you opt for a professional carpet cleaning are:
The carpet material – certain fibers are more prone to staining, and therefore may require more frequent professional cleans. For example, nylon is a durable fiber with natural stain resistance, but polyester carpet is less durable and may require more frequent deep cleaning to avoid the build-up of dirt and oils.
Allergies and asthma – as carpet fibers can trap allergens, households with respiratory issues or sensitivity to pollutants may benefit from more frequent professional cleans.
Children and pets – households with pets or children should also consider a more regular cleaning, due to the increased likelihood of spills and stains, as well as tracking in dirt from outdoors.
Professional carpet cleaning is a worthwhile investment for any household. If you have any queries about the process or ideal frequency of cleans for your home, consult a professional who will be able to give you recommendations based on your circumstances.
Powerhouse is a full service home and commercial services company based in Texas, specializing in carpet cleaning.