by Brianna Crandall — April 24, 2015—The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), an international, ANSI-accredited standard-development and certification organization, has identified eight common carpet cleaning mistakes and countered them with professional advice in an effort to help avoid carpet damage and extend the life of a residence or building’s carpet.
1. Vigorously scrubbing a carpet stain—Vigorously scrubbing a carpet will damage carpet fibers. Not only is vigorous scrubbing an ineffective way to get stains out of carpet, but doing so will most likely push the stain deeper into the carpet. Scrubbing also damages the carpet fibers by untwisting them and causing them to fray. It is much safer to use a blotting action.
2. Not acting fast enough—The longer a person waits to remove a stain, the tougher it will be to remove. Waiting for a spill to dry allows the liquid to soak into the carpet fibers and be absorbed into the carpet padding. This can lead to wicking upon attempts to remove the spot, odor, and sometimes even mold growth.
3. Using the wrong cleaning product—Using the incorrect cleaning solution on a carpet can lead to permanent damage and even discoloration. Make sure to do research before purchasing and using a cleaning solution on a carpet, which includes following guidelines from the manufacturer and reading the label on every product.
4. Not testing a new cleaning solution—When using a new cleaning solution for the first time, always prepare a test patch to assess how the chemical will react to the carpet. Depending on the solution’s strength, it is better to try it out first on a hidden area to make sure it will not bleach the color or damage the carpet’s fibers.
5. Using a deodorizing powder incorrectly—Even though deodorizing powders make a carpet smell nice, they are not a substitution for cleaning. Some deodorizing powders can even lead to a gunky build-up over time if a vacuum is not strong enough to remove it thoroughly.
6. Using too much chemical to clean—Contrary to the belief that “more is better,” more carpet cleaning solution does not necessarily contribute to cleaner carpet. Oversaturating a carpet with cleaning solution can lead to carpet damage and a buildup of dirt-attracting residue.
7. Never having a carpet professionally cleaned—The majority of carpet manufacturers recommend that carpets are cleaned every 12-18 months by an IICRC-certified technician to maintain the warranty. Professional carpet cleaning will not only prolong the life of carpets, it will help to promote a cleaner indoor environment.
8. Renting faulty carpet-cleaning equipment—Some rental machines tend to do more harm than good. Frequently damaged or not serviced correctly, rental machines can damage carpets and leave behind excess cleaning solution, resulting in rapid resoiling and sometimes even mold damage.
When hiring a carpet cleaning professional, IICRC says to make sure that the technician is certified in the latest carpet-cleaning standards, including the newly revised ANSI/IICRC S100 Standard for Professional Cleaning of Textile Floor Coverings. S100 identifies the best practices for professionals when performing commercial and residential floor covering maintenance and cleaning.
The IICRC Web site offers more information on carpet cleaning or how to locate a local certified professional.
