You want to keep your rugs sparkly clean, but you feel you are reaching your limit with DIY methods. You've heard a lot of things about professional rugs, but with so much disinformation, it is difficult to tell what's true and what's not. It is not uncommon to feel anxious and overwhelmed.
Thankfully, Restore-It is here to put an end to those doubts. As a restoration and carpet cleaning company with over a decade of experience, we have answered many of our customers' doubts.
Today, we will explore those common misconceptions that may be stopping you from getting the professional help your rug needs. So, let's separate fact from fiction and help you take the leap to get your rugs looking their best!
Professional Rug Cleaning: Top 10 Most Common Misconceptions
You may have heard some things about professional rug cleaning services. But how do you tell what's real and what's not? Let's take a look at the most common myths that surround these types of services.
Myth 1: "Wait 'Til It's Filthy - Then Call the Pros"
Many folks think, "Why bother spending money on cleaning if it doesn't look that bad?" But with rugs, waiting until they're visibly dirty is a risky game.
Think of your rug fibers like tiny, little brushes. They trap dirt, dust, and other tiny particles every time you walk on them. When you walk on a dirty rug, those particles grind against the fibers, causing wear and tear. This breaks down the fibers and makes your rug look dull and worn.
Another problem with not getting a deep clean for your rug is that allergens like pollen and pet dander can build up deep inside, even if you can't see them. This can make your indoor air unhealthy, affecting people with respiratory issues or who are immune compromised.
By making a regular appointment to deep clean your rug, you will significantly prolong its lifespan (protecting your investment). At the same time, you will remove all the accumulated dirt and grime, making your environment healthy once more.
Myth 2: "Vacuuming is Enough to Keep It Clean"
Vacuuming is the first step in caring for your rug. It's great for picking up all the loose dirt and debris you can see. But it has its limits. While it is great for maintaining your rug's appearance (at least initially), it cannot reach the deeply embedded grime, oils, and sticky stuff that clings to the fibers.
Professional cleaning uses hot water extraction, which is like a super-powered rinse for your rug. Hot water and specialized cleaning solutions flush out the dirt and pollutants your vacuum misses, leaving your rug truly clean.
Myth 3: "Professional Cleaning Will Shrink My Rug"
This might have been a valid worry in the past, but rug-cleaning technology has improved greatly since then. Now, professionals follow industry standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). These cleaning standards are reviewed by experts in the field every year who determine the best practices for cleaning rugs without damaging them.
Rug cleaning companies follow the CHAT method, which applies Chemicals (cleaning solutions), Heat (in the form of hot water), Agitation (through specialized machines), and Time (to let the solution dwell for as long as needed). This method ensures deep cleaning without damage to your rugs. Professionals also use powerful equipment to extract water and air movers to ensure thorough drying. This rapid and effective drying process prevents shrinkage.
Myth 4: "Rental Cleaners Are Just as Good"
Renting a carpet cleaning machine seems like a way to save money, right? But if you look closer, this may not necessarily be true:
First, rental machines might be unable to extract enough water, leaving your rug damp. This can lead to mold and bacterial growth, creating unpleasant odors and damaging the fibers.
Second, there is a learning curve to get the most out of your rented carpet cleaner machine. Failure to follow the proper technique can result in overwetting or mediocre cleaning results, each leading to problems on its own.
Finally, commercial cleaning solutions might not be enough to treat stains or be too damaging for your rug's fibers.
Professionals use powerful cleaning machines like truck-mounted units to truly get the chemicals, heat, and agitation needed for deep cleaning. They also use specialized cleaning solutions that are more effective and safer for different rug fibers. Finally, they use air movers in their warehouses to speed up the drying process, preventing mold growth.
Myth 5: "Professional Cleaning is Too Expensive"
Yes, it is true that professional rug cleaning is more expensive than DIY cleaning. However, deep cleaning offers many benefits over the alternatives.
To begin with, regular professional cleaning prevents the buildup of abrasive dirt that wears down rug fibers. This extends the life of your rug, saving you the cost of replacement.
Another benefit is that deep cleaning can remove allergens and pollutants deeply embedded in your rugs, improving indoor air quality. This can reduce health problems, making constant visits to the doctor less necessary and saving on health-related costs.
Finally, professional rug cleaning offers the best results, improving the look, feel, and overall freshness of your rug. Clean, well-maintained rugs enhance the overall appearance of your home, improving its value.
Myth 6: "It Leaves a Sticky Residue"
This can happen with DIY cleaning and inexperienced or careless professional cleaners who don't follow the industry's standards. Residue is often caused by using too much detergent or not rinsing the rug thoroughly enough.
However, reputable professionals use the correct amount of cleaning solution and employ thorough rinsing techniques to prevent residue buildup. They also take extra care during the drying process to ensure the best results.
Myth 7: "All Rug Cleaning Companies Are the Same"
Like any service industry, rug cleaning companies offer a wide range of quality and expertise. While we have written articles on this subject, here are the main characteristics you should pay attention to:
- Experience and Training: Look for companies with years of experience and highly trained technicians. Inexperienced technicians and newer companies may use less effective techniques or are not as thorough as they should be.
- Equipment and Techniques: Different companies may use different cleaning methods and equipment, affecting the results. Reputable cleaning companies stay up to date with the latest in cleaning technology and techniques.
- Reputation and Reviews: Researching companies and reading reviews is important to find a reputable and reliable provider.
Myth 8: "It's Bad for My Pets"
This is a valid concern for pet owners as some cleaning solutions can be harmful to pets. However, professionals use cleaning solutions that are safe for animals. In any case, it's always good to ask about the safety of the cleaning products.
Myth 9: "If It Doesn't Smell Bad, It's Clean"
Unfortunately, you can't always rely on your nose to tell you if your rug is actually clean. Hidden pollutants can accumulate deep within your rugs. Allergens, bacteria, and other contaminants can be trapped in your rug fibers without producing a noticeable odor.
This is where regular professional cleaning comes into play. Even if your rug doesn't smell bad, deep cleaning can get rid of these hidden pollutants, improving indoor air and your health in the process.
Myth 10: "It's Too Much of a Hassle"
This is quite the opposite when considering the benefits of professional cleaning. Scheduling an appointment can require some planning on your part, but it can save you a lot of time when compared to cleaning yourself. Not to mention the effort to clean the rug only to obtain subpar results. Finally, it's worth noting that clean rugs can make your home feel fresher, cleaner, and more inviting.
Looking for Expert Rug Cleaning? Call Restore-It
That was something else, wasn't it? We have gone through the main myths regarding professional rug cleaning, and we hope you have learned why it's best to trust the experts. If you've been hesitant to call the pros, unsure about the benefits, or worried about common misconceptions, we hope this article has eased your mind. If you are looking for a professional rug cleaning company, consider calling Restore-It. We're here to help you make informed decisions and keep your rugs looking their best for years to come.
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