Being Aware of Potential DIY Carpet Cleaning Issues

If you’re tired of an old, stained, dingy carpet but don’t want to shell out for professional cleaning services, DIY carpet cleaning may be an option for you. However, You should be conscious of any potential problems. 

If you aren’t careful, you could put yourself in a messier and more expensive situation than when you started. 

Here are some of the potential issues with DIY carpet cleaning to be aware of.

Underestimating Level of Stubborn Stains

The success of DIY carpet cleaning relies heavily on the type of stains present and the tenure of the stain. Some products are designed to tackle smaller spots and spills, while others are formulated to work on more stubborn ones. 

Oftentimes, DIYers underestimate the level of a stain, trying to clean it with a weak store-bought cleaner, to then fall short of proper stain removal. This isn’t the best solution, given that it just perpetuates the original problem.

Not Addressing Sub-Surface Stains

Sometimes stains go beyond what meets the eye. Even after treating a stain with a store-bought cleaner, it’s important to look at the carpet from beneath and check for underlying residue. 

The surface layer may appear fine, but without a complete, deep cleaning of the carpet, the residue continues to stay in the fibers and can lead to further discoloration and odor.

Using Incorrect Cleaners

DIYers often underestimate the importance of using the right products for the job. Often, household cleaners like dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar are effective for most surfaces but not for carpets. 

Depending on the type of carpet fibers, the wrong cleaner may leave behind a sticky residue, damaging the quality of the fabric.

Improper Use of Equipment

The improper use of equipment can also damage a rug, resulting in the need for professional repair or replacement. For example, when a carpet is not correctly rinsed with a shampoo machine, there is the possibility of residues being left behind, leading to discoloration and excessive cleaning time.

Not Drying Carpet Quickly

Mold and mildew can grow if the carpet is left too wet or moist for an extended period. This can cause not only discoloration and odor but also can trigger allergies and other health problems. 

Drying times also determine how a carpet looks and feels when it’s done. Overwetting can cause inconsistency of texture, as some areas will be fluffy and wrinkle-free while others can remain much damper and soggy. 

Color fading is another major risk when a carpet takes longer than necessary to dry. A carpet that remains wet for days may start to fade into duller, darker tones. 

Not to mention, this would then require the purchase of a new carpet or the need for a professional color restoring service. 

A wet carpet can also result in a dampening or upward lift of the carpet. This is caused by the backside of the carpet being visible due to the heavy saturation of moisture. 

In these cases, it’s important to contact a professional carpet repair service to ensure a safe return to its original design.

Damage to Carpet Padding

Carpet padding is an important component of the carpet’s lifespan, which is why it’s important to protect it when cleaning. DIYers often neglect to realize the importance of carpet padding and the damage it can sustain in the process. 

Using too much water, the wrong cleaner or even the incorrect type of machine can damage the padding, as well as interfere with the carpet’s life expectancy.

Conclusion

While DIY carpet cleaning can have significant savings and results when done properly, it’s important to be aware of the potential issues that could arise. Neglecting to address the cause of a stain, using the wrong products, and insufficient drying times can all lead to an array of further damages. 

When in doubt, leave it to the professionals and always hire a carpet cleaner who is certified and insured.

Elite Clean Steamers provides high-quality residential carpet cleaning services! We’re a carpet cleaning company in Indianapolis with twenty years of experience. 

We are professional, friendly, and affordable–providing top-quality services with results that last. Call today to get an immediate response and free estimates!