Below are some common myths and their appropriate facts about carpets and cleaning them:
FACT: A heavily soiled carpet wears out much faster than a clean carpet. Vacuuming helps, but it’s not enough. Carpets slowly fill up with dirt from many sources, including soil and outdoor contaminants, bacteria from food and drink spills, allergens, and pet debris.
FACT: Each time you step on your carpet, you grind soil into the carpet fibers, cutting your carpet almost as if you were using a knife. The longer you wait to have your carpet cleaned, the more damage you do, and the faster your carpet wears out.
FACT: Carpet manufacturers recommend that you have your carpet professionally cleaned once every 12 to 18 months.
MYTH: The only reason to clean your carpet is for appearance.
FALSE: Pollen, fungus, bacteria, pollution, car exhaust, cigarette smoke, and hundreds of outdoor chemicals enter your home when you do – on your hair, skin, clothing, and shoes. These chemicals and bacteria end up in your carpet, creating an unhealthy environment in your home.
FACT: In addition to enhancing the appearance and extending the life of your carpet. Periodic, professional carpet cleaning helps create a healthy indoor environment for your family.
MYTH: Having the right equipment is all a company needs to clean your carpet well.
FALSE: Many carpet cleaners own equipment such as hot water cleaners. However, not all employees have been trained how to use this equipment properly. It’s similar to owning a state-of-the-art computer, but not knowing how to use features such e-mail.
FACT: The best carpet cleaning companies are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Each carpet cleaner must earn this certification through study, experience, and the successful completion of formal, written examinations. Cleaners who have earned certification by the IICRC have, in effect, earned a degree in carpet cleaning. Ask to see documented IICRC certification before you hire a carpet cleaning company.
MYTH: A company that offers the lowest price delivers the same service as a higher priced competitor.
FALSE: Smart shoppers know that you get what you pay for. If you are being offered a discount that sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. In addition, there is a good chance that the discounter cut corners in terms of training, equipment and services.
FACT: The best choice is to hire a company that delivers quality work and doesn’t oversell or undersell the customers. That means you get the service you need – and nothing more.
For example if you want to remove some light soil, you may choose to clean your carpet yourself or to hire a company that will perform a basic job. However, if you want to clean your carpet thoroughly – to remove harmful soil, bacteria, pollen, chemicals and tobacco residue – and have your carpet dry quickly, then you need to hire a company that uses a truck-mounted hot water extraction cleaner. This is the only way to ensure that you get the services that you want.
**Also keep in mind that the price you see advertised may not be the price you end up paying. Many homeowners have learned the hard way that the low prices they see advertised are not always the prices they pay. You or someone you know may have been the victim of false or misleading advertising. Some carpet cleaning companies offer an inexpensive price but pressure you into paying more once they arrive. Some companies may even break the law by using illegal bait-and-switch tactics. Be sure to get references and check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before inviting a carpet cleaner into your home.
MYTH: Carpets are sinks for allergy-causing substances.
PARTLY TRUE. While carpets lightly hold allergen-causing substances, this can keep allergens from becoming airborne, thereby minimizing the level of allergens in the breathing zone and resulting in lower exposure to allergens. However, they are still trapped in the household environment and can be removed only by periodic professional cleaning.
FACT: Professional cleaning is the only way to remove allergy-causing substances from a home.