Carpets add warmth and comfort to a home. Unfortunately, they do not stay fluffy and clean forever, and precisely, for the same reason, they need periodic deep cleaning to keep them looking fresh and clean. Steam cleaning can be the best technique to refresh your carpets, leaving them hygienically fresh and looking their best for years.
But like any powerful tool, steam cleaning also demands proper handling knowledge to avoid unintended consequences. Hence, in this blog, we will highlight common steam cleaning mistakes to avoid, ensuring it offers you a sparkling clean carpet without damaging the fibers or allowing moisture to linger.
Common Steam Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Not Vacuuming Beforehand
One of the worst mistakes you’ll like to avoid when steam cleaning your carpet is not vacuuming prior. With the help of a vacuum, you can trap and remove loose dirt, dust, and other debris from the carpet.
Not vacuuming beforehand can help these unwanted contaminants to embed further deep in the fibers with the hot water and solution, so make sure you get rid of them prior and steam clean your carpet without any hindrances.
Over-Saturation
Another common mistake you’ll have to avoid is oversaturating your carpet when steam cleaning it. Avoiding oversaturation can help save your carpet from becoming a breeding ground for mold, mildew, shrinkage, and discoloration, so ensure good water extraction while steam cleaning your carpet to prevent such mishaps.
Steam Cleaning on a Humid Day
Most homeowners often avoid considering the weather conditions before steam cleaning their carpets but steaming on a humid day can cause moisture build-up and mold growth on the carpet, so always choose a dry day for steam cleaning.
Ignoring the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Neglecting the manufacturer’s instructions is an invitation to disaster. The Manufacturer’s manual contains detailed instructions, such as water temperature, attachments for various surfaces, and safety considerations, so ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions while steam cleaning the carpet to prevent any damage to the carpet in the first place.
Using Harsh Chemicals with Steam Cleaning
Harsh chemicals can leave behind residue, and combining chemicals with steam can create hazardous fumes or increase the risk of skin or eye irritation. Also, they are too strong for specific surfaces, leading to discoloration, warping, and other damage to the carpets.
Hence, consider a mild cleaning solution for your steam cleaner to avoid damaging and discoloring your carpet fibers.
Not Pretreating Stains
Pre-treating the stains is essential as carpets accumulate stubborn stains like wine, oil, coffee, and dyes that can stick to the carpet fibers. Pre-treatment solutions help to loosen these stubborn stains and make them easier to remove while steam cleaning.
You just have to buy a good-quality pre-treatment solution that can break the stain-causing molecules easily and apply it over the affected area. Then, allow it to sit over the stain, as per the instruction mentioned on the label, before blotting it using a clean cloth or paper towel.
Forgetting Safety Precautions
Homeowners often avoid prioritizing safety precautions, unbeknownst to the fact that this is extremely dangerous, as the steam is hot. So, always wear gloves and follow the safety guidelines included with your steam cleaner. Besides, avoid directing steam at electrical outlets, electronic devices, and your skin.
Summing Up
Avoiding common mistakes will help you in steam cleaning your carpets without damaging them, and provide a safe, effective, and natural thorough cleaning of your carpet. If you’re comfortable learning and following proper procedures, steam cleaning your carpets can be a rewarding experience.
However, for those seeking a guaranteed deep clean, faster drying times, and potentially extended carpet life, you can contact JP Carpet Cleaning and get ready to experience the transformative power of safe and effective steam cleaning!
