Keeping your carpets clean is integral to maintaining a tidy, organized, and fresh work environment. However, people can make several mistakes when cleaning their carpets, which could harm the fibers and reduce longevity.
Here are seven carpet cleaning mistakes to avoid that will save your business time and money.
- Cleaning - Cleaning removes dirt and debris.
- Sanitizing - Sanitizing reduces bacteria by cleaning or disinfecting the surface.
- Disinfecting - Disinfecting kills germs with chemical-based products.
Common Carpet Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Using the Right Equipment
Using the wrong cleaning products and equipment can cause irreversible damage to your carpet. For example, some detergents are only suitable for synthetic carpets, while others are designed for natural fibers.
Always check what type of carpet your office has and find a cleaning solution that won’t harm its fibers. If you’re unsure, try to find a mild, all-purpose cleaner or hire a professional carpet cleaner to do the job for you.
2. Scrubbing Too Hard
Scrubbing your carpet can lead to permanent wear and tear, especially if you use a hard-bristled brush. Not only does scrubbing cause fraying, but it can also push dirt deeper into the carpet fibers — making it even harder to clean.
Use a gentle back-and-forth motion, and avoid using brightly-colored cloths or sponges. If a spot doesn’t lift, it might be time to call in the professionals.
3. Not Pre-Treating Stains
Pre-treating stains before cleaning your carpet will help loosen dirt, so it’s easier to remove. Don’t skip this step, and remember to test a small, inconspicuous area (under the couch, behind a door, etc.) before applying a cleaning solution to the entire carpet.
4. Over-Shampooing Your Carpets
Over-shampooing your carpets can cause a buildup of detergent residue, which attracts dirt and make the fibers look dingy over time. It’s best to use the recommended amount of shampoo for the size of your carpet and apply it sparingly.
Once the carpet’s clean, rinse it thoroughly without overwetting the material. Leaving any soap residue will make your carpets look worse for wear.
5. Using Too Much Water
Overwetting your carpet means it may never dry properly, resulting in mold and mildew. It also damages the carpet’s natural fibers, which could lead to discoloration — especially in natural materials like wool.
If you do things yourself, our carpet cleaning experts recommend using a well-wrung-out cloth or sponge to clean carpeting. As a general rule, if there’s water dripping from your towel, it’s too wet.
6. Not Allowing Enough Drying Time
Give your carpets time to dry before walking on them or moving furniture. Carpets usually take 2-10 hours to dry after professional carpet cleaning services. However, this time depends on the cleaning method, carpet materials, and airflow in your building.
At a minimum, wait 30 minutes before walking on a wet carpet. Avoid heavy-foot traffic for at least six hours after cleaning, and don’t move furniture back until your carpets are completely dry.
Use protective blocks underneath to avoid color transfer or carpet dents if your business needs to move furniture back.
7. Not Hiring a Professional Cleaner
If your carpets need deep cleaning, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service. One of the benefits of commercial carpet cleaning is it can help your carpet last longer and save you money by not having to replace them as often. They also have access to advanced equipment and supplies that you may not have.
To keep your carpets like-new, have them professionally cleaned anywhere from twice a month to once every six months. This timeframe depends on a few factors, including but not limited to the following
- Carpet color and style
- Foot traffic
- Type of commercial property
Check out our guide on how often carpets need professional cleaning for more information.
Commercial Carpet Cleaning Services in the Bay Area and Central Coast
By avoiding these common carpet cleaning mistakes, you can keep your carpets looking their best.
Unified Janitorial Services has decades of commercial cleaning experience in the Bay Area and Central Coast. We offer carpet cleaning as part of our regular janitorial services. However, we don’t take individual carpet cleaning jobs.
From Monterey to Santa Cruz, Santa Clara to San Benito, call 831-229-9120 or contact us today for a free, no-hassle quote.
About the Author: Jose and Renee Wilson-Perez are the owners of Unified Janitorial Services. For over 25 years, their locally-owned and operated business has provided the Bay Area community with commercial cleaning services for their offices, medical facilities, schools, and much more. From Santa Clara to San Benito, Monterey to Santa Cruz, they’re proud to be one of the Bay Area and Central Coast’s most trusted cleaning providers. Call 831-229-9120 for more information.