6 Common Carpet Cleaning Misconceptions

Misconception #1 “You should wait as long as possible to clean your carpet.”

Not true! Dirt is abrasive, like sandpaper. Every time you step on the carpet, you grind dirt into the carpet’s fibers. A dirty carpet will not last nearly as long as a clean carpet. While frequent vacuuming is an important part of proper carpet maintenance, by itself it’s simply not enough. The longer you wait to have your carpets cleaned, the more damage you will do to your carpet and the faster it will wear out.

Some have said that regular carpet cleaning puts unnecessary wear on the carpets. This is no more true then saying washing your clothes puts unnecessary wear on your clothing, so wear them as long as you can before washing. You know that if you do that, when you do finally clean them many of the spot and soil will be permanent. Where as, if you had cleaned them in a timely manner the spots most likely would have come out.

In fact most carpet manufacturers of carpet such as Shaw & Mohawk require hot water extraction every 12 to 18 months to maintain their warrantees. For environmental reasons, the EPA recommends that they be cleaned even more often than that.

Misconception #2 “The only reason to clean your carpets is to get the dirt out.”

Not true! In addition to dirt each and every day our carpets are subjected to cooking oils & smoke, skin cells, pet dander, food spills and more. Also, as you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and hundreds of other chemicals. If you have allergies, athsma, emphysema, or breathing problems one major problem could be those pollens, fungus and chemicals in your carpet.

Misconception #3 “One method of carpet cleaning is as good as another.”

Not true! Actually, you can choose from two primary methods; dry cleaning, or hot water extraction.

Many people believe that dry cleaning your carpet is like dry cleaning your clothing. But this isn’t true. Almost all carpet cleaning methods use water in one form or another, the term “Dry Cleaning” usually means that a very limited amount of moisture is used in the process.

The second carpet cleaning method is called hot water extraction. This is a fancy way of saying that hot water solution under pressure is forced into the carpet fibers and then vacuumed out of the carpet. This method is also referred to as steam cleaning, even though steam is not used. Most carpet mills including Shaw Industry, the world’s largest manufacturer, recommend hot water extraction.

It is not surprising that truck mounted cleaning is much better because it heats the water to a much higher temperature, and it shoots that hot water into the carpet fibers at a higher pressure. This breaks up the dirt, bacteria, and pollens. The truck mount method of cleaning is the method that Monarch Cleaning Services prefers to use.

Misconception #4 “Having the right equipment is all that the company needs to clean your carpet properly.”

Not true! The best carpet cleaning companies are those who are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, known as IICRC. Cleaning Professionals who are certified by IICRC have, in effect, earned a degree in carpet cleaning.

Monarch Cleaning Services is a company which has been certified by IICRC. A carpet cleaning company cannot buy this certification. The carpet cleaner must earn the certification through study, experience, and the successful completion of formal written examinations.

Misconception #5 “The company that offers the lowest price is the company that you should hire.”

Not true! It is highly unlikely that an IICRC certified firm, with many years of experience, would be able to provide a certified technician and also offer the lowest price.

Misconception #6 “Any honest carpet cleaning company should be able to give you an exact quote over the phone.”

Not true! Honest, reputable carpet cleaning companies usually price their carpet cleaning by the square foot. Even though we cannot give you an exact price over the phone, here are a few things that we take into consideration when giving a price: the size of each room, the amount and type of soiling, and the amount of furniture that has to be moved.