Busting the myth: does carpet get dirty faster after it's cleaned?
Today, we're setting the record straight. If you've been hesitating to book professional carpet cleaning services because you've heard that carpets get dirty faster after being cleaned, you're not alone.
This persistent myth has kept countless people living with dingy, worn-looking carpets when they could be enjoying fresh, vibrant flooring that enhances their entire living space and saves them money. So, let’s put this this common misconception to bed and reveal why quite the reverse is true.
The origin of the myth
The belief that carpets attract dirt more quickly after professional cleaning stems from experiences with poor cleaning services from decades past. When the carpet cleaning industry was in its infancy, basic detergents and inadequate extraction methods were quite standard. This combination resulted in soap residues being left in the carpet and carpets did indeed look dirty again faster than before. And so the myth was born, and here we are.
However, modern professional carpet cleaning has evolved and innovated dramatically. Today's advanced equipment, experienced technicians, and science-lead cleaning solutions tailored to different fibre types eliminate this problem entirely, delivering results that keep your carpets cleaner and fresher for longer periods.
The science behind proper carpet cleaning
Understanding why the myth persists just involves comparing what happens during both proper and improper cleaning processes.
Remember that cleaning agents (even hand soaps and laundry powders) are designed to attract and hold onto dirt so it can be rinsed away. When carpets are cleaned incorrectly, cleaning agents aren't fully rinsed and extracted from the fibres. These residual chemicals create a tacky surface that attracts and holds onto dirt particles, and the carpet will look dirty again soon after cleaning.
You know when you peel an adhesive label off a product it can leave behind that thin film of stickiness? Before you know it, it looks like a dropped toffee apple, having collected all the dust and debris it came into contact with. Yuck! Well, cleaning solutions not removed from carpet will continue to do what they’re designed to do – attract and hold onto dirt, making the surface look grubby.
However, professional carpet steam cleaning, when performed correctly, thoroughly removes both dirt and cleaning solutions from fibres ensuring your carpets stay cleaner and fresher for longer.
The key really lies in the operator:
· Using the right equipment in the right way
· Understanding the characteristics of your carpet type
· Investing in quality cleaning solutions and understanding them, and
· Taking the time to clean and extract to ensure residues are not left behind.
Your science teacher was right – it’s all in the pH
Professional carpet cleaners now utilise specially pH-balanced solutions that meet the needs of the carpet type being cleaned, whether it’s wool, solution dyed nylon, or acrylic. These formulations use the advances of science to break down dirt so it can be removed and – once extracted – return the carpet to its natural pH level. The result is carpets that are genuinely clean, not hiding troublesome residues. Poor operators typically do not value and utilise these industry leading products, but professionals like Advanced Carpet Cleaning will work with nothing less.
When cost-cutting costs you more
It’s such a pain to discover that all the effort spent saving some dollars has cost you more in the long run!
The DIY carpet cleaning ads on TV make cleaning your own carpets look quite straightforward and effortless, and with pristine results. While some customers may experience satisfactory results, the DIY option doesn’t set you up well to avoid the pitfalls that professionals know about – one of which is the potential for fast re-soiling requiring an early follow-up clean.
Engaging a professional can cost you a bit more initially, but the result is what you’re after: straightforward, effortless, as close to pristine as possible, and long-lasting!
Extending your carpet's lifespan
We can reasonably expect modern carpets to last between 5 and 15 years, with some high- quality carpets such as Axminster and Wilton lasting far longer. How can you get the maximum lifespan from your carpet and dodge having to replace it prematurely?
You’ve likely heard that when dirt accumulates in carpets it acts like sandpaper, gradually dulling and weakening fibres which permanently changes its appearance. Removing these damaging particles helps carpets maintain their dashing good looks.
This one isn’t an urban myth – from the dawn of time, folks have regularly taken their large carpets outdoors for carpet beating for this very reason. But given that most of our modern flooring is permanently fixed and not loose, professional cleaning is the best way to draw up those particles and keep your carpet looking its best for its whole lifespan.
Carpet manufacturers recommend regular professional carpet cleaning to keep their products in optimal condition.
You can also do your part by taking shoes off at the door, and seeking professional help with stains and odours.
Choosing the best carpet cleaning service in Christchurch: Advanced Carpet Cleaning
What a relief, right? The myth that carpets get dirty faster after professional cleaning is exactly that: a myth, based on outdated practices and inferior methods. Skilled, professional carpet cleaning using advanced equipment, eco-friendly solutions, and proper extraction techniques helps carpets stay cleaner longer while extending their lifespan.
Don't let outdated misinformation keep you from enjoying the benefits of fresh, clean carpets. When you’re ready to experience the difference that proper professional cleaning can make, contact Advanced Carpet Cleaning secure in the knowledge that this old myth will not be proved true. Call 0800 566 576 to see for yourself.
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