A lot of people are under the impression that they keep their carpets clean by vacuuming them regularly. But while regular vacuuming is important it is not the same thing as carpet cleaning. Vacuuming removes loose dirt, dust, and debris but does not cleanse the carpet of various liquids, foodstuffs, mud and more that has worked its way right into the fabric. You need to break out the heavy artillery for that. Or better yet, call the pros at Steve's Carpet Care and get their truck-mounted steam cleaning system on the case.
Why You Need Professional Carpet Cleaning Services
There’s nothing wrong with vacuuming the carpets on a regular basis but it should never be confused with actually cleaning the carpets. And while well-intentioned individuals can debate that fact you can be sure that, to the company that produced and warranties your carpet, there is no debate. If your carpets are still under warranty and you don’t have them professionally cleaned on a regular basis (see the warranty for exactly what constitutes ‘regular’) they won’t honor that warranty.
Most experts agree the best method of carpet cleaning is to enlist the services of a company that uses a steam cleaning system. This type of system uses minimal amounts of water. Instead, it uses high-pressure steam that actually passes right through the fibers pulling pollutants out with it when it exits. Because very little water is involved the carpets dry faster and there is virtually no chance of mold developing in the pile. As can often happen with a rented, water-based carpet cleaning machine.
In addition, the steam works its way into every nook and cranny of the carpet. As it does it kills every tiny microbe and bacteria, destroys mold spores, neutralizes allergens and eliminates dust mites and other microscopic pests. As a result, your carpets are not just clean, they’re hygienically clean. And that is going to benefit the overall health of everyone in the house.
What to do Between Steam Cleanings?
In between your periodic steam cleanings, you will need to continue to vacuum of course. That way, when the pros from Steve's Carpet Care show up to do the next steam cleaning the process will result in the best possible result. We recommend you do a thorough vacuum every week. This ensures abrasive pollutants don’t have a chance to get ground into the carpet and undermine the integrity of the fibers. If there are pets in the house you should go over the carpet twice because, as much as we love pets, their dander and hair are significant allergens.
What About the Area Rugs?
When it comes to area rugs there are no simple hard and fast rules governing their care. That’s because there are so many different kinds made from so many different kinds of fabric. Persian carpets for instance, must be cleaned by hand. Using a rented carpet shampooing machine on them can literally ruin them. Some area rugs, however, can be steam cleaned. But it's important you know for sure before you subject them to that. The best way to proceed with area rugs is to check the care instructions on the label and follow them to the letter. If you have any doubts you should call the pros from Steve’s. We’ll make sure each and every rug is cleaned using the proper techniques and materials and that they are returned to you in like-new condition.
What if I Spill Something on My Carpeting Between Steam Cleanings?
Spills can present a real challenge. If you let them sit the liquid will just seep into the heart of the fibers and be devilishly difficult to remove. Even with a steam cleaner. On the other hand, if you use the wrong techniques to deal with them you might just spread the problem around and make it worse. It's definitely best to address spills immediately. But how you do so will determine if they can be ultimately removed or if they’ll become permanent.
As soon as a spill occurs you should grab paper towels or a clean white cloth and immediately blot up as much liquid as possible. You should always have a roll of paper towels or some clean white absorbent cloths on hand for precisely this reason. Once you’ve removed the bulk of the liquid grab another clean cloth or a bunch of clean paper towels, spray some carpet cleaner on them and continue to blot. You should work from the outside edge of the spill in toward the center so that you’re not pushing the liquid outward as you blot.
After that, grab some more clean, dry paper towels and lay them directly over the entire affected area. Then place something heavy on top of them and leave things like this overnight.
Call Steve’s Carpet Cleaning Services
The next day make sure you call Steve’s Carpet Care so that we can send someone over to finish the job and save your carpet. Remember, if you take proper care of your carpeting it is bound to last for many years. Indeed if you care for your Persian or Oriental carpet properly it will likely last for centuries and gain in value as it ages.
Call Steve’s Carpet Care to schedule regular carpet cleaning with our truck-mounted steam cleaning machine. You'll be ensuring your carpet has a long life, that the inside of your home is both clean and hygienic and that the warranty on your carpeting remains intact.