DIY Carpet Cleaning vs. Professional Carpet Cleaning
Services – Which is Best?
Clean and Protect Your Investment
Carpet cleaning services is something that may not be foremost in
the minds of many homeowners. However, it is something that homeowners
need to consider at some time or another. Upper end wall to wall
carpeting is a huge investment. Most homeowners will want to take
every precaution to protect that investment, and preserve carpet
appearance and functionality for as long as possible.
Most homeowners may not be aware that every carpet manufacturer has
strong recommendations for the care and maintenance of carpet. While
most people vacuum their carpet regularly, many are not aware that
daily vacuuming is recommended. Manufacturers also recommend professional
carpet cleaning at least once per year; more often for high traffic
and heavy soil conditions. Unseen Soil is the Enemy
Why the emphasis on vacuuming and cleaning? Simply put, dirt is
a carpet’s worst enemy. Especially microscopic gritty soil,
not visual, but present in the carpet, and causing damage with every
footstep. Even microscopic soil particles have sharp edges that
can cut carpet fibers.
When carpet is walked on, fibers are damaged and come loose. When
emptying the bag or canister after vacuuming take note of the amount
of “fuzz” mixed in with the dirt. The fuzz is actually
the carpet going out the door, one bag at a time.
Carpet – a Giant Air Filtering System
Carpeting is also the single most effective air filtering system in
the home. Outside air is brought into the home through open windows
and doors, and the HVAC system. It contains an assortment of contaminating
particles; including soils, dust, pollen, bacteria, and other allergens.
When air is stilled inside the house structure, gravity settles
the particles into the carpet. While food and beverage spills are
the most visible types of soiling, it is the unseen settled soil
particles that “kill” a carpet years before its time.
Which Method is Best?
What is the best way to clean carpet? Today’s technology
has yielded various methods as well as a specialized carpet cleaning
machine for administering each. One of the most popular methods
is using DIY carpet extractor machines - widely available for rental
in grocery stores, or for consumer purchase in department stores.
However, this method is usually a poor choice for several reasons.
Most rental or home machines have their “brand name”
carpet cleaning solution for purchase. Since it is the untrained
general public who use this type of machine, the solutions are formulated
to be neutral ph, so that no damaging chemistry will result in its
use. However, neutral ph detergents are extremely soapy. When used
as directed they leave considerable residue that acts like a magnet;
quickly re-soiling the carpet.
In order to effectively rinse away soap residue, cleaning should
be followed by at least 2-3 clear hot water rinses. Unfortunately,
rental and home machines put a lot of moisture into the carpet;
their vacuum power is not sufficient to effectively extract it.
The result is an over-saturated carpet that takes days to dry.
Over-saturated carpet can fall victim to mold and mildew. Carpet
backing can de-laminate, resulting in premature death of the carpet.
And damp carpet promotes quick re-soiling in traffic areas.
A Professional Carpet Cleaner – Your Best Bet
The best bet for prudent homeowners is to take advantage of the
services of a trained professional, using commercial carpet cleaning
equipment. The best, most thorough method of cleaning recommended
by carpet manufacturers is truck mount steam cleaning. There are
also various low moisture methods of professional carpet cleaning
available; especially desirable for in-between deep steam cleaning.
As well as in moisture-sensitive environments, such as a library
or museum.
While some homeowners may balk at professional carpet cleaning
prices, professional carpet care services are well worth the investment;
insuring many years of attractiveness, durability, and extended
carpet life.
To locate a Vancouver carpet cleaning service, Montreal carpet
cleaning provider, or Calgary carpet cleaners, the easiest and most
effective way is through HandyCanadian.com
Homeowners can sign up for free, with no obligation. And post their
carpet cleaning needs online, where it is immediately made visible
to reliable local service providers in their community; waiting
to provide competitive bids for services.
Homeowners begin to receive bids in days, even hours after posting.
To sign up and post a project, click
here. To search our directory, click
here
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