Things You Should And Should Not Do To Your Carpet

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• Act Quickly
   
  • The faster you address a stain, the better chance you have of preventing it from setting permanently.
     
• Blot, Don’t Rub
   
  • Use a clean, white cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain.
     
  • Avoid rubbing or scrubbing because it can spread the stain and damage carpet fibres.
     
• Remove Excess Substance
   
  • If the stain is from a spill (like liquid, food, or mud), carefully scoop or blot up any excess before treating.
     
  • Use a spoon or dull knife for solids, and blot liquids with a cloth.
     
• Use Cold Water
   
  • Lightly dampen a cloth with cold water and gently blot the stain to dilute it.
     
  • Avoid hot water because it can set protein-based stains (like blood or dairy).
     
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals or DIY Mixes
   
  • Don’t use bleach, ammonia, or untested home remedies unless you know your carpet fibres are safe with them.
     
  • These can cause discoloration or permanent damage.
     
• Don’t Over-Wet the Carpet
   
  • Use minimal liquid to avoid soaking the carpet backing or padding, which can lead to mould.
     
• Mark the Stain
   
  • If possible, place a small piece of tape or something to mark the stain’s location for the professional.

• Why Not?
   
  • Many commercial carpet cleaning sprays contain harsh chemicals or strong fragrances that can damage carpet fibres, cause colour fading, or leave behind sticky residues that attract more dirt.
     
  • Some sprays can cause allergies or irritate the skin and respiratory system due to chemicals.
     
  • If not thoroughly rinsed, residues can cause rapid re-soiling, meaning your carpet gets dirty again faster.
     
  • Some sprays are not suitable for delicate or natural fibres (like wool or silk), potentially weakening the material.
     

• Why Not?
   
  • Many cheap or DIY carpet cleaners lack proper suction or water extraction power, which means they leave excess moisture deep inside the carpet. This promotes mould and mildew growth, which can damage the carpet and cause unpleasant odours.
     
  • Incorrect use can over-wet carpets or padding, leading to shrinking, distortion, or delamination.
     
  • DIY machines may not distribute cleaning solutions evenly, causing patchy cleaning or damage.
     
  • Without proper maintenance or knowledge, machines might spread dirt instead of removing it.
     

Some popular home remedies can actually do more harm than good:

• Using Vinegar, Baking Soda, or Lemon Juice Without Proper Dilution or Testing
   
  • These can cause colour bleaching or discoloration, especially on dyed carpets.
     
  • Acidic substances like lemon or vinegar can break down carpet fibres over time.
     
  • Baking soda left too long without proper vacuuming can dry out and roughen fibres or leave a residue.
     
• Using Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent
   
  • These soaps can leave a sticky residue that attracts dirt quickly.
     
  • Not formulated for carpets, so they might damage fibres or backing.
     
• Using Hot Water or Steam Without Expertise
   
  • Excessive heat can shrink or warp carpet fibres, especially wool or synthetic blends.
     
  • Can cause colour bleeding or damage adhesives holding the carpet backing.