Top Ten Carpet Cleaning Myths Busted

It will be cheaper in the long run to buy a discount carpet
This is one of the most common mistakes made by homeowners. Many believe that buying expensive carpet is a waste of money and a cheaper one will do the same job. Discount carpets have a low resistance against wear and tear meaning that you will have to replace the carpet perhaps 10 times in the life span of one more expensive carpet.

If I have a thick carpet, I don’t need a thick underlay
There is a phrase in the carpet industry, ‘carpet is only as good as its underlay’ and this is something you need to consider. Poor underlay means your carpet will become damaged quicker and you don’t want to have to replace that expensive carpet before its time is up.

A new carpet doesn’t need to be professionally cleaned
This could be a costly myth to believe as professional steam cleaning ensures that all the dirt, oils and allergens are removed. If left in the carpet fibres they break them down and turn your carpet into fluff and fuzz.

I can use my own carpet cleaning machine
These machines do not have the power to extract the water and cleaning solutions that they pump into your carpets. This will leave your carpet damp for a very long time, encouraging mould, re-soiling and again.

The supermarket stain removal product cleans stains fine
We are quite confident that one of the products stashed at the back of your cupboard will remove a stain but it is also likely to take half the colour of your carpet with it. Strong chemicals will damage your carpet and should be avoided.

Vacuuming once a week is plenty
It might seem ridiculous but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and carpet manufacturers actually recommend vacuuming every day. This might seems excessive, but if it is possible you could add a number of years to your carpet.

I should avoid the steam cleaning method
We are unsure where this myth originated as steam cleaning is the only method to be recommended by industry bodies such as the Restoration and Cleaning Certification and carpet cleaning manufacturers. It is the most effective method at removing any dirt or other soils.

Deodoriser keeps my carpet fresh
Your carpet might smell fresh but the actual powder becomes embedded into the carpet backing and underlay. Then once it becomes wet or damp and starts to dry, it can cause white stains on your carpet.

I can dry my own carpet
Water damage should always be looked at by a professional as the tight time frame before mould starts forming needs to be adhered to. You need to remove and replace the underlay to prevent this happening.

Pet soil means I need to replace my carpet
This is usually only necessary in extreme cases, most of the time professional carpet cleaning can use an enzyme pet odour remover which is able to neutralise the urine and remove any stains.


Breeze Carpet Cleaners are steam carpet cleaners serving London and surrounding counties, offering the best quality, best service and best prices.

Jemma Porter is an online writer for Breeze Carpet Cleaners, but also experienced in SEO and copywriting on a wide variety of topics.