The 7 carpet cleaning mistakes experts warn to avoid at all costs – curb mold, dodge dirt and stop stubborn stains from setting

One of the best ways to inject a room with cozy personality is by adding carpet – whether you prefer patterned, woven, wool or even velvet.

But, with a lot of wear and tear, particularly in high-traffic rooms, carpets can regularly end up looking less designer and more dirty, as dust, debris and spills build up.

If your carpet is looking worse for wear, luckily, all is not lost – but there are certainly some carpet cleaning mistakes to avoid at all costs. Here, professional cleaners share their cleaning tips on keeping yours plush and pristine.

7 carpet cleaning mistakes to avoid

1. Using excessive cleaning products or water

When it comes to deep cleaning a carpet, less really is more.

Joseph Passalacqua, owner and CEO at Maid Sailors, advises, 'We frequently observe customers making serious carpet cleaning mistakes that lead to long-term damage. The most devastating error is using excessive cleaning products, thinking more product equals better cleaning.

'Using too much product leads to significant residue buildup. This residue attracts more dirt and causes rapid re-soiling.'

Additionally, using too much water, even on its own, will leave carpets at risk of mold and mildew, which is best avoided as it is much more difficult to thoroughly clean mold from a carpet and stop it returning in the future as it is to prevent it in the first place.

To swerve this mishap, Jack Kazmierzewski, partner and manager at Real Office Cleaning, says, 'Use water and cleaning solutions in small quantities, and if you are using a homemade carpet cleaning solution then spray it lightly on the carpet instead of pouring it.'

The best way to do this is by using a reusable and refillable spray bottle, such as the Plastic Spray Bottle available at Amazon. Using too much water can cause the layers beneath what you can see to be saturated with moisture, increasing the risk of mold.

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2. Improperly handling spills and stains

When removing food and drink stains from carpets, cleaning expert Passalacqua warns that most people act too slow, or too aggressively.

'Many people ignore spills until they set in,' he says. 'Others use aggressive scrubbing motions that spread the stain and damage carpet fibers.'

Instead, Passalacqua recommends keeping Spot Shot Professional Instant Carpet Stain Remover available at Walmart ready for immediate treatment. 'When treating stains, always blot gently from the outer edges toward the center,' he adds, using a soft microfiber cloth. 'Never use rubbing motions, as these can permanently damage carpet fibers.'

3. Not matching the cleaning method to the carpet

With so many different carpet materials available, it's crucial to consider your specific carpet and choose a cleaning method to match.

Cleaning expert Passalacqua says, 'Many carpet owners cause serious damage by not matching their cleaning method to their carpet's material. Natural fiber carpets are especially vulnerable to improper cleaning methods. Steam cleaning carpet with these delicate fibers causes shrinkage and weakens them permanently.'

So, to avoid this, cleaning expert Kazmierzewski recommends using cleaning products specifically designed for your carpet, and reading the manufacturer's instructions carefully, especially if you are using a new cleaning solution.

'If you want to use a natural cleaning solution, you can try cleaning with vinegar (such as the White Distilled Vinegar available at Target) and water in a 1:1 solution. First apply it in a small, hidden area to make sure it doesn't cause discoloration.'

4. Not vacuuming regularly

Unsure how often you should vacuum carpet? According to professional cleaner Kazmierzewski, vacuuming carpet once a week is a good rule of thumb, but, if the carpet is used in a high-traffic area, or you have pets, more often may be necessary.

Nitya Seth, interior designer at NITYANAMYA advises, 'Few people pay attention to vacuuming before other intensive cleaning processes. Excluding this step will allow carpets to harbor a combination of water and dirt, which will reduce the efficiency of washing.'

To combat this, Seth recommends cleaning carpets meticulously, so there is no loose debris left. 'If I'm using a vacuuming tool, I would use the Shark Upright Vacuum Navigator Lift-Away with Swivel Steering available at Amazon, which is perfect for both carpeted and hardwood floor,' she says.

Kazmierzewski adds, 'You can invest in a vacuum cleaner that has good suction and a HEPA filter, that will keep your carpet and air cleaner. For small carpet messes, the Handheld Vacuum Cordless Portable available at Amazon is great for quickly cleaning up messes.'

5. Overcleaning

While routine vacuuming is advised, overcleaning is possible, and is a carpet cleaning mistake to avoid, says cleaning expert Kazmierzewski.

'Only clean the carpet when necessary, shampoo cleaning every six months, and deep cleaning once a year for most households,' he says. 'In between, rely on spot cleaning and regular vacuuming to keep them fresh.'

You may also need to make carpet fluffy again in between cleans, and this can be done with a carpet rake, such as the Rubber Broom Carpet Rake available at Amazon.

6. Cleaning without sanitizing

As Joy Mangano, co-founder and CEO at CleanBoss explains, just because you're cleaning your carpet doesn't mean you are sanitizing it.

'Cleaning a carpet removes dirt, dust and debris, but sanitizing a carpet goes a step further,' she says. 'A product like CleanBoss cleans and sanitizes by actively reducing the number of bacteria present on the carpet fibers, killing germs that remain.

'This truly keeps your home and family safe from catching viruses and optimally clean,' keeping your home germ-free in winter and throughout the warmer months, particularly pertinent for cleaning when someone is ill.

7. Not hiring professional cleaners

Finally, Kazmierzewski recommends calling in the pros once a year, or two to three times a year if you have pets or particularly high-traffic areas. 'Professionals have the knowledge and tools to clean your carpets without damaging them,' he explains.

FAQs

Is it better to shampoo or steam clean carpets?

While both approaches offer a thorough clean, it's usually best to steam clean carpet.

This is because this method lifts ingrained dirt more effectively, particularly deeply-embedded stains that are tough to shift.

Does baking soda clean carpets?

Yes, cleaning with baking soda is a reliable method to keep carpets looking and smelling their best.

Simply sprinkle baking soda, such as the ARM & HAMMER Pure Baking Soda available at Walmart over your carpet, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes and then vacuum thoroughly.

In need of some more carpet cleaning tips? Our expert-led guide is filled with handy hacks.